Over 85% Success Rate in High School Exams the PENINSULA — DOHA Year Is That Many Students Obtained an Minister of Education and Average of 90 Percent Or More Marks

www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 26 June 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8300 5 Dhul-Qa'da - 1441 2 Riyals

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Over 85% success rate in high school exams THE PENINSULA — DOHA year is that many students obtained an Minister of Education and average of 90 percent or more marks. Minister of Education and Higher H E the Minister said more than 2,561 Education, H E Dr. Mohammed Abdul Higher Education, H E Dr. students obtained an average of over Wahed Al Hammadi, announced Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al 90 percent marks, of whom 726 were yesterday the results of the final high Hammadi praises excellent Qatari, while 4 students got the full school examinations for the academic degree in all subjects. H E the Minister year 2019/2020. performance by students also noted the efforts made and state H E the Minister congratulated the given the overall COVID-19 support to develop the educational students for their success and expressed situation. process. pride in the excellent results they H E the Minister also touched on achieved in the tests they took under Minister says the state the tests for the second round next severe health conditions due to the August and the ministerial decision spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support to the education issued regarding amending some pro- the psychological conditions due to the sector and curricula’s devel- visions of the annual calendar for pressures they were subjected to. opment and modification has schools for the academic year Success rate for daytime education 2019/2020, according to which exams reached more than 85 percent, an also contributed to improving for all grades from first to twelfth (day increase of 3 percent over the previous education standards. and adult education) for the academic academic year, while the rate for the year 2019-2020 will be held from Religious Institute was approximately Religious Institute students August 23 to August 31, 2020. 93.5 percent, up 15 percent from the achieve a success rate of For his part, the Assistant Under- previous academic year. secretary for Evaluation Affairs at the The technical high school has also approximately 93.5 percent, Ministry of Education and Higher Edu- witnessed an increase in the success up 15 percent from the pre- Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed Abdul cation, H E Khalid Al Harqan, said that rate of nearly 7 percent from last year, vious academic year. Wahed Al Hammadi, addressing a press conference to announce high the results of this year witnessed a as the success rate this year has reached school exam results. remarkable increase in success rates, more than 86 percent, while the success indicating that the number of appli- rate in the Banking Sciences High cants for the exams reached 11,457 School has reached more than 97 Speaking at a press conference yes- and their discipline and their studying In this context, His Excellency male and female students, among them percent, an increase of 5 percent over terday, H E the Minister said the overall and preparation for the tests in light of pointed to the stability of curricula and 6226 male and female Qatari students, the previous academic year. The success results achieved by students were sat- the coronavirus pandemic conditions, its development and modification, while the number of non-Qataris male rate for high school adult education isfactory, and better than last year, indi- stressing that the combined efforts of which affected positively the results and female reached 5231, representing reached more than 31.5 percent, with a cating that this is due to students’ com- all parties concerned enabled them to this year. day time students, adult education and slight decrease of 0.5 percent. mitment to the educational curriculum overcome this challenge safely. What distinguished the exams this the religious institute. `P2 Kuwaiti mediation met Qatar sends medical aid to Belarus Qatar, FIFA to stage pan-Arab QNA — DOHA friendly Republic of Belarus to said this medical assistance with rejection from cope with the outbreak of the reflects the great efforts made tournament Implementing directives by the coronavirus (COVID-19). by the State of Qatar to combat Amir, H H Sheikh Tamim bin The shipment, which Qatar the spread of the pandemic, blockade states: Envoy Hamad Al Thani, a shipment of Airways delivered, weighed which represents a common in 2021 urgent medical aid was sent seven tonnes and contained threat to the whole world. THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNA — WASHINGTON yesterday to the Republic of medical equipment and sup- The State of Qatar has pro- Belarus, provided by the State plies, QFFD said in a statement. vided, through QFFD, urgent Qatar Football Association Ambassador of the State of of Qatar through the Qatar In remarks on the occasion, medical assistance to more than (QFA) and FIFA have Qatar to the United States of Dialogue based Fund for Development (QFFD), Director-General of QFFD, 22 countries since the pan- announced plans to deliver a America, H E Sheikh Meshal bin in support of the efforts of the Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, demic outbreak. pan-Arab tournament that will Hamad Al Thani, has said that on respect for all be played in Qatar in late 2021, Kuwaiti mediation led by the parties is the only with the competition acting as Amir of the State of Kuwait, H a crucial preparatory event for H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al solution to heal the FIFA World Cup 2022, that Jaber Al Sabah, to heal the Gulf the Gulf rift. kicks off on November 21, rift has not stopped and 2022. continues to push for a solution, The competition proposal in addition to the valuable US H E Sheikh Meshal was presented to FIFA Council efforts that help to end this bin Hamad Al Thani members via videoconference crisis initiated by false allega- by H E Hassan Al Thawadi, tions after the hacking of Qatar Secretary General of the News Agency website, as the to Qatar and the visit of Deputy Supreme Committee for blockading countries continued Prime Minister and Minister Delivery & Legacy (SC) and to attack Qatar politically and of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Chairman of the FIFA World economically based on these Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22). The allegations. Al Thani to Kuwait in addition FIFA Council subsequently In an interview with the Al- to the US efforts, was unfor- approved the formation of the Monitor Podcast programme, tunately met with rejection competition. H E Sheikh Meshal Al Thani from the blockading coun- The 22-team invitational added that the last attempt tries, expressing his belief that tournament for men’s national made by Kuwait and the dip- time is the guarantor of these teams will be contested by lomatic action accompanying countries returning to their Arab nations from Africa and it represented in the visit of senses and acknowledge that Asia. It will be played outside Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign the only solution is through the International Match Cal- Affairs, H E Sheikh Dr. Ahmed dialogue based on respect for Officials pose with Qatari and Belarusian national ﬂags on the occasion of dispatch of medical endar. The tournament, which Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah all parties. `P2 assistance from Qatar to Belarus. will be held in Qatar from December 1-18, 2021, will be delivered by Q22 and will allow the organisers to use Qatar Airways increases flight frequency to Athens facilities and run operations that are also planned for the SACHIN KUMAR From three weekly flights previously, the Qatar's its position as the largest inter- to operate daily flights to many subsequent FIFA World Cup THE PENINSULA national airline in the world key global destinations 2022. The tournament will national carrier is now offering daily service to the with over 270 weekly flights to including Amsterdam, London take place during the same Qatar Airways continues to Greek capital. more than 45 destinations,” said Heathrow, Melbourne, Seoul, time-slot as the FIFA World expand its network as travel the airline in a tweet. Sydney, Tokyo and Zurich Cup 2022, with the final taking restrictions around the world Qatar Airways is also resuming daily flights to The airline is smoothly offering a resilient network that place exactly one year before ease gradually. Beirut from July 1. moving ahead on its earlier is designed for strong the Qatar 2022 final is The multiple award- announced decision to grad- connectivity. scheduled to kick-off. winning airline has increased QA maintains its position as the largest ually expand its network. Last Qatar Airways has led the All tournament matches its flight frequency to Athens. month, the multiple award- industry during these chal- will be played at Qatar 2022 From earlier three weekly international airline in the world with over 270 winning airline had announced lenging times accumulating stadiums. In addition to uti- flights, the airline is now weekly flights to more than 45 destinations. that it would expand its network unrivalled experience in car- lising Qatar 2022 stadiums and offering daily service to the in phased manner. rying passengers safely and training sites, the tournament capital, which is also the largest announced that it would network that has enabled it to With easing of entry restric- reliably, especially in com- will provide a vital opportunity city in Greece. resume its services to Beirut maintain its position as the tions around the world, the parison to airlines that have for fans, players and officials “We’ve increased our oper- from next month. largest international carrier in carrier is also seeing a rise in fully grounded their operations. to use host country facilities, ations to Athens, offering a daily “The popular tourist desti- the world. With over 1.3 billion bookings due to the strong Qatar Airways has further including transport and service from today. A beautiful nation and major arts and cul- revenue passenger kilometres levels of trust built with pas- enhanced its onboard safety accommodation. President of city steeped in history, and a tural centre, Beirut, is re-joining (RPK) during the month of April, sengers as it took home over 1.8 measures for passengers and the QFA, H E Sheikh Hamad gateway to some of the finest our network with daily flights the share of the airline million people safely and cabin crew. The airline has bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Greek islands,” said Qatar starting 1 July,” said the airline accounted for 17.8 percent of reliably during this crisis implemented several changes, Thani, said: “This is an exciting Airways on its official twitter on its twitter account. the global market which is over including many left stranded by including the introduction of moment for Qatar and football account. The national carrier of Over the past few weeks triple its nearest competitor. other airlines. Personal Protective Equipment fans across the region and the State of Qatar has also Qatar Airways has expanded its “Qatar Airways maintains The airline also continues suits for cabin crew. around the world.” `P2 02 HOME FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR03.16 am SUNRISE 04.45 am o o Very hot daytime with slight dust to blowing dust at some 33 C 44 C places at times, relatively hot by night. ZUHR 11.37 am ASR 02.59 pm Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:44 – 20:23 LOW TIDE 03:39– 14:00 MAGHRIB 06.30 pm ISHA 08.00 pm W ALRUWAIS: 32o↗35o W ALKHOR: 32o↗43o W DUKHAN: 29o↗38o W WAKRAH: 28o↗43o W MESAIEED 25o↗40o W ABUSAMRA 29o↗38o

