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SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 4 JUMADA I - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8476 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

___ Happy National Day! Amir, Father Amir attend National Day parade

I congratulate our people on the occasion of National Day of our country, which comes in a year of challenges, but is a testament to the process of giving and the achievements that have been achieved over generations and at all levels, and that made an oasis of stability, development and prosperity. We are proud of this renaissance and we look forward to achieving more with the will of Allah, then the will of our sons and daughters.

QNA — 18-shot gun salute to celebrate Qatar National Day, the parade Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin started with the entry of the Hamad Al Thani attended the White Army consisting of 2020 National Day Parade, doctors, nurses, Qatar Red which was held yesterday- Crescent Society employees morning on Doha Corniche and volunteers who cooperated amid precautionary and with the health sector during preventive measures imposed the fight against the outbreak due to the COVID-19 pandemic of the coronavirus pandemic, this year. as the Qatar Armed Forces sang Father Amir H H Sheikh a poem in appreciation of their Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani also efforts to address this attended the National Parade. pandemic. The parade was attended by H The Armed Forces infantry H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al parade consisted of 1,000 sol- Thani, Personal Representative diers, which was followed by of H H the Amir; H H Sheikh the parade of the ground Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani; forces, Air Force, naval forces, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin armoured personnel carriers, Khalifa Al Thani; H E Sheikh special forces, military police, Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani; support forces, the Amiri Prime Minister and Minister of Guard, armoured vehicles and Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin parachute jumping. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Later, the teams of the Min- and a number of Their Excel- istry of Interior and Civil lencies Sheikhs and Ministers. Defence started their show with Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani waving to the crowd after attending the National Day parade on the Corniche, yesterday. The parade was also attended a line of security vehicles; mil- SEE ALSO PAGES 2,3,4 & 5 by Speaker of the Shura Council itary police, rescue police H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid department (Al Fazaa); followed Al Mahmoud, and a number of by the parade of Internal members of the Shura Council, in Security Force (Lekhwiya), and addition to Their Excellencies a show of the Armed Forces’ guests, including Commander of armoured vehicles, tanks, air I congratulate H H the Amir, and all citizens and residents, On this day every year, feelings of pride increase in me US Air Forces Central Command defence systems, military police on the occasion of the National Day, praying to Allah to for what my beloved country has reached under our wise Lieutenant General H E Gregory vehicles, anti-terrorism vehicles, perpetuate the blessings of security and prosperity on our leadership in terms of development, progress and growth. Guillot. military communications beloved country. On this occasion, I salute our medical teams May Allah bless upon all of us with security, safety and It was also attended by a systems and electronic warfare who have responded with courage and dedication to COVID-19 prosperity. number of branch and unit com- in addition to a naval show fea- pandemic. In recognition of their efforts, we will be pleased manders, senior officers of the turing Amiri Naval Forces’ with their qualitative participation in the parade of this year. Armed Forces and the Ministry vessels in addition to warships of Interior, in addition to and speed boats that are notables, families of the health equipped with the latest defence multi-mission defensive and addition to other military sector, and participating parties. systems. offensive fighters; ‘Apache’ combat aircraft, helicopters, Following the National The parade concluded with camel cavalry and an air show including ‘Rafale’ multi-purpose attack helicopters; ‘F-15’ war- airlift, cargo aircraft and show Anthem and the firing of the entry of horsemen and featuring several aircraft types jet fighter; ‘Mirage’ planes; and ‘Typhoon’ in aircraft. Amir, football family celebrate launch of new World Cup stadium

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other dignitaries stand in honour of the Qatar national anthem being played at moments before the start of the Amir Cup final. LEFT: H H the Amir hands over the trophy to Al Sadd skipper Hassan Al Haydos. Al Sadd beat Al Arabi 2-1 in the Amir Cup final.

RIZWAN REHMAT World Cup venue with a grand venue inaugurated two years Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa The Amir waved to the fans ambassadors Tim Cahill of THE PENINSULA football clash broadcast around ahead of the World Cup. and chief of the Olympic as he walked into the artfully Australia, Samuel Eto’o of the world. The Amir was welcomed to Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh decorated World Cup venue. Cameroon and Barcelona The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Doha football giants Al Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium by his Ahmed Al Fahad Al Ahmed Al Moments later FIFA President legend Xavi Hernández — bin Hamad Al Thani last night Sadd added sparkle to their Special Representative H H Sabah. UEFA President Ale- welcomed the Amir with an coach of Al Sadd — were also was joined by FIFA President performance by beating Al Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al ksander Ceferin and QFA Pres- elbow bump. present on the occasion as fans Gianni Infantino, retired soccer Arabi 2-1 in the final of the Thani moments before the start ident Sheikh Hamad bin The Qatar national were treated to a show of pomp stars and national sports heroes Amir Cup watched by 20,000 of the exciting final that was Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani anthem was played soon and pageantry from 3pm as Qatar unveiled its fourth fans allowed inside the new also watched by AFC President were also present. afterwards. Qatar 2022 brand onwards at the venue. `P3 02 HOME SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 Amir, Father Amir attend National Day parade

PRAYER TIMINGS PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING

FAJR 04.51 am SUNRISE 06.14 am DHUHR 11.21 am ASR 02.28 pm MAGHRIB 04.50 pm ISHA 06.20 pm

WEATHER TODAY

18oC 27oC Minimum Maximum Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moderate temperature daytime with scattered clouds and chance of rain maybe thundery. W ALRUWAIS : 18o → 23o W ALKHOR : 17o → 24o W DUKHAN : 16o → 23o W WAKRAH : 18o → 28o W MESAIEED : 18o → 28o W ABUSAMRA : 14o → 26o

HIGH TIDE 07:52 – 18:57

LOW TIDE 01:38 – 15:57 SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 03

Qatar Foundation: 25 years of empowering Amir attends Qatar leaders and changemakers of tomorrow

THE PENINISULA — DOHA and CEO of Qatar Foundation, with thousands National Day parade of students from the organisation’s schools and For the past 25 years, Qatar Foundation has universities illustrates its commitment to unlocked human potential and contributed to investing in the young people who are the the sustainable development of Qatar through future of Qatar, and the world. education, science and research, and The mosaic reflects how Qatar Foundation’s community development. unique ecosystem brings together children and To mark this milestone, and as the nation young people from Qatar and throughout the celebrates Qatar National Day, this mosaic world to learn, explore, discover, create, image of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair- innovate, and thrive in an environment that person of Qatar Foundation, and H E Sheikha empowers them to become lifelong learners, Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson change-makers, and the leaders of tomorrow.

Mosaic image of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani with QF students reflects an enduring commitment to investing in youth. ATMs start issuing new banknotes

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

ATMs of banks in Qatar started issuing the new series of Qatari Riyal bank notes yesterday, on the occasion of the Qatar National Day. New designs were announced last week for all denomination banknotes in the country along with the introduction of a new denomination QR200. New notes have 64 state-of-the-art security speci- fications. The front designs of the new banknotes share a common theme based on traditional geo- metric patterns, the State of Qatar flag, Qatari flora (Dreama) and an orante gate representing the his- Qatari tradition, Islamic history, culture, flora and Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attendedthe 2020 National Day parade, which was held torical Qatari architecture. fauna and development of education, sport and the yesterday morning on Doha Corniche amid precautionary and preventive measures. The back designs comprise themes reflecting economy. Amir, football family celebrate launch of new World Cup stadium

FROM PAGE 1 become the fourth World Cup checks prior to taking their never any doubt on Qatar’s 40,000-capacity venue is able to continue to advance venue to be unveiled by SC. All seast. With social distancing fast-paced preparation for the slated to host seven matches during the last six months The new stadium, that sits venues have state-of-the-art in place, food and beverages World Cup. There have been during Qatar 2022 up to the while the world stood still. If I next to Mall of Qatar - the cooling technology that can were only made available in issues like COVID-19 situation round of 16 stage. Two more was confident before, now I country’s biggest shopping help host matches in any the Fan Zone. this year yet Qatar handled all stadiums are expected to be can say I am even more,” centre - is the fourth match degree of comfort for players OCA President Al Sabah of it very well and continued inaugurated in the coming Infantino said during one of venue to be unveiled by the and fans, organisers say. said yesterday: “I am so happy with their slick preparation. months - Al Bayt and Al his three visits to Qatar in as Supreme Committee for Yesterday the new Ahmad to be here as it is Qatar’s Qatar is unveiling their superb Thumama Stadium. SC has many months. Delivery & Legacy (SC). Bin Ali Stadium operated at 50 National Day. I congratulate match venues one by one. The confirmed all eight stadiums “In 2022, everything will In May 2017, the iconic percent capacity with fans the Amir and the people of fact that Qatar is hosting the ‘will be delivered well in be close by and fans from all Khalifa International Stadium seated two seats apart for the Qatar on their National Day. I AFC Champions League advance of the tournament’. nationalities will have the (KIS) was unveiled five years Amir Cup final. The fans had wish Qatar the very best. I also matches - for West and East Two weeks ago, FIFA Pres- opportunity to gather in the ahead of schedule while the Al to wear masks after showing congratulate Doha on winning Zones - is another reflection ident Infantino praised Qatar’s same public areas and enjoy Janoub Stadium was inaugu- their Ehtarez app at the entry the Asian Games bid for the of how the country is deliv- fast-paced construction Qatar’s mild temperatures at rated in May 2019. The Edu- gates, officials said. The 2030 edition. The bid race ering and assisting in com- commitment. this time of the year. It’s a cation City Stadium was 20,000 fans had to show a victory is not new because pleting the halted sports cal- “I am very pleased with World Cup like no other was unveiled with a digital cer- negative COVID-19 test or pos- Doha has hosted the Asian endar in Asia.” Qatar’s progress ahead of the or ever will be,” Infantino, who emony thanking health workers itive COVID-19 antibodies test Games before. I congratulate Built on the site where tournament. We have seen the was also present for the inau- around the world in June this in order to enter the stadium. Riyadh also for securing the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium once plans, but when you see the guration ceremonies of the year. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, The attending fans also 2034 Asian Games.” stood before it was razed to reality, it is even more Khalifa International Stadium built from scratch, now has underwent temperature He added: “There was the ground, the new impressive. Qatar has been and , said. Citizens, expatriates mark QND with fervour

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH People who watched with human assembling,” said THE PENINSULA the parade on Qatar Khalid, adding that he used to TV described the go to Doha Corniche with his Citizens and expatriates family to celebrate QND but yesterday celebrated Qatar participation of this year because of corona- National Day (QND) with full ‘White Army’ as one ivurs they marked the day at fervour with their families and of the most amazing home. friends avoiding large gath- moments. People also moved to erings following COVID-19 shops to buy national flags, preventive and precautionary scarfs, t-shirts, stickers and measures. who supported Qatar in other items related to QND for The day started for many fighting COVID-19 walking themselves and their families with watching live QND parade together during parade,” Abu and friends. Car accessory on Qatar TV at their homes. The Ahmad, an expatriate working shops also attracted pretty National Day parade was held as a civil engineer in Qatar for good number of people at Doha Corniche to celebrate years told The Peninsula. seeking decorations of their QND, demonstrating the Abu Ahmad lauded Qatar cars with national flag and achievements of Qatar in dif- and its wise leadership for stickers. ferent walks of life. adopting a unique way to thank At evening, motorists car- First time health workers the frontline health workers rying their families and friends ‘White Army’ consisting of who risked their lives to protect were spotted taking rounds of doctors, nurses, Qatar Red people from the pandemic. Cultural Village Katara and Crescent Society employees Lauding the presentation of Doha Corniche. Children in and volunteers took part in the QND parade, another indi- cars were waving national flag parade, which was in recog- vidual Mohamad Khalid said enjoying the moment. nition of their roles in fight that forming words related to People also enjoyed against coronavirus. QND, FIFA World Cup 2022 firework displayed at the Doha Fireworks during Qatar National Day celebrations at Doha Corniche, yesterday. People who watched the and health messages with Corniche at evening . PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA parade on Qatar TV described human assembling was Social media sites were the participation of ‘White amazing. abuzz with QND greetings and registered among the most the decision of QND Organizing paramedics was a precious Army’ one of the most amazing “One of the most footage of celebration. ‘Nah- trending hashtags on the Committee to include health moment of the parade this moments. impressive moment for us was madak Ya Dhal Arsh’, ‘Al Twitter launched by citizens workers in the parade. year. Humility, respect and “It was a heartfelt moment forming the word like Allah, Al Yamul Watni Al Qatari’ and to mark QND. “Standing up for the doctors, always graceful,” said a com- to see health workers and those Watan and Al Amir and 2022 ‘Qatar Balad Al Iz’ were The commentators lauded first responders, and mentator on a QND hashtag. 04 HOME SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 05 Pride, glory and patriotic fervour as Qatar celebrates National Day

PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT, ABDUL BASIT & ANWAR SADATH 06 HOME SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 Embassies and Consulates of Qatar celebrate QND Their Excellencies, Heads of the diplomatic, consular and representative missions of the State of Qatar abroad raised their highest greetings and blessings to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and all the Qatari people on this occasion, wishing the State of Qatar more progress and prosperity.

