RAJAB 23, 1442 AH SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021

16 Pages Max 25º Min 11º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18377 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Scientists look beyond solar Lebanese dread end to The unstoppable revenge Kohli hails India comeback 5 system for traces of life 8 subsidies as crisis bites 13 of the mullet hairstyle 16 as rout seals England series

Exempting vaccinated arrivals from hotel quarantine mulled

All registered over-65s vaccinated • 12-hr curfew begins • PACI sets new timings

KUWAIT: Health ministry assistant undersecretary avirus. Kuwait has since Feb 7 cut opening hours for for public health Dr Buthayna Al-Mudhaf said the non-essential retail shops and banned non-citizens ministry is contemplating excluding those who have from entering the country, but a steep increase in received the coronavirus vaccine from institutional cases in the past week has forced the government quarantine upon their return to the country, and to take more stringent measures. they will only have to quarantine at home. She said People may walk to mosques to perform prayers technical committees are studying the issue accord- during curfew hours, while pharmacies and food ing to a methodology based on the latest scientific shops must use delivery services and all public parks studies and recommendations of international health and recreational areas will be closed. Those who organizations, adding that the report will be submit- break the rules, which also include mandatory use of ted as soon as the study is completed. face masks outside the home, can be fined as much Meanwhile, Mudhaf said all people aged over 65 as KD 5,000 and jailed for up to three months. who had registered for the coronavirus vaccine The country had imposed some of the strictest have been inoculated - both citizens and expats. measures in the Gulf during the firstwave of the However, she said only 17.4 percent of those eligible pandemic over the summer, enforcing a nationwide to receive the vaccine have registered, calling upon lockdown with few exceptions. Like most Gulf citizens and expats to quickly register for the jab. countries, Kuwait’s economy and state budgets have Kuwait yesterday said 1,318 people tested posi- been hit hard by the economic fallout of the pan- tive for COVID-19 with seven related deaths, taking demic combined with the low price of oil. total cases to 199,428, while deaths rose to 1,120, Meanwhile, The Public Authority for Civil according to the health ministry. On Friday, 1,613 Information (PACI) announced yesterday the work- KUWAIT: Nine-martyrs ñ eight Kuwaitis and a Saudi - who had been missing since the 1990-1991 Gulf War, people tested positive with eight related deaths. ing schedule to receive the public during the partial were buried yesterday after their remains were identified recently. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat (See Page 2) Kuwait will impose a 5 pm to 5 am curfew from lockdown approved by the Cabinet beginning today today until April 8 in a bid to contain the coron- Continued on Page 2

munities at Ur, traditional birthplace Pope, Sistani of the Prophet Abraham (PBUH), a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an Rapid COVID tests call for peace impassioned plea for “unity” after conflict. The 84-year-old pontiff’s trip sell out on first BAGHDAD: Grand Ayatollah Ali to Iraq is an effort to both reassure Sistani, one of Shiism’s top clerics, the country’s ancient but dwindling day in Germany told Pope Francis in a historic meeting Christian community and expand his in Iraq yesterday that the country’s dialogue with other faiths. FRANKFURT: Germans flocked to supermarket Christians should live in “peace”. The His meeting with the grand ayatol- chain Aldi yesterday to snap up the first rapid coro- meeting, on the second day of the lah in Najaf lasted 50 minutes, and navirus tests to go on sale nationwide, with stocks first-ever papal visit to Iraq, marked a Sistani’s office put out a statement selling out within hours. Rival discounter Lidl mean- landmark moment in modern religious shortly afterwards thanking Francis while saw its website crash after it started offering history and in terms of Francis’ efforts for visiting the holy city. Sistani, 90, at-home testing kits for sale online. “We want to to deepen interfaith dialogue. “affirmed his concern that Christian assure anyone who left empty-handed that new Pope Francis later addressed the citizens should live like all Iraqis NAJAF: Pope Francis meets top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in this stocks are coming in the next days,” an Aldi rich spectrum of Iraq’s religious com- Continued on Page 2 Iraqi shine city yesterday. — AFP spokesman told the Bild newspaper. The German government is relying heavily on rapid tests to steer country through the next phase of the pandemic as citizens tire of coronavirus shut- Strip. The inferno, which local authori- downs but the pace of vaccinations remains slug- Gaza girl dons ties said was caused by a gas leak, left gish. From tomorrow, all Germans will be entitled to 25 dead and dozens injured, and rav- one free rapid test a week, carried out by a profes- aged several shops. sional at pharmacies or designated testing centers. mask to heal Today, she and her mother, who Several manufacturers have also received regu- was also seriously injured on the face latory approval for DIY tests meant for home use. burnt face and hands, wear transparent plastic The goal is to give people more freedom after masks developed by medical charity months of closures and limits on socializing, but Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The experts have stressed that the quick tests are less GAZA: The moment Maram Al- 3D-printed mask puts pressure on the reliable than standard PCR testing and that the usu- Amawi gets back from school, she face and advances the healing al hygiene precautions should be maintained even slips on the 3D-printed mask that process, explains Firas Suergo, head with a negative result. covers her face and treats her severe of physiotherapy for MSF in Gaza. Aldi is limiting the purchases to one packet per burns from a blaze at a Gaza bakery. The patient’s face is copied using a person, containing five tests for €24.99 ($30). The But she doesn’t go out in the streets 3D scanner, which then allows the test is done with a nasal swab and delivers a result for fear of being made fun of. Eight- printing of a customized plastic mask. within 15 minutes. Lidl’s offer is similar and costs year-old Maram was severely burned Since the launch of the project in GAZA: Palestinian girl Maram and her mother Izdihar Al-Amawi get fitted with a €21.99. Tests will also go on sale at major drug store a year ago in the Palestinian refugee April 2020, which has also been run in 3D-printed transparent face mask at a clinic run by Doctors Without Borders in chains and other outlets in the coming days. camp of Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Continued on Page 2 Gaza City on Feb 22, 2021. — AFP Health Minister Jens Spahn, already under fire over Germany’s slow vaccination pace, has prom- ised there will be “more than enough” rapid tests for everyone, including 50 million free tests a month. meters forward, turned in place 150 But critics have questioned whether local authorities Perseverance degrees to the left, and then backed are ready to cope with the expected huge demand. up 2.5 meters, leaving tire tracks in Manuela Schwesig, the state premier of the Martian dust. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, said supermar- Mars rover “This was our first chance to ‘kick kets were better prepared than the federal gov- the tires’ and take Perseverance out ernment. “I fail to understand why rapid tests are goes for ‘spin’ for a spin,” said Anais Zarifian, now being sold by discounters but have yet to be Perseverance mobility test bed engi- ordered for daycares and schools,” she said. WASHINGTON: The Mars rover neer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Germany has struggled to bring down COVID-19 Perseverance has successfully con- Laboratory in Pasadena, California. rates in recent weeks, with numbers plateauing ducted its first test drive on the Red Zarifian said the test drive went and even rising on some days. The country added Planet, the US space agency NASA “incredibly well” and represented a 9,557 new coronavirus cases yesterday and said Friday. The six-wheeled rover “huge milestone for the mission and another 300 deaths, according to the Robert Koch travelled about 6.5 m in 33 minutes on the mobility team”. This image was captured when NASA’s Perseverance rover drove on Mars for the Institute. —AFP Thursday, NASA said. It drove four Continued on Page 2 first time on March 4, 2021. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Sunday, March 7, 2021 Local Nine human remains identified and returned after 30 years Martyrs, including Saudi citizen, went missing during Iraqi invasion

KUWAIT: Nine martyrs - eight Kuwaitis and a Saudi - who had been missing since the 1990-1991 Gulf War, were buried yesterday after their remains were identified recently. Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al- Sabah and other senior officials attended the funeral ceremony. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Under the Tripartite Commission’s umbrella, may gain closure in the near future. remains in question had been found at a burial site in nection with the 1990-1991 Gulf War. They are nine human remains, including a Saudi citizen, among This development follows conclusive DNA analyses Iraq’s Samawa district back in March 2019, thanks to chaired by the ICRC and composed of representa- the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia missing persons list, gone conducted and matching with Kuwait’s database of the Iraqi and Kuwaiti authorities’ joint efforts assisted tives of the Republic of Iraq, the State of Kuwait, the missing during the 1990-1991 Gulf War and whose rela- Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing persons and by experts from the International Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States of tives have remained without news since were officially third-country nationals, led by the General Department Red Cross (ICRC) within the frame of the Technical America, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of buried in the State of Kuwait. Finally, after 30 years of of Forensic Evidences in the Ministry of Interior in the Sub-Committee. France. The UNAMI joined in 2014 as an observer. painful uncertainty, the families now have clarity on the State of Kuwait. This enabled the closure of another 20 The Tripartite Commission and its Technical Sub- The Tripartite Commission members continue to work fate of their loved ones - and our thoughts remain with missing persons’ cases among the State of Kuwait Committee were set up in 1991 and 1994, respectively, relentlessly to search for those still unaccounted for in all those still waiting for answers, hoping that they too missing persons’ list earlier this year. The human to help ascertain the fate of people missing in con- relation to the conflict.

ion set up for the visit. Iraq is a Muslim-majority worked beautifully.” Pope, Sistani country of 40 million whose Christian population has Perseverance Perseverance was launched on July 30, 2020 and shrunk in the past two decades to just one percent, landed on the surface of Mars on February 18 on a with minorities still complaining of ostracism and mission to search for signs of past life on the Red call for... persecution. Mars rover... Planet. The rover’s primary mission will last just over Continued from Page 1 During his address, the pope said freedom of con- Continued from Page 1 two years but it is likely to remain operational well science and of religion were “fundamental rights” that beyond that. Over the coming years, Perseverance in peace and security, and with their full constitu- should be respected everywhere. “We believers can- “We’re going to do some longer drives,” she will attempt to collect 30 rock and soil samples in tional rights,” it said. not be silent when terrorism abuses religion,” Francis added. “This is just the beginning.” sealed tubes to be sent back to Earth sometime in His office published an image of the two: Sistani said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities NASA engineers said they were studying possi- the 2030s for analysis. in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching persecuted under IS rule. He also made an impas- ble routes for longer rover voyages on the surface About the size of an SUV, the craft weighs a ton, down to his black robe and Francis all in white, look- sioned plea for “unity” after conflict. “Let us ask for of Mars. The rover can cover 200 meters per is equipped with a seven-foot-long robotic arm, has ing directly at the grand ayatollah. Sistani is this in praying for the whole Middle East. Here I think Martian day, which is slightly longer than a day on 19 cameras, two microphones and a suite of cutting- extremely reclusive and rarely grants meetings but especially of neighboring war-torn Syria,” he said. Earth. And it goes five times faster than Curiosity, edge instruments. So far it has sent back more than made an exception to host Francis. The pontiff had Following the prayer service in Ur, the pope head- its predecessor, which is still functioning eight years 7,000 photographs, including one of a light brown landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters fea- ed back to Baghdad to celebrate his first public mass after landing on Mars. rock that was used to test a device called tured a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph, who in the country, at the Saint Joseph Cathedral. In front Perseverance deputy mission manager Robert SuperCam: An ultra-sophisticated French-made is buried in the holy city. “People are of two kinds, of a sparse gathering of faithful and officials, with Hogg said engineers were also preparing for the camera the size of a shoe box that can shoot a laser either your brothers in faith or your equals in attendance limited by coronavirus precautions, he first flight of a helicopter drone carried by the rover. beam at rocks up to seven meters away to analyze humanity,” read the banners. delivered his first-ever liturgy in the Eastern rite. Hogg said the rover team was working out flight their makeup. Francis then headed straight to the desert site of Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, zones and hoped to conduct the first flight in late The rover is only the fifth to set its wheels down the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham (PBUH) is has met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority spring or early summer. He said the mission had not on Mars, all of them American. The feat was first believed to have been born in the second millennium countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey experienced any major problems so far. “It’s all just accomplished in 1997. The United States is prepar- BC. “It all started from here,” Francis said, after hear- and the United Arab Emirates. Sistani, meanwhile, is minor stuff,” he said. “Everything we’ve tried has ing for an eventual human mission to the planet, ing from representatives of Iraq’s diverse religious followed by most of the world’s 200 million Shiites - a though planning remains very preliminary. — AFP communities. There were Yazidis, whose ancestral minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq - heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State and is a national figure for Iraqis. In 2019, he stood (IS) group in 2014, as well as Mandeans, Kakais, with Iraqi protesters demanding better public servic- UN agency for Palestinian refugees. “I put it on as Bahais and Zoroastrians. es and rejecting external interference in Iraq’s domes- Gaza girl dons soon as I get home from classes.” Shiite and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian cler- tic affairs. Pope Francis made a similar plea in In fact, she wears it eight hours a day. As for her ics, were there. Each was wearing their traditional Baghdad on Friday. “May partisan interests cease, mother Izdihar Al-Amawi, 31, she keeps her mask on religious garb, with a dozen different types of robe those outside interests who don’t take into account mask to heal... for 16 hours, only removing it during the day to eat. At and headdress on display in the red-carpeted pavil- the local population,” he said. — AFP night, she wears another mask, and she also has spe- Continued from Page 1 cial gloves for burns on her hands. “Our wounds have improved thanks to the mask,” says Izdihar, who now ing in South Surra for the citizen registration office Jordan and Haiti, around 20 people have been fit- manages to go about household chores like before Exempting is from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, expatriate registration ted in Gaza, an enclave of two million Palestinians the accident. “We were waiting for the taxi after office from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, documentation, pri- wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean shopping and we suddenly heard a big explosion, vaccinated... vate registration and electronic signature from 9:00 Sea. The fitted mask, with adjustable straps to hold then saw fire everywhere,” she recalls. am to 1:00 pm and the office to receive cards from onto the face, has to be worn for between six months Izdihar and Maram spent two months in hospital Continued from Page 1 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. and a year, depending on the severity of the lesions. undergoing operations. Accepting their disfigured At PACI’s Jahra governorate building’s citizens reg- Even though her mask is transparent and fits per- complexions was not easy. “My family refused to from 5:00 pm until 5:00 am. PACI Director istration office, timings are from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm fectly with the contours of her soft face, Maram is look at my face after the accident,” says Izdihar. “I General Musaed Al-Asousi said dates have been set and card collection from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. At PACI’s afraid of being pointed at in the playground. “The only saw my face 50 days after the operation, in to receive the public to record transactions that Ahmadi governorate branch in South Sabahiya, timings mask has made my burns better, but I’m afraid people the elevator mirror while going to get my mask at require personal attendance at the PACI headquar- are also from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Asousi stressed the will laugh at me if I wear it outside the house,” the girl the clinic.” The mother of four hopes the scars will ters and cannot be completed through the website. need to book an appointment to attend personally, shyly confesses, dressed in the black-and-white disappear “in two or three years, as the doctors The working hours at the main head office build- which is available on the authority’s website. striped lace uniform of her school, which is run by the told us”. — AFP Established 1961 3 Sunday, March 7, 2021 Local Kuwait registers nearly 3,000 COVID-19 cases in two days Fifteen deaths over the weekend; 168 patients in ICUs

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s COVID-19 cases continued to limit the spread of the virus. soar as health authorities announced registering Kuwait moves today into partial curfew imposed Photo of the Day 2,931 new cases over the weekend, in addition to 15 by the government to help curb the sharp increase deaths. The Ministry of Health announced yesterday in COVID-19 cases registered in recent weeks. The that 1,318 people tested positive for the novel coro- 12-hour nightly curfew starts from 5 pm to 5 am for navirus over the previous 24 hours, raising total one month. During the curfew hours, pharmacies, cases to 199,428, while seven deaths were regis- medical stores, cooperative societies and supermar- tered during the same period, raising total fatalities kets to continue operation only through delivery to 1,120. Kuwait had reported 1,613 new cases and services. Also during the curfew, people are allowed eight deaths on Friday. The number of COVID-19 to go to Fajr, Maghreb and Isha prayers at mosques patients receiving medical care stood yesterday at only by walking. During an extraordinary meeting 13,077, including 168 in intensive care unit, up from on Thursday, the cabinet ordered all parks and pub- 12,758 patients and 164 in ICUs the previous day. lic gardens closed in addition to shutting all public Health ministry spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad seating places. It allowed taxis to carry only two said yesterday that health workers conducted 7,966 passengers. The council of ministers meanwhile swab tests over the previous 24 hours, compared to allowed salons and health clubs to reopen during 10,927 announced Friday, as the total number of the day after a one-month closure but kept restau- tests rose to 1,841,282. Meanwhile, total recoveries rants and cafes closed except for drive-through reached 185,231 after 992 fresh recoveries were and delivery services. The cabinet statement said announced yesterday and 918 on Friday. Dr Sanad that the partial lockdown will be evaluated at the went on to urge the public to abide by health pre- end of the one month period, hinting at a possible cautions, mainly social distancing, in order to help extension. Bohra community organizes blood donation drive

KUWAIT: The people of the Bohra community provide assistance in society and in their second residing in the State of Kuwait launched a blood homeland, the State of Kuwait. The representative donation campaign on the occasion of the National of the Sultan of Bohra in Kuwait, Sheikh Yahya Day and Liberation Day at the Salwa Sabah Al- Badri, encouraged and thanked the community for KUWAIT: A shot of the Mubarakiya Market by photographer Sajid Hassan. To have your photo considered for Ahmad Center in the Al-Sabah Health District, in the their participation in the donation and urged them Kuwait Times’ Photo of the Day, send to [email protected] or via direct message to Kuwait Times’ belief of the community members to participate and to donate in the future as well. Instagram account @kuwaittimes. Photos should be high resolution, with no processing or editing.

