Qatar-Russia Doha 2030 trade Asian Games volume to inspire rises 200%: next Minister generation

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THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 2 JUMADA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8474 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

___ Happy National Day! Doha wins bid to host Asian Games 2030; Riyadh to stage 2034 edition

QNA/THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Doha won the 2030 Asian Games bid race yesterday after clinching the voting that took We are pleased to host the 2030 Asian Games. Thanks to place on the sidelines of the the Bid Committee and everyone worked with it for their 39th General Assembly of the valued efforts. Just as Doha 2006 was distinguished, Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Doha 2030 will be a qualitative leap embodying Qatar's in Muscat. sporting mission as a mean for enhancing communication The decision yesterday was and human cultural understanding. announced by OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah as the entire Asian sports family watched the proceedings broadcast live on television Doha clinches the bidding race after voting at the 39th General channels and social media plat- Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in Muscat. forms right across the continent. “I can now announce... that Chairman of Doha 2030 H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani the city who had the highest vote thanks H H the Amir, all others who supported the bid file. and will host 2030 is Doha,” said Sheikh Ahmad said yesterday. More than 10,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries gather for “The second hosting city, for the event. 2034, is Riyadh,” he added. The 39th OCA General Assembly was attended by Pres- ident of Qatar Olympic Com- The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al mittee (QOC) and Chairman of Thani, and President of Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of Doha 2030, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Doha 2030 H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Hamad Al Thani, during the 39th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly Meeting in Muscat, yesterday. Foundation H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and the participation of the 45 member Deputy Prime Minister and Min- states of the Olympic Council of ister of Foreign Affairs H E Asia, 423 competitions were Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- organized across 39 sports. Congratulations to Qatar and its people for winning the rahman Al Thani. Qatar has a strong track bid for hosting 2030 Asian Games. This is a success for all “This achievement is not record in organizing world Arabs, thanks to Qatar Olympic Committee, and the Doha attributed to me alone. There is championships, including the 2030 Bid Committee for their great efforts, and thanks a whole team that worked hard place. The award of the Asian supervised by the OCA and it is 2010 World Indoor Athletics inside and outside the com- Games will further boost its the second largest multi-sport Championships, IAAF World Ath- to everyone supported Qatar's candidacy. Welcome to mittee. I thank His Highness the profile as a world-class sports event in the world after the letics Championships in 2014, all sports fan from Asia and the world to Doha 2030, a Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad city, capable of hosting major Summer Olympics. More than World Handball Championships cultural congregation. Al Thani and everyone who international events in a variety 10,000 athletes from 45 Asian 2015, UCI Road World Champi- supported our bid file — from of sports. Qatar will host the countries gather at every Asian onships 2016, World Artistic the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next FIFA World Cup in 2022. Games edition. Gymnastics Championships 2018, and all ambassadors abroad,” “I believe you (OCA) are Wednesday’s decision World Athletics Championships Aquatics Championship, the Olympic Committee to join the Sheikh Joaan told media after making history, and I will be proud means Qatar will play host to 2019, and the Games the First 2023 World Judo Championship continuous dialogue and non- the announcement. to have two Asian Games in West the multi-sport event eight World Beach Games Qatar 2019. as well and other tournaments binding on hosting one of the “It was a long and arduous Asia,” Sheikh Ahmad said yes- years after it stage the 2022 Qatar is set to organize a listed on its sports calendar. Olympic and Paralympic Games campaign. I give thanks to God terday. “Thank you Asia for your FIFA World Cup finals. number of major tournaments, QOC also announced that it starting with the of 2032 edition. that we will be hosting the Asian solidarity and coordination.” Doha hosted the 15th Asian among which are the 2022 FIFA had formally submitted its Previous Asian Games host Games again. Qatar has become The voting numbers in the Games in 2006, with the World Cup, the 2023 World request to the International cities: 1951, New Delhi, India; a sign of Asia’s confidence,” he host cities election were 27 for 1954, Manila, Philippines; 1958, added. Doha, 10 for Riyadh and there Tokyo, Japan; 1962, Jakarta, Indo- Doha put forward a were eight abstentions. I can now nesia; 1966, Bangkok, Thailand; compact and risk-free bid, with The Asian Games is the 1970, Bangkok, Thailand; 1974, all sports stadiums already in largest sports gathering announce... that Tehran, Iran; 1978, Bangkok, the city who had Thailand; 1982, New Delhi, India; 1986, Seoul, Korea; 1990, Beijing, the highest vote China; 1994, Hiroshima, Japan; and will host 2030 1998, Bangkok, Thailand; 2002, A new Qatari sporting success by winning Qatar the bid Busan, Korea; 2006, Doha, Qatar; is Doha. The 2010, Guangzhou, China; 2014, to host 2030 Asian Games. All thanks and appreciation to Incheon, Korea; 2018, Jakarta- H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and his wonderful second hosting city, Palembang, Indonesia. young team in the Qatar Olympic Committee and Doha for 2034, is Riyadh. The 19th Asian Games, will 2030 File Committee for their efforts, which are a source take place in Hangzhou, China, of our pride. As well thanks to the brothers in beloved from September 10-25, 2022 and Sheikh Ahmad Al Oman for their hospitality the 20th Asian Games in Aichi- Fahad Al Sabah Nagoya, Japan from September OCA President 19 to October 4, 2026. `SPORT 1, 2, 4 & 5 Women’s football teams ‘kick off’ Qatar-USA Year of Culture Sultan of Oman praises Kuwait

— DOHA efforts to resolve GCC crisis THE PENINSULA sponsored by Qatar Airways and of Culture” together with a different of Culture” is executed through Exxon Mobil Qatar. The “Year of partner country each year, high- various exhibitions, festivals, com- QNA — MUSCAT Members of the Washington Spirit Culture” will feature a year-long lights the richness of Qatari culture petitions, and events that increase Women’s Soccer Team played a series of events in both countries and history to an international mutual understanding and appre- H M Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of the Sultanate of Oman friendly match with members of where each will engage in a variety audience, while simultaneously ciation between the respective commended the initiative of the late Amir of Kuwait H the Qatar Women’s National of cultural programming. Launched bringing the partner country’s nations – inviting people to explore H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah as well as Soccer team on Tuesday. The by Qatar Museums in 2012, “Year diverse culture to Qatar. The “Year their historical similarities and the efforts of the State of Kuwait in promoting team’s visit, organized by the differences. rapprochement of views among Arab Gulf Cooperation Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington Spirit Women’s H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Council (GCC) states which culminated in accord to take the United States of America (USA), Soccer Team played a friendly Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, positive steps to find a way out of the impasse of together with Qatar Museums and Chairperson of Qatar Museums, misunderstanding and to work together to bring back the US Embassy in Doha, forms match with the Qatar Women’s said: “Qatar Museums is proud the GCC household into full harmony, according to Oman part of a cultural exchange that National Soccer team on to kick off the Qatar-USA 2021 News Agency. previews the “Qatar-USA 2021 Tuesday. Year of Culture by welcoming the While presiding over a meeting of the Council of Year of Culture.” The Year of Washington Spirit Women’s Ministers on Tuesday, H M Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik Culture reflects a longstanding The “Year of Culture” will Soccer team to Qatar. Their visit expressed Oman’s continuous keenness to support all history of partnership and cultural to Doha further affirms the long- efforts to achieve consensus among GCC states. engagement between Qatar and feature a year-long series of standing ties between Qatar and He reaffirmed the pursuance of permanent stands of the United States. events in both countries where the United States, and we look Omani foreign policy, which is based on good The Friendly Match, with each will engage in a variety of forward to sharing Qatar’s rich neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation with all. He members of the Qatar National culture and heritage with our also reiterated the Sultanate’s principle of neutrality and Women’s Soccer Team, was cultural programming. American friends." non-intervention in the internal affairs of others. 02 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 03 04 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 Amir issues order to pardon prisoners Amir chairs fourth meeting of SCEAI QNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued an Amiri gesture pardoning a number of prisoners, on the occasion of the National Day. Amir greets President of Kazakhstan

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H E Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the anniversary of his coun- try’s Independence Day. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also sent a cable of congratulations to Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan H E Askar Mamin on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani chairing the 4th meeting of Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment.

QNA — DOHA held at the Amiri Diwan. Executive Member of the Council, Deputy Amir H H Sheikh and Their Excellencies the members Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, the of the Council. The Council discussed Al Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Deputy Chairman of the Council, topics on the meeting agenda and Council for Economic Affairs and attended the meeting along with took the appropriate measures Investment (SCEAI), chaired Prime Minister and Minister of regarding them. The council also yesterday morning the Council’s Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin reviewed Qatar Investment Author- fourth meeting in 2020 that was Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, ity’s investment plan for 2021. QA welcomes inaugural Air Canada flight from Toronto to Doha

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Qatar Airways welcomed Air Canada’s inaugural flight from Toronto to Doha yesterday, establishing Hamad Inter- national Airport (HIA) as the only airport in the Middle East to be operated with a scheduled service by a North American carrier. The flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute at Hamad Inter- national Airport and a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ambassador of Canada to Qatar H E Stefanie McCollum, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H E Akbar Al Baker, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H E Akbar Al Baker with other officials Hamad International Airport Chief during a ceremony to welcome the inaugural Air Canada flight. Operating Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer. Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “I am Airways. This service will complement Ambassador of Canada said: “It is delighted with this strong relationship our existing four-weekly service to wonderful to be here to witness and that Qatar Airways has with Air Montreal and provide our travellers welcome Air Canada’s inaugural flight Canada under the pioneering lead- with additional options for travel to to Doha. It is another tangible example ership of my friend, Calin Rovinescu, and from Canada. of the growing commercial and social who has put Air Canada’s strong brand We look forward to harnessing our ties between our two countries. Qatar on the world aviation map. Air complementary strengths to increase is an important partner for Canada, Canada, one of the most successful choices for our thousands of pas- and the connectivity these flights airlines in North America, will add sengers and enable smooth connec- provide is another positive evolution huge value to Qatar Airways’ tivity to a significant number of new in our strong bilateral relations.” expanding network. Canada is a stra- destinations – particularly throughout Qatar Airways Group Chief tegically important market for Qatar Africa, Asia and the Middle East.” THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 05 06 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 UN adopts resolution Cabinet approves draft law on commercial companies QNA — DOHA people of the State of Qatar on The cabinet listened to the Council. of Qatar on Global the occasion of the National Day, explanation provided by H E Second, the cabinet approved Prime Minister and Minister of recalling with pride and appre- Minister of Public Health on the the proposal of the Minister of the Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin ciation, the efforts of the founder latest developments to limit the Interior to nominate its repre- Dryland Alliance Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad spread of the coronavirus sentatives in the membership of chaired yesterday the cabinet’s bin Thani and his historical role (COVID-19), and the council the Military Retirement QNA — NEW YORK United Nations General regular meeting held at its seat in establishing the State of Qatar, affirmed the continuation of Committee. Assembly in September 2014. at the Amiri Diwan. and all sincere efforts that con- work with regard to the precau- Third, the approval of draft The United Nations General The Alliance includes a Following the meeting, Min- tributed to the renaissance of the tionary measures that have been MoU on strategic dialogue Assembly adopted a reso- number of member states and ister of Justice and Acting Min- state, preserving its sovereignty taken in order to combat this between the Ministry of Foreign lution to grant observer partners, and aims at ister of State for Cabinet Affairs and gains and protecting its inde- pandemic. Affairs of the State of Qatar and status in the UN General addressing food security H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al pendence. The cabinet expresses After that, the Council con- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assembly for the Global issue faced by drylands’ Nuaimi said the following its pride in what the country has sidered the topics on the agenda and International Cooperation Dryland Alliance (GDA), inhabitants, filling the statement: achieved internally and the dis- as follows: First, the cabinet of the Republic of Italy. A draft which is based in Doha. existing gaps in research, At the beginning of the tinguished position it gained approved a draft law to amend MoU for cooperation in the field The resolution was pre- strategies and policies to meeting, the Cabinet congratu- abroad, thanks to the wise policy some Commercial Companies of sports between the govern- sented by the State of Qatar enable dryland countries to lated Amir H H Sheikh Tamim of HH the Amir and the solidarity Law provisions, Law No. (11) of ments of the State of Qatar and and joined by 49 countries, achieve food security and bin Hamad Al Thani and the of the people of Qatar. 2015, and to refer it to the Shura the Kyrgyz Republic. unanimously. ensure the well-being of their The resolution calls on the people, exchanging Global Dryland Alliance to knowledge and best prac- participate in the General tices, developing countries’ Supreme Judiciary Council, QU launch Assembly as an observer. capacities to prevent food Based on the resolution, crises, and exchanging the Alliance will formally assistance. participate in the sessions The Global Dryland ‘Judges of Tomorrow’ initiative and the work of the General Alliance, which was estab- Assembly in the capacity of lished on October 15, 2017 in The Uni- observer. Doha, performs its activities versity added Amir H H Sheikh Tamim in accordance with the pur- Qatar University said that candi- bin Hamad Al Thani pre- poses and principles of the that the programme is to dates would sented the initiative of the United Nations aimed at pro- be selected Global Dryland Alliance in a moting peace and interna- academically sponsor based on speech at the 68th session of tional cooperation. students by the Supreme several Judiciary Council objective throughout their studies conditions until graduation and join and criteria. Total COVID-19 recoveries The com- them as assistant judges ponents and after their graduation. mechanisms rise to 139,042: MoPH set by the Supreme THE PENINSULA — DOHA Judiciary care due to COVID-19. All QNA — DOHA Council and new cases have been intro- the College of Officials from Supreme Judiciary Council and the College of Law at Qatar University The Ministry of Public Health duced to isolation and are The Supreme Judiciary Council Law, to verify during the launch of Judges of Tomorrow programme. (MoPH) yesterday receiving necessary and the College of Law at Qatar the candi- announced the registration healthcare according to their University (QU) launched the date’s com- of 145 new confirmed health status. “Judges of Tomorrow” petence in instilling the values of judicial are qualified to carry out their COVID-19. The Ministry further said programme, which aims to terms of the required skills and traditions in a manner that allows duties and perform them fully. Among them 40 were that measures to tackle embrace the distinguished Qatari behaviour and ensure that the for the performance of the job He indicated that this travellers returning from COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- students who desire to work in candidate attains knowledge and duty efficiently. national endeavour’s nobility and abroad. Also, 123 people have ceeded in flattening the the judiciary in the future. academic ability in the approved For his part, Associate Dean its realisation are embodied by recovered from the virus, curve and limiting the Qatar University said that the academic courses. for Academic Affairs at the holding this effective and prom- bringing the total number of spread of the virus. Qatar’s programme is to academically The Director of the Judicial College of Law Dr. Khaled Saleh ising partnership at the same recovered cases in Qatar to proactive and extensive sponsor students by the Supreme Studies and Statistics Department Al Shammari affirmed that the time. 139,042. testing of suspected cases Judiciary Council throughout at the Qatari Court of Cassation, “Judges of Tomorrow” pro- He noted that it is a real The Ministry also has enabled the Ministry to their studies until graduation and Fatima Bilal, affirmed that this gramme contributes to achieving product of fusion and a combi- reported one death of a identify a high number of join them as assistant judges after partnership would enhance the vision of the Supreme Judi- nation of the College of Law’s sci- person aged 84, who was positive cases in the their graduation, as part of a plan Qatari identity and raise legal ciary Council relevant to the entific aspect and the practical receiving necessary medical community. to qualify Qatari students to work skills for the beneficiaries of this Qatarisation of the judiciary side represented by the Supreme in the judiciary. programme, in addition to sector with national cadres that Judiciary Council. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 07 08 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 Your Key To Luxury: Katara Hospitality launches exclusive package for nationals and residents

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QNA — DOHA entrepreneur, highlighted the The session hosted a bright side as she explained that Doha Forum, in collaboration group of the most today's Afghanistan is not the with The Wilson Center in the same as 20 years ago. She US, hosted a virtual webinar prominent Afghan added, the younger generation that addressed the topic of women who play an wants more and is willing to empowering Afghan women’s important role in work for it. During the pan- rights in light of the ongoing shaping the current demic, a group of Afghan teen- Afghan peace negotiations. Afghan-Taliban agers worked with MIT engi- The session hosted a group neers to design an open-source of the most prominent Afghan negotiations. ventilator. women who play an important The session dealt with role in shaping the current several topics, the most prom- Afghan-Taliban negotiations. “Islam should not be con- inent of which was the impor- The session was moderated by fused with tradition. Our tance of the leadership role of Congresswoman Jane Harman, religion is very progressive, and women in the future of Afghan CEO of The Wilson Center. it was the first to grant women peace and security. During the panel, Fatima the right to inheritance,” she In addition, the panel shed Gailani, Member of the Afghan- added. light on the importance of istan negotiating team and On the other hand, Habiba dealing with women’s issues as former President of the Afghan Sarabi, former Afghanistan core issues in the Afghan- Red Crescent Society, said, Minister of Womens Affairs and Taliban talks and in the future “Taliban is very focused on tra- former Minister of Culture and of Afghanistan in general. dition, which is why their Education, pointed out that “the The session was concluded women are not well repre- new team representing Afghan- with the panelists stressing the sented within their society. istan is very diverse. We have importance of women’s partic- There are many examples of men and women and people ipation and inclusion in the female representation in Islam's from different political parties political process, and their aspi- history. This is why religion and religious backgrounds”. ration towards a future that should not be used an excuse Roya Mahboob, an Afghan includes all spectrums of the to alienate women”. businesswoman and Afghan people. Ooredoo offers discounts via eShop to mark QND THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Ooredoo has announced an exciting promotion to celebrate Qatar National Day 2020. The Qatar National Day promotion will see customers getting great discounts on a range of devices when they make their purchases via the Ooredoo eShop, including smartphones, tablets, routers, and MiFis. They will also get double Nojoom Points on some purchases. Director PR at Ooredoo Sabah Rabiah Al- Kuwari, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers yet more value for money with these exciting Qatar National Day offers. Complete cus- tomer satisfaction is a core goal for Ooredoo. Knowing how much our customers value being able to get their hands on the latest devices and the best value on the market – we’ve designed these offers to give our customers exactly what they want..” Offers are valid from December 16-20 and are only valid for purchases made via the Ooredoo eShop. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 09 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 National Day an occasion to remember efforts Established in 1996 of ancestors in founding a modern state CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI QNA Minister of Public Health, H E The adoption of a wide-ranging testing strategy, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Kuwari has said that Qatar by testing more than 1.1 million people, helped [email protected] National Day is a time to in the early detection of cases, adding that remember the efforts made process of tracking and tracing contacts has by ancestors during time of ACTING MANAGING EDITOR the Founder Sheikh Jassim contributed to identifying positive cases and MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED bin Mohammed bin Thani speeding up access to them to help break chains [email protected] when they laid the foundation of transmission and limit the spread of infection for establishing a modern state. in the society. DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Speaking to Qatar News MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Agency (QNA) to mark the H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, [email protected] occasion, the Minister said Minister of Public Health that its a day to reflect on values such as honor and dignity, and commitment to the country and the wise Thousands of community The Ministry along with its Qatar. EDITORIAL leadership of Amir H H Sheikh members participated in the partners in the health sector The Minister also hailed Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. volunteering program, the or working on the implemen- the important progress made The Minister said one of the Minister said. tation of the national health in the Health and Well-being Doha's deserving win key features of the country She said that the adoption strategy 2018-2022, which is for People with Special Needs was the strong solidarity of a wide-ranging testing part of the wider national priority. The Ministry pre- THE last three days in Muscat was a busy time for between the citizens and the strategy, by testing more than development strategy 2018- pared guides to improve early the Doha 2030 Bid Committee delegation. The 2030 wise leadership. 1.1 million people, helped in 2022 that works towards detection, programs on better Bid Committee - headed by the Qatar Olympic Com- She highlighted the the early detection of cases, realizing Qatar National inclusion of people with disa- mittee (QOC) President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad remarks made by the Amir H adding that process of Vision 2030. The Ministry of bilities in society, in addition Al Thani - met with Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad tracking and tracing contacts Public Health is implementing to dedicating two new facil- officials and held a series of discussions with Asian Al Thani at the 49th session of has contributed to identifying the strategy in a bid to realize ities dedicated to learning sports family. Welcoming the OCA family at the Doha the Shura Council when he positive cases and speeding its goal of providing better disability. Majlis to detail Doha’s plans and vision for the 2030 said that the identity of the up access to them to help healthcare to people living in Progress was also made in Asian Games bid race was just one segment of the State of Qatar was reflected in break chains of transmission Qatar and meet the need of the Healthy Ageing popu- campaign. What seemed like a few days of exhaustive the solidarity of the society and limit the spread of the current and future gener- lation as the ministry work was essentially a culmination of years of hard and the love for their country. infection in the society. The ations in that regard. expanded health facilities and work and long toil to create worthy sports culture in On the Ministry’s efforts in Ministry designated four The Minister noted that established new ones dedi- the country and the region. containing the coronavirus, health centers of Primary the strategy divides the popu- cated falls and its implications Hosts of the 2006 Asian Games, Doha yesterday the Minister said that the Health Care Corporation as lation into seven different cat- for the elderly. once again emerged victorious by beating candidate directives of Amir H H Sheikh centers dedicated to con- egories based on their need In the system-wide pri- city Riyadh to win the rights to host the world’s Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ducting (COVID-19) tests, in for medical care. It also has ority of having an integrated second largest multi-discipline event in 10 years’ time and support were crucial in addition to establishing sta- five priorities for the model of high quality care from now. The 2030 Asian Games bid race victory overcoming this unprece- tions to conduct drive in healthcare sector to ensure a and service delivery, the Min- was well deserved yesterday when the OCA Pres- dented health crisis. testing at health centers, ena- quality service The Ministry istry has prepared a draft on ident Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah flashed a She said that the State of bling individuals perform the has implemented a children- ways to evaluate the needs of placard that had Dona printed on it. While the Asian Qatar has placed a national tests easily safely. friendly hospital initiative, healthcare services, sports fraternity warmly applauded Doha’s bid race COVID-19 response plan that The Minister also pointed prepared a policy to combat encourage patients to develop win, the sports pundits in Asia know it was a win for defined a clear set of out that HMC has been able child obesity and another one the habit of going to health the belief that Qatar has proudly exhibited since the measures required to recover to work quickly to enhance for obesity and began a centers instead of the emer- early 90s. from the pandemic. the laboratory capacity to program for mental health in gency among other matters. The Qatari capital has built envious sports infra- The Ministry dedicated ensure its ability to conduct schools. In the priority of structure in less than two decades including the seven hospitals at the outset up to 20, 000 PCR tests per The Minister said that ‘Enhanced Health Promotion world’s biggest indoor sports facility - the Aspire of the epidemic to COVID-19 day - with a daily test rate plans for Healthy Women and Disease Prevention,’ the Academy. It has hosted sports events that fans around cases. It also expanded the that is among the highest in Leading to Healthy Preg- Ministry has completed an the world pay hefty amounts to watch. And this has capacity in Hamad Medical the world. In addition to the nancies saw the ministry evaluation of the previous been a regular feature for more than 20 years. Qatar Corporation (HMC) from central laboratory for prepare guides on artificial programs. The Ministry’s has also invested heavily in improving its player-base, 2250 beds to 4860 if needed. COVID-19, it has opened insemination and introducing plans also include the devel- encouraging the country’s youth to opt for sports as It also more than tripled the HMC has two new labora- national protocols and guide- opment of a health literacy a way life. In the last four months, with sports family capacity of HMC’s ICU units. tories and four facilities to lines for maternity care framework and a health pro- struggling from the havoc caused by the COVID-19 The ministry also estab- conduct rapid PCR examina- including caesarians. As for motion and screening cal- pandemic, Qatar stepped in and helped the Asian lished 24 quarantine units tions to support critical and the Healthy and Safe endar, as well as refine data Football Confederation (AFC) complete its biggest that had a capacity of urgent care. The ministry Employees priority popula- collection on morbidity and club event - the AFC Champions League with flawless 30,000 beds to ensure the also accredited 32 medical tions, the ministry prepared a mortality. organization that required bubble-to-bubble envi- containment of the virus. facilities in private sector to draft on wellness in the work- On the priority to inte- ronment for 32 teams in two month-long events. There were also quarantine carry out the tests. She said place, and another for voca- grate health in all policies, the Yesterday’s Asian Games bid race win will give facilities that provided that in addition to treating tional health. Ministry formed a joint com- Doha another chance to impress the sport-loving 15,000 beds that included patients suffering from Regarding Mental Health mittee for health in all pol- world with its high quality organization and impressive hotels and camps. (COVID-19) disease, it was and Well-being services, the icies. The Ministry also pre- performances by its athletes on the field of play. Given The Minister said that necessary for the health care Minister said that the ministry pared legislation related the Doha’s past record of hosting world-class events more than 40,000 employees system to continue to provide added 18 beds in Remailah quality of air and Doha’s com- and leadership’s uninhibited ambition to rise as from different areas of the care for the daily needs of its hospital for male adults as part mitment to it. Negotiations sporting giant in the region, it goes without saying health care system (doctors, patients, while ensuring that of its comprehensive mental with the World Health Organ- that the OCA’s vote in favour of the Doha 2030 Bid support staff, and adminis- the risk of infection was min- health services. It also launched ization (WHO) have also been Committee was truly justified. trators) worked together as imized for clinical teams and awareness campaigns to completed regarding the Sports fans in Qatar, the region and the rest of one team. The Ministry of patients, the infection control support mental health during international network of cities the continent will enjoy a sports party to remember Public Health also enlisted the teams developed protocols to the COVID-19 pandemic. that are elderly-friendly. in 2030! community to obtain support ensure those risks don’t As for the priority of The Ministry remains Good luck, Doha! through the launch of the “For materialize. improving the health of committed to providing the Sake of Qatar” campaign, The Minister said one of patients in the Multiple world-class healthcare in which members of the the innovations in that regard Chronic Conditions priority, services in the State of Qatar. public were invited to partic- was to use tele medicine the Ministry updated the defi- HMC was recognized with an ipate in the implementation of services for non-life-threat- nition of people with chronic Extracorporeal Life Support D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR the response plan, by raising ening conditions. The Min- diseases in line with the latest Organization (ELSO) award ister reviewed the progress data. The Ministry also pre- this year. one of many awards EMAIL: [email protected] awareness, participating in the logistical and clinical made in projects related to pared a report on empow- healthcare organizations in activities. the national health strategies. ering diabetes patients in Qatar received this year. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Honoured to partner with Qatar in promoting security and DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 stability in region: Charge d’Affaires of US Embassy

LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 QNA the citizens of both countries and education. and prosperity of the interna- and people across the globe. She added that the United tional community, expressing BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 The Charge d’Affaires of the In an interview with Qatar States is honored to partner sincere gratitude to Qatar for United States of America to News Agency (QNA) on the with Qatar for the 2021 Year of helping to repatriate US cit- SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 the State of Qatar Greta C. occasion of Qatar National Culture, looking forward to a izens from all corners of the Holtz underlined that the Day, the US Charge d’Affaires year-long program of music, world during the COVID-19 ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 United States is honored to underlined that the relations arts, business, and sports pandemic, and applauded email: [email protected] partner with the State of between the United States exchanges that will further Qatar’s generosity in pro- Qatar in promoting security, and Qatar are stronger than deepen the relationship viding humanitarian PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 stability, and prosperity ever, and they continue to between the two countries and assistance to countries in email: [email protected] throughout the region and grow, noting that the 2020 foster new and lasting friend- need. beyond, stressing that the Strategic Dialogue showcased ships among the people of the On behalf of the US ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 United States and Qatar share the many fields in which the United States and Qatar. Embassy in Doha, the Charge FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] a strong belief in justice, two countries cooperate, The Charge d’Affaires d’Affaires offered congratula- freedom, and the strength- including health, humani- looked forward to building a tions to Amir H H Sheikh CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 ening of international peace tarian assistance, interna- world safer from infectious Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, email: [email protected] through diplomatic means, tional development, labor, disease threats, including the wise government and the and stand together in support law enforcement, counterter- COVID-19, which continues to people of Qatar on the SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 of greater health security for rorism, commerce, culture, pose a threat to the security National Day. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar US sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of Russian defence systems were an /Peninsula_Qatar attack on Ankara’s sovereign rights aimed at /ThePeninsulaNewspaper deterring its defence industry.