QNA State of Qatar has given priority to international cooperation in The diplomatic, consular and confronting and addressing the representative missions of the pandemic, stressing that it will State of Qatar celebrated the continue its efforts in supporting occasion of the National Day, international efforts to spread which falls on December 18, in and distribute vaccines in a fair commemoration of the founder way to countries in need. of the state, Sheikh Jassim Bin For his part, President of the Muhammad Bin Thani, under 75th session of the United the slogan: “We praise you, the Nations General Assembly H E Lord of the Throne. We accept Volkan Bozkr extended his con- your judgment in all actions.” gratulations to Amir H H Sheikh Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Canada H E Saud bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud held a virtual ceremony on the occasion of the National Their Excellencies, Heads of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Day with the participation of a number of Their Excellencies members of the Canadian Parliament, officials in the Canadian government, the diplomatic, consular and and to the government and and a group of ambassadors accredited to Ottawa. representative missions of the people of the State of Qatar on State of Qatar abroad raised the occasion of the celebration despite the economic and health their highest greetings and of the National Day. He said that difficulties that the whole world blessings to Amir H H Sheikh the State of Qatar is a distin- is witnessing, the State of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, guished partner in international has managed to overcome these Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad and multilateral cooperation. enormous difficulties and chal- bin Khalifa Al Thani, and all the Deputy Secretary-General of lenges, and made bright Qatari people on this occasion, the United Nations H E Amina national achievements in the wishing the State of Qatar more Mohammed, praised the efforts process of development and progress and prosperity. made by the State of Qatar to comprehensive construction in The diplomatic celebrations combat the coronavirus pan- all aspects of life within the in the capitals and cities of the demic at the national, regional framework of the moderni- world witnessed the partici- and global levels, and expressed zation system led by the wise pation of high-level official, her gratitude and deep appreci- leadership in accordance with which reflected Qatar’s distin- ation for the generous assistance the Qatar National Vision 2030 guished relations with the coun- provided by the State of Qatar to which foresees prospects for a tries of the world. the various programs and activ- promising future and a new era In NEW YORK, the per- ities of the United Nations, and of prosperity for the country manent delegation of the State said that the State of Qatar is an and the citizen. of Qatar to the United Nations important partner in the inter- On this occasion, he praised in New York held a virtual cel- national community and a the relations between Qatar and ebration on the occasion of the defender of multilateral action, the French Republic, which had National Day, with the partici- expressing her aspiration to con- Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin made long strides of prosperity pation of President of the 75th tinue working with the State of Saif Al Thani held a virtual celebration on the occasion of the National Day, with the participation and progress in recent decades, session of the United Nations Qatar now and after the post- of President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly H E Volkan Bozkr, Deputy and pointed to the increasingly General Assembly H E Volkan coronavirus pandemic. Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina Mohammed, as well as Their Excellencies ambassadors deepening of relations between Bozkr, Deputy Secretary- The program of the cer- accredited to the United Nations and officials of the United Nations Secretariat. the State of Qatar and France General of the United Nations emony included displaying a after the two countries signed the Amina Mohammed, as well as video on the construction of sta- Strategic Dialogue Agreement Their Excellencies ambassadors diums by the State of Qatar to early last year, which gave the accredited to the United Nations host the World Cup 2022, where relations a strategic dimension and officials of the United H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin deeper and more established, Nations Secretariat. Saif Al Thani explained that In ATHENS, the Embassy of In her opening statement these stadiums are a model of the State of Qatar to the Greece during the ceremony, Per- sustainability and advanced Republic celebrated, via video manent Representative of the technology that provides a new communication technology, the State of Qatar to the United global standard for the benefit occasion of the National Day. Nations H E Sheikha Alya of future generations. Ambassador of the State of Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, In ROME, the Embassy of Qatar to Greece H E Abdulaziz affirmed that the National Day the State of Qatar to the Italian Ali Al Naama, said that the cel- is an opportunity to reflect on Republic held a virtual cer- ebration this year comes the past and future of Qatar, and emony on the occasion of the (remotely) in application of pre- Her Excellency reviewed the National Day. Ambassador of cautionary and preventive achievements made by the State the State of Qatar to the Italian measures to preserve the health of Qatar, expressing her pride Republic H E Abdulaziz bin and safety of everyone. in the accomplishments. Ahmed Al Malki, said in a His Excellency noted the She emphasized that the speech on this occasion that announcement of the Shura State of Qatar seeks to create a everyone is celebrating within Council elections to be held in balance between economic and the framework of protection October of next year, and environmental development and safety measures, which is full attention to their economic level. His Excellency pointed out the positive developments in referred to the proclamation of goals. In the field of human rights, an approach that the world has and legal rights, and the State that the volume of trade bilateral relations, stressing the September 9, 2020 of every Her Excellency referred to the not been used to, and everyone of Qatar has adopted an inte- exchange between the two coun- Kingdom of Sweden’s keenness year as an International Day to declaration issued by Amir H H hope to change it at the earliest grated package of measures to tries has achieved high increases to develop relations to new Protect Education from Attacks, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al possible opportunity. The State preserve the health of citizens compared to what it used to be, dimensions, praising the based on the proposal of H H Thani, at the opening of the forty- of Qatar has supported the and residents and the country’s due to mutual investments and measures taken by the State of Chairperson of Qatar Foun- ninth regular session of the Shura efforts of the international com- economy, and financial incen- bilateral investments through Qatar regarding its hosting of dation for Education, Science Council, to hold elections next munity and provided the nec- tives were allocated in the sovereign funds and others in the World Cup. 2022, and the and Community Development October, in accordance with the essary assistance to more than amount of QR75bn, including various sectors. migrant worker issue. (QF) Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, constitution of the State of Qatar 70 countries and international guarantees to banks of QR5bn In STOCKHOLM, the In OTTAWA, the Embassy of and this is in addition to all the and to ensure the practice of the organizations, stressing that the within the salary support Embassy of the State of Qatar in the State of Qatar to Canada held initiatives of the Education constitutional right for all State of Qatar will continue its program and at the level of Sweden celebrated the National a virtual ceremony on the Above All Foundation, pointing citizens. efforts to support the manu- health procedures, examination, Day. The ceremony was attended occasion of the National Day with to the State of Qatar hosting the Her Excellency expressed facture of the vaccine and treatment and health care were by Secretary of State for Foreign the participation of a number of 2022 FIFA World Cup and her pride that the State of Qatar provide it in a fair way to the provided to all citizens and res- Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Their Excellencies members of affirming that it will be an is one of the most effective most needy countries. idents of Qatar free of charge. H E Robert Rydberg. the Canadian Parliament, officials exceptional edition in history. countries to play the role of His Excellency stressed that His Excellency said that the Ambassador Extraordinary in the Canadian government, and In BUCHAREST, the mediation and its commitment the State of Qatar, in this excep- bilateral relations between the and Plenipotentiary of the State a group of ambassadors Embassy of the State of Qatar in to achieving comprehensive tional circumstance represented State of Qatar and the friendly of Qatar to Sweden H E Sheikha accredited to Ottawa. Romania celebrated the National peace and stability through dia- by the outbreak of the corona- Republic of Italy are excellent and Moza bint Nasser Al Thani, and a Ambassador of the State of Day. Ambassador of the State of logue, referring to the peace virus, has paid close attention distinctive relations at all levels, non-resident Ambassador of the Qatar to Canada H E Saud bin Qatar to Romania H E Abdullah conference hosted by Doha for to human rights, especially including political, economic and State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Abdullah Al Mahmoud, men- bin Nasser Al Humaidi, affirmed the Afghan parties. workers’ rights, the need to pre- military, which depend on Norway, affirmed that the tioned the exceptional health that this occasion has profound With regard to confronting serve the health and safety of respect, mutual trust and National Day marks a turning conditions that the world is going connotations in the consciences the coronavirus pandemic all workers, regardless of their common interests, stressing that point in the process of building a through this year due to the and hearts of all citizens, as the (COVID-19), she stated that the place and work conditions, and they have reached the strategic modern, prosperous and COVID-19 pandemic, and also State of Qatar has become a civ- developed country as it is a great touched upon the important ilizational beacon and a shining opportunity to express our pride developments and achievements pioneering model in all fields of in our past and present. at the state level. His Excellency life because it puts the citizen Her Excellency pointed to the reviewed the two most important in priority. pivotal and vital role played by events expected during the next He said, “The policy of Qatar the State of Qatar on the regional year and the following year, rep- and its projects in all fields, such and international arenas, pro- resented in the Shura Council as education, culture, health, viding help to the needy around elections in October of next year, sports, youth, and social care to the world, and its medical and the FIFA World Cup finals raise the level of well-being of assistance to more than 70 coun- organized by Qatar in 2022, for the citizen and resident on its tries to combat the coronavirus the first time in the Arab region. lands, respect his rights and pandemic and the relief for In PARIS, the Embassy of preserve his dignity, have been people suffering from ongoing the State of Qatar in the French affirmed by the legislative crises and conflicts around the Republic celebrated, virtually, structure represented in the world, as well as the crucial role the occasion of the National permanent constitution of the in the peacemaking process and Day. Ambassador of the State country, where elections will be conflict resolution to make the of Qatar to the French Republic organized for the Shura Council Middle East a better place for sta- H E Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al next October which is an bility and prosperity. Thani, affirmed in a recorded expression of its respect for the For his part, Secretary of speech that he addressed foundations of democracy and State for Foreign Affairs of the through video conference tech- the freedom of the citizen and Kingdom of Sweden Robert nology on this occasion, that his rights, an embodiment of Rydberg extended his warmest what increases our pride in this what our leadership believes in congratulations and sincere precious national occasion is of the authentic social and congratulations to the State of that we feel today in the State moral values affirmed by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Romania H E Abdullah bin Nasser Al Humaidi celebrating the Qatar on the occasion of its of Qatar more proud of our pio- Islamic law and the ancient tra- Qatar National Day. National Day, and referred to neering national experience, ditions of the Qatari society.” SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 HOME 07 QND revives our pledge to follow Achievements of Qatar are footsteps of the Founder source of pride and glory

THE PENINSULA — DOHA operating in the country. “Also, THE PENINSULA — DOHA the Amir Cup final at the government’s handling of Stadium, which is an architec- Qatar National Day is a day of joy the pandemic deserves appre- The National Day embodies the tural masterpiece and a great and pleasure when we recall the ciation and praise and on this meanings of a sense of loyalty achievement that we are proud great sacrifices made by the occasion I would like to express to the country, leadership and of. founders of this great country and my sincere gratitude to the the people, and it is also an It is a source of pleasure a day when we pledge to follow White Army (health workers) and occasion in which we celebrate and pride that the opening of in the footsteps of the Founder to the Ministry of Public Health with the achievements made over this stadium coincides with the continue the building process for all its and departments. We were the years in all fields under the final of Amir Cup and with the which he had laid the foundation, able to overcome the coronavirus wise leadership, said Prof. Qatar National Day.” said Prof. Khaled Nasser Al pandemic thanks to their efforts Abdulnasser Saleh Alyafei, He said that since this is a Khater, Vice-President for and the cooperation of the Qatari Associate Dean for Social national occasion, the exchange Administration and Financial people and residents.” Sciences and Humanities, of greetings among the people Affairs Office at Qatar University. “Thanks to their good College of Arts and Sciences, and congratulations on the level He told The Peninsula that planning and management, Qatar University. of individuals and even one Prof. Khaled Nasser Al Khater, this is a great national occasion which enabled us to continue “On the occasion of this Prof. Abdulnasser Saleh Alyafei, family gives the occasion a Vice-President for Administration in which we offer our sincere education without interruption, great day in the history of the Associate Dean for Social social dimension and gives the and Financial Affairs Office, QU greetings and best wishes to the taking advantage of the infra- State of Qatar, let me start by Sciences and Humanities, QU occasion a sense of joy, soli- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin structure and technology congratulating Amir H H Sheikh darity, unity and willingness to Hamad Al Thani and the Father prosperity, thanks to the achieve- enjoyed by Qatar, and distance Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and some difficulties, the achieve- work together for the sake of Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin ments made under the leadership education was one of the fruits H H the Father Amir and the ments made in various fields the advancement and progress Khalifa Al Thani and the people of His Highness the Amir,” Al of this technological Qatari people,” he told The throughout the past years are of this country. of Qatar. “Despite the challenges, Khater said. advancement.” He lauded the Peninsula. On this National Day, source of pride and sense of “As Qatari people, we enjoy the State of Qatar has achieved Qatar has made distinguished achievements made at all levels he said, people also remember glory for its people in this awareness and openness to the many achievements that made it achievements, especially in the in Qatar, especially in the field of the duties and commitments country.” other, and we have high aspi- an advanced country in all fields, field of higher education, men- education, health, infrastructure towards the homeland, the Prof. Abdulnasser Saleh rations and look forward to and a country, in which people tioning in this regard the Qatar projects and preparations for the people and the leadership. Alyafei added: “I am talking to building a strong nation to enjoy the best means of life and University and other universities FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “Despite the blockade and you now while I am attending ensure a brilliant future.” QND a kind of historical communication More achievements will raise under framework of belonging status of Qatar in the world THE PENINSULA — DOHA appreciation for the nation, which sees people as the first pillar of THE PENINSULA — DOHA “But the joy of hearts touched Without any doubt, our National any progress and development in it in the faces of every citizen and Day creates good opportunity so various fields. On the occasion of the National resident of the country, in light of the generations can communicate “On such a dignified occasion Day of the State of Qatar, we optimism for the coming year that in order to carry a coherent idea we can only be communicated extend our warmest congratula- will prevail after the hardship of of the State of Qatar, and to about the values that our great tions to the Qatari people, their the pandemic and prosperity pre- convey it for bond of Qatari family ancestors carried; great by their political leadership, and all those vails all over the world after the in one entity, said Prof. Fatima actions and words, I mean the residing in it, with our sincere distress caused by the epidemic.” Mohamad Al Suwaidi, Associate Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin wishes for further advancement He said that the signs of relief Dean for Languages, Communi- Mohammed Al Thani who estab- and progress, and more achieve- and the imminent end of the cations and Translation, College lished a State based on sophisti- ments that will raise the status of dispute between the countries of of Arts and Sciences, Qatar cation and advancement in a long the State of Qatar in the world and the Gulf Cooperation Council University. history that we are all proud of.” elevate it to the new heights, said (GCC) suggest promising days, in She told The Peninsula that She said that since he Dr. Kamal Hamidou, Head of the which we hope that the joy of the Prof. Fatima Mohamad Al Dr. Kamal Hamidou, Head Qatar National Day represents for assumed the reins of power in Department of Mass Communi- Qatari people and their political Suwaidi, Associate Dean for of the Department of Mass us a kind of historical communi- 1878 AD, he has been a unique cation at Qatar University. leadership will be complete. “We cation under a framework of Languages, Communications model in giving wisely, and man- He told The Peninsula that the Communication, QU hope that the differences of belonging, and a symbol that and Translation, QU aging with a political vision based occasion of the National Day of the brothers will end so that we can reveals what the Qataris should the year to confirm in us the great on awareness of the region, State of Qatar this year comes in which imposed social distancing devote ourselves to completing be, not only on December 18 humanity that Qatar and its Arabism, Islam and the outside exceptional circumstances, given in the celebrations and the the process of development in all every year, but rather throughout people carry, and a deep world. the circumstances of the pandemic reduction in activities. the Arab Gulf region,” he added. WCM-Q researchers prove effectiveness of face masks

