INDEX BUSINESS | Page 1 QATAR 2,3, 16 COMMENT 14, 15 QATAR | Page 3 ARAB WORLD 4 BUSINESS 1-8 47,000 fi rms INTERNATIONAL 5-13 SPORTS 1-6 Qatar Airways established in to resume Qatar in three DOW JONES QE NYMEX Venice fl ights years, says 26,269.89 9,213.10 37.29 +527.24 +145.82 +0.48 from July 15 Chamber chairman +2.05% +1.61% +1.30% Latest Figures

published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11569 June 4, 2020 Shawwal 12, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Qatar reports 37,452 Roundabout beautifi cation drive Covid-19 recoveries The Ministry of Public Health Cabinet eases some of (MoPH) yesterday announced the registration of 1,901 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 1,506 new recoveries and two new deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the Covid-19 restrictions total number of recovered people in Qatar to 37,542. The reason for the large increase in the number of recoveries is due to the application zNumber of people allowed in a vehicle raised from 2 to 4, including of the latest international the driver; families exempted recommendations regarding the criteria for recovering from Covid-19 zRevises working hours for private sector employees at the workplace infection, approved by the MoPH. zSport activities away from home and without wearing masks allowed, Over the last 24 hours, the ministry also recorded 15 new patients being but people have to avoid crowding and maintain a safe distance admitted to intensive care due zDecisions come into eff ect today to health complications resulted from being infected with the virus, bringing the total number of cases ome of the restrictions imposed determining the work hours for pri- ing a safe distance of 3m, QNA said. currently in intensive care to 237. earlier to curb the spread of vate sector employees present at their The Cabinet also increased the Page 2 SCovid-19 are set to be eased af- place of work. The working hours will maximum number of people allowed ter the Cabinet took a few new deci- now be from 7am-8pm. in a vehicle from two to four, includ- US selects 5 virus sions in this regard yesterday. The Cabinet then amended its de- ing the driver, and made an exception These include allowing more peo- cision on engaging in sports, remov- for families. vaccine candidates ple in a vehicle, revising the working ing the condition for such activities to As for people being transported by The Trump administration has hours for private sector employees at take place near a person’s home. Also, bus, the Cabinet agreed to continue ap- selected five companies, including the workplace and relaxing the rules people are no longer required to wear plying the current decision of ensuring Moderna Inc, AstraZeneca Plc for engaging in sports. masks while taking part in sporting that a maximum of half the vehicle’s and Pfizer Inc, as the most likely After HE the Prime Minister and activities. However, the Cabinet af- capacity is used while taking all the candidates to produce a vaccine Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid fi rmed the importance of taking the necessary precautionary measures. for the novel coronavirus. The bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani necessary precautionary measures The above decisions are applicable other companies are Johnson & chaired the Cabinet’s regular meet- such as avoiding crowding and leav- from today. Johnson and Merck & Co Inc. The ing held through a video conference, selected companies will get access HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Nod to draft law criminalising violations of workers’ rights to additional government funds, Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs help in running clinical trials, and Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi gave The Cabinet has agreed on a draft HE the Minister of Justice and Acting financial and logistical support. the details of the proceedings, the of- law that criminalises any violation Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs There is no approved vaccine for fi cial Qatar News Agency (QNA) re- of safety specifications for workers’ Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi gave Covid-19, the respiratory disease ported yesterday. housing, in addition to increasing the details of the proceedings. caused by the new coronavirus. The At the beginning of the meeting, the punishment for employers who The above-mentioned draft law report did not mention potential the Cabinet was briefed by HE the do not pay workers. amends some provisions of Law No vaccines from French drugmaker Minister of Public Health on the lat- This came at the Cabinet’s regular 14 of 2004. The amendment “comes Sanofi, Novavax Inc and Inovio est developments with regard to the meeting chaired by HE the Prime in the framework of the state’s com- Pharmaceuticals Inc - among eff orts made to contain the spread of Minister and Minister of Inte- mitment to increase regulation of the more than 100 vaccines in Covid-19. The Cabinet then affi rmed rior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin health and safety requirements and development globally. the continuation of the precautionary Abdulaziz al-Thani through a video specifications for workers’ housing, Doha Municipality’s Public Gardens Section has beautified three roundabouts measures taken to combat the pan- conference, the off icial Qatar News and to enhance the protections for US suspends flights in the Old Airport Area with artificial grass, the Ministry of Municipality and demic and took a number of decisions. Agency (QNA) reported yesterday. workers’ financial rights”, QNA said. by Chinese airlines Environment announced yesterday. First, it amended its decision on Washington yesterday ordered the suspension of all flights by Chinese airlines into and out of the Anti-racism protest in London United States after Beijing failed to allow American carriers to resume Commercial, service activities services to China. The move adds to a growing friction between the world’s two largest economies amid to be allowed from 7am-8pm the coronavirus crisis and in the wake of a two-year trade war that has not been fully resolved. The US action takes eff ect June 16 but z MoCI issues Circular No The circular also specifi es that The following activities are ex- could be implemented sooner if 24 of 2020 on ‘determining the earlier decisions on closing retail cluded from this: President Donald Trump orders it, the outlets in malls - with the exception z Outlets selling food products Department of Transportation (DOT) working hours for of stores selling food products and z Consumer goods and subsidised said. The suspension applies to seven commercial activities’ pharmacies - and suspending the ac- supplies (hypermarkets, supermar- Chinese civilian carriers, although following Cabinet decision tivities of health clubs, barbershops kets and groceries) and shops selling only four currently are running and beauty salons will continue to fruits and vegetables services to US cities. in this regard apply. z Pharmacies Based on the decision of the Coun- z Factories New suspect in 2007 ommercial and service ac- cil of Ministers “during its 22nd z Companies delivering orders girl disappearance tivities will be allowed from meeting held on 03/06/2020, within through electronic apps C7am-8pm (Sunday-Thursday) the framework of the preventive and z Petrol stations and car services British and German police said from today with some exceptions, the precautionary measures taken in Qa- z Car maintenance workshops af- yesterday they had a new suspect in Ministry of Commerce and Industry tar to contain the Covid-19 outbreak fi liated with agencies Protesters remonstrate with police off icers in Parliament Square, during the 2007 disappearance in Portugal (MoCI) has said. and in line with previous decisions z Companies operating in the hos- an anti-racism demonstration in London, yesterday, after George Floyd, an of three-year-old Madeleine McCann The ministry yesterday issued Cir- and measures, the permitted work- pitality sector unarmed black man died after a police off icer knelt on his neck during an arrest and appealed for information about cular No 24 of 2020 on “determining ing hours for commercial and service z Telecommunication companies in Minneapolis, USA. Thousands of people took to the streets of London to a German man currently imprisoned working hours for commercial activi- activities will be from 7am to 8pm z Maintenance companies (elec- protest the death of Floyd, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the in Germany for sexual assault ties” following a Cabinet decision in (Sunday to Thursday),” the circular tricity, plumbing and electronics killing and told President Donald Trump that racist violence had “no place” in off ences. McCann, who is British, this regard. states. services) To Page 2 society. Page 8 disappeared from her bedroom on May 3 during a family holiday in the Algarve while her parents were dining with friends nearby in the resort of Praia da Luz. Her fate remains a mystery despite Hassad to invest QR200mn HMC Heart Hospital performs open huge international publicity which prompted reported sightings from across the world. Police want to in fodder sector over 3 yrs heart surgery on Covid-19 patient speak to anyone who has relevant information on the 43-year old man, whom they did not name. By Santhosh V Perumal eart Hospital, a part of Hamad a symptom of both a heart attack and Business Reporter Medical Corporation (HMC), Covid-19, some patients with heart Libya unity govt forces Hhas performed a lifesaving problems may also be self-isolating open heart surgery on a Covid-19 at home, assuming they have the vi- reseize Tripoli airport assad, Qatar’s premier inves- positive 43-year-old Qatar resident, rus and hoping it will pass. This can Forces backing Libya’s unity tor in food sector is planning to it was announced yesterday. be extremely dangerous, particularly government said yesterday they Hinvest QR200mn in the fodder The story of this patient, currently if they are in fact having a heart at- had reseized the capital’s Tripoli sector over the next three years, as part recovering from the surgery per- tack,” said Dr al-Khulaifi . International Airport, held since of the strategy to achieve self-suffi - formed earlier this week, is a caution- “In the case of this patient, he had 2019 by rival forces backing ciency, according to its top offi cial. ary tale for anyone who may be expe- been having chest pain for about a Khalifa Haftar, in the latest in a The expansion plans comprise devel- riencing symptoms of a heart attack week before coming to the hospi- string of defeats for the eastern- oping 15 additional new pivots on 1,200 and is delaying going to the hospital Dr Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi tal. We arranged for a coronary an- based military commander. “Our hectares, to produce 25,000 tonnes Hassad chief executive Mohamed due to concerns related to the Cov- giogram, a procedure that uses X-ray forces have fully liberated Tripoli of green fodder annually, said Hassad al-Sadah. id-19 pandemic. Qatar residents that the Heart Hos- imaging to see the heart’s blood ves- international airport,” said Mohamad chief executive Mohamed al-Sadah. Dr Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi , cardiac pital has protocols in place to protect sels, so we could determine if there Gnounou, spokesman for forces Hassad plans to cover more than cal market, such as the Alfa Alfa and surgeon and chairman of the Cardiot- patients and minimise their risk of was a restriction in blood fl ow going backing the Government of National 50% of the local market needs from the Rhodes at its farms (Irkiyyah, Sailiya horacic Surgery Department at Heart exposure to Covid-19,” he said. to the heart. We also arranged for him Accord (GNA). Libya’s main civilian primary fodder materials, he said, em- and Rifa), which spans a land area of Hospital, explained that since the “Some patients are afraid of get- to be tested for Covid-19, as part of airport, lying on the southern edge phasising the availability of strategic 900 hectares, producing more than Covid-19 pandemic began, hospitals ting Covid-19 if they go to the hospi- our standard care practice. The Cov- of the capital on a key highway stock from both green and manufac- 8,500 tonnes (in 2019). around the world have been admit- tal or are misunderstanding directives id-19 test came back positive and the leading into its centre, had been tured fodder at the fi rm’s warehouses. “Furthermore, there is a plan to in- ting fewer heart attack patients. about avoiding health care that can be angiogram showed that he had three- closed since being heavily damaged “Alaaf Qatar” currently produces crease the production levels to 10,000 “Treatment for heart disease can delayed. vessel disease (3VD),” recalled Dr al- in 2014 clashes. the main products needed by the lo- tonnes this year,” he said. To Page 3 rarely be delayed and I am assuring “Since shortness of breath can be Khulaifi . To Page 3 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, June 4, 2020 QATAR

FM receives call Inspection of food facilities from Serbian Qatar Charity and Unicef counterpart HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin launch awareness drive to Abdulrahman al-Thani received yesterday a phone call from the Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Serbia Ivica Dacic. The call focused on reviewing bilateral protect children from virus co-operation, co-ordinating eff orts to contain the coronavirus (Covid-19), and issues of joint interest. atar Charity (QC), in sary instructions for parents to ing and implementing many children and their families, co-operation with help their children deal with joint humanitarian and de- suitable for the targeted and Qatar condemns Qthe United Nations an emergency in light of the velopment projects related take into account the char- Children’s Fund (Unicef), spread of the virus. to the care and protection of acteristics of the Gulf and mosque bombing launched a social media “Accurate information children in the various coun- Arab environment.” awareness campaign for about Covid-19 is key to be- tries of the world, and that QC and Unicef hold a in Afghanistan children, their families and ing properly prepared and awareness-raising eff orts solid and long history of co- members of the society to protecting ourselves, our and campaigns are part of it, operation in support of vul- Qatar has voiced its strong enhance their protection children, and our communi- to strengthen the preventive nerable children and needy condemnation and denunciation and reduce the risks of the ties. Qatar Charity and Unicef aspects, especially in crisis adults. In September 2019, of the bombing which targeted spread of the novel corona- have teamed up to promote areas and when facing epi- QC CEO Yusuf AlKuwari a mosque in the Afghan capital virus (Covid-19). facts and provides trustwor- demics,” said al-Rumaihi. and Unicef executive direc- of Kabul, leaving one dead and The campaign implement- thy guidance - grounded in the “The awareness brochures tor Henrietta Fore, signed a others injured. In a statement ed under a slogan, which lit- latest scientifi c evidence - to and pamphlets of the cam- strategic memorandum of yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign erally means “Heroes in the parents, caregivers, and edu- paign are based on scientifi c understanding (MoU) in New Aff airs reiterated the firm position Face of Corona”, includes cators. In these diffi cult times, information and associated York to framework the exist- of Qatar rejecting violence and publishing illustrated aware- information saves lives,” said guidelines validated by Unicef ing co-operation eff orts and terrorism, regardless of their ness brochures and pam- Eltayeb Adam, Unicef Repre- as a global organisation for better serve the needs of chil- motives and reasons. phlets on QC’s website and sentative to the Gulf Area. children, and were produced dren and young adults living Al Rayyan Municipality’s Health Control Department conducted 1,025 inspection social media accounts to en- For his part, Ahmed al- by a specialised team at Qatar in diffi cult conditions. tours on various food facilities and outlets and issued 40 violation reports, Qatar condemns courage children and adoles- Rumaihi, director of Inter- Charity,” he added. In April this year, QC and including 31 resolved in reconciliation. In addition, the director of the municipality attack in Iraq cents to adhere to preventive national Relief and Part- He also noted, “The con- the Unicef signed two grant issued 10 administrative decisions to shut down as many food outlets for violating behaviours and precaution- nerships Department at QC tents of the brochures and agreements for a total of the stipulations of law No 8 of 1990 on the regulation of human food control. The Foreign Ministry has strongly ary measures. welcomed the co-operation pamphlets have very easy $2mn to address the humani- Further, the municipality veterinarians inspected the slaughtering of 4,422 heads condemned the armed attack The campaign aims at curb- of Unicef in this campaign. phrases and sentences, tarian needs caused by the of livestock, and ordered the destruction of 44 whole carcasses, in addition to in Diyala, northeastern Iraq, in ing the spread of Covid-19 “We are proud of our part- graphics, designs, and col- spread of the Covid-19 out- 312kg of meat for being unfit for human consumption. which two people were killed and pandemic by providing neces- nership with Unicef in fund- ours, which are attractive to break in Syria and Jordan. one person was injured. Commercial, service activities to be allowed from 7am-8pm MoPH reports 37,452 total From Page 1 panies and freight fi rms suspend the activities of subject to legal accountabil- z Restaurants, cafete- operating in ports, airports health clubs and centres, ity, it adds. rias and cafes (coff ee shops) and Customs services barbershops and beauty sa- The decision, which was that are allowed to deliver z Contracting and engi- lons - including those that issued yesterday, may be Covid-19 recovery cases or hand over orders to cus- neering companies (allowed off er home services - re- subject to amendments and tomers outside the business to operate at construction mains applicable”. updates according to the place. However, restaurants sites along with affi liated All companies and retail latest developments in this and cafes located in malls agencies). outlets must comply with regard, the MoCI points out. QNA Covid-19 to either quickly are excluded from this de- The circular states that “the the decisions issued by the “The Ministry of Commerce Doha contact the 16000 helpline cision and only allowed to decision to close retail outlets Ministry of Administrative and Industry calls on all cit- or go directly to one of the process delivery orders. in malls, popular markets and Development, Labour and izens and residents to seek designated health centres These outlets are prohib- shopping centres remains val- Social Aff airs and the Min- information only from of- he Ministry of Pub- for testing of the virus, as ited from handing over or- id, with the exception of out- istry of Public Health in this fi cial sources, and to consult lic Health (MoPH) the earlier the disease is de- ders to customers inside the lets selling food products and regard, the circular says. the ministry’s website and Tyesterday announced tected the easier it will be to premises. pharmacies”. Any violation of this de- social media pages for the the registration of 1,901 treat and recovery chances z Logistics service com- Also, “the decision to cision’s provisions will be latest news and updates.” new confi rmed cases of will be higher and faster. Covid-19, with 1,506 new The four main test- recoveries and two new ing centres are: Muaither deaths in the last 24 hours, Health Centre, Rawdat Al bringing the total number of Khail Health Centre, Um recovered people in Qatar to Slal Health Centre; and Al 37,542. Gharafa Health Centre. The reason for the large The MoPH stated that Qa- increase in the number of tar is still in the peak phase recoveries is due to the ap- of the Covid-19 outbreak, plication of the latest inter- which is witnessing a rise national recommendations in the number of infections regarding the criteria for recorded daily, therefore it recovering from Covid-19 is necessary to adhere more infection, approved by the than ever before to the pre- MoPH. ventive measures and social Over the last 24 hours, measures recommended. the ministry also recorded The ministry also 15 new patients being ad- stressed the importance for mitted to intensive care due the elderly or those suff er- to health complications re- ing from chronic diseases sulted from being infected the infections among citi- spectively, who received the and their family members with the virus, bringing the zens and residents have necessary medical care in to follow strict measures to total number of cases cur- increased, as the number intensive care. The ministry reduce the chances of infec- rently in intensive care to of cases has doubled due off ered sincere condolences tion, including refraining 237. to family gatherings and and great sympathy to the from social visits. The MoPH stated that visits between friends and families of the deceased. The MoPH stressed that the new Covid-19 cases are extended families, in addi- According to a tweet from because the Covid-19 out- expatriate workers infected tion to people ignoring the the MoPH, with a total of break is at the peak stage in as a result of contact with preventive measures rec- 5,339 people tested for Cov- Qatar, it is important not individuals who were previ- ommended by the authori- id-19 in the last 24 hours, as to leave the house except ously infected, in addition ties concerned in the coun- many as 236,437 have been when it is absolutely essen- to recording new cases of try; the most important of tested so far in Qatar. The tial. It also stressed the im- infection among groups of which is staying at home, total number of infected portance of adhering to all workers in diff erent areas, avoiding visits and main- people in Qatar since the measures to protect against and identifi ed through in- taining social distancing. start of the Covid-19 out- the virus infection, includ- vestigations by the research The new confi rmed cases break is 62,160. ing maintaining social dis- and investigation teams of of infection have been ad- The total number of cur- tancing both in the work- the MoPH. mitted to complete isolation rent active cases is 24,573. place and in public places, Cases of infection have in the various medical facil- The total number of people as well as wearing a medical also increased among citi- ities in the country, where currently under acute hospi- mask and avoiding social zens and residents as a re- they receive the necessary tal care is 1,556, including 245 visits to reduce the risk of sult of contact with infected healthcare according to the acute hospital admissions in contracting the virus. family members who had health status of each case. the last 24 hours. The total The MoPH also recom- been infected in the work- The MoPH stated that the number of Covid-19 deaths mended visiting the website place or through visits and two new deaths recorded so far in Qatar is 45. regularly to view the latest family gatherings. yesterday are of people The ministry urged any- information and instruc- The MoPH revealed that aged 48 and 53 years, re- one with symptoms of tions related to Covid-19. The Cuban Hospital phone enquiries Ehteraz made mandatory by more outlets

nother retail chain ported yesterday about has made it man- Al Meera and Monoprix Adatory for cus- Qatar making it man- tomers to download and datory for customers to activate the Ehteraz ap- show the Green status plication to be allowed on the Ehteraz applica- entry into its outlets. tion to be allowed entry In an announcement into their stores. on Facebook yester- LuLu Hypermarket day, Carrefour Qatar is also implementing a said: “The health and similar measure across safety of our colleagues its stores in the country, and customers is our it is learnt. number one priority. This comes in imple- As per the government mentation of the pre- guidance, it is manda- cautionary measures tory to activate (the) taken by Qatar to ensure Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has provided details of Ehteraz app before en- a safer shopping expe- phone enquiries at The Cuban Hospital. tering the store.” rience and prevent the Gulf Times had re- spread of Covid-19. Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 3 QATAR

Vodafone links Qatar Airways to resume 57 Al Waab Venice fl ights from July 15 compounds with z National carrier to increase flights to Dublin, Milan, Rome from June 13 Giganet Fibre atar Airways will resume services to Venice, Italy Qfrom July 15, the airline esidents living in the schools and universities, and said yesterday. densely populated area remote working for many em- The popular tourist destina- Rof Al Waab can now ac- ployees. tion and major arts and cultural cess Vodafone Qatar’s superfast In addition, GigaHome-Fibre centre will become the airline’s fibre broadband network fol- customers can enjoy GigaTV, third destination in Italy to lowing roll-out completion in Vodafone’s home entertain- resume fl ights, marking a sig- 57 residential compounds that ment service that features live nifi cant step in the resumption serve more than 3,200 homes. TV channels, on-demand con- of global leisure travel. The list includes: Beverly tent such as movies from ma- Qatar’s national carrier will Hills Gardens (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, jor studios, Vodafone exclusive also increase fl ights to Dub- 10, 15, 16), Al Mirqab (1, 2, 3), TV series and kids content, as lin, Milan and Rome, with daily Les Roses (1, 2), The Oriental well as OSN premium chan- services starting from June 13. Village, Al Jawhara, Tebah Gar- nels. These features can also be As one of the only global Canal Grande with Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Panorama of Milan. dens, Al Waab Oasis, Janayin Al enjoyed on the go through the airlines to have maintained a Waab and The Village Resort, GigaTV app. signifi cant schedule through- bal tourism industry, indicating the company said in a state- Vodafone Qatar’s chief oper- out this crisis, Qatar Airways is the start of the gradual return of ment. ating officer, Diego Camberos, uniquely positioned to monitor international leisure travel. We This latest announcement said: “Vodafone now offers trends in traffi c fl ow and pas- look forward to supporting the highlights Vodafone’s rapidly more homes in Al Waab greater senger bookings. many businesses in Venice that expanding fibre footprint in choice to enjoy our superfast The airline expects these ad- rely on international tourism the country that in addition to broadband and a large suite of ditional fl ights to provide fur- and expanding these fl ights as Al Waab, includes key locations premium services. With people ther seamless connectivity via demand grows. such as West Bay, Lusail, Salwa, having to work and learn from its award-winning hub, Hamad “During this crisis, we have The Pearl, Wakra, Bin Mah- home to reduce the spread of International Airport, with its become the largest carrier fl y- moud, Al Gharrafa, Al Sadd, the coronavirus, it is the right Asia-Pacifi c destinations, in ing over 50mn km to repatriate Msheireb, Industrial Area and time to rely on our state-of- particular Australia where the over 1.8mn passengers on over Old Salata. the-art GigaNet home network airline continues to operate 21 15,000 fl ights. This has enabled Vodafone Qatar’s GigaNet fi- to power this increased level of weekly fl ights to Brisbane, Mel- us to accumulate unrivalled ex- bre network roll-out in Al Waab digital activities in the home, bourne, Perth and Sydney. perience of how to safely and will enable Vodafone GigaHome and for families to enjoy the Qatar Airways Group Chief reliably carry passengers dur- National Convention Centre and Samuel Beckett Bridge on River services in thousands of homes. best in entertainment together.” Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker ing these uncertain times. Our The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Liff ey, Dublin, Ireland. In addition to high-speed In- To learn more about Voda- said, “We are excited to resume wide network of fl ights during ternet, Vodafone GigaHome fone’s home broadband serv- services to Venice, one of the these challenging times has en- passengers can rely on during seats in economy. tions between the passengers covers homes of every size with ices, visit www.vodafone.qa/ most iconic and popular tour- sured we have kept up-to-date this crisis and we will continue The airline has further en- and the crew infl ight. Cabin uninterrupted Wi-Fi in every gigahome. ist destinations in the world. with the latest in international to ensure the safest and most hanced its onboard safety crew have already been wearing room using a state-of-the-art Throughout this crisis, our fo- airport procedures and im- reliable experience for our pas- measures for passengers and PPE during fl ights for a number Giga Wi-Fi Hub, capabilities cus has been on helping to take plemented the most advanced sengers as global travel recov- cabin crew. The airline is im- of weeks, including gloves and that are ideal for meeting the people home and transporting safety and hygiene measures on ers.” plementing several changes, face masks. Passengers will also higher demand being placed on medical aid and essential sup- board our aircraft and in Hamad Qatar Airways three-weekly including the introduction of be required to wear face cover- home Internet services follow- plies to impacted regions. The International Airport, recently fl ights to Venice will be operated Personal Protective Equipment ings infl ight, with the carrier ing nation-wide precautionary resumption of services to Venice voted the Best Airport in the by its state-of-the-art Boeing (PPE) suits for cabin crew while recommending travellers bring measures against the Covid-19 is a major milestone not just for Middle East for the sixth year in 787 Dreamliner, featuring 22 onboard, as well as a modifi ed their own for fi t and comfort pandemic that have mandated our airline but also for the glo- a row. We have been the airline seats in business class and 232 service that reduces interac- purposes. on-line or digital learning for