+974 6698 6188 Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 NATIONAL DAY 11

Qatar achieves rapid developments, National Day an occasion to successes: Minister of Justice renew loyalty: Labour Minister QNA — DOHA 139 experts in various fields QNA — DOHA 21 of 2020 Minister of Justice and Acting have been regis- regarding private Minister of State for Cabinet tered, and Minister of Administrative associations and Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al emphasis was Development, Labour and institutions, and Jafali Al Nuaimi has affirmed that placed on the Social Affairs H E Yousef bin the establishment the celebration of the National subtle and rare Mohammed Al Othman Fakhro of the National Day is a dear occasion to our specialities that affirmed that the National Day Committee for hearts. have emerged is an occasion to renew loyalty. Woman, Child, The Minister said that the day with the In a statement to the Qatar Elderly and comes this year amidst rapid expansion and News Agency on the occasion Persons with Dis- developments and successes that development of of the National Day of the State, abilities Affairs. enhance Qatar’s achievements society, adding the Minister emphasised the He added that in various fields in line with Qatar that these young need to emulate late Sheikh in the framework National Vision 2030, and con- and qualified Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, of qualifying ben- solidate the building of a state of cadres practice the founder of the State of eficiaries of law and institutions thanks to the their duties today Qatar. social security H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi wise leadership and sound with profession- Regarding the most prom- who are of H E Yousef bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhroo visions of Amir H H Sheikh alism and respon- inent achievements during in working age and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. sibility before the courts. In 2020, the Minister said that the are able to do it, In a statement to Qatar News addition, more than 200 real Ministry is constantly working includes 1,110 training the qualification plan for 2021 Agency on the occasion of the The Minister said that estate brokers have been regis- to achieve the plans and strat- programmes. has been prepared in cooper- National Day, the Minister of the Ministry of Justice tered, he said, egies related to its sectors and Regarding the achieve- ation with the Institute of Justice said that this year’s slogan, has prepared a strategic The Minister also referred to emanated from the Qatar ments of labour sector during Public Administration. ‘We praise you, the Lord of the plan for the period the Ministry’s launch of e-Case National Vision 2030. the current year, the Minister The Minister pointed out Throne’ embodies the meanings, 2020-22, including 35 Management System, which aims In the Administrative said that, based on the that Qatar and the world faced values and virtuous morals that at improving the services of Development Sector, the Min- achievement of Qatar National an exceptional year with the are inspired by the poems of the projects in various fields managing state cases for the istry launched Kawader Vision’s goals, major reforms COVID-19 pandemic, but the founder of the State of Qatar. related to supervising benefit of various government platform, which is an electronic in the field of the labour State of Qatar developed an He added that Qatar’s wise the practice of legal entities. He indicated that a plan employment platform targeting market were implemented integrated series of strategic leadership inspired the lofty professions. for digital transformation will be Qatari job seekers and children since the launch of the First plans to address this global principles and noble values implemented according to which of Qatari women, and the gov- National Development Strategy crisis. established by the Founder all the Ministry’s services will be ernment scholarship pro- 2011-16, the most prominent The Minister noted that in Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed converted into 100% electronic gramme 2020-21 in coordi- of which was the development order to facilitate the provision bin Thani, who the rulers of projects in various fields related services, except for transactions nation with the Ministry of Edu- of the labour market of government services to cit- Qatar followed him, stressing to supervising the practice of related to their legal nature that cation and Higher Education, legislation. izens and residents of the State, that this strengthened the State legal professions, ensuring the require the presence of the con- as well as the general plan for The determination of 8 outlets for self-service dis- of Qatar’s position in its regional provision of accurate and high- cerned person to ensure his training that includes 961 minimum wage for workers tributed in 3 compounds were and global surroundings. quality online services to all cit- rights and properties in training programmes, he added. and domestic workers, and the opened. He pointed out that holding izens and residents. accordance with the followed The Minister said that the regulation of the entry and exit The Ministry has taken the Shura Council’s elections for He indicated that the Ministry legal procedures. Ministry is continuing to of expatriates and their resi- advantage of these opportu- the first time in the State’s history of Justice has made tangible On the occasion of the implement workshops and dency, and the issuance of nities, guided by the directives in October of next year is an achievements in the field of National Day, H E Minister of training programmes targeting Occupational Safety and of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin important step that will consol- modernisation and development Justice and Acting Minister of government employees, as 55 Health(OSH) policy and to Hamad Al Thani, as necessary idate active popular participation of legal professions, as executive State for Cabinet Affairs congrat- programmes have been imple- support business continuity services were provided to cit- in the management of the coun- decisions have been issued for ulated Amir H H Sheikh Tamim mented for new employees, and and the preservation of skilled izens and residents, in coop- try’s affairs by people’s the laws in force in the fields of bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir 82 special training workshops labour force are also achieve- eration with the relevant representatives. real estate brokerage and the H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa have been implemented for ments of Labour Sector, he authorities, by providing them Moreover, the Minister said work of expertise, and Qatari Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H those in leadership and super- added. with safety and protection that the Ministry of Justice has cadre has been qualified to move Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al visory positions. In the social affairs sector, from COVID-19 pandemic to prepared a strategic plan for the the legal work to wider horizons. Thani and the people and resi- He also referred to the the Minister referred to the ensure the continuation of period 2020-22, including 35 The Minister noted that about dents of the State of Qatar. training plan for 2021, which issuance of the Decree Law No. their lives normally. An occasion to remember efforts of the Founder in building modern state: NHRC Chairman

QNA — DOHA platform to draw inspiration limit the spread of the pandemic The Chairman noted that the Committee, Al Marri affirmed from lessons, inspect the among members of society. The coronavirus pandemic has the keenness on achieving the The Chairman of the National accomplishments and what Committee also sought to com- proven to be the widest chal- goals of the National Vision Human Rights Committee must still be achieved, reinforce municate with government and lenge in the world, and the 2030 which aims at trans- (NHRC) Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al the strengths and address the non-governmental agencies in health authorities have shown forming the State of Qatar into Marri underlined that the weaknesses, in order to con- order to address the challenges a response befitting the scale of an advanced country capable National Day is an occasion that tinue the process of con- and help complainants. the pandemic. The NHRC mon- of achieving sustainable devel- reminds of the efforts exerted by struction, in accordance with a He added that the NHRC itored all the measures adopted opment. He also noted that the the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin national vision that promotes issued a statement on the by the State in this regard and national human rights institu- Mohammed bin Thani in order the value of the human being measures to confront the out- noticed the great sacrifices made tions are among the most to develop the State and its as the main focus for preserving break of the coronavirus, and are still being made by the important bodies that monitor human resources, adding that a civilization that has perpet- through which it expressed the medical teams on the front lines the extent of states imple- Sheikh Jassim laid down the uated the meaning of rights and need for concerted efforts by the to contain and control this menting their obligations in the foundations for establishing a duties. government and all groups of the pandemic. fields of human rights, and state characterised by moder- The NHRC Chairman noted society in giving priority to the The NHRC also paid visits to promote the commitment of ation and balance in all issues, that since the announcement of right to health for all and respect the quarantine centres desig- states to those rights. whether at the national level, or the coronavirus as a global pan- human rights without discrim- nated to receive the category of On the international coop- at the regional and international demic, the Committee has Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri ination. The statement also workers in order to assess the eration, the Chairman said that levels, enabling Qatar to become carried out its humanitarian and urged the competent authorities humanitarian conditions of the the Committee has large inter- one of the preferred destinations human rights duty, within the with the Paris Principles. to move forward with its quarantined, and similar visits national and regional partner- for mediation in many conflicts. framework of its legal respon- It also launched a hotline to measures expand the response to quarantine hotels, workers ships that qualify it to play a In a statement on the sibilities and the exercise of its provide legal advice to ensure to confront this pandemic, pro- accommodation and the Indus- pivotal role in the process of occasion of the National Day, competencies in accordance the continuation of its services vided that these measures are in trial Zone. strengthening these partner- Al Marri said that the people of with the law of its estab- within the framework of the pre- line with human rights On the achievements of the ships for achieving sustainable Qatar see this day as a national lishment, and in accordance cautionary measures adopted to standards. National Human Rights development. Ashghal President emphasises Authority’s commitment to success QNA — DOHA resident, it is also a renewal of the regard, including cooperation as the development of a number different regions of the country, ancient heritage and history and with the Ministry of Public Health of roads including Al Wakra main in addition to completing roads President of Public Works a celebration of the progress and to establish a field quarantine road, Al Khufoos Street and connecting and surrounding the Authority (Ashghal) Dr. Eng. Saad development, which the country location that includes a hospital BuHamour Bridge on the Sabah Al Wakra Central Market. bin Ahmed Al Mohannadi achieved at all levels out of a and mobile clinics. Al Ahmad Corridor. With regard to the projects of emphasised the determination desire for socio-economic, indus- Regarding the most prom- Regarding developing the the Supervisory Committee of the and eagerness of the Authority to trial, health, educational and inent achievements of Ashghal infrastructure of the areas, the Beautification of Roads and succeed and provide the best for technological development, and in 2020, Al Mohannadi explained President of Ashghal explained Public Places in the State, Al the State of Qatar, noting that the the determination to lay founda- that the Ashghal has imple- that the roads leading to Al Mohannadi affirmed start of the ‘Qatar Deserves the Best’ slogan tions of the modern state while mented a number of highway Rayyan Stadium and the roads works of the Ras Bu Abboud is a goal the Authority seeks to confronting all challenges, con- and local projects and infra- surrounding Al Bayt Stadium Beach development project achieve every day. tributing to the implementation structure works in many areas, have been developed. Addi- (Package One), the establishment In a statement to Qatar News of infrastructure projects and while the operation and mainte- tionally, he said that the con- of Al-Daayen Park, the com- Agency on the occasion of Qatar achieving sustainable nance of road and drainage net- struction of a main tunnel for the pletion of the main works of 5/6 National Day, the President of development. works continues. He added that sewage network that will serve Park project in Onaiza, and the Ashghal extended his congratu- President of Ashghal pointed by the end of 2020, Ashghal will 8 northern districts with a length commencement of the second lations to Amir H H Sheikh out that the Authority faced complete the implementation of of 17.2km have been and third package projects of the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 828km of highways, the devel- completed. development and beautification Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad with great attention to all health opment of 203km of roads and He noted that the Authority projects in central Doha. Al Mohannadi bin Khalifa Al Thani, the gov- and safety precautionary the provision of infrastructure for also opened two streets and com- He pointed out that Ashghal’s ernment and the people of Qatar, measures that enable it to carry 3,399 existing and new land plots pleted the infrastructure works efforts culminated in winning a pointing out that the Authority’s out the work while preserving the across the country. accomplishments from January in Rawdat Aba Al Heran, finished number of local and international vision is about a better and prom- safety and security of workers He said that the Authority has to September 2020, including the car and bus stops to serve a awards, including the Gov- ising future for the State of Qatar, and engineers at various work also won two Guinness World opening of most parts of the number of retail stations, such as ernment Sustainability Initiative which it seeks to achieve with sites, highlighting constructive Records titles for the longest con- Mesaimeer, Al Duhail and Al Al Qassar, Education City and Al Award presented by the Qatar firmness, cohesion and strong cooperation with the Supreme tinuous cycling path and longest Waab intersections on Sabah Al Wakrah stations, completed Green Building Council, as well will. He said that the National Day Committee for Crisis Man- continuous bit of paved asphalt. Ahmad Corridor and Al Daayen, parking lots for Al Rayyan as two International Safety is not only a national occasion agement and all concerned He said that the highway and the intersection of Al Khor Stadium and opened a number Awards with a Merit from the celebrated by every citizen and authorities in the country in this projects made a number of Road with North Lusail, as well of roads to serve gas stations in British Safety Council. DOHA TODAY

12 THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 E-store to market products made by inmates SIDI MOHAMED Regarding establishing the e-store, THE PENINSULA the Ministry said, “The idea came to enhance the inmate’s self-confidence The Penal and Correctional Institutions and stimulate them towards industry Department at the Ministry of Interior and innovation. It is also in response (MoI) has established an e-store to to the desire of visitors to the inmates’ market the products made by inmates. product pavilion at exhibitions held on This initiative comes within the the sidelines of various events in the framework of the MoI’s endeavor to country.” rehabilitate and prepare inmates in The Ministry pointed out that the correctional and penal institutions, the electronic store is a sub portal on the MoI said. MoI website to market products made “Visitors to the e-store can make by inmates of Penal and Correctional an order to purchase a specific product Institutions. Payment has to be made easily and conveniently by clicking the in cash on delivery, which is free and “order product now” button after will be done directly from The Penal reviewing the product photos and and Correctional Institutions reviewing its specifications, and then Department or one of its distribution filling out the attached electronic form centers. and sending it. Accordingly, the item A prison environment is a place is booked, a receipt is issued for review where people with different charac- and receipt of the product,” said the teristics and experiences meet. This MoI on its official website. diverse setting includes people from Products include sculptures, art- professions ranging from doctors and works, handcrafted boxes made by engineers to plumbers and electri- male prisoners, clothes, bags, and cians and a range of other roles and accessories made by female prisoners. skills. The prices begin from QR60 and may The Penal and Correctional Insti- reach thousands. These products are tutions Department at the MoI has made from the raw materials available started to align the works by inmates locally to achieve high-quality with Qatar’s national goals and the products. market demands. Fifty percent of the The department has been keen to proceeds from sales are deposited into train inmates and encourage them to the inmate’s account by linking each innovate. It has established centers to handcrafted item and craftwork to a teach painting, carpentry, and work- professional experiences in cooper- tivity and innovation. approved by the state. It is also distin- specific serial number. In contrast, the shops for blacksmithing and other ation with trainers with high technical “Products made by inmates are guished by its designs that emulate the other half is deposited in the Ministry’s crafts. These centers work to develop expertise and skills and provide a characterized by high quality and con- eastern culture, its craftsmanship, and revenues account to purchase the raw the inmate’s capabilities and give them suitable work environment for crea- formity to the standard specifications its reasonable prices,” the Ministry said. materials. Pandemic changed library services, librarians’ role THE PENINSULA - DOHA the continued success of the Library during the pandemic. Eiman The outside world has changed explains how the lockdown allowed irrevocably in 2020, as has the role the Library to expedite ideas they of Qatar National Library’s team of had harbored for some time: “We expert librarians, whose roles are always working to improve our transformed significantly services, regardless of whether throughout the COVID-19 we’re able to work in the building pandemic. itself. We had been discussing the Services are gradually returning idea of holding online events for Ultra-modern operating to what patrons would view as rec- years in order to reach the most ognizable at the Library’s beautiful people possible. The pandemic theaters building. Members can once again created an environment where we visit the building, albeit currently could throw everything into making by appointment only, with res- sure we could offer the maximum taurant and cafeteria services also value to our members and the open to the public. larger community. The response Fittingly, the Library recently has been overwhelmingly hosted an international panel dis- positive. cussion examining how library “Libraries should invest as services across the world have Eiman Al Shamari much time and resources into their changed due to the pandemic. information professionals as they An Information Services my notebook full of motivational and support, and supplemental do in books, collections and other Librarian at the Library, Eiman Al posters. I dedicate half my time to support for the census, tax forms programs. The best libraries have Shamari, moderated the event, daily tasks and half to working and elections. as much knowledge in the minds which looked at changing services toward the Library’s long-term At the Library, the “Ask Our of their librarians as they do within State-of-the-art ambulance in Singapore, Lebanon and the USA, goals. I also recharge my energy by Librarians” service was expanded, the pages of their books.” fleet as well as her home in Qatar. reading academic articles about allowing patrons to contact experts Obtaining postgraduate degrees Speaking about how her role at libraries and how libraries around remotely to enquire about a variety in the field of librarianship enabled the Library changed since the the world have changed their prac- of subjects. Eiman says of the Eiman to learn different research beginning of the pandemic, Eiman tices to serve their patrons during service: “It enabled us to commu- methods to study libraries and pub- said, “I think the role changed sig- the pandemic.” nicate more easily with researchers lishing in the field of knowledge nificantly, with the time I devoted During the international panel who needed support, particularly acquisition. In the future, she hopes to my research duties increasing, discussion, which Eiman mod- when there might be threats to to establish a research center ded- and my feeling of giving better erated, the group analyzed these funding or access to important icated to learning and librarianship. value to our users, who are even new services libraries have information is restricted. Our “With social and cognitive studies more hungry for knowledge.” launched in the face of the global team’s ability to quickly expanded in Qatar, we can draw different sce- “My day during lockdown pandemic. Changes include giving the service was vital to allow the narios and strategies for developing began with my email review, my access to professional training pro- continuation of our services.” society, whether COVID-19 is to-do list review, and the blog in grams, mental health programming Innovation was key to ensuring around or not,” she adds.

Highly-advanced patient QU-YSC marks National Day with ‘December Al-Adaam’ initiative information systems THE PENINSULA - DOHA scientific ideas and Qatar University’s Young Scientist transform them into Center (QU-YSC) launched a beneficial projects, we distinctive national initiative must also be con- entitled “December Al-Adaam” that cerned with spreading will continue throughout the their inspiring words, month. The initiative aims to their patriotic feelings involve Qatar University students and their appreciation from all departments to celebrate for the state and its Qatar National Day. The initiative efforts, and this was is also keen to highlight, thank, and the reason we appreciate all the state and the launched the front-liners’ efforts for their initiative.” pronounced contributions and “These students, decisions to tackle the COVID-19 despite their different Cutting-edge treatments for pandemic this year. specializations and YSC found that presenting this interests, have one cancer initiative is a chance for QU stu- common thing, which dents to express their gratitude for is their love for Qatar. the sacrifices made and the state’s Qatar University’s Young Scientist Center celebrates the National Day through ‘December This year was At Hamad Medical Corporation we efforts to preserve the people in Al-Adaam’ initiative. crowned with are utilizing advanced technology and peace and security and that the achievements at National Day is the best occasion types. Other parties were also Besides, many directors of Qatar various levels, whether at the innovative systems to deliver the highest to express thanks and gratitude to thanked through the initiative, such university departments and center level, where the center’s stu- quality care to Qatar’s population. the state. as engineers, teachers, and workers research centers also participated dents received numerous local and The students documented their who continued to present their in the initiative, expressed their international awards, and at the inspiring words and feelings work despite the country’s circum- great admiration for the initiative, country level, the great achieve- towards patriotism by recording stances during the crisis. and found it a chance to express ments made by the state at various www.hamad.qa short films that were posted on the Also, students did not forget to their pride for their achievements levels.” YSC social media. Each student send words of thanks and support and successes during the crisis. Dr. Noora also thanked the thanked a different party like to the army and police heroes for Dr. Noora Jaber Al-Thani, sponsors, Ras Laffan Program for medical staff and doctors who the measures they took to protect Director of the Qatar University Social Communication, and the devoted their time and sacrificed the people and keep the country Young Scientists Center declared: partners, Unesco, the Doha Office, their lives to confront the epidemic safe and secure. Each student “YSC as a center, whose basic goal and the Qatar National Committee and provide the best healthcare expressed his feelings differently. is to support students, spread their for Education, Cultcience. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 NATIONAL DAY 13

Minister of Culture and Sports: National Day is an opportunity to learn from founding fathers