OFFICIAL NEWS Minister: Students' dedication, parents' Amir holds telephone conversation with support help achieve high success rate President of Somalia Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin MOHAMMED OSMAN Education and Higher Edu- Hamad Al Thani held yesterday THE PENINSULA cation, H E Fawzia Al Khater via telephone a conversation with said: “Distance learning will be President of the Federal Republic The Ministry of Education and essential part of our education of Somalia, H E Mohamed Abdul- Higher Education has managed system hereafter, not only lahi Farmajo. They reviewed bilateral to conclude this year’s because of pandemic but it is relations and the means of enhancing Secondary School Certificate important and effective due to and developing them in various fields, examinations, which were held the availability of facilities and in addition to discussing a number of in exceptional situations technology. issues of joint interest. -QNA because of coronavirus This year’s experience will outbreak. Giving credit of help us to improve and Amir sends successful completion of exam- introduce the distance learning congratulations to inations to all stakeholders, in the future with higher effi- President of Slovenia Minister of Education and ciency, H E added. There is a Higher Education, H E Dr. circular sent to all schools in Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Qatar to fill the gaps that may Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable Ali Al Hammadi thanked have occurred in curriculum of congratulations to President of the parents, students and all educa- coverage due to the sudden sus- Republic of Slovenia,H E Borut Pahor tional staffs for their commit- pension of classes, she added. on the occasion of Statehood Day. ments and compliance with Qatar successfully managed The Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdul- plans and policies. Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Ali Al Hammadi to overcome difficulties of lah bin Hamad Al Thani also sent a Addressing a press con- during a press conference at the Ministry, yesterday. COVID-19 by enabling our stu- similar cables to H Ethe President of ference yesterday at the Min- dents to sit for Secondary the Republic of Slovenia.-QNA istry, to announce the final Addressing a press conference, the Minister of Education and Higher School examinations and thus result of the secondary exams, they will be able to join univer- Amir sends greetings H E the Minister said that this Education, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Ali Al Hammadi, said that this sities of their choice, which is to President of year’s result was satisfactory year’s result was satisfactory with average of 85.29 percent which is higher an advantage many students in Mozambique with average of 85.29 percent the world have been deprived which is higher than previous than previous year’s and no subject has average less than previous year. of, H E Al Khater stressed. Doha: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim year’s and no subject has Replying to a question by bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- average less than previous year. We took into account the There were 110 students in Department but this year dif- The Peninsula that, can we day a cable of congratulations to This year students secured current situation in terms of quarantine who were not able ferent competent departments expect change in the assessment President of the Republic of Mozam- higher rates and four students number of questions and to sit for exams, and special of the ministry participated and evaluation system next year bique, H E Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, obtained 100 percent in all duration of exams he told The tests will be organized for them according to a plan set up or after by adopting continues on the occasion of his country’s subjects. His Excellency said Peninsula, when asked whether related to the second-round before the COVID-19 situation, assessment system where final independence day. Deputy Amir this is because 75 percent of the Ministry maintained the curriculum taking into account H E the Minister told The result can be combined with the H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad the study in the academic year usual standards of exams or their health conditions. Peninsula. final assessment to calculate a Al Thani also sent a similar cable 2019/2020 was done regularly simplified questions comparing This year we reviewed the In regards to change on the final grade, instead of having toH E the President of the Repub- before the COVID-19 restric- to the previous years to help assessment system, where school calendar, H E the Min- first and second round of exams, lic of MozambiquecShataiRotation: tions were imposed and students under COVID-19 pan- more departments of the minister said the second-round the Assistant Undersecretary for remaining 25 percent was demic situation. istry, experts from education exams have been moved from Evaluation Affairs at the Ministry PM holds phone call taught through remote classes “The exam timings were department, Evaluation June to August for grades 1 to of Education and Higher Edu- with Singaporean said H E the Minister, noting reduced to 50 percent, and Department, and teachers took 12, due to the health require- cation, Khalid Al Harqan, said: that many efforts have been accordingly the number of part in the preparation of the ments. The ministry has set “There was a committee counterpart made and facilities were pro- questions was also reduced in exams in order to assess the more than one scenarios for the formed by Ministerial decision Doha: Prime Minister and Minister vided to ensure these order to avoid keeping students students’ performances from coming academic year before the COVID-19 pandemic, of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin achievements. for long time in school”. But this different dimensions taking 2020/2021 in line to the situ- to study and examine the Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani held Along the students’ com- was made as per the standards into account individual differ- ation and heath procedures and assessment system and it is yesterday a telephone conversation mitment, parents worked under and ensuring that knowledge, ences between students he policies of the government. about to start its work and it is with Prime Minister of the Republic pressure. The final curriculum was skills and contents of the added. For her part the Assistant expected to produce a proposal of Singapore H E Lee Hsien Loong. also helpful this year compared to courses were covered,” H E the Earlier exams were pre- Under-Secretary for Educa- which match with our new cur- They reviewed the cooperation the previous years he added. Minister added. pared by the Evaluation tional Affairs at the Ministry of riculum and policies”. relations between the two countries and ways of supporting and developing them, especially in the Qatar participates economic, commercial, and invest- MoPH withdraws cheese ment fields. In this regard, both the Prime Ministers expressed their in Sudan Partners’ keenness to support and enhance products as precaution the efforts of the Qatar-Singapore Conference QNA — DOHA Samples of all types of Primula High Level Joint Committee. The QNA — DOHA cheese, which were not included call touched on the latest develop- The Ministry of Public Health in the notification, were sent for ments of the coronavirus pandemic The State of Qatar participated in the (MoPH) announced yesterday the laboratory testing at the central and strengthening cooperation in Sudan Partners’ Conference at the withdrawal of Primula cheese food laboratories of the Ministry this regard.-QNA ministerial level that was organized products originating from the of Public Health. by the Federal Republic of Germany United Kingdom from the sales The Ministry of Public Health Shura Council’s Joint in partnership with the Republic of the outlet in Qatar as a precautionary indicated that the imported quan- Committee examines Sudan, the United Nations and the measure for possible contami- tities of this type of cheese are draft law European Union. nation of the Clostridium botu- very limited and that the precau- The State of Qatar was represented linum bacteria based on an inter- tionary measures taken in this Doha: The joint committee com- at the conference by Special Envoy of national notification in this regard. regard aim to reduce any potential prised of the Legal and Legislative the Minister of Foreign Affairs for In a statement, the ministry risks expected to reach the Affairs and Cultural and Information Counterterrorism and Mediation in clarified that upon the arrival of consumer. Affairs Committees held yesterday Conflict Resolution, H E Dr. Mutlaq bin the notification, all Primula cheese The Ministry emphasised the a meeting chaired by its Rappor- Majid Al Qahtani. products of this type were with- highest standards of work that teur Nasser bin Rashid bin Saria Al The conference highlighted drawn from the sales outlet of the ensures the safety and security of Kaabi. The committee continued political and economic support for the importing company and were food products in the State of Qatar to examine a draft law regulat- transitional government in Sudan, as seized until destroying them, as and called on all consumers to ing journalism, publishing, media well as economic and political reforms, the products expire from refer to official sources to inquire activities, and arts. It decided to the peace process and stabilization in December 25, 2020, to January 28, about any news that is circulating present its recommendations to Sudan. 2021. about food products. the Shura Council.-QNA MoPH reports 1,060 new Qatar Airways announces sponsorship COVID-19 cases, 1461 recoveries of AS Roma Women’s Football Team QNA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA for their dedication to sup- The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday 1,060 porting women’s football. We new confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), and 1,461 recov- Qatar Airways announced are proud to reach such a sig- eries in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people yesterday that it is the new Main nificant milestone with Qatar recovered from the disease in the State of Qatar to 74,544 cases. Global Partner of AS Roma Airways during this difficult The Ministry also recorded two new deaths due to the virus. Women’s Team for season time. The current pandemic has The MoPH said that, in the last 24 hours, 11 cases were admitted 2020-21. caused unprecedented chal- to intensive care due to health complications resulting from the virus, This development sees the lenges for the entire football bringing the total of cases currently receiving intensive care to 212. ‘World’s Best Airline’ extend its community; however, we at AS The MoPH pointed to the decrease in the number of daily cases partnership with AS Roma to Roma continue working effort- that require intensive care, as the number of daily cases that require also include the women’s team. lessly in support of our teams.” hospitalization is decreasing, but warned that infections may rise Qatar Airways’ extensive Qatar Airways is proud to again if the community’s commitment to precautions and pre- football sponsorship portfolio have developed a wide range ventive measures decreases. currently includes the men’s of global sports sponsorships, The Ministry explained that the new cases had the infection and women’s teams of both strength around the world. We Airways football family and supporting top-level sporting transmitted to them from people who had been previously infected, Boca Juniors in Argentina and are proud of our diverse port- look forward to seeing the events and some of the world’s as the Ministry continues to conduct investigative and proactive Paris Saint-Germain. The airline folio of global sport sponsor- players proudly sporting our biggest football clubs. As official investigations, which contributes to the early detection of cases. is also proud to partner with ships and are totally committed logo on their shirts. Women’s FIFA partner, Qatar Airways The new confirmed cases have completely isolated in the German club FC Bayern to supporting the women’s sport has experienced unprec- recently sponsored the FIFA Club various medical facilities in the country, where they are receiving München, Al Sadd Sports Club game, reflecting our belief in the edented growth in viewership, World Cup Qatar 2019 and the the necessary health care according to the health status of each in Qatar and the Belgian club power that sport has in bringing attendance and fan following in FIFA Women’s World Cup France case. The MoPH stated that the two deaths that were recorded K.A.S. Eupen. people together.” recent years and we are excited 2019 and will sponsor the FIFA yesterday had received the necessary medical care, and were Qatar Airways Group Chief Qatar Airways Senior Vice at the opportunities this part- Club World Cup 2020 edition aged 57 and 60 years old. Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, President Marketing and Cor- nership presents the airline.” ahead of the FIFA World Cup The Ministry pointed out that the coronavirus epidemic is grad- said: “Qatar Airways is delighted porate Communications, Salam AS Roma CEO, Guido Fienga Qatar 2022. Qatar Airways is also ually declining in the State of Qatar due to the precautions and to sponsor the AS Roma Women Al Shawa, said: “We are thrilled added: “We are honoured to partner of CONMEBOL, the gov- preventive measures implemented by the state and the com- team as we see women’s to welcome the AS Roma extend our partnership with erning body for football in South mitment of members of the community to them with a recent football going from strength to Women team to the Qatar Qatar Airways, and thank them America. decrease in the number of infections. FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 HOME 03 Minister of Culture and Over 85% success rate Sports holds discussion in high school exams with WADA President FROM PAGE 1 QNA — DOHA As for Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Fawzia Al Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Khater, she discussed, in her speech at the press conference, Ghanem Al Ali met yesterday with the Pres- the remote education plan, confirming the ministry’s keenness ident of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on its constants regarding its standards, hours of study and H E Witold Banka. preparation for student service. The meeting was held via video confer- Al Khater said that the Ministry of Education and Higher encing. During the meeting, which was Education has arranged its affairs with regard to remote edu- attended by a number of advisors and directors cation that was applied in the previous period, through a at the Ministry of Culture and Sports, they dis- new platform taking into account the circumstances of fam- cussed ways of cooperation between the two ilies and all related challenges and focus on some criteria sides, in addition to a number of common for student service, stressing that remote education will be issues, future plans and current challenges. part from the education plan in Qatar. Risks to vulnerable girls highlighted during QF conference A recent United Nations report that suggested 35 million people who had risen out of poverty will fall back into it this year alone, and 130 million people may be living in extreme poverty before the end of 2030, said Safeena Husain, Founder of Educate Girls.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA which she highlighted a recent United Nations report that sug- Experts have urged world gested 35 million people who leaders to place vulnerable girls had risen out of poverty will fall Safeena Husain (left) delivering keynote speech at the conference organised by Qatar Foundation. RIGHT: Experts at the conference. at the centre of new education back into it this year alone, and systems as countries begin to 130 million people may be living rebuild and re-imagine learning in extreme poverty before the girls’ vulnerability shooting disproportionate impact on – even more than what we may different disruptions,” said in a post- COVID-19 world, at end of 2030. back up, school will become a girls, saying: “It was clearly think they need. I think this is a Fallone. an international conference “In the last 12 years, what I distant memory for so many, going to happen, as that is hap- moment for deep humility, and “In order for that adapta- organised by Qatar Foundation. have realised is that poverty and and re-enrollment will become pening to women across the deep innovation – really taking bility to be inherent in the pro- Speaking at Education Dis- patriarchy are the key barriers near impossible. world – economically, socially, away the barriers, and really grams, communities need to be rupted, Education Reimagined to girls’ education,” she said. “Before COVID-19 hit, we and in many other ways. thinking about how we want to a central part of it. We need Part II — an event hosted by the “Now with COVID-19, both of were acutely aware of the “I think that this model that develop great citizens in the their strength to support, to be World Innovation Summit for these challenges have become global learning crisis, and, we’ve developed [at Barefoot long run and what needs to be resilient, and to create the infra- Education (WISE), Qatar Foun- much, much worse. The eco- despite huge strides, we had College International] is even put into communities to do structure, even if that’s very dation’s global education initi- nomic shock due to job losses about 130 million girls out of more relevant as it directly that.” grassroots infrastructure. Com- ative—Safeena Husain, Founder and reverse migration has school. With so many countries takes education to girls in last- The importance of engaging munities are incredibly able to of Educate Girls, said: “As we try plunged families back into still in lockdown, we can only mile communities in a way they communities by placing them innovate solutions to the things to rebuild in a way that allows poverty. estimate the impact the can access it – so that it doesn’t at the center of education they want to have and that they for greater equity, access, “There is also an emerging COVID-19 crisis will have. One interfere or conflict with their systems was another key topic feel are important. inclusion, and innovation, it is regression to all old gender thing we know for sure is that other responsibilities – and in highlighted during the WISE “If we don’t put them in a important to keep the most vul- roles in the household, as fam- the crisis has widened inequal- a safe environment where fam- conference. position of power with respect nerable girls at the center of any ilies are cooped up, anxieties ities and hit hardest those ilies feel like it’s OK for them to “We’re having one COVID to the education of their new design. Only then can we are high, and children are not already struggling, ignored, attend. right now, but that could children, we are losing bring real transformation in the in school. We’re seeing domestic excluded, or lagging behind.” “We have to stop talking reoccur, and I think it probably probably the most essential way education systems address duties fall straight back onto the Echoing Husain’s views, down, and start listening up to will become a reoccurring sit- piece of infrastructure that the needs of the generations to shoulders of young girls. We’re Meagan Fallone, Director and designing and reacting quickly uation of disruption. So what we needs to be there to support a come.” seeing a 17-times increase in CEO, Barefoot College Interna- with education and knowledge really need to be building is dynamic approach to a Husain delivered a keynote domestic abuse cases. With tional, explained that the pan- transfer, in ways that respond systems for education that are systems-changing mindset speech at the conference, in patriarchy back at play, and demic has had a to what people tell us they need able to adapt to a variety of around education.”

Qatar, FIFA to Katara virtual exhibition stage pan-Arab showcases paintings tournament in 2021 FROM PAGE 1 President of the QFA added, by Syrian artist “This new pan-Arab tournament will see teams from across the RAYNALD C RIVERA internationally. Qasous has region go head-to-head in state- THE PENINSULA won many accolades for his of-the-art FIFA World Cup venues works, some of which can be and allow teams and fans to expe- “Patches”— an art exhibition found in permanent collec- rience Qatar as a tournament host which spotlights on works by tions of many institutions and country. This tournament marks Syrian contemporary artist Hadi individual collectors in Syria, an important footballing mile- Qasous — becomes the latest in Lebanon and other stone for the country and the a series of virtual art exhibitions countries. region, and everyone involved in recently launched by the The launch of the exhibition delivering it will gain more Cultural Village Foundation - follows “Culture Collision” by essential experience ahead of Katara. Hassan Taleb Alsalat which the Qatar World Cup.” Accessible through Katara’s showcases 14 interesting art- Al Thawadi said: “This website starting last works that place famous exciting tournament will act as a Wednesday, the exhibition fea- cartoon characters in a the Gulf perfect preparatory event for tures 16 of Qasous’ latest setting in which familiar objects Qatar ahead of the first FIFA paintings in which he integrates in the region are depicted in the World Cup in the Middle East and calligraphy into stunning paintings. Arab world. “Qatar has hosted colours and shapes resulting in Prior to this, Katara had also many events since it was awarded unique works of art. organised virtual shows fea- the World Cup hosting rights back In these paintings, the turing two more Qatari artists in 2010, but this will be our biggest beauty of the mosaic of Arabic kicking off with “The Result” Some of the latest works by Syrian artist Hadi Qasous on show at “Patches”, a virtual exhibition yet and it will prove essential in scripts are further enhanced displaying stunning paintings launched by Katara on its website on Wednesday. utilising facilities and services by the interplay of hues and by Fatima Al Nuaimi. The 19 ahead of 2022. The tournament forms created employing the acrylic on canvas works reflect is also being held at exactly the artist’s own technique pro- both unanticipated and foreseen which comprise a significant visiting Katara’s galleries in underpin the great importance same time as the World Cup, viding each painting dis- results combined in one artwork element of local culture and person. they accord to uplifting arts meaning fans, players and officials tinctive character. to demonstrate the comparison tradition. With the COVID-19 pan- and culture during these chal- will get a taste of what’s to come in Born in Salqin - a town in between them. With a number of exciting demic, cultural institutions lenging times when the threat 2022. Full details of tournament Idlib in Syria, the artist formally It was followed by “Al features, these exhibitions, around the world have devised of coronavirus renders it participants, along with the match studied Fine Arts in Lebanon. Taybeen” focusing on 17 realist which can all be accessed via new ways to bring art and impossible for people to per- schedule, will be shared in due He is a member of different art paintings by Ali Dasmal Al Katara’s website, make it pos- culture from museums and sonally visit galleries and course. The delivery of the event will organisations and has featured Kuwari depicting traditional sible for people to see artworks galleries to people at home. In museums to interact with be led by Q22 staff, supported by the in solo and group exhibitions objects and Qatari architecture up close anytime as if they were doing so, cultural entities works of art. QFA, FIFA and the SC. Kuwaiti mediation met with rejection from blockade states: Envoy

FROM PAGE 1 realised that something is wrong, and H E the Ambassador appreciated “the the absorptive capacity of the health “Sport builds bridges between people He pointed out that the economy of that what these countries claim is not role that US plays to maintain stability system enabled Qatar to achieve this and we want the world to view the Qatar today is stronger than it was true. in our region, and we will continue to achievement along with extensive and Middle East not only as a place of three years ago. The evidence is the After that, they started pushing work with it”, pointing to strong rela- free checks and provision of health conflict.” report of the World Bank that said that towards reconciliation and dialogue tions between Amir H H Sheikh Tamim conditions in the workplace, in Regarding the situation of Asian the Qatari economy is growing and will between Qatar and the blockading bin Hamad Al Thani and US President addition to the government’s quick step workers in Qatar, H E Sheikh Meshal continue to grow unlike the economy countries, but those efforts met with H E Donald Trump. They consult regu- regarding closing schools, universities bin Hamad Al Thani stressed that of the blockading countries, he said, rejection from these countries, while larly on many issues and H E President and public places, stressing that this Qataris respect and value everyone adding that Qatar today is more inde- the Qatari-US relations continued to Trump appreciates the role played by H integrated mix of procedures enabled who works with them to develop their pendent and its food security is better. develop and witnessed many initia- H the Amir and Qatar in signing the Qatar to reduce mortality. country, adding that Qatar has done a H E Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al tives on the political and economic peace agreement in Afghanistan, H E the H E the Ambassador affirmed that great job when it put in place many Thani stated that with the advent of a levels. “I believe that one of the most Ambassador added. a large number of projects related to regulations and instructions for com- new US administration, the blockading important successes achieved is the On the fight against the coronavirus the 2022 FIFA World Cup have been panies that work and invest in infra- countries tried to mislead that admin- strategic dialogue between the two and the low number of deaths com- completed and delivered. H E also con- structure for the World Cup. “We will istration by sharing false information countries held in 2018, which shows pared to the number of infections, H E firmed that Qatar will organise an continue to develop relevant legis- about the Qatari activities, but only the strength of the Qatari-US the Ambassador said that the rapid amazing edition of the World Cup that lation, and we feel confident that we weeks later the US administration relations.” response of the Qatari government and all fans of the game will enjoy, saying: are able to address any issue we face.” 04 MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 With 134 new deaths, Iran COVID-19 toll tops 10,000

AFP — TEHRAN Thursday was the deadliest day since April 6, when 136 deaths were reported, and the Iran yesterday announced 134 new deaths from the novel seventh straight day that Iran has reported coronavirus took the overall more than 100 coronavirus deaths. But ofﬁcials toll in the Middle East’s deadliest outbreak past 10,000. deny the upward trend amounts to a second The country has struggled wave. Total recorded COVID-19 cases have to contain the spread of the virus since it reported its first reached 215,096. cases in the city of Qom in late February. Official figures have shown people had tested positive for their distance from the elderly, a rising trajectory in new con- the virus over the same grandparents, and to help them firmed cases since early May, 24-hour period, bringing the to stay at home as much as when Iran hit a near two- country’s overall caseload to possible.” A damaged house is seen after 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Gurpinar district, Van, Turkey, yesterday. month low in daily recorded 215,096. There has been scepticism infections. Hospital admissions were at home and abroad about But officials deny the highest in the provinces of Iran’s official figures, with con- 5.4-magnitude quake hits eastern Turkey; 5 injured upward trend amounts to a Bushehr, Hormozgan, Ker- cerns the actual toll could be second wave. manshah, Khuzestan and much higher. AP — ANKARA said. trying to escape damaged struc- “We lost 134 of our compa- Kurdistan, while they were On Sunday, Health Minister It was also felt in neigh- tures, the governor said. “No triots in the past 24 hours and increasing in Tehran and Fars, Said Namaki denied Iran was A moderately strong earth- bouring provinces, HaberTurk citizen was trapped under the total number of victims is she said. facing a second wave of infec- quake hit southeast Turkey news channel reported. rubble,” he said. 10,130,” said health ministry “We call on all our compa- tions and said “the peak of the yesterday, causing damage to The governor of Van, Turkey is crossed by two spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari. triots to follow the health pro- disease has not passed”. some homes and slightly Mehmet Emin Bilmez, said the major fault lines, and earth- It was the deadliest day tocols, especially the elderly “Even in provinces where injuring five people. quake caused “moderate” or quakes are frequent in the since April 6, when 136 deaths and those with underlying dis- we think the first coronavirus The 5.4-magnitude quake “strong” damage to homes in country. were reported, and the seventh eases,” Lari told a televised wave is behind us, we have not struck the town of Ozalp, in Van some 15 neighbourhoods in Turkey’s worst quake in straight day that Iran has news conference. yet fully experienced the first province, near Turkey’s border Ozalp as well as in a dozen decades was in 1999, when a reported more than 100 coro- “We also urge children and wave,” semi-official news with Iran, at a depth of 6.9 km, nearby villages. pair of strong earthquakes navirus deaths. young people not to be present agency ISNA quoted him as Turkey’s Disaster and Emer- Five people were hospi- struck in the northwest, killing Lari said another 2,595 in crowded centres, to keep saying. gency Management Presidency talised with slight injuries after around 18,000 people.

