No Pandemic End in Sight; Cases Surge in India, Brazil 3.2 Million Lives Lost Globally, Infections Soar Past 150 Million

RAMADAN 20, 1442 AH SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

16 Pages Max 38 Min 23º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18424 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Sri Lanka gradually opening Man City on brink up to international tourism of title glory 4 16 Fajr 03:40 Shurooq 05:06 Dhuhr 11:45 Asr 15:21 Maghrib 18:25 Isha 19:48

No pandemic end in sight; cases surge in India, Brazil 3.2 million lives lost globally, infections soar past 150 million

NEW DELHI: Fresh coronavirus waves meet demand despite a freeze on exports Meanwhile, at least 16 COVID-19 showed no sign of abating yesterday as of shots produced locally. patients and two nurses died yesterday in devastating surges in India and Brazil “There are so many people that are the latest in a series of hospital fires in pushed daily infections and deaths to getting sick... we just wanted to be here as India, officials said. record levels. Despite the rollout of vac- soon as possible,” said Aadya Mehta, 25, There were around 50 other patients at cines in many countries, COVID-19 is still who joined a queue of around 100 people the four-storey hospital in Bharuch in the wreaking destruction around the world, outside a hospital in the capital New Delhi. western state of Gujarat when the blaze with close to 3.2 million lives lost and India reported more than 400,000 cases began at 1 am (0730 GMT). It has since known infections soaring past 150 million. in 24 hours yesterday, a global record. been put out. The death toll stood at 18, Asia has recorded the bulk of new cas- India should go into lockdown for sev- local police official Rajendrasinh es, driven largely by the surge in India. The eral weeks to arrest the current devastat- Chudasama told AFP, “including 16 crushing outbreak, which now accounts for ing surge in COVID cases, top US pan- patients and two nurses.” more than 40 percent of the world’s new demic advisor Anthony Fauci said in com- More than 40 countries have committed infections, has overwhelmed the South ments published yesterday. Prime Minister to sending medical aid. A US military air- Asian nation’s healthcare system and Narendra Modi’s government has resisted craft carrying more than 400 oxygen BALTIMORE, Maryland: US Vice President Kamala Harris with Dr Jason Marx (sec- depleted critical oxygen supplies. imposing a national lockdown after a cylinders, other hospital equipment and ond right), Vice President of the University of Maryland Medical System; US Authorities yesterday opened India’s mas- nationwide shutdown a year ago caused nearly one million rapid coronavirus tests Senator Chris Van Hollen (left), and Dr Anthony Fauci. One hundred million people sive vaccination program to all adults, but widespread human suffering and a painful arrived in New Delhi on Friday. in the US are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. — AFP many states do not have enough doses to economic hit. Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Sunday, May 2, 2021 Local Prime Minister, FM discuss ties, issues with Iranian FM

KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his accompanying delegation on Thursday at Seif Palace. During the meeting, the two sides discussed regional and international issues of common concern, and views on promoting bilateral relationships between the two friendly countries. The meeting also included Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Affairs Ambassador Ali Suleiman Al-Said. Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad later held a separate meeting with his counterpart Zarif and his accompanying delegation. In a statement by the foreign ministry, the two discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, in addition to regional and international developments and how to achieve security and stability in the region, including peace, KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah (left) and Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al- progress and prosperity.—KUNA Mohammad Al-Sabah (right) receive visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday. — KUNA Ooredoo supports humanitarian campaigns with Al-Najat Society

KUWAIT: Based on a study conducted by the United Nations (UN), three in 10 people lack access to safely managed drinking water services. While having access to clean drinking water is a basic life right for all humans. With this is mind, and driven by the company’s social responsibility program, Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce innovative digital services in Kuwait, has donated KD 5,000 to Al-Najat Charity Society, for its drilling wells campaign. The campaign was launched by Al-Najat Charity Society on Monday, March 22nd, 2021, which coincided encouraging them to donate to and to help the low- with the World Water Day. income countries and communities; as it is our collec- performance by our charms of UKG made the event The aim is to provide clean tive duty. ICSK Junior holds livelier. drinking water for the poor From her side, Fatima Dashti, Senior Manager, Principal Sherly Dennis and Vice Principal Sheeja countries including; Niger, Corporate Communications, Ooredoo Kuwait, said: Ravi addressed the gathering and their speech Bangladesh, Mauritania, “Taking Kuwait as a role model in humanitarian work, virtual kindergarten inspired the students. They also congratulated the tiny India, Chad, and others; and we at Ooredoo Kuwait are continuing our path in phil- graduates. Mahajabeen, thanked all the members pres- defeating diseases resulting anthropic initiatives with the aim of achieving sustain- graduation ceremony ent during the event. The students then joined their from clean water scarcity able development goals that promote prosperity while respective classes for their class-wise ceremony. Class that leads to losing hundreds protecting the earth. teachers felicitated each graduate with a sense of of lives every day. The cam- “Our participation in such initiatives stems from Fatima Dashti KUWAIT: ICSK Junior conducted the first virtual pride and after the felicitation, the little graduates paign aims to dig 500 arte- our humanitarian, moral and societal duty, which makes graduation ceremony of kindergarten on Monday, enjoyed a small party filled with games, dance and sian wells, with a total cost of it imperative for us to continue promoting and partici- March 22, 2021. After the welcome note by Abida, the crunchy snacks. KD 250,000. pating in various humanitarian initiatives inside and academic supervisor Shafika Yunus, addressed the The individual class ceremony ended with a pledge More and above, in its role of spreading awareness outside the country. It is our collective responsibility to gathering. A beautiful skit by the students gave us a followed by the Indian national anthem and a thanking towards this humanitarian campaign, Ooredoo Kuwait work towards finding shared vision and solutions that glimpse of the academic year and a marvelous dance note by the class teachers. sent thousands of text messages to its customers, benefit all humans” Dashti added.

KUWAIT: Firefighters battle a blaze at a tire dump in Salmi on Thursday.

middle of millions of tires. No injuries were reported. Five fire centers Foreign Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- Sabah followed the firefighting operations, while Fire battle Salmi tire Force Chief Lt Gen Khalid Al-Mikrad and his deputy Maj Gen Jamal Al-Bulaihees were on hand. dump blaze Meanwhile, the Fire Force said Muhallab sea fire and rescue responded to a call about a boat marooned KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Force said five fire centers near Qaruh Island with 14 members of a family on contained a blaze at a tire dump in Salmi. Shaqaya, board. The family members - who were all in good vocational Jahra, Kazma, backup and Sulaibkhat fire health - were taken aboard a fire center boat, while the centers isolated the burning tires despite several 36-foot boat was tugged safely back to the marina. obstacles including strong winds and a lack of In another incident, Farwaniya and Ardhiya firemen hydrants. Moreover, there are no roads to allow fire- put out a fire in an Omariya house. The fire was on the fighting equipment to reach the blaze, which was in the first floor. No injuries were reported.

group Rio de Paz lowered Brazilian flags and nated, and more than 55 percent of American No pandemic end mock body bags into symbolic graves at Rio adults had received at least one dose. de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana beach on The huge effort has meant coronavirus Kissinger warns Friday, protesting the government’s handling of restrictions in many parts of the United States in sight, cases the crisis. can be eased. Fans wearing Mickey Mouse of dangers in “Those body bags represent the Brazilians ears lined up at Disneyland in California as it Continued from Page 1 who had to be buried in shallow graves,” said finally reopened Friday, more than 400 days Antonio Carlos Costa, the NGO’s president. after the pandemic forced its closure. US-China strains But the crisis has also prompted travel “They died without the slightest dignity.” “It is the greatest feeling ever,” said Momi WASHINGTON: Acclaimed Strains with China are “the warnings and flight bans with governments Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was wide- Young-Wilkins, a 55-year-old mother as she diplomat Henry Kissinger said biggest problem for America, the fearful of the outbreak spreading to their ly criticized for downplaying the threat of the brought her children to the world-famous park that US-China tensions threaten biggest problem for the world,” shores. virus, and for fighting stay-at-home measures. near Los Angeles. Thanks to vaccinations, to engulf the entire world and Kissinger told the McCain Another vast nation struggling to inoculate The far-right president has defended his pan- some European governments have also eased could lead to an Armageddon- Institute’s Sedona Forum on as many people as possible in the face of a demic policies, telling supporters: “I was or are considering relaxing coronavirus like clash between the two mili- global issues. “Because if we destructive spike is Brazil, which has one of the wrong about nothing.” The outbreak in neigh- restrictions, including France and Belgium. But tary and technology giants. The can’t solve that, then the risk is world’s highest mortality rates at 189 deaths boring Argentina also continued to worry the the hugely uneven distribution of vaccines 97-year-old former US secre- that all over the world a kind of per 100,000 people. It reported nearly 2,600 government, which on Friday extended by around the world has led to calls for greater tary of state, who as an advisor cold war will develop between new coronavirus deaths on Friday, bringing the three weeks a nightly coronavirus curfew for access in poor nations and waivers for patent to president Richard Nixon China and the United States.” total for April to 82,266 — the second consec- the capital Buenos Aires. protections to help boost access. crafted the 1971 unfreezing of While nuclear weapons were utive monthly record and a sharp rise from In terms of total COVID-19 deaths, Brazil is A US trade official said Friday that relations between Washington already large enough to damage March. The surge has pushed Brazil’s hospitals behind only the United States, where the situa- Washington was working with World Trade and Beijing, said the mix of eco- the entire globe during the Cold nomic, military and technological War, he said advances in nuclear to the brink of collapse in many areas as the tion has taken a turn for the better in recent Organization members to ensure “equitable” strengths of the two superpow- technology and artificial intelli- months with a successful vaccine rollout. access to vaccines but stopped short of signal- country’s overall death toll crossed 400,000 ers carried more risks than the gence have multiplied the this week. The White House said Friday that 100 mil- ing a commitment to waiving patent protec- Cold War with the Soviet Union. doomsday threat. — AFP Demonstrators from the human rights lion people in the country had been fully vacci- tions. —AFP Established 1961 3 Local Sunday, May 2, 2021

Step-by-step guide to renewing ABCK-AmCham Kuwait commits a vehicle’s registration in Kuwait support to WEPs KUWAIT: ABCK- AmCham Kuwait has Technical inspection to no longer be free at traffic inspection departments become one of the sig- natories for the United By Nawara Fattahova technical inspection, such as KD 10 for having the Nations’ (UN) Women inspection done at another location instead of the Empowerment KUWAIT: Renewing a vehicle’s registration in traffic department, which is usually done for compa- Principles (WEPs), sup- Kuwait involves a number of steps. Third-party nies that have many vehicles. Also, fees for many ported by its Women in insurance is the first step of the renewal process, other services are included in the decree, including Business Focus Group, which can be purchased from any insurance office. for changing the color of the vehicle, issuance of car chaired by Dr Arezou Frank Belonus It’s very important to always have valid insurance to plates and various permits, among others. Harraf. ABCK-AmCham avoid paying a fortune in case of an accident. The After passing the technical inspection success- Kuwait joins almost insurance fee differs according to the type of the fully, you will go to the traffic department to 4,800+ global signatory companies, and 30 vehicle and how many passengers it can carry. receive the vehicle registration (daftar). Before it is signatory companies in the state of Kuwait, You then have to take the vehicle for technical issued, you have to pay any pending fines. This can which are part of supporting and advancing inspection to a traffic inspection department, be done online if the fine is payable online, or at the WEPs. depending on your address. There is one traffic the traffic department. It is also possible to The WEPs are a group of principles devel- inspection department in each governorate. The demand a photo of the violation taken by the oped in 2010, which offer a holistic framework inspection used to be done for free, but starting speed or traffic light cameras. to organizations and businesses on how to from May 12, 2021, a new fee will be imposed. Some fines for serious traffic violations cannot be promote gender equality and women’s According to ministry decree 203/2021 issued paid online. These violations may include withdraw- empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, recently, vehicle owners will have to pay a KD 2 fee al of the driving license for a certain period, impris- to a private center for technical inspection, you can and community. The 7 WEPs principles are an for the technical inspection. This includes personal onment or other sanctions. Such fines can only be have all the work done at one place at the same initiative established by the UN Global vehicles, trucks, taxis, buses, agricultural and indus- paid at the traffic department after being signed by time. In addition to the fees for each service men- Compact and UN Women, and these principles trial vehicles, commercial vehicles and ATVs. the director of the department. tioned above, you will pay an additional KD 10 for encourage companies and their leadership to Motorcycle owners will only pay KD 1. Only then can you receive the new daftar of the the comfort of renewing the car’s registration under improve gender equality, as well as other The decree includes other fees related to the vehicle, after paying KD 5 for the renewal. If you go one roof and saving time and effort. facets to advance gender equality in their workforce, supply chains, and communities. Frank Belonus, Chairman of the Board of AmCham Kuwait said: “ABCK- AmCham Kuwait is proud to be one of many globally signing the Women Empowerment Principles by the United Nations Global Compact. Last year, ABCK-AmCham Kuwait launched a Women in Business (WIB) Focus Group, as we saw a need for a group that helps and empow- ers women in the workforce within our own membership and in Kuwait. “Our WIB Focus Group aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, which includes achieving gender equality and empowerment for women, as the role of women in the workforce and economic development is crucial for the economic development and diversification of any country. By signing the Women Empowerment Principles by the United Nations Global Compact, we step in the right direction as an organization, as we express our support in advancing gender equality by using the 7 principles of the WEPs as guiding points in benefit to our society.” ABCK-AmCham Kuwait is proud to com- KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways honored the Kuwait Food Bank, one of the establishments that contributed to operations by Kuwait Airways to evacuate citizens from mit to work collaboratively with multi-stake- abroad in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting Kuwait Airways CEO Capt Essa Al-Haddad honored Deputy Chairman of KFB Mishal Al-Ansari and Media holder networks such as their own Corporate Advisor Waleed Al-Suqobi in the presence of Kuwait Airways Public Relations and Information Director Fayez Al-Enezi. Members to foster business practices that empower women.

commitment towards making a difference in the com- ABK celebrates munities in which it operates. This sponsorship is one of a number of ABK’s Ramadan activities, aimed at spreading the spirit of the holy month among children Girgian with children and the community. of Hope School KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) recently sponsored Girgian for the children of HOPE School for Special Needs, which was organized at the school on April 27, 2021. HOPE School for Special Needs is a private international school established in 2006 to serve children with intellectual developmental disorders. The school specializes in preschool to elementary age children diagnosed with mild to moderate cogni- tive disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome and general learning delays. Sponsoring Girgian for HOPE School emerges from the Bank’s firm belief in the importance of integration of all within Kuwaiti society, and reiterates the Bank’s