QNA — DOHA opportunity to promote the to meet the crisis’s challenges wise leadership. original values on which the by providing its internal and The Qatari community Minister of Culture and Sports Qataris were raised and external administrative made achievements in devel- H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali believed in, he said, adding that services completely electron- opment, construction, and affirmed that celebrating the thanks to these values, they suc- ically, as it did before the pan- renaissance projects in various country’s National Day comes ceeded in achieving progress for demic, he said, adding that the fields, pointing out that the to renew our deep connection our country and our society. ministry has also increased the most important achievement with the homeland and draw With determination and work, frequency of cultural, youth, is building self-capabilities the lessons and values of the they proved their worthiness. and sports events and within the Qatari community, founding fathers, led by the On this occasion, Al Ali con- initiatives. such as self-reliance and Founder Sheikh Jassim bin gratulated the Amir H H Sheikh He noted the increase in finding alternatives to achieve Mohammed bin Thani. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. community interaction and par- self-sufficiency. This was In a statement to Qatar News The minister referred to the ticipation by the people, espe- translated by all the achieve- Agency (QNA) on the occasion of words of the founder Sheikh cially young people, for whom ments in economic fields, he Qatar National Day, Al Ali said Jassim bin Mohammed bin the ministry was keen to added. that the National Day’s slogan this Thani which express the con- enhance the culture of volun- Sports achievements at the year, “We praise you, the Lord of science and thought of every teering through specially-pre- level of building and preparing the Throne,” expresses our Qatari in facing challenges, pared programmes to serve modern stadiums show the adherence to the values of the noting the leadership’s wise society, especially the elderly, extent of Qatar’s success in this ancestors, as Qataris have fought vision in dealing with various workers and people with special aspect. Al Ali said this success through several challenges and crises. needs, and those in the front would go beyond the technical faced difficulties since Damsa On the most important efforts ranks in the health sector. dimension, referring to Qatar Battle and other battles of Al made by the Ministry of Culture H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali The minister affirmed that World Cup 2022 as an oppor- Hazm, Khannur, and Al Wajbah, and Sports to confront the Qatar is proceeding resolutely tunity to demonstrate the Qatari until the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic, Al Ali said the efforts of the health sector and awareness of its people and their towards achieving its goals in values of belief in cultural other challenges. that Qatar did so good in con- all state entities in the private and concern for the safety of society. all fields, internally and exter- diversity and rapprochement This national occasion is an fronting the pandemic thanks to public sector and thanks to the The ministry has worked nally, thanks to the vision of its between peoples. An occasion to renew loyalty: Kenya Ambassador praises Commander of Lekhwiya Force remarkable progress in Qatar QNA — DOHA QNA — DOHA Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz bin Faisal Al Thani, Under- State of Qatar, Partick Cornell Ahanda, praised secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the great progress in Qatar at all levels as the Commander of the Lekhwiya Force affirmed that country has become geopolitical center not Qatar National Day, which fall on December 18, only in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East is an occasion to embody all meanings of unity but in the world at large with top world leaders and solidarity, draw inspiration from the values heading to Doha either for peace negotiations of giving, loyalty and belonging to this generous or for reinforcing the social, political and nation, and follow the path of the Founder Sheikh economical cooperation, making Qatar a Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani. financial hub in the MENA region. In a statement on the occasion of Qatar In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) National Day, he said that the celebration of this on the occasion of Qatar National day, the Ambas- day has great connotations and meanings firmly sador stated that Qatar has made good use of its in the minds of every citizen and resident on this Maj General Abdul Aziz bin Faisal Al Thani natural resources to the extent of making Qatar Partick Cornell Ahanda land, and these signs are evident of the unity and a welfare state where its citizens are the direct sincere brotherhood among the people of the as conferences, sports festivals and tournaments, beneficiaries of its resources visibly in terms importantly are the visit of H E Kenyan President same nation, as represented and established by in addition to its contribution to search and rescue of its magnificent infrastructure like superb Uhuru Kenyatta to Doha and the visit of Amir H H the Founder. work in a number of countries hit by disasters. and beautiful road networks, highly modern Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Kenya He also stressed that celebrating this occasion On the role of Lekhwiya Force during healthcare facilities and food security to earlier. constitutes an incentive to inspire the values of COVID-19 crisis, he pointed out that the force excellent educational learning facilities and “In the same year 2019, Kenya requested connection with the homeland, and a motive to stood in the front lines to confront the crisis, as home to some ultra-modern world well known and got full backing of Qatar for our candi- deepen feelings of loyalty and hard work for the it carried out many tasks to contain the pandemic, universities, beside expansive modern airport dature as a member of UN Security Council,” sake of the pride, advancement and development including playing the role of support with Al that is rapidly becoming world aviation hub, the Ambassador noted, pointing out that the of Qatar. Fazaa patrols, traffic and other security to the latest hi-tech metro system and ultra- relationship between Kenya and Qatar went Regarding the achievements of the Lekhwiya departments. modern Sports Stadium in readiness for the at notch higher levels during the last few years, Force during the current year, Maj. Gen. Abdul The Commander explained that Lekhwiya World Cup 2022, in addition to the huge impor- in turn Qatar Airways increased frequency Aziz referred to many achievements at the local participated in closing the industrial zone to tance that Qatar gains via hosting the Interna- flights into the capital city of Nairobi, another and foreign levels. he said the force with its expe- prevent the spread of the pandemic, sterilizing tional conferences. route to the second city of Mombasa was rience and competence has greatly contributed about 4000 people and 2000 vehicles, in addition The Kenyan Ambassador hailed the bilateral promptly opened. to controlling security throughout the country, to deploying patrols in various places in the relations between his country and the State of He hailed the successful response of the State as it is the protective security shield for the State country for the purpose of educating the public Qatar which reached the highest level, looking of Qatar in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, of Qatar because it has trained and equipped with not to leave the house except for the most urgent forward for more cooperation in different fields stating that the State of Qatar, due to the avail- the latest technologies to face various security necessity, as well as educating them about the as a lot of bilateral memorandums of under- ability of state-of-the-art health facilities and challenges as well as securing local, regional and need to take the necessary precautions to pre- standing were signed between the two sides, in expanded field hospitals, was able to contain the international events organized by the State, such serve their safety. addition to the exchange of high-level visits, most virus to a manageable level. A precious occasion of pride: Aspire Zone CEO Qatar Rail urges passengers to

QNA — DOHA pillars, especially concerning f human abide by preventive measures development. The foundation’s CEO of Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) vision, which has been achieved, has QNA — DOHA These reusable cards provide a Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi said become the reference in global contactless payment service and help that the National Day is a precious sporting excellence in 2020. The Qatar Rail has urged passengers to to limit touch points during the trip. occasion for all, and a source of pride, foundation’s societal goal is to abide by coronavirus (COVID-19) customer can also recharge their card in which all Qataris celebrate the promote an active, healthy lifestyle precautions and arrive early at metro in advance of their journey, using their history of the ancestors who played a and make physical activity and sport stations during Qatar National Day respective debit or credit cards via the great role in building our beloved an integral part of individuals’ daily 2020, and also for the Amir Cup Final. website (qr.com.qa) or Qatar Rail country and laying the foundation for routine, which directly contributes The Qatar Rail is expected to see a application. our never-ending aspirations to place to achieving the National Vision. large turnout from the public at sta- In cooperation with the Ministry this country in the ranks of developed He said that the belief in the values tions at Qatar National Day events and of Public Health (MoPH) and the Min- countries. of innovation and creativity at work also for the Amir Cup Final which is istry of Transportation and Commu- He added that the National Day is motivates them to provide more inno- coinciding with the National Day. nications (MoTC), Qatar Rail remains a special occasion that expresses our vative research and applications in Therefore, advises passengers to pre-plan committed to implementing precau- wise leadership and generous people’s sports science, sports medicine, and leave extra time for their journey. To tionary and operational measures, ability to sacrifice and dedicate for the stadium, and event management, avoid crowding, the customers can benefit placing the safety of users as the top elevation of the homeland. He also said adding that the foundation has many from the metros journey pre-planning priority. On entering the station, cus- that the QND inspires love and loyalty Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi research centers. They are considered service through the Qatar Rail application tomers will be required to show their in the hearts of Qataris for their country perhaps the only expertise centers in or Doha Metro website and arrive at the “Ehteraz” health status and adhere to and society, pointing out that the res- and for granting resolve and victory in the Middle East region, such as the station in advance of their planned temperature checks. Only individuals idents also participate in this cele- good and bad times and the most center of expertise for natural turf departure time. with green health and registering tem- bration out of love for Qatar and its severe crises. management and research for In light of COVID-19 guidelines, peratures below 37.8 C will be allowed wise leadership and gratitude for the On the efforts of the AZF in imple- stadiums. metro services are currently running to use the metro. Moreover, it is man- security, peace, and justice that they menting the Qatar National Vision He underlined the Qatari govern- at 30% capacity to enable social dis- datory for everyone to wear facemasks experience in Qatar. 2030, he said that the AZF is fol- ment’s confidence in Aspire Zone tancing. In preparation for the on entering the premises and He added that every year the lowing the path of Qatar’s political Foundation to manage and operate all upcoming events, public access to sta- throughout their journey. To this end, organising committee for National Day leadership and its enlightened and sports facilities in the country, in tions will be arranged to avoid on-ground security and customer activities chooses a slogan derived insightful vision, which makes human addition to the launch of the first sports crowding at ticket vending machines, service staff will monitor compliance from the verses of the Founder Sheikh development and advancement business district of its kind in the entry gates and train platforms. with all the measures closely. Any Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani to central for the various development Middle East, and the inauguration of Additionally, Qatar Rail recom- person failing to comply with the document our connection with our past processes that the country is wit- the 2022 building to attract major mends purchasing prepaid Standard safety measures will not be permitted and our heritage. This year’s selection nessing in recent times. leading companies in the sports Travel cards through approved sales to enter and asked to leave. was one of the verses of the founder’s He explained a close connection industry to create an ideal sports outlets such as Al Meera, Lulu, Car- Doha Metro also reminds cus- poem: “We praise you, the Lord of the between the vision of the Aspire Zone investment climate that complements refour, Jumbo Electronics, Family Food tomers to adhere to social distancing Throne, We accept your judgment in Foundation, its mission, the tasks it the sports system in Qatar by sup- Centre and the “Talabat” application. rules by following the instructional all actions,” which indicates praise to carries out, and the National Vision porting and developing the sports Gold class cards are available through stickers located throughout the God for all challenges and difficulties in general with its four economy. Gold Centers at all metro stations. stations. 14 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 15

Recognition of a beacon of humanitarianism QRCS is always there for Qatar t is my pleasure to express my best wishes to Amir H H ISheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir H H On this occasion, which is dear to our hearts, let’s exult Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al QRCS at the forefront of QND parade Thani, and the people of Qatar in the country we love, the modern society we are for the coming of QND, which building, the bright future we are shaping for our commemorates the unification children, and QRCS. Whether at good times or hard hallenging of the State of Qatar. It repre- though it sents the country’s identity, times, QRCS is always there for Qatar, with its noble maybe, history, ambitions, and under- mission and leading humanitarian, social, and 2020 lying ideals. volunteering roles, in the best interest of Qatar and proved that December 18th is the date C when we recall how Qatar humanity at large. tough times achieved national unity. That bring out the best in far-off day was the spark for H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani people. This is how Qatar the country’s journey towards — QRCS President Red Crescent Society its greatness of today as one of (QRCS) redefines its active the most developed and influ- role in the humanitarian ential countries both regionally arena. From top to and globally. times, QRCS is always there for brought us glory, rest in peace. bottom and relying on On this occasion, which is Qatar, with its noble mission Good for this generation, which Officials: Thanks dear to our hearts, let’s exult in and leading humanitarian, is living the peak of devel- local and international the country we love, the social, and volunteering roles, opment and prosperity. And let partnerships in different volunteers and medical modern society we are building, in the best interest of Qatar and the next generation gear up to areas — healthcar, relief, professionals. We are the bright future we are shaping humanity at large. continue to build our future and volunteerism — eve- for our children, and QRCS. May the souls of our Qatar of pride and ryone in the organisation proud of Qatar. Whether at good times or hard ancestors, who won and magnificence. joined hands to make an admirable story of suc- Volunteers: Parading in cessive achievements. In the public scene, QRCS front of H H the Amir is a QRCS backed government in fighting the pandemic stands as a beacon of badge of honour. s we celebrate QND, I would like protect human rights, and promote its humanitarian assistance to extend my sincerest wishes to culture among everyone. Great coun- H H the Amir, government, people, tries are great because they cherish the for those in need every- A Celebrating QND in such safety where. QRCS’s leaders, and residents of Qatar. rights of both nationals and residents. In officials, and volunteers Today, we remember the sublime and stability, we have to thank this unusual year, the leadership did principles of our beloved country, Allah, preserve national unity, whatever it takes to protect the people, valued the honoring of the inspired by the Islamic values of justice, by adopting the highest health and safety organization by partici- equality, and tolerance. The Founder and shun disagreement, protect standards in the face of the coronavirus pating in the Qatar his companions made historic feats cre- human rights, and promote its pandemic. Paradoxically, many govern- National Day (QND) ating, unifying, and consolidating the culture among everyone. Great ments, including advanced ones, failed country over its own territories. Decades to combat the pandemic. parade, considering it a countries are great because they further motivation to be of development have culminated in the This makes me feel indescribably better humanitarians who reign of H H the Amir, who leads us with cherish the rights of both proud. We at QRCS backed our gov- his wise vision and good governance in nationals and residents. ernment in fighting the pandemic, locally preserve human dignity all fields. Guided by Qatar National and in other countries. The government and work towards the Vision 2030, we are turning steadily into and QRCS worked together to deal with goals of Qatar National one of the most advanced countries of Dr. Aisha bint Yousef Al Mannai the outbreak, driven by humanitarian Vision 2030. QRCS celebrated Qatar National Day 2020 yesterday, in the presence of Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General; Ibrahim Hashim the world. — Vice-President principles and Islamic teachings. QRCS celebrates QND Al Sada, board member; Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Malki, CEO; executive directors of divisions, heads of department, staff, and volunteers. Celebrating QND in such safety and I wish Qatar and its people all peace, stability, we have to thank Allah, pre- blessing, security, and well-being. Happy serve national unity, shun disagreement, QND to everyone! The worst has passed for our country Youth are our wealth for We stand for humanity everywhere RCS is known for hard ND is here again! It has always the present and future work and dedication to been our pride and joy. We live Qcharity work and the in this country, owe it a lot, and uring 2020, QRCS joined promoted Qatar’s leading empowerment of those This year’s QND slogan, “We praise You, QRCS has made a big work hard to make it among the forces with all humanitarian position locally in need without discrimination. difference in many poor Qbest. As thankful Qataris, we have to the Lord of the Throne”, reflects the Dgovernment and internationally, as well as It is well prepared to deal with contribute to its current modernisation and people of Qatar’s faith in Allah, organisations and NGOs to fight contributed to the goals of Qatar and respond to disasters around countries and camps of shape a brighter future for the next the coronavirus pandemic. National Vision 2030. the world, helping vulnerable dependence on Him in happiness and refugees and displaced generation. We offered diverse medical All of this was achieved only individuals and communities. people. Its active role in Every year, our leadership holds the misfortune, and thankfulness for His services and launched with the unlimited support from We stand for humanity every- practice of selecting a QND slogan derived blessings, especially during the recent volunteering community the competent authorities. Our where, inspired by our strategic controlling the COVID-19 from the sayings of Sheikh Jassim bin initiatives to treat the patients, volunteers and medical slogan of Saving Lives and Pre- pandemic featured the Mohamed Al Thani, the Founder of Qatar. coronavirus pandemic. ensure the safety of society professionals were on the serving Dignity. He was a military commander, sage judge, members, and ease the economic frontline of combating the With these characteristics, powers of its staff and knight, and prolific poet who left a huge Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi impact on poor people. pandemic, taking the risk and QRCS has made a big difference volunteers, receiving a big legacy of meaningful poems and quotes While engaged in this noble putting in time and effort to Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Malki, in many poor countries and Secretary-General and Board Member CEO of QRCS welcome from the public. That with useful advice to live by. national undertaking, QRCS protect the country and get over camps of refugees and dis- is why QRCS is honoured by Saleh Fadl Al Kaabi — Director This year’s QND slogan, “We praise You, continued to pursue its this adversity. solve their life problems. In a placed people. Its active role in of Internal Audit the Lord of the Throne”, reflects the people humanitarian mission of helping The future of humanitarian modern society, power is how controlling the COVID-19 pan- being part of the QND parade of Qatar’s faith in Allah, dependence on Him the victims of conflict, disasters, action in Qatar is promising and much its youth have awareness; demic featured the powers of for the first time. in happiness and misfortune, and thank- people of Qatar stood together to protect harder, towards the promising future we and poverty in underdeveloped full of hopeful signs. knowledge; and physical, its staff and volunteers, President, board members, Sec- fulness for His blessings, especially during the country against the outbreak. seek for our children. countries. In Qatar, it stepped up This is evident in the mental, social, and behavioural receiving a big welcome from retary-General, CEO, and all the recent coronavirus pandemic. Thanks Again, we pledge our undivided loyalty They are looking to us for a lead, just as social, health, and development increasing number of youths well-being. Youth are our the public. That is why QRCS is leaders. This honouring is the to Allah, the worst has passed for our to our country and wise leadership. We are we were given a lead by our honorable services for different segments choosing to volunteer, in order wealth for the present and the honoured by being part of the All thanks should go to the first of its kind in the history of country. The leadership, institutions, and determined to work even harder and predecessors. Good luck! of society. These efforts further to improve others’ lives and future. QND parade for the first time. family of QRCS, mainly the the renowned organization. As part of QRCS, we look ‘We feel proud to belong to ‘It is our responsibility to Comprehensive digital Participation in QND parade is the Dignity is priceless — QRCS winter campaign best honour for the ‘White Army’ forward to doing more and more this leading organisation’ build trust with donors’ transformation is on track QRCS is going on with its annual Warm Winter Campaign 2020-2021, under the Maryam Mani Al Hajri consider myself lucky to theme of Dignity Is Priceless. It seeks to provide food and winterisation aid for ince its establishment, risk management, and com- he year 2020 via the website, mobile work in Qatar, especially around 43,000 families, or 256,000 individuals, in 13 countries: Syria, Jordan, Iraq, — Director of Financial Affairs QRCS has been working pliance with the instructions brought many application, or SMS Iunder Qatar Red Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank, Bangladesh, Sudan, Somalia, Sto support the humani- of regulatory authorities in Thuge challenges service. Crescent, which provides Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to Qatar. tarian efforts of the State of Qatar. These are adopted and and unprecedented QRCS is accelerating he 2020 was not like any other year. Actually, charitable and humani- Qatar, by aligning the diverse enforced by QRCS to support achievements for the digital transfor- it was the year of pandemic, which affected tarian services. expertise of its staff and vol- the delivery of humanitarian QRCS. The number of mation process, by Tevery single person in every corner of the globe. Qatar is a great country unteers. It believes in the aid to beneficiaries, within a beneficiaries from automatising all opera- Thanks to Allah and the epic story of solidarity among under Amir H H Sheikh basic humanitarian values of framework of transparency health and social care tions and integrating all its leadership and people, Qatar came out of the hard Tamim bin Hamad Al advocating people and pre- and accountability. It is our services and relief and systems into a compre- times in the teeth of this unprecedented threat. Thani, who takes care of serving their dignity every- responsibility to build trust development pro- hensive electronic In the wake of the crisis, QRCS’s medical profes- every individual in the Dr. Soni Chemmundaparambil where. All QRCS’s local and with donors from the benev- grams grew by 150% working environment. sionals and volunteers were at the forefront of helping country and is known for Das — Al Hemaila Workers’ international social devel- olent people of Qatar. on a yearly basis. This will save much the government and NGOs to combat the pandemic, supporting charitable and Health Center opment and empowerment We are so happy with the Likewise, the annual effort and offer the carrying out the tasks assigned as necessary, and pro- humanitarian activities Dr. Mohamed Jassim Al Yousef Mohamed Al Awadi, activities are centred around government’s relying on growth rate of fund- donors high quality tecting everyone who lives on this land. around the world. It will be a great Maslamani, Director of Director of Resource the fundamental principles. QRCS. Our best wishes to the raising recorded a services. These It was by no means a piece of cake; there have As a doctor, my expe- moment of pride for QRCS Compliance and Risk Mobilisation All QRCS’s local and Now as our beloved people and government of lifetime high of 80%. systems send regular been enormous challenges facing us. rience with QRCS is very to be honored on Qatar international social country is showing appreci- Qatar on this great day. We The revenue from reports and ensure a Day by day, however, we prove up to the respon- encouraging, especially in National Day for its development and ation to QRCS’s efforts during s QRCS pursues its hope that we will prove up electronic donation was 10 times more pleasant user experience. They can sibility on our shoulders. Our high-caliber medical this pandemic situation impressive humanitarian the QND parade, it is natural humanitarian goals to this trust. Participating in than the past few years. These online process up to 7.5 million work tasks professionals and health facilities collaborate with where we stood hand in contributions. empowerment activities are that we feel proud of Aaround the world, the the QND parade is an tools make donation safer and easier in a totally electronic manner. health and other authorities in response to the hand with other gov- As part of QRCS, we centred around the belonging to this leading Compliance and Risk extension of our humani- outbreak. ernment organisations to look forward to doing more fundamental principles. organisation. At all times, it Department develops the tarian track record. It sends For all of that, QRCS’s participation in the QND fight against COVID-19. and more for the benefit of remains a chief supportive compliance, transparency, a meaningful message to the 2020 parade is the best honoring of the ‘white army’, We were able to effec- this great country. partner of the government. and risk management pro- great people of Qatar that we QRCS is accelerating the digital transformation process, by for all their sacrifices, heroic acts, and dedication to tively manage the patients, I would like to thank all Abdullah Sultan Al Qatan, May Allah protect our grams that facilitate such will passionately continue to automatising all operations and integrating all systems into a their national and professional duty. making Qatar among the QRCS officials for giving me Executive Director of Medical country, people, and goals. It is an integrated promote benevolence and Qatar will always remain an impregnable and few countries in the world this opportunity to become humanity and grant us all system of international humanitarianism for the comprehensive electronic working environment. crisis-proof stronghold of security. with the lowest pandemic- part of the QND event. Affairs Division security and prosperity. standards for transparency, whole world. related mortality rate. Happy National Day to all! 16 THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 NATIONAL DAY