Hassad to invest QR200mn in fodder sector LuLu, Elite Paper Recycling

From Page 1 More than 100,000 tonnes of promote recycled cartons primary fodder materials (barley, soy and corn gluten), which cur- rently covers about 30% of the market’s need was provided by lite Paper Recycling (EPR), fi rst-of-its-kind in Qatar and Alaaf Qatar. in co-operation with LuLu we are very proud to say that The company also provided EHypermarket, is launch- its 100% ‘Made in Qatar’ and 8,000 tonnes of fodder supple- ing an awareness campaign 100% eco-friendly,” said EPR ments and imported green fod- that focuses on the use of recy- chairman Abdullah Ibrahim al- der during the past year. In 2020, Alfa Alfa grown in Irkkiyah Farm as fodder. cled cartons for home delivery Suwaidi. Alaaf Qatar is scheduled to sup- of groceries, in support to ef- “We continue to develop as a ply 200,000 tonnes of primary forts made by Qatar to limit the business with a value showing fodder materials, with the aim to spread of Covid-19. solidarity to our community in cover more than 50% of the local ‘Stay Home Save Life’ and Qatar and raising awareness on market needs. ‘Together we fight Coronavi- recycling, going green, and stay- Highlighting that in coordina- rus’ are two hash tags launched ing at home to save lives,” he ex- tion with the Ministry of Com- along with the campaign, rais- plained. merce and Industry, Alaaf Qatar ing community awareness on “Marking World Environment distributed more than 3.5mn bags the necessity to stay home, in Day, the box represents com- of state-subsidised products to addition to the national heath munity solidarity on supporting livestock owners in 2019, he said hygiene guidelines for the pub- local SMEs and part of the EPR “this percentage is expected to in- lic. CSR strategies set to develop crease by 15% for the current year.” Rhodes grass harvested from Irkkiyah farm as fodder. The carton is 100% recycled within the circular economy in Alaaf Qatar currently owns and 100% ‘Made in Qatar’, de- Qatar,” said Catina Aghayan, seven fodder sales points dis- pany’s production of table eggs contribute in achieving self-suf- livering home a message and EPR communications strategy tributed across the country; Si- would reach 130mn per year. fi ciency,” he said. encouraging the community to adviser. maisma, Um Slal, Abu Hamour, “We are currently work- Mahaseel currently markets 30 use recycled materials to pre- LuLu Hypermarket operations Al Wakra, Irkiyyah, Al Shahaniya ing in full capacity to operate diff erent vegetable varieties in the serve the environment. The manager David Bache added, “At and a new sales point has been the second phase of the expan- local market, through 44 hyper- groceries purchased through LuLu Hypermarkets Qatar, we recently opened in Al Wakra sion, which will see a noticeable markets outlets around the coun- LuLu online shopping are fully support green initiatives Central Market to meet the needs increase in local poultry pro- try. Moreover, 200 local farms are packed carefully in the recycled in line with the green strategy of livestock owners. duction levels,” al-Sadah said, registered with Mahaseel, to ben- boxes and delivered directly for Qatar, and it’s fantastic to Other sales points are current- adding the fi rst phase saw the efi t from the marketing and agri- and safely to consumers. be able to support a local Qatari ly being developed in Abu Nakhla company cover 70% of the mar- cultural services provided to them. LuLu Hypermarket, as part of SME in Elite Paper Recycling, and Al Karaana, scheduled to ket demands. As for international invest- its CSR plan on Qatar, is start- whilst still advertising the stay open during this year. Mahaseel for Marketing and ments, Hassad has invested in ing ‘Go Green’ strategies by col- home save lives message, and On the poultry sector, Arab Agri Services Company has mar- A’Saff a foods, which is consid- laborating with local Qatari SME the importance of using fully Qatari Company for Poultry Pro- keted 15mn kg of vegetables during ered the largest poultry project recyclers, such as EPR. LuLu recyclable materials in today’s duction- Al Waha’s second phase the current agricultural season. in Oman. also supports EPR’s initiatives in retail market. Through this ini- will increase the local production “We founded Mahaseel after “The company is currently building a sustainable environ- tiative we have also been able to to 16mn a year - the additional studying the market needs, and undergoing expansion plans to ment. reduce plastic usage, whilst pro- 6mn chicken to be allocated to identifying the suitable mecha- double its production by next “This campaign is launched viding our customers a very safe LuLu Hypermarket and Elite Paper Recycling have joined hands frozen poultry production lines nism to support the private year, to reach 44mn birds per amidst the outbreak of Cov- carton in which to transfer their on a campaign on the use of recycled cartons for home delivery and cuts. Furthermore, the com- agricultural sector, in order to year,” he added. id-19. This box initiative is the shopping to the home.” of groceries.

HMC Heart Hospital performs open ‘Very hot’, windy, heart surgery on Covid-19 patient dusty conditions

From Page 1 navirus diagnosis to ensure that all nec- likely today: Met essary precautions were in place to help The three-vessel disease is the most se- minimise the risk of Covid-19 spread, vere form of coronary atherosclerosis. 3VD both during the surgery and during his atar will again experi- places in the country contin- means the three big vessels, the left anterior follow-up care and recovery. The patient ence a “very hot” day ued to experience scorching descending, right coronary, and circumfl ex is currently recovering in isolation,” said Qtoday, with the maxi- conditions yesterday, with arteries have blockages. Dr al- Khulaifi. mum temperature in Doha Mesaimeer and the Qatar As part of Heart Hospital’s Covid-19 pro- The team included Dr Shady Ashraf, expected to be 46C, the Met University area recording tocol, a virtual meeting of the Multi-Disci- Dr Hafeez Lone, Dr Bassam Shouman, Dr department has said. a high of 48C, followed by plinary Team was held to plan the best course Suraj Sudarsanan, Rami Ahmad, Abeer Fresh/strong northerly Doha (airport), Mesaieed, of treatment for the patient. Mahmoud, Khadejeh Mohamed, Shiji Var- winds are likely both inshore Turayna, Karana and Mu- “The team concluded that timely ghese, Sujatha Shettra, and Julie Paul who and off shore during the day, kaynis at 47C, and Al Khor, open-heart surgery was the best option played an important role in helping to en- which may cause rising dust, Wakra, Sheehaniya and Ju- for this patient. The patient was sta- sure this story will have a happy ending. It especially in the open areas, mayliyah at 46C. bilised and subsequently prepared for also highlights that it is essential that any the weather offi ce tweeted Today, Mesaieed and surgery and the relevant departments patient who is having chest pains does not yesterday. Wakra are expected to see a HMC’s Heart Hospital team performs life-saving open heart surgery on Covid-19 patient. and sections were informed of his coro- delay getting help. Doha and several other high of 48C. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 4, 2020 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

UNREST STRIFE SHORTAGE APPEAL TURMOIL 16 dead in new eastern Angola’s separatists say Uganda health workers say Gambia calls for transparent Anger as South Sudan DR Congo massacre fresh clashes killed 12 they lack vital equipment probe of US police shooting soldiers shoot dead five

Sixteen civilians, five of them children, were At least 12 people have been killed in fresh clashes Ugandan medical workers say they lack adequate Gambia’s government called on Tuesday for a Hundreds of South Sudanese protested yesterday killed overnight in a fresh massacre in the east- between the Angolan military and separatist fight- supplies of personal protective equipment for credible and transparent investigation into the after a soldier, a cousin of President Salva Kiir, was ern DR Congo province of Ituri, a local official ers in the northern oil-rich province of Cabinda, a tackling Covid-19 and the risk of infection is mak- shooting death of one of its citizens by US police involved in the killing of five civilians in the capital. A and a UN source said yesterday. “The toll, which rebel group said yesterday. “Fighting resumed on ing some reluctant to treat patients. in the state of Georgia last Friday. The Georgia statement from the presidency confirmed that Lual is still provisional, is of 16 people killed by knives Tuesday June 2, 2020 at 7pm (1700 GMT) between The complaints follow revelations on Sunday that Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a statement Akook Wol Kiir, a “distant cousin” of the president, or gunfire. The people killed are four men, the Cabinda Armed Forces (FAC) and the Angolan seven health workers including two doctors and on Friday that it had been asked by the police had been arrested and was in hospital in critical con- seven women and five children all aged under military...in the village of Chivovo, and resulted in the two nurses had contracted the virus. department in the town of Snellville to investigate dition after the incident. The army said the incident five,” said the administrator of Djugu territory, death of 12 people,” the Front for the Liberation of So far the east African nation has 507 cases an off icer involved in the shooting of a driver in the Shirkat area of Juba was sparked by a land Adel Alingi. The toll was separately confirmed the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC), said in a statement. of Covid-19 with no deaths. “The situation is following a car chase. The GBI identified the driver dispute, the details of which are not clear. “Lual is by a source in the United Nations’ peacekeep- FLEC is the largest separatist movement in Cabinda, critical, many people are working without PPE,” on Tuesday as Momodou Lamin Sisay, who lived trying to grab land from the civilians. And when the ing force, Monusco. The attack unfolded at a and has several factions, of which the FAC is the big- Dr Mukuzi Muhereza, secretary-general for the in the nearby town of Lithonia. Sisay, 39, is the citizens tried to reopen their businesses Lual came village in the area of Mambisa, north of the Ituri gest. It said the victims were four soldiers, two FAC country’s health workers’ body, the Uganda Medi- son of Lare Sisay, a Gambian diplomat who also with his soldiers and immediately started shooting capital Bunia, the sources said. members and six civilians. cal Association, told Reuters yesterday. worked for the UN Development Programme. civilians,” said an eyewitness, Malual Peter.

Sudan protesters Joy in Gaza as mosques rally one year after bloody crackdown reopen after virus closure searing heat, despite fears of AFP Khartoum the coronavirus spread, to AFP commemorate them and to Gaza City keep their memory alive in our udanese protesters took hearts,” said one of the pro- to the streets of Khar- testers, Mohamed Haydoub. osques in the Gaza Stoum yesterday, angrily At least 128 people were killed Strip reopened yes- demanding justice for scores and hundreds more wounded in Mterday after a 70-day of pro-democracy demonstra- the attack outside Khartoum’s closure due to the novel corona- tors killed a year ago in a bloody army headquarters, according virus, with one worshipper say- crackdown. to doctors linked to the protest ing he was “overjoyed” despite The popular mass movement movement. fears over the pandemic. had already brought down long- Official figures say at least 87 Wearing a black face mask, an time ruler Omar al-Bashir but died. The attackers perpetrated imam in Gaza City led the call was still on the streets demand- “murder, torture, rape, sexual to prayer as mosques reopened ing further reforms when it was violence, enforced disappear- across the Palestinian enclave attacked by armed men in mili- ance of persons and potentially with health measures in place. tary fatigues on June 3, 2019. other inhumane acts,” says a Worshippers were told “We won’t forget and we March report by the US-based to wear face masks inside won’t forgive,” read one Arabic- group Physicians for Human mosques, which would be regu- language protest sign held up by Rights. The new prime minis- larly disinfected as a precau- a mask-clad Sudanese woman as ter under Sudan’s post-Bashir tionary measure, Gaza’s reli- scores of other protesters rallied civilian-military transition gious aff airs ministry said. and the smoke of burning car authority, Abdalla Hamdok, Children and sick people were tyres blackened the sky. pledged yesterday that justice told not to attend prayers. In “We came out today in the would be done. Gaza City, worshipper Khader Mussa said he was “overjoyed” to attend dawn prayers but had also been careful to protect his Iran says curbs could return if second wave hits health. “I got there just two minutes Iran’s president warned the The health ministry, cited by before the start of prayer to public yesterday that restric- state media, reported 3,134 new avoid contact with other wor- tions may have to be reimposed infections in the past twenty shippers and then left at the to fight the coronavirus if the four hours, the most since end, without shaking hands country is hit by a second wave March 30, bringing the total to with anyone,” the 40-year-old Palestinian men wear face masks as they take part in the noon prayers at the Al Abrar mosque in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. of infections, after authorities 160,696. Seventy new deaths said. announced the most new cases brought the toll to 8,012. “If in The strip has registered Fitr holiday, which celebrates trous, given its high population the separate Palestinian territo- agency WAFA said. Mosques, in a day since March. Iran has any part of the country these around 60 coronavirus cas- the end of the holy month of density, soaring poverty rates ries.The PA introduced a state of shops and restaurants have al- suff ered the worst coronavirus warnings aren’t taken seriously es and one death, all among Ramadan, but yesterday marked and weak health system. emergency in March after an out- ready reopened in the West outbreak in the Middle East, and God forbid the outbreak of Gazans returning to the enclave a full reopening. “We are happy Israel has held Gaza under a break of coronavirus in the West Bank and the extension “does forcing it to impose a lockdown illness peaks again, the authori- who have been quarantined on mosques have opened,” said crippling blockade since 2007, Bank city of Bethlehem, which not involve closures”, govern- that damaged an economy ties will have to reimpose restric- arrival. Mohamed Hamad, wearing a as part of its opposition to Ha- was renewed yesterday. ment spokesman Ibrahim Mel- already reeling from the imposi- tions,” President Hassan Rouhani After the virus was fi rst de- face mask. “We thank God, who mas, which rules the strip. “President Mahmoud Abbas hem wrote on Twitter. tion of US sanctions. Restrictions said in remarks on his website. tected on March 22, mosques, protected us from the coronavi- Hamas is diff erent from the issued a decree extending the Palestinian prime minister have been gradually lifted since “This issue will create problems restaurants and universities rus in the Gaza Strip,” he added. Palestinian Authority based in state of emergency for 30 more Mohamed Shtayyeh has warned April but have been reimposed for the ordinary life of citizens were closed. The United Nations has the occupied West Bank, and as days starting June 4 amid the restrictions could be reimposed in some areas after localised and will also bring serious eco- Some mosques opened their warned that a Covid-19 out- a result, there have been diff erent coronavirus outbreak in the oc- if there is a spike in Covid-19 outbreaks. nomic damage to the society.” doors 10 days ago for the Eid al- break in Gaza could be disas- approaches to the pandemic in cupied territories,” offi cial news cases.

CONFLICT Libya ceasefire talks resume: UN Protest over police brutality Military talks on a ceasefire in Libya resumed yesterday, the United Nations an- Lesotho’s former fi rst nounced, welcoming it as a “positive” first step. The interim UN envoy, Stephanie Williams, met with a five-member delegation representing military commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. A meeting with lady back in custody the UN-recognised Government of National Accord will be held within the com- ing days, he added. “Negotiations will continue on the ceasefire agreement and associated arrangements on the basis of the draft presented by the UN mission AFP Yesterday she arrived at the to both delegations on February 23 this year,” Dujarric said. The UN mission in Maseru magistrate court in Maseru un- Libya had announced on Tuesday that the rival factions had agreed to resume der the escort of armed police talks after a suspension of more than three months. Yesterday, the GNA said its offi cers. Magistrate Thamae forces had retaken Tripoli’s international airport after heavy fighting with troops. esotho’s former fi rst lady, Thamae told her she would be Maesaiah Thabane, re- taken to the female correctional turned to custody yester- facility in fulfi lment of the ap- HEALTH L day after a court revoked bail peals court judgement. Oman reports 738 new Covid-19 cases that she had been controversially “The decision of the High given over the murder of her Court to grant you bail has been The Omani Ministry of Health registered 738 new coronavirus cases in Oman husband’s estranged wife. set aside by the Court of Ap- yesterday, QNA reported from Muscat. Among those, 414 new cases were of The 43-year-old was charged peal,” said the magistrate. expats and 324 of Omanis. The total cases in the country has now touched with murder in February after “You will remain in the cor- 13,538, including 2845 recoveries and 67 deaths. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of police quizzed her on the brutal rectional facility. You will re- Health announced the recording of 710 new cases of Covid-19 during the last 24 killing of former Prime Minis- port back on June 16, 2020 to hours, bringing the total to 29,359 infections, QNA added. Four deaths were also ter Thomas Thabane’s wife two find out the progress of your recorded, bringing the total to 230 cases. Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced days before his inauguration. case.” earlier yesterday the recovery of 1,469 cases. She spent one night in jail before Police officers immediately a High Court freed her on a 1,000 whisked her away. She came maloti ($57) bail. to court sporting a black-and- DISCORD But on Friday the country’s olive-green coloured tracksuit, Russian strikes hit northwest Syria Court of Appeal cancelled that a knee-length winter coat, bail. Police failed to re-arrest her sneakers and headscarf. She Russian air strikes have hit Syria’s last major rebel bastion for the first Protesters demonstrate against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd immediately because she was had donned an anti-coronavi- time since a March ceasefire came into force, a war monitor said yes- and Collins Khoza, who died after a confrontation with South African security forces out of country accompanying rus mask to cover her face, but terday. The Russian strikes on Tuesday evening and at dawn yesterday enforcing a nationwide coronavirus disease (Covid-19) lockdown, outside Parliament in her octogenarian husband, who her slumped posture suggest- hit an area of the northwest where the boundaries of Hama, Idlib and Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday. was seeking medical attention in ed unhappiness for someone Latakia provinces meet, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. neighbouring South Africa. known for self-confidence. Clashes erupt in Senegal over coronavirus curfew

AFP a senior offi cial said yesterday, the local headquarters of radio The Senegalese media added I don’t think we have ever seen High schools in the West Afri- pandemic because of its weak Dakar speaking on condition of ano- station RFM, which is owned demonstrations also occurred in this in Touba,” he said. can state had been due to reopen health system. nymity. by singer and former minister Tambacounda, in the east of the The curfew, imposed by Presi- on Tuesday, but this step was Demands for an easing of re- A coronavirus treatment cen- Youssou N’Dour, according to country, and Thies, in the west. dent Macky Sall on March 23, delayed at the last minute after strictions have mounted in the rotests tinged by violence tre there was attacked and the the local journalists’ association The caliph, or leader, of the bans movement between 9pm 10 teachers in the southern re- face of the plight of many Sen- broke out late Tuesday windows of the offi ces of elec- 3CM. Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne and 5am. gion of Casamance tested posi- egalese who depend on menial Pin four Senegalese towns tricity provider Senelec were The group said in a statement Mountakha Mbacke, made a It is being implemented in tive for Covid-19. day-by-day jobs. over a night-time anti-corona- smashed, the source said. that it “fi rmly condemns these rare late-night TV appearance to tandem with a ban on travel be- The country has recorded Around 40% of the popula- virus curfew, prompting an ap- Witnesses added that post acts of vandalism” and “calls call for an end to the protests in tween Senegal’s regions. nearly 4,000 cases of coronavi- tion live below the threshold of peal for calm by a major leader, offi ce buildings in Touba — the on the authorities to ensure the Touba, Senegal’s second-largest The measures have been ex- rus, 45 of them fatalities. poverty, according to a World sources said. seat of the politically powerful safety of the media during this city with a population of around tended until the end of June, al- The fi gures are low compared Bank benchmark. In Touba, a religious hub 200 order called the Mouride Broth- period of riots”. Protesters also a million people. though Sall eased other restric- to countries in Europe and the The government is expected kilometres east of the capital erhood — were attacked. erected barricades and burned “Go home. Tomorrow we will tions on May 11, allowing places United States, although experts to announce in the coming days Dakar, three police vehicles and In the neighbouring town of tyres in Mbacke, other witnesses look at the source of the prob- of worship and markets to reo- caution that, as elsewhere in Af- whether it will ease some of the an ambulance were set ablaze, Mbacke, protestors damaged said. lems and how to address them. pen. rica, Senegal is vulnerable to the emergency curbs. Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 5 HOL STIC