THE PENINSULA — DOHA assistant director of IPH and confidence as possible — whether instructor in population health sci- there was hard evidence to Researchers from Weill Cornell ences, Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, vice support the use of face masks in Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) have dean for student affairs-admis- preventing respiratory disease demonstrated the effectiveness sions, population health, and life- transmission.” of medical face masks in helping style medicine and professor of The research group evaluated to prevent respiratory infections population health sciences and Dr. 12 primary studies which had pre- like COVID-19 and strongly Sohaila Cheema, assistant dean viously examined medical face recommend their use by the of IPH and assistant professor of mask use and found that the inci- public along with other preventive population health sciences. dence of transmission of respi- measures to help mitigate the Although transmission of ratory infections was lower if spread of the disease. COVID-19 through close contact medical face masks were used The research, which has been with an infected person or contact early and used in conjunction with published in the International with a contaminated surface is stringent hand hygiene. One study Journal of Infectious Diseases, recognised, the efficacy of face conducted during the COVID-19 was conducted by faculty from the masks in reducing transmission pandemic found that medical face college’s Institute for Population in household situations and public masks were of particular use in Health (IPH), which carried out a settings like supermarkets has infection control if worn before The research, which has been published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, was meta-analysis of previous studies been contested, and recommen- an individual displayed symptoms conducted by faculty from the college’s Institute for Population Health. on the efficacy of medical face dations have been inconsistent. of infection. mask use in community settings Dr. Cheema said: “Globally, But the WCM-Q study — healthcare setting — which dem- authors suggest that the efficacy medical face masks obviously for preventing flu, flu-like illnesses there has been a lack of consensus which is entitled ‘Facemask use onstrated that healthcare workers of cloth face masks is likely to depends on them being used cor- and other respiratory infections from the leadership and health in community settings to prevent who wore a two-layer cloth face depend on the number of layers rectly and we cannot overstate such as SARS and the novel organisations to offer united rec- respiratory infection transmission: mask were 13 times more likely they contain, and the material enough that face masks alone coronavirus. ommendations about face mask A rapid review and meta-analysis’ to be infected with respiratory ill- used. should not be relied upon; we The research is authored by use to prevent COVID-19 trans- — was unable to find any evidence nesses than those who wore Dr. Mamtani said: “The evi- must all continue to practice all Dr. Karima Chaabna, population mission. In countries such as the that cloth face masks were medical face masks. dence is quite clear that medical preventive measures including health and communications spe- United States, face masks have effective in reducing transmission However, this does not mean face masks should be worn by physical distancing and rigorous cialist in IPH and instructor in proved divisive and have even in community settings. It should that cloth face masks are not of both healthy and sick individuals hand hygiene to minimize the risk population health sciences, Dr. been politicised, so we wanted to also be mentioned here that there use, rather that medical-grade in order to reduce virus trans- of both spreading COVID-19 and Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy, ascertain — with as much was one study — performed in a masks are more effective. The mission. The effectiveness of contracting it.” HBKU’s CSE awarded prestigious 159 new virus joint QNRF-TÜB*TAK grants cases, 141 more THE PENINSULA — DOHA estimated at $825,000 for the recoveries: MoPH Qatar team and $592,000 for THE PENINSULA — DOHA Faculty at the College of Science Gebze Technical University and and Engineering (CSE) at Ozyegin University, as Turkish Hamad Bin Khalifa University collaborators. The Ministry of Public Health (HBKU) have been awarded two The second awarded yesterday announced the regis- substantial three-year research QNRF-TÜBİTAK project was to tration of 159 new confirmed grants under the Qatar National HBKU Principal Investigators cases of COVID-19. Out of these Research Fund (QNRF)- Dr. Aiman Erbad and Dr. Saif 43 were travellers returning TÜBİTAK Joint Funding Al Kuwari, Associate Professors from abroad. Program. The competitive third at CSE, for their project “Sky- Also, 141 people have cycle of the program was held CubesNet: A Ka-band Cubesat recovered from the virus under the theme of ‘Smart based Communications Infra- bringing the total number of Cities’. structure for Smart Cities of the cases recovered in Qatar to HBKU’s Dr. Marwa Qaraqe, Future”. Dr. Tamer Khattab, 139,384. All new cases have been Lead Principal Investigator, and Professor of electrical engi- introduced to isolation and are Dr. David Yang, Principal Inves- neering at Qatar University, is receiving necessary healthcare tigator, both Assistant Pro- the Lead Principal Investigator. according to their health status. Kids from QISH attend event fessors at the Information and The award comprises The Ministry said that measures Technology Computing Division $600,000 for Ankara Yildirim to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have at CSE, with faculty from Texas Beyazit University, Turkey, and succeeded in flattening the curve Kids from QISH Rehabilitation Center participated in an event organised by Best Buddies & the US A&M at Qatar (TAMUQ) as prin- $750,000 for the Qatar team, and limiting the spread of the Embassy, at Qatar Foundation, yesterday. As many as 15 kids attended and played football alongside cipal investigators, were with co-funding to be provided virus and the number of new with their coaches and the players of Washington Spirit (an American women’s soccer team based awarded a grant for “Intelligent by local stakeholders, Barzan daily cases and hospital admis- in Washington DC). It was a joyful event that put smiles on all the children’s faces. Public Safety Platform for Smart Holdings and the Ministry of sions is continuing to decline Cities”. The value of the grant is Interior. each week. 08 VIEWS SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 A grateful, resilient nation celebrates Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN Qatar National Day amid global crisis DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI DR. SHARIFA NOMAN AL EMADI In the face of this global crisis, ticipating in various activities. Qatar has responded swiftly and That being said, family EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Since 2007, Qatar National members are starting to grow DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Day has been the most festive effectively, building the closer to one another. We [email protected] day of the year for Qatar, a infrastructure to curb the spread were able to conduct studies depiction of national love for of the virus and allow work and that revealed to us the impact the country. However, falling of this pandemic on family ACTING MANAGING EDITOR in a year of global crisis, this learning to continue remotely. The relations. A study conducted MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED year’s celebrations will be Qatari government also dispensed by DIFI on the well-being of [email protected] unlike any other because of economic stimulus to mitigate the adolescents showed that COVID-19, a disease that has parents have been spending seen the world face an pandemic’s impact on the private more time with their children, DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR unprecedented ordeal. their livelihoods. sector, helping companies weather and have been taking part in

MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Never has any of us alive Thanks to the health and the crisis and people maintain various activities with them, [email protected] today experienced a year like economic strategies Qatar has reducing the rates of psycho- 2020. Never has a single implemented since the onset their livelihoods. logical problems and negative enemy gripped the world, and of the pandemic, we are now behaviors. We also found a – in silence – distanced fam- slowly returning to life as we Dr. Sharifa Noman Al Emadi, decrease in the percentage of EDITORIAL ilies, affected livelihoods, and knew it and regaining the Executive Director of Doha families that argue in the taken lives. freedoms we temporarily International Family Institute, a presence of their children, Amid this extended crisis, conceded for the sake of our albeit in contrast to interna- I feel that this year’s Qatar community. member of Qatar Foundation tional statistics, which Football frenzy in Qatar National Day theme – ‘We While battling this pan- indicate an increase in praise you, the Lord of the demic, we at Doha Interna- domestic violence during the ON an auspicious and unique day when the entire Throne, and we accept your tional Family Institute (DIFI), most difficult conditions, it is pandemic period. This proves nation was celebrating country’s National Day, Qatar judgment in all actions’ – a member of Qatar Foun- based on a rich set of charac- the strength and cohesion of yesterday inaugurated fourth FIFA World Cup Qatar reflects the nation’s sen- dation, have been keen to teristics, or what is known as families in the Qatari society, 2022 venue – Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium - by hosting timent, because we do have continue our work with “family strength attributes”, and their ability to coexist and the Amir Cup final that capped three days of football so much to feel grateful for, strengthening families. Our which enable it to provide its face difficulties and frenzy in the country. and to be proud of our continued collaboration with members with strength to adversities. The inauguration of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium country and its leadership. local and regional partners keep on thriving in the face of As we celebrate Qatar follows the successful launch of the iconic Khalifa In the face of this global and participation in various the most arduous adversities. National Day – this year with International Stadium (2017), Al Janoub Stadium crisis, Qatar has responded events have allowed us to Strength attributes not only fewer events and activities – I (2019) and the Education City (2020) Stadiums. Al swiftly and effectively, explore ways of supporting contribute to family cohesion, believe that the gratitude and Bayt Stadium has also been completed and will be building the infrastructure to families in Qatar and the support individual growth, pride we feel for this nation in inaugurated in the near future. , curb the spread of the virus region to cope with the new and ensure the well-being of our hearts today are greater Ras Abu Aboud and Lusail Stadium are in the final and allow work and learning way of living imposed by the all its members, but also than ever. And, as we have stages of construction and will be delivered well in to continue remotely. The pandemic, and promote benefit societies on a broader always been throughout our advance of the tournament, which kicks off on Qatari government also dis- health and well-being within scale. There is no doubt that history, let us remain united November 21, 2022. pensed economic stimulus to homes during this crisis. the new situation has caused in overcoming whatever chal- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yes- mitigate the pandemic’s Our studies have con- tension and anxiety for fam- lenges arise, and in reaching terday was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino impact on the private sector, firmed to us that although the ilies, and children in par- for our goals. and national sports heroes as Qatar unveiled its fourth helping companies weather Gulf family may be living ticular, who are accustomed I wish you all a happy World Cup venue with a grand football match watched the crisis and people maintain through the harshest and to going out, playing, and par- Qatar National Day. by 20,000 fans. The new Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium reached approximately 50 percent capacity when it hosted Amir Cup final last night. Social distancing measures were implemented within the vicinity of the Climate change turns up the heat on ad industry stadium, including the fan zone and on public transport. On Thursday, in a board meeting of the FIFA ANDREW RC MARSHALL, VALERIE advertising and public rela- sued. VOLCOVICI AND SHEILA DANG World Cup Qatar 2022, Q22 Chairman and Secretary- Critics have long tions holding company, Ultimately, Sokol said, General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & — REUTERS defended its practices. details about advertising and Legacy (SC) Hassan Al Thawadi said: “Despite the attacked the oil industry “WPP recognises the marketing practices that enormous challenges presented by the ongoing The avuncular man in the TV for ad campaigns that importance of its role in emerged during litigation COVID-19 pandemic, major strides have continued ad has an urgent-sounding they call addressing climate change by against the tobacco industry to be made during 2020 in preparation for the first message from his employer, “greenwashing” - telling applying rigorous standards contributed to the companies’ FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.” the oil giant Chevron Corp. people that policies or to the content we produce decision in the late 1990s to Nasser Al Khater, CEO of Q22, said: “With over “I think renewable energy and helping clients to accel- pay billions of dollars 90% of all tournament infrastructure completed, our is vital to our planet,” says the products are more erate the world’s transition to annually in a massive set- focus has shifted to delivering a unique fan expe- man, identified only as an environmentally friendly a lower-carbon economy,” tlement with the vast majority rience in 2022. We are very excited to host two major environmental expert called than they really are. But the agency said. A spokes- of US states and territories. tournaments in 2021, namely the FIFA Club World Steve. “At Chevron we’re the ad agencies behind woman also said the company “There was a sea change in Cup and FIFA Arab Cup. Both these events will offer investing millions in solar and the campaigns have “will not undertake work how we viewed tobacco fans a glimpse of our plans for 2022 and serve as biofuels technology to make it which is intended or designed products after we learned key opportunities to test our operational plans and work.” He adds that the energy largely escaped scrutiny. to mislead.” WPP did not about that industry’s disinfor- infrastructure readiness to ensure we deliver a unique can be made widely available handle the ad featuring Steve, mation,” she said. “We’re on and remarkable World Cup,” he added. and the work needs to begin formally known as “We the cusp of that with climate.” In a related football development, President of “right now.” What Steve resources away from the col- Agree.” That ad is part of a Others predict that Big Oil’s the European Football Associations (UEFA) Ale- doesn’t mention, according to laborative, international global campaign created in message makers will likely ksander Ceferin, on Thursday praised Qatar’s prep- three US lawsuits alleging efforts that are critical to 2010 by New York-based avoid costly courtroom ver- arations to organize the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, deceptive advertising, is that developing a meaningful agency Dentsu McGarry- dicts. Douglas Kysar, a pro- on the sidelines of his visit to Doha to attend the final Chevron is overwhelmingly solution to climate change.” Bowen LLC. Jennifer Fer- fessor at Yale Law School who of the Amir Cup. On the participation of the Qatari focused on fossil fuel Pressure has been building guson, a spokeswoman for specializes in climate change, team in the European qualifiers for the World Cup, extraction and its investment against oil and gas companies McGarryBowen’s holding among other things, said it was Ceferin stressed that it is a great idea, as it was dis- in renewables remains in recent years to address dan- company, Dentsu Group Inc, unlikely that ad firms would cussed in the European Union and UEFA reacted miniscule compared to the bil- gerously rising global temper- declined to comment. be held liable for misleading positively to the idea. lions it spends each year on atures. The companies, which Delaware, along with communications by fossil fuel drilling for oil and gas. rank among the world’s worst Connecticut, Massachusetts, companies. That’s because the Critics have long attacked polluters, have been targeted Minnesota, the District of primary duty of those firms is the oil industry for ad cam- by protests outside their Columbia and the city of to their clients, the companies, paigns that they call “green- offices and seen sponsorship Hoboken, New Jersey, are and not to the public, he said. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR washing” - telling people that deals with museums, art gal- suing key players in the oil However, he added, given industry for violating con- the “existential stakes” of EMAIL: [email protected] policies or products are more leries and others canceled in environmentally friendly than the United States and Europe. sumer protection laws with climate change, advertisers they really are. But the ad A prominent climate the help of “greenwashing” ad likely won’t escape being sued EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 agencies behind the campaigns protest group, Extinction campaigns. in the first place. “I fully FAX: +974 4455 7758 have largely escaped scrutiny. Rebellion, last year unfurled a The new scrutiny of adver- expect that advertising/PR That’s changing, as the banner reading “TELL THE tising campaigns raises the firms, bankers, insurers, MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 issue of climate change shoots TRUTH” outside the adver- prospect that ad agencies accountants, lawyers, and up the global agenda. Climate tising industry’s top awards could see their names dragged other professionals that DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 activists and some ad industry ceremony in Cannes, France. into litigation along with their support fossil fuel companies, figures are calling on agencies Activists in the Netherlands oil company clients, said will increasingly find them- LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 to declare or dump their Big and other European countries Karen Sokol, an environ- selves targeted by lawsuits Oil clients. are campaigning for a mental law professor at Loyola and pressure campaigns.” The BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Recent lawsuits by four US tobacco-style ban on fossil University New Orleans. picture is different in Europe, states, the District of Columbia fuel advertising. Sokol said that similar where regulators have taken SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 and a city allege “green- All these pressures will lawsuits against the tobacco action against a number of ad washing” by oil companies, likely intensify after the industry brought to light campaigns by oil companies. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 accusing them of making January inauguration of US information on the role of In 2019, for instance, the email: [email protected] “misleading and deceptive” President-elect Joe Biden, advertisers and PR companies UK advertising watchdog claims. The suits don’t name who has vowed to get tough in deceiving the public about upheld a complaint against an PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 the ad agencies as defendants, on climate change. the dangers of smoking. ad by Norwegian energy giant email: [email protected] but do single out at least 15 Most major advertising In 1997, R.J. Reynolds Equinor ASA that suggested campaigns. As a result, the companies with fossil fuel tobacco company agreed to gas was a “low carbon” energy ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 companies could face embar- clients, and the US ad indus- pay $10 million to settle a source. In January, Italy’s com- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] rassment or become try’s leading trade group, lawsuit over a campaign for petition authority slapped embroiled in the litigation. declined to comment for this its Camel brand, which was state-backed energy giant Eni CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Sean Corey, a Chevron story or did not respond to accused of targeting children. SpA with a €5 million ($6.10 email: [email protected] spokesman, said such lawsuits requests for comment. The “Joe Camel” campaign million) fine for ads claiming are “meritless” and “serve only However, in a statement, was executed by large adver- that its diesel was “green” and SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 to divert attention and WPP Plc, the world’s largest tising firms that also were helped the environment. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar As Canada gets vaccinated, if we have more vaccines than necessary, absolutely we will be /Peninsula_Qatar sharing with the world.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