Qatar a major partner of Canada: Envoy 'Qatar's measures

QNA — DOHA the popular level between the continued blockade and now the against COVID-19 two countries support this stable COVID-19 pandemic, I was very Ambassador of Canada to Qatar relationship based on mutual encouraged by the Qatari gov- H E Stefanie McCollum asserted respect and cooperation towards ernments resolve and determi- very effective' that the State of Qatar is a major achieving common goals, she nation in pursuing various initi- partner of her country in the added. atives and reforms. The examples QNA — DOHA region and at the global level. “Our dynamic Canadian are numerous, and include: com- The Ambassador stressed expatriate community is very mitment to implement and Ambassador of the French that the two countries have dis- active in Qatar and helps to enforce labour reforms; the Republic to the State of Qatar tinguished relations based on advance our mutual interests and pledge to undertake the Shura H E Franck Gellet stressed the mutual respect aimed at strengthen trade and investment Council elections in October importance of French-Qatari achieving a positive impact in the ties. During the next phase of our 2021; being on schedule for FIFA ties, saying Qatar has been a world, especially during difficult bilateral relations, we would like 2022 World Cup and playing a good host of the French expat times, adding that Qatar and to continue to build stronger Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, key mediating role to bring peace community residing here. Canada have enjoyed uninter- linkages in the fields of agri- Stefanie McCollum to Afghanistan,” she said. The ambassador spoke to rupted diplomatic relations for culture, education and life sci- The global leadership that Qatar News Agency (QNA) on 46 years. She said, in a statement ences, where Canadian capabil- congratulated Amir H H Sheikh Qatar also led during the the occasion of the Qatar to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on ities and expertise can be Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Covid-19 pandemic in providing National Day, extending his the occasion of Qatar National deployed to support Qatar’s citizens and the people of Qatar humanitarian support and congratulations to Amir H H Day, that Qatar and Canada col- efforts for the FIFA World Cup on this National Day. On this assistance in repatriating hun- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al laboration on the Group of 2022, Qatar National Vision occasion, she praised the great dreds of thousands of stranded Thani, the government, and The 2020 saw strong Friends of Solidarity for Global 2030, the North Field Expansion, developments in the State of individuals, including thousands people of the State of Qatar. momentum in bilateral Health Security is one recent and other initiatives of national Qatar. of Canadians, are all examples of He added that 2020 saw ties, particularly as the example in a long standing and importance,” she noted. “While Qatar has faced a few Qatari efforts in various fields, strong momentum in bilateral positive relationship. The ties at Ambassador McCollum challenging years because of the she added. ties, particularly as the two two sides celebrated the sides celebrated the France- France-Qatar year of Qatar year of culture. He added that the COVID-19 pan- culture. The COVID-19 'Brazilians coming to Qatar in increasing numbers' demic requires a re-think on pandemic requires a how to satisfy people’s re-think on how to satisfy QNA — DOHA he said. The ambassador con- outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, demand for culture, and how gratulated Qatar on the occasion as well as its ability to success- the Qatari and French citizens people’s demand for Ambassador of the Federal of National Day, noting that it is fully respond to the pandemic at can get to know about each culture, and how the Republic of Brazil to the State of an occasion to emphasise the dis- the local level, as it quickly estab- other’s culture. Qatari and French citizens Qatar H E Luis Alberto has praised tinction of relations between lished a testing, tracking and pre- The Ambassador said that the State of Qatar’s vision in Brazil and Qatar. vention system that helped limit the Picasso exhibition held in can get to know about building a modern state according He stressed that Qatar-Brazil spread of the pandemic. He Qatar from July to November each other’s culture. to a future vision based on relations go beyond trade and pointed out that Qatar is among reflected the people's con- sustainable development and politics and are based on true the countries that conduct the tinued interest in culture Franck Gellet, investment in science and tech- friendship between the two highest per capita COVID-19 test despite the precautionary Ambassador of the French nology. countries and peoples. He rate in the world, and significant measures that were in place. In a statement on the pointed out that Brazilians are decrease in number of daily cases On bilateral ties, the Republic to the State of Qatar occasion of Qatar National Day, coming to Qatar in increasing and active cases is evidence of Ambassador referenced the Ambassador Alberto praised Ambassador of Brazil to the State numbers, while thousands of success of Qatar’s strategy in recent visit by the French Qatar’s foreign policy and said of Qatar, Luis Alberto Brazilians look forward to combating the pandemic. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le taken by the State of Qatar that the State is actively partici- coming to Qatar for the FIFA The Ambassador pointed out Drian, just days before the were very effective in con- pating in its relations with coun- development in the world, as well 2022 World Cup where they will that Qatar and Brazil have taken national day. taining the spread of the virus. tries from all over the world and as cooperating in many multi- receive the warm welcome and a very important step to limit the The ambassador also He expressed his appreciation devotes its efforts to mediation lateral initiatives, such as co- generosity of the Qatari people. COVID-19 pandemic by dealing thanked the authorities and to the help provided by Qatar activities and assistance to those chairing negotiations on reform He expressed his appreciation with leading pharmaceutical healthcare workers for their Airways in repatriating thou- affected by conflicts in the region of the UN Security Council, of the urgent medical assistance companies in order to ensure unwavering commitment to the sands of French citizens from and elsewhere. Qatar contributes passing funding programmes, provided by Qatar to dozens of access to an effective vaccine for prosperity of citizens and res- Europe and Asia during the to promoting peace and and hosting UN offices in Doha, developing countries since the all their residents. idents, saying that the measures peak of the pandemic. Qatar-Jordan ties have 'Achievements by Qatar a source of witnessed remarkable pride for all Arabs and Muslims' QNA — DOHA fortunate countries and a President of the Republic of Tunisia response to the increasing H E Kais Saied to Doha in progress: Ambassador Ambassador of the Republic of humanitarian needs in the world. November. QNA — DOHA Tunisia to the State of Qatar H E He stressed that Qatar’s cel- He noted that this confirms Sami Al Saadi praised the great ebration of National Day repre- the State of Qatar’s commitment Ambassador of the Hashemite progress made by the State of sents an opportunity to evoke the to support Tunisia and Tunisia’s Kingdom of Jordan to the State Qatar at all levels, emphasising process of development and keenness on its part to upgrade of Qatar H E Zaid Mufleh Al that its achievements have modernisation that was estab- these relations to the level of sol- Lawzi affirmed that the become a source of pride for all lished by Father Amir H H Sheikh idarity partnership. He indicated Ambassador of Tunisia to the Jordanian-Qatari relations Arabs and Muslims. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and that Tunisia hopes that the State of Qatar, Sami Al Saadi have always been distinguished In exclusive statement to led by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Tunisian-Qatari Joint Higher and enjoyed the special Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the bin Hamad Al Thani. Committee, which will be held attention of H M King Abdullah occasion of National Day, the On this occasion, the Ambas- in Doha during the first quarter telecommunications and others, II ibn Al Hussein of the Ambassador said that Qatar’s sador praised the development wit- of 2021, will contribute to which made Qatar rank second Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan achievements are attested to by nessed by the Qatari-Tunisian rela- opening new horizons for in the world in terms of foreign and Amir H H Sheikh Tamim far and wide, as Qatar has tions, and said that they are excep- bilateral cooperation in all fields. investments in Tunisia. bin Hamad Al Thani. invested in building people, as tional and distinctive relations and The Ambassador also noted He praised Qatar’s excep- Ambassador of the Hashemite In a statement on the well as that it has an effective and are unique in their high pace of the active involvement of the tional response to dealing with Kingdom of Jordan to the State occasion of the National Day influential diplomatic presence consultation, cooperation and Qatari private sector in this the COVID-19 pandemic, as its of Qatar, Zaid Mufleh Al Lawzi of the State, the Jordanian on the regional and international exchange of visits, as the current movement witnessed by the approach succeeded in limiting Ambassador said that the rela- arenas, and its foundations year witnessed, the first visit of relations of the two brotherly the spread of the pandemic tions between the two coun- education, health, culture and include successful mediation in Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin countries through large invest- without resorting to a lockdown tries witnessed recently a sports. international crises, a policy of Hamad Al Thani to Tunisia in Feb- ments in several sectors such and by relying on deliberate remarkable development in He stressed that the State support for development in less ruary and the second visit of as tourism, banking, interim approaches. health, education, military, of Qatar, with its wise lead- commerce and other fields of ership, is distinguished among cooperation, pointing out that, countries by its wide diplo- for example, there are thou- matic relations, adding that Acting Chargé d’Affaires lauds Qatar-Albania relations sands of Jordanian teachers there is remarkable Qatari working in the State of Qatar diplomatic activity in recent QNA — DOHA affected areas by the earth- and thousands of Qatari stu- years, which can be seen in The Acting Chargé d’Affaires quake, which is still going on. dents who graduated from Jor- what it is doing in many inter- Acting Chargé d’affaires of the hailed the State of Qatar’s On the other hand, the danian universities while national issues where it Albanian Embassy in Doha, handling of the pandemic Acting Chargé d’Affaires hailed nearly three thousands are resolves disputes between Kujtim Xhani praised the devel- and its multifaceted the State of Qatar’s handling of now enrolled. countries by peaceful means, opment of bilateral relations the pandemic and its multi- He highlighted the in addition to its role in ending between his country and the challenges in various sectors faceted challenges in various eagerness of the Qatari and Jor- internal problems in certain State of Qatar thanks to the of society. The efforts made sectors of society. The efforts danian sides for more cooper- countries, the latest of which strong ties, common will, and by the State of Qatar in made by the State of Qatar in ation in various fields in light was peace in Afghanistan. He ambition, supported by a full facing these challenges, facing these challenges, of the special attention received affirmed that the State of legal framework with agree- whether within its borders whether within its borders or by the bilateral relations from Qatar has succeeded in ments and memoranda of outside, have shown the extent the leaderships of the two playing the role of an cooperation in all fields. or outside, have shown the of its resilience in these difficult countries. important and effective He said in a statement to extent of its resilience in times, while the health system Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the The Ambassador congrat- mediator in this issue. Qatar News Agency (QNA) on these difficult times, while in Qatar has proven its effec- Albanian Embassy in Doha, Kujtim ulated Amir H H Sheikh Tamim On the State of Qatar’s the occasion of Qatar National tiveness in this global battle Xhani the health system in Qatar bin Hamad Al Thani, Father efforts to contain the corona- Day that the development and has proven its effectiveness against the coronavirus, he said. Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin virus pandemic, the Jordanian distinction of bilateral relations He pointed out that the Khalifa Al Thani and the proud Ambassador pointed out that coincide with an exchange of Thani, the government and in this global battle against State of Qatar is appreciated by Qatari people on this occasion, the State of Qatar’s measures high-level delegations between people of the State of Qatar on the coronavirus. the people of Albania and the praying for more progress and to confront this pandemic at the the two countries, which cul- the occasion of the National world for the contributions and prosperity for the State under internal level are very dis- minated in April 2019, when the Day, wishing further progress assistance it provides to foreign its wise leadership. tinctive, as the numbers of Albanian Prime Minister Edi and development for Qatar and were appreciated in these dif- countries and its efforts in He said that the steps taken infections and deaths have Rama paid a visit to Qatar, the bilateral relations further ficult times. He expressed grat- global cooperation to address by the State of Qatar in the path decreased significantly over the where he met with the Amir development. itude for the assistance and the pandemic. He stressed that of comprehensive development past months, which indicates H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad He also commended Qatar’s strong support provided by the this made Qatar more and urban renaissance reflect the effectiveness of the health Al Thani. initiative to provide unlimited State of Qatar to Albania during impressive, given its continued strategic planning for the measures that the Qatari gov- Xhani expressed his con- medical aid to Albania to the strong earthquake of success in withstanding the advancement of all sectors, ernment has systematically gratulations to the Amir H H combat the COVID-19 pan- November 26, 2019, and in the unjustly imposed blockade’s including infrastructure, roads, implemented. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al demic, noting that these aids reconstruction of the most pressures. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 NATIONAL DAY 17

China Ambassador highlights ‘Qatar witnesses impressive progress’ QNA — DOHA Qatar on the occasion of the historic ties with Qatar National Day, noting that Ambassador of the Kingdom of although this National Day QNA — DOHA Sweden in Doha H E Anders might be different due to the Bengtsson affirmed that since restrictions related to the Ambassador of the People’s China will never forget Sweden opened up its Embassy COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar has Republic of China to the State of Qatar’s support to China in in Doha in 2014 relations much to celebrate and be Qatar H E Zhou Jian said that overcoming the pandemic. between the two countries have proud of. Qatar has seen bilateral ties between Qatar and expanded significantly. impressive developments in a China are historic, despite the He noted that Qatar In a statement to Qatar short time and is implementing geographic distance that sepa- Airways transported 300 News Agency on the occasion an ambitious national strategy rates them. tonnes of medical of the National day, the Ambas- for its future. The ambassador noted that equipment to China. sador noted that trade between He affirmed that Qatar has recent years has seen a rapid Sweden and Qatar almost Ambassador of Sweden to Qatar, an established and well- increase in bilateral cooperation, doubled between 2015 and Anders Bengtsson deserved reputation in inter- thanks to the strategic leadership Zhou Jian, Ambassador of 2019 national humanitarian and of H E President of China Xi People’s Republic of China to “We have intensified our on precision medicine and arti- development assistance and Jinping and Amir H H Sheikh nine months of 2020 on annual State of Qatar bilateral dialogue. Last year, we ficial intelligence, experts from peace mediation. The ongoing Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. basis. China and Qatar also signed an MoU with Qatar on both Sweden and Qatar repre- negotiations in Doha on the He told Qatar News Agency signed a contract to build three annual political consultations. senting industry, government future of Afghanistan is an in a statement made to mark the LNG vessels worth $3bn, the in containing the virus and stim- In January this year, Sweden, agencies, universities and hos- important example of the sig- National Day that the two coun- Ambassador added. The ambas- ulating the economy under the Qatar and ILO signed a MoU on pitals participated as speakers. nificant role Qatar is playing tries cooperated to contain sador also said that Q-Max LNG leadership of Amir H H Sheikh cooperation in the areas of He hoped that the exchange in this respect. COVID-19. He said that China will carrier made its first trip to the Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. health and safety at work and will lead to increased cooper- Regarding coronavirus pan- never forget Qatar’s support to Tianjin LNG Receiving Terminal The Ambassador concluded by corporate social responsibility,” ation in these two fields where demic, he stressed that the China in overcoming the pan- in China. The two sides also congratulating Amir H H Sheikh he added. both countries are devoting measures taken by the state of demic. He noted that Qatar signed a deal for 2,814 electric Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Father He pointed out that Qatar considerable resources and Qatar to control the pandemic Airways transported 300 tonnes and diesel trucks, something that Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin and Sweden share an interest seeing significant have produced impressive of medical equipment to China. will play a part in the World Cup Khalifa Al Thani, and the Qatari in high technology and inno- opportunities. results as the infection rates have As for bilateral trade, the 2022’s green transport goal. people on the advent of the national vation, noting that recently, Ambassador of the been significantly reduced and Ambassador noted that Chinese On the coronavirus pan- day, wishing the Qatari people Sweden, with Qatar Foun- Kingdom of Sweden congrat- the second wave many other exports to the State of Qatar demic, the Ambassador lauded further peace and prosperity under dation as their main partner, ulated H H the Amir, the gov- countries are experiencing has increased 10 percent in the first the Qatari government’s efforts the leadership of H H the Amir. arranged two hybrid webinars ernment and the people of so far been prevented. Palestinian envoy commends Qatar’s firm policy Costa Rica Ambassador hails

QNA — DOHA guaranteed all those living progress by Qatar in all fields in Qatar a higher degree of Ambassador of the State of Qatar has always been safety and better health. He QNA — DOHA Palestine to the State of Qatar said that this was reflected H E Muneer Ghanam praised and continues to pursue in the low death rate and the Ambassador of Costa Rica to the State the State of Qatar’s firm its steadfast policy in high recovery rate, making of Qatar H E Alvaro Mariano Segura support of Palestinian rights supporting Palestinian the country one of the most Avila whailed the huge progress in the led by establishing an inde- successful in containing the state of Qatar in the different fields and pendent state with East Al rights, and in supporting spread of the virus. the high level of development, thanks Quds as it capital, saying that the Palestinian people in He stressed that Qatar has to the good leadership of the state of the Qatari position was a their struggle against the overcome the virus and Qatar which have done an enviable job noble one that is highly extended a helping hand to to lead this country towards peace and appreciated by the Pales- occupation, due to their many countries that were prosperity. tinian people. conviction of the just experiencing great difficulties In a statement to Qatar News The Ambassador spoke to cause they are pursuing. exceptional 2020 due to the in containing it, thus setting Agency on the occasion of the National Qatar News Agency on the catastrophic impact of the the most wonderful example day, the Ambassador stated that the Ambassador of Costa Rica occasion of Qatar National coronavirus (COVID-19) pan- of the spirit of solidarity and achievements of recent years have to Qatar Alvaro Mariano Segura Avila Day and said that Qatar has Muneer Ghanam, demic. He praised the precau- harmony among members of been very significant and have shown always been and continues to Ambassador of State of tionary measures taken by the the international that the country has enormous pursue its steadfast policy in Palestine to State of Qatar State of Qatar in its response community. potential for production and the cit- security of their peoples. “Since the supporting Palestinian rights, to this pandemic, in addition The Ambassador noted izens of Qatar should be proud of that. start of diplomatic relations between and in supporting the Pales- the assistance and support it that Palestine was among the He added that the obstacles have the two nations, respect and cordiality tinian people in their struggle provided to many friendly first countries that have been an impetus to place the country have been the most important points against the occupation, due people on Qatar National Day. countries, including the State received Qatari support to on a sustained path of development and to strengthen cooperation ties and to their conviction of the just He expressed his hope that of Palestine. help them provide the to show the international community explore possibilities for shared growth cause they are pursuing. the country can continue its He said that he wit- material and medical needs that the culture of peace that charac- for both countries.” he added. The Ambassador offered journey of progress, pros- nessed with his own eyes necessary to contain and con- terises the State of Qatar is the best tool The Ambassador noted the efforts his congratulations to Amir perity and development as how Qatar mobilised all its front this pandemic. He to promote dialogue and coexistence of the State of Qatar to contain the H H Sheikh Tamim bin they realised the goals of capabilities to contain the renewed his congratulations between the countries of the region. COVID-19 pandemic have yielded Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir Qatar National Vision 2030. coronavirus and succeeded to the State of Qatar on its He praised the bilateral relations exceptional results as the mortality H H Sheikh Hamad bin He noted that Qatar has remarkably in doing so. The National Day, wishing the between the two countries, stating that rate was one of the lowest on the Khalifa Al Thani, the gov- gone through, along with the Ambassador added that country further progress and Costa Rica and Qatar have always planet thanks to the control measures ernment, and the Qatari rest of the world, an these firm efforts success. been countries linked with peace and established from the beginning. Algeria envoy hails achievements by Qatar Qatar central power in Mideast, trustworthy

QNA — DOHA consensus and the shared visions partner: Acting Charge d’Affaires of Ecuador on many regional and interna- Ambassador of the People’s tional issues, including the Pal- QNA — DOHA such as investment, edu- Democratic Republic of Algeria estinian and Libyan issues. He cation, culture and trade, to the State of Qatar Mustafa also highlighted the continuous Acting Charge d’ Affaires of the which have been consoli- Boutoura hailed the achieve- consultations, through both fre- Embassy of Ecuador in Doha dated through reciprocating ments made by the State of quent contacts and mutual visits Daniel Rivadeneira has official visits between the two Qatar, which were witnessed by between senior officials in the expressed his great admiration countries in the last two everyone and deserved full two countries, adding that this for what the State of Qatar years. appreciation, thanks to the wise was confirmed by the recent visit achieved during the recent Rivadeneira highly valued leadership and directives of the of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim period. the great efforts made by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin bin Hamad Al Thani to Algeria on He said that Qatar has made various state systems and the Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari February 25 and his talks with great strides to become a effective precautionary and government, which dealt with all Ambassador of Algeria to the the Algerian President H E Abdel- central power in the Middle preventive measures they took difficulties through alternative State of Qatar, Mustafa Boutoura madjid Tebboune, which resulted East, played an important role to curb the repercussions of plans and sound strategies that in strengthening bilateral rela- in the region and succeeded to COVID-19 that helped manage Acting Charge d’ Affaires of the protected the economy from his sincere congratulations to the tions and confirming the reinforce its position as a trust- the crisis successfully, espe- Embassy of Ecuador in Doha, recession. leadership and people of the keenness of the leaders of the two worthy partner through its cially strong medical system Daniel Rivadeneira In a statement on the State of Qatar on the occasion of countries to elevate support for peace, stability and that has verified its worthiness occasion of the National Day of the National Day, wishing Qatar cooperation. security efforts in the region, pas excellence in facing the the State, Ambassador valued more prosperity, security and The Ambassador expressed pursuing in that the diplomacy, the economic and investment epidemic. what was achieved in the indus- stability. appreciation for the political ini- dialogue and human cooperation with all over the He congratulated Amir H trial and agricultural projects He said that celebrating this tiatives taken by Qatar and the solidarity. world, thanks to the wise lead- H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad within Qatar National Strategy, occasion this year to commem- important roles it is playing to In a statement to Qatar ership and guidance of Amir H Al Thani, Father H H Amir in addition to the major com- orate the start of the reign of resolve disputes through dia- News Agency on the occasion H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al pleted infrastructure projects and Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed logue, pointing out that this is of Qatar National Day, Rivade- Thani. Thani, the government and the huge investments inside and bin Thani, the founder of modern internationally appreciated, neira said that the leadership Rivadeneira expressed his the people of State of Qatar outside the country. He also high- Qatar, is a dedication to noble which reflects the balance of its in Doha has earned respect and happiness that there is a on the occasion of the lighted the reforms of the legis- human values and a revival of foreign policy and affirms the confidence of governments glimmer of hope for an National Day which com- lative structure, stressing that this the Qatari national memory that importance of its position as an inside and outside the Middle improvement soon for this memorated on December 18, comes as a result of the dedi- is rich with sublime meanings of influential country at the regional East, in addition to its active crisis that has prolonged on which the founder, Sheikh cation to moving forward on the solidarity and love for the and international levels, given foreign policy, commitment to between brothers in the Gulf. Jassim bin Mohammed bin comprehensive development homeland. The Algerian Ambas- the successes it has achieved in development and its dedicated He affirmed the Ecua- Thani took the rule of the path towards achieving Qatar sador added that the relations bringing different sides to sit efforts in combating terrorism dorian government’s support State; whose his reign was National Vision 2030 and con- between the two countries are together at the negotiating table, and humanitarian aid through for the State of Qatar and marked by security, justice tinuing the preparations for fraternal and characterised by the most recent of which is the international crises and people in order to achieve and prosperity and was able hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. mutual respect due to the shared historic agreement signed in conflicts. further progress and to put his people on the path He also praised Qatar’s han- components that have con- Doha last February between He noted the great progress prosperity. of urbanisation, where the dling of the Gulf crisis, hoping tributed to their gradual devel- Taliban and the United States of achieved by the State of Qatar, He referred to the solid Qataris have followed it to that a solution to it will be opment until they reached an America to bring peace to especially during the unlawful relations between Ecuador achieve what they have reached as soon as possible to advanced level of cooperation Afghanistan, in addition to blockade, as it was capable of and Qatar, as both countries reached now. Therefore, they heal the rift between the that includes most areas. hosting the Afghan reconciliation strengthening and enhancing are always working closely must be proud of their brotherly countries. He pointed out the relations meetings that have continued its economy by achieving self- to diversify fields of cooper- identity, their history, and The Ambassador expressed developed in light of political since last September. sufficiency through expanding ation to include various fields their achievements. 18 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 Health Minister urges continued precautions, thanks staff FAZEENA SALEEM THE PENINSULA Qatar National Day celebrations this year come in an The Minister of Public Health H exceptional situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al urge members of the community to continue their Kuwari has reiterated the commitment to preventive measures: social distancing, importance of following wearing a mask, and avoiding mass gatherings. precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Qatar National Day (QND) cele- H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari brations. Minister of Public Health “Our celebrations this year come in an exceptional situ- ation amid the COVID-19 pan- to the virus by following pre- virus. Executive Director of demic. We urge members of the vention measures,” said Dr. Operations, Primary Health community to continue their Hanadi Al Hamad, who is Care Corporation Dr Samya commitment to preventive national lead for healthy ageing Abdulla has said that 2020 has measures: social distancing, on the Qatar National Health been a more challenging year A roundabout decked up with flags and flowers in connection with Qatar National Day. wearing a mask, and avoiding Strategy. than ever due to COVID-19 but mass gatherings,” Dr. Hanan CEO of the Cuban Hospital, the health sector has been suc- said in a social media message. Mohamed Amer Al Marri, said cessfully able to overcome it. “We also thank you for your the healthcare sector is She stressed the importance of MME lays out national flag of flowers commitment in recent months ensuring access to the best and following COVID-19 precau- in wearing masks, and main- high quality medical treatment tionary measures during the THE PENINSULA — DOHA represented by the Park Umm Salal Municipality planted taining hand hygiene which has to all patients. “Your com- QND celebration as a com- Section, supervised the planting seasonal flowers in the various been a major factor in us suc- mitment to COVID-19 pre- mitment to continue the success The Ministry of Municipality of seedlings of seasonal flowers areas and streets of the munic- ceeding in efforts to confront vention measures helps our of combating COVID-19. and Environment (MME) has in the various areas of the ipality, in addition to planting the virus.” teams to fully perform their Chair of the MoPH’s made a large national flag of municipality. numbers of trees. “On this national occasion, role,” he said. Healthcare Communications flowers in front of the main In preparation for the Within the framework of we offer a special message of With several countries Committee, Ali Al Khater said stage of the Qatar National Day National Day, the Public Parks preparations and preparations congratulations to the around the world reporting an following COVID-19 preventive (QND) Parade venue. Department has coordinated for the celebration of the healthcare professionals and increase in the number of measures during QND cele- The Ministry represented by with the Parks Section of Al National Day, the Park Section frontline health workers, vol- COVID-19 cases, Consultant bration was a collective the Public Parks Department Shamal Municipality to carry of Doha Municipality planted unteers and our partners in the Medical Microbiologist and responsibility. and all municipalities, has out disinfection operations for seasonal flowers in all parks Ministry of Interior, Civil Chairman of Infection Control “We celebrate this year’s carried out beautification and all parks and facilities, and and areas, cleaned and painted Defense and essential workers Committee, Al Wakra Hospital, Qatar National Day amid decoration works in various follow up the implementation Washingtonia trees white in the who worked in confronting the Dr. Naser Alansari urged people COVID-19 pandemic, which cities, regions and vital facilities of precautionary measures for Corniche Street and placed COVID-19 pandemic,” the Min- in Qatar to follow precau- requires everyone to adhere to mark the National Day. the entry of visitors, such as flower towers and hangings on ister added. tionary measures to avoid a prevention measures as a The Public Parks measuring temperature, lighting poles in cooperation In a social media campaign, similar scenario in the country. patriotic duty,” he said. Department distributed a large ensuring that precautions are with the Public Parks healthcare officials have “With the evidence of a Acting Executive Director, number of flowering ponds in applied, and the children’s play Department across Doha. emphasised the importance of second wave of COVID-19 Media at Hamad Medical Cor- various shapes (cups, jars, areas continue to close and As part of the celebration of adhering to the guidelines occurring around the world it’s poration (HMC) Nayef Al vases, bowls, and rectangular gatherings are prohibited . the National Day of the State of issued by the Ministry of Public important to follow all pre- Shamri, said: “We have success- basins), in the Doha Corniche, For its part, the Park Section Qatar, Al Shamal Municipality Health (MoPH). ventive measures and keep the fully organised several cam- the Ministry of Culture and of Al Wakrah Municipality, in decorated Al Shamal city with “Together we protect the society safe,” he said. paigns to raise awareness and Sports building, the head- coordination with the Public flags at all its entrances and on elderly, people with chronic Measures to tackle control COVID-19. We urge the quarters of the Supreme Com- Parks Department, distributed both sides of the streets, and diseases and those who are at COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- public to continue practicing all mittee for National Day, and and planted flower plants and gifts were distributed to the vis- the risk of getting COVID-19. ceeded in flattening the curve prevention measures during the others. seedlings in the main streets, itors to celebrate with them this Help to protect those vulnerable and limiting the spread of the QND celebrations." Al Rayyan municipality, while the Parks Department in eternal national memory. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 projects near completion: SC official InterContinental Doha partners with QNA — DOHA completed almost 90 percent of now until the World Cup, announce the matches and the He added that the World Cup the infrastructure, projects, and including the final of the Amir stadiums that will host the projects’ emergency plans have L’Occitane to Chairman of the Operations stadiums for the World Cup, as Cup, which will be between Al matches at the beginning of next proved useful and helped bring provide festive Office and Vice Chairman of the only three stadiums, remain Sadd and Al Arabi to open the year. After hosting the Amir Cup all projects back on track to be Technical Delivery Office, under construction: Al- Al-Rayyan Stadium, the fourth final, Al-Rayyan Stadium will completed according to the staycation Supreme Committee for Thumama, Lusail, and Ras Abu World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium. host FIFA Club World Cup planned schedule. Delivery & Legacy (SC), Eng. Aboud, and they will be com- Al Jamal noted that the Arab matches in February 2021, fol- Al Jamal said Amir Cup final THE PENINSULA — DOHA Yasir Al Jamal said that the infra- pleted by the end of the third Cup, scheduled for December lowed by Qatari League matches would see the application of a structure, projects, and stadiums quarter of 2021. He said the sta- 2021, will be the most important and the Arab Cup matches next special health protocol that has InterContinental Doha is of the FIFA World Cup Qatar diums would be used in several event that Qatar will host in the year. Al Jamal revealed that all not been applied in any global proud to announce its part- 2022 are almost ready and that tournaments that Doha will host coming period and will help in work has been completed in sporting events during the coro- nership with world- the SC has now moved to focus to determine their readiness identifying the readiness of the Al-Bayt Stadium. navirus period so far. Fans will renowned brand L’Occitane on operational readiness, espe- before the World Cup. operational plans to host the Al Jamal stressed that the be tested in three areas for con- en Provence to provide its cially with accommodation, Al Jamal explained that SC World Cup. COVID-19 pandemic affected ducting the tests: Al Arabi Club, customers an unforgettable transport, transportation, hospi- has professional committees and He said that the Arab Cup preparations for Qatar 2022. Al Sadd Club, and the Exhibition festive season. tality services, waste plans in place, and protocols for would be a mini-tournament However, the SC managed to Center. He said after coordi- Beginning December 21 management services, and all the tournament projects and a real rehearsal before the reach a mechanism that largely nation with MoPH and Qatar until stocks last, L’Occitane others. regarding the operational 2022 World Cup to prepare for preserved workers’ safety after Football Association and after has provided InterConti- Speaking at a press con- process. He added that adding the World Cup. It will also be a taking precautions and health setting this special health pro- nental Doha’s guests with an ference held at the SC’s head- that these plans are imple- real test for the facilities, sta- measures in coordination with tocol, the SC raised the number exclusive Festive Hydration quarters on Tuesday, Al Jamal mented and activated in the diums, and plans in place. He the Ministry of Public Health and of fans for the final match from Kit with skin care essentials said that the SC has so far events hosted by Qatar from added that the committee would the SC Workers’ Welfare team. 30% to 50%. for face and body. The kit is designed to provide hydration to the skin while Ooredoo marks maintaining a perfect, yet MME harvests first batch of farmed shrimps natural complexion. QND with free InterContinental Doha SANAULLAH ATAULLAH held a Sunrise Yoga event at data for business THE PENINSULA The Bay Club on December 10, 2020, to stimulate health customers The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- and wellness after a chal- ronment (MME), represented by the Fish lenging year. THE PENINSULA — DOHA Wealth Department, has announced to Yoga attendees were harvest first batch of 900kg vannamei treated to a relaxing yoga Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading tele- shrimps farmed at its Aquatic Research session on the beach with a communications operator, has Center at Ras Matbakh, marking the success view of the captivating Doha announced it will offer 500 MB of the project. sunrise, keeping in mind of data to all business Center, a nucleus of fish farming safety precautions and customers on Aamali, Shahry projects launched by the Ministry under measures. for Business and business National Food Security Strategy 2018-23 The session ended with Mobile Broadband plans, as to support strategic stock of fish in the sea a healthy breakfast con- part of celebrating Qatar and to increase self-sufficiency of Qatar in sisting of yoghurt bowls, National Day. fresh food production including fish by smoothies, and light bites. The additional data will releasing baby fish in the sea and supplying The cool winter weather enable customers to share the to private fish farming facilities at subsi- can damage the skin, that’s celebrations of Qatar National dised prices. why L’Occitane has provided Day with others. The extra “The Aquatic Research Center imported an all-around Festive Director of MME Fish Wealth Department, Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Dehaimi (left) and data will be added automati- 50 pairs of shrimp of vannamei type in first Hydration Kit. Director of Aquatic Research Center, Ibrahim Salman Al Hasan Al Muhannadi, speak cally to customers’ accounts batch in July 2020 and 200 pairs of shrimp Guests who book any on December 18 at midnight of same type on December 17, 2020 from during the press conference. BELOW: Shrimps farmed at the Aquatic Research Center at Club InterContinental room PIC. ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA and will be valid to use for 24 a shrimp hatchery in Florida, US, said Ras Matbakh. or suite will automatically hours. Chief Business Officer Director of Fish Wealth Department at receive a complimentary at Ooredoo Sheikh Nasser Bin MME, Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Dehaimi. marketing level ranging from 20gm to 25gm Festive Hydration Kit from Hamad Bin Nasser Al Thani – Al Dehaimi was speaking in a press con- where shrimp size reaches an average of L’Occitane. said: “Qatar National Day is an ference held at the headquarters of Aquatic 30gr. “The samples of the grown shrimps Located on Doha’s exciting reminder of the Research Center yesterday to demonstrate were taken to the health laboratory for test. longest private beach, the progress made in the past 12 the achievements of the Center. The results suggested they are healthy and iconic InterContinental Doha months, even in sometimes Talking about the project for farming fit for human consumption,” said Al and Residences offers challenging circumstances. By shrimps in Qatar, Al Dehaimi said: “The Muhannadi. world-class facilities with gifting our business customers Center produced 250,000 larvae of van- He said commercial fish farming unparalleled service. with 500 MB of data, we hope namei shrimp of PL-25 then about 160,000 projects which are under construction are It is the perfect place to to both celebrate and share in larvae out of them were shifted to its ponds about to commence soon. “The centre will indulge in the vast array of the celebrations with our for growing. The work is in progress to supply baby shrimp at subsidised prices to culinary choices offered by enterprising friends as we step produce over two million of shrimp larvae the fish farming projects which are expected award-winning restaurants boldly into the next year of of PL-25 by the end of March 2021.” to be able to send to the market in 2021,” from fantastic Peruvian fare Qatar’s success story together.” Director of Aquatic Research Center at said Al Muhannadi. at La Mar, ice-cold European The free data is available to Ras Matbakh, Ibrahim Salman Al Hasan Al Speaking to The Peninsula, Director of but baby shrimp will not be released into brews at Belgian Café, sig- business customers on Aamali, Muhannadi said the centre aims at pro- Fish Wealth Department at MME, Abdulaziz the sea because it is not from Qatari water. nature beverages at La Vue, Shahry for Business, and Mobile ducing over 8 million larvae of shrimp Mohammed Al Dehaimi said two com- “The Fish Wealth Department had and sip on the perfect cup of Broadband plans. Business cus- (PL-25) in the coming season from January mercial fish farming projects are expected released 25,000 baby Hamour fish of 10gr afternoon tea at The Lounge tomers can leverage the to August 2021. to start operation by the end of this year. and 426,000 Sh’am baby fish at different or escape into a haven of Ooredoo Advantage, making He said about 160,000 larvae of shrimps He said the Ministry released thousands places in the sea to maintain fish stock in relaxation at the exclusive Ooredoo “Best for Business”. shifted to four ponds for growing to the of baby fish of different species in the seas Qatari water,” said Al Dehaimi. Spa InterContinental. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST 19 Erdogan: US sanctions an attack on sovereignty