Opinion: I’ve stopped Wellbeing using SPF Who’s your family? Are you quarantining alone 76% according to a new study by and have no family around? The Cooper Institute of US. Darker What do you do if you do not skin tends to take longer to absorb have family or your family is not Vitamin D, hence the higher rate close? You have to build a net- of deficiency. work of loved-ones that you We need a measured exposure consider your family. How? You to the sun, but people who are have to make new connections, spending an increasing amount build and develop them and cre- of time indoors, and then only ate a network that you trust, emerging into the sunlight using that you can rely on and provide chemical sunscreen just adds to you with the support you need. their vitamin D deficiency. Fact: It might take time but you have our bodies must not be reliant By Reem Abdulrahman Jassim to start somewhere. You have to on SPF, but the way in which al-Muftah get yourself out there, be open, By Ghanim al-Sulaiti society has failed to question the get to know people, be honest, be eff ectiveness of SPF means for yourself and be real, be there for many – their bodies have become o who have you been quar- them as they are for you and last As humans, we’re generally very reliant on SPF. antining with? With fam- but not least, stay in touch. Who trusting. While there are many Many studies have found that Sily? or Alone? I have been knows, you might even have peo- areas of life where we apply extra people are misled by the claims on quarantining with my husband ple around you that act like your scrutiny in questioning ‘Is this the high-SPF sunscreen bottles. They and my newborn during this family but you haven’t’ realised right thing to do?’ — there are deci- are more likely to use high-SPF pandemic at our home but I do it yet. Maybe you are considered sions we make all the time that products improperly and as a visit my parents at our fam- a part of someone’s family and never second-guess things we result may expose themselves to ily home and my in-laws in their haven’t realised it either. You assume are in the best interests of more harmful ultraviolet radia- family home. I only risk seeing don’t have to look too far, start our health…but second-guessing tion than do people who rely on those who have done as myself, small with the people you know is exactly what we should be do- products with lower SPF values, or self-quarantine. I try my best to and see if you already have those ing with SPF sunscreen. those who take the time to absorb keep away from those who are connections or if there is poten- Over the recent years, serious Vitamin D in the sun light at a still out and about and crossing luxury to go wherever and to see fortably knowing that we have ask for help or will voluntarily tial for more. issues have been identified with sensible hour of the day (perhaps paths with others. Therefore, I whoever you want, but the big- taken all necessary precautions. help. It also gives you a sense of So if you haven’t already, you SPF that people continue to trust very early morning), with a mix of have been following precautions gest realisation for me was the This makes me seriously ask my- belonging, knowing that you fi t should defi nitely start thinking without any concern thinking sunlight and shade – in order to of self-quarantining and social importance of family. self if I have taken my family for in at least one group of people about developing those con- these products can protect us. slowly build up a safe tolerance distancing but allowing myself to I do not know what I would granted and not understood the and that you are part of a circle nections and building your own Seven sunscreen chemicals enter level. see my family for short amounts have done if I didn’t have my value they bring to my life; it is of loved-ones. Family also gives family. Remember, it might have bloodstream after one use. If you want a safe and eff ective of time every few days. Being family around, especially with critical to have people in your life you support, both mentally and taken a pandemic for you to real- Everything from Vitamin D malab- sunscreen alternative, then there able to see my family because we recently giving birth to my baby that you can trust, rely on and physically. Of course there is ize this signifi cant human need, sorption, negative environmental are several options available. Aloe are following similar precautions girl. I thank God everyday that I be yourself. So I wanted to look more to family but I just wanted so get on it before it is too late and eff ects, and allergic reactions Vera is usually associated with af- has been a blessing. I know we am able to live with all my imme- further into the idea of family to highlight a few major points fi nd your family. to the ingredient formulas in ter-sun treatment as it’s amazingly have all been re-evaluating our diate family in the same country and this is what I confi rmed to concluding that the positive out- so-called ‘natural’ SPF creams. To eff ective at reducing sunburn. It lives and realising the things we and most importantly, that we all myself: family gives you a sense comes to having a family con- „ The author is a wellness advocate break it down, applying sunscreen can also be used as a preventative took for granted pre-coronavirus currently live really close to each of comfort, knowing that you tribute to a healthy mind, leading and infl uencer @keys2balance. prevents the body from absorbing sunscreen when applied before such as having the freedom and other and are able to meet com- have a network of people you can to a healthy body. Vitamin D, which has a primary going out. Aloe Vera protects the role is helping the body absorb skin by blocking around 20% of calcium and phosphorous, as sunlight. Carrot seed oil is rich well as to boost immune system. in beta carotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin D deficiency is linked to Vitamin A. These have antioxidant Sleep much? increased autoimmune issues properties that counteract the and a higher risk of developing eff ects of free radicals. Carrot seed infections. Sunlight helps build, oil delivers a high SPF of between class athletes have a remarkable and strengthen up your immune 38 and 40 making it one of the number of sleep hours e.g. Lionel system, mainly because your most eff ective on this list. It also Messi sleeps around a total of 12 white blood cells increase with provides moisturisation and can hours a day. The consequences of sun exposure. These are the cells help to heal burns and wounds. the sleep cycle for athletes can be that play a major role in defending Furthermore, consuming foods broken down into two steps: the body against infection. rich in antioxidants (like fruits and 1. REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Skin cancer patients who avoid vegetables) will help your body to sleep: This occurs in 90-120 the sun are three times more likely protect itself on the inside. Seed minutes cycles throughout sleep to be Vitamin-D deficient than oils, plant extracts, and physical and takes up about a quarter of healthy people, according to a barriers can also be used for exter- total sleep in adults. This cycle new study led by researchers at nal sun protection. They are also By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi provides energy to the brain, the Stanford University School of natural sunscreen alternatives helping with memory-making and Medicine. so don’t contain harsh chemicals restoring its functionality before In a study in the US, an estimated that can damage our health and Since the 20th century, scientists waking up. 40% of American adults are Vita- environment. have been trying vigorously to 2. Non-REM sleep: This is also min D deficient, however when we study, comprehend, and discover known as deep or slow sleep. This break it down into demograph- „ The author is an expert in vegan the effects of sleep on the human cycle is for muscle recovery and ics, for African-Americans, that wellbeing and health. Instagram body and mind. By the first dec- restoring the robustness of the number may be nearly double at handle: @Ghanim92  ade of the current century, scien- body. It accounts for 40 percent tists ascertained a large number of total sleep. During this phase, of sleep disorders and their high the brain rests with little energy prevalence in humans. The EEG consumption, breathing slows patterns (occurring during sleep) down, and the blood supply to the helped in correlating different muscle increases, providing extra stages during sleep, which in turn nutrients and oxygen to help led to salutary identification of them recover and grow. abnormal behaviours and the re- So, the non-REM phase helps ath- lation between sleep and health. letes with muscle recovery and Today, the interest of research- muscle gain, but this phase is also ers is in deep-rooted effects of accompanied by the secretion disrupted sleep, as well as effects of Growth Hormone. During this of sleep deprivation on the body’s time, the body undertakes deep metabolism, hormone regulation, sleep in this cycle; the pituitary and athletic performance. Recent gland releases a small load of studies have inaugurated the growth hormone that stimulates relationship between inadequate tissue growth. Lack of growth sleep and disorders such as obes- hormones is connected with a ity, diabetes (type 2), heart prob- loss of muscle mass and reduced lems, mood swings, neurological caliber to exercise. degeneration, and memory loss. fluid’ which gushes in and out of the brain’s natural sleep-wake following were two of the most In short, sleep is not only ben- Even though the substantial the brain, like ocean waves. schedule or biological clock. The discernible effects eficial to our physical health but amount of sleep is important, the 2. During the process, research- people are sleepiest at two points 1. The body had a sudden surge in also our emotional and mental time of the day for sleep is also ers found that the cerebrospinal of the day. its fat storage capacity. state. To be creative, focused, and beneficial. fluid appears to ‘synchronise’ with 1. 1pm – 3pm 2. The tissues of the skeletal attentive, we need to have a good brainwaves which are most likely 2. 2am – 4 am muscles manifested symptoms of night sleep of 7-9 hours. Along Brain and Neurological Func- to remove the brain waste. This If one is animated at these increased muscle tears. with the right amount of sleep, tioning: waste includes harmful proteins, naturally lazy hours, one can be Author Dr Jonathan Cedernaes, the time of sleep is of mammoth This latest revelation is monu- which if not taken out, might soporific throughout the day, thus an endocrinologist at Northwest- gravity. Sleep Medicine is still mental in Sleep Medicine. This il- become the cause for disrupted feeling listless and nebulous. ern University - Feinberg School working to find more relations lustrates how ‘waste’ gets washed information flow among neurons. of Medicine has said that these between humans and their sleep out by the brain during sleep. This These findings would be particu- Physical Health: studies might help in expound- patterns. article was published by Maria larly useful in finding the underly- Cardiac problems and obesity ing the interconnection between In total, we spend around 25 years Cohut; PhD. The experiment was ing causes of Alzheimer’s disease are two of the most prevalent circadian rhythms and high prob- of our life asleep, so let’s make it performed by researchers at Bos- since these toxic proteins are the diseases in the world right now ability of diabetes and obesity. effective! ton University. A few of the results reason behind the loss of memory and sleep deficiency is directly are enlisted below: and cognitive problems. linked to it. In the study that was Athletic Performance: 1. During sleep, the wastes in the published in Journal Science Coaches and trainers around the „ The author is a consultant in Public brain and spinal cord get washed Circadian Rhythm: Advances, 15 young men were globe put extreme emphasis on Relations and Personality Types. out by waves of ‘Cerebrospinal This term is used to elucidate deprived of a night of sleep. The a tight sleep schedule. World- Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill

Where health and wellbeing takes the centre stage during this pan- Turn Pain into Power demic, especially food that can boost your immune system, Chia Nation is taking orders on Instagram for savoury yet nutritious delights with ingredients like medicinal mushrooms, collagens, adaptogenic herbs, surgery. It was my first time to go moment. Without the stories… ing, I feel blessed with new clarity speaks to me about their pain or cinnamon and more to help you boost your immune system with the into an operating room, the whole there’s no problem. Anytime and focus. suff ering, I don’t just nod my head right tinge of taste and flavour. thing was unwelcome, frightening you’re suff ering. Anytime you’re Healthy or not, no one’s life is and feel sorry for them, I feel deep and painful, but it also had revela- in deep pain. Check yourself and without bumps in the road. When within me what that actually feels Place your order now, before we are full booked. Or sold out! tory power. It got me thinking see where you are. Are you here, the going gets rough, instead of like – because I’ve touched a ver- about pain and suff ering. in reality? Or are you in thought blaming yourself for your diff icul- sion of that pain myself. Enjoy the taste of eating right. We are all in this together! A funny thing happens when land? ties, try to see them as an inevita- And that’s allowed me to connect you spend a few days in pain, it Last week pushed me to my limit ble part of the human experience. with people in a deeper, more becomes a master class on suff er- and revealed a lot about myself. Then take that best of medicines: meaningful way. Interestingly, the ing. You get to spend countless I was reminded of the frailty and self-compassion. It will give rise more situations in life we experi- hours in concentrated agony. In failure of the flesh, but also how to the healing sense of peace ence, the more deeply connected that time, I discovered something sophisticated and beautiful our and well-being that accompany and plugged in we can feel to the fascinating: 95% of the suff ering bodies are and how gracefully treating yourself as kindly as you’d humanity all around us. That’s a By Shefa Ali existed only in the stories I told they can also heal themselves. treat a loved one in need. true gift. myself. Everything begins and The most important part of my I believe painful experiences ends in the mind. When I’m able to experience was that it forced me wallow us to empathise when „ The author is a consultant and Last week, I spent a couple of days drop the stories…there is profound to consider what is important and someone tells us about what they coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ in the hospital, I had to undergo relief and the simplicity of this what is trivial. Now that I am heal- are going through. When someone shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 4, 2020 AMERICAS

Pentagon chief opposes using active duty troops to quell protests

AFP Probe into use of military medevac chopper to harass demonstrators in support of local law enforce- said he was also taken into the president’s political rivals, and Washington ment,” Esper said at a briefi ng. bunker on Sunday. onlookers around the country. US defence off icials said yesterday copter bearing the international its movements appeared to be “The option to use active duty Reports of Trump taking shel- National Guard troops have they would investigate the use of a symbol of the Red Cross, which in “unsafe.” forces in a law enforcement role ter sparked a wave of online been heavily involved in control- S Defense Secretary Mark medical evacuation helicopter car- wartime delineates non-combat- “There are conflicting reports. should only be used as a matter mockery, which is believed to ling the unrest in several US cities Esper said yesterday he is rying red cross markings to harass ant and neutral vehicles carrying I think we need to let the army of last resort and only in the most have contributed to his decision and Trump yesterday threatened Uagainst using active duty and intimidate demonstrators in injured persons and medical conduct its inquiry and get back urgent and dire of situations,” he on Monday to make a controver- to send them to New York City if troops to quell the protests for Washington. personnel. and see what the facts are,” he told said. sial walk across Lafayette Park the authorities there “don’t get racial justice gripping the United The helicopter hovered very Defense Secretary Mark Esper reporters. “We are not in one of those — just outside the White House their act together.” States — breaking with President low and directly above peaceful said yesterday that he had ordered Major General William J Walker, situations now. I do not support grounds — to visit the partly “They’re violent people in Donald Trump’s recent threat to protestors on Monday using its an inquiry into the helicopter, commanding general of the Na- invoking the Insurrection Act.” damaged church of St John’s. many places,” Trump said, “a lot deploy the military to restore or- rotor wash to blow debris on them, which was operated by the Wash- tional Guard for the US capital, said Trump denied media reports Police violently dispersed of bad people.” der. a dangerous tactic used by the ington DC National Guard, which is he had also ordered an immediate that he was rushed for his safety to mostly peaceful crowds of pro- Joe Biden, Trump’s presump- Tens of thousands of demon- military in war situations to force overseen by the Pentagon. probe. the White House bunker while pro- testers to clear a path for Trump, tive Democratic rival in the No- strators had defi ed night-time people to disperse. Esper said he understood that “I hold all members of the Dis- tests raged in the streets outside. and Esper yesterday sought to vember election, denounced curfews in several US cities going The act itself was criticised, as the helicopter was not on a medi- trict of Columbia National Guard to “It was a false report,” Trump distance himself from his ap- Monday’s crackdown on protest- into a ninth day of unrest to voice well as the use of a medical heli- cal evacuation mission, and that the highest of standards,” he said. told Fox News radio, before saying pearance at the photo opportu- ers in Lafayette Park as an abuse anger over the death of George that he did go into the secure area nity. of power and promised, if elect- Floyd, an unarmed, handcuff ed for an “inspection” and only for a “I do everything I can to stay ed, to tackle the “systemic rac- black man killed by a white police enforcement the protests did Insurrection Act to deploy active “I’ve always believed and con- “tiny, little, short period of time.” apolitical,” he said. “My aim is to ism” in the country. offi cer last week in Minnesota. not feature the looting or clashes duty soldiers against protesters tinue to believe that the National According to The New York keep the department out of poli- “Donald Trump has turned But the demonstrations were with police of previous days. but his Pentagon chief yester- Guard is best suited for perform- Times, Secret Service body- tics.” this country into a battlefi eld largely peaceful and while there Trump has raised the possi- day came out fi rmly against the ing domestic support to civil guards took Trump into the bun- The photo op was loudly con- driven by old resentments and were tense standoff s with law bility of invoking the rarely used move. authorities in these situations ker on Friday night and Fox News demned by religious leaders, the fresh fears,” Biden said.

Senate probes Americans defy curfews to Trump-Russia investigation

By David Morgan, Reuters protest, violence subsides Washington

Reuters top Senate Republican ally of President Washington Donald Trump yesterday accused the A FBI of conducting a corrupt investiga- tion into Trump’s 2016 campaign, during a S protesters ignored curfews congressional probe that Democrats view as as they vented their anger part of a partisan election-year attack on can- Uover the death of an unarmed didate Joe Biden. black man at the hands of police, but Former US Deputy Attorney General Rod there was a drop in violence over- Rosenstein told a Senate Judiciary Committee night. he was unaware of problems with warrants al- George Floyd died after a white po- lowing the FBI probe code-named “Crossfi re liceman knelt on his neck for nearly Hurricane” to surveil Trump 2016 campaign nine minutes in Minneapolis on May offi cials and would not have given his approval 25, reigniting the explosive issue if he had known about them. of police brutality against African “Every application that I approved appeared Americans fi ve months before the to be justifi ed based on the facts it alleged, and November 3 presidential election. the FBI was supposed to be following proto- Tens of thousands of people took cols to ensure that every fact was verifi ed,” to the streets of cities coast to coast Rosenstein testifi ed at a hearing. for an eighth night in protest over the The FBI launched the probe after learning of death of Floyd and brutality against contacts between campaign offi cials and Rus- other black Americans. sia involving information about Trump’s then Authorities took the unusual step Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. of ordering curfews, and bands of Trump and his Republican allies say the police in riot gear and other heav- president and his campaign were treated un- ily armed offi cers patrolled, ringing fairly by offi cials involved, including former landmarks and shouting at protesters FBI director James Comey and former FBI while helicopters roared overhead. deputy director Andrew McCabe. While most protests have been The Justice Department inspector general peaceful, there was less looting and found numerous errors, including mistakes in vandalism, and clashes between po- seeking surveillance approval. The IG report lice and protesters were more spo- found no political bias, however.. radic. Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Lind- In New York, which last ordered a sey Graham called the probe an abuse of power curfew 75 years earlier during World that should not be allowed to recur. “This in- War II, Mayor Bill de Blasio said an vestigation, Crossfi re Hurricane, was one of the 8pm curfew would be in place until most corrupt, biased, criminal investigations in next Monday. the history of the FBI,” Graham said. Clashes between protesters and But the panel’s top Democrat, Senator Di- police and looting of some stores in anne Feinstein, warned that Senate Repub- New York gave way to relative quiet licans were trying to help Trump attack both in the early hours. the Russia probe that overshadowed his presi- Police made 200 arrests, largely for dency and Biden, the presumptive 2020 Dem- curfew violations. ocratic presidential nominee who was vice In Los Angeles, many demon- Protesters and members of the National Guard kneel together during a demonstration in Los Angeles on Tuesday. president at the time. strators who defi ed a curfew were arrested, but calm was restored by place in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Den- A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Monday night, when protesters were slogan “take a knee”, referring to a Voters dump racist lawmaker mid-evening to the extent that tel- ver and Seattle, and smaller ones in on Monday and Tuesday found that cleared from the White House area protest against racism that started evision switched back to regular pro- many other communities. 64% of American adults were “sym- before curfew and Trump walked in 2016 when a US National Football US congressman accused of being a gramming. Massive crowds have gathered in- pathetic to people who are out pro- with offi cials including the coun- League player knelt on the ground white supremacist lost his re-election Large marches and rallies also took ternationally, from Paris to Nairobi. testing right now,” while 27% said try’s top uniformed military offi cer rather than stand during the playing Aand a black woman won the mayorship they were not and 9% were unsure. and the Secretary of Defense to pose of the National Anthem. in a town once ravaged by race riots — possi- The offi cer who knelt on Floyd’s holding a Bible in front of a church Trump, a Republican seeking ble heralds of change in a nation convulsed by neck, Derek Chauvin, 44, has been where there had been a fi re. re-election in November, has used unrest. fi red and charged with third-degree Trump yesterday defended his hardline rhetoric, urging police to Tuesday night’s elections followed the kill- murder and second-degree man- walk to the church in the face of criti- “get tough” on Twitter yesterday, a ing last week of an unarmed black man in po- slaughter. cism that law enforcement had used day after his likely challenger, former lice custody in Minneapolis, violence that was Three other offi cers involved in force to clear the way of peaceful Democratic vice president Joe Biden, caught on video and plunged the United States the incident have been fi red but not demonstrators. vowed to heal the racial divide. into tumult, with protests raging nationwide. charged. “Most religious leaders loved it. In Atlanta, four police offi cers and Iowa Representative Steve King, a divisive President Donald Trump’s ad- It’s only the other side that didn’t two former offi cers were charged House Republican known for several racist ministration deployed the National like it, you know, the opposing, the with using excessive force while ar- comments over his 18 years, lost his party’s Guard and other federal law enforce- opposition party,” Trump, whose resting two students. primary race to a state lawmaker who had ment forces across Washington on support comes in part from evangeli- Minneapolis launched an investi- mainstream party support. Tuesday. cal Christians, told Fox News Radio gation into possible discriminatory King’s opponent Randy Feenstra won by Protests were largely peaceful, in- yesterday. practices by police over the past dec- nearly 10 points over the controversial con- cluding families with children, for The Secret Service, responsible ade. servative, earning a congratulatory tweet yes- hours but became tense after dark for the president’s protection, would A 30-year-old motorist was ar- terday from President Donald Trump who said particularly near the White House clear any area where he was due to rested on Tuesday after striking three Feenstra would make “a great congressman.” where a new fence was shaken. travel, without his requesting it. police offi cers at a demonstration in Feenstra would still have to defeat a Demo- Los Angeles Police Department off icers kneel during a rally on Tuesday. It was a marked departure from Many protesters have used the Buff alo on Monday. cratic challenger in November.