+974 6698 6188 SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 MIDDLE EAST 09 Report: Iran builds at underground nuclear facility AP — DUBAI “We have always maintained that our current activities, A December 11 satellite photo civil engineering background. He asked shows what appears to be a dug foun- that his name not be published over Iran has begun construction on a site which are in line with the nuclear deal, can and will be dation for a building with dozens of previous threats he received online. at its underground nuclear facility at immediately reversed once the other parties, including the pillars. Such pillars can be used in con- The Korea Aerospace Research Fordo amid tensions with the US over struction to support buildings in earth- Institute acknowledged taking the sat- its atomic programme, according to US, come into full compliance with what was agreed upon, quake zones. ellite photo. satellite photos obtained by The Asso- in particular on removing sanctions,” spokesman of the The construction site sits northwest President Donald Trump in 2018 ciated Press yesterday. Iran's mission at United Nations, Alireza Miryousefi said. of Fordo’s underground facility, built unilaterally withdrew the US from Iran has not publicly acknowledged deep inside a mountain to protect it Iran’s nuclear deal, in which Tehran any new construction at Fordo, whose from potential airstrikes. The site is had agreed to limit its uranium discovery by the West in 2009 came near other above-ground support and enrichment in exchange for the lifting in an earlier round of brinkmanship Jeffrey Lewis, an expert at the James upon, in particular on removing sanc- research-and-development buildings of economic sanctions. Trump cited before world powers struck the 2015 Martin Center for Nonproliferation tions,” mission spokesman Alireza Mir- at Fordo. Iran’s ballistic missile program, its nuclear deal with Tehran. Studies at the Middlebury Institute of yousefi said. He did not elaborate. Among those buildings is Iran’s regional policies and other issues in While the purpose of the building International Studies who studies Iran. The Vienna-based IAEA, whose National Vacuum Technology Center. withdrawing from the accord, though remains unclear, any work at Fordo Asked for comment, Iran’s mission inspectors are in Iran as part of the Vacuum technology is a crucial com- the deal focused entirely on Tehran’s likely will trigger new concern in the to the United Nations told the AP that nuclear deal, declined to comment. The ponent of Iran’s uranium-gas centri- atomic programme. waning days of the Trump adminis- “none of Iran’s nuclear activities are agency as of yet has not publicly dis- fuges, which enrich uranium. When the US ramped up sanctions, tration before the inauguration of Pres- secret,” given the ongoing inspections closed if Iran informed it of any con- A Twitter account called Observer Iran gradually and publicly abandoned ident-elect Joe Biden. Already, Iran is by the International Atomic Energy struction at Fordo. IL earlier this week published an the deal’s limits as a series of escalating building at its Natanz nuclear facility Agency. Construction on the Fordo site image of Fordo showing the con- incidents pushed the two countries to after a mysterious explosion in July “We have always maintained that began in late September. Satellite struction, citing it as coming from the brink of war at the beginning of the there that Tehran described as a sab- our current activities, which are in line images obtained from Maxar Technol- South Korea’s Korea Aerospace year. Tensions still remain high.Under otage attack. with (the nuclear deal), can and will be ogies by the AP show the construction Research Institute. the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran agreed to “Any changes at this site will be immediately reversed once the other taking place at a northwest corner of The AP later reached the Twitter stop enriching uranium at Fordo and carefully watched as a sign of where parties, including the US, come into full the site, near the holy Shiite city of user, who identified himself as a retired instead make it “a nuclear, physics and Iran’s nuclear program is headed,” said compliance with what was agreed Qom, some 90km southwest of Tehran. Israeli Defense Forces soldier with a technology center.” Palestinians scramble for COVID-19 vaccines as Israel prepares rollout

REUTERS — RAMALLAH “It will be many months rulers Hamas. before we receive a quantity of The WHO says it is working As Israel prepares to give vaccines sufficient to vaccinate with UN agencies to secure vac- COVID-19 vaccines to its citizens, people en masse,” Prime Min- cines and medical equipment Palestinians in the Israeli- ister Mohammad Shtayyeh of for Gaza. occupied West Bank and Gaza the Palestinian Authority (PA), But some rights groups said are scrambling to secure their which has limited self-rule in it was Israel’s responsibility to own doses, which health author- the West Bank, said on ensure that Palestinians living ities say are still months away. Thursday. in territory it captured in a 1967 Palestinian leaders have The PA expects to receive war receive vaccines. cast a wide net in their search, 20% of its needs from the World “Israel is obligated to contacting international organ- Health Organization’s vaccine protect the health and safety of isations, drugmakers like scheme for poor and middle all people living under its Moderna and AstraZeneca and income countries. The rest will control, including by ensuring states like Russia and China that come from PA—or donor- that the vaccine is available in are producing their own funded vaccine purchases, the Israel, the West Bank, and vaccines. PA says. PA Health Minister Mai Gaza,” the Israeli rights group But the cash-strapped Pal- Alkaila estimated that the PA Gisha said. estinian government has yet to could receive an initial vaccine Deputy Israeli Health Min- finalise any private supply shipment by March. She did not ister Yoav Kisch said Israel A view of an empty main road during a weekend lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic in Gaza agreements — a contrast from say from whom. would consider assisting the PA City, yesterday. neighbouring Israel, which has New coronavirus cases have if “we see that Israel’s needs secured millions of doses from spiked in recent weeks in the have been met and we have drugmakers and is developing West Bank and in the Gaza additional capacity. (side), in this matter. But Israel’s mostly poor population of 2 of the coronavirus. its own vaccine. Israel begins Strip, which Israel keeps under “There is also a significance citizens come first,” Kisch told million is vulnerable to con- The West Bank, home to 3 its vaccination drive on a blockade citing threats from and benefit in terms of pre- Kan radio. Gaza, whose tagions, has logged 237 deaths million Palestinians, has seen Saturday. the coastal enclave’s Islamist venting entry (of carriers) to our densely concentrated and and more than 32,000 cases 86,594 cases and 846 deaths.

Turkey condemns arrest of consulate Turkey to begin Sinovac vaccinations before trials over BLOOMBERG — ANKARA lations that allows the new results from final trials in Indo- where an infectious disease shipment of 3 million doses is staff in Greece timeframe. nesia and Brazil, as well as threatens public health, vac- expected to arrive before the Turkey plans to start COVID-19 So-called phase 3 trials “interim analyses” in Turkey, a cines that don’t yet have “com- end of the year, the government AFP — ISTANBUL vaccinations using the Chinese- involving 12,500 people are yet government official said. No prehensive data on efficiency, official said. made Sinovac Biotech Ltd. shots to reach the midway mark and serious side effects from the safety and quality” may be Daily deaths from the virus Turkey yesterday condemned as early as next month, before will only be completed in Feb- Chinese vaccine have been granted an emergency-use reached an all-time peak of 243 the arrest on suspicion of espi- it completes human trials, offi- ruary, according to a member observed, the official said. license, according to the on Thursday. Almost two onage of a Greek employee at cials said, as the country’s daily of the COVID-19 Science Board, Turkey’s Medicine and amendment published in the million cases have been the Turkish consulate on the death toll from the virus hits a body of health professionals Medical Device Agency issued official gazette on Friday. recorded in Turkey, with the Greek island of Rhodes. new highs and intensive-care that advises authorities. the regulatory change per- Turkey has signed an nationwide average adult occu- The Rhodes examining beds fill up. The government The vaccinations will be mitting the vaccinations. agreement for 50 million doses pancy rate for intensive care magistrate yesterday issued an has published a change to regu- administered based on the In “exceptional situations” of the Sinovac vaccine. An initial units nearing 74%. arrest warrant for Sebahattin Bayram, a 35-year-old sec- retary at the Turkish consulate. Hundreds of Lebanon’s most Greek media reported the arrest of another Greek vulnerable migrant maids national in connection with the case who worked on a flown home, many more wait ferry as a cook. CNN Greece said the THOMSON REUTERS 250,000 foreign workers, some second man is suspected of FOUNDATION — AMMAN working illegally, who are reporting the position of Greek employed under the country’s Navy ships to Turkey, and pro- Hundreds of Lebanon’s most sponsorship system which viding other information con- vulnerable migrant maids have binds them to one employer cerning Greek military forces. been repatriated with funds and can lead to abuses, The Turkish foreign min- raised by local charities, but according to human rights istry said the espionage charge thousands more remain stuck groups. against Bayram also stemmed and destitute due to a deep Labour groups say that the from his “taking photographs economic crisis and the true figures are likely to be of vessels”. COVID-19 pandemic, according much higher, with Ethiopians It said Greece violated to campaigners. alone making up more than international convention on Their top priority has been 400,000 of the migrant consular relations by arresting aiding women with health community. Bayram, adding that the case problems or young children The plight of Lebanon’s against him was “constructed and those who have lost jobs foreign maids has captured by certain circles willing to and accommodation during the global attention this year. Some increase tensions in relations Protest for rights crisis, which has worsened the women were left in the street with Turkey”. plight of workers trapped in a by employers who could not A supporter of Hashed Al Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary network dominated by Iran-backed factions, It made no mention of the system long compared to afford to pay them, while wave the Hashed flag as protesters gather at Al Habboubi Square in the southern city of Nasiriyah second man who worked on modern slavery. others lost everything when a the ferry. in Dhi Qar province in Iraq, yesterday, to demand their legitimate rights. “They have medical issues, massive blast devastated parts some of them have kids, some of the capital. of them are pregnant, some of “Everybody wants to go them face domestic violence home—some have been Syria: Struggling farmers turn to tropical fern for fodder and want to get out of the waiting for months,” Banchi country,” said Banchi Yimer, told the Thomson Reuters AFP — KFAR TAKHARIM, SYRIA who took up farming in the Vietnam, Singapore and find work as a tailor. founder of the Egna Legna Foundation. “But we can’t rebel-held Idlib region after Taiwan. But in the years since he Besidet workers’ rights group. afford to send 400,000 To dodge skyrocketing prices fleeing fighting in Syria’s second “We want Azolla to spread started, the Syrian pound has So far, community-raised people... so we are picking the for animal fodder in Syria’s last city of Aleppo in 2016, says the here,” Ibrahim said on his farm plummeted in value, leading to funds have mostly been used most vulnerable.” major rebel bastion, farmer plant has given him huge overlooking the town of Kfar sharp increases in the cost of to provide essentials like food, Governments including Ayman Ibrahim has turned to savings over traditional animal Takharim. “The animals want imported goods. shelter and medication for the Ghana and Nigeria have an aquatic fern used as a ferti- feeds like hay or silage. to eat it,” he said, scooping up Compounded by the coro- migrants, but part of the money scheduled repatriation flights liser in Asian rice paddies. Azolla is highly productive Azolla weeds from a shallow navirus pandemic, the eco- is being used to pay for travel, from Beirut, but advocacy officer Azolla, which looks more with the ability to double its pool using a kitchen strainer. nomic crisis has led food prices campaigners said. at migrant rights group Anti- like a pond weed than a fern, is weight in seven days, according “There is a big difference to increase by 249 percent, Hundreds of women have Racism Movement Farah Baba regarded as an invasive plant to the UN Food and Agriculture between offering them a green plunging millions into hunger. now be flown to home nations said some had asked workers to in much of the world but is used Organization. plant and dry feed.” The The cost of animal fodder including Ethiopia, Sierra pay for tickets in US dollars. to feed livestock in parts of The plant is rich in proteins 25-year-old father of two also rose sharply so Ibrahim Leone, Ivory Coast and Nigeria, That put them virtually out southeast Asia. and has been used as a feed for started raising livestock in the embarked on a search for a despite numerous bureaucratic of reach for maids paid in Ibrahim, a former tailor cattle, fish and poultry in Idlib region after he failed to cheaper alternative. hurdles. Lebanon hosts about devalued local currency. 10 AFRICA SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 Freed Nigerian schoolboys return home REUTERS — KATSINA, NIGERIA Haram’s 2014 kidnapping of The boys, dressed more than 270 schoolgirls in the Scores of schoolboys who were northeastern town of Chibok. in dusty clothes, rescued from kidnappers in Six years on, only about half looked dazed and northwest Nigeria arrived back the girls have been found or weary but otherwise home yesterday, many of them freed. Some were married off barefoot and wrapped in to fighters, while others are well as they got off blankets after their week-long assumed to be dead. buses in the city of ordeal. Any Boko Haram The boys, dressed in dusty involvement in this kidnapping Katsina and walked clothes, looked dazed and would mark a geographical to a government weary but otherwise well as expansion in its activities from they got off buses in the city of its base in the northeast. The building. A week Katsina and walked to a gov- region is also plagued by armed earlier, gunmen on ernment building. One, who did gangs that rob and kidnap for not give his name, said the ransom. motorbikes raided captors had told him to describe Hours before the rescue of the boys’ boarding them as members of the mil- the boys was announced on school in the town of itant group Boko Haram, Thursday night, a video started although he suspected they circulating online purportedly Kankara in Katsina were armed bandits. showing Boko Haram militants state and marched “They beat us morning, with some of the boys. Reuters every night. We suffered a lot. was unable to verify the hundreds of them They only gave us food once a authenticity of the footage or into a vast forest that day and water twice a day,” he who released it. told Nigeria’s Arise television. The boy interviewed by spans four states. A week earlier, gunmen on Arise TV was one of those who Rescued Nigerian schoolboys sit together at the Government house in Katsina, Nigeria, yesterday. motorbikes raided the boys’ spoke in the video. boarding school in the town of “They said I should say they the Government Science Sec- part of town. said she ran out of her house with nically defeated”. Kankara in Katsina state and are Boko Haram and gangs of ondary School walked from the Hajiya Bilikisu, in a cream- joy “not knowing where to go” Buhari said he had congrat- marched hundreds of them into Abu Shekau,” he said, referring buses in single file, flanked by coloured veil, said she had when she heard the news. “I ulated the state’s governor and a vast forest that spans four to a name used by a Boko soldiers and armed police started to lose hope that she couldn’t believe what I heard the army, in a brief clip from an states. Security services rescued Haram leader. “Sincerely officers, and were taken to the would ever see her son, until neighbours came to inform interview posted on his Twitter them on Thursday, authorities speaking, they are not Boko government building to meet Abdullahi Abdulrazak, again. me that it’s true,” she said in a account earlier on Friday. said. However, many details sur- Haram... They are just small and the governor. “We are very “I was just crying, crying phone interview. She later Information Minister Lai rounding the incident remain tiny, tiny boys with big guns.” grateful. We are very grateful. with joy, when I saw them, my returned home to pray. The mass Mohammed told journalists the unclear, including who was Another boy said that the We are very grateful,” a man son” in pictures after the kidnapping piled pressure on the abduction was “totally unac- responsible, whether a ransom kidnappers had initially taken who said he was the father of release, she said. government to deal with mili- ceptable”. “Our children should was paid, how the boys’ release them to a hiding place. two of the pupils told Arise TV. “They have to recovery psy- tants in the north of the country. not have to go to school in trep- was secured and whether all of “But when they saw a jet The boys were later brought chologically,” she said. “They It was particularly idation. The federal government them are now safe. fighter, they changed the back to the buses and driven off went through trauma. We have embarrassing for President is doing everything possible to The abduction gripped a location and hid us in a different for medical checks, officials to try to counsel them, so they Muhammadu Buhari, who secure all our schools, and country already incensed by place. They gave us food, but it said. A group of parents waited can now become normal comes from Katsina state indeed all Nigerians,” he said at widespread insecurity, and was very little,” he said. to be reunited with them in a persons.” Hafsat Funtua, mother and has repeatedly said that a press conference in the evoked memories of Boko Yesterday, the boys from shaded parking lot in another of 16-year-old Hamza Naziru, Boko Haram has been “tech- capital, Abuja. Burkina Faso Ethiopia offers reward for Tigray fugitive leaders court confirms