Where to obtain a curfew pass? Rabiya Co-op Kuwait curfew: Citizens and residents that need a WhatsApp 2438-8316 pass during the curfew hours to What you leave their homes can apply for a Wafra Farm Co-op pass at https://www.paci.gov.kw/. Tel: 9883-5245 / 5170-0085 need to know The pass is available for those in need of emergency medical treat- Salmiya Co-op KUWAIT: Kuwait imposed a cur- ment, doctor’s visits, blood donation, Tel: 22253225 few from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am until COVID-19 swabs and COVID-19 the end of Ramadan to help curb an vaccinations. Jabriya Co-op increase in COVID-19 cases. During Tel: 1805-353 WhatsApp 6566-6084 the curfew hours, pharmacies, med- Co-op delivery during curfew ical stores, co-operative societies hours Rawdha & Hawally and supermarkets are allowed to During curfew hours, co-ops, WhatsApp 9662-2883 continue operation only through grocery stores and other markets delivery services, while restaurants will be allowed to offer delivery Shaab Co-op and cafes are allowed to deliver food services. Most co-ops will accept WhatsApp 9090-4455 from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am every day. orders via delivery. Here is an Also during the curfew, people are incomplete list of co-op WhatsApp Wafra Co-op allowed to go to prayers at mosques numbers. Each co-op will be WhatsApp 5055-0539 only by walking, and the government responsible for deciding if and when allowed people to practice walking they provide delivery services and Keifan Co-op and jogging from 7:00 pm to 10:00 not all may be providing. WhatsApp 5178-1719 pm. The government meanwhile allowed salons and health clubs to Omariya Co-op Rehab Co-op reopen during the day but kept WhatsApp 6041-0067 WhatsApp 9222-2358 restaurants and cafes closed except for drive-through and delivery serv- Farwaniya Co-op Mishref Co-op ices. Meanwhile, taxis are allowed to WhatsApp 6767-8211 WhatsApp 5055-9900 carry only a maximum of two passengers. Qairawan Co-op Faiha Co-op The Ministry of Commerce and WhatsApp 9000-3749 Tel: 1861-000 Industry launched a booking serv- WhatsApp 9098-6000 ice, allowing people to shop from Jahra Co-op 7:00 pm to 12:00 am during the cur- WhatsApp 5160-2458 Rumaithiya Co-op few hours. The service is valid for all WhatsApp 6066-0045 co-ops and supermarkets around Abdulla Al-Mubarak Co-op Kuwait. To book an appointment, a Bayan Co-op WhatsApp 6066-6338 shopper should visit WhatsApp 9004-2500 www.moci.shop, enter the required information (civil ID number and Nuzha Co-op Fahaheel Co-op serial number, contact number and WhatsApp 9784-5531 WhatsApp 5178-9951 email address), the reason for appointment (food supply center) Khaitan Co-op Adan & Qusour Co-op and the time and date of the WhatsApp 6777-9745 Tel: 5034-3111 / 6593-3975 appointment. The shopper would then receive a barcode to show once Ardhiya Co-op Salam Co-op they reach the shopping center. WhatsApp 6902-0779 WhatsApp 9788-7832 4 Established 1961 Local Sunday, May 2, 2021

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News in brief Qiyam prayers allowed

KUWAIT: During the last 10 nights of Ramadan, qiyam ul-layl prayers can be held from midnight onwards at most mosques in Kuwait, the awqaf ministry announced. The tahajjud prayers will begin at midnight and must be wrapped up within 30 minutes. However, qiyam prayers are not permitted in Hawally, Nugra, Maidan Hawally, Salmiya, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Mahboula. A car passes through one of Kuwait wall’s gates in the 1950s. The picture of the vehicle driving past two camel-riding Bedouins after passing through the gate draws a symbolic image of the entry of automobiles into Kuwait City, replacing traditional means of transportation. (Source: A collection of com- Kuwait Embassy denies closure memorative printed images by the ministry of information. Prepared by: Mahmoud Zakaria Abu Alella, researcher in heritage, ministry of information)

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Embassy in Thailand denied reports spread on media on the closure of the embassy because one of its diplomats was infected with the coronavirus. In a statement yes- Ramadan Diwaniya terday, the embassy affirmed that it is still open during its normal working hours. It added that it will continue providing services to Kuwaiti citizens in Thailand and will answer their inquiries after working hours and during holidays on emergency number +66918909998. Sri Lanka gradually opening 9 COVID deaths, 1,429 cases

KUWAIT: The ministry of health on Friday reported nine new COVID-19 deaths and 1,429 up to international tourism infections in the past 24 hours. The ministry’s spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad told KUNA the death toll rose to 1,563 and total caseload to 273,991 since the pandemic’s outbreak. He added ‘Ramadan is a time to share, supplicate, engage ourselves in prayers and not overeat’ total recoveries reached 257,261 after 1,444 By Ben Garcia Excerpts from Kuwait Times’ interview with Sri patients recovered. Sanad said 219 patients are being treated in intensive care units, where 15,167 Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait Othman Lebi patients are receiving healthcare. Over the past KUWAIT: Various ambassadors in Kuwait were Mohammad Johar: 24 hours, 9,865 tests were conducted, with an interviewed by Kuwait Times to learn more about infection rate of 14.49 percent, taking total tests their local traditions and culture during Ramadan. Kuwait Times: How is Sri Lanka managing the to 2,326,703. We also asked about the current coronavirus situ- pandemic? ation in their respective countries and how they Othman Lebi Mohammad Johar: Sri Lanka is are handling and reacting to this pandemic. doing great in controlling the pandemic. To date, we only have 95,000 cases with a death toll of 598. Our country is an island nation and can only be accessed by air or sea if you are from overseas, so the chances of getting infected with COVID-19 are minimized. During the first wave of the pandemic, we managed to stop transmission by shutting down our borders, and we were able Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait to stop the entry of the virus in the country at that Othman Lebi Mohammad Johar time. Even our own people were temporarily not allowed to enter the country. School holidays are scheduled to coincide with reli- We imposed a lockdown at that time, limited gious celebrations. travel and completely stopped the entry of foreign- Kuwait Times: What are the activities during ers. We stopped international tourism and did not the fasting month? allow home quarantine. Sri Lankans overseas are Johar: In Sri Lanka, just like many other coun- now allowed to enter the country provided they tries, we break the fast at home with family mem- bear the hotel quarantine expenses for 14 days. bers. Then we go to the nearby mosque to pray and Also, schools are gradually reopening, especially receive kanji (congee or rice porridge). In mosques, universities and colleges. companies sponsor iftar for those who are fasting. We are trying to bring back normalcy as quickly Normally, a bowl of kanji and three dates are as possible. High schools and hopefully elementary enough for a hungry stomach. Sometimes meat is schools will reopen soon. We are now allowing also served, depending on the sponsors. tourists to come from other countries provided That’s the first food we consume after a whole they quarantine for 14 days. We have flights from day of fasting. Then we go home and eat the main Ukraine, Kazakhstan and China, and slowly we course prepared by our mothers. In Sri Lanka, if want to bring back tourists from other countries as you have no food, the mosque provides you with well. The reason for the delay in some tourists to kanji, samosas or spring rolls, and sweets, while tea come is because other countries are also not allow- is also served. When I was little, we went from one ing their nationals out of their own territories. mosque to another just to collect the food - we Kuwait Times: What about Sri Lankans in were happy doing this. Kuwait? Are they safe? How were you able to We believe the holy month of Ramadan is a time manage the problems of Sri Lankans here during to share, supplicate, engage ourselves in prayers the time of lockdowns and curfews? What help did and not overeat. If you eat a lot, you will sleep and the embassy provide during the pandemic? not pray. In fact, what is taught in Islam is to keep Johar: As per our government’s stats, we have a our stomach half empty, so that we can feel the pain total of 110,000 Sri Lankans here in Kuwait, with and hunger of less-fortunate people. It is very un- 70 percent of them working in the domestic labor Islamic for us to overeat. That’s not in our culture. ISSUE NO: 18424 RAMADAN 19, 1442 AH sector. So I have minimal problem of nonpayment Then we have the recitation of the Holy Quran of salaries. Domestic helpers are at least safer since in the mosque during nightly prayers. We also

Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz they are not allowed to leave the homes of their observe the last 10 days in search of laylatul qadr. 19- What was revealed during the month of Date : employers. The problem is when their sponsors Some mosques remain open and people stay there have the virus, they cannot escape and get infected during the last 10 days, or the last three days. In Ramadan? Name : as well. We have had cases of domestic helpers the last 10 days, we give charity and distribute ❏ A. Hadith who contracted the virus from their sponsors. food to needy people. Civil ID : Kuwait Times: How is women’s participation in ❏ B. Torah Some people really needed help at that time, Tel : especially those who were not receiving salaries. Islamic religious activities in your country, especial- ❏ C. Quran We distributed food packs to them. People from my ly in Ramadan? ❏ D. Eid Al-Adha Email : country who died because of the coronavirus num- Johar: There is an increase in participation from ber around 40-50 - it’s not an exact figure because women for prayers. Normally, they come along with the Kuwaiti government provides it to us and we their male counterparts to the mosque, but perform only rely on their records. Many of the deaths were prayers separately. Women generally don’t go to the ISSUE NO: 18424 RAMADAN 20, 1442 AH because of comorbidities. mosque in other months, because they can pray at Kuwait Times: About Ramadan’s essence and home. But during Ramadan we encourage them to

Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz traditions, can you share some unique celebrations participate in congregation prayers, as it is our in your country? belief that rewards are hundredfold. They can also 20- When can Muslims eat during Ramadan? Date : Johar: During my childhood, I used to fast with visit the mosque for taraweeh prayers, which is very Name : my parents. The good thing about being a Muslim rewarding. ❏ A. Between sunrise and sunset in my country at that time during my school days Kuwait Times: How is Eid Al-Fitr celebrated in Civil ID : was that we were allowed to leave school early in your country? ❏ B. Before sunrise and after sunset consideration of the fasting month. Also on Fridays, Johar: Eid is a very festive occasion for us Sri Tel : we were permitted to leave early for Friday prayers. Lankan Muslims. We normally celebrate with new ❏ C. Never Email : Those are cherished moments, and practiced until clothes and gifts for kids. Our government issues a now in my country. circular to companies to pay our salaries 15 days We are a secular country, although we are ahead of Eid so that we can prepare and buy gifts majority Buddhist and Hindu. But we have minority and new clothes. We are also allowed to take leave Muslim and Christian schools and can practice our to be with our families. On Eid, we have communi- religion without any interference. The Muslim ty prayers, and after that we visit our relatives. For schools are for everyone. Anyone can attend, just kids, that is the best part of the holiday, because like Catholic schools. The curriculum is the same when we visit our relatives, most likely we will get and to the standard of the Sri Lankan education cash or gifts from them. Shops and markets also system, taught in the language of our choice. get business. International SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 Afghan retreat: US formally pulling out of its longest war Blinken to show support on Ukraine trip after Russian troop movements Page 6 Page 7 Thousands join May Day rallies in Spain China Labor Day travel rush gives glimpse of life after COVID MADRID: Thousands of people joined May 1 rallies in more than 70 cities across Spain yesterday in the first Labor Day demonstrations since the pandemic began. Wearing masks and observing social distancing, demonstrators marched through the streets waving banners although in many places, numbers were capped to ensure anti-COVID measures were respected. The main demonstration in Madrid, which was limited to 1,000 people, began at midday (1000 GMT) under the slogan “Now it’s time to deliver” with the participants marching from the town hall to the city’s Puerta del Sol square. Seven government ministers attended the march, including Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz as well as representatives of the three left-wing parties running in Tuesday’s regional election in Madrid. At the rally, union leaders Pepe Alvarez of the UGT and the CCOO’s Unai Sordo urged the government to honor commitments delayed by the pandemic, such as repealing a controversial labor reform, raising the minimum wage and approving a law on equal pay. Addressing the march, Diaz said employment was key for overcoming the crisis. “The crisis has made us face up to an outdated labor model, based on casual work, seasonal employment and inequali- ty.. which is exactly what the labor ministry has started to change,” she said in remarks broadcast BEIJING: People walk outside the Forbidden City during the Labor Day holiday in Beijing yesterday.—AFP on Spain’s RNE radio. “This May 1 is not just any other day because the values of dignified employ- zens and.. to make a change to its production mod- road, train or boat during the five-day holiday, a induced slowdown of last year, consumer activity ment, solidarity, equality and social justice-which el”. In Barcelona, some 3,000 people joined the transport ministry official said this week-numbers has lagged behind the stronger rebound seen in the are embodied today-are undoubtedly the most May Day marches, unions said, while in Mallorca, last seen in 2019 before the coronavirus struck. industrial production. But retail sales have since effective response to the economic and social crisis demonstrators joined a vehicle convoy in the capital Hundreds of day trippers packed out the walk- picked up, surging 34.2 percent on-year in March we’re experiencing.” Palma to avoid the rain, RTVE television reported. way along the top of the Great Wall at Badaling, and painting a more optimistic picture of consump- Spain has been badly hit by the pandemic and is Meanwhile, millions of travellers criss-crossed some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from downtown tion demand. Key cities such as capital city Beijing, due to receive 140 billion euros ($167 billion) worth China as the Labor Day holiday got underway yes- Beijing, with many not wearing masks. Ahead of the as well as Shanghai and Guangzhou, are expected of EU funds between 2021 and 2026 to help its terday, packing out tourist sites, thronging restau- holiday on Friday, passengers thronged train sta- to see greater demand this Labor Day holiday, said virus-battered economy. rants and visiting family as the vast country edges tions across the country, with queues stretching the transport official Li Huaqiang. “The number of But Alvarez said it was critical to ensure the towards life after COVID. The world’s second largest across crowded departure halls. Although China’s people would have basically returned to levels seen funds were used “to face up to the needs of its citi- economy is expecting some 265 million journeys by economy has bounced back from the coronavirus- in the same period in 2019,” he added. — AFP Mars Ingenuity helicopter given new mission Most UK women WASHINGTON: After proving pow- tweeted. The fifth is planned in the ered, controlled flight is possible on coming days, then its mission will be held in Syria are the Red Planet, NASA’s Mars extended, initially by one Martian Ingenuity helicopter has new orders: month. Whether it continues beyond trafficking victims scout ahead of the Perseverance rover that will depend on if it’s still in good to assist in its search for past signs of shape and if it’s helping, rather than LONDON: The majority of British women and microbial life. The next phase extends hindering, the rover’s goals of collect- children detained in displacement camps in the rotocraft’s mission beyond the ing soil and rock samples for future northeast Syria are trafficking victims being original month-long technology lab analysis on Earth. failed by the UK government, rights group demonstration. Now, the goal is to Chief engineer Bob Balaram pre- Reprieve said Friday. assess how well flyers can help future dicted a limiting factor will be its abili- The women, some who were as young as 12 exploration of Mars and other worlds. ty to withstand the frigid Mars nights, when they were taken to Syria, were trafficked “We’re going to gather information where temperatures plunge to -130 by the Islamic State group (IS) and subjected to on the operational support capability degrees Fahrenheit (-90 degrees sexual and other forms of exploitation, the UK- of the helicopter while Perseverance Celsius). Ingenuity keeps warm with a based NGO’s investigation found. It accused the focuses on its science mission,” Lori solar-powered heater, but it was only British government of “systematically failing” Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary designed to last for a month and engi- them through policies of blanket citizenship Science Division, told reporters Friday. neers aren’t sure “how many freeze stripping, refusing repatriation and withholding The type of reconnaissance that and thaw cycles (it) can go through This combination of pictures shows NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter captured in this shot as it hovered over the Martian surface. —AFP basic consular assistance. Ingenuity performs could one day also before something breaks,” he said. UK authorities have long grappled with how prove useful to human missions, by NASA initially thought to handle the estimated 900 Britons who trav- scoping out the best paths for explor- Perseverance would be driving away keep Perseverance in the area for some NASA said this wasn’t a factor in its elled to Syria and Iraq to join the conflict there. ers to traverse, and reaching locations from the site where it landed at the time after finding a rocky outcrop that decision to allow the two robots to Although hundreds have returned to the UK- that aren’t otherwise possible. Jezero Crater on February 18, just they believe contains some of the old- keep exploring Mars together. with dozens then prosecuted-the government The four pound (1.8 kilogram) mini north of the planet’s equator. That est material on the crater floor. “We really wish to spend a consid- has revoked more than 150 people’s citizenship chopper successfully performed the would have meant the rover leaving They hope to collect their first sam- erable amount of time where we are and an unconfirmed number remain in the hands fourth of its five originally planned Ingenuity behind and moving beyond ple in July. Ingenuity’s exploits have and so it’s sort of a fortuitous align- of pro-Western Kurdish militias in northeast flights on Friday, “going farther & communications range. captured the public’s imagination since ment,” said Perseverance project sci- Syria. Shamima Begum, who was just 15 when faster than ever before,” NASA Now though, the agency wants to it made its first flight on April 19, but entist Ken Farley. — AFP she and two other schoolgirls from London travelled to Syria to join the jihadists, is the most high-profile case. to weaken the Hirak,” he said. She was stripped of her citizenship in 2019, Algerians march The National Committee for the Liberation and recently lost a long-running legal bid to 18 Iraqis killed in of Prisoners (CNLD) estimates around 70 peo- return to appeal the decision. Reprieve, which against arrest ple are in prison over their links with the Hirak estimates around 25 British adults and 34 UK or other peaceful opposition political activity. children are still being held, urged London to multiple jihadist raids Despite high temperatures and people fasting reverse its policies. of protesters during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, “The complex dynamics of the situation of BAGHDAD: Eighteen Iraqis, the majority military per- large crowds marched through Algiers for British women and children detained in NES sonnel, were killed overnight Friday to Saturday in sep- ALGIERS: Thousands of Algerians marched “Friday 115,” the number of weeks since the (northeast Syria) can only be properly dealt arate jihadist attacks mainly in the greater Baghdad through the capital Friday denouncing what Hirak protesters began on February 22, 2019. with by the UK authorities when the families are area, security sources told AFP. they said were sweeping arrests of members “Release our children so that they fast with us repatriated to Britain,” it said. “It is wrong to There was no immediate claim of responsibility for of the Hirak pro-democracy protest move- during this Ramadan,” chanted the protesters. suggest that the UK can abandon these victims the attacks, but they are in line with the modus operan- ment. “Police everywhere, justice nowhere”, The demonstrators also repeated their of trafficking.” Siobhan Mullally, UN Special di of the Islamic State group, which still has sleeper read one sign carried by the protesters. Local opposition to the country’s forthcoming leg- Rapporteur on the issue, wrote in a foreword to cells in Iraq despite its territorial defeat in 2017. One media websites and activists on social net- islative elections in June. The head of the the report that Britain was failing to meet slav- attack targeted troops in Tarmiya, an agricultural sub- works said police violently broke up the electoral authority (ANIE), Mohamed Charfi, ery and human trafficking commitments. urb 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Iraqi capital. demonstration, with reports of arrests and said this week that 1,730 lists — 818 party “Urgent protection gaps now exist in relation to “IS fighters attacked an Iraqi army convoy at night violence in the capital. The “peaceful march lists and 912 “independent lists”-had regis- UK nationals,” she wrote. and killed two officers and two soldiers,” a security (was) violently dispersed”, Said Salhi, head of tered for the polls. The NGO’s probe relied on extensive official said, on condition of anonymity. the Algerian League for Human Rights (LAD- But he said only 19 parties out of the 39 that research conducted in the region since 2017, Reinforcements were dispatched to the area but also DH), said on Twitter. had submitted their documents “meet the legal including face-to-face interviews with detainees came under fire, with “an officer and two soldiers” “Escalation of police violence against requirements”. The Hirak protest movement in Syrian camps as well as discussions with their killed, the source said. A member of tribal fighters inte- journalists covering the Friday marches in was sparked over president Abdelaziz relatives. At least 63 percent of the British grated into the regular forces that were then deployed Algeria,” media watchdog Reporters Bouteflika’s bid for a fifth term in office. women and children there are victims of traf- to the scene was also killed, “along with a civilian Without Borders (RSF) tweeted. Marches The ailing autocrat was forced to step down ficking, either transported as children, coerced caught in the crossfire”, the source added. also took place in other parts of the country, weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its into travelling there or kept and moved internal- Further north, in the central Alton Kubre region, including Annaba, Constantine, Kabylie, demonstrations, demanding a sweeping over- ly against their will, Reprieve said. “six peshmerga (Kurdish fighters) were killed when Bejaia and Tizi Ouzou. haul of a ruling system in place since Algeria’s It concluded that IS used similar tactics to Islamic State group jihadists attacked their military Salhi said authorities detained protesters independence from France in 1962. On child sex trafficking gangs, grooming and position with light arms”, another security official told at several demonstrations. The march in Thursday, Algeria released on probation Karim recruiting hundreds of women and girls who AFP. Alton Kubre is a disputed area claimed by both Algiers was seen as a test of the Hirak’s pop- Tabbou, a leading opposition activist, after his were subsequently forced into marriage, sexu- the federal government in Baghdad and the ularity, after police stopped a student march arrest the day before. Tabbou, who was handed al slavery and domestic servitude. In another autonomous Kurdistan authorities. Another attack in the capital on Tuesday, arresting around 20 a one-year suspended sentence last year for report foreword Andrew Mitchell, a lawmaker took place in the western desert bordering Syria, a people. When the demonstrators were “undermining state security”, was charged on from Britain’s ruling Conservatives and a for- third security source said. “An officer and a soldier released, they had to sign a document pledg- eight counts, including “slander”, after he mer international development minister, were killed in a bomb explosion while an army convoy ing to refrain from participating in weekly allegedly heckled an official during a funeral. accused his government of having a “blind- was en route to Akashat,” he said. —AFP Hirak marches or arrest, said Salhi. “It is Tabbou and other government opponents have spot” on the issue. —AFP intimidation and a way of exerting pressure pledged to boycott the upcoming polls. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Sunday, May 2, 2021 Blinken to show support on Ukraine trip after Russian troop movements Moscow deploys 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders and in Crimea WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Antony for a summit he has proposed with his counterpart Blinken will visit Ukraine next week in a show of Vladimir Putin in hopes of stabilizing the relationship. “unwavering” support after Russian troops amassed “This is the old-fashioned business of secretaries on its border, the State Department said Friday. of state, going places to have photo-ops to say, yes, Russia in recent weeks deployed up to 100,000 the United States is interested in you and supports troops near Ukraine’s northern and eastern borders as the government in charge on various policy issues,” well as in Crimea, which Moscow seized in 2014, rais- said Yuval Weber, an expert on Russia and Eurasia at ing concerns of a major escalation. Moscow the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute and Texas announced on April 23 that it had started withdrawing A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public its forces, bringing at least momentary relief in Kiev. Service in Washington. Weber said that Russia’s Blinken’s visit Wednesday and Thursday is intended recent show of force was intended to send a message “to reaffirm unwavering US support for Ukraine’s to the new Biden administration-and will keep sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Ukraine on edge. Russia’s ongoing aggression,” State Department While Russia pulled back troops after its exercises, spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. it left defense equipment in the border regions, in what Blinken will meet Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Weber said was a clear parallel to Moscow’s prepara- Zelensky and also push for action against corruption, tions before its offensive with Georgia in 2008. “The a longstanding demand by Western partners of troop buildup has been to some extent normalized, so Ukraine, Price said. Philip Reeker, the top US diplo- the next time there is a troop buildup it will be a little mat for Europe, was cautious on judging Russia’s less surprising,” Weber said. Russia has signaled “that intentions, telling reporters that the United States will we have great capabilities to do something in the “monitor that situation very closely.” “We have made future, and they can instill additional insecurity in the KHERSON, Ukraine: This file picture shows Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (center) speaking with ser- very clear in our engagement with the Russian gov- Ukrainian body politic and Ukrainian mind.” vicemen during his visit of Ukrainian army’s outposts in the Kherson region, on the administrative border with ernment that they should refrain from escalatory Zelensky has pointed to the Russian troop move- Russia-annexed Crimea. — AFP actions and aggressive activity,” Reeker said, also ments to ask for a fast-track into NATO membership, renewing concern about ongoing Russian exercises in a prospect opposed by Western Europeans con- ple have died in Ukraine since 2014 in the only active regions. A ceasefire that took hold last July has been the Black Sea. Blinken’s trip comes as President Joe cerned about Russia’s response and which has met a fighting on European soil as Kiev battles pro-Russian shredded, with clashes sharply increasing between Biden ramps up pressure on Russia but also prepares cool reception in Washington. More than 13,000 peo- separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk Ukrainian forces and separatists since January. —AFP

News in brief Tigray conflict: Portugal reopens Spain border Six months on, LISBON: Portugal reopened its land border with Spain yesterday and began the final stage no end in sight of its program to ease COVID-19 restrictions. The country was hit hard at the start of the ADDIS ABABA: It has been six months since year by a wave that saw 300 coronavirus Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops deaths a day overwhelm hospitals. But the into Tigray for a military campaign he vowed would measures have since helped bring the numbers be swift and targeted. But violence rumbles on, and down, with zero fatalities recorded on Friday reports continue to emerge of massacres, rape and for the second time in a week-the previous day widespread hunger. without a COVID death was in August. Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Antonio Costa How did we get here? announced the fourth and last stage of the Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, sent deconfinement plan would begin Saturday-two troops into Ethiopia’s northernmost region in days earlier than had been planned. —AFP November to detain and disarm leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional ruling party that had dominated national CHAGNI, Ethiopia: In this file photograph Internally Displaced People (IDP), fleeing from violence in the Metekel zone in Western Ethiopia, gather outside a tent where clothes are being distributed at a camp in Chagni, Ethiopia.—AFP Colombia president axes tax plan politics for three decades. He said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps. It also BOGOTA: Colombian President Ivan Duque followed months of tensions, including Tigray’s TPLF’s ability to mount an insurgency. But the adopted “guerrilla” tactics. The UN’s latest caved in Friday to widespread anger and said he holding of unauthorized elections. The TPLF initially fighting has not ended. humanitarian update for Tigray, published Tuesday, would overhaul a proposed tax reform that many denied firing the first shots and said Abiy was seek- Addressing diplomats in Mekele in March, describes “active hostilities reported in the central, said would leave them poorer during the pan- ing an excuse to invade the region. General Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam, head eastern and northwestern parts of the region.” demic. Duque announced he was shelving clauses of a command post in Tigray, described a “dirty “Fighting is still going on and it appears that that would lower the income tax threshold to How bad is the fighting? war” with no fronts that was causing suffering for it is even intensifying in some parts, which broaden the tax base and raise value-added taxes After a few weeks of air strikes and heavy fight- “defenseless victims”. makes me believe that apparently there cannot on goods and services. He acted two days after ing, federal forces took control of the regional Abiy said earlier this month that Ethiopia’s mili- be a military solution to this conflict,” Janez tens of thousands of Colombians took to the capital Mekele in late November. Abiy declared tary is fighting “on eight fronts” in hotspots Lenarcic, the EU commissioner for crisis man- streets across the country to denounce the pro- victory and his government downplayed the including Tigray, where pro-TPLF fighters have agement, told AFP. —AFP posed tax changes. They were rejected across the board-by opposition parties, unions, students and civil society groups that complained that the reforms came at the worst possible time and were Venezuela’s ‘doctor of the particularly harmful to the middle class. —AFP poor’ takes step to sainthood