Survivors of missing, slain indigenous women in Canada impatient for action

By Jack Graham, Reuters just seems like, even before Cov- from implementation of a na- 4,000 women have been killed The Ministry of Crown-Indig- said Barbara Ward-Burkitt, di- when legislation marginalised Toronto id-19 as well, everything is at a tional action plan and a human or disappeared over the past few enous Relations said in an email rector of the Prince George Na- indigenous women. standstill,” said Roxana Wilson, an rights tribunal to establishing a decades, and many cases have that it had been “working to ad- tive Friendship Centre in British The NWAC submitted steps indigenous mother whose 6-year- guaranteed annual liveable in- gone unsolved. dress systemic issues highlighted Columbia. to the government which it says year ago, Canada an- old daughter Adriane Cecile was come for all Canadians. The government is using Cov- throughout the report,” including “The pandemic is an unknown could form the basis of a national nounced that the disap- raped and murdered 31 years ago. Participants were expecting an id-19 as an “excuse,” and families indigenous child welfare reforms, to them,” she said. plan, including a taskforce of in- Apearance and murder of Wilson said she still wakes up at action plan to be released on the are “tired of words,” said Lor- the protection of indigenous lan- “The violence at the hands of vestigators to review unresolved thousands of indigenous women night screaming and crying. “When report’s fi rst anniversary, but Ot- raine Whitman, president of the guages and tougher domestic as- their abusers is something that cases and a commitment to es- amounted to genocide, raising she died, we all died,” she said. tawa announced last week that Native Women’s Association of sault laws. they do know.” tablish a national database. hopes authorities would act to The government inquiry into the plan would be delayed, citing Canada (NWAC). Indigenous women’s groups Violence against indigenous Wilson, from Fort Rupert, address the historic tragedy. murdered and missing indig- the Covid-19 pandemic. “The government has truly say domestic violence has been women and girls “has been part British Columbia, said she wants Now the government says a enous women released on June It did not name a new deadline. failed the people,” she told the made worse by Covid-19, and a of the very fabric of this country the government to show it cares plan of action is delayed due to 3, 2019 blamed the violence on The sweeping 1,200-page re- Thomson Reuters Foundation. survey by the NWAC found near- since before it was a country,” about victims like her daughter, the coronavirus pandemic, a de- long-standing racism, colonial- port found indigenous women The NWAC yesterday released ly one in fi ve indigenous women said Sarah Robinson, who advises whose beauty she compared to velopment that survivors and ism and sexism, along with apa- were 12 times more likely to die a score card on the government’s had been victims of violence in organizations on indigenous af- that of a butterfl y. advocates say is a weak excuse for thy in Canadian society. from violence or go missing than action, saying it had done “so lit- the past three months. fairs in British Columbia. “When she danced or even failing to address the issue. It proposed more than 200 non-indigenous women. tle” that “progress was impossi- Indigenous women are more Its complex causes date back when she walked in a room, it was “I’m disappointed because it wide-ranging recommendations, Estimates suggested some ble to score.” afraid of isolation than Covid-19, to colonial settlement, she said, like she fl oated,” Wilson said. Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 7 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Schools reopen in N Korea after virus delays

North Korean children returned to their classrooms in face masks yes- NZ could return to normal life as early as next week terday as schools reopened after the new term was delayed for months by coronavirus precautions. Pyongyang has not confirmed a single case of the deadly disease that swept the world after first emerging in neighbouring China, but has imposed strict rules, including closing Reuters whether the country is ready to erings, had led to a rise in cases. plans to reopen New Zealand’s under a level 1 alert would shift to Wellington shift to alert level 1, more than two “If it hasn’t, then we will be in border. New Zealand recorded public health measures and basic its borders and putting thousands of its people into isolation. The new months after she imposed a strict a good position to move,” she said no new cases of coronavirus for personal hygiene like regular hand school term was originally scheduled to start in early April but was level 4 lockdown, shutting most during a televised news confer- a 12th consecutive day yesterday washing, self-isolation by anyone repeatedly postponed. Some universities and high schools were allowed ew Zealand Prime Min- businesses and forcing people ence. Under level 1 there is no re- and has just one active case. Ar- with fl u-like symptoms and con- to resume classes in mid-April. Uniformed students made their way to ister Jacinda Ardern said to stay home, in response to the quirement for physical distancing dern’s decision to swiftly impose tact tracing. their schools yesterday morning, all wearing red commemorative flowers Nyesterday she could lift coronavirus pandemic. or limits on the number of people one of the harshest lockdowns in The government will work with and face masks. Some used disposable surgical coverings while others all social distancing measures to Arden said waiting until Mon- allowed in places like bars, clubs, the world has been credited with large scale event organisers to de- wore pastel-shaded cloth masks, some featuring animal characters. At return the country to normal life, day would allow her to see if re- churches, and sports venues, she constraining the spread of Cov- velop a voluntary ‘Covid code’, an elementary school in Pyongyang pupils wearing backpacks had their bar the international border clo- cent changes, like the removal said. However, there would be one id-19 in New Zealand, which has which would help authorities in temperatures checked as they arrived for lessons. In the classroom they sure, as early as next week. of restrictions on the number of major change from pre-pandemic reported a total of 1,504 cases and contact tracing if it is needed, she lined up to wash their hands using water from red buckets before taking Ardern will decide on Monday people in bars and at social gath- normality, with no immediate 22 deaths. Ardern said the focus added. their seats. Beijing will not back down on new security law: Lam

Agencies back from the brink, abandon Hong Kong their Cold War mentality and colonial mindset, and recognise and respect the fact that Hong ong Kong leader Car- Kong has returned” to China, rie Lam said yesterday Zhao said at a regular briefi ng. Hthe central government Zhao said London must “im- will not back down on plans for mediately stop interfering in national security legislation for Hong Kong’s aff airs and China’s the fi nancial hub, even as Britain internal aff airs, or this will defi - stepped up criticism of the move. nitely backfi re.” Hong Kong has Lam, speaking during a trip been rocked by months of huge to Beijing to discuss the new se- and often violent pro-democracy curity law, was fl anked by Hong protests over the past year. Kong’s justice secretary Ter- In response Beijing has an- esa Cheng, its security secre- nounced plans to introduce a tary John Lee and its police chief sweeping national security law Chris Tang. covering secession, subversion Prime Minister Boris Johnson of state power, terrorism and for- earlier said Britain will not walk eign interference. away from the people of Hong China says the law – which will Kong if China imposes a national bypass Hong Kong’s legislature – security law that would confl ict is needed to tackle “terrorism” with its international obligations and “separatism” in a restless Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a briefing at the under a 1984 accord. People attend a candlelight vigil ahead of the 31st anniversary of the crackdown of pro-democracy protests at city it now regards as a direct na- Hong Kong SAR off ice during her visit in Beijing yesterday. Hong Kong people must be Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, after police rejects a mass annual vigil on public health grounds, in Hong tional security threat. free to mark the Tiananmen Kong yesterday. But opponents, including National (Overseas) passports, “The international community Square crackdown anniversary, many Western nations, fear it which allow visa-free access to and some foreign governments the EU said yesterday, after po- “A clear commitment to fully re- pose a law criminalising acts of mous city’s limited freedoms. will bring mainland-style politi- Britain for up to six months. have been adopting blatant dou- lice banned the city’s traditional specting guaranteed rights and subversion, secession, terrorism British Foreign Secretary Do- cal oppression to a business hub Another 2.5mn people would ble standards... in commenting annual vigil on health grounds. freedoms is now more important and foreign interference in Hong minic Raab has further angered that was supposedly guaranteed be eligible to apply for one. on this matter,” said Lam. “It is It is the fi rst time in three dec- than ever in light of recent devel- Kong, saying it is needed to tack- Beijing by suggesting that it had freedoms and autonomy for 50 Johnson said Britain could al- within the legitimate jurisdic- ades that the candlelit June 4 opments.” le “terrorism” and “separatism”. time to “reconsider” the plan, years after its 1997 handover to low BN(O) holders to come for a tion of any country to enact laws gathering, which usually attracts She said the EU continues Opponents fear it will bring po- which could soon be enacted af- China from Britain. renewable period of 12 months to protect and safeguard national huge crowds, has been halted, to mourn and demand justice litical oppression to a city sup- ter the proposal was endorsed In parliament, Raab said he “and be given further immigra- security. The US is no exception, and the EU added its voice to a for those killed on June 4, 1989, posedly guaranteed freedoms by China’s parliament last week. had reached out to Australia, tion rights, including the right to the UK is no exception.” growing international chorus of when China sent tanks and and autonomy for 50 years after Prime Minister Boris Johnson, New Zealand, the United States work, which could place them on Lam added that experts and concern. With Beijing tightening troops to crush student protest- its 1997 handover to China by meanwhile, said London would and Canada about contingency a route to citizenship”. representatives from various its grip on Hong Kong with a new ers demanding reforms. Britain. not “walk away” from Hong plans if the law creates a deluge Britain says it views the pro- sectors of Hong Kong society security law, critics have accused Hundreds were killed in the Britain has said it will off er Kongers worried by Beijing’s of Hong Kongers looking to leave. posed law as a breach of the 1984 would be invited to discuss their police of using coronavirus as an crackdown, with some estimates millions of Hong Kongers vi- control over the international “I raised it on the Five Eyes agreement with Beijing ahead of views in central government- excuse to ban the rally. suggesting more than 1,000 per- sas and possible route to British business hub. call yesterday – the possibility of the handover guaranteeing Hong organised seminars on the main- EU spokeswoman Virginie ished, but all talk of it is strictly citizenship if China pushes ahead Johnson wrote in a column for burden sharing if we see a mass Kong’s freedoms and a level of land. Political tensions are rising Battu-Henriksson said the censored in China. The row over with the law, drawing an angry The Times newspaper and the exodus from Hong Kong,” Raab autonomy – a deal that formed in Hong Kong once more. Tiananmen commemorations in the vigil comes as tensions esca- response from Beijing. South China Morning Post that told lawmakers, referencing the the bedrock of its rise as a world- The city’s pro-Beijing weight- Hong Kong – the only such event late between Beijing and the West China warned Britain yes- he would off er millions of Hong intelligence-sharing alliance be- class fi nance centre. But Zhao ed legislature is expected to pass permitted on Chinese soil – was a about the freedoms and autono- terday that interfering in Hong Kongers visas and a possible tween the fi ve powers. said the Sino-British agreement on legislation that would crimi- “strong signal that key freedoms my given to former British colony Kong will backfi re, after the route to UK citizenship if China In his column, Johnson wrote “does not contain a single word nalise insults to China’s national continue to be protected”. Hong Kong under the so-called former colonial power vowed to persists with its national security that if China proceeds to jus- or clause that gives the UK any anthem. “We note the restrictions that “one country, two systems” pol- give sanctuary to locals who may law. tify the “fears” of Hong Kongers, responsibility for Hong Kong af- The vote would fall on a day have been put in place this year icy. US Secretary of State Mike fl ee the city if a controversial se- Chinese foreign ministry “then Britain could not in good ter its handover”. when Hong Kongers will also in both Hong Kong and Macau on Pompeo accused China of muz- curity law is passed. spokesman Zhao Lijian said Bei- conscience shrug our shoulders Hong Kong Chief Executive mark the anniversary of Beijing’s health grounds,” she told report- zling Hong Kong by banning the The United States and Britain jing had lodged “serious repre- and walk away; instead we will Carrie Lam brushed aside in- 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, de- ers in Brussels. “We trust that the vigil, a week after certifying that have enraged Beijing with their sentations” with London over honour our obligations and pro- ternational concerns while in spite city authorities banning the people of Hong Kong and Macau Washington no longer regards criticism of planned national se- Raab’s remarks, which “grossly vide an alternative.” Beijing for a meeting with top traditional annual vigil because will nevertheless be free to mark the fi nancial hub as autonomous curity legislation that critics fear interfered” in Hong Kong’s af- About 350,000 people in Chinese offi cials to discuss the of the coronavirus. the anniversary appropriately. from China. Beijing plans to im- would destroy the semi-autono- fairs. “We advise the UK to step Hong Kong currently hold British proposed law.

After lockdown, Australians seek to learn survival skills Malaysian beauty

Reuters you can make better informed loosens its lockdown laws af- queen sorry over racist Sydney decisions.” ter months of restrictions that Course participants learn how saw runs on supermarket sta- to erect a shelter, build a fi re, ples, and many Sydney dwell- US protest remarks earning Australian bush solar and celestial navigation, ers cooped up at home. Now survival skills is becoming forage for edible plants, some beaches are reopening and pubs Lpopular as city folk turn within a timed environment de- in Sydney are allowed to accept AFP to nature with the easing of the signed to emulate the stress of a 10 patrons for meals. Kuala Lumpur coronavirus lockdown, organis- real survival situation. “I’ve been caught up with that ers of a course outside Sydney “They’ve got a timed period to supermarket mayhem. I didn’t said. make a fi re using the procedure realise how entrenched I was in Malaysian beauty queen has apologised after her comments The Bushcraft course teach- that we’ve given them because that,” course participant George that black people should “relax” in response to raging US pro- es basic survival skills like for- it makes it effi cient. They may Hamza said. Atests against police racism sparked an online outcry, including aging for food and water, and have to light a fi re to signal for Hamza is one of 11 partici- condemnation from Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding. The US also offers insight into tradi- help, to boil water to give to a pants taking part in a three-day has been rocked for the past week by once-in-a-generation demon- tional indigenous cultures. The person that’s suff ering from hy- intermediate course near Ku- strations over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African-Amer- course filled up soon after the Wilderness survival instructor Gordon Dedman teaches students a pothermia,” Dedman said. ring-gai National Park, Ingle- ican man, by a white police offi cer in Minnesota. lockdown began to be eased navigation lesson during a skills course. “The other thing is that the side, north of Sydney. But Samantha Katie James, who represented Malaysia in the 2017 late last month, and there is a timed deliverables gives an ele- “Coming out here and spend- Miss Universe pageant in the US, posted on Instagram this week: “To lot of demand, the organisers ganise themselves in a natural former army commando. ment of stress and in a survival ing a few days here and removing the black people, relax, take it as a challenge, makes you stronger. “You said. “A lot of people come to environment,” said instructor “The more knowledge you situation you’re going to be very, myself from that, I’m feeling like chose to be born as a ‘coloured’ person in America for a reason. To learn self discipline. How to Gordon Dedman at Bushcraft have... it actually gives you a very stressed.” The interest in I’m detoxing a little from that learn a certain lesson.” organise themselves and or- Survival Australia, who is a sense of confi dence and then the course comes as Australia sphere of the world,” he said. Social media lit up with anger following the remarks, with the Ma- laysian-born English actor Golding also condemning her comments in his Instagram stories. More than 80,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the 25-year-old to be stripped of her Miss Universe Malaysia crown, which she won in 2017, before competing interna- Pandemic could cost Australian universities $11bn: lobby group tionally. “She misused her platform and social media presence to voice out her blatantly racist and ignorant remarks,” read the petition. The organisers of the Miss Universe Malaysia contest also slammed the AFP not only higher education staff - linked revenue losses of up to ruled ineligible for government Many students remain strand- comments as “inappropriate, off ensive, unacceptable and hurtful”. As Sydney ing and facilities but also under- Aus$4.8 billion in 2020, growing wage subsidies during the pan- ed in the country and are relying anger mounted late Tuesday, James posted an apology. “I do hear you, mine the sector’s world-class re- to A$16bn through to 2023. demic, putting more than 20,000 on charities for food handouts I’m sorry, I know you’re hurting. I’m not in your shoes to fully under- search and innovation. “Not only does that revenue academic and support staff jobs after they were excluded from stand this,” she said. ustralian universities Education is Australia’s third- support the staff and facilities at risk. government support packages Responding to her comment that black people “chose to be black”, could lose up to US$11bn largest export — behind only iron to educate the next generation of Australia’s schools were al- designed to cushion the econom- she added: “Throughout my journey I have learned that we are more Aas an indefi nite coronavi- ore and coal — with more than skilled workers, it also pays for most halfway through their fi rst ic hit from the epidemic. than just this temporary physical body, like an avatar, merely a tiny rus border closure locks out the 500,000 international students much of the research and inno- semester when Prime Minister Morrison has said the ban on speck of dust in this vast infi nite universe, we tend to overlook that foreign students who keep the enrolled last year, bringing about vation that keeps Australia in- Scott Morrison controversially foreign travellers will likely con- from time to time. sector afl oat, the industry said A$32bn (US$22bn) into the econ- ternationally competitive,” the told struggling international stu- tinue for months, although some “In our process towards evolution as a human being, on earth. We yesterday. omy. group’s CEO Catriona Jackson dents to “go home” on April 3 as states are considering exemp- chose our body, our family, our place of birth, our name and our les- Lobby group Universities Aus- Universities Australia said said. the country began locking down tions for foreign students willing sons from the path we take tailor made for us.” Protests against sys- tralia said the revenue shortfall its modelling showed the sec- Universities are pushing hard businesses to curb the spread of to undergo a mandatory 14-day temic racism and police brutality have raged across the US since would have a lasting impact on tor could expect coronavirus- for a cash injection after being Covid-19. quarantine on arrival. Floyd’s death, with many descending into mayhem as night falls. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, June 4, 2020 BRITAIN England schools’ reopening falls short of govt’s expectations

Guardian News and Media groups chosen by the government ception, year 1 and year 6 from by a week to July 27, with plans for opened more widely, the poll sug- that some would not be able to show, schools are listening to the London to be the fi rst to return from June 1 Monday, but a number of coun- an additional week off at half term gests. admit all suggested year groups. science rather than politicians. as part of a phased reopening after cils advised their schools against in the next academic year. The NEU, which has more than A number would not take in any “Not only is the safety of the lockdown. reopening prematurely while risk Further education colleges will 450,000 members, has consist- further pupils this term beyond government’s plan in question but he scale of the reopening of In some areas where levels of assessments continued. reopen from June 15 for face-to- ently argued for a later reopening the children of key workers and also the feasibility of it and confi - primary schools in England coronavirus infection remain Many parents chose to keep face learning, especially for vul- date, when the number of new vulnerable children already at- dence of headteachers in what the Tappears to have fallen far high, the proportion of schools their children at home. nerable students and those work- infections will be lower and the tending, Courtney added. prime minister requested.” short of ministers’ expectations, reopening to all eligible year It came as the Welsh govern- ing towards a licence to practice system of testing, tracking and “It was always reckless of Boris The department for education with more than two in fi ve schools groups was far below the national ment said schools there would re- assessments, she added. isolation of new cases will have Johnson to set an arbitrary date has yet to publish any data on pu- failing to admit more pupils, ac- average. open to pupils at the end of June, According to the NEU, 35% bedded in. and expect schools to fall in line,” pils returning or schools opening cording to the UK’s biggest edu- Just 8% of schools in the north- almost a month after the phased of England’s primary schools Kevin Courtney, the NEU’s he said.“Heads and their staff more widely, but it is likely to say cation union. west and 12% in the north-east reopening began in England. opened to all the eligible year joint general secretary, said the know far more about their indi- the numbers are in line with ex- A poll of members of the Na- had opened to more pupils in line The Welsh Education Minis- groups while 21% managed a par- survey was a wake-up call for the vidual challenges than Whitehall pectations and that this week is tional Education Union (NEU) with government plans. ter, Kirsty Williams, said schools tial reopening. government. ever will. the fi rst step in a gradual return of found 44% of schools did not ad- Primary schools were asked would reopen on June 29 and the By the end of this week, an ad- He said many schools intended “As the regional variation ac- pupils, with numbers increasing mit more pupils in any of the year to admit children in nursery, re- summer term would be extended ditional 6% of schools will have to delay a wider reopening and cording to coronavirus levels in the coming weeks.

May fl ays Johnson Patel urged to over Brexit, Covid-19 publish scientifi c measures Guardian News and Media advice behind London

heresa May has launched a double attack on Boris TJohnson’s government, quarantine move speaking in the Commons to fi rst warn about the security impli- Guardian News and Media nounced by the home secretary government had an “enhanced cations of a fi nal no-deal Brexit, London herself on May 22? monitoring” policy at the border and then against the coronavirus “And can the home secre- in the earlier stages of the pan- quarantine plans. tary give me her assurance these demic. May, who has largely kept a low he home secretary is facing measures from Monday next week She said Sage would publish profi le since returning to the back- mounting calls to publish have been recommended and ap- advice in due course and advice benches, used prime minister’s Tthe scientifi c advice behind proved by Sage (Scientifi c Advi- from within the Home Offi ce questions to express worry at a lack the decision to enforce a 14-day sory Group for Emergencies)?” would be provided to the home of intelligence and data sharing if quarantine period on all arrivals He added: “There has to be re- aff airs select committee. the Brexit transition period ends into the UK months after the pan- assurance the quarantine has a The government’s chief scien- without a formal agreement. demic began. genuine public health benefi t now tifi c adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, The government had, May be- In a statement to the Com- that according to the government told MPs the UK received “a big gan, “rightly been focused on mons, Priti Patel confi rmed that it did not have in past months. infl ux of cases probably from Italy keeping people safe” over coro- the measures would be in place And that these measures are not and Spain” in early March that navirus. “But that task goes be- from June 8. just a three-week fudge to try to “seeded right the way across the yond Covid-19. So can my right A breach of self-isolation could spare the government embarrass- country”. honourable friend give me the result in a £1,000 fi xed penalty ment for failing to grip this issue Prof Neil Ferguson, the head reassurance that as from January notice in England or potential at the right time.” of the outbreak modelling group 1, 2021, the UK will have access to prosecution. Joanna Cherry, the Scottish at Imperial College London and the quantity and quality of data The proposals, fi rst raised by National party’s (SNP) home af- a former member of Sage, told it currently has,” she said, citing Boris Johnson publicly on May fairs spokesperson, said: “There peers most chains of transmission areas such as air passenger name 10, have been met with signifi - has been widespread concern that in the UK originated from Spain records. cant warnings from the travel and the UK has been out of step with or Italy. Johnson replied: “That de- tourism sector over the potential- most other countries who intro- Ferguson said it was clear there pends, I’m afraid, on the outcome ly devastating impact that such a duced public health measures were potentially thousands of of our negotiations, as she knows blanket quarantine would have on at their borders far earlier in the individuals coming into the UK well. But I’m absolutely confi dent the economy. pandemic. in late February and early March that our friends and partners will Critics have challenged the “The best way for her to ad- from Spain and Italy, which see sense in the great mutual ben- government over its decision to dress the failure to introduce any meant the epidemic was further efi t of continuing to collaborate in introduce such a stringent policy measures to date and also the ef- ahead than anticipated. exactly the way we do.” at this stage of the pandemic, par- fectiveness of the measures she The aviation industry, backed Twenty minutes later, May ex- ticularly as there was no enforced now proposes, is to publish the by a signifi cant number of Tory pressed her concern again, this quarantine for any arrivals in late evidence and the advice upon MPs, has been piling pressure time more openly, adding her February and early March when which she has relied.” on the government to introduce criticism of the government’s the virus was raging in countries The Conservative former inter- so-called “air bridges” – mutual new 14-day quarantine system such as Italy and Spain. national trade secretary Liam Fox agreements with other countries for overseas arrivals, which begins Following her statement, Patel said: “I’m afraid I simply cannot to allow travellers to fl y in and out next week. faced calls to publish the scientifi c get my head around the public without coronavirus quarantine The former prime minister said advice behind the decision to in- health mental gymnastics of this restrictions. the aviation industry sustained troduce the measures, with Con- policy. Patel said air bridges were millions of jobs. servative MPs including former “If such a barrier was required, being considered, but she cau- “International air travel is nec- ministers among those question- why was it not introduced earlier tioned: “Any international ap- essary for trade,” she said. “With- ing the logic of the move. in the outbreak? And if it is a con- proaches will be bilateral and out it there is no global Britain. So The shadow home secretary, tingency measure against a sec- agreed with the other countries instead of bringing in measures to Nick Thomas-Symonds, called ond wave, why apply it to coun- concerned.” close Britain off from the rest of for the government to be clear on tries with a lower infection rate Whereas countries such as the world, why is the government the scientifi c advice. than we already have. Portugal and France have sent not taking a lead in developing He asked in the Commons: “Surely the answer lies in the positive signals that they are open an international aviation health “If these measures are necessary government’s test-and-trace to some form of travel arrange- screening standard, to save jobs from June 8, why have they not system, rather than unnecessary ment, others have underlined the and ensure that Britain is open for Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a remote press conference to update the nation on the been necessary in recent weeks economic isolation.” challenges with sanctioning trav- business?” Covid-19 pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street in central London yesterday. or from when they were fi rst an- Patel told the Commons the el to and from the UK.