Kuwait sees West Bank annexation would be ‘declaration of war’: Hamas 909 new virus AFP — GAZA CITY years, with the latest conflict in opportunities for radicals,” he 2014 killing 2,251 Palestinians told journalists. cases;1,366 in Oman Israel’s planned annexation of and 74 people on the Israeli Mladenov pointed to a “long parts of the occupied West Bank side. litany of such developments” in QNA — KUWAIT/MUSCAT would be a “declaration of war”, There are no official rela- the Middle East, referring to the Gaza rulers Hamas said tions between the two sides and rise of the Islamic State group The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health yesterday, as a UN envoy the Palestinian Authority, a sep- in Iraq and Syria. reported yesterday two deaths warned the move could fuel arate administration based in Mladenov was speaking a and 909 new cases of corona- extremism. the West Bank, last month cut day after a UN Security Council virus (COVID-19) during the Israeli Prime Minister Ben- its cooperation with Israel. session in which Secretary past 24 hours, raising the count jamin Netanyahu aims to table Israel’s proposal to annex its General Antonio Guterres, as to 339 deaths and 42,788 annexation plans from July 1, settlements in the West Bank well as European and Arab infections. despite opposition from the Pal- and the Jordan Valley form part powers, called on Netanyahu The latest infections estinians and much of the inter- of a broader US peace plan pub- to end his annexation included 479 Kuwaiti citizens, national community. lished in January. ambitions. while the 430 remaining cases In a televised address, The proposals foresee the They view the move as are of several other national- Hamas’s military wing said such ultimate creation of a Pales- illegal under international law, ities, the ministry’s Spokesman a move would prompt a war tinian state on the remaining although the US has broken Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad said. with the Palestinians. West Bank territory and with this consensus and said Earlier today, the Kuwaiti “The resistance considers including the Gaza Strip. Israel has the right to decide. Ministry of Health announced A Palestinian man argues with an Israeli soldier during a protest the decision to annex the West But the plan falls far short While countries are yet to 558 virus-free patients in the against Israel’s plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, in Bank and the Jordan Valley to of Palestinian aspirations, with announce retaliatory measures, past 24 hours, raising to 33,367 Jordan Valley, on Wednesday. be a declaration of war on our a state on reduced territory and Mladenov warned Israeli total number of recoveries so people,” said spokesman Abu without east Jerusalem as a annexation could spark a far. Ubaida. capital. raised alarm bells in recent envoy Nickolay Mladenov said regional conflict. Meanwhile, the Omani Gaza has been under a crip- Palestinian officials cut dip- weeks over Netanyahu’s inten- annexation may also fuel “Nobody wants another Ministry of Health announced pling Israel blockade since lomatic relations with Wash- tions, warning they could do extremism. war, another flare-up of vio- yesterday 1,366 new cases of 2007, when Hamas took control ington in 2017, over its pro- irrevocable damage to Israeli- If Palestinians “feel that lence in the Middle East, and COVID-19, including 680 of the Palestinian enclave. Israel stance, and have rejected Palestinian relations. there is no prospect of a certainly not one that has such among Omanis and 686 from Hamas and Israel have the US peace plan. Speaking in Jerusalem yes- peaceful resolution to the con- a potential to ignite conflict way non-Omanis, noting that 548 fought three wars in recent The United Nations has terday, the UN’s Middle East flict, that only creates beyond its borders,” he said. have recovered, bringing the total number of cases registered in Oman to 33,760 and Turkish official Lebanon President 144 deaths. denounces warns against unrest Overnight curfew Bolton memoir lifted in UAE AP — ANKARA as economy crumbles BLOOMBERG — DUBAI A top Turkish official has denounced a memoir by AFP — BAABDA, LEBANON clashed with police after the The United Arab Emirates former US national security Lebanese pound hit a new low lifted a curfew put in place adviser John Bolton, saying it Lebanon’s president Michel on the black market. three months ago to help curb contains "misleading, one- Aoun yesterday warned against “What happened in the the spread of the coronavirus. sided and manipulative” any attempt to destabilise street in recent weeks... has to Citizens and residents will accounts of Turkish President “security and the street”, after be a warning to all of us to now be able to move freely Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s angry protests over the coun- beware of the security dangers after the completion of its san- conversations with his US try’s worst economic crisis in opening the way to strife under itation drive, state-run WAM counterpart, Donald Trump. decades. the pretext of social demands,” reported. The restrictions had Lebanese anti-government protesters carry a large national ﬂag In a series of tweets, “Civil peace is a red line, Aoun said. been gradually eased over the during a demonstration near the presidential palace in Baabda, Turkish presidential commu- and... it is everyone’s responsi- Lebanon has entered talks past months, but a 10 pm to 6 east of Beirut, yesterday. nications director Fahrettin bility,” Aoun said at the presi- with the International Monetary am lockdown had remained Altun said the book, “The dential palace in Baabda. Fund, hoping to secure billions in place in most places. Room Where It Happened: A The President was speaking of dollars in aid to boost its Wednesday he would not “They don’t care what we The UAE aims to have a White House Memoir,” was at a national meeting that was tanking economy. attend the Baabda meeting. say. They just care what we will coronavirus vaccines available driven by political considera- boycotted by opposition leaders “No rescue is possible if “The only solution is for the do.” Dozens protested on the “by end of 2020 or earlier tions and personal gain. including several Christian some continue to tamper with ruling group to leave and step road leading up to the presi- 2021,” after it allowed a “We find it reprehensible political party heads and former security and the street, foment aside to let others save the dential palace, where security Chinese state-owned vaccine that former high-level officials premiers, such as former prime sectarian feelings,” and hamper country,” he said. forces were deployed in force. developer to test in the attempt to use serious diplo- minister Saad Hariri. progress, he said. Former cabinet heads in a Demonstrators criticised country, WAM said. matic conversations and Those who did not attend Many in recent days have statement on Monday called the government inaction over Some restrictions however efforts to resolve outstanding criticised the current leader- criticised Aoun and the govern- meeting in Baabda a “waste of alleged undue force against remain in place. Abu Dhabi issues between allies like the ship’s performance, and said ment’s handling of the crisis, as time” when the country really protesters and sectarian slogans still requires residents to US and Turkey for their priority should be on swift the Lebanese currency slid to a needed “different approaches during protests across the obtain a permit before domestic political agendas,” reforms to save a crumbling record low of 6,000 pounds to to lift it out of the severe crisis”. nation in recent months. entering the oil-rich emirate Altun said. economy that has sparked the dollar on the black market, “Lebanese today only care The economic crisis has as it carries out mass-testing. Bolton claimed in the protests. compared to the official peg of about one thing: How much is caused tens of thousands to lose The Middle East business memoir that Trump sought to In several nights of unrest 1,507. the exchange rate?” Prime Min- jobs or income, and has plunged hub is expecting tourists to interfere in an investigation two weeks ago, young men Lebanese Forces leader ister Hassan Diab said during 45 percent of the population begin flying back by July 7 for into Turkish state-owned defaced shop facades and Samir Geagea said on the meeting. into poverty. the first time in months. bank, Halkbank, in an effort to cut deals with Erdogan. Altun said Erdogan “clearly outlines Turkey’s priorities and UN aid chief says Yemen will fall off a cliff if no new funds advocates for them vigor- ously” including the Halkbank AP — UNITED NATIONS killer diseases. Mark Lowcock unrecorded,” he said. “Burial calamity.” He pointed to the $1.35bn for humanitarian aid, issue. told a closed Security Council prices in some areas have rapid depreciation of the including about $700m in new Altun tweeted: “We are The UN humanitarian chief meeting on Wednesday that increased by seven times com- Yemeni currency, a 10% to 20% funds, Lowcock said. confident that the US-Turkey warned that without massive COVID-19 is spreading rapidly pared to a few months ago.” rise in food prices in just two “That’s only about half of relationship will survive such financial support, Yemen will across Yemen and about 25% Lowcock said the corona- weeks, and the best available what was pledged last year,” he efforts and even thrive at the “fall off the cliff,” with many of the country’s confirmed cases virus “is adding one more layer data indicate remittances may said, and far below what’s end. President Erdogan will more people starving to death, have died — “five times the of misery upon many others” have already fallen between needed to keep humanitarian continue his frank, honest, and succumbing to COVID-19, dying global average.” including “appalling multi-cas- 50% and 70%. A virtual pledging programs going. “Reduced straightforward conversations of cholera and watching their “With the health system in ualty incidents” and the coun- conference for Yemen hosted pledges from the Gulf region with the US President Donald children die because they collapse, we know many cases try’s economy, which is by the UN and Saudi Arabia on account for essentially all of the Trump.” haven’t been immunizsed for and deaths are going “heading for an unprecedented June 2 saw 31 donors pledge reduction,” said Lowcock. FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 ISLAM 05 Repentance: A bountiful blessing

SUHAIB WEBB

uccess is a tough word, it haunts us at work, home and school. And Slike a beneficial medicine, it is not easy to swallow. The reality of success is that it is anchored in the tangible; it is not a theoretical enterprise, but, as we say in the United States, “requires one to strap on his boots”. The Arabs understood this well, thus the word for success (falah) is associated with the one who farms or harvests Al falaah because the latter cannot come without diligence and hard work. So, repentance is a substantial enterprise, an effort, a struggle towards spiritual inventory. Caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Audit yourselves before you are audited by Allah.” Returning to Allah while struggling to swim the deep seas of life is a difficult enterprise, no one likes to hear bad things about themselves. But if we are able to sit and audit ourselves, to take account of our spiritual principals; investigating our true state and relation with Allah, family and others, we will have reaped the fruits of a blessed harvest; setting the stage for a new course in our relationship with the Most Merciful. Once the Prophet (PBUH) ascended the pulpit and at each step he was heard saying, “Ameen”. Later the com- panions enquired about the Prophet’s “Allah the Almighty has said: ‘O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me, is it that, after all of these years, I could (PBUH) statement upon which he face Allah with such a blackened record? responded that Gabriel came to him and hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah the supplicating against three types of mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds in the sky and Mighty and Majestic accepts the people, one was he who failed to repentance of His servant as long as his repent during the month of Ramadan were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I shall forgive you. O son of Adam, death-rattle has not begun.” Thus, no thereby failing to be forgiven for his were you to come to Me with an earthful of sins and were you then to face matter when, as long as one turns to sins. Allah seeking His forgiveness, only then Me, without having associated anything with Me, I shall grant you an can that person expect to be forgiven. Overcoming the obstacles earthful of pardon.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Furthermore, there is no sin greater There are a number of obstacles than Allah’s ultimate mercy and for- that lurk hidden for the one who seeks giveness. The Prophet (PBUH) said: repentance. Perhaps the greatest is the man did it and the Prophet (PBUH) said beneficial to him than doing many acts this verse “Then He turned to them so “Allah the Almighty has said: ‘O son of feeling of fear and despondence. Many to him, “Arise for, indeed, Allah has for- of obedience, since it caused him to they could repent.” Thus, repentance Adam, so long as you call upon Me, and feel that it is simply too late to change: given you!” have humility and humbleness – which doesn’t start with the sinner, but begins hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what “I’ve done my dirt and there is simply For this reason Ibn Kathir reports leads to his happiness and success – when Allah turns to him with His you have done, and I shall not mind. no way to get back on track.” that the Prophet (PBUH) said about the to the extent that this sin prevents him mercy, love and compassion; awak- O son of Adam, were your sins to reach Firstly, let’s understand that sinning verse, “Say (Muhammad) to My from entering Paradise.” ening his heart with guilt, gently the clouds in the sky and were you then is part of human nature. The Prophet servants who have transgressed Thirdly, rebounding from sin is one guiding him to His forgiveness. The to ask forgiveness of Me, I shall forgive (PBUH) said: “Every person commits against themselves, do not despair of of the simple fruits related to our sinner was lost in a sea of confusion you. O son of Adam, were you to come sins. And the best sinners are those who Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives success. If we were to ask many people and misery and Allah found him, to Me with an earthful of sins and were repent.” Many have claimed that the all sins and He is the One who forgives what it was that brought them back to guided him and forgave him. you then to face Me, without having feelings of profound guilt and and is Merciful”, “It is more beloved to faith, many would mention a mistake The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah associated anything with Me, I shall depression regarding their state, chain me than anything under the Heavens they made in the past. The Prophet has greater joy at the repentance of grant you an earthful of pardon.’” them from turning to Allah. This is one and on Earth.” (PBUH) said: “Repentance is regret.” one His servants when he turns Ibn Rajab noted that this Prophetic of the greatest tricks of the Devil; Secondly, sins should be seen as a That regret is one of our greatest fears. towards Him than one of you would tradition begins with “O son of Adam” closing the door of hope to Allah’s strategy for one to turn in humility In reality, however, it is a mercy from have over his mount, which, having because of its context, repentance and mercy after sinning. Once a man came back to Allah. One of the early scholars Allah which pricks at our conscience escaped from him saddled with food forgiveness. Thus, when one despairs to the mosque of the Prophet com- said that, “A person could enter Par- until we ultimately return to Him. and drink in the middle of the desert, over his mistakes and shortcomings, plaining about his sins; the man was adise because of a sin he committed.” Allah says: “And He also forgave so that he has despaired of finding it he should recall Allah’s favour upon so overcome and saddened by his state Upon hearing this, his student chal- the three who were left behind (and and gone to a tree to lie down in its mankind, exercised upon their fore- that the Prophet (PBUH) said to him, lenged him by asking, “How could that regretted their error) to the point that shade, it suddenly appears standing father Adam. Thus, just as Adam “Say this: O Allah, your forgiveness is be?” the Earth closed in on them in spite of by him while he is in that state, so repented to his Lord and, as noted in greater than my sins and my hope in The scholar responded: “The sinner its vastness, and their souls confined that he takes its reins and then says the Quran, “He immediately forgave Your mercy is greater to me than my persistently thinks about it, which them and they were certain that there out of the intensity of his joy, ‘O Allah, him,” his offspring should do the same. [evil] actions.” causes him to fear it, regret it, weep is no refuge from Allah except in Him. You are my slave and I am Your Scholars noted that sound repentance The man said this and the Prophet over it and feel humiliated in front of Then He turned to them so they could Lord!’ getting confused because of should be coupled with the following (PBUH) said to him, “Say it again.” The his Lord due to it. He stands before repent. Indeed, Allah is the Accepting his intense joy.” qualities: Leaving the sin Regret, and man repeated it, then the Prophet Allah, broken-hearted, with his head of repentance, the Merciful.” (9:118) Fourth, I’ve done so many things Resolving never to return to the sin again. (PBUH) said to him, “Say it again.” The lowered in humility. So this sin is more Notice the wording at the end of in the past and failed to repent. How www.IslamiCity.com The power of trust in God Sayings of the Prophet MOHAMED HAGMAGID ALI famous, best fed, and most secure people requires nothing in return. Moreover, all of Narrated by Ibn Umar can still find themselves spiritually unsat- His requests are strictly for our own benefit. Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said: Islam is f the Quran’s more than 6,000 isfied. The wise person must thus do as based on the five principles: 1. To testify that none verses-a number greater than the Abraham did: While contemplating the God’s all encompassing knowledge Ostars one can see in even the various objects of human worship, including In the middle of the verse, God describes has the right to be worshipped but Allah and darkest sky-one stands out. So great is it the stars, he said: “I do not love those that His knowledge as encompassing all that is Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle. 2. To offer the (com- that verse that Prophet Muhammad (peace set” (Quran 6:76). As we think about God’s before and after us. Take a moment to con- pulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and per- be upon him) once called it “Al Sayyidah” next self description, that He is not over- sider the unease we all experience when a fectly. 3. To pay Zakat (obligatory charity) . 4. To (the chief) and encouraged us to recite it taken by slumber or sleep, let’s reflect upon police officer appears in our car’s rear-view after every fard salaat (Compulsory Pray) what an extraordinary attribute this is. How mirror. How many of us begin to pay extra observe fast during the month of Ramadan and 5. To and just before sleeping. We call it Ayat often do we yearn to speak to someone careful attention to our speedometer lest perform Haj (Pilgrimage to Makkah). Al Kursi: about something wonderful that has hap- we accidentally exceed the speed limit? Yet “0 God. There is nothing worthy of pened or seek their consolation in moments God sees infinitely more than any police Narrated by Abu Huraira worship but He, the Living, the Sustainer. of grief, only to find that their cell phone is officer ever could. Why does God’s Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. turned off, they are in a meeting, have gone knowledge of our acts so often fail to stir The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Faith (belief) consists of His is what is in the heavens and what is in to sleep, and so on? Yet God is always us the way a police officer’s does? more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya (This the earth. Who can intercede with Him except available whenever we call upon Him. He God says: “One day … the Book [of term “Haya” covers a large number of concepts which by His permission? He knows what is before never asks us to “hold on” or call back. Even Deeds] will be placed [before you], and are to be taken together; amongst them are self them and behind them, and they can grasp in the depths of night, He remains closer to you will see the sinful in great terror only His knowledge He wills. His throne us than our jugular vein (Quran 50:16). because of what is [recorded] therein. respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruple, etc.) is a embraces the heavens and Earth, and it tires God then mentions His dominion over They will exclaim: ‘Ah! Woe to us! What part of faith.” Him not to uphold them both. He is the High, the heavens and Earth. This important a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small the Formidable”. (Quran 2:255). statement clarifies our relationship to Earth or great, but takes account thereof!” Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr and its creatures. Earth is not a gift that has (Quran 18:47-49). God’s fullest self-description been given to us unconditionally, but rather Moreover, when cited for a traffic vio- The Prophet (PBUH) said: “A Muslim is the one who This verse is God’s fullest self- a sacred trust in our hands for safekeeping. lation, we usually accrue points and receive avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. description to humanity, a jewel that The mountains and valleys, animals and a ticket. Yet when we violate God’s law, if And a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up enables us to know Him as more than a plants, water and air are thus ultimately we “pay our ticket” (sincerely repent), He (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden.” mere abstraction so that we can connect to borrowed property that He will recall one converts our bad deeds into good deeds – Him. Let’s take a moment to ponder its day. As Muslims, we are bound to preserve as if paying a ticket resulted in a deduction myriad meanings. them in the best manner possible. of points and a financial reward! Narrated by Abu Musa After commencing with the profession So too do we – our bodies and – talents Some people asked Allah’s Apostle (PBUH), “Whose of faith, this verse mentions two of God’s – belong to God. This is important, because Trust in God Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?” names: Al Hayy (the Living) and Al Qayyum we may wonder why we are bound to the Sometimes we experience difficult times (the Sustainer). We might wonder -why rules He has established for us. For example, and become frustrated, even despondent. He replied, “One who avoids harming the Muslims these two names follow the profession of why can we not drink alcohol if we want Our health can fail and our wealth can dis- with his tongue and hands.” faith. One possibility is that they help clarify to socialise, or skip our prayers if we find appear. Worse, we can feel that there is no what elevates someone to be worthy of their timing inconvenient? The answer is one to turn to, no one who can fully under- Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr worship. As we know, what is worthy lasts that our bodies are trusts given to us for our stand our plight. When this happens, forever, and what is unworthy does not. benefit from the Divine Mercy, but none- remember God’s promise: “If anyone puts A man asked the Prophet (PBUH): “What sort of And how many are the finite things that theless property that He will recall one day. his/her trust in God, sufficient (is God) for deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?” The we may revere. We may busy our minds Just as a teenager who borrows the family him/her” (65:3). Ayat Al Kursi reminds us Prophet replied, ‘To feed (the poor) and greet those and bodies with the material (food, money, car must accept the parents’ conditions, of God’s splendour and majesty, closeness whom you know and those whom you do not Know. and possessions) or the immaterial such as washing it once a month, so are we and understanding, mercy and care. Indeed, (pleasure, fame, and security) things of life, bound by the terms of the trusteeship of there is no One more worthy of our worship but to what end? Even the wealthiest, most our body. Yet so merciful is God that He than Him. www.IslamiCity.com 06 AFRICA FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020