DR Congo ‘state of siege’ plan CARACAS: A Venezuelan physician being struck by a car. The beatifica- who died more than 100 years ago and tion took place amid a surge of coro- KINSHASA, DR Congo: The Democratic is revered as a “doctor of the poor” for navirus cases in Venezuela, a century Republic of Congo announced a “state of his selfless service during a previous after Hernandez became known as the siege” late Friday in two provinces in the east pandemic, was beatified by the “doctor of the poor” for his care of of the country wracked by violence from armed Catholic Church Friday, a step towards patients during another major global groups and civilian massacres. “Taking into sainthood. The ceremony in Caracas pandemic, the Spanish flu. He gave account the gravity of the situation... the presi- was long-awaited by many free care to the poorest. Solorzano dent informed the cabinet of his decision to Venezuelans, and was initially due to and her family attended along with proclaim a state of siege in the provinces of be held in a large stadium with thou- relatives of the doctor. North Kivu and Ituri,” said Patrick Muyaya. He sands of people in attendance, but was said details of what the measure would entail scaled down due to the coronavirus Pope’s message CARACAS: General view of the chapel of La Salle College High School at the foot of would be released publicly in the next few pandemic. Pope Francis signed the Despite organizers urging people El Avila hill where the beatification ceremony of Venezuelan doctor Jose Gregorio hours. Under DRC’s constitution, the president beatification decree for Jose Gregorio to mark the event in a safe manner by Hernandez will take place, in Caracas. — AFP can declare either a state of emergency or a Hernandez in July last year after a mir- turning their homes into “small tem- state of siege “if severe circumstances immedi- acle attributed to the late bacteriolo- ples”, a few hundred faithful gathered that I have never met a Venezuelan... terrible Covid-19 pandemic that is ately threaten the independence or integrity of gist was recognized by the Church. outside a church in the neighborhood who, halfway through the conversa- affecting us all,” he said. “I also have the national territory, or if they interrupt the Yaxury Solorzano, a 10-year-old of La Candelaria, where Hernandez’s tion, did not finally say to me: when in mind all those who have left the regular functioning of institutions”. —AFP girl, was shot in the head in 2017. remains were held until last year, will Gregorio be beatified? They car- country in search of better living Doctors said she would be perma- when they were exhumed for the ried it in their souls. Well, now this conditions, as well as those who are nently brain damaged if she survived, beatification. Flowers and a wish is being fulfilled,” he said. deprived of their freedom and those Houston home human smuggling probe but Solorzano recovered after her Venezuelan flag were placed on the The pontiff said the ceremony was who lack the necessities of life.” The mother prayed to Hernandez. street corner where he died. In a mes- happening in a particularly difficult pope urged people to view the beat- HOUSTON: US authorities opened an investi- Hernandez was born in 1864, studied sage to mark the occasion, Pope time for Venezuela. “I am aware that ification as a moment of national uni- gation Friday into a possible human smuggling in Paris, Berlin, Madrid and New York, Francis hailed Hernandez as “a man of your prolonged suffering and ty, “gathered around the figure of the operation after police in Houston found more and died in Caracas in 1919 after universal service.” “I confess to you anguish have been aggravated by the people’s doctor.” — AFP than 90 people crammed into a home in the Texas city. Assistant Police Chief DB Edwards said police were initially alerted to the house in a Agouna tallied “several hundred rebels neutral- authorities say. FACT is led by Mahamat Mahadi southwest Houston neighborhood by a report of Chad army says ized (and) 66 taken prisoner” while six soldiers Ali, a veteran insurgent who previously lived in a kidnapping. “When they got inside the house were killed. The military earlier said it had lost a France. It was formed in 2016 and has been based in they realized this is actually going to turn into a killed ‘several helicopter during the fighting due to a “technical southern Libya. The group vowed to pursue its human smuggling investigation,” Edwards told fault” but the rebels say they shot it down. The offensive after a pause for Deby’s funeral on April reporters. “It was a big surprise when we got in rebels have threatened to march on N’Djamena, 23. Experts believe FACT has between 1,500 and the house and saw what we saw.” —AFP hundred’ rebels where a team from the African Union arrived 2,000 fighters. Thursday to assess the situation and examine ways Protests immediately erupted after the junta took N’DJAMENA, Chad: The army in Chad said Friday of a speedy return to democratic rule. Immediately power and claimed the lives of at least six people, WHO lists Moderna vaccine for use it had wiped out “several hundred” rebels over two after Deby’s death, a junta dubbed the Transitional according to officials. Chadian police have denied days of fighting in the country’s west, where Military Council (CMT) was quickly formed, opposition claims that they fired live bullets on President Idriss Deby Itno suffered mortal wounds chaired by Mahamat Idriss Deby, the late presi- demonstrators. The younger Deby, under domestic GENEVA: The World Health Organization on at the front line this month. The army has since mid- dent’s son, and made up of generals. Assuming the and international pressure, has offered a “national Friday said it had listed the anti-COVID-19 April been fighting the Front for Change and title of president, the younger Deby dissolved the dialogue” on the way forward. Chad is a kelly ally of Moderna vaccine for emergency use. The list- Concord in Chad (FACT), drawn mainly from the National Assembly and vowed to hold “free and the West in the fight against jihadists in the restive ing procedure helps countries unable to assess Goran ethnic group, in the Kanem desert region democratic” elections in 18 months. Sahel region. It has well-respected armed forces a vaccine’s effectiveness themselves have along the border with Niger.” On April 29, the Deby, 68, died on April 19 from wounds he suf- and hosts the headquarters of France’s 5,100-strong access as quickly as possible and allow the defense and security forces finished dealing with the fered fighting the Libya-based rebels, according to Barkhane anti-jihadist mission. It also partners Covax vaccine sharing scheme and other part- rebel band that intruded towards Nokou in northern the authorities. A career soldier who seized power Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Niger in a ners to distribute it to poorer countries. The US Kanem,” army spokesman Azem Bermandoa Agouna in 1990 and exercised it ruthlessly for 30 years, regional anti-jihad coalition called the G5 Sahel. The vaccine is the fifth jab to earn WHO’s emer- said in a statement. Nokou is around 200 kilometers Deby died on the day that the electoral commission unrest in Chad has once again put the spotlight on gency listing. — AFP (125 miles) north of the capital N’Djamena. confirmed that he had won a landslide victory, the lawlessness in neighboring Libya. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Sunday, May 2, 2021 Afghan retreat: US formally pulling out of its longest war Withdrawal heralds an uncertain future for country

KABUL: The United States formally begins with- accord with Washington, and it was a “clear viola- drawing its last troops from Afghanistan yesterday, tion” that the troops were not fully out. “This in bringing its longest war nearer to an end but also principle opens the way for our mujahideen to take heralding an uncertain future for a country in the appropriate action against the invading forces,” tightening grip of an emboldened Taleban. US offi- Mohammad Naeem, a Taleban spokesman told AFP, cials on the ground say the withdrawal is already a adding that the group was awaiting orders from its work in progress-and May 1 is just a continuation- leaders. Since the US withdrawal deal was struck but Washington has made an issue of the date the Taleban have not directly engaged foreign because it is a deadline agreed with the Taleban in troops, but insurgents have mercilessly attacked 2020 to complete the pullout. The skies above government forces in the countryside and waged a Kabul and nearby Bagram airbase have been terror campaign in urban areas. buzzing with more US helicopter activity than usual The exit of US forces has only exacerbated the as the pullout gears up, following the start Thursday fear felt by ordinary Afghans. “Everyone is scared of a concurrent NATO withdrawal. that we might go back to the dark days of the Afghan security forces were on high alert yester- Taleban era,” said Mena Nowrozi, who works at a day for any possible attacks on retreating US private radio station in Kabul. “The Taleban are still troops. “The Americans will formally begin their the same; they have not changed. The US should withdrawal from Afghanistan starting May 1 and the have extended their presence by at least a year or Taleban might increase the violence,” Acting two,” she told AFP. Interior Minister Hayatullah Hayat told top police Afghan President Ashraf Ghani insists that gov- commanders, according to an audio clip given to ernment forces-which for months have carried out reporters. Afghan National Security Council adviser most of the ground fighting against the Taleban-are Hamdullah Mohib said the Taleban “may choose “fully capable” of keeping the insurgents at bay. He war” in an attempt to grab power after US troops said the pullout also means the Taleban have no fully exit, but security forces were ready to face the reason to fight. “Who are you killing? What are you insurgents. destroying? Your pretext of fighting the foreigners The prospect of an end to the US presence after is now over,” Ghani said in a speech this week. KABUL: Afghan former interpreters for the US and NATO forces gather during a demonstration in down- 20 years comes despite fighting raging across the town Kabul on Friday, on the eve of the beginning of Washington’s formal troop withdrawal —AFP countryside in the absence of a peace deal. A stark Worst-case analysis reminder of what remains came late Friday with a Still, General Mark Milley, chairman of the US car bomb in Pul-e-Alam, south of the capital, killing Joint Chiefs of Staff, has not ruled out total chaos. September 11 attacks. Two decades later, and after “If the Taleban attack retreating US or allied at least 24 people and wounding 110 more. US “On the worst-case analysis, you have a potential the death of almost 2,400 Americans and tens of forces, it would be to bloody the nose of a defeated President Joe Biden is determined to end what he collapse of the government, a potential collapse of thousands of Afghans, Biden says the final with- enemy and to humiliate it further,” said Afghanistan called “the forever war”, announcing last month that the military,” he said earlier this week. “You have a drawal was justified as US forces had now made specialist Nishank Motwani. Andrew Watkins, of the the withdrawal of the remaining 2,500 American civil war and all the humanitarian catastrophe that sure the country cannot again become a base for International Crisis Group, said the coming months forces would be complete by the 20th anniversary goes with it.” Police officer Abdul Malik from the foreign jihadists to plot against the West. Concerns would see the situation become a more purely local of the September 11 attacks. “A horrific attack 20 former insurgent bastion of Kandahar said they were are high that the Taleban might yet strike at retreat- conflict. “The United States and its NATO partners years ago... cannot explain why we should remain prepared. “We have to take care of our homeland... ing US forces, and in the southern province of are stepping back and giving the two primary sides there in 2021,” he said. We will do our best to defend our soil,” he told AFP. Kandahar-where the foes used to clash regularly- of this conflict... their first instance to fight with and The Taleban said the US troop withdrawal was to The US-led military onslaught in Afghanistan security sources say several areas are laden with assess their opponents without the extra factor of be completed by May 1 as agreed in last year’s began in October 2001 in the aftermath of the explosives planted by the insurgents. the United States,” he said. —AFP

flashing the three-finger salute of defiance. In Bomb blasts, protests Yangon’s Insein township, a bomb blast went off News in brief around 10 am near a local school, said a resident stay- as Myanmar enters ing nearby. “Some security forces came to check the Istanbul police detain dozens blast area, but I only watched from a distance from my home because I was worried they would arrest ISTANBUL: Istanbul police detained dozens of people 4th month under junta me,” he told AFP, adding that he saw smoke rising. who were trying to hold a May Day rally in the city yesterday in defiance of a ban ordered amid the coronavirus pan- YANGON: Explosions blasted off throughout By afternoon, another two blasts went off in Yankin, further south, according to locals living in demic. At least 100 demonstrators were detained as they Myanmar’s largest city Yangon yesterday as pro- attempted to walk to Taksim Square, a traditional area of testers held flash marches for democracy, defying a the leafy residential township. “I heard it from my place, I thought it was thunder,” a resident told AFP, protest, AFP correspondents said, and in other areas near- brutal junta that has held onto power for three by including the popular Istiklal Avenue. Police officers adding that the explosions left the security forces blood-drenched months. The country has been in an pushed a crowd back forcefully using their shields, while uproar since the military ousted civilian leader Aung nervous. It remains unclear if anyone was injured by other officers dragged protesters away, a correspondent San Suu Kyi on February 1, bringing an abrupt end the blasts. No one has claimed responsibility for the said. The Istanbul branch of the Contemporary Lawyers’ to Myanmar’s short-lived experiment with democ- bombs-which are exploding with increasing fre- YANGON: Protesters hold up the three finger salute as Association said 170 people were detained. —AFP they march with banners during a demonstration racy. The power grab triggered a massive uprising, quency in Yangon. “They (the junta) have made people live in fear and it is good to have them on against the military coup in Thingangyun township in which authorities have tried to quell by deploying Yangon on Friday. —AFP lethal force and live ammunition. edge as well,” the Yankin resident said. Pentagon cancels border projects As Myanmar entered its fourth month under mili- He also praised the flash protesters for their detained her on February 1. The junta has hit her tary rule yesterday, protesters in commercial hub ingenuity to evade arrest and crackdowns. “Any WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said Friday that it was with a barrage of charges, including sedition and Yangon-an epicenter of unrest with a heavy security show of defiance without getting captured or killed canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction proj- Myanmar’s state secrets law. Coup-maker Senior presence-staged flash demonstrations, marching rap- is great for the resistance.” Nearly 760 civilians ects paid for with military funds. Former US president General Min Aung Hlaing has continuously justified idly through the streets to avoid confrontation with have been killed in the anti-coup unrest, according Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of the putsch as necessary to protect democracy, dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after police and soldiers. “We have the truth. Only the truth to a local monitoring group, though the junta has alleging fraud in November’s election, which Suu being denied funding by Congress. President Joe Biden will prevail,” read a banner that protesters hoisted up recorded a far lower death toll. Deposed leader Suu Kyi has been under house arrest since the military Kyi’s party won in a landslide. —AFP announced a halt to border wall construction after taking as they marched quickly through a neighborhood, office in January. “Consistent with the president’s procla- mation, the Department of Defense is proceeding with said it “once again strongly condemned violence it to Myanmar denied. canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for UN Council calls for against peaceful protestors” and “reiterated their call During the meeting, Brunei, which currently holds with funds originally intended for other military missions,” on the military to exercise utmost restraint.” A diplo- the presidency of ASEAN, floated the idea of a joint deputy Pentagon spokesman Jamal Brown said. —AFP ASEAN Myanmar mat speaking on condition of anonymity explained the visit to Myanmar by the UN envoy and her future changes saying “what we must avoid is losing council ASEAN counterpart. “We estimate around 20,000 US probes ‘Havana syndrome’ attacks unity to the point of making it irrelevant.” Since the internal displacements and almost 10,000 fleeing to plan to be enacted coup in Myanmar, the council has approved four neighboring countries since February. The regional WASHINGTON: US senators said Friday that the govern- statements on the crisis including this latest one of implications require urgent action,” Schraner Burgener ment is investigating an apparent increase in mysterious UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council called Friday. All of them were toned down under pressure told the council, according to the text of her speech, directed-energy attacks dubbed “Havana syndrome”, amid Friday for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar as from China. which was seen by AFP. new reports of potentially brain-damaging incidents inside stated in an ASEAN plan, giving unanimous approval to Friday’s session was convened by Vietnam to pres- “The common aspiration for democracy has united the country. Democratic Senator Mark Warner and a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia. ent the conclusions of a recent ASEAN summit in the people of Myanmar across religious, ethnic and Republican Marco Rubio, who lead the Senate Intelligence The plan, which also calls for the naming of an envoy Indonesia. The statement that was ultimately passed communal divides like never before. Such strong unity Committee, issued a statement after two media reports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to calls for the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Christine has created unexpected difficulties for the military in saying attacks had taken place in Washington, including address the crisis triggered by the February 1 military Schraner Burgener, who is currently touring the region, consolidating power and stabilizing the coup,” she just outside the White House, and in Miami, Florida. “For coup, should be applied “without delay,” the council to be able to visit Myanmar “as soon as added. Nearly 760 civilians have been killed by police nearly five years, we have been aware of reports of myste- statement says. It was approved after a closed-door possible.”Schraner Burgener gave a report on her long and soldiers in the past three months, according to the rious attacks on United States government personnel in meeting of the council and forced Western countries to meeting with Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Havana, Cuba and around the world,” they said. make concessions to China-Myanmar’s main backer- Hlaing, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting last The junta puts the death toll at 258 dead by April 15, and Russia to win passage. weekend. Diplomats said the envoy, who is currently calling the demonstrators “rioters” who engaged in At their request the council eliminated clauses that based in Bangkok, once again had her request for a vis- “acts of terrorism”. —AFP Cameroon separatists kill 4 soldiers DOUALA, Cameroon: Cameroonian separatists killed four built sub was lying on the sea floor more than 800 government soldiers in the country’s west Friday, a Indonesia to salvage meters (2,600 feet) deep. The eerie images were final regional governor said, the latest violence in a bloody confirmation that there was no hope of finding sur- independence struggle by English-speaking rebels. The vivors. On Friday, victims’ families cast flower petals Northwest and Southwest regions of the west African submarine after from a navy ship into waters where the sub went nation have seen vicious fighting in the past four years, with the UN and international aid groups saying both down as part of a remembrance ceremony. Many army troops and anglophone rebels have committed sinking disaster wept and hugged as one could be heard saying “bye, abuses and crimes against civilians. Overnight from bye daddy”, while a couple of relatives collapsed as Thursday to Friday, “separatists attacked the forward mili- BALI: Indonesia said Friday it will salvage a subma- they were overcome with grief. tary post in Menfoung, leaving four soldiers dead and one rine that sank off the coast of Bali, as grieving rela- The submarine-one of five in Indonesia’s fleet- seriously wounded,” West regional governor Augustine tives paid their respects to the dozens of crew killed disappeared last week while it was scheduled to take Awa Fonka told state broadcaster CRTV. —AFP in the disaster. Authorities had yet to confirm if they part in live torpedo training exercises. The crew would try to haul up the KRI Nanggala 402 from the asked for permission to dive. It lost contact shortly SEMARANG, Indonesia: Naval officers throw a flower sea floor after it was spotted cracked in three pieces. after. Later, search teams spotted an oil spill where garland into the sea at the port of Semarang, as sign Omar Radi breaks hunger strike The navy on Friday said it was waiting on the arrival the vessel was thought to have submerged, pointing of respect for the submarine that disappeared off the of two ships, including a vessel sent by China, that to possible fuel tank damage and a catastrophic acci- coast of Bali. —AFP RABAT: Jailed Moroccan journalist Omar Radi has sus- are equipped to handle deep-sea salvage operations. dent. The military has yet to offer an official explana- pended his three-week hunger strike due to a “significant High-powered magnets and air balloons were among tion for the sinking of the decades-old submarine, submarine’s former commander, Rear Admiral deterioration” of his health, his father said Friday. Radi and the possible options, but how and when the cracked which was delivered to the Southeast Asian nation in Muhammad Ali, has told local media that a so-called fellow journalist Soulaimane Raissouni began hunger submarine would be brought to the surface was 1981. It has said, however, that the reconditioned ves- internal solitary wave could have been to blame. The strikes earlier in April demanding to be provisionally uncertain, said navy chief Yudo Margono. “It’s hard sel was seaworthy and discounted the possibility of natural phenomenon occurs when different sea released, having been held in detention for months await- to talk about specific timing, but I can say that as an explosion. depths come together, creating forces that could ing a verdict on their cases. Radi, 34, decided to “tem- soon as help arrives, we’ll start,” he told reporters. The navy has said that the submarine may have have dragged the vessel down, he said. The disaster porarily suspend his hunger strike” due to “the significant deterioration of his health over the past two days”, his The submarine’s 53-strong crew are believed to suffered a blackout and left the crew unable to per- was among a string of fatal submarine accidents over form emergency measures. Its hull would have been the past few decades. Among the worst was the father Driss Radi said on Facebook. Raissouni, on hunger still be inside the vessel, Margono said. An underwa- strike for 23 days, continues his protest. ter rescue vehicle supplied by neighboring torn apart as it sunk to depths far below what the 2000 sinking of the Kursk, the pride of Russia’s Singapore gave visual confirmation that the German- KRI Nanggala was built to withstand, they said. The Northern Fleet. —AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 Business Burgan Bank reports 36% growth in Q1 2021; operating profit KD 27m Bank continues to progress on its digitalization journey