Thousands protest Hounded war veterans demand govt apology George Floyd’s death Daily Mail Cayley said he was also “con- London vinced” no action would be taken in a separate International Crimi- nal Court investigation into al- Reuters and “Black lives matter”. in America but around the world ounded veterans de- leged abuses by British soldiers. London “This has been years in the and in our country as well,” he manded an apology from Cayley’s comments came coming, years and years and years told parliament. Hdefence chiefs after it as it emerged the government of white supremacy,” 30-year-old Police chiefs said they were ap- emerged that all but one of thou- has spent more than £82mn on ens of thousands of people project manager Karen Koromah palled by the way Floyd lost his sands of war crime allegations probes into Iraq veterans, and chanting “no justice, no told Reuters. life and by the violence which fol- from Iraq have been thrown out. £10mn on similar investigations Tpeace, no racist police” and “We’ve come here with our lowed in US cities but called on More than 3,500 allegations on Afghanistan. “black lives matter” gathered in friends to sound the alarm, to make potential protesters in the UK to against UK forces between 2003 A lawyer who represented sol- central London yesterday to pro- noise, to dismantle supremacist work with police as coronavirus and 2009 have already been diers in one of the probes – by the test against racism after the death systems,” Koromah said, caution- restrictions remain in place. dismissed by taxpayer-funded now-defunct Iraq Historic Alle- of George Floyd in Minneapolis. ing that unless there was action But in Hyde Park, near Speak- probes. gations Team (IHAT) – called for Floyd died after a white police the UK would face similar prob- ers’ Corner, many cautioned that An independent investigator a public apology. offi cer knelt on his neck for nearly lems to those in the US. racism was still a British problem looking at the fi nal few cases said Hilary Meredith said: “At long nine minutes while he lay hand- “I don’t want to start crying,” too. it was ‘quite possible’ none of the last, this witch-hunt is com- cuff ed on the ground in Minne- she said of the images from the “My mum was a protester in claims would lead to a criminal ing to an end. The IHAT probe, apolis on May 25. US. “It makes my blood boil.” apartheid and that was 30 to 40 prosecution. which hounded hundreds of in- His death drew outrage across Some protesters waved ban- years ago — it’s pretty disappoint- Andrew Cayley, director of the nocent troops over vile war crime a nation that is politically and ra- ners with slogans such as: “The ing that we have had to come out Service Prosecuting Authority slurs, was closed down in 2017. cially divided fi ve months before UK is not innocent: less racist is today to protest the same thing (SPA), said seven remaining al- Thousands of lives were ruined... a presidential election, reigniting still racist”, “Racism is a global is- today they were protesting how legations had been referred to but it did not result in one pros- protests that have fl ared repeat- sue” and “If you aren’t angry you many years ago,” Roz Jones, 21, a his team, but in six it had been ecution.” edly in recent years over police aren’t paying attention”. student from London said. concluded no charges should be She added: “Cayley has now killings of black Americans. Prime Minister Johnson yes- Jones came to Britain as a small brought. drawn the same conclusion say- Since then anti-racism rallies terday said black lives mattered child with his mother from South He said he expected the in- ing that there is no credible evi- have been held in cities around and that he supported the right Africa. “It’s a systematic issue all volvement of the SPA – the mili- dence of wrongdoing. That’s clo- the world, from Paris to Nairobi. to protest in a lawful and socially- over the world. It’s not like this is tary equivalent of the Crown sure also came at a price – not In London’s Hyde Park, many distanced way. just about someone dying, we live Protesters march on Parliament square during anti-racism Prosecution Service – to “wrap only the cost to the taxpayer but of the protesters wore face “Of course, black lives matter our lives made awfully aware of demonstration in London yesterday after George Floyd, an up within weeks”, suggesting it the shattered lives, careers, mar- masks and were dressed in red. and I totally understand the an- our race. That’s not right, that’s unarmed black man died after a police off icer knelt on his neck is unlikely any more cases will be riages and health of those falsely They chanted “George Floyd” ger, the grief that is felt not just not the natural order,” he said. during an arrest in Minneapolis, US. passed on to it. accused over many years.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 9 EUROPE

No ‘vaccine nationalism’, and jabs for all, reiterates Red Cross

AFP Geneva

he Red Cross and the UN yesterday urged countries to avoid trying to secure future Timmunisation jabs against the coronavi- rus for their populations only, calling for a true “people’s vaccine”. The groups spoke out as scientists race to identify and test possible vaccines for Covid-19, which has killed more than 380,000 people and infected close to 6.5mn globally. They are also scrambling to fi nd a safe and ef- fective treatment. “We need to fi ght what is now called vac- cine nationalism,” Emanuel Capobianco, head of health at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), told AFP. Unless there was a clear international com- mitment to global solidarity on this issue, in- dividual countries might end up scrambling to secure their own populations’ vaccine needs. But while the world waited for that vaccine, countries would do well to invest in getting pro- duction and distribution up to scale — for eve- ryone, everywhere, he advised. “Now is the moment to prioritise that,” said Capobianco. “We need to make sure that this spirit of glo- bal solidarity and this principle of vaccines as a Protesters take part in a Black Lives Matter march in Stockholm yesterday. public good is put at the very centre of the po- litical agenda on Covid-19.” Capobianco spoke as the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which IFRC is part of, issued a joint appeal for the global community to ensure fair access once a vaccine was found. “The spirit of global solidarity must prevail: France urges calm after tense no one should be left behind,” they said. “A global social contract for a people’s vac- cine against Covid-19 is a moral imperative that brings us all together in our shared humanity.” World Health Organisation member states also agreed last month that extensive immuni- protest over black man’s death sation against the new coronavirus would be a “global public good”. AFP/DPA stopped breathing as a police offi cer would get to the bottom of what 1,800 in Marseille, and 1,200 in Lyon. man George Floyd at the hands of Any vaccine, that did emerge should be fairly Paris was fi lmed kneeling on his neck. caused Traore’s death, while urging Following a dispute over an iden- police, as well as racism elsewhere. distributed to all, they said. Traore died after he was similarly “a very cautious approach to these tity check, Traore was apprehended Helsinki’s central Senate Square But there has been pushback not just from pinned to the ground with the com- issues”. in a house where he hid after leading was fl ooded with people, some car- pharmaceutical companies but from Washing- he French government yes- bined body weight of three arresting On Tuesday night, demonstrators police on a 15-minute chase in 2016. rying signs that read “Black Lives ton, which opposes any challenge to interna- terday vowed to punish any offi cers, according to the testimony threw projectiles at police who used He lost consciousness in their ve- Matter,” which they also chanted, tional intellectual property rights. Tpolice racism and urged calm of one of them. tear gas to disperse them, followed hicle and died at a nearby police sta- according to images shown by public While Capobianco acknowledged the diff er- after thousands took to the streets in France’s Interior Minister Chris- by sporadic clashes as protesters tion. broadcaster YLE. ences, he insisted that it would be in everyone’s a tense rally remembering the death tophe Castaner yesterday vowed that and police targeted each other with He was still handcuff ed when par- Many wore masks as part of hy- interest ensure everyone is protected — because of a black man in police custody “every mistake, every excess, every stones and rubber bullets. amedics arrived. giene measures due to the corona- the disease itself “clearly discriminates”. that echoed anger over the killing of word including racist expressions” Some protesters burned bins, bi- Last week, French medical experts virus and listened to short messages In many countries, it had had a dispropor- George Floyd in the United States. would be “the subject of an investi- cycles and scooters to set up fl aming said Traore did not die of “positional protesting police violence, along tionate impact on minorities and other disad- Some 20,000 people rallied in Paris gation, a decision, a punishment”. barricades on the streets. suff ocation”, ruling out the offi c- with calls for justice and freedom, vantaged groups, he argued. late on Tuesday to remember the “If there is a mistake (in the po- Seventeen people were arrested, ers pinning him to the ground as the and against racism — also in Finland. These were the people more likely to live in 2016 death of 24-year-old Adama lice), it must be punished and it is mainly for causing damage to prop- cause of his death. Co-organisers Sara Balhass and poverty, face discrimination and struggle to get Traore, some clashing with police and punished,” he insisted, pointing to erty, a Paris police source said. But on Tuesday, a new probe com- Andrea Moukoko had urged par- health care. brandishing slogans that referred to several instances of law enforcers Many of the French protesters missioned by the Traore family said ticipants to wear face masks and not “It is something that concerns us tremen- the protests sweeping the US. brought to justice over misdeeds. drew inspiration from the US riots, his death was indeed caused by the attend if presenting Covid-19 symp- dously,” said Capobianco. “It is a disease that The death of Traore has long been Government spokeswoman Sibeth holding up slogans in English stat- arrest technique used. toms. aff ects mostly the poor, the most vulnerable.” a rallying cause for critics of the Ndiaye told reporters Traore’s death ing “Black Lives Matter” and “I can’t Police estimated 3,000 people at- He cautioned too, against those who thought French police force, who argue it is had been a “tragedy”. breathe” — the last words uttered by tended — far above the 500 allowed that the pandemic might simply run its course. shadowed by institutionalised rac- However, she urged “appease- Floyd. Black Lives Matter under certain circumstances in Fin- Until there was a vaccine and treatment, he ism, a charge the police deny. ment” and said France must “keep Traore’s sister Assa told the Paris protest in Helsinki land amid virus restrictions. said, the danger was ever-present. The French protests on Tuesday a degree of moderation...given that crowd this was a fi ght not just for Helsinki police said on Twitter “This virus is around, this virus has the po- night came as thousands across the the legitimate emotion aroused by their family, but for everyone. draws thousands that they had spoken to organisers tential to infect many more millions of people United States defi ed curfews for an- the death of Adama Traore is still “When we fi ght for George Floyd, and called for an end to the protest, and to kill many more hundreds of thousands of other night of rallies against police very present in our country.” we fi ght for Adama Traore,” she said. In Helsinki, several thousand peo- citing the risk of infection due to the people,” he said. racism following the death of Floyd, Ndiaye said the government had Other protests drew some 2,500 ple gathered yesterday to protest the large crowd. “We are still in the middle of it. We can’t low- an unarmed African-American who every confi dence the justice system people to the northern city of Lille, recent death of African-American The protest was then called off . er the guard.” Italy leads Europe reopening international borders

AFP Sweden admits response to coronavirus could have been better Rome Sweden’s top epidemiologist said yesterday there was and gatherings of more than 50 people. room for improvement in the country’s controversial Speaking to reporters yesterday, Tegnell stressed taly yesterday led European softer approach to curbing the spread of Covid-19, but that his comments should not be taken to mean nations reopening borders as maintained he still had faith in the strategy. that he or the Public Health Agency had had second Ithe continent slowly emerged Anders Tegnell, the public face of Sweden’s virus thoughts about their strategy. from quarantines to restart bat- response, defended the decision not to impose the “We’re still of the opinion that the strategy is sound, tered economies after the coro- strict lockdowns seen in other countries. but then there are always improvements to make, navirus pandemic. But as more information had become available, especially in hindsight,” Tegnell told reporters. European nations among the adjustments to the strategy could have been made, “I personally think it would be rather odd to answer hardest hit by the outbreak have he added. anything else to such a question,” he added. mostly fl attened out infection “If we were to encounter the same disease with Sweden’s leaders have repeatedly stressed that curves and turned to the tricky everything we know about it today, I think we would the measures are designed for the long haul, that the task of balancing economic re- end up doing something in between what Sweden fight against the virus is a “marathon, not a sprint”. covery against the risk of a sec- and the rest of the world has done,” Tegnell told But their approach has been criticised at home and ond wave of cases. Swedish Radio. abroad, particularly as the number of deaths has far Italy — the fi rst country badly Sweden has so far reported 40,803 confirmed exceeded those in neighbouring Nordic countries, hammered in Europe — is leading cases and 4,542 deaths, a toll far greater than which all imposed more restrictive containment the way to restart, hoping tour- neighbouring countries and described by Tegnell as measures. ism will revive its recession-hit “absolutely” too high. Tegnell noted what he called an “ambivalent” view economy three months after the He stressed however that he was still unsure which of Sweden abroad, with their approach receiving both nation closed. added measures would have made a diff erence. praise and scorn. But with health experts warn- “It would be good to know more precisely what “Sometimes it has been perceived as a bit of a ing over reopening too quickly, you should shut down to better prevent a spread of threat, because it could indirectly cast doubt on some some fear foreign visitors may be the infection,” he said. of the fairly drastic measures undertaken,” Tegnell reluctant to travel. Schools have remained open to under-16s. said. “I don’t think we’ll see any Cafes, bars and restaurants and most businesses Speaking separately to Swedish news agency TT, foreign tourists really until the have also stayed open. he said implementing heavy-handed measures “can end of August or even Septem- People have been urged to work from home, limit also do more damage. ber. Who’s going to come? No contacts, practise social distancing and wash hands “There’s no direct correlation between doing a lot one from South America, China frequently. and being cautious,” he argued. “There’s nothing to A child wearing a protective facemask looks at an Asian lion at the Mulhouse Zoo in eastern France as the or the US,” said Mimmo Burgio, The public is expected to follow the recommenda- indicate that we would have had a totally diff er- country yesterday eased lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. a cafe owner near Rome’s Colos- tions, but they are not legally binding. ent outcome if we had implemented more drastic seum. Sweden did however ban visits to nursing homes measures.” Foreign Minister Heiko Maas end of June followed by interna- race to fi nd a vaccine gathered International fl ights to Italy cautioned yesterday. tional fl ights in early July. pace. are only expected to resume in Belgium will reopen its borders Britain — with the second The continent’s four largest three main cities: Milan, Rome Austria said yesterday it would Germany will also lift its blan- “This decision raises great to travellers from the EU, Britain highest death rate in the world economies — France, Germany, and Naples. scrap virus controls on all land ket travel warning for European hope and expectations but I want and members of Europe’s pass- after the US at nearly 40,000 fa- Italy and the Netherlands — are Some of Italy’s neighbours are borders, except for Italy, still nations from June 15, replacing to say again: travel warnings are port-free travel zone on June 15, talities — is still advising against forming an alliance to speed up not yet ready to lift travel restric- viewed by some of neighbours as it with warnings for individual not travel bans, and travel ad- while London City Airport will non-essential travel. production of a vaccine on Euro- tions from the country. a virus hotspot. countries. vice is not an invitation to travel,” restart domestic service at the And as Europe reopened, the pean soil, Dutch offi cials said. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, June 4, 2020 INDIA ‘Remove China Apps’ software taken down by Google

Agencies Apps”, had become top trending matter said the software violated AppLabs, which developed the In other developments, Con- meeting on June 6 in a bid to re- about the border situation with New Delhi free app on Google’s mobile app Google’s policies prohibiting app, did not respond to a request gress leader Rahul Gandhi again solve the troop confrontation in China is fuelling massive specu- store in India with more than apps that mislead users into re- for comment. questioned the government over eastern Ladakh, quoting Defence lation and uncertainty at a time 5mn downloads since late May. moving or disabling third-party On its website it confi rmed the military standoff with China Minister Rajnath Singh, where of crisis. Government of India lphabet Inc’s Google has Its popularity rose amid calls for apps or modifying device set- the app had been removed and and asked if it could confi rm that he also admitted that Chinese must come clean and tell India taken down an Indian a boycott of Chinese mobile apps tings or features. thanked users for their support. no Chinese soldiers entered India. soldiers were present in a size- exactly what’s happening.” Amobile application from in India during a Himalayan border Remove China Apps scanned Many Indians and a spokes- “Can Government of India able number in the high altitude. On May 26, during his fourth its app store that allowed users dispute between the two nations. users’ phones for apps such as woman for Prime Minister please confi rm that no Chinese Gandhi had slammed the address to media through video to remove other Chinese apps A Google spokesman confi rmed ByteDance’s TikTok and Alibaba’s Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Ja- soldiers have entered India,” government on May 29 and also conferencing, the former Con- from their phones as it violat- the app had been removed due to UC Browser. Once deleted, a mes- nata Party have used the hash Gandhi asked on Twitter. during his press conference in gress chief had said, “The de- ed certain company policies, a violation of app store policies, but sage popped up saying “You are tag #BoycottChineseProducts He also attached a news report the last week of May. tails of what happened along the spokesman said yesterday. gave no further details. awesome, no China app found.” on social media, calling for dele- that said that India and China In a tweet on May 29, Gandhi border, the government should The app, “Remove China A person familiar with the The Jaipur-based OneTouch tion of popular Chinese apps. will hold top-level military said, “the government’s silence share with the people.” India’s Covid-19 infections cross 200,000; peak still weeks away

Agencies facilitate the return of migrant New Delhi labourers from Mumbai. The opposition party accused Chief Minister Shivraj Singh ndia’s coronavirus infections Chouhan’s government in Mad- crossed 200,000, the Health hya Pradesh of making tall claims IMinistry said yesterday, and to bring back hundreds of thou- a peak could still be weeks away sands of labourers, while its MLA in the world’s second most pop- was seeking help from the actor. ulous country. Congress leader and former Cases jumped by 8,909 over federal minister Arun Yadav the previous day in one of the tweeted, “Rajendra Shukla’s tweet highest single-day spikes, tak- exposes the bitter truth in MP. ing the tally to 2,07,615. See Shivraj ji, former minister Six other nations, from the and current BJP MLA from Rewa United States, to Britain and does not trust your government, Brazil, have a higher caseload. he is compelled to seek help from “We are very far away for the actor Sonu Sood for migrant la- peak,” said Dr Nivedita Gupta, bourers trapped in Mumbai.” Commuters drive along Marine Drive as rain falls in Mumbai yesterday. of the government-run Indian Yadav also retweeted Shukla’s Council of Medical Research. tweet, which stated, “Sonu Sood Government offi cials have ji, Rewa and Satna residents have previously said it could be later been stranded in Mumbai for a this month, or even July, before long time and have not been able cases start to fall off . to return yet, please help us get The death toll from the disease them back.” stood at 5,815. Sood replied, “Sir, now no z In related developments, brother will be stranded any- Mumbai escapes brunt the Indian Railways yesterday where. Tomorrow we will send refuted reports that the opera- your migrant brothers to you Sir.” tion of Shramik Special trains Thanking Sood, Shukla said, will be coming to an end. “Thank you Sonu Sood ji, you are The government is operating always welcome in the holy land the special trains to take back of Vindhyas. Of the 168 migrant millions of migrants from cit- labourers remaining in Mumbai, of Cyclone Nisarga ies to their home towns after nearly 55 have been sent back. they were rendered jobless due There are 113 people left, I thank AFP It then crossed Maharashtra’s air as Nisarga’s powerful winds nearly 150 coronavirus patients breathed a sigh of relief, fore- to a strict lockdown enforced to you in advance and wish you all Mumbai coast, with its path veering to struck. from a recently built fi eld hos- casters warned the storm could control the spread of the coro- the best for sending them safely.” the east of Mumbai and gradu- “The intensity is very strong pital in Mumbai, underscoring still carry a sting in its tail until navirus. Responding to the Congress ally weakened by evening, they and nothing like weather events the diffi culties facing the city it eased. The Railways it will continue attack, Shukla wrote, “My indo- oronavirus-hit Mum- added. we’ve seen before,” said Milind ahead of the monsoon season as “Next 4 hours crucial for to operate the service as long as lent Congress friends, 45 labour bai appeared to escape The cyclone brought heavy Dhodre, who lives in Alibag it struggles to contain the pan- #Mumbai, the tail of the cy- state governments demanded it. trains have brought back 42,000 Cthe worst of Cyclone rainfall - with winds of 100- with his wife and son. demic. clone may lash and can cause The Railways also said it has people to Rewa in the last three Nisarga yesterday as the fi rst 110km per hour and gusts of up The coastal town is a favoured “Refrain from venturing out severe damage,” tweeted Jatin carried more than 5.8mn people weeks. Besides, 75,000 Vind- severe storm to threaten India’s to 120kph. haunt of Bollywood stars and to coast-beaches, promenade, Singh, head weatherman at on 4,197 Shramik Special trains hya residents have been brought fi nancial capital in more than 70 Mumbai experienced down- industrialists, who own holiday parks and other similar places Skymet Weather, a private fore- operated since May 1. back by 1,500 buses from dif- years left it largely unscathed pours throughout the after- homes there. along the coastline,” the police caster. A senior Railway Ministry of- ferent parts of the country and after ripping roofs off buildings noon, with strong winds top- The port city of Pen also suf- tweeted early yesterday. The storm triggered dis- fi cial said: “Some media queries the state. This has been possible in nearby coastal towns. pling trees in some cases. fered damage, with one video “Do not leave your house ruption to travel as well, with received are if Shramik special only with the co-operation and Mumbai and its surrounds are City authorities said there showing a ripped off metal roof for your own safety and well- planes grounded during the af- trains have ended. This is not co-ordination between the Cen- usually sheltered from cyclones were no reports of injuries or smashing into nearby buildings. being,” Maharashtra Chief ternoon and inter-state railway correct. Indian Railways will tre and the state government. - the last deadly storm to hit the deaths, though the rains caused In Mumbai, police announced Minister Uddhav Thackeray services delayed or diverted to continue to run these trains till “During the ongoing Covid-19 city was in 1948 - but authori- compound walls to collapse in fresh restrictions on the city of tweeted late Tuesday, warn- ensure that trains would not the time we get demand from pandemic, Congressmen are hid- ties evacuated at least 100,000 some neighbourhoods. 18mn people - which was just ing of possible disruptions to travel through the city until the any of the state governments.” ing in their homes. They have people, including coronavirus The beach town of Alibag beginning to emerge from a the power supply due to heavy cyclone had passed. The offi cial said 30 Shramik no idea that lakhs of Vindhya patients, from fl ood-prone ar- fared worse, with the cy- months-long lockdown - ban- rainfall. Nisarga comes on the heels of trains were operated yesterday. residents have returned to their eas in Maharashtra and neigh- clone tearing roofs off homes ning gatherings of four people Warnings of storm surges up Cyclone Amphan, which killed z Also yesterday, the Con- homes with the help of central bouring Gujarat. and overturning mobile food or more until today afternoon. to 2m high remained in eff ect more than 100 people as it rav- gress slammed a Bharatiya Ja- and state governments. In the last The storm made landfall stalls. India’s worst-hit city, Mum- yesterday, with slum-dwellers aged West Bengal and Bang- nata Party legislator and former two months, BJP has provided near the coastal town of Alibag, A 45-year-old professor who bai is home to a fi fth of the in low-lying areas of Mumbai ladesh last month, fl attening Madhya Pradesh minister Ra- ration and medical and fi nancial around 100km south of Mum- evacuated from his house near country’s more than 200,000 instructed to move to higher villages, destroying farms and jendra Shukla for seeking Bolly- support to the people stranded in bai, yesterday afternoon, mete- the sea said he could see corru- coronavirus cases. ground. leaving millions without elec- wood actor Sonu Sood’s help to diff erent parts of the country.” orologists said. gated roofi ng fl ying through the The storm evacuees included Even as the city’s residents tricity.