REUTERS — ADDIS ABABA warned of a humanitarian crisis Kabore win in Tigray, where about 600,000 Ethiopia offered a 10m birr people depended on food aid AFP — OUAGADOUGOU ($260,000) reward yesterday for even before the war. information on the location of The United Nations and Burkina Faso’s top court fugitive leaders of a rebellious other agencies are still pressing yesterday certified that Pres- force in northern Tigray region. for safe access to most of the ident Roch Marc Christian The money for helping region. The UN World Food Pro- Kabore had been elected for a capture heads of the Tigray gramme sent 11 trucks worth of second five-year term in a People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) food to two Eritrean refugee November poll. “The was announced on state-run camps in the southern part of candidate Kabore, Roch Marc broadcaster EBC and tweeted Tigray that arrived in the camps Christian, is elected president,” by a government taskforce. on Wednesday, the UN Office for Constitutional Court head TPLF leaders, possibly hiding the Coordination of Humani- Kassoum Kambou announced. in surrounding mountains since tarian Affairs (OCHA) said. Kambou said the staging they lost Tigray’s capital on Despite the arrival of some of the November 22 election November 28, had said they were aid, needs are increasing, OCHA was “normal,” despite oppo- fighting back. Reuters has not spokesman Saviano Abreu said. sition accusations of been able to reach them for “People have now been living for irregularities. comment for more than a week. more than six weeks with no Kabore, 63, has vowed to Thousands of people are running water, no access to health step up efforts to roll back a five- believed to have been killed and services, no cash and very limited year-old insurgency that has nearly a million fled their access to food.” He said the had a devasting effect on the homes after two years of An Ethiopian woman who fled the ongoing fighting in Tigray region, holds her refugee registration United Nations was still negoti- impoverished Sahel country. At feuding between Prime Minister document as she waits to receive relief aid at the Um-Rakoba camp on the Sudan-Ethiopia border, ating with the Ethiopian gov- least 1,200 people have died and Abiy Ahmed’s government and in Kassala state, Sudan, yesterday. ernment for full and unhindered around one million have fled the TPLF erupted into war in access and reiterated the global their homes. early November. Some power restored after a virtual blackout on November 4. But access for accounts from all sides are hard body’s call for all parties to allow Because of the unrest, the and phone links have been since the federal offensive began media is still restricted and to verify. Aid agencies have all aid groups into Tigray. election was not held across at least one-fifth of the territory, reducing the potential pool of UN: Nearly 60% of South Sudan voters from 6.49 million to At least 10 killed in Somalia bombing 5.89 million in a population of 20 million, according to the REUTERS — MOGADISHU blast including three senior Shabaab’s military operations population facing acute hunger country’s electoral board, military officials, soldiers and spokesman, Abdiasis Abu CENI. Kabore won over 57 At least 10 people were killed civilians,” Major Mohamed Musab, said, some were AFP — JUBA and March 2021. percent of the vote, with the yesterday in a town in Soma- Abdirahman, a military US-trained. That number is predicted court saying it amended the lia’s semi autonomous state of officer, said from Galkayo. The group has been fighting Roughly 60 percent of South to rise to around 7.2 million by figure slightly from the initial Galmudug when a suicide Over 20 people were injured, for more than a decade to Sudan’s population face severe July, representing more than 60 results announced by CENI bomber detonated a device at he added. topple the Horn of Africa’s hunger by the middle of next percent of the population. after problems with voting a rally due to be addressed by Senior officials at the site central government and year, the government and UN “This is the highest number tabulation forms submitted by the country’s prime minister, a included General Abdiasis establish its own rule based on agencies warned yesterday, since South Sudan gained inde- 200 polling stations. security official said. Abdullahi Qooje who was com- its strict interpretation of sharia calling for urgent assistance to pendence” in 2011, World Food Prime Minister Mohamed mander of a battalion based in law. address the growing crisis. Programme deputy country UN calls for $254m Hussein Roble was on his way Galmudug, Somali state radio Farah Ali, a resident of In a new joint report they director Makena Walker said, to address the rally at a stadium Sonna reported. Galkayo who witnessed the also said that 1.4 million adding it was a five percent for Mozambique in Galkayo, a town in central He said the death toll may bombing, told Reuters in a children face acute malnu- increase compared to last year. conflict victims Somalia where many residents rise. Somalia’s Al Qaeda-allied phone interview the stadium trition in the conflict-ravaged Update comes after two and security forces had Islamist group Al Shabaab, was packed with a huge crowd eastern African nation. independent reports published gathered to welcome him claimed responsibility for the before the blast. “The food security situation by IPC last week said that tens of AFP — GENEVA before the explosion, Galmudug attack and said it was “targeting “I counted seven dead and nutrition situation has thousands of people were likely state security ministry said in a the prime minister who was people including soldiers and deteriorated,” Isaiah Chol to face “famine conditions” in The United Nations launched post on its Facebook page. visiting the town.” civilians and over a dozen Aruai, chairman of South Pibor, in the country’s east. Pibor an appeal yesterday for $254m “Over 10 people died in the Among those killed, Al injured,” he said. Sudan’s National Bureau of Sta- was given the highest food inse- to help hundreds of thou- tistics, said in the capital Juba curity level of five on Friday, sands caught in an Islamist as he released the country’s along with the counties of Akobo, insurgency aimed at carving latest hunger assessment. Aweil South, Tonj East, Tonj out a caliphate in northern Armed groups issue threat over CAR vote “This is because of pockets North and Tonj South. Mozambique. of insecurity that have led to Meshack Malo, the Food A group known locally as AFP — BANGUI, CENTRAL between Touadera and armed ballot, which is a crucial test for population displacement, low and Agriculture Organization Al Shabaab unleashed a violent AFRICAN REPUBLIC groups which control most of one of Africa’s most volatile crop production because of representative in South Sudan, campaign in the gas-rich Cabo the country. countries. The country spi- climate shocks such as floods called for urgent humanitarian Delgado province in 2017 that Several powerful armed groups The statement lashed the ralled into conflict in 2013, and drought,” he said, also access to Pibor “to prevent an has since killed more than in the Central African Republic agreement as a “patent failure.” when the then president, Fran- pointing to the COVID-19 pan- already dire situation from 2,300 people and forced hun- have accused President The signatories, it said, coise Bozize, was ousted by the demic, an economic crisis, turning into a full-blown dreds of thousands to flee. Faustin-Archange Touadera’s vowed to “restore security Seleka, a rebel coalition drawn desert locust infestation and catastrophe”. The UN said many people government of seeking to fix across the national territory... largely from the Muslim “inadequate” humanitarian aid. Aruai said that humani- fled with just the clothes they upcoming elections and by any means” if the gov- minority. UN-backed assessments tarian aid needed to be quickly were wearing and warned that warned of a violent response. ernment “insists on manipu- The coup triggered a use a ranking called the Inte- scaled up “in order to save lives 1.1 million people would need The warning stokes ten- lating the organising of the vote bloodbath between the Seleka grated Food Security Phase and avert total collapse of live- help next year. sions in the troubled country in order to carry out an elec- and so-called “anti-Balaka” self- Classification (IPC), which rates lihoods”. South Sudan is strug- “They lost their belongings, ahead of the December 27 pres- toral holdup.” defence forces, mainly Christian hunger levels from one to five. gling to emerge from a six-year their livelihoods, their future,” idential and legislative vote. Three of the six groups con- and animist. France intervened According to the latest civil war that claimed some said Myrta Kaulard, the UN’s It came in a communique firmed early yesterday that they militarily in its former colony and update, an estimated 5.8 million 380,000 lives and officially humanitarian coordinator in issued late on Thursday by had signed the statement, while after a transitional period, elec- people face a phase-three ended with the creation of a the country. “Humanitarian militias who had joined a Feb- a fourth denied it. Touadera is tions were staged in 2016 and “crisis” level of acute food inse- government of national unity assistance is vital to alleviate ruary 2019 peace accord seeking a second term in the won by Touadera. curity between December 2020 in February. their suffering.” SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 ASIA 11