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank K.P.S.C. (Burgan” or l Liquidity Coverage Ratio: 152% ing model by investing in digitalization efforts.” “Bank) announced its financial results for the first l Net Stable Funding Ratio: 105% Masoud M J Hayat, Vice Chairman and Group quarter ending on 31st March 2021. During the quarter, Burgan continued to CEO, Burgan Bank Group, added, “Burgan is Burgan reported Revenue of KD 48 million for progress on its digitalization Journey and continuing to deliver results while maintaining Q1 2021, driven by higher Non-Interest Income launched its New Burgan Prepaid card portal strong liquidity and capital metrics despite the (up 34 percent vs Q4 2020). Burgan continued to and app. Burgan also successfully launched its difficult operating environment. Burgan has con- exhibit strong cost discipline leading to lower first Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) machine at tinued to improve its operating efficiency operating expenses of KD 21 million in Q1 2021 Marina Mall to give its customers continued through focused cost optimization efforts. We (reduced by 27 percent vs Q4 2020). These factors access. continue to make solid progress on digital resulted in strong operating profit of KD 27 million Commenting on the results, Majed Essa Al- enhancements and this quarter also was no (up 36 percent vs Q4 2020). Provision Charge for Ajeel, Chairman of Burgan Bank Group said, exception. Burgan is also strengthening its Q1’21 was also lower by KD 2mn compared to “Global economy continues to face challenges Cybersecurity Framework given the increased Q4’20. Burgan reported Net Income of KD 5 mil- due to the pandemic and the restrictions imposed. usage of online channels”. lion for the quarter. We expect Kuwait’s economy to recover its The consolidated financials encompass the Majed Essa Al-Ajeel Masoud M J Hayat growth momentum over the next two quarters on results of the Group’s operations in Kuwait, and Key Performance indicators as at the back of increasing vaccinations. Burgan con- its share of results from its subsidiaries, Burgan largest regional branch networks with 162 31st March 2021 are as follows: tinues to deliver resilient performance despite Bank Turkey, Gulf Bank Algeria, Bank of Baghdad branches across Kuwait, Turkey, Algeria, Iraq, l NPL Coverage Ratio: 169% these challenges and the team is making strong and Tunis International Bank. Through this Tunis, Lebanon and a representative office in the l CAR: 17% progress to further strengthen the bank’s operat- regional reach, Burgan Bank has one of the United Arab Emirates.

and high product inventory levels,” ExxonMobil US oil giants return said. But the company saw heady conditions in its chemical business, where profits surged due to Sri Lanka declares “continued strong demand, global shipping con- to profitability in straints and ongoing supply disruptions, particu- worst economic larly in North America.” Q1 on oil prices At Chevron, which reported losses the last three quarter, earnings came in at $1.4 billion, slump in 73 years NEW YORK: After a string of losses, ExxonMobil down 61.7 percent from the year-ago period, due and Chevron on Friday both reported a return to in part to a steep drop in downstream profits. COLOMBO: Sri Lanka announced Friday that its profitability in the first quarter, bolstered by a Revenues rose 1.7 percent to $32 billion. economy shrank 3.6 percent last year due to the significant jump in oil prices. Chevron also benefited from higher oil prices Covid-19 pandemic, making it the worst downturn The results, which come amid a similar round compared with the 2020 period, although inter- since independence from Britain in 1948. of profits by Royal Dutch Shell, Total and other national natural gas prices fell in the most recent The unprecedented recession compared with a European petroleum giants, point to a much- quarter compared with the year-ago period. 2.3 percent GDP growth in 2019, the Central Bank improved demand outlook compared with last In this file photo taken on March 20, 2020 a general view of of Sri Lanka said in its annual report for 2020. It an Exxon station in Hicksville, New York. —AFP year, when oil prices tumbled midway through the Climate showdown ahead hoped the economy would rebound in 2021 and first quarter as the coronavirus crisis shuttered With companies like Total and BP undertaking record an optimistic six percent growth on the back large parts of the economy. “Earnings strength- renewable energy investment and committing to directors to more forcefully shift the company’s of improved local manufacturing and services. ened primarily due to higher oil prices as the net-zero emissions targets, the US oil giants are response to climate change. In a presentation “The pandemic has also offered an opportunity economy recovers,” said Chevron Chief Executive under increased pressure to address climate earlier this week, Engine No. 1 dismissed CCS to reset the economy’s focus and to address long- Mike Wirth. Yet larger petroleum companies still change. ExxonMobil said it made progress on its and ExxonMobil’s other climate-related efforts as standing structural weaknesses and establish a face major challenges, including campaigns from “energy transition strategy,” which would see it ideals that “have mostly generated advertising.” production-based, productivity-driven economy,” activist shareholders at annual meetings next develop large-scale projects for carbon capture “ExxonMobil paints an unrealistic picture of the bank said. The pandemic hit the island’s lucra- month over their response to climate change. and storage (CCS). the likelihood that carbon capture will obviate the tive tourism sector while sharp contractions were Both US oil firms also face weakness in their ExxonMobil Chief Executive Darren Woods need for change,” the group said. Chevron also seen in construction, manufacturing as well as in downstream business amid tepid demand for rejected using solar and wind investment as a “lit- faces a number of climate-related proposals at its services, the bank said. petroleum products, especially jet fuel. mus test” for a company’s commitment to climate annual meeting in May, including a vote directing It said the central government’s debt also rose ExxonMobil, which reported losses in all four change, saying on an analyst conference call that the company to analyze how its business would to 101 percent of GDP last year, up from 86.8 per- quarters in 2020, reported profits of $2.7 billion the oil giant is “at the early stages of a new busi- cope if an International Energy Agency scenario cent of GDP in the previous year, underscoring the in the first quarter. Revenues rose 5.3 percent to ness” with CCS. However, for the business to of “net zero” emissions by 2050 is realized. debt crisis faced by the South Asian nation. $59.1 billion. take off, there will be need to be government Chevron is urging shareholders to reject the International rating agencies have expressed The company said its average price for crude policies to incentivize carbon reductions as well proposal in the wake of ongoing company efforts fears for Sri Lanka’s ability to service its huge for- oil sold rose 42 percent compared with the fourth as new frameworks for storing carbon dioxide towards the energy transition, arguing the report eign debt as the country’s foreign reserves fell quarter, while natural gas prices rose by 33 per- and installing pipelines and facilities, Woods said. is “unnecessary.” Shares of ExxonMobil fell 2.9 sharply in the past year. The island’s economy was cent. Conditions in the downstream business At its annual meeting next month, the oil giant percent to $57.24, while Chevron dropped 3.6 trying to recover from the effects of the 2019 improved from the fourth quarter, “but remained faces a challenge from activist investor group percent to $103.07. However, both companies are Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people below 10-year lows driven by market oversupply Engine No. 1, which has nominated competing up by more than 23 percent so far in 2021. —AFP when the pandemic hit in early 2020. Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka secured a $500 million loan from China to shore up its foreign exchange reserves as the local currency came under intense pressure and fell to a record low. Chinese influence in the Coup, virus driving South Asian nation has been growing in recent years through loans and projects under its vast Belt half of Myanmar and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns among regional powers and Western nations. Between 2005 and 2015, Colombo borrowed bil- into poverty: UN lions from China, accumulating a mountain of debt for expensive infrastructure projects. Sri Lanka was YANGON: Half of Myanmar’s population could be forced to hand over its strategic Hambantota port on living in poverty next year, driven by the combina- a 99-year lease to a Chinese company in 2017 after tion of the pandemic and the political crisis sparked it was unable to service the $1.4 billion debt from by the military coup, the UN said Friday. Beijing used to build it. —AFP The dire warning came as renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and armed ethnic rebels sent more refugees fleeing across the jungle border with Thailand. Myanmar-already hit hard by Fresh COVID cases coronavirus-was plunged into turmoil when the military seized power on February 1, ousting the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup put NZ-Australia sparked a massive protest movement calling for a return to democracy, which the security forces have travel bubble at risk sought to quell with a brutal crackdown. More than 750 civilians have been killed, WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s fledgling quarantine- according to a local monitoring group, while a free travel arrangement with Western Australia faced widespread anti-junta civil disobedience movement Volunteers attending to displaced Thai residents at Mae Hong Son province, who fled their area near the disruption for the second time in eight days yesterday has throttled large parts of the economy. The United Thailand-Myanmar border due to the fighting between Myanmar government troops and Karen National following fresh community cases of COVID-19 in Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said that Union rebels. —AFP Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with by early 2022 as many as 25 million people, or near- have tested positive, authorities said. ly half the population, could be living below the groups, have escalated since the coup. The KNU tary and KNU. Violence has also flared in northern Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said the poverty line. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner have seized and razed military posts and the junta Kachin state between the military and the Kachin state would not go into lockdown “at this point”. But said the crisis could reverse progress made since has responded with repeated air strikes in the Independence Army. New Zealand health ministry officials said they had 2005, which has seen Myanmar halve the number of rebels’ Karen state heartland. Thai and KNU offi- A local humanitarian worker told AFP that the conducted a “rapid” assessment and had “determined people living in poverty. “Without functioning dem- cials said there were fresh air strikes and fighting on military launched three air strikes on Friday in scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New ocratic institutions, Myanmar faces a tragic and Friday. The violence has caused alarm among civil- Momauk district as they seek to recapture a mili- Zealand should be immediately paused while a further avoidable backslide towards levels of poverty not ians in the area, driving many to flee across a river tary post. One local was killed, the source said. assessment is carried out.” seen in a generation,” Steiner said in a statement. border to seek safety in Thailand. The Thai authori- Protests against the coup continue every day A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth ties said a total of 2,267 Myanmar nationals had despite the threat of violence from the authorities, at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been Villagers flee air raids crossed into the kingdom’s Mae Hong Son province with demonstrators taking to the streets of Yangon cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and ter- The junta’s crackdown on protests has drawn the to escape the fighting, and had been taken to dedi- on Friday in torrential monsoon rain. The Assistance ritories is not affected. It is the second such disruption ire of some of Myanmar’s myriad ethnic armies, many cated shelters. KNU head of foreign affairs Padoh Association for Political Prisoners, a local monitor- since the two countries opened their quarantine-free of which have been battling the military for decades Saw Taw Nee told AFP that more than 100 people ing group, said Friday that a total of 759 people travel bubble on April 18, almost 400 days after both in border regions in the country’s north and east. had crossed to Thailand on Friday. have been killed so far in the crackdown, and more closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Several have condemned the military and come out in “They only have two options-to run into the jun- than 4,500 arrested. Flights between New Zealand and Western support of the protest movement, offering shelter to gle or cross to hide in Thailand,” he said. According The junta, which has defended seizing power Australia were suspended less than a week later, when fleeing activists in the territory they control. to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, since mid- pointing to claims of fraud in the November elec- the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day Clashes between the military and the Karen lockdown after recording a case of community trans- March more than 30,000 civilians have been forced tion won by Suu Kyi’s party, gives a much lower National Union (KNU), one of the leading rebel mission on April 23. —AFP to leave their homes by fighting between the mili- toll. —AFP Established 1961 9

Sunday, May 2, 2021 Business

NBK Economic Report Kuwait’s international trade saw further recovery in 4Q20 Imports have continued to climb at a steady pace from their 2Q20 lows