Outrage after explosive Protest against fees hike Eight dead in Gujarat fruit trap kills elephant pesticide factory blast Agencies He had said earlier that there Ahmedabad was “no gas leakage and hence Agencies Villagers in the region often “She didn’t crush a single no threat” to the nearby popu- Thiruvananthapuram use fi recracker or explosive- home. This is why I said, she is lation. fi lled pineapples - which act like full of goodness.” t least eight people were At least 230 workers were pressure-activated landmines - Photos of the pachyderm killed and 74 others present inside the factory at pregnant elephant was to protect their fi elds from wild shared on social media showed Ainjured yesterday in a the time of the incident, offi - killed in Kerala after eat- animals. it standing in a river after the blast at a pesticides factory in cials said. Aing fruit stuff ed with ex- A similar incident took place incident, dunking its mouth and Gujarat, authorities said. Senior Congress leader and plosives, offi cials said yesterday, last month when a female el- trunk in the water hours before Almost 5,000 people living Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, sparking outrage over the use of ephant was found with serious she died. in two villages near the plant Ahmed Patel, blamed the state such traps to protect crops and mouth injures in a nearby dis- Two captive elephants were in the Bharuch district of the Bharatiya Janata Party govern- homes. trict, Kumar said, adding that it brought to lead it out of the river state were evacuated as a pre- ment for the incident. The wild elephant strayed into too died of its injuries. but it remained unmoved, said caution after a storage tank He said factories need to a village near Silent Valley Na- Samuel Pachuau, the wildlife Krishnan, who led the rescue exploded, local offi cial M D undergo complete safety au- tional Park in Palakkad district warden of the Silent Valley Na- team. Modia said. dit as there have been rising last Wednesday when it ate the tional Park, said this was a seri- India has the world’s largest “The blaze is now under cases of industrial accidents rigged fruit - believed to be a ous crime. population of the Asiatic el- control,” he said late yesterday. in Gujarat. pineapple - which exploded and “We are quite certain to fi nd the ephant but they are classifi ed as Rescue teams brought the Such accidents are common severely injured its mouth, offi - perpetrators of this crime, which an endangered species. injured workers to hospital in India due to sometimes lax cials said. is in no way acceptable at all.” The country has lost vast where the condition of some safety standards. “We are investigating the na- There was widespread outrage swathes of forest to urbanisa- was reported to be serious. Many factories are currently ture of the explosive and as well on social media after a forestry tion in recent decades, forcing “We evacuated the villag- resuming operations as In- as the food fed to her,” Kerala’s offi cer’s Facebook post on Sat- animals closer to human set- Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hold placards as they ers because the blast occurred dia’s coronavirus lockdown is chief wildlife warden, Surendra urday received almost 10,000 tlements and resulting in an in- march towards the residence of Punjab cabinet minister Om very close to where some poi- eased. Kumar, said, adding police were reactions or comments. creasing number of encounters. Parkash Soni during a protest against the state government’s sonous chemicals were stored. Last month 12 people were involved in the probe. “She didn’t harm a single hu- Some 2,361 people were killed decision to increase Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Chemical fi res are particu- killed in a gas leak at a chemi- “We are investigating to fi nd man being even when she ran in in attacks by elephants between Surgery (MBBS) course fees in both private and government larly dangerous as the toxic cals plant in Visakhapatnam the people and circumstances searing pain in the streets of the 2014 and 2019, according to data medical colleges, in Amritsar yesterday. gases could spread over a wide in Andhra Pradesh owned by that led to her death,” he added. village,” Mohan Krishnan, wrote. recorded by the government. region,” Modia said. South Korea’s LG Chem. Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 11 LATIN AMERICA Argentina debt deal in sight, maintain creditors

Reuters closer to an agreement to revamp nymity told Reuters, saying the much work left to do. likely to significantly improve na’s government would likely use not to be named, said the gov- London/Buenos Aires the debt. country needed to improve on its Bondholders say Argentina can its terms. the IMF’s backing as “an argu- ernment was keen for a deal, es- Creditors said they expect to off er to win over enough credi- pay more than is currently on the The International Monetary ment to justify improving its of- pecially given the impact of the have the new off er in the coming tors for a comprehensive deal. table. Fund, a major backer of Argen- fer less than what creditors seem coronavirus. rgentina, in default days. Argentina’s government has Analysts say the latest gov- tina, on Monday supported the to be asking for.” President Alberto Fernandez is since last month, is tan- Striking a deal is key for the pushed a moving deadline for ernment off er is worth between government’s off er as being sus- Nonetheless, Argentine bonds also seen as something of a mod- Atalisingly close to pull- major grains producer to avoid talks to June 12 and said it is look- 40-45 cents on the dollar, while tainable and said there was only have climbed steadily on growing erating force in the talks. ing off a $65bn debt restruc- years of legal battles and being ing to sweeten its off er, despite a joint proposal from two of the limited room to improve it. expectations of a deal, rising over “We’re getting close and think turing deal with creditors but locked out of global capital mar- having only a “slim margin” to three major creditor groups is Argentina is set for a third 20% on average in May. there’s quite a lot of potential up- still faces a complex set of hur- kets, which happened after a ma- make any changes. north of 50 cents. straight year of recession with “The mood music has changed side, particularly as money fl ows dles to avoid falling into what jor default in 2001. In late May it unveiled an al- “We remain of the view that a forecasts of an economic con- considerably from both sides re- back into emerging markets and one bondholder called debtor Argentina defaulted for a ninth ready improved proposal. deal is likely to be achieved over traction around 6%-7%, while cently,” said one fund manager Argentina will benefi t as it’s a “zombie land.” time in May. Major creditor groups have the next several weeks,” Goldman emergency spending on the who has in recent weeks added high yield, liquid credit,” he said. The South American coun- “Unless there is an agreement been lowering their demands too, Sachs said in a note. Covid-19 pandemic response is signifi cant amounts of exposure “We think a deal will be done try’s government is reworking a in principle, Argentina would be cutting the gap between the two It cautioned that the risk of sapping government coff ers and to Argentine bonds and is now in the next week-and-a-half. proposal to holders of its foreign walking into zombie land,” one sides and raising hopes of a deal. no deal remained, however, pumping up the country’s defi cit. overweight on the credit. It seems that everyone wants to debt as the two sides have inched bondholder who requested ano- Still, both sides say there is saying the government was un- Citi said in a note that Argenti- The fund manager, who asked move on from this.” Latin America reopening too fast: experts

Guardian News and Media needed to “little by little normal- Brasilia ise economic, social and cultural activities”. “We have to now move towards xperts have voiced fears this new normality because the that Latin America’s two country’s economy and the well- Elargest economies are reo- being of our people depends on pening their economies too fast it,” he said. as a record number of Covid-19 But the health offi cial leading deaths left Brazil poised to over- Mexico’s response to Covid-19 take Italy as the country with the admitted the pandemic had yet to world’s third-highest number of be fully “tamed”, as the president fatalities. has claimed. “It should be very The South American country clear … we are still a long way recorded 1,262 deaths on Tuesday from the end of this epidemic,” – a new daily record – taking its Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez told offi cial toll to 31,199, not far short Mexico’s El Universal. of the 33,530 deaths recorded in Medical specialists in both Italy. countries fear the return to “nor- Brazil has recorded more than mality” is premature and based 555,000 infections – second only on economic rather than health to the US. concerns. Mexico, meanwhile, has con- “What is happening is an ab- People maintain social distancing while waiting at the central bus station in Brasilia amid the coronavirus outbreak in Brasilia, Brazil. fi rmed the deaths of 10,637 peo- surdity,” said Paulo Lotufo, an ple and nearly 100,000 cases epidemiologist at the University although offi cials admit the true of São Paulo, warning the relax- numbers are likely to be consider- ation would cause the number ably higher. of infections to soar and pile Despite those grim statistics further pressure on the health both countries this week began system. a gradual reopening, as did parts Lotufo predicted a particularly Maduro and Guaido agree of other countries in the region “catastrophic” situation in the including Bolivia, Colombia, Ec- Amazon region and said the poor uador and Venezuela. would suff er most since it was In Rio, where nearly 4,000 lives harder for them to isolate and fi nd have been lost, restrictions on healthcare. the use of beaches and commerce “The outlook is awful,” Lotufo were partially relaxed and surfers added, echoing warnings that to co-operate in virus fi ght returned to the Atlantic waves off Brazil’s death toll could surpass Ipanema. 125,000 in the coming months. AFP Earlier, Guaido’s communica- confi rmed an estimate for the only democratic transition will Falling crude prices have only The level of traffi c appeared to In an interview with the Bra- Caracas tions team also said that a “techni- plan and precise details. save Venezuela from catastro- exacerbated the situation in the be returning to normal and car zilian newspaper O Globo, one cal co-operation plan to deal with In a statement, however, phe,” the closed US embassy in oil-dependent nation. showrooms and estate agents mathematical modelling ex- the humanitarian coronavirus cri- Guaido’s team said the PAHO Caracas posted on Twitter. The economic meltdown has were allowed to reopen. pert issued an even more stark he government of Ven- sis” had been signed. would receive funds approved for The White House has imposed seen about 5mn Venezuelans fl ee Brazil’s far-right President, warning. ezuelan President Nicolas Relations between the bitter humanitarian aid, assuring that fi nancial sanctions on the coun- the country since 2015, according Jair Bolsonaro, continued to play “It is our duty to alert the popu- TMaduro and opposition rivals have been very tense, with the agreement allows money for try to press for Maduro’s depar- to the United Nations. down the crisis on Tuesday, tell- lation to the fact that they’ve been leader Juan Guaido have reached Guaido recognised as interim the emergency to be put in the ture. Separately, Guaido tweeted that ing supporters: “I regret every given the green light to go to the an agreement to co-operate to president by dozens of countries, hands of international organisa- Venezuela offi cially has 1,819 his uncle Juan Jose Marquez, who death but that’s everyone’s des- slaughterhouse,” said Domingos raise funds for the fi ght against the including the US, after 2018 elec- tions rather than the Maduro gov- Covid-19 cases and 18 deaths but has been detained since February tiny.” Alves from the academic moni- coronavirus, they said. tions he says were rigged. ernment. international organisations such 11, had been transferred to house In Mexico, the President, An- toring group Covid-19 Brasil. With help from the Pan Ameri- The agreement, signed in Cara- The agreement was signed by as Human Rights Watch believe arrest. dres Manuel Lopez Obrador, re- Alves said the relaxation of can Health Organisation (PAHO), cas, establishes “priority” meas- Health Minister Carlos Alvarado, this is an underestimate and the The only thing that has changed sumed his travels, kicking off a quarantine measures could lead the two sides will co-ordinate ef- ures for dealing with the pandem- parliamentary delegate Julio Cas- real toll is much higher. is the location of his uncle’s deten- six-state tour as the nationwide to a Covid-19 “massacre” in the forts to seek fi nancial resources to ic, including detection of active tro and a PAHO representative. The pandemic hit Venezuela tion, to his home, tweeted Guaido. social distancing rule was relaxed. states of Rio, Sao Paulo and Ama- combat the pandemic, according Covid-19 cases, epidemiological Washington, meanwhile, wel- when the country was already The government continues to In the resort city of Cancun, zonas, where authorities in the to the agreement read on state tel- monitoring and timely treatment comed the coronavirus agree- reeling from a serious economic use political prisoners to intimi- Lopez Obrador, or Amlo as he is capital, Manaus, have already evision by Communications Min- of those infected. ment. crisis, hyperinfl ation and a col- date and distract people, Guaido better known, said Mexico now been forced to dig mass graves. ister Jorge Rodriquez. The two sides have so far not “It is an important step, but lapse of public services. wrote on Twitter.

US troops arrival in Two die in blaze Mexico military aiding Colombia sparks row missing students probe Reuters conference if the consultants Mexico City had been allowed to interrogate the military, Lopez Obrador said DPA Colombia, some of the troops are que’s government has also been they had “no limit.” Bogota due to stay in Bogota, while oth- accused of unjustifi ed military exico’s military is co- “The defence ministry is pro- ers will be deployed in restless action against small-scale farm- operating with a fresh viding information, facilitating locations in the south, north- ers who cultivate coca — the Mprobe into the 2014 dis- investigations to arrive at the orty-eight soldiers from east and centre. plant cocaine is made from — be- appearance of 43 student teach- truth,” he said. an elite US army unit have The government says the pres- cause they have no other source ers, Mexican President Andres Pena Nieto’s administration Farrived in Colombia, amid ence of the troops is a normal of income. Manuel Lopez Obrador said. had said a local drug gang mis- growing controversy over their part of Colombia’s military co- Now, “foreign troops are being The apparent massacre of the took the students for members of role, daily El Tiempo reported. operation with the US. brought to coca-growing areas to youths, whose remains are still a rival group and killed them. Defence Minister Carlos Hol- But Admiral Craig Faller, com- attack peasants,” leftist senator being searched for, is widely be- But only one victim’s remains mes Trujillo said on Monday that mander of US Southern Com- Ivan Cepeda tweeted. lieved to have been committed were ever defi nitively identifi ed, there would be a total of 52 sol- mand, said their mission was Decades of battling drug car- by corrupt police working with a and independent experts picked diers and that they would advise an opportunity to demonstrate tels and billions of dollars in US violent drug gang, and has drawn holes in the offi cial version of and train the Colombian army in “support for regional peace” aid have done little to stop coca international outrage. events. the fi ght against drug traffi cking, in addition to a commitment farming in Colombia. Lopez Obrador, who came into “This is a thorn in our side,” without participating in military against drug traffi cking — a The Andean country had power in 2018, has vowed to un- Lopez Obrador said. “It is some- operations. statement that sparked concern 212,000 hectares under coca cover what really happened and thing that hurts Mexico and can- However, the move has sparked in Colombia. cultivation last year, up from examine the prior handling of the not be forgotten. The so-called a political storm, and Trujillo has Critics say Washington could 208,000 hectares in 2018, case, which led to one of the worst pact of silence is not going to been summoned to appear before eventually use Colombian ter- according to US government crises of his predecessor Enrique work.” the Senate to explain why he did ritory to launch attacks against data. Pena Nieto’s administration. He also said prosecutors have not consult Congress. Venezuela. A large part of the cocaine is Independent experts appoint- issued arrest orders for offi cials El Tiempo said 48 troops US President Donald Trump’s smuggled to the US, where the ed by the Inter-American Com- involved in the case, but did not landed on Monday, while Trujillo administration accuses Ven- rate of drug overdose deaths in- mission on Human Rights had provide details. gave Tuesday as the arrival date. ezuelan President Nicolas Ma- volving cocaine more than tri- previously said they could not In March, Mexico asked Interpol The soldiers will fi rst spend duro of cocaine traffi cking, and pled — from 1.4 to 4.5 deaths advance without investigating to issue a red notice calling for the two weeks in a Covid-19 quaran- sent warships to the Caribbean in per 100,000 people — from 2012 military offi cials who were at the arrest of Tomas Zeron, a former tine, the minister said in a televi- “counter-narcotics operations” through 2018, according to the Firefighters put out a blaze after two explosions at a perfume site of the students’ disappear- offi cial who has been accused by sion interview. earlier this year. country’s Centers for Disease store killed two firemen and injured 15 others, in Buenos Aires. ance in Guerrero state. experts and parents of the victims During their four months in Colombian President Ivan Du- Control and Prevention. When asked at his daily news of manipulating the probe. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, June 4, 2020 PAKISTAN

Sindh CM to Shahbaz granted pre-arrest appear before accountability bail in money laundering case bureau Internews Internews NAB had asked for. He added Shahbaz, in his petition, Rawalpindi Lahore Shehbaz had been summoned stated that the corruption on October 5, 2018, and had been watchdog’s assets beyond arrested in the Ramzan Sugar means inquiry against him indh province Chief Min- he Lahore High Court Mills case. was based on mala fi de inten- ister Murad Ali Shah will yesterday granted pre- “NAB continued to conduct tions as it had been initiated at Sappear before the National Tarrest bail to PML-N an injury while Shehbaz was in the behest of the incumbent Accountability Bureau (NAB) president Shahbaz Sharif in the remand for 63 days,” he said. government. today in relation to the Sindh assets beyond means and money The court then ordered NAB He added that the Bureau lev- Roshan programme case, said laundering case. not to arrest the PML-N leader elled charges against him with- offi cials of the anti-corruption A two-member bench of till June 17 and directed She- out any shred of evidence as he watchdog. the LHC comprising Jus- hbaz to submit bonds worth had been declaring his assets NAB said that security ar- tice Tariq Abbasi and Justice Rs500,000. regularly. rangements for the chief minis- Farooq Haider granted bail PML-N leaders Shahid The PML-N leader added he ter’s visit have been made to en- against surety bonds worth Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, was also arrested in the same sure nothing untoward happens Rs500,000 and further or- Rana Sanullah, Fazal Chaud- case in 2018 and he had fully when he appears to attend the dered National Account- hry and Rana Arshad had been co-operated with NAB inves- hearing. ability (NAB) from arresting present at the court for the tigators, however, the anti- NAB offi cials had earlier Shehbaz till June 17. hearing. graft body did not present any shared that they have recovered During the hearing yesterday, On June 1, Shahbaz’s legal proof against him relating to Rs298mn in the Sindh Roshan Shehbaz’s counsel told the court team had fi led a petition before misuse of powers or money- Programme, adding that the that his client was summoned on he was required to appear before laundering. company’s four employees and June 2. a combined investigation team Shahbaz’s lawyer stated that two companies had agreed on a To this, the court asked the of the National Accountability his client had been declaring plea bargain. NAB prosecutor why they had Bureau (NAB). his assets since he stepped into They added that Abdul Sat- summoned him on June 2 if the However, the petition could politics in 1988 and nothing had tar Qureshi, Abdul Rashid Cha- warrant was issued before. “The not be fi xed for hearing before been concealed ever. He refuted na, Aslam Pervaiz Memon and warrant for his arrest was issued the division bench, constituted money-laundering allegations, Baldev took a plea bargain. after we received the relevant to hear NAB-related pleas, and saying the whole story was Opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif (centre) gestures as he arrives at the High Court in Lahore yesterday. The Sindh Roshan Programme material,” the NAB prosecutor Shehbaz did not appear before fabricated and concocted. case is one of the many ones per- told the court. the bureau too. He added that during an ing law, adding that allegations been provided to the Bureau. inquiries, which would hinder taining to the fake accounts case. Shahbaz’s counsel further The PML-N leader’s petition inquiry or investigation, NAB against him were of a docu- Shahbaz further stated that he him from performing his duties It is related to the installation of told the court that his client had is at No. 2 on the cause-list of could not invoke the provi- mentary nature and all neces- feared that NAB might arrest him as the opposition leader in the solar-powered streetlights in provided all the documents that urgent cases before the bench. sions of anti-money launder- sary documents had already in connection with its pending National Assembly. various districts of Sindh. Two provincial Over 100 Faisalabad doctors infected with virus

Internews ed for the Covid-19 treatment Young Doctors Association An offi cial of the FMU said the disease. Six ventilators were Faisalabad has 250 beds and only 60 are Faisalabad secretary Dr Adnan the authorities were perturbed shifted to that infi rmary from lawmakers die being occupied. Shakir said a group of health due to the health of doctors and the Allied Hospital. Pakistan Medical Association professionals had a meeting paramedics. He said wards had He said during the last three he scourge of Covid-19 is Faisalabad chapter secretary Dr with Faisalabad Medical Uni- been set up in two hospitals for weeks the number of serious aff ecting the doctors and Muhamed Irfan said a majority of versity Vice Chancellor Dr Zafar the treatment of the patients as patients rose exponentially Tmore than 100 of them in the doctors were not provided the Chaudhry and raised the issue more space was required to treat and there was a danger that we from Covid-19 three government hospitals – personal protective equipment that why wards had been set up the patients. might lose patients who could Allied, DHQ and General Hos- and they contracted the virus. at the Allied and the DHQ hos- FMU VC Dr Zafar Chaudhry be saved if more HDU beds were pital Ghulam Muhammadabad He said the doctors treating pitals when suffi cient beds were said actually no patient had been available. – are suff ering from the disease. the coronavirus patients tried to available at the General Hospital. shifted from the General Hospi- He said the decision to man- Internews navirus while other family Doctors alleged the district keep themselves protected but He said they had asked him cate- tal which is a tehsil level facility age increasing number of serious Nowshera members have tested negative administration was responsible failed. The spread would not be gorically that the ill-conceived poli- without adequate arrangements patients at the Allied and DHQ for it,” he added. for such a state of aff airs. Cor- controlled without provision of cy had proved disastrous for people. for treatment of serious patients. hospitals was not taken by the In 2013, Jamshed-ud Din was roborating their claim, they PPE, he feared. As many as 110 doctors of the three He said this state of aff airs was VC but it was the recommenda- wo members of the pro- elected a member of the Pro- said new wards had been set up The doctors said treating the government hospitals were suff ering there even before serious virus tion of Covid management team vincial assemblies in Pa- vincial Assembly (MPA) on PTI at the Allied and DHQ hospitals patients at the General Hospital from Covid-19, he said. patients were referred to the comprising heads of medical Tkistan including Mian ticket and became the provincial without precautionary measures was a good strategy which could He said a question was also DHQ and Allied hospitals. units of FMU. Jamshed ud Din Kakakhel from minister for excise and taxation. although suffi cient beds were help administration restrict the being discussed that why doc- On March 16, he said, it was He said it was not possible Nowshera who belonged to rul- In the 2018 elections, he was available at the General Hospital virus but allowing patients in tors of Faisalabad were more decided that the corona patients for one health facility to meet ing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf elected from the constituency Ghulam Muhammadabad. three hospitals aggravated the prone to the virus than those of would be managed at the Gen- the requirements of such a high (PTI) succumbed to Covid-19 of PK-63 Nowshera on a Pa- The General Hospital dedicat- situation. other districts. eral Hospital so as to contain number of patients. yesterday. kistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Funeral prayers and the bur- ticket again. ial rituals of the deceased will Pakistan Muslim League- Govt plans to be held at Kaka Sahib, Ziarat Nawaz (PML-N) member of at 2:30pm in accordance with Provincial Assembly (MPA) repatriate 20,000 all Standard Operating Pro- from Punjab Shaukat Man- Ensure implementation of virus measures: PM passengers cedures (SOPs) issued by the zoor yesterday died of deadly government. coronavirus. by June 10 According to an offi cial state- According to doctors, Shaukat Internews of SOPs to protect them from without caring for their and they would leave no stone Special Assistant to Prime Minister ment, Jamshed-ud Din had Manzoor, who was also a heart Islamabad the virus. own lives. unturned in this regard. on National Security Division and tested positive for coronavirus patient, was on ventilator from Chairing a high-level The prime minister said the The meeting also reviewed Strategic Policy Planning, Moeed 10 days ago. last seven days after coronavirus meeting in Islamabad to re- entire nation was proud of them various steps to fulfi l all re- Yusuf says the government will “Jamshed-ud Din was on further deteriorated his health akistani Prime Minis- view fulfi lment of the needs who were fi ghting to save them quirements including provision further increase the number of ventilator for the last three days condition. ter Imran Khan directed of doctors and healthcare from the deadly pandemic. of protection kits and equip- inbound passengers per week and passed away this morning,” It is to be noted that Shaukat Pthe provincial govern- workers, he paid tribute to The prime minister said ful- ment of doctors, paramedics through expediting the testing the statement noted. Cheema was elected to Punjab ments to play a proactive role doctors and healthcare staff fi lling all requirements of doc- and healthcare works who are process for Covid-19. “Jamshed-ud Din’s son Mian Assembly from PP-51 Wazirabad to create awareness among who are fi ghting the Cov- tors and healthcare staff is top fi ghting the war against the In a tweet, he said the Omar has recovered from coro- on ticket of PML-N. people about implementation id-19 pandemic on forefront most priority of the government coronavirus. government plans to repatriate 20,000 passengers by June 10, up from approximately 10,000 in the previous phase. The special assistant said Public transport services resume in Karachi passengers will be tested on Girl, 8, beaten arrival and sent home for self- isolation without having to wait for test results. He said they will be added to to death by her the Track and Trace system, and provincial governments will be able to follow up to ensure health and employers safety of passengers and the public. Internews to the hospital she was still 17 cops sacked Rawalpindi alive, and had injuries on her face, hands, below her rib cage in Khyber over and legs. corruption eople on Twitter, includ- Police have sent samples for ing politicians, yesterday forensic examination to confi rm The district police chief in Pdemanded justice for an if an assault took place and are Pakistan’s northwest Khyber eight-year-old girl who suc- yet to receive a report. district removed at least 17 cumbed to injuries infl icted by Zahra’s body was handed policemen from service and her employers, who allegedly over to her family after a post- suspended another 50 on tortured her for accidentally mortem examination, which re- charges of corruption. setting their parrots free. vealed that the victim had died A statement issued from the off ice Zahra, who was a domes- due to her injuries. of DPO in Shah Kas Levies Centre tic worker at a household in The girl hailed from Punjab’s Jamrud, said that Mohamed Iqbal took Rawalpindi, was brought to the Kot Addu city and was employed the action against the policemen after Begum Akhtar Rukhsana Me- by the couple four months ago receipt of complaints against them, morial Hospital on Sunday in an to take care of their one-year- and removed and suspended the injured state by her employer. old child, police said. When personnel in light of the instructions According to the police, the employing her, the suspect from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IGP suspect admitted that he and his had promised to provide her an Sanaullah Abbasi. wife had beaten Zahra after she education. It said that action was taken let his “expensive pet parrots The incident has reignited a against the police personnel escape from their cage”. discussion over the exploitation posted on various checkposts in Zahra succumbed to her inju- of minors and child labour laws Jamrud and Landi Kotal for their ries soon after she was brought in the country. involvement in corruption. to the hospital and both her em- Minister for Human Rights The statement said no black ployers were arrested the same Shireen Mazari said the ministry sheep would be tolerated in day. They were remanded into had taken notice of the incident Khyber police force and any Auto-rickshaws line up along roadside after the government resumed public transport services, in Karachi yesterday. Pakistan’s Prime police custody until June 6. and was in contact with the po- off icial having links with drug Minister Imran Khan announced on June 1 his government would end several months of coronavirus restrictions, even as it emerged According to the fi rst infor- lice. She added that the human traff ickers, corruption or any other cases of the disease are likely many times higher than previously thought. mation report (FIR) with police, rights ministry’s lawyer was illegal practice would be taken to when the victim was brought following the case as well. task in accordance with the law. Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 13 PHILIPPINES