India ready Modi offers to address woes of farmers to soon start

AP — NEW DELHI voluntary vaccination India’s prime minister said Prime Minister Narendra yesterday his government is Modi accused opposition REUTERS — NEW DELHI willing to address the concerns parties of spreading fear of tens of thousands of farmers that the three laws India’s government said who are blocking key highways yesterday it could soon start in a protest against new agricul- approved by Parliament voluntary inoculation against tural reform laws, but rejected in September would the COVID-19 disease as it their demand that the legislation drive down crop prices considers emergency use be repealed. and lead to farmers’ authorization for three vaccine Prime Minister Narendra exploitation by candidates including those Modi accused opposition parties from AstraZeneca and Pfizer. of spreading fear that the three corporations. Indian company Bharat laws approved by Parliament in Biotech has also applied for September would drive down emergency approval. crop prices and lead to farmers’ will stop buying grain at The country recorded exploitation by corporations. minimum guaranteed prices and 22,890 new coronavirus infec- “If anyone has any concerns, corporations will then push tions in the past 24 hours, then with our heads bowed, our prices down. Modi’s government taking the total to near 10 hands folded, with humility, we has said it is willing to pledge that million, with 144,789 deaths. It are willing to allay their fears by guaranteed prices will has the world’s second highest discussing contentious issues,” continue. number of cases after the Modi said in a speech to a group The protesting farmers say United States, though the gap of farmers supporting the the laws will lead to the between them is now widening legislation. cartelization and commerciali- as India is reporting fewer cases Farmers dance along a blocked highway during a demonstration against the central government’s The protesting farmers have zation of agriculture and make since a mid-September peak. recent agricultural reforms at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border in Ghazipur, yesterday. blockaded highways connecting farmers vulnerable to corporate The government says it New Delhi to northern India for greed. Modi said the laws will could take more than one year three weeks, obstructing trans- protect the farmers’ interests. He The court also has offered to discussed these in detail. Farmer Modi said. Nearly 60% of the to administer two doses of vac- portation and dealing a blow to didn’t comment on a proposal by set up a panel to mediate groups, agricultural experts, Indian population depend on cines — 28 days apart — to most manufacturing and businesses in the Supreme Court to delay their between the two sides after five economists, scientists and pro- agriculture for their livelihoods. of India’s 1.35 billion people. the north. Protest leaders have implementation to facilitate a rounds of talks failed to end the gressive farmers have called for The government says the “The government of India rejected the government’s offer resumption of dialogue with the impasse. reforms. Political parties reforms will enable farmers to is geared to launch a vaccine to amend some contentious pro- farmers, who have been camping “These laws were not brought opposing these laws today market their produce and boost for COVID-19 soon,” the Min- visions of the laws. on highways on the outskirts of in overnight. In the past 22 years, promised these reforms in their production through private istry of Health and Family Farmers fear the government New Delhi since November 27. every government, state has election manifestos in the past,” investment. Welfare said in a public advisory. “Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary. However, it is UN rights office calls on Thailand to amend royal insult law advisable to receive the com- plete schedule of COVID-19 REUTERS — GENEVA charges against protesters, three to 15 years in prison. rights to freedom of expression in July to call for the removal vaccine.” It also said that even saying that criminalising such The spokesperson for the and peaceful assembly,” of Prime Minister Prayuth those who have been infected The United Nations human acts violates freedom of UN High Commissioner for spokeswoman Ravina Sham- Chan-ocha, a former junta by the virus should be rights office called on expression. Human Rights noted that dasani told a news briefing in leader, and for the drafting of vaccinated. Thailand yesterday to amend Prosecutions, which had charges had also been filed Geneva. a new constitution. India plans to deploy its its lese majeste law which it stopped in 2018, restarted against protesters for sedition The office of UN High They later called for reforms vast election machinery to said had been used against at after protesters broke long- and computer crimes Commissioner for Human to the monarchy: seeking the deliver 600 million doses of least 35 activists — one as standing taboos by calling for offences. Rights Michelle Bachelet king to be more clearly the vaccines to the most vul- young as 16 - in recent weeks. reforms to curb the powers of “We call on the Gov- urged Thailand to change the accountable under the consti- nerable people in the next six It said Thailand should King Maha Vajiralongkorn ernment of Thailand to stop the lese majeste law to bring it in tution and the reversal of to eight months through con- stop using the law, which during months of street dem- repeated use of such serious line with the right to freedom changes that gave him control ventional cold chain systems, bans insulting the monarchy, onstrations. Those found guilty criminal charges against indi- of opinion and expression. of royal finances and some army a government expert said last and other serious criminal under the royal insult law face viduals for exercising their Youth-led protests began units among other demands. week. Myanmar abuse Protesters in Indonesia victim wins legal battle demand release of cleric AP — JAKARTA Defenders Front members, with military halted traffic along the way to Supporters of a detained fire- the state palace in downtown AFP — SITTWE brand cleric marched in Indo- Jakarta as they chanted “God is nesia’s capital yesterday to Great” and “We want justice.” After being abused by soldiers, demand his release and justice They waved black and white steely-eyed Thein Nu went up for six followers who were flags bearing the Islamic dec- against Myanmar’s powerful killed by police. laration of faith and carried military in a months-long fight Rizieq Shihab, leader of the banners and placards slamming for justice — a fight that paid Islam Defenders Front, turned authorities over the arrest of off with a rare legal victory. himself in to authorities last their leader and the killing of Her three attackers were Saturday, a day after police the six followers. jailed for 20 years with hard warned they would arrest him The six men were accom- labour, a sentence she hopes after he ignored several panying Shihab to a morning will give other survivors the summonses. prayer event in a convoy of courage to speak up and chal- He was accused of inciting vehicles just outside Jakarta on lenge the military’s impunity. people to breach pandemic December 7 when they were Lodging a legal complaint restrictions by holding events killed by police. pitted the 36-year-old mother attended by thousands of sup- Police said they were car- of four against Myanmar’s porters to commemorate rying weapons, including most powerful institution, Prophet Muhammad’s birthday pistols, and threatened officers. Supporters of Indonesian cleric Rizieq Shihab gather to protest in Yogyakarta, yesterday, to demand whose soldiers have long been and the wedding of his daughter The Islam Defenders Front justice for six of their members killed in a shoot out with the police in Jakarta on December 7. accused by rights groups of last month. identified them as guards and using rape as a weapon of war The gatherings took place denied they were carrying in the country’s conflict zones. less than a week after his return weapons. Shihab left Indonesia in Shihab frequently criticizes nightspots, hurling stones at The crime was committed from three years of exile in The National Commission 2017 for a pilgrimage to Mecca government policies, and his Western embassies and in June in northern Rakhine Saudi Arabia. on Human Rights is investi- shortly after police charged him statements often provoke attacking rival religious groups. state — the site of a nearly Police said Shihab could gating the incident. in a pornography case and with controversy. It wants Islamic Shariah law to two-year battle between the face up to six years in prison if The protesters dispersed insulting the official state ide- He attracted large crowds apply to Indonesia’s 230 million military and the Arakan Army, found guilty of inciting people peacefully yesterday afternoon ology. Police dropped both at several events in Jakarta and Muslims. Indonesia has which is fighting for more to violate health regulations and after police threatened to arrest charges a year later due to weak West Java, with many people reported more than 650,000 autonomy for the ethnic of obstructing law enforcement. them for violating a health state evidence, but authorities in not wearing masks and ignoring coronavirus cases, the largest Rakhine population. About 200 protesters of emergency in Jakarta, which Saudi Arabia then prevented physical distancing norms. number in Southeast Asia and “Many women like me organised by a conservative has been hit hard by the him from leaving the country The Islam Defenders Front second in Asia only to India’s have already endured the Muslim alliance, including Islam coronavirus. without explanation. has a long record of vandalizing 9.9 million cases. same thing,” Thein Nu — who has been given a pseudonym to protect her identity -- said. Climate change could create 63 million migrants in South Asia by 2050 “If I didn’t reveal this, it could lead to many more in REUTERS — BARCELONA areas to towns and cities in their warming to below 2 degrees often lack the means to move far researchers. Rakhine (being abused).” Her own countries, in search of work, Celsius, the number of people from their original homes to safer Kabita Maity, from an island victory comes after an initial The growing impacts of climate he said. driven to move in India, Bang- places without state support. in the Sundarbans delta region denial from the military, which change have already pushed There they often end up living ladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and The new figures show the of India, has had to move five said she made up the allega- more than 18 million people to in slum areas exposed to flooding Nepal could be cut almost by half largest number of people are times as previous homes were tions, and she still faces the migrate within South Asian coun- and with very limited access to by 2050, the report said. expected to migrate by 2050 in gobbled up by the sea. glare of widespread social tries, but that could more than social services, doing precarious It builds on research pub- India, at more than 45 million. “We will have to stay here stigma, including from her triple if global warming continues jobs such as rickshaw-pulling, lished in 2018 by the World Bank, But the country with the until the sea forces us out, as we husband who refuses to speak on its current path, researchers construction or which said unchecked climate sharpest projected rise in do not have resources to buy land to her. warned yesterday. garment-making. change could cause more than migration is Bangladesh, with a and resettle inwards,” Maity was “I am both happy and sad,” Nearly 63 million people “Policy makers in the Global 140 million people to move seven-fold increase from today. quoted as saying. she said, still in disbelief that could be forced from their homes North and the Global South are within their countries’ borders by The report included examples The report called on South the military tribunal ruled in by 2050 in the region as rising not yet waking up to this reality,” 2050 in sub-Saharan Africa, collected by aid workers of Asian governments to do more her favour. seas and rivers swallow villages, Singh told the Thomson Reuters South Asia and Latin America. people who have already been to prepare for worsening dis- “I don’t entirely believe and drought-hit land no longer Foundation. The new report, which used hit by worsening climate placement linked to climate this verdict will stop the rape supports crops, said ActionAid “They are not realising the an updated version of the same pressures. change - and emphasised the and abuse against women in International and Climate Action scale of the problem, and how we methodology, raises the original In Pakistan’s arid Tharparkar importance of acting now to limit conflict areas because they Network South Asia in a report. are going to deal with (it).” He 2050 projection for South Asian district, Rajo, 37, and her the number of people who will (the military) are unreliable The projection does not urged rich nations with high migration by about half, adding husband, both labourers, moved be forced to migrate in the future. people with two faces.” include those who will be forced planet-warming emissions to in new data on sea level rise, as to three different places in their It recommended strength- In a rare acknowl- to flee sudden disasters such as redouble efforts to reduce their well as the effects of ecosystem area in the last three years to ening social protection systems edgement of wrongdoing, the floods and cyclones and so is carbon pollution and provide losses and droughts. escape hunger caused by severe to provide cash and work for military on Saturday likely an under-estimate, noted more funding for South Asian The new report also tracks drought. those affected by climate announced the verdict and Harjeet Singh, global climate lead countries to develop cleanly and expected migration on a finer She lost a baby because of extremes and improving essential sentence against the three at ActionAid. adapt to conditions on a warming scale. The projections have heavy lifting in her job and had services for migrant workers in abusers, trumpeting its own He said the situation could planet. financial implications for coun- to borrow money from the cities - now hit doubly by the “transparent” investigation of become “catastrophic”. If governments meet a glo- tries such as India and Bang- landowner to cover medical COVID-19 pandemic, with many the case. Many will head from rural bally agreed goal to limit ladesh, where the poorest people bills for her family, she told the left jobless. 12 ASIA SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 Australia travel in chaos due to border curbs over virus