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s international trade in goods slightly. On the other hand, non-oil exports (includ- in imports reflects the pent-up demand from sever- ance of other main currencies against the dinar increased by 5.8 percent q/q in 4Q20, recovering ing re-exports) rose 4.8 percent q/q though were al months of health restriction measures, the were mixed during 4Q20: the Chinese yuan, the from the Covid-19 shock as the broader economy still down significantly year-on-year. resumption of economic activities, which started in euro, and the British pound appreciated against the improves, but still substantially below pre-pandem- The rise in non-oil exports (non-oil domestic 3Q20, and the rise in re-exports. dinar by 6.5 percent, 7.9 percent, and 2.8 percent ic levels. The rise was driven mainly by an increase exports plus re-exports) was driven by intermedi- y/y, while the Indian rupee and the Turkish lira in imports while exports were relatively stable, and ate and capital goods, which surged 24 percent and China largest non-oil trading partner depreciated by 3 percent and 35 percent, respec- as a result the trade balance fell to KD 0.8 billion 5.8 percent q/q, respectively, while consumer The top five trade destinations accounted for 23 tively. The real effective exchange rate (REER), (around 11 percent of GDP). For 2020 as a whole, goods (24 percent of non-oil exports) fell by 7.4 percent of total trade. China, the UAE, the United which takes into account inflation movements total trade fell by 30 percent from 2019 levels with percent. The increase in intermediate goods States, Japan, and Saudi Arabia were the main between Kuwait and its trading partners, depreci- oil exports impacted by the fall in oil prices, while exports could reflect the regional recovery in man- sources of imports (49 percent of total imports). As ated mildly by 0.9 percent y/y compared with a trade disruptions and health containment measures ufacturing with the ease of health restrictions in for non-oil exports, Saudi Arabia, China, the UAE 0.5 percent depreciation in the previous quarter. affected domestic demand for foreign goods. The 4Q20. were the main non-oil export destinations, follow- Looking ahead, Kuwait’s exports should recover trade surplus eased to 12 percent of GDP, down ing by Iraq and India. this year on higher KEC oil prices, which are from 23 percent in 2019. Imports continue to recover expected to average around $60/bbl, up from Imports continued to rise at a steady pace from Stability in the real exchange rate around $41/bbl in 2020. In addition, imports may Oil exports broadly steady in Q4 2Q20 lows. Consumer goods (48 percent of total The Kuwaiti dinar remained broadly stable witness a steady if gradual recovery in 1H21 due to Total exports (domestic exports plus re- imports) were the main driver, increasing 16.9 per- against the US dollar in 4Q20 as it depreciated the recent tightening of health restrictions, moder- exports) remained relatively stable, up by 0.7 percent q/q due to the notable rise in passenger cars, mildly by 0.6 percent y/y in 4Q20. In addition, the ate rates of non-oil economic growth and a poten- cent q/q driven by a 16.3 percent q/q increase in which doubled to reach KD 0.2 billion, while nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) for the tial continued decline in expatriate numbers. re-exports. Oil exports (89 percent of all exports) durable goods also jumped. Intermediate goods dinar against its major trading partners depreciated However, international trade activity will also hinge increased by 0.2 percent as oil production imports also rose by 13.3 percent on higher by 2.3 percent y/y, though remained broadly stable on the pandemic path and vaccination progress not (2.3mb/d) and KEC oil prices ($44.2/bbl.) edged up processed industrial supplies. The overall increase over the course of 2020 as a whole. The perform- only in Kuwait but also in Kuwait’s trading partners.

Saleh Aabr Al-Shammari, Talal Salem Abdullah ABK congratulates Al Qatan, Reem Khalaf Hamashah Alferas, Aamer Yousef Ali, Jancy Joseph, Mohammed Shafiq Al-Eslam Mohammed Mulla, Jefferson ‘Experience the Marcos Lasola. Eurozone enters The 3rd draw will be held on 18th May, 2021. Change’ winners Every month 4 winners can win back their recession but salary (two Kuwaitis and two expatriates). To KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) be eligible to enter the draw, customers need announced the 8 winners of the first and second to have one salary credited into their account better days ahead salary transfer campaign “Experience the Change”, in the month prior to the draw date. for Al-Raed, Prestige and Elite Salary account Furthermore, upon opening a salary account BRUSSELS: The eurozone economy fell into a second holders, The draw took place on the 22nd March with ABK, customers can choose one of the recession in less than a year in the first quarter, data 2021 and 22nd April 2021, under the supervision of following rewards: showed on Friday, as slow vaccinations and pandemic the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. l Up to KD 1,000 cash gift for Kuwaitis triates lockdowns stopped a rebound. l Up to KD 10,000 interest free loan for The offer is open to new salary clients only, with The 0.6 percent contraction was in stark contrast to The winners were: Kuwaitis one salary credited into their account a month pri- the US, where the economy roared forward in the Mohsen Abdullah Khaled Alhajri, Abeer l Up to KD 5,000 interest free loan for expa- or to the draw date. same period, posting annualized growth of 6.4 percent. China has also turned the corner from the coronavirus pandemic with a 18.3-percent explosion in gross representative from Deloitte. Al-Jawhara Account the process of Al- domestic product growth on an annual basis. Europe NBK announces gives customers the opportunity to enter draws and Jawhara Account opening has been hit hard by a second and third wave of the win prizes of KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 quick and easy by visit- coronavirus pandemic, with multiple attempts to winner of KD 125,000 monthly as well as the grand prize of KD 250,000 ing the nearest NBK reopen the economy cut short by new outbreaks. quarterly. Every KD 50 deposited into Al-Jawhara Branch, or simply through But more recent data has given Europeans confi- Account gives the customer a chance to be one the NBK Mobile Banking or dence that the recession will be short-lived, with sur- in Al-Jawhara draw next lucky winners, and if no withdrawal or transfers NBK Online Banking, as veys showing that manufacturing is now booming. KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) contin- occur on the account during the holding period, part of our Digital “While late out of the starting blocks, the eurozone is ues to reward its customers with an outstanding customers will receive an additional chance to enter Transformation Strategy set for its start to the pandemic rebound,” said Bert array of draws, prizes and offers all year round. In the draw for every KD 50 held in the account, dou- that provides our cus- Colijn, senior economist at ING. this context, the bank announced Zainab Salah bling their chance to win. tomers with integrated And with the vaccination campaign finally getting Fahad Al-Mohammad as the winner of Al-Jawhara Commenting on Al-Jawhara Monthly Draw, banking experience by into swing, pent-up demand is expected to follow as monthly prize worth KD 125,000 for April 2021. Hisham Al-Nusif, Deputy General Manager of enabling them to make all Europeans begin to spend more in shops, at reopened Consumer Banking, National Bank of Kuwait, said: their banking transac- restaurants and on tourism. The EU’s slow-moving On the other hand, NBK announced the names of Hisham Al-Nusif the winners of Al-Jawhara Weekly Draws worth KD “We are keen to award our customers all year tions without visiting recovery plan is also expected to finally get on track, 5,000 each including: Sheikh Salman Khalifah round, and Al-Jawhara Account is a key part in this branches. giving a much needed boost to southern countries Abdullah Al-Sabah, Salma Saod Awad Al-Selaimany, regard, in addition to serving as an outstanding Since 2012, National Bank of Kuwait has reward- crushed by the pandemic, such as Italy or Spain. and Abeer Hamad Khalaf Alejel. means to encourage customers to make savings, in ed loyal customers with a total worth of prizes The draw was held at NBK Head Office and line with our efforts towards financial inclusion.” amounting KD 2,200,000 in Al-Jawhara weekly, ‘Well behind’ US broadcasted live on NBK Instagram page in the “We seek to enrich our customers’ banking experi- monthly and quarterly draws. In addition to provid- Andrew Kenningham of Capital Economics said the presence of a representative from the Ministry of ence by integrating our top-notch banking products ing top-notch, cutting-edge and highly secure outlook was fast improving with imminent lifting of Commerce and Industry, as well as representatives and services with a variety of draws and prizes that banking services, NBK is keen to give customers a restrictions in Europe’s biggest countries. However, from NBK, noting that Al-Jawhara monthly and offer them exceptional rewards,” Al-Nusif added. variety of offers, rewards and prizes that suit their after Friday’s data, “the economy was still 5.5 percent quarterly draws are conducted in the presence of a Al-Nusif affirmed that NBK is keen on making expectations all year round. below its pre-crisis peak, which leaves Europe trailing well behind the US where GDP is nearly back to that level, “ he added. rupees a year earlier. The oil-to-telecoms giant enjoyed Ambani is locked in a high-stakes battle with Jeff Germany was the major drag on growth in January Profits at India’s a strong recovery during the quarter as India eased Bezos, the world’s richest man, as Amazon and Reliance to March period, with exports unable to overcome a coronavirus lockdowns, prompting the transport and fight for a share of India’s massive e-commerce market. steep drop in demand by discouraged consumers, ana- retail sectors to bounce back, before a ferocious sec- The two firms are currently engaged in a row over lysts said. The EU’s largest economy shrank 1.7 percent Reliance double on ond wave of infections forced a new round of restric- Ambani’s acquisition of domestic retail giant Future in the first quarter as rising coronavirus infections tions this month. Group-which Amazon has sought to delay, with a forced shutdowns to be extended, performing worse oil, retail recovery “Our consumer businesses have proved to be a digi- Singapore-based arbitration panel asking Reliance to than the 1.5 percent contraction predicted by analysts tal and physical lifeline for the nation in these challeng- halt the deal. Reliance has dismissed the panel’s order, say- surveyed by Factset. Portugal, which suffered heavily MUMBAI: Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries ing times,” Ambani said in a statement. Its telecom arm ing its agreement with Future Group complies with Indian from a third wave of the pandemic, saw a drop of 3.3 saw its quarterly profits more than double between Jio added over 15 million subscribers during the quar- law. Amazon, which owned a stake in one of Future Group’s percent in its GDP. After imposing a more severe lock- January and March, the firm said Friday, boosted by a ter, with revenues up by 18.9 percent, as pandemic firms that reportedly included an option to buy into the down than most other countries at the end of 2020, turnaround in its key oil and retail businesses. restrictions saw increasing numbers of Indians rely on flagship company, claims that the $3.4 billion Reliance deal, France was one of the few countries that bucked the The Mumbai-based behemoth-which is owned by digital services. The conglomerate said its operating announced last August, amounted to a breach of contract. negative trend and posted a 0.4 percent increase. Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani-said its consolidat- revenues grew 11 percent to 1.54 trillion rupees for the Shares of Reliance were down 1.42 percent in The eurozone’s consumer prices meanwhile rose in ed net profit for the period jumped 108 percent to quarter, with its retail revenues climbing 20 percent and Mumbai on Friday ahead of the earnings April by 1.6 percent, moving closer to the European 132.27 billion rupees ($1.79 billion) from 63.48 billion its refining revenues up 4.4 percent. announcement. —AFP Central Bank’s (ECB) target of two percent. The rise in prices, again largely fuelled by energy costs, came under pressure from shareholder groups to Shockwaves rippled through global financial after five months of inflation in negative territory at the Credit Suisse board clean up its act after being hit hard by bank- markets and institutions last month when then end of 2020 and a gradual turnaround earlier this year. ruptcies at Archegos, a US hedge fund, and little-known Archegos sold at least $20 billion in But core inflation, which strips out volatile compo- British financial firm Greensill. stocks as it sought to cover obligations to its nents such as energy or food, actually dipped in April, member quits; chief “The current and potential risks of Credit lenders. meaning demand is not yet fully recharging the econo- Suisse need to be a matter of immediate and Losses at leading global banks have jumped my. Jobs have largely been spared the worst ravages of vows to tackle risks close scrutiny,” Antonio Horta-Osorio, the for- past $10 billion, with Credit Suisse accounting the crisis that were initially feared when the pandemic mer chief of British bank Lloyds, told the Swiss for around half of the damage. Credit Suisse had froze the global economy in early 2020. Eurostat said ZURICH: Credit Suisse’s new chairman pledged bank’s annual shareholders meeting. “I firmly also invested heavily in Greensill, a firm special- eurozone unemployment dipped to 8.1 percent in the Friday to tackle risk at the bank as a board believe that any banker should be at heart a risk ized in short-term corporate loans via a complex March, though this was one percentage point more member was pushed out following major losses manager,” he said shortly after receiving 96.45- and opaque business model, and was forced to than a year before. EU-wide, unemployment slipped to linked to the collapses of two financial firms. percent backing to replace long-time chairman suspend four funds after the firm declared insol- 7.3 percent in March. —AFP Switzerland’s second largest bank has been Urs Rohner. vency last month.—AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Sunday, May 2, 2021 Fitch Ratings affirms Gulf Bank’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating at ‘A+’ Agency also affirms bank’s viability rating at ‘bb+’ KUWAIT: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Gulf Bank’s in retail and corporate lending, complemented enhanced asset quality.” banks in Kuwait with Long-Term Issuer Default Rating at ‘A+’ with a by digital transformation.” Gulf Bank continues to be well recognized in total assets of KD 6 bil- Negative Outlook. Fitch has also affirmed the The Negative Outlook on Gulf Bank’s Long- terms of its creditworthiness and financial lion for the year ending Bank’s Viability Rating at ‘bb+’. Term Issuer Default Rating reflects that on the strength internationally as it is rated “A” by all 31 December 2020. The According to the recently published Fitch Kuwaiti sovereign rating. four leading credit rating agencies. In addition to Bank provides a broad Ratings commentary, Fitch stated that: “Gulf Commenting on Fitch’s credit rating announce- Fitch Ratings’ recent affirmation, Gulf Bank has a offering of consumer Bank has a good franchise in Kuwait, supported ment, Dalal Al-Dousari, Gulf Bank’s Head of Long-term Foreign Currency Rating of “A+” with banking, wholesale bank- by its large network of branches and strong Investor Relations, said: “We are very pleased to a “Stable” Outlook by Capital Intelligence ing, treasury, and finan- brand. The Bank has a competent management receive the affirmation of our Bank’s Long-term Ratings, an Issuer Credit Rating of “A-” with a cial services through its team, which is highly experienced in local and Issuer Default Rating at “A+” by Fitch Ratings. “Negative” Outlook by S&P Global Ratings, and large network of more regional banking, with a good record of strategy This is an international acknowledgement of Gulf a Long-Term Deposits rating of “A3” with a than 50 branches and implementation. The bank’s strategy is consis- Bank’s franchise, improved capitalization and “Stable” Outlook by Moody’s Investor Services. over 200 ATMs across Dalal Al-Dousari tent, based on cautious domestic organic growth leverage metric, experienced management, and Gulf Bank is one of the leading conventional Kuwait.