Kuwait’s envoy hosts luncheon for Brazil President KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Brazil Nasser Al-Mutairi, on behalf of the GCC Ambassadors to the South American country, held a luncheon in honor of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Ernesto Araujo and senior officials of the Presidential Palace accompanied President Bolsonaro. Ambassador Mutairi conveyed greetings from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the President of Brazil. Ambassador Mutairi affirmed the strong relations linking Kuwait and Brazil, adding that the State of Kuwait was keen on boosting ties through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and the private sector. Meanwhile, President Bolsonaro commended the level of Brazilian and GCC relations, affirming that his coun- try was keen on bolstering them on all pos- sible levels. —KUNA

Kuwait oil price up by $3.38 KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went up by $3.38 to $67.07 per barrel Friday as opposed to $63.69 pb the day before, said the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yesterday. At the global level, the price of Brent crude went up by $2.62 to $69.36 per barrel, the same case with the West Texas Intermediate, which went up by $2.26 to $66.09 pb. —KUNA

International SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 China moves to eliminate Hong Kong After Floyd killing in US, no sweeping police reform but small, local steps Page 6 opposition Page 7

DHARAMSALA, India: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama gets inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine by a health worker at a vaccination center yesterday. —AFP WHO: Don’t waste hope of vaccines Tedros voices alarm about coronavirus situation in Brazil

GENEVA: Covax will distribute 14.4 million COVID-19 WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom their entire population within the next few months”. 114,000 new cases in Brazil - a figure that hit vaccine doses to 31 more countries next week, the Ghebreyesus praised the first full week of the Covax He called for vaccine production to be urgently 374,000 in the week of Feb 22. Tedros said the num- WHO said Friday as it warned people not to waste, roll-out, but said wealthy countries were nonetheless ramped up, including through linking manufacturers ber of deaths had also shot up from 2,500 to 8,000 through complacency, the hope that vaccines bring. still leaving others behind in the vaccination rush. with rival companies that have spare capacity. Tedros over the same time period. The Covax global vaccine-sharing facility shipped Within Africa, Angola, the DR Congo, The Gambia, also said the planet would be feeling the mental scars “The situation is very serious and we’re very con- more than 20 million doses to 20 countries as the Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, from the pandemic for years to come and said the cerned, and the public health measures that Brazil scheme aimed at ensuring poorer nations get access to Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan and Uganda have scale of its impact would be worse than during the takes should be aggressive while also rolling out vac- jabs took off this week. now received their first doses through Covax. recovery from World War II. cines,” he said. “Brazil has to take this very, very seri- But the World Health Organization voiced fears that Elsewhere, Cambodia, Colombia, India, Moldova, the “The whole world is affected. Each and every indi- ously.” He said that because Brazil bordered so many further waves of the coronavirus pandemic could be Philippines and South Korea have also taken deliveries. vidual. That means mass trauma which is beyond pro- other countries, the situation there threatened the on the way if people think the roll-out of vaccines portion. Even bigger than what the world experienced entire South American continent. around the globe means the crisis is over. “The arrival ‘Mass trauma’ after the Second World War,” he said. “And when there Ryan said the P1 variant - which has now been of vaccine is a moment of great hope. But it potentially “In the next week, Covax will deliver 14.4 million is mass trauma it affects communities for many years to found in 29 countries - had become dominant in Brazil, also is a moment where we lose concentration,” WHO doses to a further 31 countries. That brings the total come.” “Countries have to see it as such and prepare adding to its woes. He said basic public health meas- emergencies director Michael Ryan told a press con- number of countries to 51,” said Tedros. “This is for that. “Mass, mass trauma.” ures were still the “best bet” in trying to control case ference. encouraging progress, but the volume of doses being numbers. “Our risk, to an extent, is still in our hands,” “I really am very concerned that... we think we’re distributed through Covax is still relatively small.” He Brazil fears Ryan said. But he added that it was very hard in coun- through this. We’re not. And countries are going to said the first round of allocations, running until the end Meanwhile, Tedros voiced alarm about the coron- tries like Brazil with large urban populations to take lurch back into third and fourth surges if we’re not of May, only covered between two and three percent avirus situation in Brazil, where cases and deaths measures like physical distancing and mask-wearing careful. We should not waste the hope that vaccines of the population in recipient states, “even as other have shot up, bucking the global trend. He said that “where they don’t have the resources to do that with- bring... by dropping our guard in other areas.” countries make rapid progress towards vaccinating in the week beginning November 2, there were out the support of the state”. —AFP

and police forces must at all times operate... in line with 4 dead in Senegal international human rights standards,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. In Mbao, in the city’s outer suburbs, looters also ransacked a French after opposition chain Auchan supermarket, an AFP correspondent at the Israel’s dilemma: scene said. The chain says least 14 stores have been leader held attacked during this week’s unrest. To work with ICC DAKAR: The Senegal government on Friday vowed to use Tensions high “all means necessary” to return order after police fired The arrest of Sonko, popular with young people and probe or not? tear gas in clashes with supporters of opposition leader seen as a key challenger to President Macky Sall, has JERUSALEM: Israel faces a dilemma: Should it sparked the worst unrest in years in a West African state Ousmane Sonko as the interior minister said four people DAKAR: Protesters fight against gendarmes near their argue its case to International Criminal Court inves- often heralded as a beacon of stability. His supporters had had died. The clashes followed a court ruling that Sonko barracks in the Colobane neighborhood in Dakar on tigators looking into possible war crimes in the be held in custody. And following two days of protests, called for further protests to coincide with his hearing Friday during clashes following the arrest of main opposi- Palestinian territories, or refuse to cooperate? Prime UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all sides before a judge on Friday on charges of disturbing order. tion leader Ousmane Sonko. —AFP Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the to avoid any further escalation of the violence. “Sonko has been returned to custody over the matter of ICC, declared Israel was “under attack” after prose- “The protests must remain peaceful, and the security disturbing public order,” attorney Etienne Ndione told cutor Fatou Bensouda announced Wednesday she and police forces must at all times operate... in line with reporters after the hearing. Media targeted was opening a full-blown probe into the actions of international human rights standards,” his spokesman Tensions were high in the city with hefty police One person died in the southern town of all sides in the 2014 Gaza conflict. Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. “The gov- deployments in place around the law courts, presidential Bignona on Thursday, police said, during clashes “We will speak the truth in every forum, in ernment regrets the loss of four lives” in events “that are palace and National Assembly in the heart of the city. there. It was not clear if that death was included in every country, on every stage until this outrageous rooted in banditry and insurrection”, Interior Minister Clashes broke out on Wednesday between Sonko’s sup- the four revealed by Abdoulaye Diome. Protesters decision is reversed and becomes null and void,” Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome said on television on porters and police as he made his way to court for anoth- attacked the offices of the government daily Le he said. The ICC is the world’s only permanent war Friday, accusing Sonko of “issuing calls to violence”. er case where he faced rape accusations - allegations that Soleil and RFM radio station, which belongs to a crimes tribunal and was set up in 2002 to try the In Dakar’s working class district of Medina earlier, he denies. press group owned by singer and former minister planet’s worst crimes where local courts are hundreds of young people fought running street battles Sonko was then arrested on charges of disturbing Youssou Ndour. Both media outlets are deemed unwilling or unable to step in. with riot police and smoke rose from burning tires at public order, a development that sparked angry protests pro-government. It does not try states, but top leaders or warlords alleged to have given the orders. Even presidents makeshift barricades in the capital city. Protesters chanted in the capital and other cities. The custody order issued Sonko, a 46-year-old devout Muslim who is leader of on Friday, which relates specifically to the public order have been hauled before the court in The Hague. So “Free Sonko” on the main Blaise Diagne avenue, the the opposition Pastef party, is popular with many young in theory it might be possible that Netanyahu or case, expires today. He was not charged on Friday in the ground strewn with stones, grenade cartridges and burn- Senegalese because of his sharp-tongued attacks on the even former defense minister in 2014 Benny Gantz ing debris. rape case and returns to court tomorrow for questioning elite, especially President Sall. He came in third to Sall in could be targeted in the ICC investigation. Some “The protests must remain peaceful, and the security over those accusations, his lawyers said. the 2019 elections. —AFP countries have bridled at moves to investigate top national leaders or warlords allegedly behind war crimes or even genocide. been found to have an atmosphere. Under president Donald Trump, the United Traces of life But these are “gaseous planets or icy planets”, States imposed sanctions on Bensouda after she Caballero told AFP, and planets the size of Earth separately decided to investigate alleged US war have not been investigated yet. The latest discov- crimes in Afghanistan. Netanyahu’s office said sought beyond ery opens up the possibility for researchers to Friday that in a call with US Vice President Kamala study an exoplanet that is “rocky in nature, like the Harris she had “expressed the American adminis- solar system Earth,” he said. The name of the exoplanet is tration’s complete opposition to the decision of the Gliese 486b and it is “only” 26 light years away. prosecutor” to probe the Gaza war. Netanyahu has WASHINGTON: Searching for traces of life on It is about 30 percent larger than Earth but with not made clear whether Israel would fight back through diplomacy and public opinion - or by Mars, like NASA is doing, is one thing. But scien- a mass 2.8 times that of our planet and is located in what is called a habitable zone around a star. To engaging directly with the ICC, to which Israel is tists are also looking further afield. Could it be not a party. identify it, researchers used two methods: “transit found beyond our solar system? A study published There is also a middle path, said Pnina Sharvit photometry” - slight variations in a star’s bright- An artistic impression of the surface of the newly discov- on Thursday in the prestigious journal Science ered hot super-Earth Gliese 486b. —AFP Baruch, former head of the international law unit of reveals the discovery of a new exoplanet that ness as a planet passes in front of it - and the Israeli Military Advocate General - to provide could be instrumental in the hunt. Researchers will “Doppler radial velocity,” which measures the less than full cooperation, but not a total boycott. try to determine whether there is an atmosphere “wobbling” of stars from the gravitational pull of “What Israel can do and probably will do is provide on the “super-Earth” and traces of life around a orbiting planets. Since Gliese 486b is very near its temperatures ranging around 430 degrees Celsius. the prosecutor with the relevant materials” for its star other than our Sun. star, Gliese 486, it takes only slightly less than 1.5 “The proximity to the red dwarf Gliese 486 heats defense, but without formal cooperation because the “The end of the road is finding biomarkers or days to complete an orbit around it. “We surveyed the planet significantly, making its landscape hot Jewish state “does not trust this court”, she told AFP. biosignatures in the atmospheres of exoplanets, about 350 small red-dwarf stars for signs of low- and dry, interspersed with volcanoes and glowing The ICC probe will focus on the 2014 conflict which is signs of life on habitable Earth-like plan- mass planets,” said Trifon Trifonov, a researcher lava rivers,” Trifonov said. At the same time, that saw Israel launch a major military operation in ets,” said Jose Caballero, an astronomer at Spain’s with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy and Caballero said “if our planet has an atmosphere, Gaza, said to be to stop rocket fire into the Jewish Centro de Astrobiologia and one of the co-authors the lead author of the study involving contribu- then any planet at wider separation (from its star), state by the strip’s ruling Islamist Hamas movement. of the study. About 4,000 exoplanets have been tions from five continents. and with roughly the same planet characteristics... An estimated 2,250 Palestinians were killed, mostly discovered during the past 25 years and some have Trifonov said Gliese 486b is not habitable with will also have an atmosphere.” —AFP civilians, and 74 Israelis, mostly soldiers. —AFP 6 Established 1961 International Sunday, March 7, 2021 After Floyd killing in US, no sweeping police reform but small, local steps Blacks denounce police violence, whites retain lofty image of police officers MINNEAPOLIS: George Floyd’s death at the lent,” she said. With Floyd’s death, “people who his- hands of a white police officer last year was a gut torically have not had to think about it, have to think punch that sparked sometimes violent nationwide about it. They’re uncomfortable with that,” said protests over brutality against people of color in Tracie Keese, a black ex-police officer who co- America and a national reckoning over race rela- founded the Center For Policing Equity. tions. Nine months later, the US has not undertaken any radical overhaul of its police forces, but is Hot takes instead taking incremental and localized steps to Since June last year, there have been nationwide better tackle excess force and racism in the ranks of calls for radical reforms, including the idea of its law enforcement agencies. “defunding the police.” That means redirecting Floyd’s death by asphyxiation as a white police some funds from police departments to social serv- officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes ices tasks like dealing with people who have mental last May in Minneapolis sent shock waves around health issues. In order to calm things down, Keese the country. But what remains of this extraordi- said certain measures had been quickly adopted: nary mobilization, as the trial opens of Derek some cities banned police choke holds, and others Chauvin, the former police officer accused of made police disciplinary records accessible to the Floyd’s murder? public or beefed-up police training. The US House of Representatives adopted a bill A substantive debate tackling the sweeping immunity that police officers The main shift has been one of perception: while enjoy from prosecution. More broadly, the United the black minority in America had for years States embarked on a re-examination of its own WASHINGTON: In this file photo taken people raise their fists as they protest at the makeshift memorial in honor of denounced police violence, the majority of history, resulting in numerous statues of historical George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. — AFP Americans, in particular white people, had retained figures with links to slavery being taken down. a lofty image of police officers. “It’s culturally shelved. In Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed, police in 2020, 28 percent of them African- accepted in America that police will commit vio- Stalled efforts “there was a brief moment of them attempting Americans, who make up only 12 percent of the lence. And the assumption is that they’re committing But in the middle of last year’s electoral cam- something and they’ve done nothing,” said Levine. population. Grand juries and other local decision violence, because they’re faced with violence,” said paign, the debate inevitably took on a political hue. In New York, billion-dollar cuts to the police budg- makers dropped prosecutions of officers blamed for Kate Levine, a professor at the Cardozo School of As crime rates soared in big cities due to the coron- et that were decided upon in June have been signifi- the deaths of unarmed African-Americans such as Law at Yeshiva University in New York. avirus pandemic, then-president Donald Trump cantly reduced and spread over time. Breonna Taylor, who was shot dead in her Kentucky “I think some of that assumption is being upset sought to portray himself as guarantor of law and As for federal reform, that was buried by the apartment, or Daniel Prude, who suffocated in by video, and protests and narratives about people order and accused Democrats of weakness. Senate. And on the ground, the situation has not police custody while suffering from a mental health who are killed by the police who are no way vio- Set against that backdrop, radical reforms were changed: around 1,000 people were killed by the episode in New York state. — AFP