REUTERS — SYDNEY have blocked the transmission line,” said NSW Chief Health Christmas travel plans for thou- NSW health authorities Officer Kerry Chant. sands of Australians were issued an “urgent call” Hospitals in the affected thrown into chaos yesterday to all state residents to suburbs and pop-up testing sites when states and territories have been inundated with many imposed border restrictions monitor for COVID-19 people waiting hours to be after 28 COVID-19 cases were symptoms, saying tested. Major public facilities in detected in Sydney, with fears confirmed cases from the northern beaches area, such infections could spread Sydney’s northern as swimming pools and play- citywide. grounds, have been closed and Around a quarter of a beaches had visited a visitors have been banned from million people in Sydney’s number of locations age care facilities. northern beaches, where the around Sydney, All beaches along the 29km cases have been found, have Australia’s most stretch of the coast have been been told to stay home and populous city. closed until Monday. wear masks if in other venues. Local media reported Restaurants in the area, shoppers emptied shelves at a which expected a lucrative supermarket in the northern Christmas trade, reported hun- Authorities have pinpointed beaches yesterday, in a repeat dreds of cancellations, knocking two clubs at Avalon beach as the of frenzied scenes earlier in the Vehicles queue up for a drive-through coronavirus disease testing clinic in the Warriewood suburb prospects of an economic original transmission sites, but year when the coronavirus first of Sydney, Australia, yesterday. recovery from earlier virus are still trying to hunt down hit Australia. waves. patient zero, and have issued Many people flocked to populous state said people from Australia’s hopes for an and 908 deaths since the pan- “Everyone in greater Sydney more than 30 potential sec- Sydney airport yesterday to try NSW will now require a permit unchecked economic recovery, demic began and estimates needs to be on high alert,” New ondary transmission sites, as far and fly out of the state, fearing to enter Victoria. led by domestic tourism oper- most active cases in the country South Wales (NSW) state away as Bondi and Cronulla hard border closures. Some Until this week, Australia ators such as Virgin Australia are returned overseas travelers Premier Gladys Berejiklian told beaches in the east and south travellers who left NSW were had gone more than two weeks and Qantas Airways, now seem in hotel quarantine. a news conference yesterday in of the city. placed in immediate hotel quar- without any local transmission, unlikely. NSW said yesterday that it announcing 10 new cases. Genome sequencing points antine for 14 days when they allowing most states and terri- “We have dealt with this had fined 13 crew from a NSW health authorities to the latest virus strain being landed in another state. tories to remove nearly all before, we’ll deal with it again, LATAM Chile flight to Sydney issued an “urgent call” to all of US origin, said NSW Health. Queensland state and the social distancing curbs. it’s important that people $1,000 each for allegedly failing state residents to monitor for A traveller arrived in Australia Northern Territory demanded Such was the optimism that remain calm about these to follow orders and self-isolate. COVID-19 symptoms, saying with a similar strain on Dec. 1, people who have been on the Australia on Thursday projected issues,” said Prime Minister As a result of the breach, the confirmed cases from Sydney’s but it has not been confirmed northern beaches to quarantine its economy will recover from Scott Morrison. “There is no state will now require interna- northern beaches had visited a that they are patient zero. for 14 days. Western Australia its first recession in three magic formula that makes the tional flight crews to undertake number of locations around “My anxiety is we have not state imposed this on anyone decades faster than previously pandemic just go away.” mandatory quarantine in a Sydney, Australia’s most pop- found the direct transmission from NSW. anticipated after containing the Australia has reported just handful of government-desig- ulous city. route and we cannot be sure we Australia’s second most spread of COVID-19. over 28,000 coronavirus cases nated hotels. 15 children killed in east Afghanistan bomb blast Thailand reports local AFP — GHAZNI spokesman for the province’s Qatari capital of Doha, with the from the country by May 2021. infections as measures to governor. Taliban trying to get an upper The Taliban have primarily At least 15 children were killed Ghazni police confirmed the hand. targeted government forces in when a motorbike laden with blast and that all victims were Taliban and government rural areas since signing the deal, restart tourism begin explosives blew up near a reli- children. Twenty other people, forces have regularly clashed in in which they pledged to launch gious gathering in eastern including some children, were Ghazni province, where the negotiations with the Afghan REUTERS — BANGKOK most of them found in people Afghanistan yesterday, officials wounded. Interior ministry insurgents control several areas. government. Afghan President observing quarantine after said. spokesman Tariq Arian earlier Thirty security personnel Ashraf Ghani has called for the Thailand has four new local having been in close contact The children had gathered at said the group had gathered in were killed last month when a next round of peace negotiations coronavirus infections, health with an infected person. Most a home in Ghazni province to Gilan district to recite the Koran. suicide car bomber struck an to be held in Kabul, saying it was officials said yesterday, just as of Thailand’s recent cases have recite Quran's verses, a regular Peace talks between the army base near Ghazni city, the inappropriate to meet in “luxu- the country has started been imported. activity on the Islamic holy day Taliban and the Afghan gov- provincial capital. rious hotels”. reopening for tourists after Thailand has managed to of Friday, when the blast ernment to end the country’s Outgoing US President Taliban negotiators have months of keeping the virus at keeping infections relatively happened. grinding war are on pause until Donald Trump has pushed to end flown to Pakistan, where they bay. low, reporting a total of 4,297 “Unfortunately, as a result of January. America’s longest war, with met Prime Minister Imran Khan A 67-year-old woman who cases and 60 COVID-19 deaths, this incident 15 people, all Violence has surged across Washington signing a deal with yesterday. Khan called on both sells shrimp in the Samut but the success has come at a children, were martyred,” said the country since the talks the Taliban early this year com- sides to reduce violence and Sakhon province was con- cost to its tourism-dependent Wahedullah Jumazada, opened in September in the mitting to pulling all of its troops agree to a ceasefire. firmed to have the infection, economy. The new infections senior health official Sopon come as authorities on Iamsirithaworn told a news Thursday began easing travel Six South Koreans die conference, adding that three restrictions to allow foreign of her family members later tourists to return to the country of COVID-19 awaiting also tested positive. in a bid to revive its battered She did not have a history tourism industry. hospital beds: Report of travelling outside the Thailand eased restrictions country, the official said, for citizens from over 50 coun- adding they were waiting for tries, but visitors will need to REUTERS — SEOUL the results of the tests of 165 quarantine for two weeks upon other people who had been in arrival and will need a certif- Six people suffering from COVID-19 have close contact with the woman. icate to show they were free of died in South Korea this month while “We are collecting information COVID-19 72 hours before waiting for hospital beds and hundreds can to find the origins of this travel. Last month, authorities not get admitted as surging coronavirus infection,” said Disease Control tested over 300 people after infections overload the health system, offi- Department director-general, Thai nationals entered the cials and media said yesterday. Opas Karnkawinpong at the country illegally from South Korea reported 1,062 new coro- same news conference. Local Myanmar, but most new infec- navirus cases yesterday, its second-highest cases have been in the single- tions were found in ever daily tally, as the government agonised digits in recent months, with quarantine. over tighter restrictions and warned busi- nesses it was unacceptable to try to dodge shut-down orders. The daily number was above 1,000 for Japan to develop longer-range the third straight day for the first time, data from the Korea Disease Control and Pre- A woman undergoes the coronavirus test at a site temporarily set up at City Hall Plaza in anti-ship missiles vention Agency (KDCA) showed. Seoul, South Korea, yestwwerday. The rash of new cases has shaken a REUTERS — TOKYO as the Senkaku in Japan and the country that has for months been held up ernment told a briefing. warning. Meanwhile, the government is Diaoyu in China. as a mitigation success story. But despite “The on-site response team in the Seoul agonising over whether to tighten up social Japan yesterday said it will The Okinawa islands are part its total tally rising to 47,515 infections, metropolitan area has been experiencing distancing, which would mean ordering 1.2 develop new “stand-off” anti-ship of a chain stretching from Japan South Korea has only suffered about 650 difficulty in allocating beds due to sharp million business to suspend operations. missiles that can target warships down through to the Philippines deaths. One of those who died waiting for increase in confirmed cases and overload Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said at greater distances around its that acts as a barrier to Chinese a hospital bed was at home in the capital, in administration and medical systems since that given the burden on businesses, “social southwestern Okinawa island expansion. Seoul, after testing positive on Saturday, the beginning of December.” Park vowed consensus” was necessary for a decision. chain, including near disputed “Defending Japan’s south- while three others were in a nursing home to strengthen the public health system and He also said everyone had to play by islets in the East China Sea that western islands requires longer- in Gyeonggi province. said 580 patients were waiting for beds in the virus restriction rules. China also claims. range systems because the islands The Yonhap news agency reported two Seoul yesterday, 227 of whom have been “There have been increasing attempts “The security environment cover a large area and Japan other such deaths in December but pro- waiting for at least two days. to continue operation in an irregular way around our southwestern islands needs overlapping fields of fire,” vided no immediate details. The unprecedented surge in serious by changing their stated type of business has become harsh. We have to said Zack Cooper, a research “We express our deepest condolences cases had strained the health system, with in order to slip through the government’s respond to that in an appropriate fellow at the Washington-based and feel keenly responsible,” Park Yoo-mi, only a limited number of critical care beds anti-virus efforts,” Chung told a government way,” Japanese Minister of American Enterprise Institute. a quarantine officer for the Seoul gov- available, health officials have been meeting. Defence Nobuo Kishi said at a Japan said its new stand off press briefing. missile will be based on a 200km The missiles would allow range truck-mounted anti-ship Japan to expand a strategy known version already deployed on the Pakistan begins largest reforestation programme as anti-access area denial (A2AD), Okinawa islands. that is meant to stop foreign The ministry did not say what BLOOMBERG — ISLAMABAD wants to extend that to almost 10 and Agriculture Organization. the first few months, according forces from operating freely in range it will have or when they billion by the time his term in “Unfortunately, we never to Tabish Hussain, a government- waters close to its home will be deployed. Pakistan’s arid climate and office ends in 2023. cared about them,” said Khan employed forester in Karachi. territory. Japan also said yesterday it rocky deserts may seem an “We are trying to unleash a at a tree-planting ceremony in Khan has been advocating The first major defence policy planned to put new powerful unlikely place to look for a green economy,” Aslam said by July. “ reforestation since his days as a decision by Prime Minister Aegis radars with at least three green revolution, but the nation phone. After independence from the professional cricketer more than Yoshihide Suga comes as Japan times the range of older Aegis of more than 200 million The task is enormous. British, we have lost forests three decades ago. He has added acquires air-launched missiles systems on two new warships in people has begun one of the Pakistan is among the six coun- instead of adding to them.” nine new national parks, the first that could be used to hit missile order to reinforce defences world’s largest reforestation tries that face the biggest impact Pakistan is planting trees that additions since independence in sites in North Korea and is con- against any ballistic missiles fired programmes. from climate change, according need relatively little water, like 1947. sidering other strike weapons by North Korea. The government is in the first to the United Nations, with risks the azadirachta indica, a fast- As provincial ruler of such as cruise missiles that could Deploying the new Aegis phase of planting 3.25 billion of floods, melting glaciers and growing mahogany commonly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province reach ground targets in China. radars on ships could cost twice trees at an estimated cost of droughts. Its forest cover is now known as the neem tree. Neems he oversaw a billion-tree Japan has become increas- as much and take three years around $650m, Malik Amin among the lowest in the world typically don’t need to be watered planting programme that raised ingly concerned about Chinese longer to complete than two Aslam, minister for climate — about 5% of the land, com- after the first five years, while the the region’s forest cover to activity in the East China Sea, ground-based versions it can- change said in an interview. pared with a global average of other species that have been forest cover to 27%, from 20%, including incursions into waters celled in June, a source with Prime Minister Imran Khan 31%, according to UN’s Food chosen only need extra water for in the five years to 2019. around the disputed islands know knowledge of the proposal said. SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 EUROPE 13 Joy in Europe over vaccines collide with curbs More than 73.68 million people have Steps by some countries been reported to REUTERS — LONDON be infected by the coronavirus globally Governments across Europe are trying to navigate between avoiding the spread of the coronavirus over the Christmas holiday season and 1,655,424 have and allowing people to celebrate with family and friends. Here are died, according to a measures that will be adopted for year-end festivities by some Reuters tally. European countries. BRITAIN: On December 16, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would not outlaw Christmas gatherings, allowing up to three REUTERS — LONDON households to meet at home between December 23 and December 27. People will be able to gather in places of worship and outdoors Coronavirus vaccine approvals but not at indoor hospitality or entertainment venues. Shops will have brought comfort and joy stay open for longer over Christmas and in January. Two-thirds of for many this Christmas but England will have clubs and restaurants shut from the weekend failed to halt new curbs on of December 19, following London’s path, to tackle a worsening travel and gatherings as outbreak, with Northern Ireland entering a six-week lockdown COVID-19 cases rise worldwide. starting on December 26 adding also non-essential shops to the Scientists and government list of closed sites. leaders have hailed the vaccines GERMANY: Germany will only keep essential shops open, from as a huge success in attacking December 16 until at least January 10. Private gatherings will remain the pandemic, but only once limited to no more than five people from two households, with they are administered, a process rules to be eased over the Christmas holidays when up to 10 people likely to take months, even in A paediatrician wearing a protective suit takes a swab sample from a patient for a COVID-19 instant will be allowed to gather, not counting children. the world’s richest countries. test at his medical office in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. POLAND: Poland will extend the closing of schools, restaurants More than 73.68 million and sports centres to hotels, ski slopes and shopping malls form people have been reported to right now is to remain at home.” have to look at these measures reduced its spread without December 28 to January 17, and will also require a 10-day quarantine be infected by the coronavirus Large areas of England will and perhaps tighten them up.” closing down clubs or shops. for those returning to the country by public transportation. There will globally and 1,655,424 have be added to the “very high alert” Austrians abroad were EU states will start vaccina- also be a curfew on New Year’s Eve from 7pm to 6am the day after. died, according to a Reuters COVID-19 tier category this heading home ahead of new tions against COVID-19 on SWITZERLAND: Restaurants, sports and recreation centres tally. Now many countries are weekend, placing residents quarantine rules coming in today. December 27 as Europe tries to will be closed for a month from December 22, with shops to stay preparing for the Christmas under the most stringent curbs The country is going into a third catch up with Britain and the open with a further limited capacity. The government has asked rush and Hans Kluge, director even as the government tries to lockdown after Christmas, the United States after what some people to stay home and avoid non-essential movement. of the World Health Organiza- defend a plan to relax curbs for national news agency APA have criticised as a slow EU SPAIN: Curfews will be loosened and up to 10 people per tion’s European regional office, five days over Christmas. reported yesterday. approval process for the shots. household will be allowed to gather for Christmas and New Year said travelling was not worth “It doesn’t look like the tier Swiss Health Minister Alain The European Union has as a general rule, but each region can implement stricter curbs. the risk. system is holding the epidemic Berset will ask cabinet colleagues been waiting for the European Movement between regions will be restricted to visits of family “There remains a difference wave back, unfortunately” John to close restaurants for a month, Medicines Agency to approve a and close friends between December 23 and January 6, unless the between what you are being per- Edmunds, a member of the gov- two newspapers reported. vaccine from Pfizer Inc and regions impose tougher rules. mitted to do by your authorities ernment’s Scientific Advisory Madrid, one of Europe’s worst German partner BioNTech SE. ITALY: Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on December 15 and what you should do,” he said Group for Emergencies, told Sky COVID-19 hotspots at the start of The EMA is expected to make an that the government may have to tighten restrictions over Christmas, in a statement. “The safest thing News. “I think we are going to the pandemic, has progressively announcement on December 21. that currently include curbs on movement between regions starting on December 20. Pope Francis’s Christmas Eve Mass will start two hours earlier, allowing the limited number of people who can attend Macron says ‘doing well’ after virus infection to be home by 10pm. THE NETHERLANDS: The nation has gone into a hard five- AFP — PARIS ities due to ongoing symptoms. account that he appeared to have recorded week lockdown. Gatherings are limited to two people with a tem- “I am doing well. I have the same himself with a phone. porary relief raising the limit to three adult visitors over three days French President Emmanuel Macron yes- symptoms as yesterday: tiredness, head- “My activity is a little slowed down due around Christmas. terday said that he was doing well after aches, dry everywhere. Like hundreds of to the virus. But I am continuing to take care HUNGARY: The country cancelled New Year’s Eve celebra- testing positive for COVID-19 but acknowl- thousands of others of you,” Macron said of the priority issues like the epidemic or, tions and restrictions, including a 7pm curfew, will last until at edged that he had to slow down his activ- in a video message posted on his Twitter for example, Brexit,” he said. least January 11. Poorer nations to get virus EU embarrassed by vaccine vaccine early in 2021: WHO dose price leak AFP - GENEVA iness for delivery. WHO chief Tedros AFP — BRUSSELS Poorer countries will begin to Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a receive coronavirus vacci- virtual press conference that The European Commission nation doses early next year “light at the end of the tunnel refused to comment directly from a facility created to ensure has grown a little bit brighter”. yesterday on a leak of how fair access, the World Health “But we will only truly end much it would pay for Organization and its partners the pandemic if we end it eve- COVID-19 vaccine doses, said yesterday. rywhere at the same time, stressing confidentiality clauses Almost two billion doses of which means it’s essential to with the companies involved. candidate vaccines have been vaccinate some people in all Spokesmen for the EU secured for the Covax facility, countries, rather than all people executive were questioned run by the WHO along with the in some countries,” he said. about the information Gavi vaccine alliance and the The statement said that by revealed on Thursday in a Coalition for Epidemic Prepar- the end of the year, 20 percent tweet by a junior minister in edness Innovations (CEPI). of the populations in partici- Belgium’s government that Countries including the pating countries should be gave a cost breakdown of six United States and Britain have covered. The WHO revealed vaccines in the Commission’s already begun to roll out a yesterday that it had signed an portfolio. The tweet was vaccine developed by Pfizer and agreement with US pharma- deleted shortly afterwards, but BioNtech, with another ceutical giant Johnson & screen grabs of it were quickly developed by Moderna expected Johnson for 500 million doses Russia lifts UK telecom satellites into orbit posted on social media. to gain widespread approval of a candidate drug, adding to “We cannot say anything A Soyuz-2.1b rocket booster with 36 British OneWeb satellites blasts off from the launch pad at the soon. Neither drug is included in agreements already signed about this,” one of the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Uglegorsk, about 200km from the city of Blagoveshchensk the two billion doses, but the with AstraZeneca, Novavax and spokesmen, Stefan de Keers- WHO said it was in discussions Sanofi-GSK. in the far eastern Amur region, in Russia, yesterday. maecker, told journalists, with both companies. The UN health agency has without denying the tweet’s “The arrangements previously said it was willing accuracy. “Everything that has announced today will enable all to include vaccines developed to do with information of participating economies to have in China and Russia should 'Star Wars' actor Jeremy Bulloch dies at 75 prices of vaccines is covered access to doses in the first half of those drugs prove safe and by confidentiality. This is 2021, with first deliveries antic- effective. CEPI chief Richard AFP — LONDON was best known for his roles in and “The Return of the Jedi”. He something which is very ipated to begin in the first quarter Hatchett said massive research the films Summer Holiday, Star landed the role after a call from important,” he said. of 2021,” the WHO, Gavi and and development efforts were British actor Jeremy Bulloch Wars and James Bond,” it added. his half-brother Robert Watts, The Commission’s chief CEPI said in a statement. paying off. who played infamous bounty Born in Market Harborough, who was an associate producer spokesman Eric Mamer added Shipments of enough vac- “We now have safe and hunter Boba Fett in the original Leicestershire, Bulloch on “The Empire Strikes Back”. that secrecy over the prices paid cines to protect health and social effective vaccines that can “Star Wars” films has died at the appeared in several classic tel- “I’d never managed to give was “contractually required” by care workers would be delivered protect against Covid-19 and a age of 75. evision shows in the 1970s and Jeremy a job on film,” Watts said the companies supplying the “in the first half of 2021 to all par- clear pathway to securing two He died on Thursday in hos- 80s including “Doctor Who” in 2008, according to the vaccines. Without that, he said, ticipating economies who have billion doses for the popula- pital in Tooting, south London, and “Robin of Sherwood”, and StarWars.com website. His “we would not have had those requested doses in this time- tions at greatest risk all around “following health complications, had supporting roles in three “unforgettable performance as contracts”. The tweeted infor- frame,” the statement said. the world,” he said. Gavi chief including several years living James Bond movies. notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett mation showed prices for six It said deliveries were con- Seth Berkley meanwhile hailed with Parkinson’s disease”, his But he is best known for has captivated audiences since he of the seven vaccines the Com- tingent upon regulatory the “unprecedented speed and website said. “Jeremy had a long playing fan favourite Boba Fett first appeared,” the official Star mission has bought. approvals and countries’ read- scale” of the project. and happy life as an actor and in “The Empire Strikes Back” Wars Twitter account said. The tweeted information gave the following price per dose for each vaccine maker, in either euros or US dollars Berlin film fest postponed until March, competition to go online according to the respective contract: AFP — BERLIN the festival said in a statement. open-air and indoor movie cinemas in the country in early pushing the Berlinale into the 1. AstraZeneca: €1.78 “There is a great desire to houses, would “offer the Ber- November as part of a spring wouldn’t have a major 2. Johnson & Johnson: $8.50 Berlin’s international film fes- meet face-to-face. The current linale audience the long- shutdown to tame the virus but impact on the festival circuit, 3. Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline: €7.56 tival said yesterday that it was situation does not allow a awaited community experience the restrictions have failed to even though it would be closer 4. Pfizer/BioNTech: €12 postponing its February 2021 physical festival in February, of cinema and culture”. bring infection numbers down. to Cannes, usually held in May. 5. Curevac: €10 edition as the coronavirus pan- at the same time it is important Organisers had earlier ruled The closures have been Venice managed to benefit 6. Moderna: $18.00 demic continues to take a toll to offer the film industry a out a purely online edition of extended until at least January from a break in high infection De Keermaecker said that on the global entertainment market within the first quarter the event — a route taken by 10 and are expected to last levels to take place in Sep- the confidentiality clause in industry. of the year,” Berlinale Exec- some smaller festivals during through most of the winter. tember. But the second wave the contracts was not only to Usually Europe’s first major utive Director Mariette Ris- the outbreak — given its popu- Alongside the competition for has had a crippling impact on protect “sensitive business cinema showcase of the year, the senbeek said. larity with movie lovers in the the Golden Bear and screenings the global entertainment information” but also “the annual Berlinale, as the event is “With the change in the fes- German capital. The Berlinale, of hundreds of new films, the industry. public’s interest”. known, will now take place as a tival format in 2021, we will which ranks with Cannes and normally 11-day Berlinale also The 2020 edition of the Ber- “If all this sensitive infor- strictly digital event for industry have the chance to protect the Venice among the top European hosts the European Film Market linale took place in February mation were to be made players in March with its compe- health of all guests and to film festivals, prides itself on where movie distribution rights before Germany felt the full public, this would weaken the tition for the Golden Bear top support the restart of the being the only one of the trio to are bought and sold. impact of the virus. position of the negotiators of prize to be held online. cinema industry.” sell tickets to the public for Moritz Hemminger, deputy The Golden Bear went to an the Commission and the Featured films would be Rissenbeek said the June nearly all screenings. head of sales and acquisitions Iranian drama filmed in secret, member states involved in screened for the public in June, screenings, to take place in Germany mothballed all at sales agency ARRI Media, said “There Is No Evil”. these negotiations,” he said. 14 AMERICAS SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 Massive cyberattack grows beyond US, heightening fears