REUTERS & AP— ANKARA their entry into the US. They also include a ban on most export licenses, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said “What kind of alliance is loans and credits to the agency. yesterday that US sanctions imposed this? What kind of “The real aim of the sanctions is to on Turkey over its purchase of Russian block the progress that we have made defence systems were an attack on partnership is this? This lately in the defence industry and to Ankara’s sovereign rights aimed at decision is an open hostile make us once again strictly dependent deterring its defence industry, a move attack against our country’s on the United States,” Erdogan said. “If which he said was bound to fail. it weren’t the S-400 issue, they would On Monday, Washington imposed sovereign rights,” President have used other issues.” the sanctions targeting Nato member Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Erdogan added: “What will happen Turkey’s Defence Industry Directorate a televised address. “The real now? We will work twice as hard as in (SSB), its chief Ismail Demir and three the past to make our defence industry other employees over its acquisition aim of the sanctions is to independent in all aspects and to of Russian S-400 missile defence block the progress that we hasten projects undertaken by our systems. Presidency of Defence Industries. We In his first public comments on the have made lately in the will provide even greater support to move, Erdogan said that problems defence industry and to our defence industry companies.” stemming from the sanctions would make us once again strictly Turkey had insisted that the be overcome and vowed to ramp up Russian technology is no risk to Nato efforts towards an independent dependent on the United systems because they wouldn’t be inte- defence industry, while criticising States,” Erdogan said. grated into defense strategies involving Washington for sanctioning a Nato ally. the S-400s. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends the inauguration of a highway “What kind of alliance is this? What Erdogan on Mondays reiterated in central Turkey via video link in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. kind of partnership is this? This Turkey’s position that Ankara wasn’t decision is an open hostile attack offered the US Patriot systems, leaving against our country’s sovereign rights,” Turkey rejects this and says S-400s will delayed due to an embargo on a part independent. The US sanctions over it with no other option but to buy the he said in a televised address. not be integrated into Nato. Erdogan Turkey was importing. He did not say Turkey’s procurement of Russia’s Russian system for its national security. “The real goal is to block the repeated that the US concerns had no which country Turkey was importing advanced S-400 system, are part of a The United States says talks on a advances our country started in the technical basis. from. US law known as CAATSA, which are potential Patriot deal failed over Tur- defence industry recently and to once He added that Ankara still pro- “Thank God, Turkey has long left aimed at pushing back on Russian key’s insistence on technology transfer again render us absolutely dependent duced close to 1,000 parts for the F-35 behind the period of being stuck by influence. rights that would have allowed it even- on them,” he added. jets, despite being removed from the such sanctions,” he said. The move is the first time that the tually to make the missiles themselves. “Surely there will be problems, but programme over the S-400 purchase. In a speech delivered during the law has been used to penalise a US ally. This ran against US manufacturers’ each problem will push open a door Turkey had also been due to buy more inauguration of a highway in central They target Turkey’s Presidency of propriety interests in addition to any for us for a solution.” than 100 F-35 jets. Ending his remarks, Turkey, Erdogan said the sanctions Defence Industries, Ismail Demir and national security concerns. Turkey took Washington says the S-400s pose Erdogan unveiled footage of Turkey’s would increase his government’s three other senior officials. The pen- delivery of the S-400 missiles in the a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and to new domestic missile defence system, determination to make the Turkish alties block any assets the four officials summer of 2019 and tested them for Nato’s broader defence systems. HISAR-A+, which he said had been defence industry stronger and more may have in US jurisdictions and bar the first time in October. Iran condemns Iran nuclear deal parties Saudi port attack as a threat to try to defuse tensions maritime security

AFP — VIENNA Last week France, Germany return to the deal but has BLOOMBERG — TEHRAN and Britain—collectively known revealed little else about forth- The remaining parties to the as the “E3” — condemned the coming US strategy on the Iran condemned an attack on faltering 2015 Iran nuclear plan as “deeply worrying”. question. a tanker at a Saudi Arabian accord met yesterday after Meanwhile the assassi- Yesterday, Iran’s supreme port as a threat to maritime Tehran announced plans for a nation last month of prominent leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei security, in its first official new breach of the deal, and as Iranian nuclear scientist warned Iranians not to “trust comments on the assault uncertainty reigns ahead of US Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has the enemy”, saying: “Enmities against its regional rival. President-elect Joe Biden’s heightened tensions in the are not limited to Trump’s Iran “denounces any Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gestures during a January inauguration. region, with Iran blaming the America and will not end just destructive action against meeting with organisers of events to mark the first anniversary of The meeting of the so- killing on Israel. because he has left office.” maritime security and safety, the killing of Iran’s top commander Qassem Soleimani, in Tehran, called “joint commission” In the wake of Fakhriza- Before the start of yester- and freedom of international yesterday. included China, France, Russia, deh’s death, Iranian MPs passed day's talks, Russia’s ambassador trade,” according to a Iran, Germany and Britain and a bill calling for further to international organisations statement yesterday posted on was chaired by senior EU expansion to Iran’s nuclear pro- in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, the website of the Ministry of Biden arrival won’t guarantee foreign affairs official Helga gramme and an end to inspec- tweeted that the focus would be Foreign Affairs. Schmid. tions of nuclear facilities by the on how to “preserve the nuclear An explosives-laden boat better relations: Iran leaders The meeting, which lasted UN watchdog International deal and ensure its full and bal- hit a fuel tanker at the Red Sea around two hours, was held vir- Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). anced implementation”. port of Jeddah early on AP — TEHRAN we are very happy Mr. Trump tually because of the corona- The Iranian foreign ministry “The role of the US in this Monday in a “terrorist attack,” is gone.” virus pandemic. said it did not agree with the bill regard will inevitably be dis- the official Saudi Press Agency Iran’s supreme leader and the “The upcoming American The 2015 deal, known as the and President Hassan Rouhani cussed,” he added. reported. country’s president both administration can choose Joint Comprehensive Plan of has suggested he will not sign Another diplomat said the It came three weeks after warned America yesterday that what to do,” Rouhani said. “The Action (JCPOA), has unravelled it into law. Iranians had been told “to an oil tanker at the Saudi the departure of President path is open. It’s up to them if steadily since US President Rouhani has defied crit- comply with the deal, to give Shuqaiq terminal was hit by an Donald Trump does not imme- they are grateful or ungrateful. Donald Trump withdrew from icism from Iran’s ultra-con- space to diplomacy and above explosion and missiles struck a diately mean better relations If they want the right path, it’s it in 2018 and went on to servatives to state his determi- all to implement the law” Saudi Aramco fuel depot. That between the two nations. ready. If they want the wrong impose crippling economic nation to seize the “oppor- passed by the Iranian assault was claimed by Yemen’s The remarks come as Iran path, that one is ready for them sanctions on Iran. tunity” presented by the change parliament. Houthi rebels, who are backed approaches the first anni- as well.” Tehran has retaliated by of US president in January. The meeting did not come by Iran. versary of the US drone strike Biden has suggested the US progressively abandoning limits Rouhani has said Iran is “at the best moment”, the dip- On Tuesday the Houthis that killed Revolutionary Guard could rejoin Tehran’s 2015 on its nuclear activity laid down ready to come back into com- lomat admitted, given the said the US and the UK have Gen. Qassem Soleimani in nuclear deal with world in the deal, most recently pliance with the deal as soon as uncertainty over possible failed to protect Saudi Arabia’s Baghdad, an attack that nearly powers, from which Trump uni- planning to install advanced cen- other parties fulfil their com- developments between now ports, and that they would be plunged Washington and laterally pulled America in 2018 trifuges at Iran’s main nuclear mitments. President-elect and Biden’s January 20 prepared to shield them if the Tehran into an open war after and imposed harsher sanctions enrichment plant in Natanz. Biden has said he is willing to inauguration. kingdom asks. months of tensions. on Iran. That decision marked Supreme Leader Ayatollah the start of increased tensions Daily deaths Ali Khamenei spoke in Tehran between the two countries as at the Imam Khomeini Hos- Iran abandoned uranium from virus in seinieh, or congregation hall, enrichment limits and the Turkey hit 240 where he attended a meeting Mideast saw a series of escalating with Soleimani’s family and top incidents and attacks. military leaders. In response to Soleimani’s REUTERS — ANKARA “You saw that what death, Tehran launched a bal- Trump’s America and (former listic missile attack that injured Turkey’s daily coronavirus President Barack) Obama’s dozens of US troops in Iraq. death toll hit a record 240 in the America did to you,” Khamenei That same night, it also mis- last 24 hours, bringing the total said. “The hostilities are not just takenly shot down a Ukrainian so far to 17,121, health ministry for Trump’s America, which airliner taking off from Tehran, data showed yesterday. ends when he leaves. Obama’s killing all 176 people on board. Turkey also recorded America also did bad things to Hoping to pressure Europe, 29,718 new coronavirus cases, you and the Iranian nation.” Iran’s parliament recently including asymptomatic ones, Earlier in the day, Rouhani, passed a bill calling on Tehran in the last 24 hours. For four speaking during a Cabinet to increase its uranium months, Ankara only reported meeting, made a similar point enrichment to 20%, a short daily symptomatic cases, but to criticise Trump — at one technical step from weapons- it has reported all cases since point even saying the US pres- grade levels, and to throw out November 25. The country has ident “has committed so many international inspectors. Rou- reported 1.928 million cases crimes, he was an assassin and hani’s government has opposed since the beginning of the pan- a terrorist.” the bill, exposing a rift inside demic in March, the data “Some people say, ‘You are Iran’s civilian government that Camp for the displaced in Idlib showed. The government has excited for Mr. Biden,’” Rouhani the supreme leader appeared A drone picture taken yesterday shows a camp for displaced Syrians near the town of Kafr Lusin by imposed weekday curfews and said. “No, we are not excited to touch on in his speech the border with Turkey, in Syria’s rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib. full weekend lockdowns to Mr. Biden is taking office, but yesterday. curb the surge in infections. Lebanon to get first batch of COVID-19 vaccine in two months: Minister REUTERS — BEIRUT system which has been strug- removed. Lebanon, with an esti- Hassan said on Monday. “was secured” in a meeting with World Health Organization to gling amid a financial crisis and mated population of 6 million, The minister initially put the the central bank and outgoing provide vaccines to poorer Lebanon is expected to sign a deal after a huge port explosion in has reported 1,210 deaths as a value of the deal at $18m, but prime minister. countries. this week for supplies of Pfizer- August smashed up hospitals in result of COVID-19. he clarified yesterday that this “We removed this obstacle,” Lebanon’s latest two-week BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine Beirut. Despite the nation’s dire figure was still being the minister said, adding that the lockdown to curb a surge in and is set to receive the first batch Adding to the pressures, the shortage of foreign exchange, negotiated. first batch of vaccines was infections ended this month. eight weeks after that, the care- economic meltdown has the government expects to sign Officials previously said expected to arrive eight weeks The authorities have struggled taker health minister said. prompted many doctors to emi- the deal for supplies of the Lebanon was in talks to secure after the signing. Lebanon has to enforce coronavirus restric- A surge in infections is grate and raised concerns that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine this 1.5 million shots of the vaccine. also signed up to join COVAX, a tions in a country where half the straining Lebanon’s healthcare subsidies on medicines will be week, Health Minister Hamad The first payment of $4m global scheme backed by the nation has slipped into poverty. 20 AFRICA THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020

Guinea President EU postpones $109m aid to Conde vows to Ethiopia over Tigray access fight graft as third term begins AP — JOHANNESBURG postponement. Ethiopia’s federal “The reason for the decision government started taking mil- BLOOMBERG — CONAKRY The European Union has post- to postpone the budget itary measures against the Tigray poned ¤90m ($109m) in budg- support disbursements is region’s leadership after it said Guinea’s President Alpha Conde etary support to Ethiopia over that the EU first wants to its forces based in the region sus- vowed to fight corruption as he lack of access to the country’s see granting of full tained ‘inhumane attacks’ in was sworn in on Tuesday for a Tigray region to deliver human- early November. third term in office. itarian aid amid the conflict. humanitarian access to Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Conde, 82, will lead the The delay in the funding, Tigray for relief actors so Abiy Ahmed, declared victory world’s biggest bauxite exporter which was supposed to be paid that people in need can be two weeks ago but local reports for another six years, after at the end of the year, was con- reached and there is an end suggest there are still some winning 59.5% of the vote. The firmed to AP yesterday by a top to ethnic-based targeting,” clashes in certain locations. election results were validated EU diplomat in Ethiopia’s Thousands of people are feared by Guinea’s Constitutional Court capital, Addis Ababa. Ambassador Johan to have died in the conflict that after four groups challenged the “A ¤90m budget support dis- Borgstam, EU Head of pitted Ethiopia’s federal gov- outcome. bursement that was supposed to Delegation to Ethiopia said. ernment against the Tigray “We will govern differently, be made at the end of this year Peoples’ Liberation Front, a party by working for the vulnerable, has been postponed,” Ambas- that dominated Ethiopian pol- and we will make sure that min- sador Johan Borgstam, EU Head human rights violations, he itics for 27 years until the Nobel isters are at the service of the of Delegation to Ethiopia, said in said. “Furthermore, it’s Peace Prize-winning Abiy came people and not at the service of a phone interview. He added that important for the media to have to power in April 2018. their families,” he said in a other EU aid programmes will access and the restoration of all The conflict in Tigray has speech in the capital, Conakry. continue. “The reason for the communications in Tigray, a alarmed the international Conde is consolidating his decision to postpone the budget process that we know has humanitarian community, as grip on the West African nation support disbursements is that the already been started by the communications have been cut after a new constitution paved EU first wants to see granting of government. This will be crucial off with large parts of the the way for him to seek a third President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, waves after swearing-in as full humanitarian access to to understand the needs on the region. The UN refugee agency term as president. His re- President as he is inaugurated for his controversial third term in Tigray for relief actors so that ground,” he said. said more than 50,000 Ethio- election spells stability for people in need can be reached The EU is one of Ethiopia’s pians, mainly from Tigray, have Chinese and Russian companies, office following violently disputed elections, in Conakry on Tuesday. and there is an end to ethnic- largest donors, allocating ¤1.2 fled across the border to Sudan. including United Co. Rusal, that based targeting,” he said. bn ($1.4bn) for development On Sunday, Ethiopia’s Abiy have invested heavily to extract reserves. The country is home largest undeveloped iron-ore The EU also seeks the gov- cooperation with Ethiopia from travelled to Tigray’s regional abundant iron-ore and bauxite to Simandou, the world’s deposit. ernment’s assurance that 2014 through 2020, of which capital, Mekele. He vowed to civilians who want to seek ¤500m ($608m) has been in bring the “criminals” who were refuge in neighboring countries direct support to the budget. the leaders of the regional gov- are allowed to do so and that Ethiopian officials have not ernment of Tigray to justice and Nigeria to immediately reopen 4 mechanisms are put in place to yet responded to the EU’s urged reconstruction to start investigate allegations of announcement of the immediately. land border crossing points

REUTERS — ABUJA The government at a be launched in January, after Three dead in Algeria military helicopter crash cabinet meeting approved the initial reluctance to join the bloc Nigeria will reopen four border reopening of Seme border to for fear of exposing local indus- AFP — ALGIERS water. The ministry said it had opened an inves- crossing points immediately, the South West, Illela and Maig- tries to dumping by countries tigation. Algeria has seen a number of accidents more than a year after closing its atari border in the North West outside Africa. Three Algerian navy officers died when their heli- involving military aircraft in recent years. In land frontiers to crack down on and Mfun in the South. The Discussions to reopen copter crashed into the Mediterranean yesterday January, a fighter jet crashed on a night training smuggling, the government said. others will be reopened on Nigeria’s borders closed to the morning west of the capital Algiers, the defence exercise in the east of the North African country, Nigeria closed its land December 31. movement of goods have been ministry said. The MS-25 Merlin search and rescue killing both of its crew. borders last year to curb smug- It kept restrictions on rice going on for months. helicopter plunged into the sea during a training In April 2018, an Ilyushin Il-76 heavy gling of rice and arms, which it import and some other Nigeria has insisted on flight off the coastal province of Tipaza with three transport aircraft crashed south of Algiers with says threatens efforts to boost products. levying duties on goods trans- pilots on board, a ministry statement said. the loss of all 257 people on board, most of them local production and security, Last month, the government iting its country through neigh- An amateur video showed the helicopter military personnel, the deadliest air accident in and to generate state revenues ratified its membership of the bouring nations to curb spinning out of control then slamming into the Algerian history. through import duties. African free-trade zone due to smuggling.