News in brief Amid virus, a ‘shadow’ pandemic Eritrean troops kill hundreds in Ethiopia for domestic abuse sufferers ADDIS ABABA: Eritrean forces shot dead hun- dreds of children and civilians in a November PATERSON, United States: In New ster” who beat her and forced her to massacre in neighboring Ethiopia’s war-hit Tigray Jersey, at a timber farm turned shelter work for him in exchange for drugs. region, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Friday. It for women who have suffered domes- “He had me isolated with him, without was the second major report on Eritrean abuses in tic violence, Gloria’s struggles, like my family. He spoke very badly to me, the town of Axum, a UNESCO World Heritage those of many abuse victims, have he abused me very badly, and yet I still site, in the past week. An Amnesty International worsened with the coronavirus pan- loved him,” says Gloria, tears stream- investigation into the same events detailed how demic. From Argentina to Singapore, ing from her piercing blue eyes. Eritrean troops “went on a rampage and system- virus-induced confinement has caused Gloria, who has grown children atically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood.” an increase in violence cases and their from another relationship and several The findings from the rights watchdogs come as severity and made it more difficult to grandchildren, said her abuser would report abuses and help victims, remove the phone, rip her clothes, PATERSON, United States: Gloria gestures as she describes the abuse she suffered global concern mounts over atrocities by Eritrean while speaking during an interview at the shelter “Strengthen Our Sisters” in troops in Tigray. —AFP activists say. Gloria, a 56-year-old force her to eat food she didn’t want New Yorker who is too afraid to give and call her a prostitute. “He said that Paterson, New Jersey. —AFP her surname, arrived at the Strengthen I owed him my life and my body,” said Our Sisters shelter six months ago, Gloria, the daughter of Puerto Rican household abuse to last longer and in having a harder time seeking services, Italy extends regional lockdowns several months into the pandemic. parents, in Spanish. She is a former many cases become more serious, said but when they do finally have the Before joining the center, which cocaine paste addict, who for a time Cassie Mecklenburg executive direc- opportunity to reach out, they’re more ROME: Italy’s health minister announced houses about 80 women and children lived on the streets of Coney Island, in tor of Sheltering Wings, an organiza- serious,” she told AFP. A rise in unem- Friday that another region would be subject to in seven houses, Gloria first had to Brooklyn. “The pandemic has exacer- tion that provides emergency housing ployment and increased consumption lockdown measures due to worsening pandemic quarantine for two weeks, completely bated the ability of abusers to utilize to domestic violence survivors. The of alcohol and drugs have also aggra- numbers fuelled by the spread of more conta- alone. Sitting in her pink- and red- power and control tactics over their group is based in Danville, Indiana, a vated the situation, Mecklenburg gious coronavirus variants. The new clampdown painted bedroom, which is decorated intimate partners,” said Connie Neal, state where deaths caused by domes- notes. In April, the United Nations came after the ISS health institute said the R with teddy bears, hearts, a Christmas executive director of the New York tic violence surged 102 percent warned that violence against women number-which measures the rate at which the tree, and a picture of Jesus, Gloria Coalition Against Domestic Violence. between the start of the pandemic in during COVID-19 was a “shadow virus is spreading-had risen above one, to 1.06, describes her ex-partner as “a mon- Stay-at-home orders have caused March and December. “People are pandemic.” —AFP for the first time in seven weeks. As of Monday, the southern region of Campania, which includes Naples, will be classified as a “red” zone, joining the regions of Basilicata and In Florida yard, a Molise in the highest-risk level, announced Health Minister Roberto Speranza. —AFP ribbon flutters for Russia population shrinks by 130K every COVID death MOSCOW: Russia’s population shrank by over FLORIDA: When Cathy Tobias began tying a rib- 113,000 in January, official data showed Friday, bon to a rope for each COVID-19 death in Florida, more than double its rate of decline over the same she had no idea her entire patio would end up being month last year, as the country is battered by the draped in color. The eye-catching tribute to those pandemic. The Rosstat statistics agency released who have died in the Sunshine State during the pan- figures showing that in January Russia saw 219,769 demic crisscrosses her patio, weaves across stairs deaths and 106,603 births, meaning its population and onto a balcony at her home on Anna Maria shrunk by 113,116. The decline was 2.5 times as Island, a small community on Florida’s Gulf coast. much as the decrease of 45,255 people in January There are now more than 30,000 ribbons, in all col- FLORIDA: Cathy Tobias, 67, poses in her courtyard which has turned into a memorial for Covid-19 victims, in Anna 2020. The new figures came as Rosstat on Friday ors of the rainbow-from pale pink to crimson to neon Maria Island, Florida. — AFP also reported that Russia saw 28,680 virus-related green. Sitting on a porch with a neighbor who has deaths in January this year. —AFP helped her create the memorial, Tobias said she “Each one of these people have family, loved ones, markers. “It takes forever-it’s a labor of love,” said began to tie the ribbons because she wanted to visu- friends that are all deeply impacted and I didn’t want Kancy, 69. “To cut these the right size, it takes hours. alize the death toll. them to get lost in this pandemic.” She said she And then, before you know it, it’s time to do it again.” Saudi center to leave Vienna “Watching the numbers change as fast as we can knows “what it feels like, unfortunately, to lose a Last month, Tobias displayed the fluttering streamers tie really hits us very deeply and strongly-how many loved one,” because her first child died at less than a for the first time on one of the island’s public beach- VIENNA: A Saudi-funded center for interfaith people have died and are dying,” the 67-year-old month old. es, with the help of her sister and several friends. dialogue announced Friday that was relocating retired occupational therapist said. “It’s very sad.” Arranged in one long line, the ribbons spread out its headquarters from the Austrian capital Vienna, Tobias’ home is at the end of the main road on Anna ‘Labor of love’ more than 750 feet. Tobias brought markers so visi- following years of political controversy over its Maria Island, a tourist-friendly town on a narrow Tying ribbons might not seem too complicated, tors could write the names of their dead loved ones presence. The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz strip of land with visitors driving around in rented but as the pandemic swept the world and Florida on the ribbons, hoping those left behind could get a International Centre for Interreligious and golf carts and plenty of stores stocked with beach along with it, Tobias and her neighbor Lucy Kancy, bit of catharsis, particularly those who could not Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) was founded in gear. She says her tribute of course conjures up devised an organizational system to keep track of all attend a funeral to say goodbye. “A lot of these peo- 2012 and critics have long said it offered the gov- mixed emotions. “It is in some ways celebratory the dead. For every 10 deaths, they tie a white rib- ple, we know, died alone and families weren’t given ernment in Riyadh a way to gloss over Saudi because we’re celebrating life-of course, lives lost,” bon. After that, for every 500, 1,000 and 10,000 the opportunity to grieve properly or even have Arabia’s human rights record. In 2019 Austrian said Tobias, who now works as a photographer. deaths, they acknowledge the grim milestone using proper funerals,” Tobias said. —AFP MPs voted to demand the centre be shut down, prompted by a case in which an 18-year-old was taken a back seat to what conservatives call “tradi- year under slogans promoting equal pay, healthcare sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia for alleged Kyrgyz activists face tional values.” and education free of sexism, Masyumova said crimes committed when he was a child. —AFP Kidnapping for marriage and domestic violence marchers were prepared for any violence. Women’s Day are systemic and mostly go unpunished thanks to Successive regimes in Kyrgyzstan have ignored indifferent law enforcement and stigma surrounding chronic domestic violence and the custom of coerced Fighting in Yemen’s Marib kills 90 whistleblowers. For Nadira Masyumova, one of the marriages that survived the Soviet period and forces Violence from ‘patriots’ rally organizers, the police’s behavior last year was thousands of women into wedlock every year. DUBAI: Fierce fighting between Yemeni pro- further proof of state complicity in attacks on Activists complain authorities are empowering con- government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: For activists preparing to activists by self-styled patriot groups. The 25-year- servative groups that single out feminists, LGBT has killed at least 90 combatants on both sides in mark International Women’s Day in Kyrgyzstan, old noted that the attempt “to frighten activists” was groups and anti-corruption protesters in smear cam- the past 24 hours, government military sources recalling the ambush that broke up last year’s march carried out by men sporting Kyrgyzstan’s traditional paigns. They are also questioning a clause in a draft said yesterday. The Shiite rebels launched an is still traumatic. That day, a group of masked men square white hat. constitution-expected to be passed via referendum offensive last month to seize Marib, the last charged the marchers, hitting them with sticks and “Many girls we spoke to are now frightened of the this year-that could be used to quash dissent. The stronghold in northern Yemen of pro-government trampling banners dedicated to equality. What fol- Ak-Kalpak,” Masyumova said, referring to the gar- article in question allows for restrictions on events forces who are backed by a Saudi-led military lowed shocked the activists even more. As the men ment embedded in Kyrgyz culture and whose national “contradicting traditional values” to protect “forth- coalition. The clashes in the oil-rich province left strolled away, police who had stood by began day falls on March 5, three days before International coming generations”. One party backing the propos- 32 dead among government forces and loyalist detaining the victims-a move they later claimed was Women’s Day. “Yes it is a symbol of purity and wis- al is the new Nur Party, which has attracted contro- tribes, while 58 Houthi rebels were killed in coali- for the marchers’ own safety. Gender equality in dom, but many women now perceive it as a symbol of versy for positioning itself as defending Islamic norms tion air strikes, the sources told AFP. —AFP Central Asia’s most politically turbulent country has aggression and terror”. As they readied to march this against the secular spirit of the constitution. —AFP Established 1961 7 Sunday, March 7, 2021 International China moves to eliminate Hong Kong opposition Vetting legislation final nail in coffin of HK democracy movement

BEIJING: China moved Friday to grant itself veto “If implemented, these measures would drastical- powers over selecting Hong Kong’s lawmakers, part ly undermine Hong Kong democratic institutions” of a campaign to eliminate dissent and ensure a and run counter to promises to work towards uni- “patriotic” government in the city following huge versal suffrage, he said. The European Union democracy rallies in 2019. Legislation to allow warned it could take additional steps against China China’s communist rulers to vet all election candi- in response. “The EU calls on the authorities in dates in Hong Kong was introduced at the opening Beijing to carefully consider the political and eco- of the nation’s rubber-stamp parliament in Beijing. It nomic implications of any decision to reform the came a day after dozens of democracy campaigners electoral system of Hong Kong that would under- in the financial hub-including former lawmakers- mine fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and were jailed under a security law that was passed democratic principles,” an EU spokesperson said. during last year’s parliamentary session. The new legislation includes a “qualification vet- Economic power ting system” that will promote “orderly political The measure had been widely expected, with participation”, parliamentary spokesman Wang Beijing officials stating in the lead-up to the annual Chen told reporters. China had committed to giving gathering of the National People’s Congress that Hong Kong a degree of autonomy when it reverted only “staunch patriots”-those loyal to the from British colonial rule in 1997. But it began mov- Communist Party-should be involved in governing ing quickly to dismantle the financial hub’s demo- Hong Kong. The Chinese congress session opened cratic pillars in response to huge and sometimes with an annual address by Premier Li Keqiang, who violent democracy rallies that paralyzed the city made no mention of Hong Kong besides Communist throughout 2019. Party boilerplate about the city continuing to enjoy a “high degree of autonomy”. Nail in coffin The annual week-long gathering of roughly The introduction of the vetting legislation- 3,000 delegates, held in the cavernous Great Hall of expected to be approved next week-was quickly the People in Beijing, is China’s biggest political BEIJING: Wang Chen (center), vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC), delivers a interpreted as one of the final nails in the coffin of event of the year. The highly choreographed display speech during the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the Hong Kong’s democracy movement. “If the meas- is held to drive home the unquestioned domestic People in Beijing. —AFP ures are passed, as I’m sure they will be, then the power of the Communist Party while updating China voice of the opposition will be effectively silenced,” and the world on its economic, political, environ- said Willie Lam, China analyst at the Chinese ment and foreign policy priorities. The event takes expanded just 2.3 percent in coronavirus-stunted no direct mention of brittle ties with the United University of Hong Kong. “This will effectively wipe place with China outpacing other major economies 2020, but Li noted the country was still “the world’s States, China’s trading partner and geopolitical out any remaining opposition.” after bringing the coronavirus pandemic, which first only major economy to achieve growth” last year. rival, with all eyes now on how the relationship The proposed rules drew swift international con- emerged on its soil, under control through dracon- Analysts believe China’s economy could grow eight may evolve under new US leader Joe Biden. demnation, with the United States and European ian lockdowns and mass testing. to nine percent this year. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a press Union saying that China was violating commitments Li said the government was aiming for 2021 China’s finance ministry, meanwhile, revealed conference on diplomatic affairs today on the it made before the 1997 handover. The move consti- growth in the world’s second-biggest economy of that the nation’s military budget-the world’s sec- sidelines of the NPC session. The gathering may tutes “a direct attack on Hong Kong’s autonomy, “above 6 percent”. “In setting this target, we have ond largest after the United States-would increase consider a proposed revision to wildlife protection Hong Kong’s freedoms and the democratic process- taken into account the recovery of economic activi- 6.8 percent in 2021 to 1.36 trillion yuan ($210 bil- laws that would permanently ban eating most es,” US State Department spokesman Ned Price ty,” Li told delegates in China’s equivalent of a lion). But China’s official budget number is widely wildlife, amid the belief that the pandemic came told reporters. “state of the nation” address. China’s economy believed to be lower than true spending. Li made from an animal host. —AFP

Roads were designed with clear views for evacuees, News in brief The towering sea and residents were supposed to be able to get to safety in less than 10 minutes, Motoda explained. But the 16-metre wave that arrived on March 11 Lanka allows COVID burials wall legacy of made quick work of those best-laid plans, stream- ing over the walls and partially destroying them as COLOMBO: Sri Lanka on Friday buried two Japan’s 2011 tsunami it carried away homes and cars. Across Taro, 140 Muslims who died of COVID-19, formally ending residents were killed and 41 remain missing. After its policy of forced cremations that had sparked international outrage over the violation of Islamic TARO, Japan: The Japanese town of Taro had sea the disaster, Japan’s government asked coastal regions in the area to consider constructing or funeral rites. Community leader Ali Zahir Moulana walls that were supposed to be able to survive said a 55-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman rebuilding protective walls, eventually setting aside almost anything the ocean could offer up, but the were the first to be buried in coastal Oddamavadi, 2011 tsunami still brought utter destruction. A 1.3 trillion yen ($12 billion) in funds. In all, 430 kilo- 300 kilometers east of Colombo. “Thank God,” decade after the deadly waves unleashed by one of meters of non-contiguous barriers will be built, Moulana told AFP. “Finally, we have got burial the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history, with construction around 80 percent complete. rights.” —AFP the lesson learned in many coastal towns was: build MIYAKO, Japan: In this picture a woman walks along higher. That has left a legacy cast in concrete along ‘Disaster-prone archipelago’ an old sea wall as construction workers (behind) build hundreds of kilometers of Japan’s northeastern The structures have reshaped the coastal land- a newer and higher one in the Taro district of Miyako, Iwate Prefecture. —AFP Xi calls for ‘popularizing’ Mandarin coast-with a few notable exceptions where com- scape, screening long sections of the sea from view. munities have rejected the imposing barriers. In Taro, the walls are now up to 14.7 meters high BEIJING: Authorities in Inner Mongolia must Before 2011, people in Taro assumed their walls and run for over two kilometers. At their base, resi- environmental engineering at Waseda University. “solve ethnic problems” and push the use of the would withstand just about everything. “Taro had dents must crane their necks to even see the top. “There were many moments (in 2011) where these Mandarin language, Chinese President Xi built a perfect town to prevent disaster,” 63-year- For a glimpse of the ocean, they must climb more few minutes of time decided whether people were Jinping has said, months after the region was old local tour guide Kumiko Motoda told AFP. than 30 steps up a staircase that looks like it leads able to evacuate or were caught up by the tsuna- rocked by protests over a new rule that would The town adopted sea walls as early as 1934, after directly to the sky. Experts say the barriers are mi,” he told AFP. Newer designs incorporate wider reduce the use of the local language. Tens of being engulfed by huge tsunamis in 1896 and 1933. worth it, offering two key protections: bouncing bases and reinforced inner walls to stop the barri- thousands took part in demonstrations and Its 10-metre high barriers, running 2.4 kilometers (1.5 back the power of the waves, which reduces dam- ers being toppled and better absorb the force of school boycotts last year after an edict mandat- miles) in total, were known collectively as “The Great age, and buying time for evacuation. multiple waves. Heights have been adjusted based ed Mandarin replace Mongolian as the language Wall” and came with 44 tsunami evacuation routes, Even a few minutes can count for everything, on new predictions of the highest waves that could of instruction, part of a nationwide drive to assimilate China’s ethnic minorities into the equipped with solar panels to keep the lights on. said Tomoya Shibayama, a professor of civil and occur in once-in-a-century tsunamis. —AFP majority Han culture. —AFP

the biggest challenges Modi has faced since coming Piety and bravery India’s sword-wielding to power in 2014. Singh, 32-year-old ‘Major’ in the Nihangs have been revered by Sikhs for their piety Nepal signs peace deal with rebels ‘army’ of the Khalsa-followers of Sikhism who have and bravery since their order was founded in the 17th Sikh warriors guard undergone a sacred ceremony-oversees safety and century by the last Sikh Guru to defend the religion, KATHMANDU: An outlawed Maoist group security at the Singhu protest site. “This fight is for which began around 1500. They played an important accused of staging several attacks signed a peace a just cause and anyone trying to harm the protest- role in Punjab for over a century, including defeating deal with Nepal’s communist government on protesting farmers ers will have to deal with us first,” Singh, flanked by Mughals and Afghan kings. British colonialists dis- Friday, bringing an end to the country’s only active insurgency. Jubilant Prime Minister K P two spear-wielding men, told AFP. “We are here to solved the Sikh empire in the mid-19th century and SINGHU, India: In an electric-blue robe, foot- Sharma Oli hailed the deal as “historic” at a gath- high turban and wielding an antiquated sword defend our brothers and ready to die or kill. This the Nihangs were reduced to ceremonial roles. In ering with the group’s leader Netra Bikram and a walkie-talkie, Amar Singh patrols a maze of fight is for peace, justice and dignity and we never recent weeks, they have been in the spotlight, after Chand, who came out of hiding for the signing. tents and tractors on a blocked highway leading compromise on these principles.” pictures and videos emerged of them brandishing Nepal has enjoyed relative peace since 2006, into New Delhi. Singh is among hundreds of Following a tractor rally-turned-rampage in Delhi swords and spears at policemen at Delhi’s historic when a decade-long civil war ended and most armed men from the Sikh warrior order of on January 26, authorities built a wall with huge Red Fort during the January confrontation. In surreal rebels joined mainstream politics. But some hard- Nihang, the self-appointed first line of defense in blocks of cement, steel and barbed wire on the bor- scenes around the fort, Nihangs on horseback joined line guerrillas formed a new Communist Party of a showdown between farmers and Indian Prime der of the Singhu protest site. On one side of this farmers on tractors and hoisted Sikh religious flags Nepal, accusing their former leaders of betraying Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Tens of wall, are thousands of armed police and paramilitary atop the rampart. their revolutionary cause. —AFP thousands of farmers-mostly from the Sikh-domi- forces, and on the other, dozens of barefoot Days later, AFP witnessed a policeman wounded nated Punjab state-have camped at three protest Nihangs, armed to the teeth. At the protest camp, in a scuffle after he grabbed a Nihang’s sword, as sites on the capital’s outskirts since November Nihangs tend to horses they rode from their Punjab hundreds of people with alleged links to the govern- Pakistan PM survives vote 26, when police blocked their entry into Delhi fol- homes hundreds of miles away, practice the Sikh ment attacked farmers at the Singhu protest site. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lowing clashes. martial art of “Gatka” and make a cannabis-laced Nihangs were criticized for openly brandishing and survived a vote of confidence by the country’s par- The protesters say they will not budge until the sacramental drink. Most Sikhs carry daggers as reli- using their weapons, which they are allowed to carry gious symbols and wear turbans, but Nihangs stand under the constitution as part of religious tradition. liament yesterday, days after his party lost a key government repeals the three farm laws deregulat- Senate seat to an opposition candidate. Ruling par- ing their sector, which they believe will destroy their out with their robes and weaponry, including knives, The warriors say they are simply fulfilling their obli- swords and spears. gations. —AFP ty and opposition activists clashed briefly outside livelihoods. The farmers’ protests have been one of the parliament ahead of the vote, with local TV channels showing a shoe being thrown at former and was a central figure in Bangladesh’s war for inde- interior minister Ahsan Iqbal. Khan secured 178 Giant portrait pendence from Pakistan that ended 50 years ago. He votes in the 340-seat National Assembly through became the country’s first leader but was assassinated an open ballot, boycotted by the main opposition during a military coup in 1975. parties, the Pakistan Muslim League and Pakistan of Bangladesh’s Last year, the prime minister unveiled plans for mass Peoples Party. —AFP celebrations to mark the centenary birthday of Sheikh founder heightens Mujib and 50 years since the founding of Bangladesh. Since then, hundreds of sculptures and murals of Taleban met US envoy in Doha Sheikh Mujib have been appearing across the country. DOHA: Washington’s special envoy to Afghanistan anniversary fervor “People come from all over the country. Since the por- met with the Taleban in Qatar, the insurgents said trait became visible last month, every day we have got BOGRA, Bangladesh: A giant portrait of Bangladesh’s yesterday, as efforts intensify to revive a peace hundreds of visitors,” Mohammad Asaduzzaman, a process faced with mounting violence and a US founding leader made from rice paddies has drawn manager of National AgriCare, the company behind the hundreds of visitors as the country gears up to cele- troop withdrawal deadline. The envoy, Zalmay giant portrait, told AFP. Khalilzad, held talks earlier this week with Afghan brate its 50th anniversary of independence this month. The firm imported Chinese purple seeds to add to leaders in Kabul, including President Ashraf Ghani The 400 meter-long portrait of Sheikh Mujibur the local green variety and recruited fine arts students, and Abdullah Abdullah, chair of Afghanistan’s High Rahman-the father of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister BOGRA: This aerial photograph shows a representa- hundreds of volunteers and rural workers to make the tion of the portrait of Father of the National Council for National Reconciliation which over- Sheikh Hasina-was created from planting purple and portrait. “He is our father of the nation. We got inde- sees the government’s talks with the insurgents in green rice over the 13 hectares (33 acres) of land. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made with pendence thanks to him,” Shrimoti Mayrani Robidas, paddies in a field of Sherpur upazila in Bogra. —AFP Qatar. —AFP Sheikh Mujib, as he is known, was born a century ago, one of the workers, told AFP. —AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021