AFP — WASHINGTON “It’s certain that the number The National example of how on-premises Monday, saying the Russian tradecraft”. “This threat poses a and location of victims will keep Security Agency, the systems can be compromised, government had made repeated grave risk,” CISA said, adding A devastating cyberattack on US growing,” Smith said, echoing leading to abuse of federated attempts to breach US gov- that it “expects that removing government agencies has also concerns voiced this week by US secretive US military authentication and malicious ernment networks. this threat actor from compro- hit targets worldwide with the officials on the grave threat from intelligence operation, cloud access,” the NSA said. President-elect Joe Biden mised environments will be list of victims still growing, the attack. “This is not ‘espionage called for increased Analysts have said the attacks expressed “great concern” over highly complex and challenging according to researchers, as usual,’ even in the digital age,” pose threats to national security the computer breach while Utah for organizations.” heightening fears over com- Smith said. “Instead, it represents vigilance to prevent by infiltrating key government Senator Mitt Romney blamed Hackers reportedly installed puter security and espionage. an act of recklessness that unauthorised access systems, while also creating risks Russia and slammed what he malware on software used by Microsoft said on Thursday created a serious technological to key military and for key infrastructure controls for called “inexcusable silence” the US Treasury Department that it had notified more than vulnerability for the United States systems such as electric power from the White House. and the Commerce Department, 40 customers hit by the and the world.” civilian systems. grids and other utilities. Romney likened the cyber- allowing them to view internal malware which security experts John Dickson of the security The US Cybersecurity and attack to a situation in which email traffic. Media reports said say came from hackers linked firm Denim Group said many Infrastructure Security Agency “Russian bombers have been the Department of Energy, to the Russian government and private sector firms which could computer networks using (CISA) said US government repeatedly flying undetected which manages the govern- which could allow attackers be vulnerable are scrambling to enterprise management agencies, critical infrastructure over our entire country”. ment’s nuclear arsenal, had also unfettered network access. shore up security, even to the network software made by the entities, and private sector Senator Marco Rubio told Fox been breached. “While roughly 80 percent point of considering rebuilding Texas-based IT company Solar- organizations had been targeted News: “It is massive. It is still, I SolarWinds said up to of these customers are located their servers and other Winds, with the hallmarks of a by what it called an “advanced would argue, probably persistent. 18,000 customers, including in the United States, this work equipment. “Everyone is in nation-state attack. persistent threat actor.” CISA It is still ongoing... It’s a grave risk government agencies and so far has also identified victims damage assessment now because The National Security did not identify who was behind to federal, to state, to local gov- Fortune 500 companies, had in seven additional countries,” it’s so big,” Dickson said. Agency, the secretive US military the malware attack but private ernments, to critical infra- downloaded compromised Microsoft President Brad Smith “It’s a severe body blow to intelligence operation, called for security companies pointed a structure, to the private sector.” software updates, allowing said in a blog post. confidence both in government increased vigilance to prevent finger at hackers linked to the CISA said the computer intru- hackers to spy on email Smith said the victims were and critical infrastructure.” The unauthorised access to key mil- Russian government. sions began in at least March exchanges. After the attack was also found in Canada, Mexico, threat comes from a long- itary and civilian systems. “The US Secretary of State Mike 2020 and the actor behind them detected, CISA ordered federal Belgium, Spain, Britain, Israel running attack which is believed recent SolarWinds Orion code Pompeo also suggested had “demonstrated patience, agencies to power down the and the United Arab Emirates. to have injected malware into compromise is one serious involvement by Moscow on operational security and complex breached software. Top Court throws In historic pick, Biden out challenge to taps Haaland as Trump census immigrant plan interior secretary REUTERS — WASHINGTON

AFP — WASHINGTON official nomination. The US Supreme Court yes- Energy secretary nominee terday threw out a lawsuit US President-elect Joe Biden Granholm has spoken often seeking to block President unveiled his environment team about the need to radically Donald Trump’s plan to exclude on Thursday, choosing con- rethink energy policy in light immigrants living illegally in the gresswoman Deb Haaland to of climate change. An out- United States from the popu- serve as the first Native spoken champion of Biden lation count used to allocate American interior secretary during the presidential cam- congressional districts to states. and Jennifer Granholm, a paign, Granholm has sketched The 6-3 ruling on ideological former Michigan governor, as out a national “race to the top” lines, with the court’s six conserv- energy secretary. in which states could compete atives in the majority and three The choices fit with Biden’s for clean energy funds. liberals dissenting, gives Trump much-publicized pledge to Biden’s pick of Haaland is a short-term victory as he form the most diverse White seen as a tough political call pursues his hard-line policies House cabinet in history. “This because he would be removing toward immigration in the final brilliant, tested, trailblazing a Democrat from the House of weeks of his presidency. team will be ready on day one Representatives at a time when Winter storm However, his adminis- to confront the existential the party’s majority there is tration is battling against the Waves crash near houses by the shore as high tide and the wind caused a huge storm surge during a threat of climate change with hanging by a thread. clock to follow through on the winter storm in Scituate, Massachusetts. A major snowstorm hit the US east coast during early hours a unified national response But a public campaign sup- vaguely defined proposal before rooted in science and equity,” porting Haaland’s nomination yesterday, creating extra challenges in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic and a mass vaccination President-elect Joe Biden takes Biden said in a statement. gained steam, and dozens of rollout taking place across the region. The winter storm, moving over New York, Pennsylvania and office on January 20. The jus- Haaland is a first-term tribal leaders called on Biden other northeastern states, leaves millions facing more than a foot of snow a week before Christmas, tices left open the possibility of Democratic congresswoman to choose her. The nomination potentially disrupting coronavirus testing and delaying holiday deliveries. fresh litigation if Trump’s from New Mexico and a marked “a historic and unprec- administration completes its member of the Laguna Pueblo edented day for all Indigenous plan. The unsigned decision said people. If confirmed by the people,” said Navajo Nation that “judicial resolution of this Senate, she would become the President Jonathan Nez. Over 1.1 million ballots cast dispute is premature” in part first Native American to lead a Haaland’s pick “sends a because it is not clear what the cabinet-level department. clear message” that Biden “is administration plans to do. The Interior Department is committed to addressing the “At present, this case is a vast agency of more than wrongs of the past and clearing in early voting for Georgia riddled with contingencies and 70,000 employees overseeing a path for real change and speculation that impede judicial the country’s natural resources, opportunity for tribal nations”. REUTERS — WASHINGTON yesterday showed the number Michael McDonald, a political review,” the ruling said. The including national parks, and Haaland won re-election of accepted ballots was just scientist at the University of decision noted that the court oil and gas drilling sites, as well easily in November, and while More than 1.1 million Georgians below the level seen at the same Florida. He estimated that was not weighing the merits of as tribal lands — home to 578 the seat has been in Democratic have voted in twin US Senate point in early voting for Novem- nearly 67% of U.S. eligible Trump’s plan. Challengers led by federally recognized tribes. hands since 2009, it is unclear runoff elections that will ber’s election. Voting in the voters voted last month, the New York state and the American In Congress, Haaland has whether another Democrat determine which party controls Senate runoffs, which are taking highest share since 1900. Civil Liberties Union said Trump’s prioritized the improvement of would win it. During Donald that chamber of Congress, and place because no candidate won Democrats need to win both proposal would dilute the political services to tribal communities, Trump’s presidency, the interior with it the fate of much of Dem- 50% support on November 3, contests to achieve a 50-50 clout of states with larger especially assistance during the department earned scorn from ocratic President-elect Joe ends on January 5. split in the Senate, giving Vice numbers of such immigrants, coronavirus pandemic, which Native American groups. Biden’s agenda, state data Biden’s razor-thin victory President-elect Kamala Harris including heavily Democratic has disproportionately hurt His administration expe- showed yesterday. in Georgia last month amid the tie-breaking vote. California, by undercounting state Native American families. dited projects like the contro- The surge in turnout after record-high turnout under- Even one Democratic loss populations and depriving them “It would be an honor to versial Dakota Access four days of early in-person scored the Southern state’s would allow Republicans to of seats in the US House of Rep- move the Biden-Harris climate pipeline, which has been voting, and about four weeks transformation from Repub- keep a razor-thin majority they resentatives to the benefit of his agenda forward, help repair the vehemently opposed by of mail-in voting, showed that lican stronghold to one of the could use to block many of fellow Republicans. government-to-government Native American groups voter participation in the two country’s most competitive Biden’s legislative goals and “If the administration relationship with tribes that the including the Standing Rock races is on pace to rival the political battlegrounds. judicial nominees. The runoffs actually tries to implement this Trump Administration has Sioux. Haaland jabbed Trump records set in the November A record 159 million people pit Democratic challengers policy, we’ll sue. Again. And ruined, and serve as the first before news broke of her presidential contest in which nationwide voted in November, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff we’ll win,” said Dale Ho, a Native American cabinet sec- nomination. “Trump failed Biden defeated Republican up from 138 million in the against Republican incumbents lawyer for the American Civil retary in our nation’s history,” Indian Country & only broke incumbent Donald Trump. November 2016 elections, Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, Liberties Union who repre- Haaland said ahead of her more promises,” she tweeted. State data published according to data compiled by respectively. sents the challengers. Pence gets vaccine; Trump sparks confusion Overdose deaths in US AFP — WASHINGTON allowing distribution. Trump himself has made rise during COVID-19 The US Vice-President received clear he is not planning to take a COVID-19 vaccine live on tel- the vaccine imminently, citing AFP — WASHINGTON important to not lose sight of evision yesterday in a public the belief that his recovery from different groups being affected display designed to boost a brief but severe bout of The COVID-19 pandemic has in other ways. We need to take national confidence in the drug COVID-19 has given him fuelled a rise in fatal drug over- care of people suffering from even as President Donald immunity. “He will receive the doses in the United States, offi- unintended consequences.” Trump sparked confusion over vaccine as soon as his medical cials said late on Thursday, More than 500,000 Americans approval for a second anti- team determines it’s best. But stressing that essential medical have died of opioid overdoses COVID-19 drug. his priority is frontline workers, services have to remain acces- — both prescription and non- “Building confidence in the those in long-term care facil- sible despite coronavirus prescription — since 1999. vaccine is what brings us here ities,” White House Press Sec- disruptions. Corporate drugmakers such this morning,” V-P Mike Pence retary Kayleigh McEnany said. More than 81,000 drug as Purdue Pharma have been said after being injected at the Trump’s relative silence on overdose deaths were recorded taken to court on criminal White House, quipping: “I didn’t the subject, however, indicates in the US in the year to May, the charges over their drives to feel a thing.” Pence, his wife that he does not want to be highest number ever in a push unnecessary sales of pre- US Vice-President Mike Pence receives the COVID-19 vaccine at the Karen and the lead public associated with the image of 12-month period, according to scription opioids, which stoked White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. health official in the country, people taking the shots. the Centers for Disease Control a nationwide addiction crisis. Surgeon General Jerome This would be in keeping and Prevention (CDC). Illicitly manufactured fen- Adams, were all given the not refer to the event on a second drug made by with his attitude through most It said the latest data tanyl has been the primary Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the Twitter. The Republican has Moderna had been “over- of the pandemic that the showed an acceleration of cause of the recent increase in annex to the White House. sent mixed messages about the whelmingly approved” and that dangers of COVID-19 were overdose deaths since the pan- overdose deaths, the CDC said. Signalling the importance seriousness of COVID-19 “distribution to start immedi- being exaggerated as a ploy to demic took hold at the start of On Wednesday, Canada given to the event, top infec- throughout the crisis, even as ately.” This sparked confusion. harm his chances in the the year. “The disruption to daily said it had also seen a jump in tious diseases Anthony Fauci the US death toll topped An advisory panel recom- November election, which he life due to the COVID-19 pan- opioid deaths this year. and Centers for Disease Control 300,000 this month. mended emergency use lost, although he refuses to demic has hit those with sub- Experts said opioid users and Prevention director Robert However, he has been keen approval for Moderna’s vaccine concede. stance use disorder hard,” said faced increased risk in part Redfield were also in the room. to take credit for the historic on Thursday, but the Food and The winner of the election, CDC Director Robert Redfield. because of unemployment The notable absence was speed of vaccine development. Drug Administration was not Joe Biden, is set to take the “As we continue the fight to and homelessness during the Trump himself, who also did Early yesterday, he tweeted that expected to give the green light vaccine in public soon. end this pandemic, it’s pandemic.