Sudan warns Western, Arab states pledge $1.5bn for Sudan millions at ‘risk’

REUTERS — BERLIN/KHARTOUM officials said at the online event. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has warned well below the $8bn in aid that if Ethiopia fills The United Kingdom that without foreign support, instability could Hamdok said in August 2019 Western and Arab countries pledged £150m ($186.17m) and was needed to turn around an dam without deal pledged $1.5bn at a conference the United Arab Emirates spread through a volatile region in east and economy in crisis since Sudan hosted by Germany to help $300m. Prime Minister Abdalla northeastern Africa and disaffected young lost almost all its oil revenue AFP — KHARTOUM Sudan ease an economic crisis Hamdok, running Sudan under when South Sudan seceded in hampering its transition a precarious, transitional people would keep migrating by sea to Europe. 2011. Sudan warned yesterday that towards democracy after the power-sharing deal with the The family cash scheme is millions of lives will be at fall of autocratic leader Omar military since Bashir’s over- seem as key to softening the “great risk” if Ethiopia unilat- Al Bashir. throw in a popular uprising last Europe. “We expect our currency has plunged to 141 to blow from a removal of fuel and erally fills its Nile mega-dam The European Union year, is desperate for more partners to support us to have the dollar on the black market other subsidies demanded by without reaching a deal with pledged ¤312m ($350.13m), the foreign support. a successful transition,” he said. compared to 55 at the official would-be Western donors and downstream Cairo and United States $356.2m, Hamdok warned that “I do not want to paint a rosy rate. UN Secretary General which cost an estimated $3bn Khartoum. Germany ¤150m and France without it, instability could picture. Any transition is messy Antonio Guterres called for annually. Finance Minister Tensions are high between ¤100m for various specific spread through a volatile region and there are so many “massive” aid, saying the region Ibrahim Al Badawi told the upstream Ethiopia and the two projects, among them planned in east and northeastern Africa challenges.” needed a stable and democratic event the government was other countries after recent cash transfers to poor families and disaffected young people Inflation topped an annual Sudan. He gave no figure but the reforming fuel subsidies, talks failed to produce a deal with the help of the World Bank, would keep migrating by sea to 100% last month and Sudan’s pledges reported so far were without giving details. on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renais- sance Dam. Addis Ababa plans to start filling the dam, located Half a million Senegalese pupils on the Blue Nile, next month. In a statement, Sudan’s water ministry said it had sent return to schools after 3 months a letter to the United Nations AFP — DAKAR where class sizes are often large. Security Council urging it to Diop explained that all his students “prevent all parties from Half a million Senegalese schoolchildren were wearing masks — which the school taking unilateral measures returned to class yesterday, under had made available, alongside hand including on filling the res- instructions to wear face masks and sanitisers. Senegal has recorded 6,233 ervoir of (Ethiopia’s) renais- keep a distance from each other, after coronavirus cases to date, with 94 fatal- sance dam before reaching an three months of absence. ities. But as with other poor countries agreement.” The government in the West Africa in the region, there are concerns about It said filling the dam uni- state shut schools in mid-March in a bid the government’s ability to handle a laterally “will compromise the to curb coronavirus infections. large outbreak. safety of Sudan’s Roseires Dam It initially intended to open them Cases continue to rise, and President and thus subject millions of again on June 5, but delayed the decision Macky Sall went into quarantine on people living downstream to at the last minute after several teachers Wednesday after coming into contact great risk”. were found to have caught the virus. with an infected person, according to On Sunday, Sudan’s Water Yesterday’s reopening affects his office, which added that he had Resources Minister Yasser 551,000 children out of some 3.5 million nonetheless tested negative for Abbas said it was important in Senegal, with only pupils who are COVID-19. that Ethiopia share infor- sitting exams this year returning to class. Closing schools in March has dis- mation about water supplied “We have reduced the number of rupted Senegal’s normal school year, from the dam, otherwise “we pupils in the classes, some of which have which usually ends in July. This year, will not know the amount of fewer than 20 (people),” said Abdoul examinations have been pushed back A pupil washes his hands with the assistance of the school nurse in Dakar yesterday, water discharged from the Diop, a headmaster in the capital Dakar, until late August and early September. on the opening day of the classes for the students in the examination class in Senegal. Renaissance dam, which might cause flooding and the Roseires dam itself will be at risk” of being overwhelmed. Angola mulls Malawi opposition leader heading for poll win: Media The ministry warned that the remaining time for the arrest warrant AFP — BLANTYRE, MALAWI have presidential poll results set countries to agree is “tight and aside, after Kenya in 2017. critical”. for Isabel dos Malawi’s opposition leader Rarely do courts in Africa It also urged the Security Lazarus Chakwera appeared annul election victories of Council to “invite leaders of Santos headed for victory yesterday in incumbent presidents. the three countries to show a re-run of a presidential vote Opposition politicians in political will and commitment AFP — LUANDA that was scrapped over massive neighbouring countries have to resolve the few remaining irregularities, unofficial tallies already congratulated the issues.” Khartoum recently Angola’s attorney general showed. 65-year old Chakwera. proposed breaking the said yesterday that he did Voters went to the polls on “New life to Malawi! Con- ongoing deadlock by raising not rule out issuing an inter- Tuesday for a second time in a gratulations to the President the status of the talks to prime national arrest warrant year to elect a president after Elect. Kudos to state organs’ ministerial level. against billionaire business- the Constitutional Court professionalism & citizens’ vig- Egypt, which views the woman Isabel dos Santos, ordered fresh elections in a his- ilance. Well done Malawi!,” hydro-electric barrage as a suspected of corruption in toric vote seen as a test for tweeted Nelson Chamisa, Zim- threat, itself appealed on her native country and democracy in the southern babwe’s main opposition Friday for the UN Security Portugal. African country. Movement for Democratic Council to intervene in the “We are working in Results compiled from each Change-Alliance (MDC-A). dispute, citing Ethiopia’s “non- Opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera addresses supporters in cooperation with the Portu- of the 5,002 polling centres and Mmusi Maimane, the former positive stances”. Egypt fears Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 4, 2020. guese authorities. And if the tallied by the public broadcaster leader of South Africa’s main that the dam would severely need arises... to get to that MBC and Times newspaper, opposition, the Democratic cut its Nile water supply, point, we will see how to gave Chakwera a dominant 59 Chakwera garnered 35.4 vote. But it did not say when it Alliance also tweeted: “My which provides nearly 97 proceed,” Helder Pitta Gros percent lead ahead of percent. would release the full results as friend, brother and leader has percent of the country’s fresh- said in response to questions incumbent President Peter The country’s electoral it appealed for patience and just won the Malawian elec- water needs. Ethiopia says the at a press conference in the Mutharika’s 38 percent. commission said yesterday it calm. The cancellation of Muth- tions. I just got off the phone barrage is indispensible for its capital Luanda. Mutharika, in power since had received results from 26 of arika’s victory, was historic as with him and celebrate his development, and insists that “These are procedural 2014, won 38.5 percent of last the country’s 28 districts — rep- it made Malawi just the second achievement... Change is downstream countries’ water issues, (and) as you can year’s discredited vote in which resenting 82 percent of the total country south of the Sahara to coming.” supply will be unaffected. imagine I cannot say more about a process that is under way. We are working on it,” he said. COVID-19 outbreak could impoverish Dos Santos, 47, described by Forbes as the wealthiest woman in Africa, is accused 5 million in Nigeria, says World Bank of diverting billions of REUTERS — ABUJA in 2016. The World Bank forecasts Nigeria’s dollars from state companies economy will shrink 3.2-7.4 percent this year, during her father Jose Nigeria’s coronavirus outbreak may push 5 depending on the severity of the COVID-19 out- Eduardo dos Santos’s near million people into poverty as it triggers the break. In a worst case scenario, the recession four-decade rule of the oil- worst recession in the African powerhouse could continue into 2021 when the economy rich African nation. since the 1980s, the World Bank has said. could contract two percent, it said. She has strongly denied The twin shock of the pandemic and a “Today’s unprecedented crisis will the allegations, describing global oil price crash has pummelled Nigeria, require an equally unprecedented response them as “a coordinated which has Africa’s largest economy mainly from the entire Nigerian public sector (and) political attack” devised by because it is the continent’s top crude private sector to contain the outbreak and the Angolan government. producer. protect the lives and livelihoods of low- Last December, a civil But Nigeria also has the highest number of income and vulnerable communities,” the court in Luanda issued a people living in extreme poverty in the world, Bank said in a report on Nigeria’s economic “preventative” order to Cars drive along a street in Abuja, Nigeria, yesterday. and has not recovered from another recession development. freeze her business assets as part of a crackdown on graft by the former president’s successor, Joao Lourenco. DR Congo declares end to Ebola epidemic in east A month later and after analysing a trove of more AFP — KINSHASA be officially over, there have to 6,411 cases including 142 fatal- Two experimental vaccines one in the east, is focused on than 700,000 leaked docu- be no new cases reported for 42 ities, and measles, which has were brought in to help roll Mbandaka, a transport hub on ments, the International Congo yesterday officially days, which is double the incu- killed more than 6,000 people back the disease. the Congo River in the province Consortium of Investigative declared an end to an Ebola bation period of the deadly since early 2019. More than 320,000 people of Equateur. Journalists (ICIJ) also epidemic that broke out in the haemorrhagic microbe. The epidemic in the east received the jab, and the success It has claimed 13 lives out of accused her of looting state east of the troubled country two The eastern outbreak was broke out in August 2018 and means that “people are 24 cases, according to the WHO. coffers. years ago and went on to claim just three days from reaching killed a total of 2,227 people. demanding to have the vaccine. Equateur was previously hit Subsequently, Portugal over 2,000 lives. the finishing line in April when It was declared by the WHO It makes the campaign easier,” by Ebola between May and July froze her assets in that The outbreak was “the a new case was reported. in July 2019 to be a Public said Professor Jean-Jacques 2018. Thirty-three people died. country, where she has longest, most complex and Further cases meant that the Health Emergency of Interna- Muyembe, in charge of the anti- Ebola experts said the expe- invested mainly in banking deadliest” in the 60-year clock was restarted on May 14. tional Concern — a move that Ebola fight. rience of the eastern outbreak and telecommunications. history of the Democratic The World Health Organi- steps up international support The Ebola virus is passed on would be vital for informing One of dos Santos’s Republic of Congo, Health Min- zation (WHO) reacted with joy — given the epicentre’s close by contact with the blood, body further action against Ebola. lawyers, Dan Morrison, told ister Eteni Longondo said. to the announcement yesterday proximity to neighbouring fluids, secretions or organs of One problem was an influx AFP this month that Angola’s It has only been surpassed from the biggest country in sub- Rwanda and Uganda. The an infected or recently deceased of wealth among health order to freeze her assets by the 2013-16 Ebola epidemic Saharan Africa. worst-hit area was North Kivu, person. It has a natural res- workers and their escorts in the was “manifestly unfair, in West Africa that killed 11,300 “#Ebola outbreak in #DRC a province battered by militia ervoir in nature, which is armed forces — guards were improper” and based on people. is OVER! WHO congratulates all killings and ethnic violence. believed to be a species of bat. given per-diem expenses of “faked” documents. On June 1, as the epidemic those involved in this tough and “Chronic insecurity” helped The death rate is typically $300-400 per month in a There was no immediate in the east waned, a new out- often dangerous work to end make the epidemic “highly high, ranging up to 90 percent country where per-income response to AFP’s request for break — the DRC’s 11th since the almost 2-year long out- complex,” Longondo said. in some outbreaks, according capita is around $500 a year. comment from dos Santos’ Ebola was identified in 1976 — break,” it said on Twitter. Eleven workers and patients to the WHO. The river of money created communications represent- was announced in the country’s The DRC is also struggling were killed, including a Cam- The northwest’s outbreak, envy that militia groups readily atives yesterday. northwest. For an outbreak to with the new coronavirus, with eroonian doctor, the UN said. about 1,000 km away from the exploited, they said. FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 ASIA 07 29 million New Delhi residents to be surveyed for coronavirus