Biden plan grinds toward Senate approval

Democrats reach compromise with Manchin over COVID-19 relief package WASHINGTON: US Democrats were on track yes- Democrats had struggled to keep Manchin’s sup- terday for a final vote on President Joe Biden’s mas- port for expanded unemployment aid in the meas- sive COVID-19 relief package after agreeing to ure. Ultimately he agreed to a compromise that scale back unemployment benefits, with passage reduced jobless benefits from $400 to $300 and increasingly likely in the evenly divided Senate. With extended them to Sept 6, rather than through the sun rising in Washington, bleary-eyed senators October as many Democrats had wanted. “We have continued their all-night session voting on nearly reached a compromise that enables the economy to two dozen amendments and counting as they ham- rebound quickly while also protecting those receiv- mered out the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill, which Biden ing unemployment benefits” from being hit with insists will revive the pandemic-hit US economy. unexpected tax bills, Manchin said in a statement. Negotiations in the Senate had frozen the The amendment passed 50-49 along party lines. chamber’s action for more than 10 hours Friday, before the Democrats reached a compromise with ‘Vote-a-rama’ moderate Senator Joe Manchin, who had balked at An effort to include a national minimum wage the scale of the benefits. “This agreement allows us hike to $15 an hour - a Biden priority - failed, how- to move forward on the urgently needed American ever. Biden’s proposal would be the third major Rescue Plan,” White House spokeswoman Jen stimulus package to help the economy weather the Psaki said. coronavirus crisis. Republican opponents have Republicans have stood uniformly opposed to the argued the latest plan is excessive, since the econo- giant package, but Democrats - who cannot afford my has already started to recover. to lose a single vote - united to beat back repeated But with the Manchin hurdle overcome, efforts to derail the legislation. The action came Democratic unity could see the measure across the WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden holds a roundtable meeting on Friday with Americans who will benefit from the against a backdrop of strong US economic data sig- finish line. It first needed to advance beyond the COVID-19 pandemic relief checks that are a part of the American Rescue Plan. —AFP naling that the world’s largest economy may finally endurance test known as a “vote-a-rama”, in which be healing. Yet the economy was still short 9.5 mil- several amendments and motions were being voted a Republican senator went home Friday on a family February saw better-than-expected hiring as pan- lion jobs compared with February 2020, before the on in rapid-fire succession in the Senate. emergency and could not vote. demic-battered businesses began recruiting again. pandemic began. Republicans moved to adjourn but Democrats, per- A limp bipartisan cheer rose up yesterday when Payrolls jumped by 379,000 last month, almost dou- Biden’s economic advisers said the current pace haps eager to wear down their opponents, hung an amendment addressing veterans’ protections ble expectations, and pushed the unemployment rate of job gains meant it would take two years to recov- together and voted down the motion so they could earned unanimous approval. But otherwise the pos- down slightly to 6.2 percent, the Labor Department er to pre-virus levels. “We can’t go one step forward plow ahead. ture was adversarial, with Republicans offering mul- reported. Most of the gains were in the leisure and and two steps backward,” Biden said Friday at the “Make no mistake: We are going to continue tiple amendments which forced rival Democrats into hospitality sector, which was devastated in the pan- White House. “The rescue plan is absolutely essen- working until we get the job done,” Democratic casting politically fraught votes. Republican minority demic’s early months. US unemployment was at a tial to turning this around.” But the whole bill came majority leader Chuck Schumer said. The Senate is leader Mitch McConnell decried the bill as “a parade record low before the pandemic began but spiked to under threat by an impasse over the amount and deadlocked 50-50. In the event of a tie Vice of left-wing projects” and said “our country’s 14.7 percent last April after COVID restrictions were duration of supplemental unemployment insurance President Kamala Harris would cast the deciding already set for a roaring recovery”. imposed. Joblessness has since declined, but at an benefits for people left jobless during the pandemic. vote. But Harris’ tie-breaker has not been needed, as With debate raging over the stimulus plan, increasingly slow pace. — AFP

pay rent,” said the mother of two Lebanese young children. Her husband found a job at the start of the year, and the Beit El Baraka charity is helping them Twitter working dread end out with food and school fees. But Tawil is still worried, and furious with to subsidies the political class she blames for the on way to ‘undo’ malaise. “If I see people heading out BEIRUT: To feed her family, to protest, I’ll be the first to join fresh tweets Lebanese mother Sandra Al-Tawil them,” she said. sold her fridge and washing machine. SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter on Friday con- Now she fears the cash-strapped Money running out firmed that it is working on a button that state will scrap food subsidies, plung- In a country that imports 80 per- would give people a chance to take back ing them deeper into poverty. cent of its food, much of the six mil- freshly fired-off tweets before they are post- Lebanon is locked in its worst eco- lion population depends on subsidies ed. While the feature would not be an edit nomic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil to get by. Even without them being option long clamored for by Twitter users, it war, with no end in sight. The value of lifted, many are already struggling, would provide a brief window of opportuni- the Lebanese pound has plunged, said Beit El Baraka founder Maya ty of several seconds to “undo” a tweet after sending. “We can confirm we are testing this driving up the price of crucial imports Ibrahimchah. “There have been many feature,” a Twitter spokeswoman said in like food and fuel and triggering small more demands for help over the past BEIRUT: Maya Ibrahimshah, the founder and president of the Lebanese NGO Beit al-Braka reply to an AFP inquiry. but angry protests. four months,” she said. “Those we (house of blessings) organizes the stock of food to be distributed to the needy at the organi- The feature would be in addition to the More than half of Lebanon’s popu- are helping today are all from the zation’s headquarters on Feb 23, 2021. — AFP delete function but would prevent a tweet lation is poverty stricken and relies on middle class.” from appearing on a user’s timeline. Google’s subsidies, but a central bank demand The state has poured up to $437 cover the difference, where Tuesday bank’s website showed it had $17.9 free Gmail service provides a similar chance for “an immediate plan to ration sub- million into subsidies a month, the the rate hit a record low of 10,000 billion in foreign currency reserves, to reconsider emails being sent. Twitter put sidies” is looming. “We’re already World Bank estimates, to keep prices pounds to the dollar. As a result, in yet $17.5 billion of that is the bank’s out word this week that it would be testing tightening our belts. What will we eat in check for bread, medicine, fuel and less than a year the price of a large required reserves. The bank did not products throughout the year, and “hopeful- if we can no longer buy rice or electricity, as well as around 300 other bag of subsidized bread has risen respond to AFP’s repeated requests ly” some would be rolled out. lentils?” 40-year-old Tawil said. Tawil items since mid-2020. To counter the from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. for comment. The UN food agency Plans shared by Twitter recently include a and her husband lived a comfortable pound’s drastic devaluation, importers Authorities have remained vague has warned any subsidy reduction possible subscription service in which users life in Dubai before returning to their get access to dollars at a preferential about how the subsidies will be would have “major inflationary reper- would pay for special content from high- homeland to open a high-end hair rate to ensure they can afford to con- reduced, though meetings are ongo- cussions” and “put an unbearable profile accounts, part of an economic model salon in 2019. tinue bringing in supplies. ing. In early December, central bank strain on households”. The price of to diversify its revenue. The social media But that dream turned to nightmare For flour, fuel and medicine, for governor Riad Salameh said it could bread could increase by up to three platform is working on a new Super Follows after the financial crisis and the example, they offer dollars at the offi- only fund subsidies for another two times and fuel by 4.5 times, the World service as it searches for new revenue COVID-19 pandemic hit. “I had to sell cial exchange rate of 1,507 pounds to months. Later that month, he said two Food Program said, adding it was crit- streams beyond targeted advertising, it said my washing machine and fridge... just cover most of their cost. But traders billion dollars were available for them. ical to immediately scale up assis- at an annual meeting of investors. — AFP to get the minimum of daily bread and must resort to the black market to At the end of February, the central tance to the poorest. — AFP

Airbus-Boeing disputes, both on aircraft essentially total autonomy. The US, EU hail ‘fresh and non-aircraft products, for an initial Honda launches Legend is Level 3. Several automakers period of four months.” have already manufactured vehicles start’ with truce in The call was the European Union chief’s advanced self capable of Level 3 autonomy, but few first with Biden since he came to office, countries have legal frameworks per- although the pair spoke in November after mitting their sale and use. Honda’s planemaker feud he won the US presidential election. Each driving cars Legend release comes after the car- side has won WTO rulings in the dispute maker won approval for sales in Japan WASHINGTON: Washington and Brussels which authorized the governments to TOKYO: Honda launched the world’s last November. hailed an opportunity to restore frayed ties impose punitive tariffs, including US duties most advanced self-driving car The government had already as US President Joe Biden and EU leader on a record $7.5 billion in EU goods. licensed for the road on Friday, amended the law to allow for such Ursula von der Leyen on Friday suspended Washington has imposed tariffs on releasing an initial batch of 100 mod- vehicles, believing self-driving cars tit-for-tat trade tariffs in a longstanding air- European products like wine, cheese and “fresh start”. She said her call with Biden els in Japan. The Legend is capable of will be key in a country with a rapidly craft dispute. The truce in the 16-year-old olive oil, and 15 percent tariffs on Airbus. touched on many other aspects of trans- adaptive driving in lanes, as well as ageing population in need of safe transatlantic dispute over subsidies for rival And the EU levied additional duties on $4 Atlantic relations. “We both committed to passing and switching lanes under transportation solutions. Automakers planemakers Boeing and Airbus represents billion worth of American products includ- focus on resolving our aircraft disputes, certain circumstances. The car also and tech firms are locked in a fierce a significant ratcheting back of the aggres- ing Boeing planes and farm produce such based on the work our respective trade features an emergency stop function battle for the lead in self-driving tech- sive trade policies pursued by former US as wheat and tobacco, plus alcoholic spir- representatives,” she said. “This is excel- in case a driver is unresponsive to nology, with electric carmaker Tesla president Donald Trump. its and chocolate. lent news for businesses and industries on handover warnings, and Honda touts among the challengers. Following a phone call on Friday, Biden both sides of the Atlantic, and a very posi- extensive safety testing. For now, analysts say automakers and von der Leyen’s announced a four- ‘Fresh start’ tive signal for our economic cooperation in “Approximately 10 million patterns are still a long way from a true Level 4 month suspension of billions of dollars in Biden initially maintained the duties the years to come.” of possible real-world situations were system, in which a car is considered to punitive import tariffs, in what the White imposed by his predecessor but also A joint statement issued by both parties simulated during system development, no longer have a driver, just passen- House said was an opportunity “to repair pledged to rebuild relations with American stressed their committed to finally resolv- and real-world demonstration tests gers. Level 5 vehicles would theoreti- and revitalize the US-EU partnership”. “I allies and trading partners that frayed over ing the dispute, which would lead to closer were conducted on expressways for a cally have no steering wheel or other was glad to speak to President Biden this the past four years. On Thursday the cooperation in other areas, and reinforce total of approximately 1.3 million kilo- driver controls and would be capable afternoon - the first of many exchanges United States and Britain - which hosts an the allies as they review ties with a rising meters,” it said in a statement. Experts of handling all terrain types and weath- and the start of a good personal partner- Airbus plant and was part of the EU when China. “This will allow the EU and the US said the limited rollout would help er without driver assistance. Honda’s ship,” von der Leyen, president of the the dispute started - also agreed to sus- to ease the burden on their industries and determine whether there is sufficient limited release of the Legend will be European Commission, said in a statement. pend retaliatory tariffs for four months. workers and focus efforts towards resolv- demand for more autonomous vehicles. available only for lease sales. The par- “President Biden and I agreed to suspend Von der Leyen said in her statement ing these long running disputes at the Vehicle autonomy is classified tially self-driving sedan is priced at 11 all our tariffs imposed in the context of the that she hoped the suspension signaled a WTO,” it said. — AFP along a 0-5 scale, with 5 indicating million yen ($102,000). — AFP 9 Business Sunday, March 7, 2021 Amid pandemic, Americans are saving more, especially the wealthy Americans have accumulated $1.8tn in excess savings in 11 months

WASHINGTON: The coronavirus at the end of December, though decreas- While financially secure people were pandemic has wiped out millions of jobs ing as various forms of aid expired. unable to spend on leisure and travel, in the United States, but it’s had the It jumped in January to 20.5 percent low-income Americans reported spend- unexpected effect of increasing savings after $600 stimulus checks were includ- ing less because they were worried rates among Americans, especially ed in a $900 billion plan adopted by about personal finances. wealthy people stuck at home and Congress at the end of December. And, it forced to give up travel and entertain- could rise again this spring, as lawmak- Euphoric consumption? ment. Along with the dramatic reduction ers consider the Biden administration’s “Many Americans were already strug- in leisure spending, things like govern- $1.9 trillion relief package. Overall, the gling to save money before the coron- ment stimulus checks, unemployment savings trend has highlighted the dispar- avirus outbreak hit,” Pew said, with 47 benefits and the suspension of monthly ities between rich and poor in the United percent of low-income adults unable to loan repayments for more modest earn- States, with wealthy households saving save, compared to 25 percent for those ers have swelled the bank accounts of much more than families of modest who are middle-income. Only eight per- Americans who are usually known to be means who have been hardest-hit by job cent of upper-income Americans had the crumbling under debt. losses and have used stimulus money problem. Saving rates were even more Americans have accumulated $1.8 tril- mostly to pay bills. unequal when broken down by race, with lion in excess savings in the 11 months The richest Americans were generally 38 percent of black adults saying they since the start of the pandemic, accord- able to maintain their jobs through tele- are usually not able to save, compared ing to figures released this week by working - their income has remained with 31 percent of Hispanics, 27 percent Barclays and Oxford Economics. “And, constant while spending has plunged, of white respondents and 19 percent of we estimate that this number could rise resulting in excess savings. “About four- Asians, the Pew data showed. NEW YORK: US currency is seen in a back pocket on March 4, 2021. — AFP to $2.5 trillion by this summer,” Gregory in-ten Americans (42 percent) say they The fundamental question remains: Daco, chief US economist at Oxford have been spending less money than Whether the record savings rate will Economics, told AFP. usual since the pandemic began, and that boost consumption in the United States, process,” Barclays economists said. travel probably won’t skyrocket to a rate The savings rate of Americans, which is especially the case among upper- where consumer spending is historically They noted the potential “for a sub- that would make up for a year’s shortfall. averaged seven to eight percent before income adults,” according to a survey of the driver of the economy. Before the stantial rebound in consumption post- “Are we going to take all the trips that the crisis, spiked to a record 33 percent 10,334 Americans by the Pew Research pandemic, it represented two-thirds of pandemic if households experience we would have liked to take last year, in in April 2020, thanks to a massive $2.2 Center, released Friday. the GDP. “Our outlook assumes a fairly higher benefits - akin to “euphoria” - addition to those planned once the pan- trillion COVID relief package for house- Some 53 percent of higher-income rapid acceleration in household spending from consuming after a period of depri- demic is over? Are we going to travel in holds and businesses, according to Americans reported spending less, com- in the coming year and we make the vation”. Daco is not so sure. While he business or first class on the pretext that Bureau of Economic Analysis data. The pared with 43 percent of middle-income explicit assumption that households will anticipates a rebound in consumer activ- we have more money tucked away?” he savings rate was holding at 13.7 percent and 34 percent of low-income people. draw down on accumulated saving in the ity, he noted that spending on things like asked. “Not necessarily.” — AFP