Kenyan man charged with Kin of kidnapped boys in Nigeria fear time running out REUTERS — KANKARA, NIGERIA adviser with security think tank criminal gangs in the northwest plotting 9/11-style International Crisis Group, said with whom it has been building attack on US Families of more than 300 the boys may have been taken ties. Nigerian soldiers and intel- kidnapped Nigerian over the porous border with ligence officers were combing AP — NEW YORK schoolboys worried they may Niger, about an hour’s drive the Rugu forest on Friday in be brainwashed or held for north, as has happened with search of the roughly 320 Federal authorities yesterday years as security forces past kidnappings in the area missing schoolboys, Abdu unsealed an indictment continued the hunt yesterday “That would make the task Labaran, an aide to Katsina’s charging a Kenyan man with for armed captors possibly of rescuing the boys a lot more state governor, told Reuters. trying to stage a 9/11-style from the jihadist Boko Haram complicated,” he said, adding One of the largest forests in attack on the United States on movement. that they may also have been Nigeria, Rugu straddles three behalf of the militant organi- According to an unverified split into small groups to make states and includes woodland sation Al Shabaab. audio clip, the Islamist group - locating them harder. near the school. Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 30, whose name means “Western Boko Haram and its offshoot, The mass abduction echoes who was arrested in the Phil- education is forbidden” - was Islamic State West Africa Boko Haram’s 2014 kidnapping ippines in 2019, was trans- responsible for last week’s raid Province, have waged a decade- of more than 270 girls from a ferred to US custody on on an all-boys school in long insurgency estimated to school in the northeastern town Tuesday on charges he con- Kankara town in northwestern have displaced about 2 million of Chibok. The attack stunned spired to hijack an aircraft and Katsina state. people and killed more than Nigerians and gave rise to a slam it into a building. “They will radicalise our 30,000. They want to create global #BringBackOurGirls He pleaded not guilty to children if the government does states based on their extreme campaign. terrorism-related charges not act fast to help us rescue interpretation of Islamic sharia Six years on, only about half during a brief court them,” trader Shuaibu Kankara law. have been found or freed. appearance Wednesday and stopped from his home, If Boko Haram carried out Others were married to fighters, was ordered held without stopping to cry. the kidnapping in an area while some are assumed dead. bond. He faces a mandatory His 13-year-old son Annas where it had not previously “We pray it’s not going to minimum 20 years in prison was among those abducted Parents of abducted students walk inside the Government Science claimed attacks, that would be another situation of the if convicted. His defence from the Government Science school in Kankara, in northwestern Katsina state, Nigeria, yesterday. mark a worrying expansion Chibok girls’ abduction,” said attorney declined to comment. school on Friday night. Two beyond its northeastern base, Ahmed Bakori, a farmer whose Prosecutors said Abdullah other sons managed to escape, motorbikes with AK-47 assault marched the boys into a forest. security experts say. But it may 14-year-old son Abubakar was got flight training in the Phil- he added, when men on rifles stormed the school and Nnamdi Obasi, senior have purchased the boys from among those taken. ippines between 2017 and 2019 and obtained a pilot’s license in preparation for an attack. During that time, authorities said in a news Unesco lists couscous as release, Abdullah researched “the means and methods to hijack a commercial airliner,” intangible world heritage including how to breach a cockpit door and “information AFP — RABAT stews, chickpeas and vege- found full expression in the about the tallest building in a tables in a mouth-watering countries’ joint nomination for major US city.” Couscous, the Berber dish variety of dishes. Moroccan the “knowledge, know-how “This case, which involved beloved across northern restaurant owner Hicham and practices pertaining to the a plot to use an aircraft to kill Africa’s Maghreb region and Hazzoum was among the production and consumption innocent victims, reminds us of beyond, yesterday joined the couscous connoisseurs who of couscous”. the deadly threat that radical UN list of the world’s intangible applauded Unesco’s honour. “Women and men, young Islamic terrorists continue to cultural heritage. “I think we are the only Arab and old, sedentary and pose to our nation,” Assistant The countries that sub- countries to have a high regard nomadic, from rural or urban Attorney General for National mitted the listing to Unesco — for this dish,” he said. “It is communities or from immi- Security John Demers said in a Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and impossible not to eat it every grant backgrounds all identify Tunisian chef Taieb Bouhadra serves a patron a dish of lamb and statement. Acting Manhattan US Mauritania — may have their dif- Friday. “Moroccans are crazy with this element,” it gushed. orange couscous at a restaurant in the old town of Tunis, yesterday. Attorney Audrey Strauss called ferences, but their common love about couscous and even “The ethos of couscous is Couscous, the Berber dish beloved across northern Africa’s Maghreb it a “chilling callback to the hor- of the grain staple runs deep. children love it. It shows that the the expression of community and Sahel regions, has become a global foodie favourite. rific attacks of September 11, “Couscous, present at every couscous flame will never go life.” Couscous is prepared 2001.” social or cultural event, is at once out.” from wheat or barley, and Abdullah, prosecutors said, ordinary and special,” their joint Across the region, couscous sometimes from maize, millet symbolic value systems,” said the sisters and all North African started planning the attack in presentation argued. —also known as Seksu, Kusksi or sorghum, which is ground the paper. The girls learn not women who are experts in this.” 2016 under the direction of an “Ordinary because of the and Kseksu — is as elementary into semolina. This is rolled only the techniques, but also “the In an often fractious region, al-Shabab commander who frequency of its use in a family as rice or noodles are to Asian into pellets which are sieved songs, gestures, characteristic there were hopes the joint bid was also involved in planning setting, and special because of cuisine, the staple without and later soaked and oral expressions and ritual would strengthen a sense of a deadly attack in 2019 on a the unifying and propitiatory which no meal is complete. repeatedly steamed. organisation” that go along with common identity. After Algeria hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. role it plays at convivial com- Arabic dictionaries have “Women, in particular, the process. Algerian chef Rabah four years ago sparked the ire The State Department in munity occasions at which food documented “Kuskusi” since play a fundamental role in the Ourrad said about making his of regional rival Morocco by 2008 designated Al Shabaab, is shared.” the 19th century, though it is preparation and consumption couscous dishes: “I didn’t learn planning its own couscous which means “the youth” in Bland by itself, couscous is known to be far older. The of the dish, and in practising this in a cooking school. It’s nomination, the 2020 bid was Arabic, as a foreign terrorist served with meat or fish, spicey regional pride in couscous and preserving the related decades of observing the mother, a cross-Maghreb initiative. organization. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 ASIA 21 India: Apex Court offers to mediate in farmers’ protest

AGENCIES — NEW DELHI The Supreme Court sent notices to the “If these black laws come, leader at a north Delhi protest government will stop buying grain more farmers will go deeper site. at minimum guaranteed prices India’s Supreme Court offered government and the farmers’ representatives into debt,” said 40-year-old The farmers have gathered and corporations will then push yesterday to set up a mediation across the country seeking their views on the Harshdeep Kaur, a widow from at various sites around the prices down. The government panel to end a three-week proposal and set today for a possible decision. Punjab state, at one protest site capital since late last month, says it is willing to pledge that protest by tens of thousands of on the outskirts of the capital, blocking traffic and clashing guaranteed prices will continue. farmers who are demanding the Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices A S New Delhi. with police, at least in the early Nearly 60 percent of the repeal of new agricultural Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian made the offer. “More mothers and sisters days of their action. Indian population depend on reform laws that they say will will become widows like me.” Singh said dozens of buses, agriculture for their drive down crop prices and Suicide by struggling farmers tractors and cars were being livelihoods. devastate their earnings. Ramasubramanian made the The farmers say the laws has been a problem in India for arranged to bring more women Prime Minister Narendra The court sent notices to the offer to set up the panel after will lead to the cartelisation and years. from Punjab - the epicentre of Modi’s government insists the government and the farmers’ five rounds of talks between the commercialisation of agri- Nearly 10,350 farmers and the agitation. reforms will benefit farmers. It representatives across the government and farmers failed culture and make farmers vul- agricultural labourers com- The protesters occupied says they will allow farmers to country seeking their views on to end the impasse. nerable to corporate greed. mitted suicide in 2018 — making several kilometres of a busy market their produce and boost the proposal and set today for “Your negotiations with Protest leaders have up almost eight percent of all main road in western Delhi with production through private a possible decision. protesting farmers have not rejected the government’s offer suicides in India, according to their tractors on Wednesday. investment. The farmers have been worked apparently until now,” to amend some contentious the National Crime Records At a nearby protest site, old On Friday, a farmers’ group blocking half a dozen major the Press Trust of India news provisions of the laws. Bureau. farmers lounged in ramshackle filed a petition with the highways on the outskirts of agency cited the judges as Meanwhile, hundreds of Kaur said her husband com- shelters beside medical stalls Supreme Court seeking the New Delhi for three weeks and telling government Solicitor- Indian women, including many mitted suicide three years ago and makeshift kitchens. repeal of the three laws. The say they won’t leave until the General Tushar Mehta. widows of farmers who were after running up debts of Kaur said she and other Bharatiya Kisan Union, or government quashes what they Apart from blocking the believed to have killed them- Rs500,000 (nearly $7,000). As women were prepared to Indian Farmers’ Union, argued call the “black laws” passed by movement of people, the selves over debt, joined the she spoke, she held a passport protest until the laws were that the laws were arbitrary Parliament in September. massive protest has dealt a blow protest yesterday against gov- sized photo of him. repealed. “More women will because they were enacted Chief Justice S A Bobde and to manufacturing and business ernment reforms that farmers “We’ll keep protesting,” said come,” she said. without proper consultations Justices A S Bopanna and V in northern India. say threaten their livelihoods. Gurbax Singh, a farmer union The farmers fear the with stakeholders. Modi accepts Johnson Australia sues Facebook over invite to G7 summit ‘misleading’ IANS — NEW DELHI PM, Modi stressed the impor- tance of the India-UK part- VPN app Prime Minister Narendra Modi nership in the post-COVID-19 yesterday accepted the invi- world. AFP — SYDNEY tation of British Prime Minister He called for an ambitious Boris Johnson to be part of the and outcome-oriented 360- Australia’s consumer G7 meeting chaired by the UK degree roadmap covering trade watchdog launched legal in 2021, seeking to build a wider and investment, defence and action against Facebook alliance against China’s growing security, migration and yesterday, alleging the social power. mobility, education, energy, media giant “misled” thou- British Foreign Secretary climate change and health, in sands of Australians by Dominic Raab handed over a order to tap the full potential of collecting user data from a free letter from Johnson, inviting the the bilateral relationship. VPN service advertised as Prime Minister to the G7 Modi also conveyed his private. meeting. keenness to receive Johnson in The platform could face a Modi thanked Raab and New Delhi next month, on the fine if found guilty of deceiving accepted the invitation, the occasion of India’s 72nd users, as Australia takes an Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Republic Day celebrations. increasingly assertive stance confirmed in a statement on During his visit, Johnson will towards powerful US tech Wednesday. be just the second British leader titans. The development comes since Indian independence to The Australian Compe- after Johnson’s office earlier attend India’s Republic Day tition and Consumer Com- announced that it had parade in New Delhi as a guest mission (ACCC) has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) of India with Britain’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab during extended the offer to Indian, of honour, after John Major in Facebook and two of its sub- a meeting in New Delhi yesterday. South Korean and Australian 1993. sidiaries — Facebook Israel leaders to take part in the G7 Despite conveying greetings and Onavo Inc — of misleading meeting, “delivering the Prime of Johnson to Modi, the British with India, based on “shared national security law Beijing has China’s assertive moves in the people who downloaded its Minister’s ambition to work Foreign Secretary thanked him values and interests and the imposed in Hong Kong and Indo-Pacific have also resulted virtual private network (VPN) with a group of like-minded for participating in the recently potential to address common London’s decision to ban 5G in greater diplomatic efforts in app Onavo Protect, by col- democracies to advance held Climate Ambition Summit global challenges together”. network services by Huawei the region by the US, Britain and lecting and using their “very shared interests and tackle co-hosted by the UK. Britain’s relationship with Technologies, which it contends the European Union - with detailed and valuable personal common challenges”. Raab also stressed the pri- China has slid to its most con- is closely linked to the Chinese India, Australia and the activity data”. Recalling his recent tele- ority that the UK government’s frontational levels in a gener- government. 10-nation Asean group at the Records of which apps phone conversation with British attaches to elevating relations ation, chiefly because of the Increasing concerns over forefront of their focus. they accessed and the amount of time they spent using them were among the data allegedly used to support Facebook’s Bangladesh celebrates 50th Victory Day amid virus curbs market research. The ACCC alleges IANS — DHAKA At the time of surrender of the country’s golden jubilee local and foreign journalists offi- programmes to celebrate the Facebook and its two partners only a few countries had pro- year of Independence to be cel- cially and it began its duties. With day at the national level, main- falsely represented the now- The people of Bangladesh vided diplomatic recognition to ebrated in 2021. the Declaration of Independence taining the health guidelines in defunct VPN service as yesterday celebrated the 50th the new nation. On behalf of President M on March 6, the country was offi- face of the global pandemic keeping user data “private, Victory Day. On December 16, Bangladesh was born as an Abdul Hamid and Prime Min- cially declared as an independent COVID-19. protected and secret” between 1971, Lieutenant General Amir independent country under the ister Sheikh Hasina their rep- sovereign state. The programs include a February 2016 and October Abdullah Khan Niazi, the Chief leadership of the Father of the resentatives laid the wreath at Bangladesh sought 31-gun salute, placing of 2017. Martial Law Administrator of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh the altar of the National admission to the UN with most wreaths at the monuments to “Consumers often use VPN East Pakistan and Commander Mujibur Rahman at the cost of Memorial around 6.30am. voting in its favour, but China pay homage to martyrs, hoisting services because they care of Pakistan Army forces located supreme sacrifice of three Both of them paid rich vetoed this as Pakistan was its of the national flags atop all about their online privacy, and in East Pakistan had signed the million people and the honour tributes to the martyrs of the key ally. The US, also a key ally government, semi-government that is what this Facebook Instrument of Surrender the led of nearly half a million women. Liberation War by placing of Pakistan, was one of the last and private offices as well as product claimed to offer. In to the formation of Bangladesh. Though the pandemic wreaths at the National nations to accord Bangladesh offices of autonomous bodies fact, Onavo Protect channelled Niazi had signed the COVID-19 has almost paralysed Memorial in Savar, on the out- recognition. across the country, decorating significant volumes of their Instrument and Surrender in the the whole world barring the skirts of Dhaka, marking the To ensure a smooth tran- city streets with miniature personal activity data straight presence of Jagjit Singh Aurora, people from attending any 50th Victory Day. sition, in 1972 the Simla national flags and colourful fes- back to Facebook,” ACCC who was representing the public gathering in person, the After placing the wreath, the Agreement was signed between toons, and illumination of Chair Rod Sims said. Indian and Bangladesh Forces celebration of the Victory Day representatives stood there in India and Pakistan. The treaty important buildings and estab- “We believe that the in Dhaka. got a different dimension. solemn silence for a while as a ensured that Pakistan recog- lishments, roads and street conduct deprived Australian The country was liberated The day is set to be cele- mark of profound respect to the nised the independence of islands at night. consumers of the opportunity from the Pakistani occupation brated as Mujib Borsho, on the memories of the martyrs of the Bangladesh in exchange for the Improved diets will be to make an informed choice on the day after a nine-month- occasion of the birth centenary Great War of Liberation in 1971. return of the Pakistani PoWs. served to inmates of jails, hos- about the collection and use long bloodstained War of Lib- of Bangabandhu from March Bangladesh’s first gov- Bangladesh government has pitals, orphanages, and vagrant of their personal activity data eration in 1971. 2020-March 2021, just ahead ernment was sworn in front of organised elaborate homes across the country. by Facebook and Onavo.” Suspect in Japan anime studio arson charged with murder AFP — TOKYO around the ground floor and won’t come back,” added his setting it alight. father Yasuo Takemoto. “This Japanese prosecutors yesterday Aoba has reportedly con- reality won’t change no matter charged a man with murder fessed to the arson, and is said to what ruling is given.” over the 2019 arson attack on have shouted “drop dead” before The attack sent shock waves Kyoto Animation that killed 36 starting the fire. The charges through the anime industry and people, the country’s deadliest were made after a psychiatric its fans in Japan and around the violent crime in decades. evaluation, local media said. world. “These are people who Shinji Aoba, 42, was There have been claims that carry the Japanese animation detained in the aftermath of the Aoba accused the studio of industry on their shoulders,” July attack, but has been under stealing his work, which Kyoto Kyoto Animation’s president constant medical supervision Animation has denied doing. Hideaki Hatta told reporters at since then after sustaining Many of those killed in the the time. severe burns in the incident. blaze were young, including a “It’s heartbreaking. Jap- The charges include 21-year-old woman. anese jewels were lost.” Aoba murder, attempted murder, Parents of some of those nearly died of the injuries he arson, trespass and breach of killed said news of the charges sustained in the attack, a doctor the arms-control law, the Kyoto did little to ease their pain. who treated him told the Kyoto prosecutor’s office said, without “My feelings don’t change,” Shimbun newspaper recently. giving further details. Chieko Takemoto, who lost her He required 12 operations Protest in Sri Lanka More than 30 people were son Yasuhiro, told NHK. “When to apply skin grafts, the doctor also injured in the attack, in I’m alone, I want to cry remem- said, and the hospital opted to A police officer orders protesters to disperse as they staged a demonstration near the office of which Aoba is accused of bering him... I’m so sad he’s use Aoba’s own skin rather than President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. breaking into the studio’s gone.” “No matter what (Aoba) a graft bank “to avoid shortages building, spreading gasoline says in the court, Yasuhiro of skin for (his) victims”. 22 ASIA THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 Taliban team in Pakistan as calls grow for Afghan truce AP — ISLAMABAD Taliban spokesman in both Kabul and in Mohammad Naeem Washington. A Taliban team, led by the Taliban spokesman co-founder of the insurgent tweeted that “a high Mohammad Naeem tweeted movement, arrived yesterday level delegation” late on Tuesday that “a high in Islamabad for talks with level delegation” led by Baradar Pakistani government leaders led by Baradar “left “left for Islamabad at the official amid growing calls for a for Islamabad at the invitation” of Pakistan. The del- reduction in violence in neigh- official invitation” of egation was to meet Pakistani bouring Afghanistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan and The visit came as the Pakistan. Foreign Minister Shah Taliban unleashed a wave of Mahmood Qureshi, as well as attacks in Afghanistan, striking and violence of mujahedeen military officials. in northern Baghlan and warlords who took power from However, it is unclear if the southern Uruzgan province late the former communist regime Taliban visit to Pakistan would on Tuesday and early yesterday. in 1992. yield any progress toward even At least 19 members of the Pakistan was key in getting a temporary cease-fire in Afghan security forces and 11 the Taliban to the negotiation Afghanistan. Taliban fighters were killed in table with the United States in President Donald Trump fierce battles, officials said. 2018. Those talks eventually led accelerated the withdrawal of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (right) walking along with Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to the US-Taliban deal that was US troops from Afghanistan Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar upon his arrival with the delegation for talks at the Pakistan Foreign and his delegation were sum- signed in February, providing earlier this month, with another moned to Islamabad from for the withdrawal of US and 2,000 troops returning home Ministry, in Islamabad yesterday. Qatar, where they have been Nato troops from Afghanistan. by early January and leaving negotiating since September The deal also paved way for just 2,500 American soldiers spoke on condition of ano- insurgents. Basharat said an wounded two others. with Afghan government rep- the start of talks between the behind. nymity to discuss the investigation was underway He added that at least 11 resentatives, officials close to Taliban and the Afghan gov- The final withdrawal hinges negotiations. into the attack. Taliban fighters were killed and the talks said. The visit comes ernment, which began in Sep- on Taliban fulfilling their com- The Taliban have so far A provincial health six others were wounded in the on the heels of US peace envoy tember in efforts to hammer out mitment to cut off Al Qaida and rejected that a cease-fire be on department official, who was not fighting there, which ended Zalmay Khalilzad’s quick trip a roadmap for post-war other militant groups and the agenda of the Qatar talks. authorized to speak with the early in the morning on Tuesday to Pakistan’s mil- Afghanistan. The talks, after ensure that Afghan territory is In the latest attacks in media, said bodies of 13 yesterday. itary in the garrison city of some recent procedural not used for attacks on the Afghanistan, Jawed Basharat, policemen and five wounded The Taliban did not imme- Rawalpindi. progress, have been suspended United States. The Islamic State spokesman for the provincial were brought to a city hospital diately offer any comment on The Pakistani military has till early January. group — a rival of the Taliban - police chief in Baghlan early yesterday. One of the the attack in Uruzgan. wielded significant influence Kabul has called for the is seen as America’s greatest province, said the Taliban wounded died shortly afterward, In Kabul, a roadside bomb over the Taliban and has had talks to resume inside Afghan- security threat in Afghanistan. attacked a police checkpoint the health official said. struck a vehicle early on links with some of their leaders istan while the Taliban insist Khalilzad has called on both near Puli Khumri, the provincial In the Uruzgan attack, Wednesday, wounding two — then part of the US-backed they continue in Doha. sides in the Qatar talks to press capital. Ahmad Shah Sahil, spokesman people, according to police mujahedeen — dating back to Meanwhile, Washington has toward a political solution, but Taliban spokesman Zabi- for the provincial governor, said spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz. the 1980s and the former Soviet been increasingly frustrated by the stepped-up violence by the hullah Mujahid, however, a Taliban attack on a checkpoint On Tuesday, a lawyer was shot Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. a spike in violence in Afghan- Taliban is undermining claimed that Afghan security late on Tuesday in Dehrawad and killed in the latest target The Taliban emerged in 1994 in istan and calls for a cease-fire progress, according to officials forces had shelled civilian areas, district killed five members of killings sweeping the country. response to runaway corruption have been reaching crescendo familiar with the talks. They prompting a response from the the security forces and Indonesia to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to all Heart-warming reunion

REUTERS — JAKARTA authorities saying that The president, widely Indonesia stocks rallied on healthcare workers in Java and known as Jokowi, said he had Wednesday with Hariyanto for Rohingya refugee Indonesia will provide free Bali, and people aged between instructed the finance minister Wijaya, an analyst at Mirae coronavirus vaccines to its 18 and 56 deemed most at risk to reallocate spending for the Asset Sekuritas Indonesia, AFP — LHOKSEUMAWE Months later, and against all citizens when the world’s fourth given their high mobility, would programme. attributing the 1.8 percent rise odds, Shah was reunited with most populous nation starts its be prioritised. Amid concerns over vaccine in the main index to positive Weeks after a funeral for the Majuma and their six-year-old inoculation programme, Pres- “After receiving many peo- safety and whether shots would sentiment after the vaccine wife and daughter he thought daughter Fatima, living ident Joko Widodo said ple’s suggestions and after be halal, an issue for many in announcement. had died at sea trying to reach together in their new home —a yesterday, adding he would get recalculating state financial cal- the world’s largest Muslim- Ten months after officially him, Nemah Shah was stunned makeshift cubicle in former the first shot to reassure people culations, I can say that majority nation, the president recording its first cases, Indo- when he saw online images of school buildings in Lhokse- on safety. COVID-19 vaccines for citizens said he would be the first nesia has more than 629,000 them emerging from a refugee umawe that Indonesian The sprawling, developing will be free,” the president said recipient. confirmed coronavirus infec- boat in Indonesia. authorities have turned into a country received its first in a video statement from “This to provide assurance tions and 19,000 deaths, the What followed was an camp for the refugees. shipment of vaccines, 1.2 Jakarta’s state palace. and trust to people that the highest tallies in Southeast incredible reunion story retold Rohingya have for decades million doses from China’s The decision comes as the vaccine is safe,” he said. Asia. during an in-depth investi- endured persecution in Bud- Sinovac Biotech in early country of 270 million faces an He did not specify which Indonesia is looking to gation into human trafficking dhist-majority Myanmar, December, but is awaiting escalating coronavirus outbreak vaccine he would receive but a secure 246.6 million vaccine of the Rohingya, a stateless where they are not recognised emergency use authorisation and also after social media phase III trial of Sinovac’s Coro- doses and has also been in Muslim minority group driven as citizens, and smuggling from its food and drug agency. campaigns urging authorities naVac is being conducted in negotiations with Pfizer, Astra- out of Myanmar. routes out by land and sea have Another 1.8 million doses to provide vaccines free of Indonesia but the results are yet Zeneca, and global vaccine pro- As he was still grieving the long existed. are due in January with charge. to be released. gramme COVAX. loss of his family, Shah said he Shah said he fled Myanmar was astonished to see his wife six years ago, ending up in rel- and daughter among a boatload atively affluent and Muslim- China indicts 10 of 100 Rohingya refugees who majority Malaysia. landed near the Indonesian He left behind Majuma and Hong Kong town of Lhokseumawe in June. his then infant daughter. “When I recognised my They too soon escaped residents over wife and daughter,” Shah said, Myanmar, but only across the referring to the online images, border into neighbouring Bang- attempt to flee “it was the happiest day of my ladesh where they joined a life.” million Rohingya living in dire AP — HONG KONG Video and photos taken of conditions in refugee camps. the landing by international After years of saving tiny Chinese prosecutors yesterday media showed Shah’s wife and amounts that Shah was able to announced the indictment of daughter among those getting send back to Bangladesh, 10 people from Hong Kong out of a rickety boat pulled to Majuma was able to pay people over an attempt to flee the city shore by concerned locals. smugglers for a spot on a boat amid a crackdown on oppo- Shah was in Malaysia, to Malaysia. sition political activity. where at least 100,000 But while traffickers The Yantian district prose- Rohingyas live as refugees, promise their passengers will cutor’s office in the city of working as a labourer in the make the roughly 4,000km Shenzhen just across the border construction industry earning journey to Malaysia in a week, from Hong Kong said on its the equivalent of $500 a month. the reality can be months at microblog that 10 of the suspects The arrival of the boat was sea, without even making it were charged with illegally huge news in the Rohingya there — or worse. crossing the border while two community there and Shah, 24, More than 200 are believed were also charged with organ- watched the footage online. to have died at sea this year, ising the attempted journey. Through the Rohingya according to the UN’s refugee Two others are minors and network, Shah was eventually agency, with starvation, illness, a decision on how to handle their able to connect with his wife, dehydration and beatings by the cases will be made at a later time, Majuma, by mobile phone. smugglers among the reasons. the office said. Relatives of the JI senior leader moved to Jakarta The call lasted just a few Majuma and Fatima left in 12 say they have been prevented minutes. It was enough for February. But after Shah did from hiring their own lawyers Police escort 57-year-old Zulkarnaen, a senior leader of the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah, Shah to promptly quit his job not hear from them for months, and that the accusations against who had been on the run for his alleged role in the 2002 Bali bombings, upon arrival at Jakarta’s and start making plans to get he gave up hope and held a them are politically motivated. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang in Indonesia, yesterday. to Indonesia. funeral ceremony. The 12 were arrested at sea in August while they were apparently attempting to flee to Taiwan after a tough Thai researcher wonders if chicken feathers on the menu might fly national security law took effect in Hong Kong. REUTERS— BANGKOK/NAKHON protein-rich source of edible Sorawut, who studied for a after tucking into “steak” served towards vegan or vegetarian They were picked up after PATHOM food. Masters of Material Futures in with gravy, mashed potatoes diets, amid growing concerns entering mainland Chinese “Chicken feather contains London, said the idea still and a salad. “I really could about health risks from eating waters for crossing the mar- When Sorawut Kittibanthorn protein and if we are able to needs to go through other imagine this (being served) to meat, animal welfare and the itime border without per- was looking for new types of serve this protein to others in research and development me in some like, Michelin star environmental hazards of mission. At least some took waste to recycle, the then the world, the demand from phases. (restaurant), or some fine dining intensive animal farming. part in anti-government pro- London-based student was everyone... will help reduce But prototypes including experience.” While feather-based foods tests in 2019 and were facing drawn to the millions of tons of waste,” Sorawut said. his take on chicken nuggets Hathairat Rimkeeree, a food could not be categorised as charges in Hong Kong. chicken feathers being Indeed the potential appears and a steak substitute have sciences professor at Kasesart vegan or vegetarian, Sorawut Since the imposition of the discarded each year. huge, given that Sorawut received positive reviews from University, was also pleasantly feels they should be considered national security law in June, Now back in his homeland reckons about 2.3 million tons some. surprised by the results. ethical dining. a number of government of Thailand, the 30-year-old is of feathers are being dumped in “You know the texture is “I think it does have the “I plan to approach the critics have sought refuge seeking funding to continue his Europe alone each year. very complex and advanced. It’s potential to become an alter- zero-waste restaurants first abroad, many in Taiwan, a research into how best to And with generally higher something you wouldn’t native food source in the because even though these self-governing democracy that convert the nutrient com- poultry consumption in Asia, he imagine that chicken feathers future.” dishes are made from poultry has no formal ties with China’s ponent found in the feathers believes there could be up to will be able to improvise into Plant-based substitutes for waste, it is still a by-product authoritarian Communist into a powder that can be 30% more feather waste that this kind of dish,” said food meat have been gaining popu- from animals (we normally government. transformed into a lean, could be exploited in the region. blogger Cholrapee Asvinvichit, larity as more people shift consume).” THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 EUROPE 23 Court jails 13 accomplices over Charlie Hebdo attack