AP & REUTERS — NEW DELHI New Delhi’s government has projected India says it will carry out a that cases in the capital area alone could massive survey for the corona- expand to more than half a million by late virus targeting the entire population in New Delhi of 29 July, and is considering taking over luxury million. hotels and stadiums to convert into ﬁeld Officials will go to each household to record every res- hospitals. ident’s health details, and administer a virus test to those late July, and is considering Mumbai’s 69,528, though the who show or report symptoms. taking over luxury hotels and city, long considered one of The survey will be com- stadiums to convert into field India’s biggest coronavirus hot pleted by July 6, according to hospitals. spots, has seen a higher rate of the government of New Delhi, Armed forces personnel are deaths. the worst-hit city in the country providing medical care and Nationally, a record 16,922 with 70,390 confirmed cases. attention to coronavirus new cases were recorded in the Police will enforce physical patients kept in railroad past 24 hours, federal data distancing and prevent the coaches that have been turned released yesterday showed, mixing of the population inside into medical wards at nine loca- taking total cases in the country more than 200 containment tions in the capital. to nearly half a million with Workers make disposable beds out of cardboard at the campus of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, a zones in the capital, where large The Health Ministry said it nearly 15,000 deaths. spiritual organisation, where a coronavirus disease care centre has been constructed for the patients clusters of cases have been con- has ramped up testing to more That is behind only the amidst the spread of the disease, in New Delhi, India, yesterday. firmed. Surveillance cameras or than 200,000 per day across United States, Brazil and Russia, drone monitoring will also be the country, raising the total and five times that of China, that used. number of tests so far to nearly has a similar-sized population now are directly a function of assembling rudimentary beds Previously, Sri Lanka only had India yesterday registered 7.3 million. and where the virus originated increased testing. Going made out of cardboard. the capacity to conduct 300 another record high of 16,922 Meanwhile, authorities in late last year. Embassies have forward, this should help in the When complete the facility tests a day. The lab was built new cases, taking the total to New Delhi worked to convert a warned their citizens living in early isolation of those who are will have capacity for more than with financial assistance from 473,105. The Health Ministry spiritual centre into a huge Delhi that hospital beds are infected,” said Giridhara R Babu, 10,000 patients, housed in a the Asian Development Bank. also reported 418 more deaths, quarantine facility yesterday as running out, urging them to an epidemiologist at the Public vast hangar usually used for lec- Sri Lanka has conducted taking fatalities to 14,894. The novel coronavirus cases in the consider leaving the country. Health Foundation of India. tures given by its spiritual 100,000 tests so far and health ministry said the recovery rate Indian capital overtook the But unlike some other The federal government has leader. A section of the tem- authorities say the disease is was continuing to improve at financial hub Mumbai for the states, Delhi has tested its cit- sent in border police to manage porary hospital is scheduled to under control, with new patients 56%. first time. izens aggressively, a fact experts the quarantine facility at a open today. belonging to two clusters - navy New Delhi’s government Delhi now has 70,390 coro- hope will help over the next few centre for spiritual organisation In another development, Sri sailors and those came from has projected that cases in the navirus cases, with more than weeks, when cases could peak Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Lanka has opened a new labo- abroad. The country has capital area alone could expand 40,000 detected in the last two in the capital. Yesterday, dozens of staff ratory capable of conducting reported 2,007 cases and 11 to more than half a million by weeks. That is more than “Most of the cases detected were installing fans and 500 coronavirus tests per day, deaths.

Indian army chief Japan confirms scrapping US missile defence system visits troops near

AP — TOKYO US about what to do with pay- the people from the North’s one of the sites, repeated cost under the country’s security China border ments and the purchase con- missiles and other threats, he estimate hikes that climbed to alliance with the US. Japan’s National Security tract already made for the Aegis said. 450bn yen ($4.1bn) for their Abe said the government AP — NEW DELHI Council has endorsed plans to Ashore systems. The Japanese government 30-year operation and mainte- would consider the possibility cancel the deployment of two Kono announced the plan in 2017 approved adding the nance, and safety concerns that of acquiring preemptive strike India’s army chief visited the costly land-based US missile to scrap the systems earlier this two Aegis Ashore systems to led to local opposition. Kono capability, a controversial plan border with China in the Hima- defence systems aimed at month after it was found that enhance the country’s current said Japan has signed contract that critics say would violate layan region to review his bolstering the country’s capa- the safety of one of the two defences consisting of Aegis- worth nearly half the total cost Japan’s war-renouncing troops’ preparedness after bility against threats from North planned host communities equipped destroyers at sea and and paid part of it to the US. He Constitution. hand-to-hand combat Korea, the country’s defence could not be ensured without a Patriot missiles on land. said Japan is trying to get the Kono yesterday also raised between Indian and Chinese minister said yesterday. hardware redesign that would Defence officials have said most out of what it has already concern about China’s increas- soldiers left 20 Indians dead Defence Minister Taro Kono be too time consuming and the two Aegis Ashore units paid, though he did not ingly assertive activity in earlier this month, the army said the country will now revise costly. could cover Japan entirely from elaborate. regional seas and skies. He said said yesterday. its missile defence programme “We couldn’t move forward one station at Yamaguchi in the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chinese coast guard vessels are The trip by General M M and scale up its entire defence with this project, but still there south and another at Akita in who has steadily pushed to step repeatedly in and out of Jap- Naravane to the Ladakh posture. are threats from North Korea,” the north. up Japan’s defence capability, anese waters around disputed region on Wednesday and The council made its Kono said at a news conference The plan to deploy the two said last week that in light of the East China Sea islands, and a yesterday as two Indian decision on Wednesday, and yesterday. systems already had faced a scrapping the government would Chinese submarine recently security officials reported now the government will need Japan will discuss ways to series of setbacks, including need to reconsider Japan’s missile passed just off Japan’s southern that Chinese soldiers have to enter negotiations with the better protect the country and questions about the selection of defence program and do more coast. entered Indian-controlled territory in another strategically important area despite ongoing talks between mil- Nearly 100 Rohingya itary commanders and dip- lomats to ease tensions. The officials said Chinese rescued off Indonesia troops had advanced in the AFP — LHOKSEUMAWE, INDONESIA northernmost Aceh province. Depsang Plains, also in Ladakh, They had gone without food in violation of border man- Nearly 100 Rohingya from for several days, officials said. agement and jointly agreed Myanmar, including 30 Malaysia and Indonesia are patrolling protocols between children, have been rescued favoured destinations for the two countries. from a rickety wooden boat off Rohingya fleeing violence in Depsang is a strategically the coast of Indonesia’s Myanmar, with thousands trying important area close to Daulat Sumatra island, a maritime a perilous escape via smugglers Beg Oldie, where India in official said. across the sea every year. recent years made an airstrip Images shot from Indo- Around a million live in close to China operational. nesian rescue boats showed squalid refugee camps in Bang- The Indian officials said a dozens of children and adults, ladesh, where human trafickers similar Chinese entry in the many weeping, after they had also run lucrative operations area took place in 2013, but the been plucked from their vessel promising to find them sanctuary two sides resolved it through by local fishermen. abroad. diplomatic channels. “The boat with Rohingya Their plight has been com- onboard was broken and floating pounded in recent months by the Bangladesh in the middle of the sea when the coronavirus, with boats of asylum fishermen found them,” said seekers turned away for fear they judge dies from Acehnesse ﬁshermen help evacuate Rohingya children from Myanmar onto the shorelines of Lancok Muhammad Nasir, head of the may be harbouring the deadly village, in Indonesia’s North Aceh Regency, yesterday. maritime authority in Sumatra’s virus. COVID-19 ANATOLIA — DHAKA

Japan to disband For the first time a judge in Rohingya plea for refugee camp cemeteries Bangladesh died due to the panel of coronavirus novel coronavirus in the experts after criticism ANATOLIA — DHAKA heightened fears of attack in Having expressed their Bangladesh’s Refugee, country’s main military Bangladesh’s neighboring gratitude for the hospitality of Relief and Repatriation Com- hospital in the capital Dhaka, REUTERS — TOKYO A Rohingya rights group has Myanmar since dozens were their hosts, the group none- missioner Mahbub Alam said official sources. asked the Bangladeshi refugee killed there in communal vio- theless bemoaned the hardship Talukder told Anadolu Agency Ferdous Ahmed, 58, was Japan is to disband a panel of commissioner’s office to lence in 2012. that this caused the refugees. that officials had received the a Women and Children medical experts advising allocate a plot of land for According to Amnesty Inter- “It is right from their part application, but that a decision Repression Prevention Tri- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s members of the minority group national, more than 750,000 keeping the spaces for their was pending. bunal judge, who was posted cabinet on the response to the to bury the bodies of deceased Rohingya refugees, mostly own villagers. But it is the most “They [Rohingya] need in the country’s northern novel coronavirus after crit- Rohingya. women and children, fled into difficult and big burden for the many things and they are border district of Lalmonirhat. icism of its transparency and The official application, sub- Bangladesh after Myanmar Rohingya refugees,” it said, demanding for many things, but “He was infected by the virus lack of independence. mitted on June 14 by the Arakan forces launched a brutal urging authorities to allocate a we have to deal with it as per during performing duties at Japan has been spared the Rohingya Society for Peace and crackdown in August 2017. specific graveyard for all 32 our capability and prevailing virtual court,” Saifur Rahman, kind of explosive coronavirus Human Rights (ARSPH) lamented No land has officially been Rohingya camps to “urgently” situation,” said Talukder. the spokesman of the coun- outbreak seen elsewhere, with that after two years encamped set aside for Rohingya burials resolve the issue. He added that Rohingya try’s highest court, said. some 18,000 cases and 969 near the country’s southeastern at the crowded camps, leaders “We need the cemetery for were still burying the bodies of Amid the outbreak of the deaths, but it is far from over town of Cox’s Bazar, the refugees of the group said. each camp. We cannot create deceased people at a certain lethal virus, Bangladesh and questions about the gov- had nearly run out of cemetery Small areas have been other ways to bury dead space in every camp. “Con- approved judicial activities ernment’s response linger. space. unofficially fixed as cemeteries peoples’ bodies. Please accept cerned officials are looking into through virtual means on May The number of daily new “The local people are wor- in most Rohingya camps, with our request and manage the it.” The refugees, however, say 7, citing people’s needs. cases in Tokyo climbed to 55 rying for their people to get reports that some have had to cemetery as quickly as they need sufficient dedicated Till date, 40,000 convicts on Wednesday, the highest tally enough spaces in the cemetery bury more than one body in a possible.” space for every camp as have been granted bail after in 1-1/2 months. The panel’s for the future. So they are not single grave. According to an approx- cemeteries. hearings on around 75,000 independence from gov- allowing the refugees to bury With a single grave, in con- imate calculation by the ARSPH, “At least we need to bury petitions in the country’s ernment influence has come continuously in their cemetery,” ventional cemeteries costing at since the mass exodus of our people at a specific place so lower courts, according to into question and Economy said the application reached by least 3,000-15,000 Bangladeshi Rohingya from Myanmar to we can visit the graves of our official records. Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura Anadolu Agency. takas ($35-$176), the already Bangladesh in August 2017, as demised and pray for the Ahmed was admitted to the said it would be disbanded and The Rohingya, described by destitute refugees have been many as 17,480 Rohingya have departed souls,” Abdul Karim, country’s main military hospital a new one created with a the UN as the world’s most per- hard-pressed in procuring a died in the camps which house a refugee at the biggest in Dhaka on June 7 after testing broader range of specialists. secuted people, have faced spot to lay their dead to rest. over 1.2 million refugees. Kutupalang camp, said. positive for the virus. 08 VIEWS FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] A sign with the colours of the Palestinian ﬂag at the separation wall near the Israeli settlement of Mod'in. EDITORIAL Annexing West Bank threatens Success against COVID-19 Jordan-Israel treaty DUE to concerted efforts made by the government, the COVID-19 outbreak has been slowed down in Qatar AFP peace treaty,” said Oraib Rintawi Arab host countries. and the cases are gradually declining. The outbreak of the Al-Quds Centre for Political On the streets of Amman, Jor- is into the fourth month in the State of Qatar, with a Israeli plans to annex swathes of Studies. danians questioned by AFP echoed total of 91,838 confirmed cases detected so far. the West Bank would violate its Former Jordanian information the king’s views and expressed However, as many as 74,544 patients have already peace treaty with Jordan, heaping minister Mohammed al-Momani their own fears. fully recovered from the disease. There have been 106 pressure on Amman to review its said Israel’s planned annexation of “The annexation plan is an deaths to date. As the country has passed the peak ties with Israel, analysts say. Jewish settlements and other ter- existential danger for Jordan and of the outbreak, officials say the number of people But ultimately cash-strapped ritory in the West Bank, including Palestine,” said shopkeeper requiring hospitalisation has also fallen. Jordan, which depends on over a the Jordan Valley that runs along Abdullah Musa, 44, who sells elec- The government has allowed all public and private billion dollars in annual aid from Jordan’s border, would be a clear trical appliances. entities to resume work with 50 percent of their staff the United States, will be unable to “violation” of the peace treaty. “There will be nothing left to at the workplaces, while the private healthcare facil- stop the move which has been The treaty stipulates that “no establish a Palestinian state,” he ities have been allowed to operate at 60 percent green lighted by Washington, they side will take unilateral action that said. capacity from July 1. Under the gradual reopening say. will undermine the interests of the Photographer Luay Malhass plan, many shopping centres and public parks have Jordan is, along with Egypt, other side”. But annexation said “tens of thousands of Pales- also opened, though with strict precautionary measures the only Arab nation to have “undermines Jordanian interests, tinians will be forced to flee the in place. signed a peace treaty with Israel. which lie in the creation of a Pal- West Bank”. Country’s top health experts have, however, But opinion polls have estinian state,” he said. “Annexation... will create a advised the public to stay vigilant against the virus, repeatedly shown that the 1994 “This is a direct threat to Jor- dilemma for Jordan by forcing on which is still present in society. The elderly and people treaty -- signed one year after Oslo dan’s national security,” added it the option of an alternative state with chronic diseases particularly need to be protected peace accords between Israel and Momani, saying Amman could for the Palestinians and their per- from the infection as they are more vulnerable to com- the Palestinians -- is overwhelm- urge UN Security Council inter- manent settlement,” Malhass said. plications from the disease. Health statistics show that ingly opposed by Jordanians. vention or complain to the Inter- Cancelling the peace treaty the average age of people with COVID-19 who require King Abdullah II, who has national Court of Justice. with Israel would be the king’s intensive care is 50 years. People with chronic dis- often complained of a “cold peace” Analysts say Jordan signed the “most important decision of his eases are also at greater risk from COVID-19 as sta- with Israel, has already warned peace treaty specifically because it reign”, Musa added. tistics show that death rate among COVID-19 patients that annexation would lead to a believed it would pave the way for But some analysts believe Jor- with heart disease is 13 percent, with diabetes 9 “massive conflict”. the creation of a Palestinian state dan’s ability to stand up against the percent, and those with blood pressure 8 percent. “I don’t want to make threats and solve a problem that has US-backed Israeli plans is limited. As the country gradually lifts COVID-19 related The treaty and create a loggerheads atmos- bedevilled the kingdom for “Jordan’s options will be restrictions, public have been advised to keep fol- stipulates that phere, but we are considering all decades. Sandwiched between diminished because it is bound by lowing the safety guidelines including maintaining social options,” the king told German Israel and Jordan, the West Bank strategic relations with Wash- distance, hand hygiene, use of a face mask when in no side will magazine Der Spiegel in May. -- including east Jerusalem -- had ington... and is very much public or near another person. Community members take unilateral Ordinary Jordanians mean- been under Jordanian adminis- dependent on US aid,” said Ahmad also need to take extra care to protect their older family while told AFP it poses an “exis- tration until Israel occupied it in Awad, head of the Phoenix Centre members or people who are already ill. Social visits, action that will tential threat” for a country where the 1967 Six-Day War. for Economics and Informatics if necessary, should be kept short and while main- undermine the more than half of the 10 million Following the conflict, hun- Studies. taining social distance and using face masks. interests of population are of Palestinian dreds of thousands of Palestinians Kirk Sowell, analyst with Utica Qatar’s strategy against the pandemic has been origin. fled to Jordan to join an influx of Risk Services, believes Jordan will effective and successful with the country achieving a the other side. Jordan would be “forced to others who sought refuge there not confront Israel. very high recovery rate. Qatar’s mortality rate from But annexation review all aspects of our relations after the creation of Israel in 1948. “Jordan can suspend the treaty COVID-19 is among the lowest in countries with major with Israel”, Prime Minister Omar Jordanians of Palestinian if it wishes... (but) Jordan is not outbreak. undermines al-Razzaz has said. origin account for more than half going to do anything tangible to Despite reassuring results, the authorities have Jordanian Analysts say there are many of Jordan’s 10 million people and stop annexation,” he said. It could remained alert and steadfast in their efforts to control options on the table. 2.2 million Palestinians are regis- also “formally suspend security the pandemic. Qatar’s flagship public healthcare pro- interests, Jordan could cancel the peace tered with the United Nations as cooperation... but security cooper- vider, the Hamad Medical Corporation, has announced which lie in treaty or scrap some of its key refugees. ation would continue, informally, to increase its daily COVID-19 testing capacity to clauses -- namely those con- Palestinians say annexation because Jordan cannot survive 30,000 by the end of July, from the current capacity the creation of cerning security and intelligence would make it impossible to form otherwise,” he added. of 20,000 tests per day. It has already conducted a Palestinian cooperation -- shutter Israel’s a coherent Palestinian state with Even suspending the gas 337,000 COVID-19 tests since late February. state. embassy in Amman or recall its east Jerusalem as its capital. agreement between the two ambassador from Tel Aviv. King Abdullah shares that countries would hurt Jordan “Jordan must send a decisive view and has repeatedly said there more than Israel. “There will be message to Israel and the Amer- can be no alternative to a Pales- lots of rhetoric about opposition icans that says if you take that path tinian state and no permanent set- to it, but there is nothing Jordan (annexation) we will cancel the tlement of Palestinian refugees in can do,” he said. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] The only proper end to Flynn case is to hear it to the end EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 THE WASHINGTON POST agreed to cooperate with the defendant had pled guilty. that the judge has gone too far, FAX: +974 4455 7758 investigation. On December 1, Flynn's subsequent attempt to that the choice of whether to The decision of a three-judge US 2017, Flynn entered a guilty muddy the waters, and claim prosecute is solely up to prose- MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Court of Appeals panel to throw plea. Asked by the judge, "Did that his original statement to cutors except in extraordinary out the Michael Flynn case is a you, in fact, do what the gov- the FBI wasn't material to the circumstances, such as malfea- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 serious setback to those who ernment has stated it can prove investigation, has been rejected sance, like bribery. This is hoped for some accountability at trial?" Flynn replied under by the court. clearly not that. However, the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 for Flynn's admitted lies to the oath, "Yes." Flynn later changed US District Judge Emmet decision to drop the Flynn case FBI and the suspicious decision lawyers, stopped cooperating Sullivan, presiding over the is not simply business as usual. BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 by Attorney General William Barr with the investigation and case, set up a mechanism to It reeks of political manipu- to walk away from prosecuting moved to withdraw his guilty examine the prosecution's lation at the highest levels of the SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 them. The appeals court decision plea, contradicting his own withdrawal, including a request United States government. The interrupts an important process sworn prior admissions of guilt. for a critique of the govern- full appeals court should ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 that ought to be allowed to finish. This was followed by Barr's ment's motion by John Gleeson, overrule the three-judge panel email: [email protected] Flynn agreed in 2017 to stunning turnabout, aban- a former federal judge, and a and allow Sullivan to proceed plead guilty to making false doning the prosecution before hearing set for July 16. Gleeson with the hearing, rule on the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 statements to the FBI when he Flynn could be sentenced. found"clear evidence of a gross prosecution's request, and go email: [email protected] said he did not remember his Under all but extreme cir- abuse of prosecutorial power" ahead with sentencing if he discussions with Russia's then- cumstances, it is up to prose- and concluded that "the gov- thinks it warranted. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in cutors to decide what to pros- ernment has engaged in highly There would be ample FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] 2016 concerning US sanctions ecute - an essential executive irregular conduct to benefit opportunity then for full judicial against Russia. The FBI branch function. But in this apolitcal ally of the president." review of Sullivan's course of CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 interview with him was part of case, there is substantial reason Now, the three-judge action. But it is a mistake to email: [email protected] the investigation into Russia's to question the government's appeals court panel has short-circuit the proceedings interference in the US election. conduct, dropping a case in knocked the legs out from Sulli- now. The only proper end to this SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 As part of the plea deal, Flynn which a politically favored van's process. The panel argues case is to hear it to the end. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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/ThePeninsulaQatar It’s a challenge for all of us to decide how and when to open up /Peninsula_Qatar our economies and our societies. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Everybody’s trying to ﬁgure that out. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State +974 6698 6188 FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 ASIA 09