above targeted returns to Kamco Invest reports its clients. The Special News in brief Situations Asset KD 15m fee income, Management team con- 737 MAX ‘mechanical issue’ tinued exit negotiations with several parties on NEW YORK: An American Airlines Boeing 737 KD 2.7m losses in 2020 behalf of clients. MAX jet flying to Newark, New Jersey from Throughout the year, KUWAIT: Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking Miami landed safely on Friday after pilots shut Investment Banking suc- down an engine during the flight, the US air safety financial powerhouse with one of the largest AUMs cessfully played the role in the region, announced its financial results for FY regulator said. The MAX returned to skies in the of joint lead manager for United States late last year after it was grounded 2020 ended Dec 31, 2020. The Company reported a six debt capital market net loss of KD 2.7m (EPS: -7.85 fils) compared to a Faisal M Sarkhou worldwide in March 2019 following two deadly transactions, two region- crashes. American Airlines confirmed to AFP that net profit of KD 3m in 2019 (EPS: 12.47 fils). The al and four local offer- results were impacted by unrealized losses and the the issue was related to an engine oil pressure ings, for a total amount equivalent to USD2.6bn. issue and not the faulty flight handling system coronavirus pandemic which disrupted government The team also acted as exclusive sell-side advisor entities, the private sector, and economies since known as MCAS, which was implicated in the to a healthcare group in Egypt and launched a crashes that killed a total of 346 people. — AFP March 2020. strategic initiative to support companies in battling The slow of business since March 2020 had a review in June 2020. the ongoing crisis. Kamco Invest was awarded the Faisal Mansour Sarkhou, Chief Executive Officer, negative impact on the fee & commission income ‘Best M&A Bank in the Middle East - 2020’ award which dropped by 21.4 percent compared to 2019 said, “The results were impacted by unrealized loss- ‘Metal fatigue’ confirmed from the highly accredited and internationally es and we are well positioned to benefit from posi- to reach KD 15m in 2020. Despite the unprecedent- renowned Global Finance. ed challenges, negative sentiments and the slow of tive market performance as well as cope with the NEW YORK: A key US safety regulator said First Securities Brokerage Company, Kamco unforeseen circumstances should returning to nor- Friday initial investigations confirm metal fatigue business, the company continued to provide its Invest’s brokerage arm, continued to provide its clients with interruption-free services and distrib- mal take more time than expected. Despite the was a factor in last month’s scare when a Boeing services to clients without interruption while extremely difficult economic and operating condi- 777 engine caught fire and rained debris on uted cash dividends to its shareholders for the fiscal increasing market share and attracting new clients year 2019 amounting to KD 1.7m in June 2020. tions, we managed to strengthen our financial posi- houses below. But the National Transportation through the online trading platform. Furthermore, tion by enhancing our liquid assets and reducing Safety Board (NTSB) said it has not reached a As at the end of Dec 2020, total assets under Kamco Invest managed to rationalize its cost base management stood at KD 3.9bn (USD 12.9bn). our total liabilities. We also rationalized our cost final conclusion on the causes of the incident where general and administrative expenses base and most importantly remained focused on the involving Pratt & Whitney engines. The NTSB Equity funds and managed portfolios continued to dropped by 26.5 percent in 2020 to reach outperform their respective benchmarks and three recurring fee-based income.” update confirmed fan blades in the engine had KWD14.3mn, thanks to the measures taken by the He added, “We were able to sign new mandates, broken off, and said “the fracture surface was funds were recognized by the 2020 Refinitiv Lipper Company to cope with the market conditions and Fund awards for their consistent risk-adjusted per- close deals, attract new clients and raise funds for consistent with fatigue”. — AFP the Company’s strategy post-merger completion. new and existing products and mandates. We have formance relative to peers. The Company reduced its total liabilities by KD Kamco Invest successfully raised over USD also expedited our digitization drive while ensuring 3.8m, a reduction of 5.5 percent, to reach KD 64.8m our existing systems and processes handled the sit- 623m for several products and transactions, distrib- at the end of Dec 2020. The Company enjoys a McAfee charged in scam uted around USD49mn to clients (capital and uation of remote working and serving of our clients. strong financial position with KD 50m in sharehold- We will continue to monitor new trends and behav- income distributions) and acquired properties in the ers’ equity as of Dec 31, 2020 and a “BBB” long- NEW YORK: The creator of McAfee comput- US and UK, raising the managed real estate value to ioral changes that will inevitably lead to the formu- er security software was facing charges Friday term credit rating and “A3” short-term rating with lation of new standards and investment opportuni- over USD 1.1bn. Simultaneously, the Company exit- stable outlook by Capital Intelligence in their latest that he cashed in on a “pump-and-dump” ed from two managed US properties generating ties after overcoming the current crisis.” scheme, by promoting cryptocurrencies on Twitter to drive up their value. John McAfee, breathless pace, the pandemic acted as an accelerant,” founder of the antivirus firm that bears his name, Microsoft compliance said Alaeddine Karim, Country Manager, Microsoft Maersk pleads and Jimmy Watson face charges of conspiracy, Kuwait. “In both the private and government sectors fraud, and money laundering in connection with manager now we saw extraordinary progress in a short span of time. for military backup schemes to trick cryptocurrency investors, When making such moves, the IT environment under- according to an indictment unsealed by the US goes dramatic changes, and maintaining compliance Department of Justice. Pump-and-dump available in Kuwait can be quite difficult, especially if you don’t have the against pirates schemes typically involve over-hyping the value resources to build a dedicated oversight team. of stocks or, in this case cryptocurrency, by KUWAIT: Microsoft announced that cloud cus- COPENHAGEN: Fed up with pirate attacks on its holders so that they can be sold at artificially Microsoft Compliance Manager demystifies and sim- fleet off the west African coast, global shipping giant tomers in Kuwait will gain access to Microsoft plifies compliance processes, putting the organization high prices. — AFP Compliance Manager, empowering organisations to Maersk is clamoring for a major naval mission to police in the driver’s seat, while allowing it to automate at the vital but treacherous maritime route. The call for adhere to legal obligations while innovating with more scale - thereby accelerating innovation.” freedom in an economic climate where business agility action comes after two of the Danish company’s ships China military budget to grow Microsoft Compliance Manager - now part of were boarded by bandits in the Gulf of Guinea within is critical. Microsoft 365 - takes the complexity out of regulatory The announcement comes at a time when more and the space of one month at the turn of the year. BEIJING: China’s military budget - the second alignment, allowing organisations of all sizes and indus- The area is a major shipping route stretching from more Kuwaiti businesses are choosing remote work- tries to examine their obligations quickly and map out largest in the world after the US - is set to ing and hybrid workplaces to keep employees safe Senegal to Angola, but it has been plagued by piracy increase by 6.8 percent in 2021, the finance min- their actions in a way that makes sense to their opera- in recent years. Armed kidnappings of seafarers while delivering operational continuity. According to a tional models. It supports the prioritisation of tasks and istry announced Friday. Military tensions have GCC survey in March, 35 percent of regional organi- reached record levels in 2020, according to the dramatically increased over the past year allows the formulation of risk-informed policies. International Maritime Bureau (IMB). “In 2021 we sations were either in the process of implementing between China and rival powers including the “Kuwait’s regulatory framework is in place to pro- should not have seafarers who are afraid of sailing remote-working models or had already done so. And United States and India, with flashpoints like the tect citizens, residents and businesses from the loss or anywhere because of piracy, this is not the age of another research in June showed that remote working compromise of their private data. It is an essential Himalayan border, Taiwan and the South China piracy,” Aslak Ross, head of maritime standards at the Sea. Beijing plans to spend 1.36 trillion yuan was likely to remain beyond the pandemic, with 90 component of Vision 2035, and Microsoft is commit- Danish giant, told AFP. Maersk wants an international percent of MENA employees expecting its usage to ted to showing businesses how they can comply with ($210 billion) on defense, which is still less than a mission similar to the naval operation that the third of Washington’s military budget. The increase between now and 2030. these important guidelines while continuing to inno- European Union has deployed in the Gulf of Aden, off “In a region that was already innovating at a vate and thrive in the new normal,” added Karim. growth rate, up from 2020’s 6.6 percent, was East Africa, since 2008 and which has been credited revealed by the ministry at the opening of the with a sharp drop in piracy there. “A solution is to government’s annual legislative meetings. —AFP have the international community support a mission in the short term,” Ross said. At the same time, governments should back longer-term efforts to strengthen the anti-piracy Fix Price raises $2bn capabilities of coastal countries, he said. Every day some 1,500 ships travel the maritime route off Africa’s MOSCOW: Russia’s largest cut-price retailer two largest oil producers, Nigeria and Angola, and Fix Price said Friday it had raised $2 billion in an Maersk said 50 of its vessels regularly sail in the area. initial public offering in London as Russian con- Maersk is the world’s largest container shipping sumers embrace discounters amid a fall in living company, operating in 130 countries and employing standards. The company said in a statement it some 80,000 people worldwide. It moves 12 million had priced its IPO on the London Stock containers every year. The waters are the world’s num- Exchange at $9.75 per share - the top end of ber one spot for cargo-ship crew kidnappings, which the price range - implying a market capitaliza- tend to be seen as more lucrative for pirates than the tion of $8.3 billion. The company’s CEO Dmitry traditional attacks on oil tankers. Of the 135 attacks on Kirsanov said the IPO represented a “landmark” seafarers recorded worldwide last year, 130 took place in the history of not only his company but in the Gulf of Guinea, the IMB reported. — AFP Russia’s entire retail industry. —AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Sunday, March 7, 2021 NBK approves distribution of 20% cash dividends and 5% bonus shares

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) held yesterday its tiatives and policies we were quick to adopt in order to mini- of innovation in digital banking services from Global Finance Customer support 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Extraordinary mize the impact of the crisis, which focused on enabling our magazine, noting that the bank also scored a high rating in Regarding the bank’s role in supporting customers, Fulaij General Meeting (EGM), at which there was a quorum of 78.4 customers to make all their banking transactions without being customer satisfaction index. indicated that NBK and the banking sector launched excep- percent. The AGM and EGM approved the Board of Directors’ affected by the lockdown measures, depending on our various tional initiatives to mitigate the impact of the crisis including a recommendation to distribute 20 percent cash dividends to digital channels and advanced payment solutions.” International expansion deferral program for the installments of all consumer loans shareholders (equivalent to 20 fils per share) and the distribu- Sager said, “We followed a cost control strategy aimed to Speaking about the outlook, Bahar said: “As we navigate into and credit card for six months, without any resulting interest tion of 5 percent bonus shares (5 shares for every 100 shares strike a balance between implementing stringent cost-cutting 2021, we will continue to focus efforts on leveraging the size and or fees, as well as deferring the installments of SMEs loans owned). measures and continuing to inject the necessary investments to strength of our balance sheet to support our customers. In addi- and stopping collection of fees on POS terminals and digital achieve our strategic goals.” tion, having a combination of professional human cadres and channels for three months. The bank also provided soft loans Maintaining Course “We were keen on completing our investments and imple- advanced digital technology will remain a key factor for our suc- to its corporate and SMEs customers. Nasser Al-Sayer, NBK Group Chairman delivered his menting the digital transformation roadmap, and all our digital cess, as this will support the creation of distinguished proposi- Fulaij affirmed that NBK was committed to enable cus- speech at the 2020 AGM and EGM affirming that the COVID- initiatives that proved to be very successful in light of our cus- tions and solutions that attract new customers, and strengthen tomers make all their transactions, saying: “We launched the 19 pandemic’s fallout affected all global economies and com- tomers’ reliance on our digital channels for 85 percent of their the relationships with existing customers.” mobile branch initiative, and reached our customers in quar- panies, and Kuwait and the Middle East were no exceptions. transactions during the year. Our tremendous digital capabili- Bahar continued, saying: “We will continue to give priority antined areas during the full lockdown by providing mobile For the GCC, the impact was especially severe in light of a ties were instrumental to ensure smooth flow of our opera- to a disciplined focus on managing cost to remain financially ATMs. And as part of our endeavors to serve all our customer record-low oil price environment, at the beginning of the crisis, tions, which enabled us to continue making progress in most of and strategically flexible, and we will align our business with segments, we opened our new branch at the headquarters of followed by fluctuations, at the same time they are fighting to our strategic goals,” he added. our endeavors to create added value for our customers by Kuwait Boursa, and were closer to our customers through our contain the spread of the pandemic. empowering them and enriching their banking experience. We digital channels and social media platforms, which reached 1.7 Sayer said: “Despite the challenging operational environ- Well-positioned for recovery will continue to simplify and digitize their interactions with us million followers.” ment that we faced during the past year, we managed to Sager mentioned that, in line with its policy aimed at diver- to save time, provide convenience and added value. We will These customer support efforts were recognized as NBK achieve decent profits amounting KD 246.3 million, whereas sifying the financing base, enhancing capital adequacy ratios, also provide AI-based solutions and enhance the analysis of was named Best Retail Bank in Customer Service in Kuwait, operating profits stood at KD 530.9 million. These financial and benefiting from low interest rates, NBK issued subordinat- data and core digital systems to identify and meet their needs according to Service Hero Index. results for 2020 reaffirmed our resilient business model and a ed Tier 2 bonds; one KD-denominated worth KD150 million, and provide them with new and outstanding solutions.” Fulaij highlighted that the bank’s employees received full strong financial position, and showed continued payback of and another USD-denominated worth USD 300 million, and On the international markets level, Bahar mentioned that support during these exceptional circumstances, and a series our diversification and digital transformation strategies.” succeeded in obtaining one of the lowest pricing compared to the bank will continue its efforts to expand in the retail and of questionnaires were conducted about employees’ aware- Sayer pointed out that NBK’s tremendous and well- peer GCC issuances. These issuances saw a remarkable wholesale sectors in the Egyptian market by investing in digital ness and confidence in the measures taken by the bank during thought-out investments in developing employees and digital demand from fixed-income investors, reflecting the bank’s banking services and focusing on increasing new customers these times. This helped create new programs and resources infrastructure over the past years have proven to be prudent. creditworthiness and internationally leading position. acquisition and simplifying their transactions. On the other to support them, with a strong focus on their health and safety. Additionally, Boubyan Bank, the Islamic arm of the Group, Sager noted that throughout the year, the executive man- hand, the bank will seek to expand its regional wealth manage- Furthermore, in order to protect our people, Fulaij indicat- along with the bank’s international operations, continued to agement placed the safety of customers and employees at the ment footprint, by enhancing its wealth management proposi- ed that the bank has taken all necessary actions to keep them play an instrumental role in mitigating risks and diversifying top of its priorities. To this end, it strived to enable customers tion (Watani Wealth Management Company) and linking it to safe, and has not stopped to provide them with training by re- sources of income. to make all their transactions remotely, and to apply all precau- the group’s global wealth management platform, as well as designing all training courses according to virtual reality tech- Sayer noted that NBK faced the crisis in a solid position, as tionary measures at the branches, as well as maintaining a safe increasing commercial banking offers in the Saudi market to nology, as the bank organized 71 training programs and work- the size and liquidity of the group’s balance sheet, along with working environment to protect employees’ health and safety. gradually boost its presence in the Kingdom and increase this shops that were attended by 1137 participants, and 2,625 healthy profitability, enabled it to continue to support cus- Regarding the outlook for 2021, Sager said: “We believe market’s contribution to the group’s bottom line. employees received mandatory training courses, which are tomers and society. Moreover, during the year, all necessary that our diversification and digital transformation strategies, unprecedented levels NBK succeeded to achieve, despite the measures were taken to enhance the strength of the bank’s along with our solid financial position and leading franchise, Positive signs exceptional circumstances. financial position amidst the unstable economic conditions and the policies and initiatives accomplished over the past Bahar stated: “Over the past few months, we have wit- caused by the pandemic. year, make us better positioned for a gradual recovery in light nessed positive signs and indicators that give us optimism, and NBK’s leadership “Our ability to sustain dividend policy while maintaining of the accelerated vaccination drive and improving oil prices, we are confident that our strategy will continue to achieve bet- Fulaij pointed out that while the bank strives to weather our solid capital base during this uniquely challenging year is a and that we will be the biggest beneficiaries from the emerging ter returns for our shareholders across all of our key markets in the continuing crisis, it is looking forward to the future and testament to the solidity of our strategic foundations, and a opportunities as we proceed towards recovery in all the mar- the future. We stress that the executive management has a focusing on preserving NBK’s leadership and its dominant reflection of the trust placed in us by our customers and kets in which we operate. “ clear mission and an unwavering focus on preserving the market share in Kuwait by continuing to implement its digital shareholders,” he added. Sager concluded his speech by thanking the members of bank’s leadership, and this mission is supported by key princi- transformation roadmap that supports the achievement of all Sayer explained that the Board of Directors has performed the Board of Directors for their prudent advice and guidance. ples represented in putting customers first, investing in our the bank’s strategic objectives, basically acquisition of more its duties in the best way, providing guidance and advice to the He also thanked the Group’s employees for their dedication in people and digital infrastructure, and benefiting from our customers from the youth segment. Executive Management to move the Group’s operations for- performing their job duties during these exceptional circum- broad geographical footprint, and we are confident that the “We aim to maintain our leadership in financing develop- ward. Sayer praised the bank’s executive management and stances, regardless of their positions, as well as the bank’s cus- implementation of this mission will help us sustain stable ment projects, support and finance expansion of the oil and leadership team, and all employees who made tireless efforts tomers inside and outside Kuwait, stressing that the bank returns for our shareholders on the long term.” private sector projects. We also seek to continue our strategy during working remotely to help customers weather the chal- always aspires to provide top-notch banking products and Bahar concluded: “We are proud of the role we played aiming to penetrate the medium-sized companies market to lenges imposed by the pandemic. He also extended his thanks services in a way that meets all their expectations. since the very beginning of the crisis in supporting our country increase and diversify our corporate customer base. We are to the Central Bank of Kuwait for its efforts aimed to enhance and government’s efforts to curb the spread of this pandemic, also looking forward to complete the strategy of creating the operational environment. Solid foundations and we will certainly be there to support the recovery of our integration between branches and digital services, as opening On NBK’s performance of its social responsibility, Sayer On the sidelines of the AGM, Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK national economy from this crisis.” the Avenues branch was just the beginning of unveiling this said: “We are proud to continue our unshakable approach laid Group Deputy GCEO, said: “The year 2020 was one of the strategy,” he added. down by the founders for nearly seven decades with regard to most challenging years for global economies since long gener- Operational resilience our social responsibilities. In this context, we made a contribu- ations, as the rapid spread of the pandemic forced countries to Meanwhile, Salah Al-Fulaij, CEO of NBK-Kuwait, Thanks and appreciation.. tion to the fund set up to support government efforts in facing shutdown major parts of their economies to protect their citi- announced after the meeting: “The operating environment was At the end of his speech, Nasser Al-Sayer, on behalf of all coronavirus outbreak, in addition to supporting the efforts of zens, which led to the worst economic downturn in decades. exceptionally challenging, as Kuwait was one of the first and Board members and the Executive Management team, the Kuwaiti Red Crescent by providing ventilators and mobile Bahar added: “While we could not predict the nature or most keen countries to impose lockdown measures. This coin- extended thanks to HH Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, clinics to help their efforts to contain the pandemic.” extent of this crisis, we were fully prepared and well-posi- cided with the slow pace of project implementation, low inter- the Amir of Kuwait, and HH Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Concluding his speech, Sayer said: “Despite the difficulty of tioned to provide the support needed by our customers and est rates and the failure to approve the public debt law and Sabah, the Crown Prince, for their continued support for the forecasting how the year 2021 will unfold, I am sure that the employees, thanks to our solid foundations in the operational guarantee financing for SMEs, which affected the business stability and growth of the Kuwaiti economy. He also NBK has the strength, stability and operational resilience and financial sides, and our continuous efforts over the years sector, as the IMF expected the economy to contract by 8.1 thanked the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Capital Markets enabling it to face all possible scenarios and be up to the to build a solid capital base and focusing on our asset quality, percent in 2020. Authority for their efforts to make Kuwait a more attractive expectations of its shareholders and customers, as well as to minimizing risks, and enhancing the operational resilience Fulaij pointed out that these challenges demonstrated the investment destination. carry on its historical role in supporting the Kuwaiti economy needed to withstand potential economic shocks.”. bank’s resilient business model, which as reflected in the asset In addition, Sayer thanked the shareholders for their trust to recover from the impacts of this pandemic.” Bahar indicated that the record low interest rate environ- growth trends mainly driven by the growth of loan portfolio by in National Bank of Kuwait, and also expressed his special ment had an impact on net interest income. However, this was 5.7 percent year-on-year, with the continued support of the gratitude to the bank’s customers in Kuwait and throughout Proactive Strategy offset by the decent growth in the loan portfolio and prudent Kuwaiti demographics for strong growth trends in consumer the region and the whole world for their loyalty and continu- On his part, Isam J Al-Sager, NBK Group CEO, said in his cost control, and despite the increased provisioning and the lending, in addition to the bank’s leading position in financing ous support. Sayer also thanked the Group’s Board of speech: “The year 2020 was exceptional, due to the challeng- pressure on the bank’s revenues from some sectors, NBK out- government, oil and private sectors’ institutions. Fulaij said: Directors for their prudent advice and leadership. He also ing operating environment resulting from the pandemic, which performed other regional banks in terms of key financial indi- “Our crisis management focused on key pivots that aimed to expressed his appreciation for the relentless efforts of the demonstrated the bank’s resilient business model, solid finan- cators, and at the same time, maintained strong capitalization continue focusing on digital initiatives and developing our dig- Executive Management of the National Bank of Kuwait and cial position, and the prudence of NBK’s proactive strategy for levels, with a capital adequacy ratio of 18.4 percent, and ital channels to ensure uninterrupted services, consolidate our their constant endeavors to sustain the bank’s progress, and diversification of income sources and digital transformation. healthy asset quality levels, as non-performing loans ratio sta- digital excellence, and provide the required support to our accentuated the instrumental role of the bank’s employees to Sager stated: “This year was exceptionally challenging, not bilized at 1.72 percent and loan loss coverage ratio stood at retail and corporate customers during the crisis, in addition to gain the confidence placed by customers and shareholders only due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, but also 220 percent. maintaining the safety of our customers and employees.” in the bank. the concurrent sharp decline in oil prices and historically low Speaking on digital initiatives, Fulaij said: “We launched interest rates. These factors combined led to a decline in the Digital investments advanced payment solutions for the first time in Kuwait at the Dividend distribution date volume of banking transactions across many sectors in all the Bahar continued: “Our geographical footprint and access beginning of the year, and we were the first to launch Samsung Cash dividends and bonus shares will be distributed as of markets in which we operate. The pace of project awarding to markets with great growth potentials are unique factors that Pay in the third quarter. We also continued to invest in enhanc- Tuesday dated 30.03.2021, for the shareholders registered in and implementation in Kuwait also saw a significant slowdown give us an edge over our competitors, as our international ing our digital channels, basically NBK Mobile Banking App, the bank’s shareholders’ records as at the end of the due date due to the challenges imposed by the pandemic, in addition to operations continue to play a vital role in mitigating risks and to which we added 22 updates. This was reflected in a 38 per- set to Thursday dated 25.03.2021. the government’s cutting of investment spending due to the increasing the diversification of income sources, whereas the cent increase in the number of users and 51 percent in the decline in its revenues.” growth in Islamic banking through Boubyan Bank, the group’s number of transactions made using the app. At the end of the Eid and Saidi elected as independent board members Sager indicated that these circumstances impacted the Islamic arm, remains a key element of our diversification strat- year, we opened our new branch at The Avenues Mall, unfold- The General Assembly elected Robert Maroun Eid and bank’s operating results, as interest income was affected after egy, as the operating income from NBK’s international opera- ing NBK’s futuristic approach to branches, as part of our digi- Nasser Amin Saidi as independent members for the remainder re-pricing loans according to the new interest rates after the tions reached KD 206.1 million, which is robust in view of the tal transformation strategy. of the membership term for the current session of the board, Central Bank of Kuwait cut the discount rate twice in last prevailing circumstances, contributing to 24 percent of the The bank’s digital excellence was recognized by naming it in compliance with corporate governance regulations issued March to reach its lowest historical level. Additionally, fees and group’s total operating income. Best Consumer Digital Bank in Kuwait and the Middle East by the regulatory authorities. commission income was also affected by shutdown of eco- On the digital transformation front, Bahar said: “Despite from Global Finance magazine. Eid, who holds a PhD in banking and finance from the nomic activities as part of the precautionary measures to com- the impacts of the pandemic, it offered us opportunities to Sorbonne University in Paris, held many executive positions in bat the spread of the pandemic, especially in the second and accelerate the implementation of our digital transformation Local dominance many leading financial institutions including Saudi Home third quarters of the year. These circumstances, Sager noted, roadmap, which will help us take decisive steps to move for- Fulaij continued: “We defended our market share and Loans Company (SHL), Arab National Investment Company made it necessary for NBK to maintain a conservative risk ward with our comprehensive and sustainable digital trans- maintained our leadership as the largest financier of govern- (ANB Invest), MetLife and Arab National Bank Cooperative management approach, by providing for prevailing uncertain- formation agenda. Throughout its long history, NBK does ment projects and the house bank for Kuwait Petroleum Insurance Company (AIG ANB). He also worked as Managing ty, especially that the crisis is still unfolding. not hesitate to seize opportunities to consolidate its leading Corporation (KPC) and its subsidiaries. We succeeded in lead- Director and Chief Executive Officer at Arab National Bank - position and meet its aspirations that transcend geographi- ing the banking sector to conclude a financing facility agree- KSA from 2005 to 2020, and as Managing Director and CEO Exceptional policies cal barriers.” ment worth KD 1 billion in favor of KPC. We also preserved of National Bank of Kuwait (International) PLC (NBKI) from Sager indicated that it was normal that the financial results Bahar emphasized that NBK’s digital investments paid off our dominant share in financing foreign companies operating 1998 to 2005. were affected by these repercussions. However, he emphasized during the crisis, as the bank’s digital channels played a key in Kuwait and cemented our relationships with most of these Saidi, who holds a PhD from the University of Rochester in that the exceptional policies adopted by the executive man- role in customer service, since digital transactions increased to companies. Additionally, we signed a memorandum of under- USA, also held several positions. He served as the Minister of agement minimized this impact and resulted in posting finan- record levels, a trend that continues even after returning to standing with Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) to support Economy, Trade and Industry in Lebanon from 1998 to 2000 cial results allowing the Board of Directors to recommend dis- normal levels of economic activities, especially as we continue and finance Italian companies operating in Kuwait. We were and the Vice Governor of Banque du Liban (Central Bank of tribution of dividends to shareholders. Total assets also grew to introduce continuous enhancements to NBK Mobile also keen to continue investing in developing innovative bank- Lebanon) from 1993 to 2003. He also was a Member of UN by 1.5 percent to reach KD 29.7 billion, whereas loan portfolio Banking App and develop branches to integrate with digital ing and treasury solutions and foreign exchange services to Committee for Development Policy (UNCDP) from 2005 to grew by 5.7 percent to reach KD 17.5 billion, and customer channels with the aim of enriching customer experience. live up to international standards.” 2006, and the Chief Advisor to the Minister of Finance - UAE deposits increased by 7.4 percent, to reach KD 17.1 billion. Bahar explained that over the past year, and in recognition These efforts were recognized by winning the awards of from 2005 to 2006 and the Chief Economist (previously) for Sager continued: “Our profitability, solid financial position of NBK’s efforts in supporting customers and employees, the Best Private Bank in Kuwait, Best Foreign Exchange Provider Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) from 2006 to and sustained growth of our balance sheets, despite the bank was one of the few banks around the world to be recog- in the Middle East, and Best Trade Finance Bank in Kuwait 2012 and also served as the Executive Director of Hawkamah unprecedented challenges, demonstrate the success of the ini- nized by receiving a number of prestigious awards in the areas from Global Finance magazine, Al-Fulaij pointed out. Institute for Corporate Governance from 2006 to 2012. 11 Sunday, March 7, 2021