Two drug suspects killed in Cotabato City

Two drug suspects were killed while five others were arrested in a joint operation conducted Sea security issues pushed in Cotabato City on Tuesday, Manila Times reported. Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region nation’s reversal on US pact in Muslim Mindanao, Cotabato City Police Off ice and Joint Task Force (JTF) Central launched the AFP deal that is important to Wash- bassador to the US Jose Manuel reversal showed Duterte had ceives signifi cant American Though Duterte has repeatedly Manila ington’s moves to counter Bei- Romualdez told ANC news to decide between an aggres- training and equipment, ob- threatened to pull the Philippines operation in Rosales Extension, jing’s rising regional power. channel. Since taking power in sive China and an historic ally taining $554.55mn in US secu- away from the US, ties have re- Rosary Heights 6, in this city. The Duterte has cosied up to Chi- 2016 Duterte has moved closer that has been helpful. “This is rity assistance from 2016-2019. mained close. Romualdez said a killed were Mash-ud Mamasaunda ecurity issues in the dis- na in search of trade and invest- to Beijing, but has faced push not the time to initiate an ugly Manila’s termination of the US off er to assist the Philippines Usop and Richard Suharto Tuas, puted South China Sea ment, sparking US concern that back from the Philippine public divorce, especially when China military pact was to have taken in its battle to contain its corona- aka Buron; and the arrested were Shelped convince the Phil- its long-time ally and former and concern in the military wary is spreading its tentacles every- eff ect in August and was trig- virus outbreak also helped dis- Norjafar Gandawali, aka Dagul; Jun ippines to delay quitting a key colony would change sides in a of its territorial ambitions in the where,” he said. gered by the cancellation of the cussions on preserving the VFA Usman, aka Junjun; Tanz Kevin US military pact, the nation’s strategic boost to Beijing. disputed South China Sea. The 1998 pact is key to the visa of Ronald Dela Rosa, a sena- for now. The suspension is for six Ampatuan, aka Kevin; Rohaimin envoy to Washington said yes- “Because of security issues... Billions in trade pass through US-Philippines’ broader dec- tor who served as the main archi- months from June 1 and can be Dalumbang, aka Rohaimin; and terday. in that part of the world (South the strategic waterway and it ades-old military alliance, and tect of Duterte’s drug war. extended a further six months. Richard Abadian, aka Nonon.“Our The government of Philip- China Sea), both our govern- is thought to contain rich pe- underpins hundreds of joint Duterte bristles at any criti- An extension of the reversal eff orts resulted in significant pine President Rodrigo Duterte ments have seen it would be troleum deposits, making it military activities per year as cism and sanction of his signa- would push the deal’s life up to accomplishments in the first six announced Tuesday it had sus- prudent for us to simply sus- a frequent source of regional well as speedy disaster aid and ture policy, which has seen police the fi nal year of Duterte’s con- months of 2020,” said Maj. Gen. pended plans to cancel the Vis- pend any implementation of the tension. Philippine analyst Ri- ongoing anti-terror eff orts. kill thousands of alleged drug us- stitutionally-mandated single Diosdado Carreon. iting Forces Agreement (VFA), a termination,” Philippine Am- chard Heydarian said the VFA The Philippine military re- ers and pushers. term, which ends in June 2022. Government approves dine-in restaurants’ opening in some areas

By Catherine S Valente also advised to provide food Manila Times menus per table and taking or- ders shall be contactless. “For single-use table menus, he government has al- upon entry, customers shall be lowed dine-in opera- escorted to an assigned table Ttions of food establish- with the corresponding number, ments in areas under modifi ed who will select the order by Joseph Noel Estrada: ruling out long-term prospects general community quarantine checking choices in the menu (MGCQ), provided they comply placed on the table; for non-sin- with strict health protocols, Ma- gle use menu, upon entry, they lacanang has said. shall be escorted to an assigned Private education Palace spokesman Harry table with the corresponding Roque Jr said only restaurants number, who will select orders that could comply with the from the menu placed on the ta- guidelines laid down by the De- ble,” the guidelines read. panel chief says partment of Trade and Industry Buff et and self-service areas (DTI) could resume operations. for food bars, condiments and “Dine-in operations are al- utensils are not allowed. lowed, but this does not mean The DTI also requires cus- sustaining online that it’s time to feast or party. tomers to fi ll out a health check- For now, dine-in operations are list that will be provided at the for MGCQ areas only. They also entrance of the establishment. need to follow minimum public A staff member of a restaurant stands near mannequins wearing face masks and face shields displayed Customers with a temperature learning ‘diffi cult’ health standards,” Roque said. inside a restaurant, to simulate seating arrangements when restaurants will be allowed to once again of more than 37.5 degrees Cel- He warned that the govern- cater to dine-in customers, in a mall in Manila. sius, or those with cough, colds ment could shut down estab- or shortness of breath will not be lishments that violate protocols. community quarantine (GCQ), and Davao City are under GCQ the DTI, face-to-face seating allowed entry. By Jan Arcilla disease, schools are preparing Roque said restaurants would he added. starting June 1 while the rest of will be allowed but with proper The DTI said there were an Manila Times to adopt fl exible learning op- be allowed to resume their dine- Metro Manila, Central Luzon, the country are under MGCQ dividers. At least a one-metre estimated 6,700 fi ne and casual tions. in services at 50% capacity. Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Ba- or the transition period for the distance between tables and dine-in restaurants, 4,500 fast President Rodrigo Duterte But indoor dining will not be tangas, Rizal and Quezon), Ca- “new normal.” chairs should be maintained. food restaurants, 1,500 cafes and he Philippines would earlier said he would not allow allowed in areas under a general gayan Valley, Pangasinan, Albay, In the guidelines released by Fast food and restaurants are 3,800 food kiosks in the country. have a hard time imple- face-to-face classes as long as Tmenting online and dis- there is no vaccine. tance learning, a private school The Department of Educa- federation said. tion (DepEd) had said chil- “I think it will be very hard dren could continue learning Families displaced as blaze destroys homes for us to sustain a fully on- through the Internet, printed Palace reveals rise in line or a fully distance learn- modules, radio and television. ing set-up for a long time,” But if education would be Co-ordinating Council of Pri- delivered in diff erent modes, virus testing capacity vate Educational Association Estrada said student feedback (Cocopea) managing director should be gathered to deter- Joseph Noel Estrada said in an mine the eff ectiveness of these By Catherine S Valente ing. “But this was not maxim- online roundtable interview fl exible learning methods. Manila Times ised, according to the DoH, due with Manila Times. “These are actually good to supply and equipment prob- “Defi nitely, the Philippines access points for the students lem,” he added. would not be able to sustain but defi nitely that TV or radio he Philippines now has Based on data from the Health this for long term like we have use should be supplemented the capacity to conduct department, a total of 358,676 seen in other countries,” he by other modalities that would T34,000 tests a day for tests have been conducted as of added. allow interaction,” he ex- the coronavirus disease 2019 May 31. Estrada pointed out that plained. (Covid-19), surpassing its goal Earlier, Roque credited the even rich countries have not Meanwhile, a federation of of 30,000, Malacanang said. government’s Test, Trace, Treat completely stopped face-to- private schools has urged the Palace spokesman Harry or T3 programme for the in- face classes. government to act immediate- Roque Jr, however, admitted that crease in the testing capacity. “Even in other countries ly to prevent mass lay-off s and the current testing capacity has He said the government was that are more advanced and school closures. not been maximised for lack of working to improve the effi - economically (stable), they The Alliance of Concerned supply and equipment. ciency of testing laboratories to have not completely removed Teachers (ACT) asked the “Department of Health Un- maximise capability. the face-to-face learning, but government to subsidise the dersecretary Rosario Vergeire Coronavirus testing czar Vi- they are preparing for social or wages of teachers and sup- has clarifi ed that we have not vencio “Vince” Dizon previ- physical distancing and use of port personnel in small private just reached 30,000 tests a day, ously said the national govern- wide spaces,” he said. schools until these have safely Some houses were destroyed after fire hit a residential area in Barangay Addition Hills in we exceeded the target with 49 ment wanted to step up its daily Since no vaccine has been reopened and enrolment has Mandaluyong City on Tuesday. The blaze left more than a thousand families homeless. accredited laboratories,” Roque capacity for Covid-19 tests to developed for the coronavirus stabilised. said during a virtual press brief- 50,000. ‘Anti-terror’ bill moves to Senate after initial go-ahead

By Divina NJD Cruz bill have cited that the measure gitimate organisations and crit- cel Lagman, who voted no, and Law to be enforced with due re- ference with the Senate. It must not be rushed; various Manila Times may be prone to abuse and pose ics of the government as terror- Lanao Del Norte Rep. spect to human rights and civil Meanwhile, Vice President voices must be heard. Especially threats against human rights due ists. liberties of citizens?” Lagman Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo that there are a lot of provisions to the “vagueness” and broad- Gabriela Party-list Rep. Ar- “If a new law is craft ed in said, pointing out that he was hit the untimely passage of the that can be misinterpreted or he House of Representa- ness of defi nition of terroristic lene Brosas said they were not addition to existing laws, it not allowed to interpellate. bill amid the coronavirus disease abused,” she said tives yesterday approved acts. satisfi ed with the safeguards would be best that it would “We were not allowed to ask (Covid-19) pandemic, which she Robredo said the measure in- Ton third and fi nal reading They also cited possible vio- promised by the authors as the be craft ed well and with clarifi catory questions so I could said now requires an undivided cites fear that it will be used to the “anti-terrorism” bill certi- lations against the Constitution implementors have red-tagged clear provisions. It must not, in good conscience, vote yes attention. curtail rights against freedom fi ed as urgent by President Rod- and civil liberties through war- their party-list groups even pri- not be rushed; various for House Bill 6785,” Dimaporo “I need to stress: Covid is of expression, pointing out that rigo Duterte. rantless arrests. or to the approval of the bill. voices must be heard. said, adding that they could have the worst crisis of humankind there is only one provision on House Bill 6875 or “An Act to They also hit the untimely “How can we be assured to Especially that there are a amended the bill, such as the in many generations, and there Programme to Counter Violent Prevent, Prohibit And Penalise passage amid the pandemic. give broader power to the Anti- lot of provisions that can be warrantless arrest, so the House is no other way to defeat it but Extremism while the terrorist Terrorism” seeks to repeal Re- Minority Leader and Manila Terrorism Council when it is misinterpreted or abused” would not be tagged a “rubber pouring all strength of all indi- defi nition has been expanded public Act 9372 or the “Human Rep. Benny Abante pointed out composed of members of the stamp” of the Senate and Mala- viduals, groups, and institutions and checks and balances against Security Act Of 2007” to expand that the measure strips individ- National Task Force to End Lo- Khalid Dimaporo, who ab- canang. in responding. All hands on deck wrongful arrests have been re- the defi nition of terroristic acts uals of the right to due process cal Communist Armed Confl ict stained, slammed the swift pas- Surigao Del Norte Rep. Rob- is need,” she said. duced. and to ease restrictions on law and against unreasonable search that tagged Gabriela as terror- sage as they were not able to ert Ace Barbers, who voted yes While she opposed violence “Especially in the wrong enforcement in prosecuting sus- and seizures. ist? That is why we will never interpellate after Section 54 of being an author of the original and terrorism, Robredo said that hands — in the hands of people pects. Minority Leader Jose Chris- be satisfi ed by the assurances of Rule 10 of the House Rules limit- law, opposed that it was almost the measure is not the right re- who have no qualms about us- HB 6875 was passed with 139 topher “Kit” Belmonte said the the authors. Because the military ing the debate was applied.“If a fully amended and that essential sponse. ing disinformation, inventing voting in the affi rmative, 31 neg- measure only widens the scope generals red-tagging us right member of the independent op- safeguards have been removed. “If a new law is crafted in ad- evidence, or fi nding the smallest ative, and 29 abstentions. It will of and removes safeguards. now will be the ones wielding position is discriminated against He said he wished that dition to existing laws, it would of pretexts to silence its critics be transmitted to the Senate. Makabayan lawmakers said the terrorist designation pow- in a parliamentary body, how can amendments would be enter- be best that it would be crafted — this power is dangerous,” she Lawmakers opposed to the the measure could easily tag le- er,” Brosas said. Albay Rep. Ed- we expect the new Anti-Terror tained during the bicameral con- well and with clear provisions. said. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, June 4, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES George Floyd’s death: Anger is right. Rioting is wrong

It’s impossible to watch the video of George Floyd dying – handcuff ed, helpless, face down in the road, complaining he can’t breathe, as a Minneapolis police offi cer kneels on his neck for more than eight minutes – without feeling a surge of anger and incomprehension. Learning that the crime for which Floyd was apprehended was “forgery in progress” (he apparently bought cigarettes with a fake $20 bill) only adds to one’s sense of outrage. Over the weekend, protests in many American cities turned into riots, the most widespread in decades. In Some swing state seniors places already stressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, violence and destruction surged out of control. The protesters’ anger is right; the rioters’ wanton disregard for the safety of their fellow citizens is inexcusable. Cases in which police offi cers kill black Americans are turning on Trump without cause recur with sickening regularity. They should never happen, but when they do, the authorities’ By Julia Terruso “Seniors, they’re taking a look at this citizens appreciate the president’s former Army General Colin Powell for job is admittedly very diffi cult. They need to act swiftly, Philadelphia and they’re seeing family members are coronavirus leadership. president. out of work, they may be losing their “Seniors also care about who can He wishes the Democrats’ nominee making it plain that they have seen what everybody else homes, and they’re also very concerned restore the economy, who will stand up was younger, a little sharper, but he has seen, are no less disturbed and outraged by it, and ob Banion has been a about seeing their children and to China, and who will put America fi rst thinks Biden’s “heart is in the right mean to do something about it. At the same time, they Republican all his life. grandchildren,” Johannes said. in every decision,” he said. “They care place and he seems to be respected in about a strong military, looking after must keep and speak up for public order – and for exactly A 68-year-old sales manager A close friend called her recently, Washington and internationally.” Bfrom Harleysville, Pa., he voted upset she hadn’t been able to attend her veterans, and protecting Social Security Banion also feels a connection to the same reason: Guarding the safety of all people is their for Donald Trump in 2016. granddaughter’s graduation. and Medicare.” the former vice president’s personal most important job. But he’s felt his political centre “There was no party, no graduation. The reliability of older voters could tragedies. shifting over the last four years — along No nothing. I think that is starting to make them an even more critical Biden lost his fi rst wife and daughter Sadly, this is a with his support for the president. have people take a look and say ‘Could constituency in an election in which many in a car accident, and later in life, his As much as the challenge Donald “As you get older in life, you start something have been done? Could this people are adjusting to voting by mail. son Beau, to brain cancer. Trump is singularly to move toward the left, when you’re have been managed better?’” “With the uncertainty of how voting Banion’s only son died in a car anger is justifi ed, ill-equipped to meet. thinking about healthcare, when you’re Johannes counts herself lucky. will even happen in November, that accident in 2011. thinking about other people’s rights and The mother of three and grandmother could be pretty signifi cant,” Murray “I’m tired of politicians that are so it does not excuse A president who futures,” Banion said. “Older people of seven had to miss a few birthdays and said. “Seniors will vote any way they polished. Joe Biden comes across very thrives on anger and believe in class, believe in dignity, Mother’s Day with the family, can.” humanlike. He comes across as somebody the riots disorder is the very believe in doing the right thing. And but on the whole she’s felt connected Publicly available polling data don’t to me that cares,” Banion said. you see all (Trump’s) doing to break that to them. always break down the race and gender “I just think he’s smart enough that opposite of what’s down. I am really disgusted I voted for Republicans have handily won the of seniors, so it’s hard to tell more about he will surround himself with the best needed at moments like this. But leaders at lower levels of him.” senior vote going back to the 1970s with who is abandoning Trump. people.” government have hardly distinguished themselves in this Trump, who needs to win states few exceptions (Bill Clinton in the 1990s But Murray said it’s most likely older Polls shift, of course, and the softness like Pennsylvania and hopes to keep and Al Gore in 2000 eked out wins white voters, because senior voters of in Trump’s support from older voters case, or in other recent instances of unwarranted police supporters like Banion, may have a among older voters). Voters 60 and over color tend to lean Democratic. could be a reaction to the virus crisis at violence. lurking problem. consistently turn out at higher rates For Democrats, strategising how to its peak. The initial reluctance to arrest police offi cers, even National polling averages show he’s than other age groups. beat Trump has been a push and pull November is more than fi ve months in a case as egregious as Floyd’s, and investigations by in a relative dead heat with Joe Biden It’s a key constituency in between attracting new, younger voters away. among voters over 65, a group he won by Pennsylvania, where the population is and holding onto — or poaching from And many older voters back Trump. multiple agencies dragged out to inordinate length feed 10 points in 2016. older than the national average. Trump — older, more moderate voters. Charlotte George, 75, of Muncy the suspicion that the authorities are seeking not justice In recent polling of Pennsylvania And people older than 45 cast Since Senator Bernie Sanders Valley, is a registered Democrat who but reasons to overlook police abuses and outright voters, Trump comes up a few points a higher share of the 2016 vote in dropped out of the race, Biden has tried plans to vote for the president in short of Biden with voters over 45, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North to appeal to the liberal base of the party. November. crimes. The quid pro quo for the qualifi ed immunity according to an April Fox poll. (Pollsters Carolina, Michigan, and Florida But he also wants to remain a viable The great-grandmother of six the police need to do their jobs is rigorous and eff ective use varying age groupings.) than their age bracket did nationally, option for Republicans who oppose opposes abortion rights and is accountability, which is frequently lacking, and the ability How to explain the Trump senior according to an analysis by the liberal Trump. frustrated with how far left the slide? His opponent this time, Biden, Center for American Progress. Johannes plans to vote for Biden, but Democrats have moved on the issue. to recognise plain criminality without equivocation. polls better with seniors than Hillary Any sort of slide could matter given she’s paying careful attention to his While she’s supporting Trump again It needs emphasising that police offi cers are entitled to Clinton did in 2016. (Trump appears to the small margins by which Trump running-mate pick. this fall, she off ered that she thinks due process and to an understanding of the hazards they be losing across the board with voters carried those states. John McCain lost her vote in 2012 Biden would make the better leader. who said they backed him as a protest “This is historic,” said Patrick Murray, when he chose Sarah Palin. “I think he’s a very intelligent, nice face in their work. But when people of good faith suspect vote against Clinton). a pollster at Monmouth University in She hopes he selects Senator Amy person,” she said. “I think comparing that offi cers believe themselves, with reason, to be beyond Another factor is likely Trump’s New Jersey. “The fact that we’re seeing Klobuchar of Minnesota; she’d have to him to President Trump — there’s a the law, the damage to society is profound. response to the coronavirus pandemic, this already in the data and it’s holding think carefully if he picks someone she world of diff erence there. As much as the anger is justifi ed, it does not excuse the riots. which has disproportionately aff ected is something unusual and I’m sure it’s fi nds too liberal, like Stacey Abrams. They are opposite ends of the the elderly. something the campaign is paying close “I’ll say that I hope to vote for Biden,” spectrum, but again, I won’t vote for Destroying the property of innocent fellow citizens and putting In a Morning Consult poll from April, attention to.” Johannes said. him because of what the Democratic lives at risk cannot substitute for protest, even when the object voters 65 and older said defeating the Tim Murtaugh, a spokesperson Banion wasn’t a Biden fan previously. Party stands for.” - The Philadelphia of the protests is a great and deeply felt wrong. That wrong virus was more important than healing for the Trump campaign, said senior In 2008 and 2012 he wrote in Inquirer/ TCA/DPA the economy, counter to Trump’s recent needs to be addressed with new conviction and urgency at push to reopen states. every level of government. But understanding the rage is not to Trump’s approval rating with seniors forgive heedless violence and destruction. also plummeted 20 points from March to April. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms put this well: “We “Seniors have felt the wrath of this as a people are strongest when we use our voices to heal our pandemic more than any other age city instead of using our hands to tear it down,” she said in cohort,” said Chris Borick, a pollster at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. a statement on Saturday. “We know our citizens are angry. “By numbers and health eff ects, it’s We are angry and we want justice. If we are to enact change been devastating. The concern levels in this nation, I implore everyone to channel their anger we’ve seen, when we’ve polled, are and sorrow into something more meaningful and eff ective highest among seniors, and that, of course, could be bleeding into their through nonviolent activism.” - Tribune News Service appraisal of the president.” Fran Johannes, a 77-year-old retired educator in Newtown Square, put it To Advertise more bluntly. “A lot of seniors, they’re seeing [email protected] their friends die,” said Johannes, who Display switched her party registration from Republican in order to vote for a “viable 44466621 44418811 alternative” to Trump. “I just fi nd him off ensive. I don’t like Classified his ethics.” 44466609 44418811 Johannes opposed Trump before the virus outbreak — she left her ballot for Subscription president blank in 2016. But watching his handling of Covid, [email protected] she said, “just accentuated his anti- science anti-facts attitude.” She thinks some peers may be starting to feel Trump holds up a front page of the New York Post as he speaks to reporters while discussing an executive order on social media © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved similarly. companies in the Oval Off ice of the White House. Trump’s approval rating with seniors plummeted 20 points from March to April. Gulf Times Thursday, June 4, 2020 15 COMMENT America’s Mis-police state By Jeff rey Sommers in urban areas are white and have wage as a baseline, America’s essential Milwaukee little or no experience interacting workers are the lowest paid among with the populations within their high-income countries. Although US jurisdictions. The familiarity gap is GDP has increased by several multiples eorge Floyd’s death at the compounded by the fact that one over the past 70 years, the federal hands – and under the knee in five police officers is a military minimum wage is a mere $0.75 higher – of Minneapolis police veteran who previously conducted than it was in 1950, after adjusting for Goffi cer Derek Chauvin has violent pacification efforts in infl ation. The message to America’s triggered a wave of peaceful protests Afghanistan or Iraq. These former essential workers has long been, “You and violent rioting in most major cities soldiers have been primed to see the don’t matter.” Clearly, that must across the United States. urban populations they police as change. Caught on video for the world to threats to their own safety, at best. Finally, Americans are grotesquely see, the incident has driven home the That, too, is borne out by the data. over-armed, and this problem has perception that African-Americans For example, in Boston between 2010 grown worse since the Tea Party are excluded from America’s grand and 2015, there were 28 complaints takeover of many state governments narrative of progress, in which of excessive use of force for every 100 during President Barack Obama’s conditions supposedly improve over police officers with some military administration. In a country with time. service, compared to 17 complaints almost 400mn civilian-owned The data bear out that perception. for every 100 non-veteran officers. fi rearms, regulations on gun sales According to a recent Brookings And Boston is hardly alone. America in many states have nonetheless Institution study, as of 2016, “the is obliged to place veterans in been loosened. As a result, a city like net worth of a typical white family meaningful work. But, clearly, only Chicago, despite having a reasonable is nearly ten times greater than that individuals with a demonstrated level of gun control, is awash in of a Black family.” And though the record of effectiveness in de- fi rearms, because one need only drive US accounts for just 5% of the global escalating tense situations should be an hour north to buy from Wisconsin’s population, it is home to 21% of the permitted to serve as police in urban under-regulated markets. world’s incarcerated people, one-third communities. For obvious reasons, America’s of whom are African-American. Chauvin is not a military veteran. gun problem contributes to its Scarcely a week goes by without a But with 18 prior complaints fi led violent crime problem. It also places new story about African-Americans against him, he embodies much signifi cantly more stress on the police. dying at the hands of police or of what is wrong with America’s Progressives and police organisations vigilantes. Each episode is met with policing system. After all, America should recognise that they have media handwringing and calls for also has obligations to its urban common ground on the issue of gun reforms of police procedures. But poor. African-Americans in Detroit, control. the problem is never resolved, in part Milwaukee, St. Louis, and many other There are clear measures that could because it is actually many problems. de-industrialised urban areas live in be taken to reduce the pressures on For starters, many Americans conditions that are closer to those in Terrence Floyd (C), the brother of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while being arrested and pinned to the ground both our urban communities and have accepted that they live in a South Africa and Brazil than to other by the knee of a Minneapolis police off icer, sits as people gather at the site where George Floyd died, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. those tasked with policing them. It is winner-takes-all society of deepening rich countries. well within our power to strengthen inequality. While the wealth and In poor and economically insecure African-American men are primed Chairman Jerome Powell has indicated would enable them to start developing the economic and social health of our incomes of those at the very top African-American communities, to assume a suspicious and hostile that the Fed faces no eff ective limit on basic skills. cities while reforming police methods continue to grow, tens of millions a multigenerational vicious cycle attitude toward the police. its ability to fund public investments. The Covid-19 crisis has to encourage confl ict de-escalation of Americans struggle to aff ord ensues. Children are born into an The structures underpinning In that case, it should take up spending demonstrated that much of what was and resolution. There is no longer healthcare, childcare, and other environment where interactions with America’s racial disparities are the proposals such as those in the Green previously considered unimportant any excuse for inaction. – Project basic goods. This story has been told police have long been confrontational products of both negligence and New Deal and employ disadvantaged work is, in fact, essential. From Syndicate many times over. But what often goes rather than co-operative. And the design. Fixing them will require a workers at good wages to drive healthcare facilities and food services unremarked is that the responsibility police, in turn, conflate suspicion multi-pronged strategy. advances in clean-energy and other to transport and sanitation, African- z Jeff rey Sommers is professor of for managing the social costs of this and hostility with criminality. All The fi rst step is to heed Martin key sectors of the future economy. Americans disproportionately hold Political Economy and Public Policy system has been offl oaded onto the too often, police assume that black Luther King, Jr, and establish full Those without work records could jobs that we consider least and, in the African and African Diaspora police. males are suspects, and treat them employment as a core principle of be directed to public beautifi cation ultimately, depend on most. Studies Department at the University of Generally speaking, most police accordingly. In response, many economic policy. US Federal Reserve projects at entry-level wages, which Yet, taking the federal minimum Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Shariah law and dispute resolution Three-day forecast