locally and globally. KFH launches digital Al-Arbeed added that card holders of KFH wallets through VISA and Mastercard AUB congratulates who have smart phones mobile, smart watches and watches may enjoy winner of Al-Hassad the digital wallet service KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) launched after completing the the Digital Wallet service through smart mobiles identification and regis- Privilege draw and watches. The service provides advanced and tration procedures smart digital payment methods according to highly required. He said that KUWAIT: In accordance with full preventive the service shall be developed security standards in cooperation with Talal Al-Arbeed guidelines and measures set by health Samsung, Fitbit and Garmin. made available soon to authorities, Ahli United Bank (AUB) held the The holders of KFH VISA ATM, credit and pre- Mastercard ATM card weekly draw of 28 April, 2021 of Al-Hassad paid cards as well as Mastercard cards (except holders. Islamic account which is the very first draw ATM) are now able to experience the most safe and Regarding the service advantages, Al-Arbeed smart payment methods by passing the said that the new service has several advantages account in Islamic banking in Kuwait and has and copes with current requirements of social dis- won the “Best Savings Product in Kuwait mobile/watch on the POS which is compatible with NFC locally and globally. This service affirms KFH tancing and avoiding payment devices in highly 2019” by the prestigious Banker Middle East strategic tendency towards digital banking and congested areas e.g. Grand markets, retail stores Magazine for the numerous unique features it modern technology to provide the highest levels of and famous shops. The service facilitates easy pay- provides. Al-Hassad Islamic account offers satisfaction, trust and security to customers and ful- ment methods for all purchase transactions without Al-Arbeed reiterated that this new service offers over 750 prizes, Over 12 Month Period and fill their aspirations and ambitions in the field of any physical contact. Also, the service doesn’t users a unique safe and secured banking experi- has reshaped the lives of thousands lucky banking services according to the best global stan- require the customer to use his credit card. In fact, ence, thus affirming KFH belief in the significance of it would be sufficient to pass the smart phone or technological development, the necessity to work as winners. dards. The Group Acting Deputy General Manager watch over the POS device which is compatible per the latest innovation mechanisms, the signifi- The bank announced the KD 25,000 Cards, at KFH, Talal Al-Arbeed, said in a press statement that the new service is free. with the NFC Technology. cance of enhancing its competitive advantage, KFH Privilege draw winner as Faleh Fahad Al- The modern digital wallet service at KFH is The service is compatible with IOS and determination to expand its e-banking services and Dousari. dependent on the usage of smart phones. KFH has Android apps. The customer himself can easily enhancing its contribution to a less cash dependent For the first time in Kuwait, the AUB Al- decided to expand the horizons of this service to register in this highly secured service. The cus- society. Hassad presents the “Privilege Draw”, which include smart watches, considering the increasing tomer may choose the appropriate card to com- Also, the new service aims to support the state is a quarterly draw of KD 25,000 exclusively demand on this service by customers. The digital plete the purchase transaction and may delete or effort to achieve comprehensive financial services, activate the card temporarily at any time. The cus- transformation to a cash free economy and mitiga- for Al-Hassad customers who maintained wallet is KFH new modern tool to serve customers tomer may, within few minutes, follow few simple tion of cash transactions. These new payment meth- their balances for more than one year and in a highly secured and safe manner, where customers are able to use their mobiles and smart steps to identify the cards on the smart phones ods shall enable customers to avail our banking have not won a prize in the past five years. watches for payment of purchases as long as ade- and watches compatible with Garmin, Fitbit and services efficiently and effectively and expand the The draws of Al-Hassad include several quate technical requirements are available at stores Samsung systems. usage of e-payment methods. cash prizes, such as KD 100,000 each Eid and the grand quarterly draw of KD 250,000 prize which continues to be a key aspiration KFH announces for customers who are wishing to fulfill their dreams. Al-Hassad offers 20 weekly prizes of KD 1,000 for each winner. In addition to this winner of Jeep attractive package of rewards, Al-Hassad Islamic account incorporates a Wakala con- Wrangler Sport tract for projected annual profits, making this account beneficial to all customer segments KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has announced Rawan Al-Shubaiki as the winner of the that are aspiring to build their short and Jeep Wrangler Sport, under the campaign “Win long-term savings through a unique savings with Hesabi” for youth, The car is the first of the 3 account with many advantages. cars offered in the campaign that includes cash For all draws, the clients are eligible for prizes worth KD 250 for 10 winners per month. one draw chance for each KD 50 deposited Al-Shubaiki expressed her happiness by winning in their Al-Hassad account. It is worth men- the car that she received from KFH Auto Showroom tioning that Al-Hassad Islamic account has in Shuwaikh. This campaign comes as part of KFH continuing efforts to add value to Hesabi customers won the “Best Savings Product in Kuwait including advantages, discounts, prizes, and exclu- 2019” by the prestigious Banker Middle East sive rewards. Magazine for the numerous unique features it Once the social allowance is transferred to provides. Such features include the simplest Hesabi program, customers enter the monthly draw and easiest program, highest number of win- on 10 prizes of KD 250 each, in addition to 3 special ners, largest prize value, unique draws during draws on Jeep Wrangler Sport cars. regarding quality, accuracy and speed. etc. KFH continues to launch marketing campaigns Hesabi” program has been designed to meet the to reward youth customers. Hesabi for Youth rep- Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, loyalty multipli- KFH offers “Hesabi for Youth” with a variety of privileges as part of its continued endeavor to pro- needs of youth and aspire for their active lifestyle. resents the ambitions and expectations of youth ers, unique online account opening feature, vide adequate customer care, innovate new products This program presents for youth many exclusive category and copes with KFH aspirations to transparent draws held during radio shows and services and fulfill the needs of all customers of offers and a wide range of privileges including attract the largest portion of youth who represents with live broadcast on the Bank’s social media various age categories and interests. Services and Hesabi ATM card with a unique design, eligibility the major part of Kuwaiti society. Also, the account platforms. products are tailored to suit customers’ needs and to issue Hesabi prepaid card (as per credit regula- represents KFH initiative to diversify banking provide distinguished service as per global standards tions of KFH), distinguished offers and discounts services and products. Ooredoo announces ‘Ooredoo Surprise’ grand prize winner

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Telecom, the first to chance to win thrilling prizes from KD 300 ‘Yes’ to 1111 through SMS to gain more proposition that is explicitly for customers, communicate with the company, so it is introduce innovative digital services in to KD 15,000. The “Ooredoo Surprise” pro- chances of winning. “Ooredoo Surprise” based on their wants and needs”. essential to provide a “customer first” expe- Kuwait, with the support of Ministry of vides subscribers amazing offers, tailored subscribers will win one badge for every sin- Naser Al-Abdullah, Manager, Advertising rience in every interaction, in addition to Commerce and Industry, has announced that exclusively to their needs and desires. From gle subscription. Eventually, when collecting and Marketing Communications, Ooredoo constantly improving the products, services they have their grand prize winner of the the internet to voice calls, international min- five badges, the next surprise offer of their Kuwait, said: “Creating a successful cus- and packages offered to them. We urge our amazing “Ooredoo Surprise” contest, utes, extra validity, and the ability to pur- choice will be complementary. tomer experience strategy begins with an customers to stay tuned for our upcoming Hamdan Al-Zafiri from Kuwait who will be chase Nojoom points with generous dis- During the draw event Sundos Al-Shatti, aspiration centered on what matters the Ramadan offers on all our services, and the awarded with KD 15,000. counts. Senior Manager Digital Services and most to customers. We, at Ooredoo Kuwait, 5G internet in particular, that will fascinate The winner of the “Ooredoo Surprises” The “Ooredoo Surprise” service comes Marketing - Ooredoo Kuwait said: “Putting recognize that it is all about the customer them. We are also enhancing our online store contest was announced on Q8 Pulse 88.8 with a one-day free trial after which it the customer at the center of our organiza- experience, thus, we interact and analyze the with the aim of giving our customers a fully FM, in “Diwanyat Al Yaqout & Al Ansari” renews at 150 fils per day, in which partici- tion and its decision making is our priority. customers’ journey to further understand integrated digital experience, through which program, which was broadcast live from the pants will start receiving exciting daily con- As a customer-centric organization, we their changing needs and demands, and they can conduct various activities more company’s headquarters, Ooredoo Tower, in tent related to different aspects such as; improve the customer experience by con- empower our employees, frontline employ- easily, quickly and safely, especially in light of Kuwait City. geography, history, entertainment, and more. stantly enhancing our services, offerings, and ees in particular to deliver an exceptional the circumstances in which we live today due “Ooredoo Surprise” contest was To play the trivia quiz, subscribers are to awards. We pride ourselves in offering a experience”. to the COVID-19 pandemic and in our con- launched as a customer-centric initiative in login via Ooredoo’s official website or great experience before, during, and after “In today’s digital world, customers have cern for the safety of our valued customers”, which it offers Ooredoo customers the MyOoredoo mobile application, or to send any customer involvement. We create a value a wide range of different points of contact to Al-Abdullah added. 11

Sunsday, May 2, 2021

i i ry

Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- Canada. Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring.

To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Sunday, May 2, 2021

Visitors pose as they enter Disneyland on the day of the park’s re-opening, in People enter Disneyland Park as it reopens. People pose for selfies at Disneyland Park as it reopens. Anaheim, California.-AFP photos Disneyland fans hail ‘greatest feeling ever’ as theme park finally reopens

ans wearing Mickey Mouse ears lined visitors access to Disney California Campus is due to open at Disney California up as Disneyland in California finally Adventure. Adventure in June. Disneyland Park is Freopened Friday, more than 400 days Face masks are mandatory, tempera- already sold out for the entire first seven after the pandemic forced an unprecedent- tures are checked before admission, and weeks. Some rides remain shut for pan- ed closure for the self-styled “Happiest Disneyland’s famed parades and “nighttime demic safety reasons, including the Finding Place on Earth.” “It is the greatest feeling spectaculars” are on hold for fear of Nemo Submarine Voyage and the resort’s ever!” said Momi Young-Wilkins, a 55-year- encouraging tightly massed crowds. Staff in monorail, while others such as Jungle old mother as she brought her children to Disney costumes-known as “cast mem- Cruise are closed for maintenance and the world-famous park near Los Angeles. “I bers” in the theme park’s lingo-can no upgrades. For Young-Wilkins, who told AFP promised my daughters we would be back longer hug visitors, but were on hand she aimed to set a new personal record of here on opening day, and I made it hap- Friday to wave from a safe distance and riding an attraction themed on the movie pen.” Disneyland Park-the world’s second- “pop up posing in the background of self- “Cars” 50 times in a row, the park has a most visited theme park-and neighboring ies,” according to an official press release. special significance. Disney California Adventure Park have “I came here on my honeymoon, I been closed the longest of all the Mouse ‘Honeymoon’ came here and got pregnant right inside House’s globe-spanning parks, delayed by One resort hotel reopened Thursday this park,” she said. “And my daughter’s California’s sharp winter Covid spike and with plexiglass barriers at reception and been coming here for 17 years since she tough restrictions. socially distanced check-in lines, with the was born-so it’s like a family memory.” But with the Golden State now boasting others to follow from Sunday in a phased Her teenage daughter had visited the nation’s lowest per capita infection rate, People pose for selfies at Disneyland Park as it reopens. reopening. Disneyland president Ken Disneyland over 300 times since June the sprawling resort flung open its gates Potrock called the park’s reopening Friday 2018, Young-Wilkins added. “We always Friday to the delight of many of its most go on rides, even if it was for a couple California residents who have reservations a “very, very big deal,” with the lengthy clo- feel like this is the happiest place for our obsessive devotees. Sisters Carla and hours,” said Carla, as they eagerly waited can enter in groups restricted to three sure used to make some “wonderful family to be.”— AFP Jasmine, 23 and 17, who preferred not to to re-enter. “We’ve been excited for this households. As of Friday morning the park enhancements” including additions to the give their last name, used to visit “pretty opening day... it’s very exciting and emo- was practically sold out for the next seven Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, King Arthur much every day” before the pandemic. “We tional!” Inside the park, attendance is weeks. The only spots available in May and Carousel and Haunted Mansion attractions. would go after school, after work, and just capped at 25 percent capacity, and only June require special tickets that also give A Marvel superhero-themed Avengers

Howard King described the claims as According to Bianco’s lawsuit, she first visit- “provably false” and accused Bianco and ed Manson in Los Angeles in 2009 for what ‘Game of Thrones’ her attorney of making “outrageous finan- she understood to be a music video shoot. cial demands based on conduct that simply Over four days, she was allegedly told to never occurred.” “We will vigorously contest wear lingerie, deprived of sleep, given star sues Marilyn these allegations in court and are confident drugs and alcohol without food, and “physi- that we will prevail,” King added. Los cally beaten by Mr Warner,” including with a Angeles police in February confirmed they whip he told her “was utilized by the Nazis.” Manson for alleged were investigating domestic violence alle- Later that year, he visited her in London gations against the singer between 2009 and they began a consensual relationship, rape, abuse and 2011. The dates and location of their the papers state. In 2011, Bianco moved to investigation coincide with Bianco’s allega- Los Angeles and was told she would star in tions. a feature film called “Phantasmagoria” with ame of Thrones” actor Esme “Westworld” star Evan Rachel Wood Manson before spending two and a half Bianco filed a lawsuit against has also accused Manson of years of months “enduring constant abuse” under “G abuse starting when she was a teenager- the threat of her visa process being dam- US goth rocker Marilyn Manson In this file photo British actress Esme Bianco allegations Manson called “horrible distor- aged, the lawsuit alleges. Manson, who on Friday setting out graphic allegations of arrives for the “Game of Thrones” eighth and rape, sexual abuse and violence. According tions of reality” in an Instagram post. has long cultivated a controversial image final season premiere at Radio City Music Hall to the papers filed at a California court, Bianco, who was a fan of Manson as a with his ghostly make-up and stage name in New York city. — AFP Bianco was twice invited to Los Angeles by teenager, appeared in 14 episodes of the evoking serial killer Charles Manson, has smash-hit fantasy series “Game of parted ways with Ciulla, as well as record Lady Gaga Manson-real name Brian Warner-with the “Mr. Warner committed sexual acts with promise of paid work, only to be subjected Thrones” between 2011 and 2013, playing label Loma Vista Recordings and Ms. Bianco when she was unconscious or a prostitute called Ros. The British 38-year- Hollywood agency CAA since the allega- to acts of sexual violence including being otherwise unable to consent” and “also cut, whipped and electrocuted without her old said in a statement Friday she had spo- tions became public. — AFP committed sexual battery against Ms. ken out to stop Manson “from shattering Suspects face consent. “Mr. Warner raped Ms. Bianco in Bianco on multiple occasions,” it says. or around May 2011,” the lawsuit alleges. any more lives and empower other victims attempted murder In a statement to AFP, Manson’s lawyer to seek their own small measure of justice.” counts in Lady Bafta suspends Gaga bulldog heist UK actor Clarke