Vietnam family Pakistan to ground 150 pilots for cheating held after AP — ISLAMABAD Officials familiar with the process involved unspecified number of people air control tower when he was spreading news who had the skills to fly a plane told the plane was too high to Pakistan’s state-run airline said in issuing pilot’s licences said an unspecified but lacked technical knowledge land. However, he said the pilot of land dispute yesterday it will ground 150 number of people who had the skills to fly a had in the past bribed qualified and co-pilot were medically fit pilots, accusing them of persons to take exams for them. and qualified to fly. AFP — HANOI obtaining licences by having plane but lacked technical knowledge had They didn’t elaborate. The crash took place when others take exams for them in the past bribed qualified persons to take The officials, who spoke on the plane attempted to land a Four members of a Vietnamese after a probe into last month’s condition of anonymity because second time. Air traffic control family who spread news online crash that killed 97 people in exams for them. of the sensitive nature of the told the pilot three times that about a deadly land dispute Karachi. matter, said Pakistan Interna- the plane was too low to land have been arrested, authorities Abdullah Hafeez, a tional Airlines learned about the but he refused to listen, saying said yesterday, as the spokesman for Pakistan Inter- “fake” licences. He made the survivors and a girl died on the scandal two years ago and had he would manage, Khan said. communist government cracks national Airlines, didn’t give revelation while presenting ground. fired at least four pilots at the The minister added that, for its down on dissent ahead of its additional details about the preliminary findings of a probe Neither Khan nor Hafeez time on accusations of falsifying part, air traffic control did not party congress. cheating but said a process to to parliament into the May 22 released additional details exams to obtain a licence from inform the pilots about damage Vietnam’s authoritarian fire the pilots had been Airbus A320 aircraft crash. about the alleged methods used the civil aviation authority. caused to the engines after the rulers typically move swiftly to initiated. The announcement stunned by the pilots to wrongfully Shortly after the crash, plane’s first failed landing muzzle critics and dissidents “We will make it sure that lawmakers present in the obtain licences to fly com- Pakistan announced it would attempt. posting online, and the run-up such unqualified pilots never fly National Assembly and shocked mercial planes. Khan said only probe the incident and share its “The engines of the plane to a leadership transition in aircraft again,” he said. He said family members of passengers that they did not take examina- findings. were damaged when they January poses an especially tense the safety of passengers was the who died last month when tions themselves to get the Khan presented preliminary scraped the runway but the air period for the paranoid state. airline’s top priority. Flight PK8303 after departing required certificates, which are findings of the investigation into traffic control did not inform the The arrest of the four The move by PIA to ground from the eastern city of Lahore issued by the civil aviation last month’s crash to parliament pilot,” he said. family members comes the pilots comes a day after the went down in a congested res- authority. Wednesday. He said the pilot, Hafeez said notices were months after a violent dispute country’s aviation minister, idential area in Karachi, killing But officials familiar with before making his first failed being issued to all those pilots in a village near Hanoi, where Ghulam Sarqar Khan, said 262 97 people, including all the crew the process involved in issuing landing attempt, did not pay who he believed had tainted residents had been resisting out of 860 Pakistani pilots had members. There were only two pilot’s licences said an attention to warnings from the licenses. the military’s attempts to build an airport on their land. Can Thi Theu — who has already served two prison sen- Divided Koreas mark 70 tences — and her family are believed to have been the first to spread news of the clash in years since war began, January, in which three policemen and a villager were killed. but no treaty in sight Theu, two sons in their 30s, and another relative were REUTERS — SEOUL clings to a “pathological and arrested on Wednesday, the inveterate hostile policy” ministry of public security Seventy years after the Korean towards North Korea, “we will said, on the charge of “making, War began, prospects for a continue to further build up our hoarding and disseminating peace treaty to officially end strength to contain the per- propaganda” against the state. the conflict appear as distant sistent nuclear threats from the Their detention was con- as ever, as the two Koreas held US”, the Foreign Ministry’s demned by Human Rights low-key commemorations Institute for Disarmament and Watch (HRW), who warned yesterday amid heightened Peace said in the report, which Vietnam “to stop trampling on tension. was carried by state media. the rights of its people”. The 1950-1953 Korean War Two years ago, a flurry of “Demanding respect for ended in an armistice rather diplomacy and summits rights and calling out officials than a peace treaty, leaving between North Korean leader involved in rapacious land US-led UN forces technically Kim Jong Un and the presidents grabs should not be a crime,” still at war with North Korea. of the United States, South said HRW’s Phil Robertson. South Korean leaders in Korea, and China raised hopes “It has been an unfortunate 1953 opposed the idea of a that even if the North’s nuclear tradition in Vietnam that every truce that left the peninsula arsenal was undiminished, the time the Communist Party of divided and were not signa- parties might agree to officially Taliban members hand over weapons Vietnam is gearing up for a tories to the armistice. end the war. congress, there is a crackdown South Korean war veterans A series of follow-up Members of the Taliban hand over their weapons and join in the Afghan government’s reconciliation on activists and dissidents and gathered to commemorate the meetings and working-level and reintegration programme in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, yesterday. this is no different,” he added. anniversary, including one talks failed to close the gap, event where US President however, and North Korea has Donald Trump and other inter- taken an increasingly confron- national leaders delivered tational tone, resuming short- Indonesia surpasses 50,000 virus cases video messages. range missile launches, blowing “The war isn’t really over up an inter-Korean liaison and I don’t think peace will office and severing communi- AP — JAKARTA Achmad Yurianto, spokesman cases in early March. Indonesia is indeed not safe,” come while I’m still alive,” said cation hotlines with South for the National COVID-19 Task A total of 20,449 patients Yamani said. “Without suffi- 89-year-old veteran Kim Korea. The number of coronavirus Force. have recovered from the illness cient testing, the full extent of Yeong-ho, who attended an On Wednesday, North cases in Indonesia surpassed But skepticism remains over nationwide. COVID-19 transmission will event in the South Korean Korea said it had decided to 50,000 yesterday, an increase the ability of the government to Since the first cases were remain unknown.” The soaring border town of Cheorwon. suspend plans for unspecified that is worrying experts at a conduct enough tests to confirmed, Indonesia has tested number of cases is deepening “The nightmares just keep military action against South time when the government is determine the true spread of the fewer than 430,000 people, Indonesia’s economic gloom. coming back to me every day.” Korea, but warned it to “think allowing businesses to reopen virus in the Southeast Asian according to government data. Planning Minister Suharso North Korea released a 5,500- and behave wisely”. amid increasing economic nation, home to more than 270 That’s far from the World Monoarfa recently said that up word report blaming the United While South Korea’s mil- pressure. million people living on thou- Health Organization’s recom- to 5.5 million Indonesians may States for starting the war, itary stands ready to counter The surging cases in the sands of islands. mendation of testing one percent lose their jobs because of the committing atrocities and any threat, Seoul does not wish world’s fourth-most populous The task force said the coro- to 1.5 percent of a country’s pop- pandemic. maintaining decades of hostile to force its political or eco- country align with its increasing navirus has infected 50,187 ulation, said Laura Navika Already, 9.4 percent of the policies that left Pyongyang no nomic systems on the North, testing capacity, which has people and killed at least 2,620, Yamani, an epidemiology expert population lived below the choice but to pursue nuclear South Korean President Moon averaged close to the govern- the highest number of cases and at Airlangga University. national poverty line last year. weapons of its own. Jae-in said at an anniversary ment’s daily target of 20,000 fatalities in Southeast Asia. “In terms of epidemiological He said the poverty rate is As long as the United States event. over the past week, said That’s up from just two positive measures, the situation in expected to rise to 10.2 percent. US terrorism report Indonesia jails IS-linked ‘disappoints' Pakistan couple who tried to ANATOLIA — ISLAMABAD assassinate minister Pakistan yesterday said it was AFP — JAKARTA coronavirus concerns, with disappointed by a recent lawyers and judges wearing terrorism report by the US, An Indonesian couple with facemasks with the defendants saying it gave a selective and links to the Islamic State (IS) listening via videolink. self-contradictory account of the group who tried to assassinate The trial had heard that country’s efforts to counter the country’s chief security Alamsyah stabbed the now terrorism and terrorist financing. minister were jailed yesterday. 73-year-old Wiranto as he exited In a Foreign Ministry A Jakarta court handed a a car during a visit to Pandeglang statement, Islamabad said the 12-year sentence to Syahrial regency on Java island. US State Department’s 2019 Alamsyah, 51, and nine years Alamsyah and his wife, who Country Report on Terrorism to his wife Fitria Diana, 21, after injured a member of Wiranto’s ignored its “crucial role” in convicting them on terrorism entourage, were wrestled to the degrading Al Qaeda in the charges for trying to kill then ground by security personnel. region and “diminishing the security minister Wiranto in Wiranto sustained knife threat that the terrorist group Royal Thai Navy chief Admiral Luechai Ruddit (third left) inspects Royal Thai Marines during a visit October last year. The sen- wounds to his abdomen, but once posed to the world.” “Sim- at the Chulabhorn Camp in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat, yesterday. tences were below prosecutors’ survived the attack, in which ilarly, the Report acknowledges demands for a 16-year and several others were also injured. the sharp decrease in the inci- 12-year term, respectively. Days before the assassi- dence of terrorist attacks in Thai army holds ceremony countering But the court rejected the nation attempt, the pair Pakistan. However, it neglects couple’s defence that they were pledged allegiance to late IS to explain that this was only solely motivated by anti-gov- leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, possible because Pakistan’s res- pro-democracy protesters ernment sentiment, ruling that the court said in its ruling. olute counter-terrorism oper- Alamsyah belonged to a local Alamsyah was a member ations have targeted proscribed REUTERS — BANGKOK of a failed 1933 insurrection from public spaces. extremist group allied to IS. Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), groups and outfits without dis- known as Boworadet Rebellion The military has cited pro- “We rule that the defendant an IS-linked extremist group crimination,” said the statement. Thailand’s army has joined the in a ceremony inside the army tection of the monarchy as jus- is guilty of terrorism together responsible for a string of attacks, Rejecting allegations that debate over history and headquarters in Bangkok. tification for staging coups in with his wife,” presiding judge including suicide bombings at Pakistan had provided safe democracy in the Southeast The disputes over history 2006 and in 2014. Masrizal, who like many Indo- churches in Indonesia’s second- haven to “any group or entity to Asian nation by holding a come as more Thais are Historians have commonly nesians goes by one name, told biggest city Surabaya in 2018 that use its territory against any ceremony on the same day that speaking out against a mil- described the Boworadet the West Jakarta District Court. killed a dozen people. country,” it said: “On the con- pro-democracy demonstrations itary-dominated political Rebellion — named after a A third defendant was also JAD is among dozens of trary, it is Pakistan that faces the were held at memorials to the system and as monuments to prince who led it — as an sentenced to five years on radical groups that have threat of terrorism from exter- 1932 revolution that ended the 1932 establishment of attempt to re-establish the terror charges linked to a sep- pledged loyalty to IS in Indo- nally based and foreign spon- centuries of absolute monarchy. democracy, including the one absolute monarchy, but the arate attack planned with nesia, the world’s biggest sored groups, like Tehrik-e- A military statement yes- celebrating victory over the army statement said that it was Alamsyah last year. Muslim majority nation, which Taliban Pakistan, Islamic State- terday confirmed that army Boworadet Rebellion, have opposing “dictatorial” The hearing was held by has long struggled with Islamist Khorasan Province and others.” officials had honoured leaders been mysteriously removed governance. video conference due to militancy. 10 EUROPE FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 Germany increases donation to WHO but demands reforms AP — GENEVA Speaking at a In addition to the cash, Spahn said Germany would also Germany yesterday announced meeting of some be providing medical that it is giving half a billion member states at equipment including masks for euros to support the World WHO headquarters countries struggling to deal with Health Organisation amid the the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic, but said in Genevayesterday, “This is a clear sign for our reforms are necessary to make Health Minister said dedication to the work of the agency more transparent WHO,” Spahn said, warning and accountable. Germany would do its that “isolated national answers German Health Minister part to give WHO the to international problems are Jens Spahn, said the country doomed to fail.” remains a “critical friend” of the political, financial and French health minister World Health Organization. technical backing it Olivier Veran said France has Speaking at a meeting of previously announced it would some member states at WHO required. give WHO ¤90m to build an headquarters in academy in Lyon, in addition to Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (second left), meets scientists including Christina Dold Genevayesterday, Spahn said another ¤50m announced by (right) during a visit to the manufacturing laboratory where a vaccine against the coronavirus has been Germany would do its part to “decision-making processes President Emmanuel Macron. produced at the Oxford Vaccine Group’s facility at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, west of London. give WHO the political, driven by the facts, and not by He also said France would be financial and technical backing politics.” providing 100 million masks. it required. In recent weeks, WHO has “The French contribution is He said most of the more come under siege from US not aimed to replace the US con- England COVID-19 test and trace system than ¤500m was for the President Donald Trump and tribution. The French contri- agency’s plan to stop the coro- others, who have blasted its bution is there to remind the fails to reach a quarter of positive cases navirus pandemic. Part of the performance during COVID-19 World Health Organisation that money — ¤110m — had been and accused the agency of col- it can count on the friendship of REUTERS — LONDON contacts of positive COVID-19 Test and Trace has already announced previously. luding with China to hide the the European Union,” Veran said. cases, and of these 24,734 people, reached more than one hundred “This comes with the clear extent of the outbreak when the Spahn said it was unclear England’s COVID-19 test and or 81.7 percent, were reached thousand people who may have expectation that remaining virus first emerged. how Trump’s announcement of trace system could not reach a and asked to self-isolate. otherwise unknowingly spread challenges are adequately Trump had previously suspended American funding quarter of people who had their Those running the test and the virus,” said Dido Harding, addressed and needed reforms declared he was suspending US would affect WHO. cases transferred to the system trace service say that it is early executive chair of England’s test are pushed forward,” Spahn funding to WHO and pulling his WHO director-general after a positive test for the new days in its operation and is and trace system. said. country out; it provides about Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus coronavirus, UK’s Department working well but needs con- “It will take all of us Last month, WHO bowed to $450m a year as the agency’s thanked Germany and France of Health said yesterday. tinued co-operation from the working together to stop the member countries’ request for single biggest donor. for their support, saying “we are Of 6,923 people who had public to help get to grips with spread of the virus in our com- an independent probe of how An Associated Press inves- getting all the support we need, their case transferred to the the pandemic. munities and that will continue it managed the global response tigation found China delayed political and financial.” contact tracing system in its third The test and trace system is to be true as the country starts to coronavirus. sharing critical information Both Spahn and Veran said week of operation, 1,791, or 25.9 seen as key to efforts to lift the to open up again.” Since the “We need a strong, efficient, with WHO for weeks and that they were committed to making percent, could not be reached, lockdown in England, as Prime programme’s launch on May transparent and accountable the agency publicly praised a COVID-19 vaccine accessible with no contact details provided Minister Boris Johnson allows 28, it has reached 113,925 close WHO today more than ever,” China while voicing internal to all people who need it, but for a further 263 people. a growing number of busi- contacts of the 21,105 people Spahn said. He added it is frustrations at Chinese officials’ did not specify how that might The department said 30,286 nesses to re-open. who have tested positive for critical to have lack of cooperation. be done. people were identified as close “In just three weeks, NHS COVID-19.