AFP — PARIS Christophe Deloire, the head of press freedom in January 2015, beginning with extremists don’t have the last political terror”. group Reporters Without Borders, said he the massacre of 12 people at the word. Thanks to justice, it is The Kouachi brothers A Paris court yesterday handed magazine, which had published freedom that has the last word,” claimed they were acting on jail terms ranging from four welcomed the verdict. “It is proof that violent cartoons of Prophet Muhammad he wrote on Twitter. behalf of Al Qaeda, while years to life to 13 accomplices extremists don’t have the last word. Thanks to (Peace Be Upon Him). “The cycle of violence, Coulibaly had sworn loyalty to convicted of helping gunmen That attack was followed by which had began in the offices the IS militant group. who massacred cartoonists at justice, it is freedom that has the last word,” he the murder of a French police- of Charlie Hebdo, will finally be Columnist Sigolene Vinson, satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo write on Twitter. woman and the hostage-taking closed,” its editor-in-chief who survived the Charlie Hebdo and customers at a Jewish at the Hyper Cacher market in Laurent “Riss” Sourisseau, who massacre, told the court of the supermarket in early 2015. which four Jewish men were was badly injured in the attacks, “deathly silence” in the office Ali Riza Polat, accused by he was also tried in absentia and considered him to have already killed. wrote in an editorial. as her colleagues lay dead all prosecutors of being a right- is presumed to be dead in Syria. been convicted at a separate Over three months long, the “At least from the per- around her. hand man of one of the A total of 14 suspected trial in January. trial was repeatedly held up due spective of criminal law, Former Hyper Cacher attackers, was convicted of accomplices went on trial over Those on trial were accused to the coronavirus pandemic because from a human one, the cashier Zarie Sibony described complicity in terror crimes by the attacks, three of them in of assisting brothers Said and but has again highlighted the consequences will never be stepping over bodies in the the court and given a 30-year absentia. Cherif Kouachi, who carried out horror of the attacks, during a erased, as the testimony of the aisles of the supermarket during sentence. All of those present in court the Charlie Hebdo massacre, period when France has faced victims at the trial showed,” Riss Coulibaly’s four-hour standoff The court gave the same were convicted for their role in and their accomplice, the super- new killings blamed on added. with police. term in absentia to Hayat Bou- providing support for the market hostage-taker Amedy radicals. Riss acknowledged in his Those killed in the Charlie meddiene, the partner of one of killings. Coulibaly. Christophe Deloire, the editorial that there had been Hebdo attack included some of the attackers. She fled to Syria A 14th accused, Mehdi Bel- All three attackers were head of press freedom group “great difficulty” in establishing France’s most celebrated car- in the wake of the killings. houcine, the brother of killed by French security forces Reporters Without Borders the criminal responsibility of toonists such as Jean Cabut, A life jail sentence was given Mohamed and also presumed after the attacks. (RSF), said he welcomed the the accused in the hearings, known as Cabu, 76, Georges to another prime suspect, dead, was not sentenced on Seventeen people were verdict. while adding the trial was “first Wolinski, 80, and Stephane Mohamed Belhoucine, although Wednesday because the court killed over three days of attacks “It is proof that violent and foremost that of this “Charb” Charbonnier, 47. Rising COVID-19 Europe tightens virus curbs cases worrying, as holiday surge fears grow says Spain PM AFP — BERLIN stock up on the Pfizer vaccine with one company agreeing to AFP — MADRID Several European countries buy 100 million doses subject tightened restrictions to local approval — the country Spanish Prime Minister Pedro yesterday, as Germany set a is mixing its vaccination Sanchez yesterday called a record for daily deaths and the strategy between locally recent rise in coronavirus US broke its own daily high for developed drugs and imported infections “worrying”, warning infection numbers. ones. that stricter measures to curb The tougher measures Britain’s government said the spread could be needed for came as EU countries agreed yesterday it had delivered the Christmas. to rollout vaccinations on the first jabs to 137,000 people, but Spain was one of the first same day. high infection numbers still European nations to suffer a “To get to the end of the forced London to join large second spike in COVID-19 pandemic, we will need up to parts of England under tough infections but restrictions such 70 percent of the population restrictions. as nighttime curfews helped vaccinated,” European Com- Restaurants and other hos- to halve the incidence level in mission chief Ursula von der pitality sites will close, as will November. Leyen told MEPs. theatres and other enter- But the number of daily Pressure has been tainment venues. infections had risen to more mounting on the bloc since “The hospitality business than 10,000 on Tuesday from Britain and the United States needs this week, and it’s dev- A slogan reading “Masks obligatory” is painted on the street as Germany went back to a complete roughly 9,000 at the beginning both started their programmes, astating. It is devastatingly lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, in Hamburg yesterday. of December, according to using a vaccine developed in awful,” said Lesley Lewis, a res- health ministry figures. the EU by Pfizer and BioNTech. taurant owner. “But if this is “In recent days we have The World Health Organi- what it takes to save lives, that’s observed a worrying rise in the Record virus toll in Germany amid new lockdown zation’s European wing yes- what we have to do.” number of cases,” Sanchez AFP — FRANKFURT AM MAIN Tuesday’s figures, potentially stop the spread of a resurgent terday warned of a resurgence Denmark, France, Turkey said during a debate in boosting the latest numbers. virus in recent months. of the virus on the continent and the Netherlands have all parliament. Germany reported a record Some 83 percent of critical The latest restrictions will early next year, urging special tightened their coronavirus The prime minister said he number of deaths from care beds in hospitals were apply until at least January 10, precautions over the holiday restrictions. would not hesitate to instruct COVID-19 yesterday, the first occupied yesterday, the coun- with companies also urged to season. Hopes for an end to the regional governments, which day of a new partial lockdown try’s intensive care and emer- allow employees to work from “It may feel awkward to pandemic have been boosted are responsible for health care, to try to halt a surge in infec- gency medicine association home or to offer extended wear masks and practise by positive assessments of the to toughen their Christmas tions. (DIVI) said. company holidays. physical distancing when Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. plans. A total of 952 people died The new restrictions, Authorities want to around friends and family, but The US Food and Drug The rules that have so far in the previous 24 hours, including closures of schools “implement the principle of doing so contributes signifi- Administration on Tuesday been introduced for the hol- according to the Robert Koch and non-essential shops, dem- ‘we’re staying at home’”, cantly to ensuring that eve- issued an upbeat briefing about idays include a cap on the size Institute disease control centre. onstrate the seriousness of the according to the policy paper ryone remains safe and Moderna ahead of a meeting of of indoor gatherings and It said 27,728 new corona- situation in Europe’s largest agreed by Chancellor Angela healthy,” the health agency experts on whether to grant it restrictions on travel within virus cases were registered, a economy, as measures are Merkel and 16 state premiers. said. emergency approval. Spain. figure close to the daily record ramped up in the run-up to Social contacts will have to Germany has joined calls The US has already started “It is up to us to not to open of nearly 30,000 infections Christmas — as elsewhere in remain restricted over the for the European Union’s health using the Pfizer-BioNTech the door to a third wave,” reported on Friday. Europe. Christmas period from regulator to approve the Pfizer- vaccine and on Tuesday the Sanchez said. “We can’t let our Saxony, a region with some Germany coped relatively December 24 to 26, when BioNTech vaccine “before FDA also approved the coun- guard down.” of Germany’s highest rates of well with the first wave in the meetings will only be possible Christmas”. try’s first rapid at-home test for Spain has been one of infection, was not included in spring but has been unable to between close family members. China is also looking to COVID-19. Europe’s worst-hit countries, with the virus infecting more than 1.7 million people and causing over 48,000 deaths. Landmark ruling links death of London schoolgirl to pollution Worldwide, more than 73.4 million infections and over 1.6 REUTERS — LONDON pollution,” said Barlow from left the EU, though the gov- pushed for this, a second to the UK government,” said million deaths have been Southwark Coroner’s Court in ernment has pledged to include inquest, arguing that an initial Katie Nield, lawyer at environ- recorded so far. Air pollution contributed to the south London. air-quality targets as part of an hearing in 2014 failed to con- mental law charity ClientEarth, But with wealthy nations death of a London schoolgirl, a He said air pollution was a environment bill. sider air pollution as a possible which helped Kissi-Debrah’s reserving more than half of coroner ruled yesterday in a “significant contributory factor” The coroner said Kissi-Deb- cause of her death. legal team. next year’s potential doses, landmark case that could push that had exacerbated her rah’s mother, Rosamund, was They said there was evi- “This is a historic and a there are fears the poorer parts Britain to get tougher on traffic asthma, with the principal not informed of the health risks dence to link Kissi-Debrah’s ground-breaking decision of the world will be left behind. and clean up city air. source of her exposure being of air pollution, otherwise she hospital visits to illegal air pol- which shows the devastating Even if the drug makers all After a two-week inquest, traffic emissions. would have taken steps to lution near her home in south impacts of air pollution and the produce effective, safe vac- coroner Philip Barlow said the Under European Union (EU) prevent her daughter’s death. London. urgent need to clean up the air cines and meet their maximum death in 2013 of Ella Kissi- laws, the annual average con- “Today was a landmark Campaigners and legal we breathe,” said Larissa global manufacturing targets, Debrah, aged 9, was caused by centration level of nitrogen case, a 7 year fight has resulted experts said the “historic” Lockwood, who leads Global a study published yesterday by acute respiratory failure, severe dioxide cannot exceed 40 in air pollution being recognised verdict could push the British Action Plan’s clean air cam- Johns Hopkins University asthma and exposure to micrograms per cubic metre of on Ella’s death certificate. government to get tough on air paign. “We hope this verdict will warned that “at least a fifth of pollution. air (ug/m3) — a target Britain Hopefully this will mean many pollution. set a new precedent, putting air the world’s population would “I will conclude that Ella has missed for a decade. more children’s lives being “The coroner’s unam- pollution higher on the agenda not have access” until year died of asthma contributed to It is unclear whether Britain saved,” she wrote on Twitter. biguous finding is a legal first of our decision makers,” she 2022. by exposure to excessive air will stick to that limit now it has Kissi-Debrah’s family had and will certainly send a signal said in a statement. Green signal to Heathrow Airport expansion REUTERS — LONDON government had noted the court’s runway was still vital for the future. judgment and would respond in due “Demand for aviation will recover Britain’s top court gave the go-ahead to course. from COVID-19, and the additional the expansion of Heathrow Airport In February, a court had declared the capacity at an expanded Heathrow will yesterday, allowing the $19bn plan to expansion unlawful, ruling in favour of allow Britain as a sovereign nation to proceed after decades of legal battles and climate change campaigners. The judge compete for trade and win against our political wrangling. had said that a failure to take into account rivals in France and Germany,” a Hea- The Supreme Court ruling overturned the British government’s commitments on throw spokesman said in a statement. a previous court decision that had blocked climate change was “legally fatal” to the Heathrow and its supporters argue that the plan on environmental grounds. plans. Britain’s departure from the European Heathrow, Britain’s biggest airport, But a Supreme Court judge told a Union makes expansion critical to ensuring currently has only two runways and is virtual session yesterday that the gov- the country can increase trade with the keen to proceed despite the plunge in air ernment had taken climate change com- rest of the world. The new runway won’t traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic that mitments into account when designing its be opened until the 2030s, Heathrow has has seen it lose its crown as the busiest airport policy. said. hub in Europe. “For these reasons, the Court unani- The airport is owned by Spain’s Fer- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been mously concludes that the appeal should rovial, the Qatar Investment Authority and a vociferous opponent of the expansion, be allowed. The airports national policy China Investment Corp, among others. which was approved under the previous statement is lawful,” Judge Philip Sales The ruling represents a setback to government. As mayor of London, he said said. wider hopes among climate campaigners in 2015 he would lie down in front of bull- Since February, the aviation sector has of using Heathrow as a test case to develop dozers if necessary to stop construction been hit by its worst ever downturn, similar legal challenges to heavily polluting A demonstrator holding a placard during a protest against the expansion of the third runway. meaning Heathrow now has plenty of transport, energy or other projects in other of Heathrow airport outside the Supreme Court in London, yesterday. His spokesman said yesterday the spare capacity, but the airport said another countries. 24 EUROPE THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 Belarus opposition wins rights prize, calls for EU support

AP — BRUSSELS the award to them. At the same time, Tsikhanouskaya appealed Former Belarus presidential to the 27-nation bloc to be Standing for democracy candidate Sviatlana Tsikha- braver in its actions. and human rights is not nouskaya urged the European “Standing for democracy interference, but it is duty Union to step up its support for and human rights is not inter- embattled democracy ference, but it is duty of each of each self-respecting protesters in her country, as she self-respecting country,” she country. picked up the EU’s top human told EU lawmakers, speaking in rights prize yesterday on behalf English. “Your solidarity and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya of a group of opposition leaders. your voice are important, but it Former presidential candidate “Without a free Belarus, is actions that matter.” of Belarus Europe is not fully free either. Mass protests have gripped We ask Europe and the whole Belarus since official results from world to stand with Belarus,” the August 9 presidential election President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli (third left), applauds and congratulates Belarus Tsikhanouskaya told law- gave Lukashenko a landslide associates. opposition figure, Veranika Tsapkala (second left), and Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya makers in Brussels as she col- victory over his popular rival, Belarus authorities have lected the Sakharov Prize, Tsikhanouskaya, and a sixth term cracked down hard on the (third right) during the Sakharov Human Rights Prize ceremony at European Parliament yesterday. which was awarded by the in office. She and her supporters largely peaceful demonstra- European Parliament to the refused to recognise the result, tions, the biggest of which since the protests began, and and we will win,” she said. institutions. Belarus opposition in October. saying the vote was riddled with attracted up to 200,000 people. thousands were brutally beaten. European Parliament President “We see your courage. We Holding aloft photographs fraud, and some poll workers Police have used stun grenades, Four people are reported to David Sassoli paid tribute to the can see the courage of women. of Belarusians who have rallied came forward to detail how the tear gas and truncheons to dis- have died. Belarus opposition, and said We see your suffering. We see against authoritarian Belarus election was rigged in their areas. perse the rallies. Mass deten- “What is a better recog- that the assembly wants to the unspeakable abuses. We see President Alexander The EU also refuses to rec- tions have continued. nition that we are free send a fact-finding mission to the violence. Your aspiration Lukashenko, protesters who ognize the results and has According to human rights thinkers? What is a better the country in the next few and determination to live in a often been detained and beaten imposed sanctions on advocates, more than 30,000 motivation for us to keep months, along with represent- democratic country inspires us,” by security forces, she dedicated Lukashenko and several of his people have been detained going? We are bound to win, atives from other EU Sassoli said. Russian FM dismisses media reports about Navalny poisoning Norway PM says country should AP — MOSCOW news, but the manner in which days later. Labs in Germany, operatives from the FSB, Rus- poison laboratories after ana- (it was) presented says only one France and Sweden, and tests sia’s domestic security agency, lysing telephone metadata and not seek new Russia’s top diplomat yesterday thing: that our Western partners by the Organization for the Pro- followed Navalny during his flight information. It mentioned brushed off media reports that lack any ethical norms and any hibition of Chemical Weapons, trips since 2017, had “spe- two instances in 2019 and 2020, deal with EU there had been several attempts skills of normal diplomatic established that Russia’s oppo- cialized training in chemical in which Navalny or his wife to poison Kremlin critic Alexei work, and (are unwilling) to be sition leader was exposed to a weapons, chemistry and med- Yulia suffered from unexplained REUTERS — OSLO Navalny and that Russian guided by international law Soviet-era Novichok nerve icine” and ”were in the vicinity symptoms. security forces might have norms when it’s about estab- agent. of the opposition activist in the “The case is solved. I know Norway should not try to rene- orchestrated and carried out the lishing facts,” Lavrov said at a Navalny and his allies have days and hours of the time- all of those who tried to kill me,” gotiate the terms of its poisoning. news conference after meeting repeatedly accused the Kremlin range during which he was Navalny wrote in his blog membership of the European Foreign Minister Sergey with his Croatian counterpart of the poisoning, allegations poisoned.” shortly after the report was single market as some oppo- Lavrov said Moscow was “used in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. officials have dismissed. The investigation, con- published. sition parties argue, Prime to” Western countries airing Navalny fell ill on August 20 On Monday, the investi- ducted by Bellingcat and The The politician, who is con- Minister Erna Solberg said accusations against Russia in during a domestic flight in gative group Bellingcat and Insider in cooperation with CNN valescing in Germany, said his yesterday, citing Britain’s diffi- the media. Russia, and was flown in a coma Russian outlet The Insider and Der Spiegel, identified the team was able to verify the culties in negotiating its “It’s amusing to read all this to Germany for treatment two released a report alleging that supposed FSB operatives and findings departure from the bloc. With little more than two weeks left until Britain fully EU inspection of quits the world’s largest trade Netherlands govt further bloc, London and Brussels are Belarus nuclear still locked in difficult talks on tightens lockdown rules their future relationship. plant cancelled Solberg said Norway, a AP — THE HAGUE issue that threatened to country of 5.4 million people, BLOOMBERG undermine generally wide would be unlikely to get better The Dutch government support for the lockdown. terms than its current deal if it A visit by European experts to yesterday tightened even In a letter to parliament, the followed a similar path. review safety measures at a further the strict five-week government said that only “Is it credible that little new nuclear power plant in coronavirus lockdown that stores where sales of essential Norway will get a better deal Belarus this week has been went into force just a day items such as food, non-pre- with the EU than big Britain cancelled but the country is earlier, amid a backlash over scription medicines, pet food can? I don’t think so,” Solberg, ready to host them at a later some large stores remaining and sanitary products who faces an election in nine date, its regulator said open. Opposition lawmakers amounted to more than 70% of months, told a news yesterday. criticized lockdown rules that their turnover would be allowed conference. The visit to the Astravets allowed stores to remain at least to remain open. “We are going to see even station, where the process of partially open if some of the One of the companies that more clearly how complicated A woman shops at an Action discount store in Amsterdam yesterday. coming into service began last products they sell are had faced criticism for opening it is to leave the European eco- month, follows allegations by considered “essential” such as stores, Hema, said in a nomic community. Parties neighbouring Lithuania, a food and sanitary products. statement it would close all its the chain’s CEO Tjeerd Jegen local authorities sometimes had who say it is defensible to European Union member, of Green Left party leader Jess shops on Thursday. A fixture in said. “At the same time, (these to call on people not to visit leave the European single safety issues at the Klaver tweeted that allowing most Dutch towns and cities, times) require flexibility and overcrowded shopping streets. market because we can nego- 2,400-megawatt plant. large chains to stay open while Hema stores sell everything tolerance. That also applies to In the central city of Utrecht, tiate a new, better deal should At a summit last week, EU small local stores are forced to from food to clothing, stationery us. If that means we have to Michale Moelens said the gov- look at the terms,” she said. leaders underlined the impor- shut their doors to rein in infec- and kitchen equipment. close our doors to ensure ernment waited too long to put “Britain has not yet suc- tance of ensuring the facility tions “is the exact opposite of “It is a shame that previ- health, we will.” the country in lockdown. ceeded in negotiating a deal meets EU-recognised the solidarity we so badly need ously-made clear agreements Schools closed yesterday “A lot of people get sick for with the European Union.” The standards. during this lockdown.” that could have led to Hema and streets in Dutch towns and nothing because they could Centre Party has become the Rosatom Corp., the Russian The government moved contributing to the spreading of cities were far less busy than in (have handled) this much biggest political force in the state company building the swiftly to bring an end to an shop visits cannot be achieved,” previous days and weeks when earlier,” Moelens said. Nordic country, a poll released facility, this week denied there earlier this month showed, are any safety issues at the channelling the anger of plant, asserting that the ups farmers and rural Norwegians and downs in power levels Russian vaccine rollout gathers pace; virus cases rise who say their concerns are not seen in recent weeks are a being heard in Oslo, in an echo normal part of the process of REUTERS — MOSCOW 200,000 people in Russia have the beds allocated to COVID 12,000 people hospitalised of trends seen elsewhere in bringing the plant into service. already been vaccinated against patients were vacant. there with the virus, leaving a Europe and North America. Rosatom declined to comment St Petersburg is running out of the disease. Russia is battling a “We understand that addi- reserve of around 5,000 vacant It opposes Norway ever on the delay yesterday. hospital beds for COVID-19 second wave of the virus and, tional capacities need to be beds. The capital did not plan joining the European Union “Belarus remains com- patients, city authorities said, while authorities have so far deployed,” he told local tele- to impose a lockdown or other and wants to replace its single mitted to receive the visit and as one of around half a dozen relied on targeted curbs rather vision late on Tuesday. harsh restrictions over the next market affiliation, which gives will provide everything nec- firms licenced to produce than imposing a second The city of around 5 million few months, he said. wide access for its goods and essary,” said Oleg Sobolev, Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine national lockdown to contain people has recorded 6,529 Russia recorded nearly services in return for following spokesman for the nuclear began deliveries across the it, the Kremlin warned last deaths since the start of the 140,000 deaths in excess of the EU rules, with a set of tradi- regulator, noting that the country. week that St Petersburg was pandemic, compared with five-year average between tional trade agreements and agency is still waiting for Biotech group Biocad said close to crossing a “red line”. 48,564 nationwide. April and October, including more national autonomy. official word from the EU on yesterday it was supplying shots Oleg Ergashev, deputy gov- Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor more than 50,000 in October, Norway twice rejected the fate of the mission, as part of a national inoculation ernor in the city, Russia’s of Moscow, told the city’s par- state statistics service data joining what is now the EU, in including possible alternative programme. More than second largest, said just 4% of liament there were about showed. 1972 and 1994. dates. “Belarus is ready to show the experts the nuclear plant and to fulfil all voluntary obli- Bulgaria to extend curbs till January 31 gations regarding it.” The EU didn’t immediately REUTERS — SOFIA the total infections to 184,287 that would wipe out any pos- respond to a request for including 6,005 deaths. Close itive effect so far. comment. Bulgaria plans to keep its to 7,000 people are in hospital. The opening of hotels’ res- The December 16-18 visit schools, restaurants and “After observing the pressure taurants can be seen as an to the plant was to be part of shopping malls closed until on the healthcare system...we attempt to help the country’s ski an inspection by the European January 31 to contain the spread are proposing to extend the resorts, hard hit by the pan- Nuclear Safety Regulators of coronavirus and help its restrictions with few excep- demic, mitigate at least partially Group, an independent strained healthcare system, the tions,” Health Minister Kostadin their losses. PM Boyko Borissov advisory body, that combined health minister said yesterday. Angelov told a government said the extension of the restric- online consultations with the The restrictions, which meeting. tions would cost an additional trip to the site. The mission were due to end on December Under the plan, kinder- 250 million levs ($156m) to was announced in October and 21, have helped decrease the gartens and primary schools compensate closed businesses, is part of a peer review of surge in new infections, but the will be allowed to reopen as of but said the government would Belarus’ plan of actions fol- country of 7 million people still January 4. Restaurants at hotels listen to the anti-COVID lowing stress tests of the plant. has the highest COVID-19 death will also be allowed to open for taskforce. On Monday, EU Energy rate per 100,000 people in the guests but at 50% of their “We have to go through Commissioner Kadri Simson Light sculptures European Union. capacity. Restaurants and hotel these days. The pandemic is called for conducting the On Wednesday, Bulgaria owners have been pushing for unpredictable, so we need to A man walks in front of light sculptures of polar bears set up for review “as quickly as possible.” reported 2,743 new coronavirus the lifting of the restriction protect ourselves with disci- the upcoming New Year holidays in Moscow yesterday. Findings were to be published cases, down from about 4,000 ahead of Christmas and New pline, distance and disin- early next year. per day in November, bringing Year, but medical officials say fection,” he said. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 AMERICAS 25 Brazil sees AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines ready for use by February