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‘Nomadland’ China release in doubt after nationalist backlash

nationalist backlash to Golden Globe-winning AAmerican road movie “Nomadland” has cast doubt over Photos show Iraqi Christian Karjiya Baqtar embroiders a precious prayer shawl using golden thread, to gift to Pope Francis during his upcoming visit to her Iraqi hometown Qaraqosh. — AFP photos the film’s China release after social media users and state media questioned its director Chloe Zhao’s loyalty to her birth country. Zhao became the first Asian woman in history to win the best director Golden Globe and the first woman to win best drama with the semi-fictional film, which stars Oscar winner Frances McDormand alongside a rag-tag bunch of non- ulling golden thread with her frail fin- Qaraqosh have rehabilitated the church actors living on the open road in gers, elderly Christian Karjiya Baqtar but opted to leave the cross as it is, as a the American West. Phas embroidered a precious prayer memento of the jihadist onslaught they shawl to gift the most cherished visitor to survived. “The fabric, the embroidery, her Iraqi hometown-Pope Francis. Francis everything about this stole is local,” Yaqo will visit the northern town of Qaraqosh, added. “It was made specifically for the ravaged in 2014 by the Islamic State Pope and will be presented to him during jihadist group, on the third day of his histo- the mass.” ry-making trip to Iraq. Baqtar, a petite It’s not the only handmade garment the woman with veiny hands and wisps of hair Pope will be gifted on this trip. Kurdish gently brushed back from her face, has Muslim designer Shanaz Jamal has worked with other Christians in Qaraqosh stitched an ornate cross, inlaid with semi- for two months on the stole vestment. precious turquoise and emerald stones, The two-meter (6.5-foot) stole is entirely onto a burgundy fabric. In 2019, Jamal locally produced-from the checkered red sewed interfaith symbols onto a white and black fabric to the Syriac prayers ecclesiastical cloak using 3,000 beads, hand-stitched along its edges in glimmer- including the same bright stones. The 40- ing gold. It was designed by Ammar said Yaqo. Also known as Bakhdida and ‘Everything is local’ year-old artist told AFP at the time that she Yaqo, the priest at the Al-Tahera Church in Hamdaniya, Qaraqosh has a long pre- The prayer stole features Christian hoped her artwork would be offered to Qaraqosh. “Khaya Baqtar wove the fab- Christian history and is also one of Iraq’s emblems, including grapes used for wine- Pope Francis as a “symbol of peace and In this file photo US-Chinese, director ric, while Karjiya and Miss Adhraa oldest Christian towns. It was largely which for Catholics represents the blood harmony in the world”. Just a few months Chloe Zhao poses during a photocall to Daaboul embroidered it,” Yaqo told AFP destroyed in 2014 when the Islamic State of Jesus-and wheat for bread, or his body. later, President Barham Saleh formally present the movie “Songs My Brothers proudly. The “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” group swept through the surrounding There are Iraqi emblems, including date invited the pontiff to visit Iraq, saying it Taught Me” in the French northwestern prayers are carefully stitched on either province of Nineveh, but its residents have fronds, for which the country is well- could help heal the country’s scars after sea resort of Deauville, during the 41th side in Syriac, a dialect of the language trickled back since 2017 and slowly known, and even symbols of Qaraqosh. “It years of “strife.”— AFP Deauville US Film Festival. — AFP spoken by Jesus Christ and still used in worked at rebuilding their hometown. The features three crosses, which were Qaraqosh. “This is the first time this kind of security situation remains tense, with state- designed to look like the crosses atop the stole has been produced in Qaraqosh, sponsored armed groups deployed in Al-Tahera Church in the town, which was and it represents the heritage of this town,” Zhao’s win last week was initial- large numbers in nearby plains. smashed by IS,” Yaqo said. Christians in ly celebrated in China, with state media calling the Beijing-born film- maker a “Chinese female director” and “the pride of China.” Chinese film authorities approved the film for a domestic release on April 23 through the government-backed National Alliance of Arthouse Cinemas, the organization announced on Monday. But major online box office apps removed the release date from their plat- forms after a controversy erupted over years-old comments by Zhao, leaving the film’s release in Chinese cinemas uncertain, enter- tainment magazine Variety report- ed Friday. The NAAC did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for clarifi- cation. Social media users had dug up old media interviews with Zhao soon after her historic win in which she appeared to criticize Four of the 14 pieces of “The Way of Suffering”, sculpted plaques representing the stations of the Iraqi artist Yasser Hikmat (right), son of sculptor Mohammed Ghani Hikmat credited for some of China. A screenshot of Zhao’s cross by late Iraqi artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat, are displayed at the Chaldean Catholic Church Baghdad’s most famous landmarks, works on a piece at a workshop in Lebanon’s capital Beirut. 2013 interview with Filmmaker of the Ascension in the Mashtal district of the capital Baghdad. magazine, in which she reportedly called China “a place where there ‘Unlike any other’ stele: a woman and child, representing the the plight of its Christians-would finally be are lies everywhere,” as well as The original stone works-imposing at people suffering under the international brought to light. another interview with Australian two meters (yards) tall by a meter wide- embargo at the time. “I didn’t know how to express my joy... media in which she allegedly said Francis will indeed tell the story of Iraq. In 1993, as The exceptional pieces are rarely seen. that copies of the works present in our “the US is now my country,” circu- Iraqis faced crippling global sanctions tar- The church’s imposing architecture and church would be given to his Holiness the lated on Twitter-like Weibo last geting then-dictator Saddam Hussein, an brightly-lit crosses along its external walls Pope as a gift from the Iraqi state,” he told week. elegant church was being painstakingly are hidden behind concrete blast walls, AFP. “Pope Francis is telling the word: The comments prompted online take a piece of built on the outskirts of Baghdad. The orig- installed in 2007 during sectarian infight- ‘This country that is called Iraq, we must users to call her a “traitor” and inal Chaldean Church of the Ascension ing in Iraq. Of the thousands of worship- take care of it. We must stand in solidarity social media in China was awash had been expropriated by the state under pers who attended the church three with it. We must turn our attention and our with posts questioning her nation- Saddam, so the parish decided to build decades ago, just 400 families remain, thoughts towards it.’”— AFP ality. Neither quote remained on Iraq with him another branch in an agricultural district most of whom dream of exile. But after liv- the online versions of the two inter- known as “Mashtal.” The 5,600 Catholic ing in the shadows for so long, Nadheer is views. The Weibo hashtag for families living in the area pooled together thrilled that the work of Iraq’s artists-and “Nomadland” was no longer apping his first day in Iraq, Pope donations for several years to build the searchable on Saturday, although Francis was gifted a miniature of church, designed with traditional Iraqi discussion of the film and Zhao did an extraordinary work of art depict- C mud bricks. not appear to be censored in any ing a stage on the path to Christ’s cruci- For the Stations of the Cross, the parish other way. The state-owned tabloid fixion, designed by a Muslim artist. It was chose Mohammed Ghani Hikmat, who Global Times covered the back- a touching welcome gift from President had designed most of the major statues at lash, saying Zhao had made “con- Barham Saleh, who invited Pope Francis the heart of the capital’s many round- troversial comments” a day after to visit Iraq in 2019 — hoping it could abouts. He was already lauded at the time lauding her as “the pride of China.” help the country “heal” after years of as the “sheikh of Iraqi sculptors,” and hav- But others online defended Zhao. strife. The bronze plaque received by ing a top Muslim artist design such a cen- “She’s a director, not a politi- Francis is a potent symbol of the strug- tral piece for a church was exceptional. cian, and has never been involved gles of Iraq’s ancient Christian communi- “It’s unlike those in any other Chaldean in political activities, and her work ty, as well as the country’s exceptional Church in the rest of the world,” said Fadi has nothing to do with China,” one interfaith links. Nadheer, the young bespectacled priest Weibo user wrote on Saturday in It is a small replica of the sixth “Station who has headed the Church of the defense of Zhao. “Isn’t this too of the Cross”, where a woman named Ascension since he was ordained in 2017. harsh, regardless of whether she Veronica wipes Jesus’s brow as he To make them, Hikmat locked himself has Chinese nationality?” Another makes the torturous 14-stage journey up away in his studio and entered what he user agreed that China’s entertain- the hill to be crucified. Fourteen stone would later describe as a “mystic trance”. ment circle was “a party venue for plaques of the journey were designed by hypocrisy.” China’s cinemas have Mohammad Ghani Hikmat, one of Iraq’s ‘We must stand by Iraq’ almost returned to normal after the most celebrated sculptors who passed Hikmat sourced the stone from the country successfully contained away in 2011. Work on the replica crafted northern plains of Nineveh province, the domestic Covid-19 infections, a in the Lebanese capital Beirut was per- heartland of Iraq’s minorities and where stark contrast with theatres across sonally overseen by his son Yasser, who some Christian villages still speak a mod- the US that remain mostly shut- kept its existence a secret until it was pre- ern dialect of the language used by Jesus tered as the virus continues to rav- sented to Francis. “It’s very symbolic of two millennia ago. Little did he know that A sculpted plaque by late Iraqi artist Iraqi artist Yasser Hikmat, son of sculptor age the country. — AFP Iraq, because my father was an Arab nearly three decades later, the head of the Mohammed Ghani Hikmat is displayed along- Mohammed Ghani Hikmat credited for some of Muslim sculptor who recounted through world’s Catholics would travel to those side 13 others as part of his work “The Way of Baghdad’s most famous landmarks, displays a his works the passion of Christ,” Hikmat very villages to encourage their dwindling Suffering”, at the Chaldean Catholic Church of finished piece at a workshop in Lebanon’s told AFP. “It represents all of Iraq in that residents. But the sculptor did carve little the Ascension. capital Beirut.-AFP photos there’s no difference between any of the symbols of Iraq into the corners of each sects,” he said. Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Sunday, March 7, 2021

he 71st Berlin film festival awarded Maren Eggert for her performance in the Prolific South Korean film-maker Hong its Golden Bear top prize Friday to sci-fi comedy “I’m Your Man”. In the film Sang-soo, who won the Berlinale’s best T“Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn” by “Unorthodox” director Maria Schrader, director prize last year, was awarded best by Romania’s Radu Jude, a satire skewer- Eggert plays an antiquities researcher who screenplay for couples drama ing pandemic-era social hypocrisy with signs up to test a humanoid robot, played “Introduction”, set partly in Berlin. Mexican the story of a teacher whose sex tape by British actor Dan Stevens from director Alonso Ruizpalacios’s Netflix fea- winds up on the internet. This year’s “Downton Abbey” using his fluent ture “A Cop Movie”, which mixes docu- Berlinale was held entirely online for critics German, as a romantic partner. The run- mentary and narrative techniques to look and industry buyers but judged by a jury ner-up best film gong went to Japanese at the struggles of police work in the coun- made up of previous winners, who director Ryusuke Hamaguchi whose try’s capital, won a Silver Bear for artistic watched the 15 contenders in a specially “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” is made contribution. Last year’s winner, dissident