Austrian ski resort has record rate of German slaughterhouse outbreak brings police, mass testing coronavirus AP — VERL, GERMANY individuals worked at the large might make in their home coun- spotlight by the coronavirus cooperate could have been slaughterhouse that has had about tries. Now, they rely on food outbreak. Like other companies greater.” Officials on Thursday antibodies: Study German police deployed 1,300 people test positive for delivered by their companies or in the German meat industry, announced the opening of five hundreds of officers yesterday COVID-19. But caught in the same help from friendly neighbors Toennies has long used subcon- new coronavirus testing centers REUTERS — VIENNA across two western regions that net — or rather, behind steel bar- such as Aved Elias, who brought tractors for much of the work in Guetersloh, where the have been placed under a ricades erected by authorities — trolleys full of goods to quaran- in its plants, a practice that slaughterhouse is located. A study of residents in the renewed pandemic lockdown were workers at other local com- tined residents on Wednesday. critics say allows the company Sven-Georg Adenauer, the Alpine ski resort of Ischgl, the in an attempt to contain a coro- panies who happen to live in the “At the moment, we’re not to avoid the stricter oversight it head of the regional adminis- site of Austria’s biggest coronavirus outbreak linked to a same apartment buildings as thinking about business,” he would face if it employed tration, said authorities want to navirus outbreak, has found slaughterhouse. those from the slaughterhouse said. “We’re just thinking about workers directly. be able to conduct 10,000 tests 42% have antibodies for the Swathed in white protective owned by the Toennies Group, the people. Everything else is North Rhine-Westphalia per day, free of charge. virus, the highest rate ever gear, officers accompanied local Germany’s biggest meat secondary.” Elias’ comment state governor Armin Laschet, The service is expected to proven, the university that council workers making house processing company. reflect widespread sympathy in whose center-right party has be widely used as some regions carried out the study said on calls on people who were under Many are migrants from the city of Guetersloh for the received significant donations of Germany have said they’ll Thursday. quarantine to make sure they Eastern Europe who come to migrant workers, whose often from Toennies over the years, only allow people from the two Thousands of people were were at home. Germany legally in the hope of dire workplace and living con- acknowledged this week that districts to visit if they can infected at the resort, which Some of the checked-on earning many times what they ditions have been put in the the company’s “readiness to provide proof of a negative test. marketed itself as the “Ibiza of the Alps”, as the virus found a breeding ground in crowded apres-ski bars early in Aus- Polish presidential vote tria’s outbreak. The first positive test result in Ischgl was on March 7, days puts government’s after Iceland alerted the Aus- trian authorities to several of its nationals who it believed reforms on the line caught the virus there. A quarantine was declared REUTERS — WARSAW couples to adopt children or to a week later but tourists were marry. allowed to leave, further Poles vote on Sunday in a Opinion polls put President spreading the virus across closely-fought presidential Duda on around 40 percent Europe. election critical to the nation- and his nearest rival, Warsaw “The seroprevalence of alist Law and Justice (PiS) mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, 48, study participants from Ischgl government’s hopes of imple- on just under 30 percent. But is 42.4 percent,” the director menting its conservative Duda’s lead has been nar- of the Medical University of agenda, including judicial rowing and he needs to win Innsbruck’s Institute of reforms the European Union more than 50 percent to avoid Virology, Dorothee von Laer, says undermine democracy. a second round on July 12. who led the study, said in a The vote had been due to Some polls show Trza- statement by the university. take place on May 10 but was skowski, candidate of the cen- “We are dealing in Ischgl delayed by the COVID-19 pan- trist Civic Platform (PO), with the highest sero preva- demic. Poles will now have the winning the runoff. lence ever proven in a study. option of voting by postal ballot A victory for Trzaskowski Even though at that rate herd in Sunday’s hastily rescheduled would put Poland on a path immunity cannot be assumed, Italian public life limps back to normalcy election to avoid having to visit towards repairing its tense Ischgl’s population should be polling stations. relations with the EU, which protected (from the virus) to a Passengers wearing protective face masks travelling on a bus, following the coronavirus disease With the COVID-19 death has launched unprecedented large extent,” she added. outbreak, in Rome, Italy, yesterday. toll in Poland much lower than rule of law proceedings against in most of western Europe - the country. around 1,400 people have died, It would also raise ques- in a population of 38 million - tions over the nationalists’ UK Labour leader sacks top colleague over anti-Semitism the campaign has focused fragile parliamentary largely on PiS’s socially con- coalition. AFP — LONDON earlier today contained an anti- failing to act on repeated inci- part of that article,” Long-Bailey servative agenda, including its Under Polish law, the pres- Semitic conspiracy theory,” a dents of anti-Semitic behaviour. said. opposition to gay rights. ident can veto legislation and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer spokesman for Starmer said. It denied this. She added that she would PiS has painted its candidate, PiS does not have enough seats yesterday sacked a leading rival “As leader of the Labour party, Long-Bailey, a loyal sup- continue to support Labour the incumbent Andrzej Duda, 48, in the legislature to overturn it. from his top team for sharing Keir has been clear that restoring porter of Corbyn, ran for the under Starmer’s leadership as as a guardian of the party’s gen- In Poland’s first election an “anti-Semitic conspiracy trust with the Jewish community leadership against Starmer and an MP and “work towards a erous welfare programmes and allowing postal votes on a large theory”, in a move that risks is a number one priority. after missing out, he brought more equal, peaceful and sus- its traditional family values, scale, some Poles abroad said reigniting bitter splits in the “Anti-Semitism takes many her into his top team in a public tainable world”. which it says are under attack they were having trouble reg- main opposition party. different forms and it is important display of unity. John McDonnell, who from the liberal West. istering or had not received Rebecca Long-Bailey was that we all are vigilant against it.” In a statement, Long-Bailey served as Corbyn’s finance “As long as I live, I promise ballot papers in the post. asked to step down as edu- Starmer was elected Labour said she retweeted the article spokesman, said she should not to defend our family, our Polish Iwona Bereza, 46, who has cation spokeswoman after leader in April to replace Jeremy with actress Maxine Peake -- have been sacked, offering her family model. I will not allow lived in Britain for eight years endorsing an interview with an Corbyn, whose tenure at the who she described as an “solidarity”. any experiments to take place at the same address, said the actress who claimed US police helm of the centre-left party was “absolute diamond” -- because “Throughout discussion of here, particularly those new system rejected her postal accused of killing George Floyd marked by bitter splits. of the long-time Labour sup- anti-Semitism it’s always been involving children,” Duda told ballot application, citing learned their tactics from Israeli His socialist views attracted porter’s call for party unity. said criticism of practices of supporters in his conservative problems with her residence. secret services. thousands of new members but “In no way was my retweet Israeli state is not anti-Semitic,” heartland in southern Poland. The foreign ministry said it was “The article Rebecca shared Corbyn’s team was accused of an intention to endorse every he said. PiS opposes allowing gay working on fixing glitches. FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 11 Russians cast early votes in ballot to extend Putin’s rule AFP — MOSCOW Masks and specially to vote against the reforms. Russians were casting early disinfectant gels are “This is the only thing I can ballots yesterday in a being made available do to keep my conscience clear nationwide vote on contro- and so I know that I did every- versial constitutional reforms to 110 million eligible thing I could, even if it doesn’t that could keep President voters across 10 time affect the final result,” he said. Vladimir Putin in power until Other Russians backed the 2036. zones. Voters sported changes however. Election officials opened masks and election One amendment guarantees polling stations in the lead-up ofﬁcials distributed the minimum wage will not be to the official voting day on July lower than the minimum sub- 1 to reduce the risk of over- ballot papers wearing sistence level, another says the crowding that could spread the gloves. state pension will be adjusted coronavirus infection. annually to inflation. Masks and disinfectant gels “We have lots of problems are being made available to 110 to make Putin “president for and the amendments solve million eligible voters across 10 life”. “It is a violation of the con- them in part. For me and my time zones. Voters sported masks stitution, a coup,” he has said. children and granddaughter and election officials distributed Among other changes, the they are good,” said 62-year- ballot papers wearing gloves. reforms would reset Putin’s old Moscow metro worker The Kremlin reluctantly presidential term-limit clock to Vladimir Bodrov. postponed the vote originally zero, allowing him to run two Senior political officials scheduled for April 22 as more times and potentially stay have stressed the importance COVID-19 cases increased and in the Kremlin until 2036. of giving Putin a chance to officials imposed restrictions to Under today’s rules, the remain in power. slow the spread. 67-year-old’s current term in the Moscow Mayor Sergei Sob- A local resident ﬁlls in documents as members of an electoral commission hold a mobile ballot box Putin — in power as pres- Kremlin would expire in 2024. yanin said the reforms were nec- outside his house during a seven-day vote on constitutional reforms, in the village of Lutsino in ident or prime minister since Rallies scheduled in April in essary to “guarantee stability”. Moscow region, Russia, yesterday. 1999 — introduced the reforms Moscow against the move were After casting his ballot to the 1993 constitution in barred under virus restrictions without a mask or gloves in option of running again. dling of the coronavirus pan- a long history as a secular January. against public gatherings. Moscow, former president and “We must work and not demic and the economy. country, and a stipulation They were hastily adopted The website of the “NO” prime minister Dmitry look for successors,” he said. The independent polling against gay marriage, which is by both houses of parliament campaign that collected signa- Medvedev said the reforms With the revised constitution group Levada published a not allowed under current and regional lawmakers and the tures of Russians opposed to the would protect people who had already on sale in Moscow book- survey last month that showed legislation. outcome of the vote is seen as reforms was blocked by a lost income or their jobs due to stores, the outcome is seen as a his ratings at an all-time low of Ballot leaflets, posters, and a foregone conclusion. Moscow court in March. the pandemic. foregone conclusion. 59 percent. billboards throughout Moscow Putin insisted that Russians Critics say the vote is even They will “ensure targeted Experts at state-run pollster But on top of resetting do not mention Putin or length- vote on the changes even it is more vulnerable to fraud than support to people, and help VTsIOM this week projected Putin’s term limits, the reforms ening the president’s term not legally required, arguing a regular polls because of a new families with many children,” that as many as 71 percent of promise to enshrine conserv- limits. plebiscite would give the system of online voting. he told reporters. voters would cast their ballots ative values that the Kremlin The campaign instead fea- amendments legitimacy. Sergey Panov, a 45-year-old Putin said last week he had in favour. hopes will resonate with voters tures scenes from family life, Opposition campaigner in Russia’s second city, Saint not decided whether to seek Yet the vote comes as Putin and attract a large turnout. like a child kissing her grand- Alexei Navalny has slammed the Petersburg, said he drove to his another term, but added that it is suffering historically low They include a mention of mother with the slogan “for a vote as a populist ploy designed polling station before work was important that he have the approval ratings over his han- Russians’ “faith in God” despite guaranteed retirement”.