REUTERS — SAO PAULO these vaccines received and reg- Anvisa’s credibility should not istered to start the plan,” said Brazil’s federal be questioned, as it was doing Two coronavirus vaccines, from Pazuello. government has a deal to technical work in the public AstraZeneca and China’s Brazil’s federal government service. He said logistics would Sinovac, may be ready for use has a deal to buy the vaccine buy the vaccine not be a problem, saying airlines in Brazil by mid-February, the developed by Oxford University developed by Oxford and trucking firms had offered country’s health minister said and AstraZeneca, and Sao Paulo University and to distribute vaccines for free. yesterday, although the timing state has partnered with Chinese AstraZeneca, while Sao More than 180,000 people of the national rollout will vaccine maker Sinovac Biotech. Paulo state has partnered have died from COVID-19 in depend on regulatory Bolsonaro has repeatedly cast Brazil, which has the world’s approvals. doubt on the Chinese vaccine, with Chinese vaccine second-deadliest outbreak The lack of a fixed date for leading to questions about maker Sinovac Biotech. behind the United States. After vaccinations to start in Brazil whether it will get a fair hearing a months on the decline, the has become a thorn in the side at health regulator Anvisa. virus has been raging again in of President Jair Bolsonaro, as Sao Paulo Governor Joao recent days, with new cases and other nations begin immunising Doria, widely tipped as a rival to COVID-19 shot, stoking vaccine deaths rising sharply. their populations. Bolsonaro’s 2022 re-election scepticism in the country. The government laid out its Speaking yesterday, after a campaign, has said his state will At yesterday’s event, vaccination plans in writing ceremony to discuss the national start inoculating residents with however, Bolsonaro said his over the weekend, with an coronavirus vaccination plan, the Sinovac vaccine on January government would this week initial goal of vaccinating 51 Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro poses with Ze Gotinha, the symbol of Health Minister Eduardo 25, leading to tensions with the sign a 20 billion reais ($3.93bn) million people, or about one- Brazilian vaccination campaigns, during the launch of the national Pazuello said data from the vac- federal government. measure to buy any vaccine that fourth of the population, in the cines, which are being tested in Although Brazil has a strong wins regulatory approval. He first half of 2021. The Health COVID-19 vaccination plan at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, yesterday. Brazil, could be analysed by record on vaccinations and a heaped praise on the head of Ministry said 108 million doses health regulator Anvisa in public health system well set up regulator Anvisa, which critics will be available for priority indigenous groups. The plan immunised to stop the virus January. for such campaigns, Bolsonaro accuse of becoming increasingly vaccination of vulnerable says 70% of the population — spreading. The current plan “Possibly in the middle of has denied the gravity of the politicized around vaccines. groups, including health or about 148 million of Brazil’s covers just about one-third of February onwards, we can have virus and said he will not take a Pazuello said workers, the elderly and 212 million people — need to be that goal. Quarter of Mexico Mexico Congress approves law limiting foreign agents population have AP — MEXICO CITY cooperation. The 329-98 vote, citizens of Mexico and the often has full diplomatic returned to Mexico and inves- with 40 abstentions, sends the United States less safe.” immunity and other agents tigated — though he has not so been exposed to The lower house of Mexico’s bill to President Andrés Manuel “The passage of this legis- have some form of limited or far been charged — under Congress overwhelmingly has López Obrador for his signature. lation can only benefit the technical immunity. Mexican law. virus: Official approved a law limiting foreign The president proposed the law violent transnational criminal The bill would eliminate all Mike Vigil, the DEA’s former agents operating in the country and the Senate has already organizations and other crim- immunity. chief of international opera- REUTERS — MEXICO CITY and lifting their immunity in a approved it. inals that we are jointly The proposal also specifies tions, predicted that US infor- decision that could impact its The law requires all foreign fighting,” Barr wrote. that any Mexican public servant mation shared under the new A quarter of Mexico’s popu- relationship with the US agents, from any country, to The bill includes a vague — state, federal or local — who law is “going to be leaked, it’s lation, or 31 million people, has government, a key partner in share all information they promise to keep secret any has as much as a phone call or going to compromise agents, it’s been exposed to COVID-19, its fight against drug cartels. gather with Mexican authorities. information shared with text message from a US agent going to compromise according to preliminary The vote came four days It also would require any Mexico. Mexico has traditionally would be required “to deliver a informants.” results of an official survey, after US Attorney General Mexican officials they contact relied on US agents to generate written report to the Foreign The history of leaks is well with 70% never showing William Barr said the law would to submit a written report to much of its intelligence infor- Relations Department and the documented. In 2017, the com- symptoms. hurt cross-border cooperation federal authorities. mation on drug gangs, but it has Public Safety Department mander of a Mexican police “The figures show a great and benefit cartels, and weeks Barr said on Friday the US history of officials leaking such within three days.” intelligence-sharing unit that speed of spread,” said Juan after the arrest of Mexico’s is troubled by legislation, noting information and even at times Under the pressure of Mex- received DEA information was Rivera, general director of the former defence secretary raised it “would have the effect of sharing it with drug cartels. ico’s implicit threats to restrict charged with passing the DEA National Institute of Public tensions between the neigh- making cooperation between In most countries, the chief or expel US agents, US prose- data to the Beltran Leyva drug Health, told a news conference bours and elicited threats from our countries more difficult,” Drug Enforcement Adminis- cutors folded, dropping their cartel in exchange for millions on Tuesday. Mexico’s government to halt adding: “This would make the tration agent in the country case so Cienfuegos could be of dollars. The survey, which used blood tests to detect anti- bodies, involved 9,400 house- holds and was carried out Chile Congress reserves indigenous between August and November, Riviera said. seats in constitution commission Only 20% had symptoms that pointed to a COVID-19 AFP — SANTIAGO assembled to find common ground on diagnosis while 10% had only the deal. Chileans voted overwhelm- some symptoms, according to Chile’s indigenous community will ingly in favour of changing the dicta- the findings of the survey. have 17 seats reserved for it in the torship era constitution in an October Mexico’s health ministry commission charged with rewriting referendum. on Tuesday reported 11,228 the South American country’s They will vote again in April to new confirmed cases of coro- constitution following a vote in elect the 155 Constituent Assembly navirus infection and 801 parliament. members. additional fatalities, bringing “We didn’t get the maximum, but Changing the constitution, which the total in the country to it’s a crucial step that will mark the dated from the rule of military dic- 1,267,202 cases and 115,099 history of our country,” opposition tator Augusto Pinochet (1973-90), was deaths. senator Alfonso De Urresti said fol- a key demand by a mass protest The government says the lowing Tuesday’s vote. movement that began in October 2019 real number of infected people The bill that originally proposed and lasted for months. is likely to be significantly 24 seats among the 155 members of A previous law passed by Congress higher than the confirmed the Constituent Assembly be reserved deemed that the commission must be cases. President Andres for indigenous people was adopted by equally split between men and Manuel Lopez Obrador yes- the lower house Chamber of Deputies women. terday reiterated calls for in November, before it was rejected Indigenous people make up 12.8 people to stay at home during Visiting hurricane victims by the upper house Senate due to the percent of Chile’s 18 million popu- the holidays. lack of a quorum. lation, meaning they would need 20 Queen Letizia of Spain and Honduras First Lady Ana Hernandez visit a shelter for people A mixed commission made up of seats to be proportionally represented who lost their homes due to the Hurricanes Eta and Iota, in La Lima, Honduras, on Tuesday. deputies and senators was then in the commission. Peru in talks to secure Sinopharm Mexico foreign minister Cuba rejects US government report vaccine sees rising migration to US on diplomat health incidents REUTERS — LIMA Negotiations between Peru as Biden takes office REUTERS — HAVANA and China’s Sinopharm to purchase COVID-19 vaccines REUTERS — MEXICO CITY impact on the causes of Cuba has rejected a US are “well advanced,” the migration. government report concluding government said on Tuesday, Mexico’s Foreign Minister “We’re going to try to con- that directed radio frequency as the hard-hit Andean nation Marcelo Ebrard on Tuesday vince the United States that a was the most plausible expla- scrambles to lock down said he expects migration to different focus is required,” nation for mysterious ailments supplies to combat the virus. the United States to increase, Ebrard said in response to suffered by US diplomats in The announcement comes while Mexico would try to journalists’ questions at an Havana and elsewhere, calling just days after local authorities convince Joe Biden’s incoming event in Mexico City. it more “very unlikely” temporarily suspended a administration to tweak Wash- “If you make long-term hypothesis than “demonstrated 12,000 participant trial for the ington’s approach to immi- investments with credit, with fact.” Chinese firm´s vaccine after a gration. large investments in infra- Between 2016 and 2018, volunteer fell ill. The case is President-elect Biden has structure, they do not neces- dozens of US embassy staff, still under investigation. vowed to pursue a “humane” sarily have the desired largely in Cuba, reported “The negotiations with... migration policy and promised impact,” said Ebrard. symptoms that included Sinopharm are well advanced, a $4bn plan to address under- Ebrard pointed to the hearing loss, vertigo, headaches with {only} minor details to be lying factors driving migration development plan outlined by and fatigue, a pattern consistent verified,” Peruvian Foreign Men work near the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba, on Tuesday. from Central America. the United Nations Economic with mild traumatic brain Minister Elizabeth Astete told But the destruction across Commission for Latin America injury that came to be known a legislative commission. Central America caused by and the Caribbean, saying as the “Havana syndrome.” the US National Academies of not take questions at the news Astete said Peru had also back-to-back hurricanes in “hopefully the United States Canada has said more than a Sciences, Engineering, and briefing in Havana, said the resumed conversions with November, which killed hun- will take up this approach once dozen of its embassy staff and Medicine, commissioned by the “investigation about these AstraZeneca after cutting off dreds and displaced over half again because it is the real relatives stationed in Havana US State Department and pub- health ailments has suffered negotiations in October when a million people across the solution.” experienced similar symptoms. lished on December 6, gives no from a lack of fluid communi- it alleged the British-Swedish region, may pose an early Outgoing US President The administration of US scientific evidence of the cation between US and Cuban company had not provided challenge for Biden’s strategy, Donald Trump made curbing President Donald Trump said existence of radio frequency scientists.” adequate data on its testing. which advocates say could immigration a pillar of his the diplomats were attacked by waves. Cuba said the Trump The foreign minister did take years to have an impact. 2016 campaign, and during his some sort of secret weapon. “Cuba’s Academy of Sci- administration has used the not offer further information Ebrard said Mexico’s gov- four years in office he has Cuba has repeatedly said there ences disagrees with the final health incidents to further its about either deal, calling the ernment will attempt to per- imposed a web of restrictions is no evidence for that and conclusion regarding the causes political agenda of dismantling negotiations confidential. suade Biden’s incoming gov- that presently makes it but denied any involvement. of the ailments,” the academy US-Cuban relations, after Coronavirus cases in Peru ernment to not only invest in impossible for migrants to seek The Cuban Academy of Sci- said in a statement read to jour- Barack Obama had worked to totalled 986,130 as of Monday, Central America, but to favour asylum at the US border with ences said on Tuesday the nalists by its President Luis improve diplomatic ties with with 36,754 having died from investments with a short term Mexico. report by Velazquez. Velazquez, who did Havana. the disease. 26 AMERICAS THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020

Biden hits campaign trail in Georgia

REUTERS — ATLANTA Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon PRAYER Hours after speaking with Republican Senator Mitch Ossoff are challenging TIMINGS Republican PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING McConnell and vowing to try to work together, President-elect incumbents Kelly Joe Biden urged Georgians to FAJR 04.50 am oust McConnell as majority Loeffler and David SUNRISE 06.12 am leader by electing the two Dem- Perdue, respectively. ocratic candidates in January 5 DHUHR 11.30 am Senate runoffs. ASR 02.27 pm In a speech that marked his On Tuesday, McConnell MAGHRIB 04.49 pm return to the campaign trail a broke with Republican Pres- day after the Electoral College ident Donald Trump and con- ISHA 06.19 pm confirmed his November 3 gratulated Biden and Vice Pres- election victory, Biden, a Dem- ident-elect Kamala Harris for ocrat, laid out the stakes of the the first time from the Senate twin contests in no uncertain floor. Trump has refused to terms, warning that leaving the concede, even as his myriad Senate in Republican hands efforts to overturn the results could threaten much of his have met with failure. policy agenda. McConnell and his top dep- “Are you ready to vote for uties pressed other Senate two senators who know how to Republicans not to join with any WEATHER say yes and not just no?” Biden House Republicans who may TODAY told an Atlanta drive-in rally, object to the election outcome US President-elect Joe Biden speaks during a rally in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday. Biden travelled to where attendees remained in when Congress meets on Georgia to campaign for Democratic Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock. their cars because of the coro- January 6 to ratify the decision. navirus pandemic. Any such effort to challenge the governments, climate change nullifying nearly 5 million Both parties have poured Democrats Raphael results is all but certain to fail and criminal justice. Georgia votes,” Biden said. in resources ahead of the Warnock and Jon Ossoff are since it would require approval He also attacked Loeffler “Maybe they think they represent January runoff elections. o o challenging Republican incum- by both chambers, including the and Perdue for embracing a Texas. Well if you want to do the Biden’s trip to Atlanta came 21 C 27 C bents Kelly Loeffler and David Democratic-controlled House lawsuit filed by Texas and sup- bidding of Texas, you should be nine days after Trump trav- Minimum Maximum Perdue, respectively. A Demo- of Representatives. ported by Trump that sought running in Texas, not Georgia.” elled to Georgia in support of Misty to foggy at places at first cratic sweep would give the During the campaign event, to invalidate the election Biden’s narrow win in the Republican senators. becomes moderate temperature party control of both chambers Biden told Georgians that a results in Georgia and three Georgia last month under- More than 480,000 ballots daytime with scattered clouds, of Congress as well as the White Democratic Senate was nec- other states that went for scored the Southern state’s were cast after the first full relatively cold by night. House, while even one Repub- essary to make progress on Biden. The US Supreme Court transformation from Repub- day of in-person early voting W ALRUWAIS : 18o → 26o lican win would allow McCo- coronavirus relief, funding for summarily dismissed the case lican stronghold to one of the and mail voting, according to W ALKHOR : 14o → 26o nnell to block many of Biden’s testing and vaccine distribution, on Friday. country’s most competitive the US Elections Project at the W DUKHAN : 16o → 26o legislative goals. aid to state and local “They fully embraced political battlegrounds. University of Florida. W WAKRAH : 18o → 27o W MESAIEED : 18o → 27o W ABUSAMRA : 12o → 27o US authorises first at-home test for Pete Buttigieg tapped for

HIGH TIDE transportation secretary 06:28 – 17:27 COVID-19, results in 20 minutes secretary of energy, according LOW TIDE 00:14 – 14:17 AFP — WASHINGTON common PCR tests that look for COVID-19 symptoms should to two people familiar with the the virus’ genetic material. also seek follow up with their decision. Biden will also name The United States late on The Ellume test uses a nasal health care provider. former Environmental Pro- Tuesday authorized its first swab that doesn’t go as far back The home test connects tection Agency chief Gina rapid at-home test for as the nasopharyngeal swabs with an app on the user’s smart- McCarthy, 66, to a new role COVID-19, which is available used in clinical settings, and is phone to Interpret the results. directing domestic climate Pompeo in over-the-counter and produces therefore more comfortable to Results take as little as 20 policy coordination at the a result in around 20 minutes. self-administer. The sample is minutes and are delivered via White House, two sources said. The test, made by Cali- then inserted into a single-use the app, which requires users US Representative Deb quarantine fornia-based Ellume, will sell cartridge. to input their zip code and date Haaland, 60, of New Mexico, is for around $30 and the According to the FDA, it of birth, to report to public Biden’s leading choice to head AFP — WASHINGTON company plans to roll out three correctly identified 96 percent health authorities. Providing the Interior Department, million units in January 2021, of positive samples and 100 the name and email address is according to three sources, a America’s top diplomat Mike and millions more in subse- percent of negative samples in optional. Ellume developed the REUTERS — WILMINGTON selection that would make her Pompeo was in quarantine quent months. individuals with symptoms. In test with $30m in government the first Native American to yesterday after being exposed Stephen Hahn, commis- people without symptoms, the funding from the National Insti- President-elect Joe Biden lead a Cabinet agency if con- to a person who has tested sioner of the Food and Drug test correctly identified 91 tutes of Health. announced Pete Buttigieg (pic- firmed by the Senate. positive for COVID-19, the Administration, said the emer- percent of positive samples and Meanwhile, the US set a tured) late on Tuesday as his Buttigieg had been State Department said. gency use authorization repre- 96 percent of negative samples. new daily record of cases on nominee to lead the US Trans- rumoured for several different The 56-year-old Secretary sented a “major milestone”. The FDA said that for Tuesday, with more than portation Department, making spots in Biden’s administration. of State “has been tested and “We are helping expand Amer- patients without symptoms, 248,000 infections registered him the first of Biden’s Demo- He was surprisingly compet- is negative,” it said. “In icans’ access to testing, reducing “positive results should be in the past 24 hours, the Johns cratic rivals for the presidency itive during the Democratic accordance with CDC guide- the burden on laboratories and treated as presumptively pos- Hopkins University virus to land a role in his Cabinet. Party presidential race, lines, he will be in quarantine.” test supplies, and giving Amer- itive until confirmed by another monitor reported. In the same The appointment of Butt- winning the first-in-the-nation “He is being closely monitored icans more testing options from test as soon as possible”. period, 2,706 new deaths were igieg, 38, is another step in a caucuses in Iowa, showing for- by the Department’s medical the comfort and safety of their It added that individuals recorded. meteoric political rise for the midable fundraising might and team.” The State Department own homes,” he said. with positive results should The number of hospitalised former mayor of South Bend, enjoying massive popularity on said that for privacy reasons It is an “antigen” test, self-isolate and seek additional COVID-19 patients — 113,000 Indiana, who showed sur- social media. it was not identifying the meaning it works by detecting care from their health care pro- — is also at its highest level prising strength as a presi- Once Biden took control of person Pompeo came into a surface molecule of the coro- vider, while people who test since the beginning of the pan- dential candidate. If confirmed the race after winning the contact with. navirus, unlike the more negative but experience demic in March. by the US Senate, he would run South Carolina primary in Feb- The US Secretary of State The situation is starting to a sprawling federal agency that ruary, Buttigieg quickly is fourth in the line of suc- improve in the Midwest. oversees the nation’s airlines, dropped out and endorsed him, cession after the President fol- However, the epidemic is picking highways and transit systems. helping Biden consolidate the lowing the Vice-President, up steam in the Northeast and “I am nominating him for support of the moderate, estab- Speaker of the House of Rep- the West, according to the COVID Secretary of Transportation lishment wing of the party. He resentatives and president pro Tracking Project, which compiles because this position stands at became a valued Biden sup- tempore of the Senate. data from around the country the nexus of so many of the porter on television in the elec- Pompeo and his wife, every day. interlocking challenges and tion’s final weeks. Susan, hosted a holiday party The large nationwide vac- opportunities ahead of us,” At the Transportation on Tuesday for the families of cination campaign launched on Biden said in a statement. Department, Buttigieg may be US diplomats serving overseas. Monday will have no effect on “Jobs, infrastructure, equity, charged with overseeing much According to The Washington the current surge, health offi- and climate all come together of Biden’s plan to dramatically Post, Pompeo had been cials say, because it will take at the DOT, the site of some of boost infrastructure spending, scheduled to speak at the months before enough people our most ambitious plans to including building 550,000 event but cancelled his speech. are immunised to make a dif- build back better.” electric-vehicle charging sta- The newspaper said more than ference. Experts say that face Biden was expected to tions and boosting spending on 900 invitations had been sent masks and social distancing nominate former Michigan high-speed rail and other green A licensed vocational nurse gives registered nurse Janey Willis out for the reception but less measures must remain in use, Governor Jennifer Granholm, projects, and persuading Con- the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot while another healthcare worker than 70 people showed up for especially during the end-of- 61, who was the state’s first gress to find a way to pay for the indoor event. takes her photo at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California. year holiday period. female governor, as his new spending. US reaches agreement to send Winter storm set to deliver disruptive blow to US Northeast asylum seekers to El Salvador REUTERS — NEW YORK of the National Weather Serv- can have snow totals one to two pandemic-induced shutdown, AP — WASHINGTON to seek asylum there. With so ice’s Weather Prediction Center inches plus per hour,” he added. were set to go fully remote many returning to their home A major winter storm was in College Park, Maryland, said But a much larger area that today when students are likely The Trump administration said countries instead, the policy making its way up the US East the forecast could have been includes the New York City area to wake up to more than a foot that it signed an agreement became known as “deportation Coast yesterday, ready to deliver worse if not for the speed at is like to get more than a foot of snow on the ground, de with El Salvador government with a layover”. Flights to Gua- a disruptive blow to the region, which the system was travelling. (30cm) of snow, he said. Blasio said. to send asylum-seekers who temala began late last year and with up to 2 feet (60cm) of snow “It’s not a slow-moving system New York City officials The snow could significantly reach US borders to the Central were halted when the coronavirus in parts of the Northeast and at all, so it’s not going to be a began warning residents on reduce visibility and potentially American nation with an struck. Flights to Honduras were freezing rain in some Mid- very prolonged snow event,” Tuesday of the potential for cripple travel in places, while opportunity to seek protection expected to begin earlier this year, Atlantic areas, forecasters said. Oravec said by phone. hazardous travel and urged winds of up to 50 miles per hour there instead. The agreement but the pandemic put them on The Nor’easter, which was Ground zero for snow accu- people to stay off the roads. could down trees and power is modelled on arrangements indefinite hold. already bringing a wintry mix mulation is an area that includes Mayor Bill de Blasio said lines, causing power outages, the that the US has reached with El The Homeland Security of precipitation to Virginia and several ski resorts stretching that it was shaping up to be the weather service said. Salvador’s neighbours, Gua- Department didn’t give an North Carolina early in the day, from central Pennsylvania to first major snowstorm in a Many areas of North temala and Honduras. anticipated start date for flights was moving up the coast that is upstate New York, where 18 to couple of years, “and people Carolina and southwestern Vir- Only 20 of 939 Hondurans to El Salvador, but it will almost home to more than 50 million 24 inches (46 to 61cm) was need to take it seriously”. ginia were expected to get and El Salvadorans who have certainly hinge on the pan- people before exiting the Boston expected, Oravec said. New York City schools, freezing rain that will leave a been turned back from the US demic’s retreat and President- area today afternoon, they said. “Typically, when you have which just recently reopened quarter-inch (0.64cm) of ice on and flown to Guatemala decided elect Joe Biden’s policies. Meteorologist Bob Oravec a big snowstorm like this, you their classrooms after a brief the roads, the service said. THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 27 28 HOME THURSDAY 17 DECEMBER 2020