This file photo shows Romanian director and This file photo shows Japanese director This file photo shows German actress Maren screenwriter Radu Jude speaking after accept- Ryusuke Hamaguchi posing during a photocall Eggert posing on the red carpet before the ing the Silver Bear for Best Director for his film for the film “Asako I & II (Netemo Sametemo)” awards ceremony of the 69th Berlinale film “Aferim” during the closing ceremony of the at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival festival on February in Berlin. taken from a home movie the teacher, take was to do it as soon as possible and 65th International Film Festival Berlinale in in Cannes, southern France. Emi, shot with her husband that makes its adapt to what is around”, including cast- Berlin. — AFP photos way from PornHub to the mobile phones ing anti-vaxxers in minor roles and choos- of her colleagues, students and their par- ing novelty coronavirus masks like “cos- Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, took ents. tumes”. “I wanted it to feel contemporary reserved cinema. up of three stories of women looking for part in the current jury, watching the films With disputes over social distancing and if there’s this pandemic going now Israeli director Nadav Lapid connection in modern-day Tokyo. from Tehran under house arrest. The festi- and mask wearing already jacking up ten- why not include it in the film,” he said. announced the award for Jude, one of val’s organizers hope to hold a gala sions and exposing social divisions, Emi Asked about its explicit scenes, producer Eastern Europe’s most acclaimed film- Summer gala ceremony? awards ceremony in June if pandemic fights to save her job and her reputation. Ada Solomon told reporters that Jude was makers, saying his movie succeeded in Maria Speth’s German documentary conditions permit. The showdown reaches a farcical climax working on creating a “censored version” “provoking the spirit of our time... by slap- “Mr Bachmann and His Class”, about an The Hollywood Reporter called “worthy of that “stays consistent with the vision of the ping it, by challenging it to a duel”. Jude empathetic teacher on the cusp of retire- ‘Vintage John Waters’ vintage John Waters”. “Many of the things film”. Beyond the competition, the later told reporters that as pleased as he ment who takes pupils from a range of “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn”, that Emi’s accused of are things that I was Berlinale also saw the premiere of a two- was about the award, “I’m more happy immigrant backgrounds under his wing, part of Romanian cinema’s vaunted new accused of in online comments regarding hour documentary about Tina Turner, with that nobody got sick” while filming during claimed the third-place jury prize. wave, makes the case that corruption, my previous films,” Jude told AFP during the music legend telling in her own words the coronavirus outbreak. “We proved Hungary’s Denes Nagy clinched best pettiness and discrimination are more the festival. He revamped the premise to her story of triumph over poverty and that we could do it respecting the people director for “Natural Light”, a harrowing obscene than graphic sex. Opening with incorporate coronavirus, which he said abuse. — AFP and putting their health above art.” drama about an atrocity committed by an extremely real-looking hardcore porn had created more “aggressiveness” in The festival awarded its first “gender Hungarian soldiers in the Soviet Union video, it was perhaps the most daring of Romanian society. neutral” best acting prize, to Germany’s during World War II. this year’s films in competition. The clip is Rather than push back production, “my

governor Gavin Newsom faces mounting pressure and a bid to recall him from California relaxes office over his handling of the pandemic. Theme parks will only be allowed to COVID reopening reopen if their county drops below the state’s most-restrictive coronavirus “tier,” and then initially at 15 percent capacity rules for Disneyland, and for California residents only. Orange County-where Disneyland is located-cur- rently remains in the strictest purple tier, as stadiums from April does neighboring Los Angeles county, where several other major tourist attrac- tions are based. alifornia on Friday paved the way for But criteria for the tiers-including Disneyland, other theme parks and infection and positivity rates-have them- outdoor stadiums to welcome C selves been relaxed in recent days as the guests back sooner than expected as it Golden State’s brutal winter COVID spike In this file photo three men pose during the Mullet haircut festival in Boussu.-AFP photos In this file photo a man poses during the Mullet relaxed reopening criteria following a rapidly recedes, and as vaccinations haircut festival in Boussu. sharp decline in Covid-19 cases and pres- ramp up. Outdoor sports and live perform- sure from operators. The move ances with fans will be allowed across the announced by the state health department state from April 1, though capacity will will permit ballparks, stadiums and mega- The unstoppable again be determined by conditions in the attractions including Disneyland, Magic state. Capacity will be limited to 100 Mountain and Universal Studios to admit California residents in the worst-hit areas. visitors from April 1, according to condi- Theme parks in particular had bristled at revenge of tions in their county, and at reduced restrictions they considered too strict, capacities. With these improvements, which would have seen them placed “California can begin gradually and safely among the last to reopen. While other the mullet bringing back more activities, especially Disney resorts around the world and in those that occur outdoors and where con- Florida reopened last summer, the sistent masking is possible,” state health California site-the world’s second-most vis- usiness in front, party in the secretary Mark Ghaly said in a statement. ited theme park-never did.—AFP back”: a hairstyle considered Only outdoor activities are affected by “Bso obnoxious that for years it the changes, which come as California’s verged on being an arrestable offence, the mullet has made the unlikeliest come- A man poses during the Mullet haircut festival A man poses during the Mullet haircut festival back of the century. From pop stars like in Boussu. “ in Boussu. Rihanna and Miley Cyrus to a surprisingly high proportion of the England rugby told AFP. He takes a philosophical view team, the short-front-long-back style has of his flowing locks: “It’s about having reinvaded the world’s TV screens and enough confidence in yourself to not take high streets. “My idols have always been yourself too seriously, and to totally own David Bowie and Princess Diana, so the your look.” initial idea was to look like their lovechild,” said Sharon Daniels, 26, an Australian liv- Skullet, anyone? ing in Brighton, England. Istin also points out that the mullet “Shaz” was well ahead of the game, dates back much further than the shoul- and when she first arrived in Brighton two der pads and rolled-up jacket sleeves of years ago, only one other person around the 1980s. “If you look at ancient fres- town was sporting her do. She knew coes, Roman mosaics, you’ll see people because people kept sending her pic- with them because they’re much simpler tures of him. Now, the mullet is every- than other styles,” he said. Indeed, the where. “I don’t necessarily appreciate History Channel says mullets made their that, since now it looks like I’m trying to fit first appearance in literature in Homer’s in,” Daniels laughed. “I don’t mind. I know The Iliad, in which a group of spearmen In this file photo a man has his hair cut during how long I’ve been rocking it.” are described as having “their forelocks the Mullet haircut festival in Boussu. cropped, hair grown long at the backs”. Members of the public pause to take photographs of an artwork bearing the hallmarks of street Totally own it It also credits Benjamin Franklin’s angry dog on a chain. “It really became artist Banksy on the side of Reading Prison in Reading, west of London. — AFP Fashion cycles are as inevitable as the “skullet” (bald on top, long at the back) offensive in the nineties,” said Deirdre turning of the planets, but this is one style with helping to charm the French into sup- Novella, of Badlands salon in Brooklyn. “It parodies the cult instructional videos of that many thought buried for good. “It’s porting the nascent United States of was for people stuck out in the woods late US artist Bob Ross. It opens with a back from the dead,” said Tony Copeland America when he was ambassador in the with no idea what was happening.” Its clip of Ross saying: “Hello, I’m Bob Ross. of the British Master Barbers Alliance, the- 18th century. His daring, wigless hairstyle survival in these outposts may have been I’d like to welcome you to The Joy Of orizing that a few months of lockdown was part of a successful PR effort depict- as much about practicalities as aesthet- Painting. growth helped propel the resurrection. ing him as a man of “simplicity and inno- ics, saving necks from getting red and “Got all your materials out, ready to do “We’re going to see more and more this cence”. Amazingly, however, the mullet requiring minimal maintenance. “It’s true a fantastic painting with me? Good.” The year. Guys are just fed up with all the skin went for millennia without its own name. It that I don’t get sunburnt, and I don’t need action then switches to Banksy as he exe- fades.” That could mean fierce competi- was not christened until 1994, and by an to tie my hair up when I’m using a circular cutes his work, while a soundtrack of tion at the next Festival de la Coupe unlikely source. “You’re coming off like saw,” said Daniels. friendly advice from Ross plays over the Mulet, Europe’s biggest mullet festival, you’re Van Damme, You’ve got Kenny G These are not the driving concerns for most mullet-requesters at Novella’s treet artist Banksy on Thursday top. Reading Prison closed to prisoners in last held in Belgium in 2019. Current title- in your Trans Am,” the Beastie Boys Brooklyn salon, who tend to be LGBT or claimed responsibility for a painting 2013 and is best known for housing Wilde holder Gauthier Istin, a farmer from rapped on their 1994 single “Mullethead”- “hardcore art” scenesters. “You have to on the wall of a former British prison during his two-year sentence of hard labor Brittany in northern France, isn’t worried the first recorded use of the word accord- S have some really radical style: the sort of that once held playwright Oscar Wilde. for “gross indecency”. His final work “The about defending his crown. For him, the ing to the Oxford English Dictionary. people who wear clothes that don’t look The artwork shows a prisoner escaping on Ballad of Reading Gaol” made the case mullet is a passport to good times, and he good, but they’re so fashionable they can a rope made of bedsheets tied to a type- for prison reform. The Ministry of Justice, intends to travel by foot to the next festival Offensive pull it off,” she said. —AFP writer. The elusive artist confirmed he was the listed building’s owner, is set to decide in central France in June, like a sort of By that point, the mullet was well on its responsible in a video posted on his this month whether to turn into an arts ven- slower, hairier Forrest Gump. “I hope peo- way to disrepute, moving out of magazine Instagram account. The footage shows ue. — AFP ple will walk with me along the way, ideal- pages and into the truck stops of deep the artist carrying out the painting, and ly with a mullet but no problem if not,” he south America, often to be seen near an 14 Sports Sunday, March 7, 2021 Federer ready Photo of the Day for return after ‘long, hard road’

PARIS: Roger Federer said Friday it had “been a long hard road” but he was “pumped up” to return to ten- nis next week, having been sidelined for over a year to recover from two knee surgeries. The 39-year-old hasn’t played a match since a semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2020. However, the 20-time Grand Slam title winner will be back in action at the Qatar Open in Doha next week. “I’d like to thank all the people involved who made this possible,” the Swiss star said in a video message as he prepared to fly to the Gulf. “It’s been a long and hard road, I’m not at the finish line yet but I feel I am in a good place. I’ve been practicing very well and feel just really pumped up. I am in a good place and progressing really well.” Federer, who will slip out of the top five next week, will have an extra motivation on his return. tomorrow will see Djokovic surpass Federer’s record of 310 weeks in the world number one ranking. After Doha, Federer could play again in neighboring Dubai but he will not travel to the United States for the Miami Masters. Federer has also said he intends to play the European clay court swing this year ahead of Roland Garros which he won in 2009. — AFP

Janja Garnbret climbs in Osp, Slovenia. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com

Pochettino wants ‘fair’ quarantine solution as Guardiola vows to ground international stars Quarantine complicates situation ahead of World Cup qualifiers