Belarus president accuses Russia, Kosovo PM cancels trip to US for talks with Serbia AP — PRISTINA Thaci called off his trip to coordinated with Europe. EU Hoti met yesterday in evidence to back it up. Poland of poll Washington after learning spokesman Peter Stano did not Brussels with European Council The Washington meeting The Prime Minister of Kosovo Wednesday of the indictment comment on the White House President Charles Michel to talk will not now happen, said inde- interference yesterday cancelled his plans to charging him and nine other talks Thursday, He repeated about visa rules, the corona- pendent analyst Agron Bajrami, attend a White House meeting former Kosovo rebel fights with that the EU was committed to virus impact and other issues. adding that the future of the AFP — MINSK with leaders of Serbia following crimes against humanity and facilitating the dialogue and On Wednesday, the prose- entire Kosovo-Serbia dialogue the indictment of Kosovo’s pres- war crimes, including murder. said it would resume in Brussels cutor for the Kosovo Specialist is in doubt. Belarus President Alexander ident on war crimes charges The White House meeting on next month. Chambers said Thaci and the “It will be very difficult for Lukashenko yesterday stemming from the 1990s armed Saturday was to be the first talks “There is no alternative to nine others “are criminally him (Thaci) to continue acting accused Russia and Poland of conflict between the two Balkan between Serbia and Kosovo in 19 the EU-facilitated dialogue to responsible for nearly 100 as a president, if not for any- interfering in the upcoming countries. months. Kosovo declared inde- address the normalisation of murders” of Serbs and Roma, thing else but for the fact that presidential election, claims Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti pendence from Serbia in 2008, relations between Kosovo and as well as Kosovo Albanian he cannot be part of the dia- that were quickly denied by said he informed US presidential a move Serbia has not recog- Serbia,” Stando said. political opponents. Other logue now that this has the Kremlin. envoy Richard Grenell of his nized. The United States and the There has been no reaction charges include enforced dis- occurred,” said Bajrami. The interference is coming decision, which is likely to European Union have been from Grenell so far, who imme- appearance, persecution and Isa Mustafa, leader of the from “those who live in Poland torpedo the talks. Grenell working to help normalise ties diately after the announcement torture, he said. ruling Democratic League of and those who incite from expected Hoti to fill in for Kosovo between the two countries. of Thaci’s indictment had A pretrial judge at The Kosovo, said that the country’s Russia,” Lukashenko said at a President Hashim Thaci and The EU has been leading tweeted that Hoti would co-lead Hague-based court is studying political parties should first meeting with newly appointed co-lead the talks with Serbian negotiations for nine years, and the White House meeting with the indictment and could still convene and talk before government officials. President Aleksandar Vucic. the Washington meeting wasn’t Serbia’s president. reject it if there is not enough meeting with Serbia. Lukashenko said he would discuss the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting in the near future but Mexico quake toll rises to cautioned that the situation remained “extremely 10 as residents clear rubble difficult”. The strongman leader of REUTERS — MEXICO CITY have all my memories,” Aura authoritarian ex-Soviet Preisser said while removing Belarus is seeking his sixth The death toll from a powerful her belongings from the term as president in the earthquake that struck southern building. election scheduled for August Mexico yesterday has risen to 10 “If I lost it, I would lose not 9. people, authorities said on only my home, but a large part of Many of his critics have Wednesday, as locals began my heart.” In Oaxaca, crews of been jailed in recent weeks clearing the rubble and assessing workers cleared the roads clut- and opposition figures who the damage from the temblor. tered with debris from the earth- enjoy robust support from the The area surrounding the quake, while residents of humble public have fought hard to get popular Huatulco beach resort communities searched for their on the ballot, observers say. in the southern state of Oaxaca belongings among the rubble. Lukashenko, who just was hardest hit by the 7.4 mag- “Everything was damaged, Wednesday was in Moscow, nitude quake, but the shaking the whole house was taken said there are “horrific fakes” could be felt as far away as away. Everything we have done being spread about him, some Mexico City, where tall buildings in our lives is gone,” said Vicente in Russian anonymous social swayed and thousands of people Romero in the town of La media accounts. “It’s not ours, raced into the streets. Crucecita, on the Pacific coast, the information is coming Roughly 30 buildings in the showing the damage to his home from Russia,” he said. capital were damaged, and in a as neighbours cleared debris. “There are the most northern neighbourhood that Educational centers and his- modern false technologies was hard hit by a 2017 earth- torical sites, including four being used, there is inter- quake, some residents had to archaeological zones, suffered ference from abroad into our evacuate their homes. damage, according to a elections, our domestic Members of Civil Protection and paramedics are seen at an apartment building damaged by an “This apartment has always statement from the Oaxaca state affairs.” The Kremlin flatly earthquake of magnitude 7.4 that struck southern Mexico’s Paciﬁc coast on Tuesday, in Mexico City, been my home. It’s where I was government, which put the denied allegations it was med- Mexico, yesterday. born, where I grew up, where I death toll at 10 people. dling in the ballot, saying it did not interfere in election cam- paigns in other countries, particularly close allies. Peru govt strikes agreement Teachers in Chile take class to students Russia “isn’t meddling, and isn’t going to meddle in the with private clinics on virus AFP — CARAHUE Approximately 70 percent work on paper, they still don’t electoral processes of any of Dream House School’s 101 have the sort of teaching country, let alone those under REUTERS — LIMA The health minister, Victor In the south of Chile, a rural pupils are Mapuche, an indig- support that is available online. way in our ally, Belarus,” Zamora, said the agreement school is bringing the classroom enous people who live in Chile Preschool teacher Marcela Kremlin spokesman Dmitry The Peruvian government was finalized on Wednesday to students, deploying vans to and Argentina. Cea, 29, and van driver Alexis Peskov told reporters. yesterday said it had struck an evening after a meeting with help teach pupils who might not Most don’t own computers Araneda, 34, are among those Lukashenko’s main agreement with the country’s representatives of the Associ- otherwise have access to and even fewer have access to who are traveling to pupils’ election rival Viktor Babaryko private health clinics on the cost ation of Private Clinics of Peru. education during the corona- the Internet, meaning the stu- homes to give lessons. was arrested this month on of COVID-19 care after Pres- “The important thing here virus lockdown. dents can’t take part in online “It seems super good to me, suspicion of committing ident Martin Vizcarra warned is people’s health. We cannot Students once rode in the classes. because there are tasks that one financial crimes and the next on Wednesday they would be delay treatment,” Zamora told vehicles to attended the Dream The coronavirus has cannot understood, not even day the president announced expropriated within 48 hours if RPP local radio. House School in the small town emptied Chile’s schools, forcing the parents, so the teachers can his government had foiled a negotiations did not progress. Peru’s coronavirus out- of Catripulli, located in Arau- millions of children to follow come and give extra classes,” foreign plot to stage a popular The clinics had for three break is second only to Brazil’s cania, one of the poorest their lessons online, but there Katalina Zuniga, an 11-year-old uprising in Belarus. weeks wrangled with Vizcarra’s in Latin America, with 264,689 regions in Chile. are regions where up to 76 student who receives lessons “Obviously, puppeteers are government over a fair rate for confirmed cases and 8,586 In this cold, rainy and rural percent of pupils don’t have in front of her home, told AFP. behind them,” Lukashenko care. The haggling began amid deaths. The pandemic has part of the country, the vans now access to the Internet, according Her mother, Modesta said of his political opponents. reports of overcharging for the caused a deep economic crisis travel to a handful of students’ to a study by the Digital Country Caniunir, says the effort helps “They are from both sides. sickest patients, who require in the Andean country and homes, after hundreds of children Foundation. parents and now the “pupils are They contribute from Poland mechanical ventilators and brought its health system to the were left adrift when classes were And while children may not going to get behind on their and from Russia.” intensive care. brink of collapse. suspended in March. have been supplied with school homework.” 12 AMERICAS FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2020 Cuomo says NY ‘bent the curve’ as new COVID-19 cases rise in other states

REUTERS — NEW YORK The focus of the Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Mis- souri, Nevada, Oklahoma, New York Governor Andrew pandemic has moved South Carolina, Texas and Cuomo celebrated a new mile- to the US West and Wyoming. stone of declining coronavirus Cuomo, a Democrat, hospitalizations in his state South, including more accused Republicans, including yesterday as the number of new sparsely populated President Donald Trump and cases elsewhere in the United rural areas, from the governors such as Florida’s Ron States kept climbing, especially DeSantis, of putting politics and in the West and South. early epicenter around business above science in their More than 36,000 new New York, where more handling of the outbreak. cases of COVID-19 were “You played politics with recorded nationwide on than 31,000 deaths this virus and you lost,” he said Wednesday, a few hundred shy were recorded, more on CNN. “You told the people US President Donald Trump exits the presidential limousine prior to boarding Air force One as he of the record 36,426 on April of your state — and he told the departs Washington for travel to Wisconsin from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, yesterday. 24, concentrated on states that than a quarter of the people of this country, White were spared the brunt of the country’s total. House — ‘Don’t worry about it, initial outbreak or moved early just open up go about your Trump returns to a changed to lift restrictions aimed at business, this is all Democratic curbing the virus’ spread. governors imposed severe hyperbole.’” Health and Human Services lockdown measures, some of Shares of Walt Disney Co Wisconsin to shore up support Secretary Alex Azar played which remain in place in opened two percent lower yes- down the surging numbers as hardest-hit New York City. terday after it delayed the reo- AP — MADISON percent. Now, 12 percent of Some polls have suggested “localized.” “So we’re working Cuomo said yesterday that pening of theme parks and resort Wisconsin workers are jobless. Trump has ground to make up aggressively with states and his state reached a new mile- hotels in California until it The last time President Donald Trump’s standing in Wis- in Wisconsin. A Marquette Uni- local leaders in this situation stone as the number of people receives approval from state offi- Trump visited Wisconsin he consin appears to be suffering versity Law School poll released but it’s important for the hospitalized with COVID-19 fell cials, as the state is hit by a huge staged a massive, raucous rally from the extraordinary period Wednesday showed Democrat American people to know this to 996, the first time since spike in new coronavirus cases. at an arena in downtown of turmoil, and his visit was part Joe Biden with an 8 percentage is a localized situation, the March 18 below 1,000. Unions had said they were Milwaukee. of a concerted effort to shore point lead over Trump. Trump counties that are in hotspots are “Together we bent the not convinced the theme park When he returned yes- up support in friendlier areas trailed Democrat Hillary three percent of American curve,” he said on Twitter. “And would be safe enough to reopen terday to the battleground state, that can make or break his ree- Clinton in nearly every poll counties,” Azar told Fox News. we aren’t stopping now.” The by the company’s target date of he was to be reminded how lection chances. conducted in Wisconsin in 2016 “That’s not to minimize the number of daily deaths in New July 17. much has changed since Besides the visit to Mari- — often by similar margins — situation. It’s really important York also has been in a long- The company has also come January. nette, he intended to participate before he won the state by that we get to the bottom of term decline, dropping to 17 on under pressure to delay the July The Republican president in a town hall to be broadcast fewer than 23,000 votes. why we’re seeing the surge in Wednesday from a high of more 11 reopening of Walt Disney planned a trip to conservative, by Fox News Channel from an Marinette County helped cases.” than 1,000, Cuomo said earlier World in Florida. rural Wisconsin for a private airport in Green Bay. The trip deliver that win. Trump carried The focus of the pandemic on CNN. Apple Inc is temporarily tour of a shipyard far from Mil- comes days after he dispatched the county, about 170 miles has moved to the US West and New York, New Jersey and shutting some stores again in waukee, where coronavirus Vice President Mike Pence to north of Milwaukee along the South, including more sparsely Connecticut on Wednesday Texas, Florida, Arizona, South restrictions now prevent large the conservative Milwaukee shores of Lake Michigan’s Green populated rural areas, from the ordered travelers from eight Carolina and North Carolina rallies. A day earlier, the gov- suburbs. Bay, with 65 percent of the vote. early epicenter around New states, as well as tri-state resi- following the increase in cases ernor activated the National The two parts of Wisconsin Unlike Trump’s rally in York, where more than 31,000 dents returning from those there. Guard in the capital to protect targeted by Trump this week - Oklahoma last weekend and his deaths were recorded, more areas, to self-quarantine for While some of the increased state property from angry pro- suburban Milwaukee and the visit to a Phoenix mega-church than a quarter of the country’s two weeks on arrival. numbers of cases can be tests against racial injustice. Green Bay media market in Tuesday, his tour of the Fincan- total. Twelve states have reported attributed to more testing, the When Trump last cam- northeast Wisconsin - are areas tieri Marinette Marine shipyard The numbers in the record rises in cases this week: percentage of positive results paigned in the state in January, where he needs to run up a big was not scheduled to be open Northeast dropped after Alabama, Arizona, California, is also climbing. the unemployment rate was 3.5 vote advantage in November. to the public. US urges Russia, China to give Venezuela more virus aid Supreme Court bolsters

REUTERS — GENEVA “We do think the numbers at least 4.5 million Venezuelans regime,” he said. are tragically a good deal to flee abroad. Abrams reiterated a US offer Trump’s power over The United States called on higher,” Abrams added. Abrams said opposition of March 31 for a power-sharing Russia and China yesterday to Referring to China and leader Juan Guaido and his deal under which it would begin provide more humanitarian aid Russia, he said: “We would like interim government — recog- lifting sanctions - including rapid deportation to their ally Venezuela in its to see them contribute more on nised by more than 50 coun- against Venezuela’s oil sector - fight against the growing the humanitarian side. There tries — would soon provide $20 if the opposition and members REUTERS — WASHINGTON court long ago held that Con- COVID-19 epidemic. has been, I believe, some con- million in assets to the Pan- of Maduro’s Socialist Party form gress is entitled to set the con- Venezuela, which has so far tribution of goods with respect American Health Organisation an interim government without The US Supreme Court ditions for an alien’s lawful reported 4,048 cases of to COVID-19 by Russia and — the WHO’s regional office — him. yesterday enhanced the ability entry into this country,” Alito COVID-19 and 35 deaths to the China. and other aid groups. “That framework is not an of President Donald Trump’s wrote. World Health Organization “But the scale, the dollar Abrams said the gov- ultimatum, it is not a take it or administration to quickly Liberal justices Sonia (WHO), has jailed doctors and amount of this aid, is really ernment of President Nicolas leave it. It is a proposal that deport illegal immigrants Sotomayor and Elena Kagan journalists for trying to expose quite low in comparison to the Maduro holds 450 political pris- clarifies the conditions under including asylum seekers with dissented. the true extent of infections, needs,” he said. oners and has sought to usurp which US sanctions would be limited judicial review, handing The San Francisco-based Special Representative Elliott The Opec member’s institutions, including the lifted and provide a starting him a victory in a case involving 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals Abrams told a diplomatic event economy is reeling from a six- Supreme Court. point for Venezuelans to one of his signature issues in an in 2019 ruled that under the organised by the US mission to year recession and a prolonged “The Supreme Court is now discuss a pathway forward,” he election year. Constitution’s suspension the United Nations in Geneva. political crisis that has driven completely subservient to the said. The justices ruled 7-2 in clause - relating to a person’s favour of the administration in ability to challenge con- its appeal of a lower court finement by the government - ruling that a Sri Lankan farmer courts must have the power to US House to vote named Vijayakumar Thurais- review Thuraissigiam’s claims. sigiam had a right to have a The administration con- judge review the government’s tended that the 9th Circuit on Democratic handling of his bid for asylum. ruling would defeat the purpose The ruling, written by con- of quick deportation and police reform bill servative Justice Samuel Alito, “impose a severe burden on the found that limiting judicial immigration system.” Trump’s REUTERS — WASHINGTON scrutiny of his rapid depor- hardline policies on immi- tation case, known as expedited gration and deportation have The US House of Representatives was to vote removal, did not violate key been a center piece of his pres- yesterday on sweeping Democratic police safeguards of individual liberty idency and his bid for re- reform legislation that is opposed by Pres- in the US Constitution. Two of election on November 3. ident Donald Trump and Republicans, in the the court’s four liberal justices, The American Civil Lib- latest sign that congressional efforts to rein Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader erties Union, representing in police misconduct have hit an impasse. Ginsburg, joined the five con- Thuraissigiam, had warned that The Democratic-controlled House is servative justices on the the administration’s stance, if due to consider the legislation a month to outcome but did not embrace accepted by the court, could be the day after George Floyd’s May 25 death Alito’s reasoning. used to deport millions of illegal in police custody set off worldwide pro- Alito wrote that it has long immigrants without meaningful tests against police brutality. A vote was been recognized that people judicial review. expected between 7pm and 7.30pm who have yet to be granted legal Last week, the Supreme EDT(2300 and 2330 GMT). entry to the United States do not Court delivered a blow to The bill, which mandates concrete US Representatives accompany Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi arrive at an event on have the full range of constitu- Trump by blocking his attempt changes in laws and policy to rein in police police reform at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, yesterday. tional rights and that Congress to rescind a government misconduct, is widely expected to pass the has some authority to determine program that protects House. But the Republican-led Senate is over how to address racial inequities in Senator Tim Scott, the Senate’s only what rights they do possess. “Dreamers” — mostly immi- unlikely to agree to the measure as written, American policing despite strong public sen- Black Republican and author of the cham- “While aliens who have grants from Latin America after Senate Democrats blocked a Repub- timent for effective reform after Floyd died in ber’s failed police reform bill, accused Dem- established connections in this brought to the United States lican reform bill on Wednesday. Minneapolis after a white policeman knelt on ocrats of rejecting Republican input on the country have due process rights illegally as children — from Democrats and Republicans are deadlocked his neck for nearly nine minutes. House bill to deny Trump. in deportation proceedings, the deportation. Canada’s Trudeau rejects call to swap Huawei executive for detainees in China

REUTERS — OTTAWA Financial Officer Meng halt the extradition pro- millions of Canadians who live saying her husband was in an “absolutely unacceptable” to let Wanzhou on a US arrest ceedings against Meng. This, and travel overseas every increasingly dire Beijing think it could get what Canadian Prime Minister Justin warrant in December 2018, they said, would boosting the single year. We cannot allow predicament. it wanted by arresting Trudeau yesterday rejected a Beijing detained two Canadian chances of China freeing the political pressures or random Although Beijing insists Canadians. call to swap an imprisoned man on security charges. Last two men. arrests of Canadian citizens to there is no connection between China has also blocked Huawei Technologies Co Ltd week they were charged with Trudeau, who has dis- influence the functioning of our the Meng and the two Cana- imports of Canadian canola executive for two citizens held suspected spying. missed repeated calls from justice system,” he told dians, Trudeau said there was seed and meat products. by Beijing, saying such a move A group of 19 prominent China to intervene in the case reporters. a clear link. Trudeau, asked whether would set a bad precedent and figures, including former against Meng, said the signa- The wife of one of the “We deplore what China Ottawa might impose sanctions harm Canada. cabinet ministers and dip- tories were wrong to call for detained men on Tuesday urged did... and will continue to on Chinese officials, said Shortly after Vancouver lomats, this week wrote a letter her release. Canada’s justice minister to remain steadfast and strong,” Canada was looking at a range police arrested Huawei Chief to Trudeau urging Ottawa to “(This) would endanger the consider intervening in the case, he said, adding that it would be of options but gave no details.