TODAY Maximum Temperature : 460c in the post-Covid-19 legal order Minimum Temperature : 340c FRIDAY and infrastructure needs, innovative within the framework of existing judicial traditions across and within Muslim Maximum Temperature : 420c Minimum Temperature : 330c dispute management mechanisms will be institutions across the Islamic world. countries. required to avoid institutional gridlock. Among the lessons that can be gleaned Higher education institutions also SATURDAY The Covid-19 pandemic provides an from countries such as the United have crucial roles to play in developing Maximum Temperature : 430c opportunity to explore how Shariah law Kingdom, Malaysia and Indonesia, where innovative programs to train and prepare Minimum Temperature : 330c – the principal source of law in Muslim Islamic ADR is already being implemented societies for the emerging legal order Fisherman's forecast countries – can provide additional and with varying levels of success, is that the post-COVID 19. The College of Law at innovative avenues for dispute resolution. most important fi rst step is to develop Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) WARNING For many years, the value of Islamic ADR clear and comprehensive rules and is already spearheading innovation in Inshore : Strong wind expected has been explored in the literature but procedures that provide legal backing and this area. Through its Juris Doctor (JD) at places daytime has not been exhaustively tested. Islamic support for Islamic ADR. programme, LL.M. in International Offshore : Strong wind and high By Dr Damilola S Olawuyi ADR promotes the resolution of disputes For example, the Asian International Economic and Business Law, LL.M. in sea at some places Doha outside of courts, in accordance with Arbitration Centre in Malaysia has International Law and Foreign Aff airs, the tenets and procedures of Shariah developed Islamic Arbitration Rules as well as the Certifi cate Programme WEATHER Inshore : Very hot daytime with law. Shariah-compliant modes of (i-Arbitration Rules), which provide a “Law in Practice in Qatar”, students have slight dust to blowing odern societies have for resolving disputes include Muhtasib (use comprehensive framework of Shari’a- exceptional opportunities to acquire dust at times and many years evolved effi cient of an ombudsman); Sulh (negotiation, compliant rules and procedures for comparative legal skills and knowledge relatively hot by night WIND methods for resolving mediation/conciliation); and Tahkim resolving disputes. An equally important on the rudiments of ADR and its practical Inshore : Mainly Northwesterly Mlegal disputes in a peaceful (arbitration). One distinguishing step for fast-tracking the adoption of application in their home countries. 10-20/28 KT manner. Litigation in courts, as well feature of Islamic ADR, as compared to Islamic ADR is to leverage the existing Offshore : Northwesterly 10-20/26 as out-of-court alternative dispute traditional ADR methods, is that parties expertise of arbitrators, practitioners z Damilola S Olawuyi is an associate KT resolution (ADR) methods – such as agree to abide by Qur’anic injunctions and scholars who are already well professor at the College of Law (CL) at negotiation, mediation, conciliation and and prophetic practice in determining versed in the intricacies of ADR, as Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). Visibility : 4-8/3 KM arbitration – are popular avenues through their claims. For example, the Qur’an and well as the fundamental principles of (This article is submitted on behalf of Offshore : 3-6/8 FT which a wide range of commercial and Hadith prohibit the levying of interest law. Such experts can guide the speedy the author by the HBKU Communications non-commercial disputes are resolved in (riba). In selecting Islamic ADR, parties development of tailored Islamic ADR Directorate. The views expressed are Around the region Qatar and beyond. therefore choose to exclude riba. principles and procedures that refl ect the author’s own and do not necessarily Weather Weather However, the ongoing Covid-19 In addition to its inestimable moral, the rich and diverse legal cultures and refl ect the University’s offi cial stance). today Max/min tomorrow Max/min pandemic poses complex and cultural and spiritual value, Islamic Baghdad Sunny 40/24 Sunny 42/27 multifaceted challenges to justice delivery ADR can provide an alternative legal Kuwait City Sunny 44/32 Cloudy 45/32 systems across the world. History teaches framework for resolving non-commercial About Hamad Bin Khalifa University Manama Sunny 39/32 Cloudy 37/32 us that in times of global disasters and disputes such as family disputes, property Muscat Sunny 39/32 Sunny 39/32 economic disruptions, such as those and inheritance. The same is also true of Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow Tehran Sunny 37/24 Sunny 37/24 triggered by Covid-19, legal disputes small and medium scale entrepreneurial signifi cantly increase. These include disputes where religious tenets and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), ity through an enriching academic employment disputes, breach of contract, principles can play a key role in timely, a member of Qatar Foundation for experience, innovative ecosystem, and bankruptcy, insurance claims, family less acrimonious, and cost-eff ective Education, Science, and Community unique partnerships. HBKU delivers disputes, supply chain disruptions, and resolution. Development (QF), was founded in multidisciplinary undergraduate and more. In light of the impending tsunami In a post-Covid-19 world, Islamic 2010 as a research-intensive university graduate programmes through its of complex legal disputes that could arise ADR Tribunals can reduce the impending that acts as a catalyst for transforma- colleges, and provides opportunities post-Covid-19, lawyers and judicial pressure and demand on courts and ADR tive change in Qatar and the region for research and scholarship through institutions will require support so that institutions and allow parties to achieve while having global impact. Located in its institutes and centres. For more they can eff ectively handle such disputes fi nal and binding resolution in a timely, Education City, HBKU is committed to information about HBKU, visit www. and not be overwhelmed. In addition to accessible and cost-effi cient manner. building and cultivating human capac- hbku.edu.qa. technological, digitalisation, fi nancial Islamic ADR can be implemented

Around the world Weather Weather Live issues Today Max/min Tomorrow Max/min Athens Sunny 26/15 P Cloudy 25/18 Beirut Sunny 25/19 Sunny 26/21 Bangkok S T Storms 33/27 S T Storms 33/27 Berlin S Showers 26/11 S Showers 18/11 Examining the World Health Organisation Sunny 34/19 Sunny 34/18 Cairo Cape Town P Cloudy 22/12 M Cloudy 19/12 he World Health Organisation, information about the virus’ origin. as the origins of the coronavirus. If Despite the ongoing criticism by the Colombo P Cloudy 30/27 P Cloudy 30/27 under pressure from member The president said the organisation the probe is to carry any weight in Trump administration of the WHO, it Dhaka T Storms 32/26 T Storms 32/27 countries, has agreed to an did a “a very sad job” and that he was reestablishing confi dence in the WHO, is an international organisation that is Hong Kong S T Storms 29/26 S T Storms 29/26 independent probe of how it considering cutting annual US funding all issues must be addressed and on the needed. Poorer countries depend on Istanbul Sunny 24/16 M Sunny 27/17 T P Cloudy 34/24 S T Storms 33/24 handled its international response to the for the WHO from $450mn a year to table for evaluation. the WHO for delivering medical help Jakarta coronavirus, but such an investigation $40mn. Several Republican lawmakers WHO offi cials must look at how and supplies in times of crisis. And if Karachi P Cloudy 34/28 P Cloudy 33/28 must be thorough and transparent if have called for the resignation of WHO the organisation can be improved and the coronavirus pandemic has taught us London M Cloudy 17/11 M Cloudy 17/08 the organisation hopes to repair its Director-General Tedros Adhanom streamlined to cut past the bureaucracy nothing else, it’s that the world needs Manila M Sunny 35/27 S T Storms 35/27 damaged reputation. Ghebreyesus, who has repeatedly that critics say has bogged down its an international organisation that can Moscow T Storms 19/11 T Storms 18/11 Despite reports in late January of defended the organisation’s actions in eff orts in the past, notably in dealing with quickly identify outbreaks and help co- New Delhi P Cloudy 36/24 P Cloudy 35/26 an increasingly deadly virus infecting fi ghting the pandemic. the Ebola outbreak several years ago. ordinate responses. New York P Cloudy 29/19 I T Storms 28/22 thousands in China, and the subsequent A coalition of African, European A fi rst report by an oversight advisory The independent probe of WHO’s Paris Cloudy 19/12 S Showers 17/12 spread to Europe, WHO offi cials did not and other countries have called for a board to the WHO has already raised response eff orts must be done quickly Sao Paulo S Showers 23/17 S Showers 23/17 declare a global pandemic until March “comprehensive evaluation” of the questions about the organisation’s warning and thoroughly to reassure member Seoul P Cloudy 24/17 P Cloudy 28/16 11. US President Donald Trump has WHO’s co-ordination of the global system for alerting the world to potential countries of the group’s eff ectiveness. Singapore T Storms 31/27 T Storms 31/27 repeatedly blamed the organisation for response, although offi cials said it outbreaks. Clearly there are problems Anything short of that will only add to Sydney P Cloudy 16/07 Sunny 17/07 its delay in issuing warnings, and claims would stop short of dealing with some within the organisation that must be more questions about the organisation’s Tokyo Cloudy 27/20 Clear 28/19 it sided with China in withholding of the more contentious issues such examined and addressed going forward. future. – Tribune News Service Gulf Times 16 Thursday, June 4, 2020 QATAR QRCS selected among Qatar’s top supportive outfi ts in Covid-19 crisis atar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has been recog- Qnised as one of 10 Qatari organisations that proved most supportive in dealing with the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, according to Ipsos, the world’s third largest research agency. The French market research and consulting fi rm recently conducted a series of in-depth studies to understand how the Covid-19 outbreak impacted the attitudes, behaviours, and future expectations of consumers and global markets. In the Mena region, eight countries, including Qatar, were QRCS deployed more than 18,000 volunteers. QRCS volunteers spraying disinfectants as preventive measure. QRCS launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness. selected to track public senti- ment and behaviour in light of Health, Ooredoo, Qatar Airways, criteria: (1) positively address- long-term outcomes. found at shopping malls, giving Supreme Committee for Crisis supplies were also donated to the Covid-19 outbreak. Qatar Charity, Qatar Founda- ing public fears and concerns; (2) Within its public informa- guidance and advice to the con- Management, QRCS operates health facilities, including masks Through online interviews, Ip- tion, QNB, Qatar Petroleum, and attitudes towards government, tion strategy, QRCS launched sumers as regards wearing masks quarantine facilities, health cen- and sanitisers. sos asked nationals and residents QRCS. media, and health organisations; a nationwide campaign to raise and gloves and maintaining so- tres, and ambulance services, all With its professionally devel- of Qatar which companies they According to the report, (3) countermeasures; (4) changes awareness about protective cial distancing. Some of them are contributing to Covid-19 com- oped and implemented strategy, thought have best participated QRCS’ successful coronavirus in lifestyles and social behav- measures, including lectures, currently engaged in managing batting eff orts. Over the holy QRCS has contingency plans to in supporting the country during control eff orts were spotlighted iours; (5) reduction of impact on social media messages, and mass quarantine facilities, distributing month of Ramadan, QRCS dis- deal eff ectively with the Cov- the current Covid-19 crisis. The in many research studies by Ip- citizens; (6) changes in purchase media materials. masks and gloves to the public, tributed as many as 100,000 food id-19 crisis, taking all possible top 10 choices were as follows sos and other multinational fi rms and shopping habits; (7) con- More than 18,000 volun- and disinfecting streets and dis- baskets to vulnerable families, in scenarios into consideration to (in alphabetical order): Al Meera, concerned with the pandemic. sumers’ expectations from com- teers were deployed to take part tricts. order to mitigate the impact of mobilise resources and ensure Doha Bank, Ministry of Public The surveys focused on eight panies; and (8) short-term and in helping others. They can be Under the supervision of the lockdown. Medical and hygiene sustainability. More Indian repatriation fl ights planned from June 9

ore repatriation fl ights IX 1576 to Thiruvanan- IX 1374 to Kozhikode, June 15, have been planned from thapuram, June 9, 11.55am 1.05pm MQatar from June 9, the IX 1374 to Kozhikode, June 10, IX 1476 to Kochi, June 16, Indian embassy has said. These 3.35pm 4.15pm fl ights will be operated as part of IX 1374 to Kozhikode, June 11, IX 1576 to Thiruvanan- ‘Phase 2++’ of the Vande Bharat 12.30pm thapuram, June 16, 12.35pm Mission, according to informa- IX 1676 to Trichy, June 11, IX 1676 to Madurai, June 17, tion available on the Indian Min- 3.05pm 12.05pm istry of External Aff airs website. IX 1476 to Kochi, June 12, IX 1374 to Kozhikode, June 18, In total, 21 fl ights will be op- 3.05pm 1.50pm erated between Doha and 10 IX 1176 to Delhi, June 12, IX 1476 to Kochi, June 18, Indian cities from June 9-19, 10.55am 11.40am the list shows. These cities are IX 1774 to Kannur, June 13, IX 1674 to Coimbatore, June Thiruvananthapuram (4 fl ights), 1.55pm 19, 11.35am The project included the provision of 304 parking bays in addition to the installation of a new lighting system for the service roads. To Kozhikode (4), Kochi (4), Kan- IX 1576 to Thiruvanan- IX 1576 to Thiruvanan- encourage a healthy lifestyle, cycling paths and landscaping works covering over 2,000sq m were implemented in addition to planting 43 nur (3), Trichy (1 fl ight), Delhi (1), thapuram, June 13, 4.10pm thapuram, June 19, 2.35pm trees. Lucknow (1), Mumbai (1), Ma- IX 1774 to Kannur, June 14, So far, 17 fl ights have been durai (1) and Coimbatore (1). 2.45pm operated from Doha under Following is the list indicat- IX 1476 to Kochi, June 14, Vande Bharat, bringing the total ing the next set of repatriation 10.05am number of repatriated passen- fl ights from Doha to various des- IX 1128 to Lucknow, June 14, gers to 2,828, plus 76 infants. Upgrading works completed tinations in India: 12.45pm Two more fl ights are sched- IX 1774 to Kannur, June 9, IX 1244 to Mumbai, June 15, uled for today - AI 1930 to Luc- 2.15pm 11am know and IX 1774 to Kannur. on Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street Repatriation flights leave for Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram QNA and Fereej Bin Omran as well as Doha serving several commercial shops and service, educational and health centres. he Public Works Author- Eng Jamal also explained that ity (Ashghal) announced the completion of the upgrad- Tthe completion of main ing works on Al Jazira Al Ara- upgrading works on 1.2km of Al biya Street has signifi cantly Jazira Al Arabiya Street along enhanced the traffi c fl ow and with the construction of service reduced the congestion in the roads. area especially since the project The recently completed car- is aimed at improving the vehic- riageway is now open to traffi c, ular capacity of Al Jazira Al Ara- as part of the road improvement biya Street and upgrading exits works in various areas of Greater and entrances of the surround- Doha Project - Phase Five. ing streets as well as providing Further to upgrading the service roads. 1.2km of the main carriageway He indicated that in line with in both directions and the con- the Public Works Authority’s struction of service roads, the support to local manufacturers project’s scope of works also and in line with Taheel initia- included the provision of 304 storm water drainage and the Arabiya Street. He pointed out tive which was launched by the parking bays in addition to the sewer networks in addition to that Al Jazira street provides di- Authority in 2017, local materi- installation of a new lighting protecting electricity and tele- rect link to 22 February Street, als and manufacturers were re- system for the service roads. communications services lines, Jassim Bin Hamad Street and lied on for most of the project’s Two more Indian repatriation flights took off from Hamad International Airport (HIA) yesterday. AI To encourage a healthy life- upgrading water lines and pro- Ahmed Bin Ali Street which play work. 1926 left Doha for Chennai with 151 passengers and two infants, the Indian embassy tweeted. Then, style, a 2.5km pedestrian and viding house-connections. The a vital role in accommodating Materials and elements sup- IX 1374 took off from HIA for Thiruvananthapuram with 177 passengers and seven infants. These cycling paths and landscaping road was also equipped by di- signifi cant traffi c volume and plied from local manufacturers marked the 16th and 17th flights from Qatar under the Vande Bharat mission, respectively, “bringing works covering over 2,000sq rectional signs. facilitating connectivity to sev- included sewage, surface water the total number of repatriated passengers to 2,828, plus 76 infants”, the embassy said. Pictured are m were implemented in addi- On this occasion, Engineer Ali eral parts of Doha. He also stated and rain water drainage pipes, Chennai- and Thiruvananthapuram-bound passengers at HIA yesterday, courtesy of the embassy’s tion to planting 43 trees. As for Sami Jamal, the project engineer that Al Jazira Al Arabiya Street in addition to lighting poles and Twitter page. the infrastructure services, en- in the Roads Projects Depart- provides a link to many vital and luminaires. The local Qatari hancement works comprised ment at Ashghal highlighted residential areas such as Lebday, component used on the project the upgrade of the surface and the strategic role of Al Jazira Al Wadi Al Sail, Madinat Khalifa has reached 80%.