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio ‘Makes no sense’ Pochettino on Friday called for a “fair and just” solu- Guardiola said he never wanted to stop players Roger Federer tion for players facing quarantine upon their return from representing their country, but would make an from international duty, an issue which prompted exception as his side closed in on the Premier League Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to threaten to title. “I think it makes no sense if the players go to the ground his jet-setting stars. French champions PSG national team and then have to isolate for 10 days Jazz’s Conley finally risk losing Neymar, Marquinhos and Angel Di Maria when they come back,” he said. “We’ve worked for a game against Ligue 1 leaders Lille if they are incredibly tough for seven, eight or nine months and an NBA all-star required to self-isolate after featuring in World Cup after the international break comes the real part of the qualifiers in South America later this month. season, and (if) important players, maybe six, seven, Guardiola said he would join Liverpool counterpart eight, nine players cannot play for 10 days, it makes no LOS ANGELES: Mike Conley became one of the old- Jurgen Klopp, and several other Premier League man- sense. They are not going to fly. That’s for sure. If they est first-time all stars in NBA history on Friday, the 33- agers, in preventing his players travelling worldwide if can fly, play with the national team and come straight year-old Utah Jazz player replacing Devin Booker in they would be required to self-isolate on returning. back to training, they’ll fly.” Some nations have moved tonight’s annual showcase event. For the past several “It’s a complicated matter, which involves the federa- fixtures to try to avoid travel restrictions. Portugal years, the Jazz guard has been considered one of the tions, the government and FIFA at the same time, in the have announced they will play their “home” World Cup NBA’s best players to have never been chosen to play search for a fair and just agreement for everyone,” said qualifier against Azerbaijan in Turin, while Norway will in an all-star game. He was added to Team LeBron as Pochettino. “We have to find the best solution so the face Turkey in Malaga. Without an exemption from the an replacement for Phoenix Suns Booker, who has an competitions remain as fair as possible, and so the French government, PSG’s South American contingent injured left knee. players receive equal treatment regardless of the would be unavailable for the visit of Lille, who lead the Conley joins teammates Donovan Mitchell and country where they play,” the Argentine continued. league from Pochettino’s team by two points. “We Rudy Gobert as the Jazz’s third player in the game. “During this pandemic period, it’s a decisive element need a decision so that neither the federations nor the Conley will also take Booker’s spot in tonight’s three- that is going to have an impact on results. It’s also an BORDEAUX: Mauricio Pochettino gestures during the clubs suffer any loss from a problem that cannot be point shooting contest. The Brooklyn Nets also have important international window, with key qualifying French L1 football match between Bordeaux (FCGB) resolved,” said Pochettino. three all-stars — James Harden, Kyrie Irving and matches for the 2022 World Cup.” and Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Matmut “I’m saying that between the government, at global Kevin Durant. But Durant is injured and won’t play. Neymar, who is working his way back from injury, Atlantique Stadium on March 3, 2021. — AFP level, and FIFA, who can intervene, we need to take a Like Conley, Booker was a replacement. He was to fill and Marquinhos are expected to join up with Brazil for measure that is fair for all clubs,” he added. “We’re in a in for Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis. their game away to Colombia on March 26. They are situation where we need the protection and help from Conley is in his second year with the Jazz after 12 sea- due to host Argentina four days later. French govern- Under current coronavirus guidelines in Britain, an organization like FIFA who can get people together sons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He is averaging 16.1 ment regulations stipulate that anyone entering the players arriving from “red-list” countries, including and have the means to guarantee a fair set-up.” points, 5.7 assists, while shooting over 42 percent from country from outside Europe must self-isolate for sev- Brazil and Argentina, are subject to 10 days’ hotel con- Infantino said it was right to go ahead with interna- three-point range. en days on arrival and present a negative COVID-19 finement. FIFA has given clubs dispensation to prevent tional matches if protocols were respected. “Many of test at the end of that period. players who may be affected by the regulations from the players from around the world play in clubs in Gobert, Mitchell fined Even if Brazil’s players are given the all clear to play joining up with their countries during the upcoming Europe, but their countries are suffering as well from Meanwhile, Gobert and Mitchell, who have helped in the qualifiers, Colombia’s Health Minister Fernando international window. the pandemic,” Infantino said at Friday’s IFAB annual their club to the NBA’s best record, were each fined Ruiz threw a spanner in the works on Friday, pointing That angered South America’s football governing general meeting. “So if it is possible... then these play- Friday by the league for criticism of officiating. out that air travel between Colombia and Brazil is still body CONMEBOL, which said following a virtual ers, taking all the necessary precautions and protocols, Frenchman Gobert was fined $20,000 for his com- ments after Utah’s 131-123 overtime loss at suspended due to the latest wave of coronavirus infec- meeting on Friday that “FIFA has committed to keep should be allowed to travel safely, as safely as possible, Philadelphia on Wednesday in a matchup of confer- tions. “Right now, I think it’s difficult to authorize any looking for a solution.” CONMEBOL is due to hold respecting all the protocols, because it is important ence leaders. Mitchell was fined $25,000 for his flight leaving from Brazil and I don’t have any justifica- another meeting on Saturday with FIFA president that the same as for club football, national team foot- comments as well as conduct leaving the court after tion to authorize such a flight,” Ruiz told Blu Radio. Gianni Infantino. ball remains alive.” — AFP being ejected for two technical fouls with 30.8 sec- onds remaining, knocking over a water cooler as he opener Evin Lewis for six. His impressive figures of 1-13 Nissanka put on a blistering 94 off the first 10 overs. But departed. Spinners lead were in stark contrast to his 3-62 on Wednesday. then 37-year-old Bravo was called into action and he The fine came hours after Mitchell and Gobert were Hasaranga, just 23, added Fabian Allan to his list of vic- responded by running out Nissanka for 37. Gunathilaka the last players taken by LeBron James and Kevin Sri Lanka to win tims with the West Indies then struggling on 89-7 in the followed just four balls later in the 11th over, caught by Durant in filling out their rosters for tonight’s NBA All- 16th over. With more than 22 an over required, Sandakan Kevin Sinclair off Bravo at mid-off. Star Game in Atlanta. Mitchell will be a reserve on then got the big prize of Pollard, caught in the deep for The Sri Lankan opener went for a top score of 56 Durant’s squad with Gobert on the James bench by over Windies just 13 having surprisingly opted to bat at number seven. which featured four boundaries and two sixes. Bravo default as the last man available. “No slander to the Sandakan then halted Obed McCoy’s late cameo of 23 also claimed the third wicket to fall when Simmons Utah Jazz,” James said of the NBA’s winningest club at from seven deliveries with the tail-ender proving to be caught the experienced Dinesh Chandimal for just three. 27-9. Utah coach Quin Snyder will be coaching the ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Sri Lanka’s his team’s top scorer. The runs then dried up for Sri Lanka. Having hit eight spinners bamboozled world champions West Indies to James team. Earlier, veteran all-rounder Bravo slammed the brakes fours and three sixes in the first 10 overs, they managed Mitchell was fined Friday after appearing to accuse claim a 43-run win in the second Twenty20 International on Sri Lanka with two wickets and a run-out. Sri Lanka just three more fours and one six in the second half of at Coolidge Cricket Ground on Friday. Having lost by officials of treating Utah unfairly, slamming the “ridicu- got off to a flying start after winning the toss and decid- the innings. That included an eight-over stretch where lous” officiating in games involving the Jazz. “It’s tough four wickets in the opening game on Wednesday, in a ing to bat. Openers Danusha Gunathilaka and Pathum the ball never crossed the boundary ropes. — AFP game where West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard to go out there and see how we fight and compete and launched six sixes in an over, the tourists successfully to have a game like that taken away from us,” he said. defended 160 on Friday to level the three-match series. “I’m sick of it, man. We all are. It’s really getting out of West Indies were all out for 117 in the 19th over as Sri hand... and the league needs to do something about it.” Lanka ended an eight-game losing streak in T20. The The 76ers went 27-of-35 at the free throw line final match is at the same venue today. while the Jazz were for 14-for-19, showing a disparity Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga finished with 3-17, that upset Gobert. “Our guys are not able to get calls off-break bowler Akila Dananjaya, who was the victim of everybody else in the ... league gets,” Gobert said. “We Pollard’s midweek assault but also claimed a hat-rick, know we are the Utah Jazz and maybe some people had 1-13. Wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan took 3-10, don’t want to see us go as far as we can go, but it’s including Pollard who made just 13. “The wicket was a disappointing. Three times in a row, Mike Conley is bit slow. I tried not to give away any boundaries. That’s going to the rim and they are grabbing him right in why I was able to bowl well,” man-of-the-match front of the officials and there are no calls. And on the Hasaranga told the post-match presentation. West Indies other end there are calls that are invisible that are were 45-1 before five wickets fell for just 21 runs. being made.” Chris Gayle, who was out for a first ball duck on Gobert called it “disrespectful” to the sport and the Wednesday in his first appearance in two years, made a Jazz and said he hoped officials felt “ashamed” when patchy 16 when he fell to a catch by Ashen Bandara off they watched the game on video. The Frenchman said Hasaranga. Opener Lendl Simmons (21) was next out, ST JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: Kevin Sinclair (left) of West Indies congratulate Angelo Mathews (2nd L) Utah being a small market club was a reason the team lbw failing to pick a Hasaranga googly. Nicholas Pooran, as Dinesh Chandimal (second right) and Lakshan Sandakan (right) of Sri Lanka celebrate winning the 2nd was treated, in his eyes, unfairly. “I don’t want to say it, Jason Holder and Dwayne Bravo all followed quickly for T20i match between Sri Lanka and West Indies at Coolidge Cricket Ground on Friday in Osbourn, Antigua and but I really believe it,” Gobert said. “It’s very disap- single figure scores. Dananjaya had earlier dismissed Barbuda. — AFP pointing to be disrespected like that.”—AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Sunday, March 7, 2021 Man City face Man Utd test on march towards history Victory could put City on brink of Premier League title win

LONDON: Manchester City have history in their tories in all competitions by a top-flight side — set by Munich,” he said. “We are in a really good position. I sights as the runaway leaders bid to take a huge step Welsh team The New Saints in 2016. did not expect to be in this position two or three towards the Premier League title in tonight’s show- City’s incredible run is all the more remarkable giv- months ago but we need to be calm.” down with fading challengers Manchester United. City en their troubled start to the season. When they were United have stumbled recently, drawing four of are 14 points clear of United with 11 games left and held to a 0-0 draw at United in December, they were a their past five league games, and their title ambitions victory in the derby would effectively end their second point behind their rivals in ninth place and the death faded into the south London fog during Wednesday’s placed rivals’ faint hopes of catching them. knell was ringing for their title hopes. But, aided by goalless stalemate at Crystal Palace. Even so, United Pep Guardiola’s side have been so dominant since some clever tactical tweaks from Guardiola, including are unbeaten in their past 21 away league games and the end of last year that it is the landmarks they can the use of full-backs Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker as Guardiola is well aware of the threat they could pose. shatter on the way to a third title in four seasons that auxiliary attackers, they have been perfect since then. United are the only side in any of the top five now hold the greatest interest. They are unbeaten in 28 City have not trailed in a league fixture for 19 European leagues yet to lose an away league match games and will set a new club record if they avoid games despite being without the injured Sergio this season, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won on defeat tonight. That could be the first of many mile- Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne for long periods. While both of his visits to the Etihad since taking charge in stones to fall for City, who are on an English top-flight United’s inconsistencies and the collapse of champions 2019. “I know how difficult United are,” said Guardiola. record run of 21 successive wins in all competitions. Liverpool have contributed to City’s surge to the top, “More than one year not losing away and they have The only teams from the top five European leagues the leaders’ supremacy has not been restricted to the good results at the Etihad.” ever to record longer winning streaks in all competi- league. Realistically United, who are five points clear of tions are Bayern Munich (23) and Real Madrid (22). fifth-placed Everton, have to focus on qualifying for City can edge closer to Bayern’s tally if they clinch a ‘Something special’ the Champions League, either via a top-four finish or 16th successive Premier League victory this weekend, An unprecedented quadruple is within City’s reach, winning the Europa League. “Our focus is just on this which would also take them to the brink of their own but Guardiola is determined to keep his players from one game and not where we’re going to end up,” MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep record of 18 consecutive Premier League wins, a mark getting complacent. “To do what we have done in Solskjaer said. “They’re ahead of us by a fair distance Guardiola reacts during the English Premier League foot- shared with Liverpool. Guardiola’s team are six wins these four years, still winning, these guys have some- at the moment, so Sunday is a chance to test ourselves ball match between Manchester City and Wolverhamptom short of equaling the world record for consecutive vic- thing special like my time at Barcelona and Bayern against a very good team.” — AFP Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 2, 2021. — AFP

Matches on TV Ibra poised for Liverpool’s ‘power’ (Local Timings) Sweden comeback? will ensure Euro ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE STOCKHOLM: Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to inter- national football at the age of 39, Swedish media berth: Klopp West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle Utd 15:00 reported yesterday. Sweden, coached by Janne beIN Sports Andersson, have qualified for the Euros and kick off their campaign against Spain in Bilbao on June 14. LONDON: Jurgen Klopp insists the solid founda- The return has been under discussion for several tions he has laid at Liverpool will ensure his trou- Liverpool v Fulham 17:00 months, according to reports, but has not been con- bled club are never faced with a long absence from bein sports firmed by the Swedish football federation (SvFF). “It is the Champions League. Klopp is fighting to salvage certain that the Milan star is making a comeback in a dismal season by lifting Liverpool into the Premier Manchester City v Manchester United 19:30 Janne Andersson’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers,” League’s top four to guarantee qualification for next beIN Sports said the site Footbolldirekt, in a report that was picked season’s Champions League. up by the Swedish national press. They are currently four points behind fourth Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace 22:15 The striker, who has 116 caps and 62 goals, has not placed Chelsea after five successive home defeats. bein sports worn the Swedish jersey since Euro 2016, where he If Liverpool cannot finish in the top four, the soon- was captain but failed to score as Sweden finished bot- to-be dethroned English champions will have to SPANISH LEAGUE tom of their group. Last autumn, he said he “missed” qualify for Europe’s elite club competition by win- wearing the yellow jersey. The SvFF said that the player ning the Champions League this term. They hold a Huesca v Celta de Vigo 16:00 then had a “good and fruitful” meeting with Andersson. 2-0 first leg lead against Leipzig in the last 16. But beIN Sports “The dialogue with Zlatan continues,” SvFF regardless of Liverpool’s fate this season, Klopp is spokesman, Jakob Kakembo Andersson, told AFP on convinced the six-time Champions League winners Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid CF 18:15 Saturday, adding that the players selected for the next won’t go back to the wilderness years when they matches, a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Georgia spent six campaigns from 2010-11 either in the beIN Sports HD 1 and Kosovo and a friendly against Estonia, will be Europa League or out of Europe completely. announced on March 16. Ibrahimovic has scored 14 “This club will not be a regular out of the Real Sociedad v Levante 20:30 goals in 14 Serie A matches for AC Milan this season. Champions League - this year is difficult we know beIN Sports Ibrahimovic expressed an interest in playing in the that, but the potential and the power of the club is a 2018 World Cup, but Andersson opted not to recall the completely different one,” Klopp said. “I do not Athletic de Bilbao v Granada CF 23:00 star. Sweden reached the quarter-finals. The team then know the team 10 years ago but we are ready for a beIN Sports qualified without him for the Euro-2020, postponed to battle in this era, and with the team we have togeth- June and July 2021 because of COVID-19. They will er. Seasons have momentum and we never really got ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE face Spain, Poland and Slovakia in their group in the it this year, that is true, but this club is in a really Zlatan Ibrahimovic first round. — AFP good position. In a difficult time obviously, but in a AS Roma v Genoa CFC 14:30 better position than other clubs I would say. I obvi- beIN Sports HD 3 ously did not think about what happened in the past December. But this time the Gabon forward made his but what I can say nobody has to worry about the Hellas Verona FC v AC Milan 17:00 Arsenal frustrated presence at the right end to open the scoring in the sixth minute. Picked out by Willian’s pass after a strong break future of the club because it is in good hands and beIN Sports HD 3 has a really good team together, and so that is obvi- from the Brazilian, Aubameyang cut in from the left flank by Xhaka blunder and used a nimble step-over to ease past Matt Lowton ously the basis for a good future.” ACF Fiorentina v Parma Calcio 1913 17:00 The loss of Champions League football would into the Burnley area. beIN Sports HD 2 mean Liverpool take a significant financial hit on top BURNLEY: Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka compro- With six Burnley players too slow to respond to the of the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. danger, Aubameyang had space to drill a low drive from Crotone v Torino FC 17:00 mised his side’s faint hopes of a top four finish in the It could also affect the composition of the squad in Premier League as the Swiss midfielder’s embarrassing 12 yards that beat Nick Pope’s weak attempted save at beIN Sports the summer transfer window. But Klopp struck a mistake gifted Burnley a 1-1 draw yesterday. Pierre- his near post. It was Aubameyang’s 14th goal of the sea- hard line when asked if players for whom the Emerick Aubameyang put Arsenal ahead early on at Turf son in all competitions and his eighth against Burnley in Champions League was a priority might consider UC Sampdoria v Cagliari Calcio 20:00 Moor, but Xhaka’s farcical howler allowed Chris Wood his Arsenal career. Arsenal were well on top but Xhaka leaving. beIN Sports HD 3 to equalize before half-time. Xhaka foolishly tried to handed Burnley their comical equalizer in the 39th “I know we have loyalty from the players. It is pass the ball out of his own six-yard box instead of minute. Pablo Mari passed back to Bernd Leno and the not a situation where a player in the squad says, SSC Napoli v Bologna FC 22:45 clearing it and his miscued effort bounced off Wood into Arsenal keeper opted to find Xhaka inside his own area ‘We are not in the Champions League so I have to beIN Sports HD 3 the Arsenal net. Mikel Arteta’s team couldn’t make rather than boot it clear. Xhaka had to get rid of the ball leave’. That will not happen. I know them well amends for Xhaka’s blunder and 10th placed Arsenal are quickly as Matej Vydra pressed, but the midfielder’s enough to know that,” he said. “The club is in a dif- GERMAN BUNDESLIGA now nine points behind fourth placed Chelsea. woeful pass hit Wood on the hip and cannoned into the ferent situation and it will not be an issue with new Arteta had warned Arsenal’s players this week that net. It was the latest Burnley nightmare for Xhaka, who players I can say that. We said it years back if a FC Koln v SV Werder Bremen 17:30 their league position was unacceptable for a club with was sent off for grabbing Clarets midfielder Ashley Westwood by the throat in the December. player does not want to come to us because we beIN Sports such a rich history. But, with their hopes of qualifying for don’t play Champions League next season then I the Champions League via a top four finish in tatters, Since the start of 2016-17, Xhaka has made more errors leading to Premier League goals (8) than any oth- don’t want him. And if a player wants to leave DSC Arminia Bielefeld v FC Union Berlin 20:00 Arsenal will have to prioritise their trip to Greece to play because we don’t play Champions League then I er outfield player. He returned for the second half with a beIN Sports Olympiakos in the Europa League last 16 first leg on don’t want him. It is not a personal thing, but it is Thursday. Aubameyang’s own goal had given Burnley torn shirt, sparking mischievous social media sugges- always like this.” — AFP their first win at Arsenal since 1974 when they last met in tions of a dressing room row with team-mates.—AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2021 India crush England in fourth Test

Kohli hails India comeback as rout seals England series

AHMEDABAD: Spinners Ravichandran described as India’s “most bankable Ashwin and Axar Patel took all 10 wick- player over the years.” This win was set ets yesterday as India crushed England up by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh inside three days to win the fourth Test Pant, who made 101 on day two, and and seal the series 3-1. After the latest Washington Sundar, who hit an unbeaten emphatic innings and 25-run victory, 96 as India made a commanding 365. India captain Virat Kohli hailed the way Pant scored his third Test ton in a 113- his side came back from a game down to run stand with Sundar to lift India from a dominate the series and book their place precarious 146-6 in response to in the World Test Championship final England’s first innings of 205. against New Zealand. India completed three victories in ‘Magnificent’ Pant only nine of the 15 days available. “The India coach Ravi Shastri singled out comeback in Chennai (the 2nd Test) Pant’s performance with the bat and pleased me the most. The first game was behind the wickets as “magnificent.” “He an aberration and England outplayed was told in no uncertain terms that he us,” Kohli said. “We bowled and fielded has got to respect the game a little with more intensity and so the comeback more. He’s got to lose a bit of weight was very heartening. Our bench strength and work hard on his keeping,” said is extremely strong and that’s a good Shastri. “Yesterday’s innings was the sign for Indian cricket.” best counter-attacking innings I have England captain Joe Root admitted seen in India. He built a partnership his side, who suffered a two-day humili- with Rohit playing against his nature - ation in the third Test, had been “out- to do that is not easy.” played” again. “There are a few key Sundar kept up the attack as the final areas of the games where India managed three wickets fell yesterday morning but to grab them and we didn’t,” he said. ran out of partners and remained four Ashwin bowled Dan Lawrence for 50 shy of his century. England lost early and and ended England’s second innings on regular wickets to go down tamely in 135 to seal the match, in the world’s 54.5 overs. Ashwin struck twice on suc- biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. cessive balls to send back Zak Crawley Ashwin, who was named player of the for five and Jonny Bairstow for nought. It AHMEDABAD: Indian players and team officials pose with the trophy after winning the test series against England at the end of their series, led the bowling chart with 32 was Bairstow’s third duck in four innings. fourth Test cricket match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera yesterday. — AFP wickets followed by Patel, who played Patel got opener Dom Sibley for three one game fewer, on 27. England spinner and then Ben Stokes for two after the The visitors have scored more than 200 topped the batting chart with 368 runs, this series and we keep looking to evolve Jack Leach was third with 18 scalps. left-hand batsman miscued a sweep and just once in their last six innings. including 218 in the opening Test that and move forward,” said Root. The two Kohli praised Rohit Sharma for his 161 was caught at leg gully by Kohli. Ashwin England fast bowler James Anderson England won convincingly. teams now head into five Twenty20 which proved decisive in the second Test took the prized scalp of skipper Joe Root made an impression with his three wick- “It is very important that we become internationals starting March 12 at the in Chennai and Ashwin, who he for 30 to virtually end England’s hopes. ets and 14 maidens in 25 overs. Root a better side from this experience and same Ahmedabad venue. — AFP