hree men were charged with over sexual Tattempted murder and robbery on Thursday in the theft of singer Lady Gaga’s dogs in February, authorities said, misconduct claims a crime that saw her dog walker shot on a street in Hollywood. The suspects are three men ages 18, 19 and 27, and two he British Academy of Film and In this file photo taken on February 12, 2017 were also charged with assault, the Los TTelevision Arts (Bafta) said Friday it British actor Noel Clarke poses upon arrival at treated sexual misconduct claims Angeles District Attorney’s office said in a the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the against actor and producer Noel Clarke statement. “This was a brazen street Royal Albert Hall in London. — AFP crime that left a man seriously wounded,” In this file photo taken on May 28, 2008 Actor Kirk Douglas and wife Anne attend the Anne and with “utmost seriousness” after suspending treated this matter with the utmost serious- District Attorney George Gascon was Kirk Douglas 400th Playground Dedication at Lillian Street Elementary School, in Los Angeles, his membership and a recent prize. Around 20 women made allegations against the ness, care and proper process at every quoted as saying, underscoring the “very California. — AFP “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” actor in a stage,” it said in a letter to members. “The serious” nature of the case. 2004 for their 50th anniversary. The couple Guardian article published Thursday, includ- allegations against Mr Clarke are extremely The three, described by Los Angeles were married for 66 years and had two ing some who gave their names on the serious and the behavior they allege are police as “documented gang members,” Anne Douglas, sons, Peter and Eric. Their family also record. The newspaper said the women contrary to Bafta’s values and everything it allegedly approached Lady Gaga’s dog included two other sons, Michael and Joel, had worked with Clarke and variously stands for. walker Ryan Fischer while he was out children from Kirk Douglas’s first marriage. accused him of sexual harassment, grop- “But no matter how abhorrent these alle- with the singer’s French bulldogs near widow of Anne Douglas was born Hannelore Marx in ing, bullying, and taking sexually explicit gations are, they cannot be dealt with with- Sunset Boulevard on February 24. Two Hanover, Germany on April 23, 1919. She images without consent, between 2004 and out due process,” it added. “Had the victims suspects got out of a vehicle and was a student in Belgium when the Nazis 2019. gone on record as they have with The demanded Fischer hand over the pets at Hollywood legend bombed Brussels in 1940. Anne escaped Bafta immediately moved to suspend his Guardian, the award would have been sus- gunpoint. He was shot once in a struggle by car with friends, headed toward France. membership of the academy in light of the pended immediately.”Had we been in with the two men who fled with two of the But her German papers were a liability, and report, and the prize it awarded him earlier receipt of this, we would never have pre- dogs, Koji and Gustav, police said. Kirk, dies at 102 she married a Belgian to obtain nationality. this month for outstanding British contribu- sented the award to Noel Clarke.” Clarke, A third dog, Miss Asia, ran away during Months after their arrival in Paris, the tion to cinema. Bafta faced questions about who is currently appearing in ITV series the encounter before returning to the Germans occupied the city. When the why he was given the prize despite claims “Viewpoint”, gave an impassioned speech wounded Fischer, and was later recov- nne Douglas, a philanthropist and Nazis decreed that movies must be shown already circulating against him. Clarke in a at the awards ceremony in support of diver- ered by law enforcement at the scene. Awidow of Hollywood legend Kirk with German subtitles, Anne’s knowledge statement to the PA news agency said he sity in the entertainment industry. “In a 20- Police said they don’t believe the sus- Douglas, died Thursday at her home of German, English, French and Italian “vehemently” denied “any sexual miscon- year career, I have put inclusivity and diver- pects targeted the dogs because of their in Beverly Hills, her family said. She was enabled her to find work with a French film duct or criminal wrongdoing”. He added, sity at the forefront of my work and never famous owner, but because French bull- 102. Kirk Douglas, who died in February distributor. After the war, she continued her however, that “recent reports... have made had a complaint made against me,” he said dogs are a coveted breed that can sell for 2020 at the age of 103, met his future wife career in the industry, working for American it clear to me that some of my actions have in response to the allegations. “If anyone thousands of dollars. Two other sus- in Paris in 1953, while filming “Act of Love.” network NBC, then for John Huston on the affected people in ways I did not intend or who has worked with me has ever felt pects, considered accomplices by prose- After a whirlwind courtship, the couple got production of “Moulin Rouge,” before meet- realize”. uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely cutors, include a 50-year-old woman who married in Las Vegas on May 29, 1954. “It ing Kirk. Anne Douglas was active in diplo- “To those individuals, I am deeply sorry,” apologize. turned the pets over to police two days wasn’t romantic, but it was legal and her macy and philanthropy, including visiting 44 he said, adding he would be “seeking pro- “I vehemently deny any sexual miscon- after the theft. She said she had found new husband vowed that someday he countries as a goodwill ambassador for fessional help to educate myself and duct or wrongdoing and intend to defend them in the street, after Lady Gaga had would marry her again in a big celebration,” American values, work for which she was change for the better”. Bafta said it was not myself against these false allegations.” offered a $500,000 reward for their safe the Douglas family said in their statement. honored by the State Department’s United aware of the allegations when it decided in Clarke starred in 2013’s “Star Trek Into return. Authorities said the fifth suspect Kirk Douglas, one of the last superstars States Information Agency.—AFP March to give Clarke its award and only lat- Darkness” and wrote and featured in the had a relationship with the 50-year-old of Hollywood’s golden age of cinema er received what it said were anonymous main role in Britain’s “Hood” trilogy of films, woman and was the father of one of the renowned for performances in “Spartacus” emails detailing second-hand accounts. which shines a light on inner-city life in west three attackers. — AFP and “Paths of Glory,” fulfilled that promise in “We want to reassure you that we have London.—AFP Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Sunday, May 2, 2021

Syrians buy traditional sweets in Damascus’ Midan neighborhood during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.-AFP photos Syrian vendors sell traditional sweets. In Damascus, crispy pastry sweetens frugal Ramadan

ear after year Ramadan meals Ybecome more frugal in war-torn Syria as the economy worsens, but Damascus dwellers say a traditional wafer- thin crispy pancake called “naaem” is here to stay. During the Muslim fasting month, just before sundown Damascus residents flock to buy the deep-fried sweet from street vendors who make them in bubbling cauldrons all over the sidewalks. The crunchy pastry-also called “Ramadan bread”-is prepared by dropping a thin circle of dough into hot oil until it snaps like a crisp. Fished out, the sweet-smelling pancake is then drizzled with dark brown date or grape molasses. Government employee Abdallah, 51, said he rushes out to buy a naaem to share A picture shows traditional sweets known as “Warbat or Shaabiyat”, commonly served during the with his wife and two daughters at the end Muslim holy month of Ramadan. of every day. “However tough the circumstances, the naaem is a tradition we can’t A picture shows traditional sweets known as “Warbat or Shaabiyat”, commonly served. go without during Ramadan,” he said. At around 2,500 Syrian pounds (less than a ‘Within everyone’s reach’ baked in ghee and stuffed with nuts or ten- dollar), the crunchy dessert is still one of the In one Damascus market, 49-year-old der date flesh. A kilo of those sweets can few affordable ones, he said. Other more Abu Tareq called out to customers in a bel- cost up to 50,000 Syrian pounds ($17 at elaborate sweets, such as sesame-covered lowing voice, near endless airy stacks of the black-market exchange rate). In a barazeq biscuits or syrupy baklava stuffed crispy naaem. He said they disappear fast country where the currency has lost 98 with pistachios, have become prohibitively in the run-up to iftar. “Sweets are an essen- percent of its value since the start of the expensive. Dizzying price hikes have tial part of the Ramadan spread, and war in 2011 and millions struggle to put forced many Syrian households like naaem are the cheapest and most deli- food on the table, that is money many sim- Abdallah’s to cut back on some food items cious,” he said. But the wealthy too are cus- ply do not have. Instead, crispy “Ramadan this Ramadan. tomers, he added, because the dessert is a bread” is still a delight they can afford. This year, red meat, chicken broth, and traditional Ramadan sweet. Just a stone’s “The naaem is within everyone’s reach,” pistachio-filled sweets are largely off the throw away from Abu Tareq’s shop, the said Abu Tareq. “Ramadan wouldn’t taste menu for iftar, the meal at the end of a scent of more freshly baked pastries wafts the same without it.”— AFP day’s fasting. Instead, most families opt for out of some of the sweets shops for which cheaper items to put on their dinner tables Damascus is famous. such as naaem. “Children love it, and that’s But each year, fewer and fewer people A Syrian vendor spreads grape molasses on a pancake, traditional sweet known as “Al-Naem” the most important thing,” Abdallah said. buy and take home trays of syrupy treats, and commonly served during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

A Syrian baker prepares traditional sweet bread known as Syrian vendors sell traditional sweets during the Muslim “Maarook”, commonly served during the Muslim holy holy month of Ramadan. month of Ramadan.

A Syrian vendor sells traditional sweet bread known as Syrians buy traditional sweet bread known as “Maarook”. A Syrian vendor sells traditional sweets known as “Qatayef”, commonly served during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “Maarook”.

Academy said nominations for the 2022 received no nominations, despite a big year ing irregularities to sexual harassment and awards would be decided by its entire vot- commercially. “The Grammys remain cor- alleged rape. Former One Direction singer Grammys scrap ing membership of more than 11,000, rupt. You owe me, my fans and the industry Zayn Malik criticized the anonymous nomi- rather than the anonymous 15-30 member transparency...,” the Canadian, known for nation committees in March. “I’m keeping expert committees who had previously hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” the pressure on & fighting for transparency ‘secret’ nomination made the selections. The Academy said tweeted at the time and pledged to stop & inclusion. We need to make sure we are the “significant changes” to the awards submitting music for awards consideration. honoring and celebrating ‘creative excel- committees after process “reflect its ongoing commitment to Harvey Mason Jr, chairman and interim lence’ of ALL. End the secret committees,” evolve with the musical landscape and to president of the Academy, said it had “been tweeted the singer, who has never been ensure that the Grammy Awards rules and a year of unprecedented, transformational nominated either with his former group or criticism guidelines are transparent and equitable.” change for the Recording Academy.” as a solo artist. “My tweet was not personal In its statement, the organization said it “This is a new Academy, one that is driv- or about eligibility but was about the need was also reducing the number of cate- en to action and that has doubled down on for inclusion and the lack of transparency of he organizers of the Grammys said gories in which voters can vote and added the commitment to meeting the needs of the nomination process and the space that Friday they were scrapping the two new award categories, in Latin and the music community.” Last year the creates and allows favoritism, racism, and T global music, to bring the total to 86. The Academy’s first female CEO, Deborah networking politics to influence the voting “secret” committees that select which acts get nominated for the prestigious changes come after R&B star The Weeknd Dugan was fired over alleged bullying. In a process,” Malik added.-AFP music awards following criticism from artists in November accused the Grammy organ- legal complaint, Dugan said she was oust- and allegations of rigging. The Recording izers of being corrupt after he surprisingly ed after raising concerns ranging from vot- 14 Sports Sunday, May 2, 2021

Photo of the Day Maradona was left to ‘fate’ ahead of death: Expert panel BUENOS AIRES: Argentine football icon Diego Maradona received inadequate medical care and was left to his fate for a “prolonged, agonizing period” before he died last year, an expert medical panel concluded Friday. In a 70-page document, the panel stated that Maradona, who succumbed to a heart attack on Nov 25 at the age of 60, “started to die at least 12 hours before” the moment he was found dead in his bed. Maradona died just weeks after undergoing brain surgery on a blood clot. A panel of 20 experts was convened by Argentina’s public prosecutor to examine the cause of death and to determine if there had been any negligence. Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Diaz are under investigation as well as two nurses, a nursing coordinator and a medical coordinator. The finding could result in a case of wrongful death, and a prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted. The legal proceedings were prompted by a complaint filed by two of Maradona’s five daughters against Luque, whom they blamed for their father’s deteriorating condition after the brain operation. Maradona underwent surgery on Nov 3, just four days after he celebrated his 60th birthday at the club he coached, Jaan Roose performs in Seli Raba, Estonia. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com Gimnasia y Esgrima. However, he appeared in poor health then, and had trouble speaking.

‘Deficiencies and irregularities’ Maradona had battled cocaine and alcohol addic- tions during his life. He was suffering from liver, kid- ney and cardiovascular disorders when he died. Two of the football great’s daughters have accused Luque MLB fires Alomar after 2014 of responsibility in Maradona’s deteriorating health. The panel concluded that Maradona “would have had a better chance of survival” with adequate treatment in an appropriate medical facility. He died in his bed in a rented house in an exclusive sexual misconduct incident Buenos Aires neighborhood, where he was receiving home care. Maradona did not have “full use of his NEW YORK: Hall of Fame second baseman MLB second baseman in the 1960s and 1970s, mental faculties” and should not have been left to Roberto Alomar was fired Friday as a consultant to served several roles for the Blue Jays, whose decide where he would be treated, the experts said. Major League Baseball and placed upon the perma- president, Mark Shapiro, supported the decision They also found that his treatment was rife with nently ineligible list over a 2014 sexual misconduct by Manfred in cutting all ties with him. “The “deficiencies and irregularities” and the medical team incident. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred issued Toronto Blue Jays believe in creating a safe, had left his survival “to fate”. the punishment, which also led to the Toronto Blue inclusive, and empathetic environment, where Sebastian Sanchi, a former spokesman for Jays severing ties to the 53-year-old Puerto Rican, everyone involved in our game is respected,” Maradona, told AFP, “it is clear that the panel says who played in MLB from 1988 through 2004 and Shapiro said. “I am reaffirming our organization’s that things were not done right”. Maradona is an idol helped the Blue Jays to World Series titles in 1992 commitment to our employees, fans, media, and to millions of Argentines after he inspired the South and 1993. partners to uphold a culture of respect that treats American country to only its second World Cup tri- “At my office’s request, an independent investi- all individuals with dignity.” umph in 1986. An attacking midfielder who spent two gation was conducted by an external legal firm to The Blue Jays, in a statement, said they were years with Spanish giants Barcelona, he is also loved review an allegation of sexual misconduct reported removing honors to Alomar in the team’s home ball- in Naples where he helped Napoli win the only two by a baseball industry employee earlier this year park, where his jersey number, 12, had been retired. Serie A titles in the club’s history. —AFP involving Mr Alomar in 2014,” Manfred said. “The Blue Jays are severing all ties with Alomar, “Having reviewed all of the available evidence from effective immediately,” the team statement said. the now completed investigation, I have concluded “The Blue Jays are committed to advancing respect that Mr. Alomar violated MLB’s policies, and that and equity in baseball and are taking further action termination of his consultant contract and place- TORONTO: In this file photo taken on Oct 4, 2016, former by removing Alomar from the Level of Excellence ment on MLB’s Ineligible List are warranted. Major League Baseball player Roberto Alomar throws and taking down his banner at Rogers Centre.” “We are grateful for the courage of the individual out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the American Alomar was named to 12 consecutive MLB All- who came forward. MLB will continue to strive to League Wild Card game between the Toronto Blue Jays Star Games from 1990 to 2001 and finished his 17- create environments in which people feel comfort- and the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. — AFP year career with a .300 batting average, 2,724 hits, able speaking up without fear of recrimination, 270 home runs with 1,134 runs batted in and 474 retaliation, or exclusion.” Manfred said no further climate, I understand why Major League Baseball stolen bases. Alomar played for the Blue Jays, San details of the incident would be released to protect has taken the position they have. My hope is that Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland the identity of the individual involved, while Alomar this allegation can be heard in a venue that will Indians, Chicago White Sox, Arizona released a statement on Twitter saying he wanted a allow me to address the accusation directly.” Diamondbacks and New York Mets before retiring forum to challenge the accusation against him. Alomar would need to apply to MLB for reinstate- in 2005. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of “I am disappointed, surprised and upset with ment from the banned list. Fame in 2011 with 90 percent support from a today’s news,” Alomar said. “With the current social Alomar, whose father Sandy Alomar Sr. was an media selection panel. — AFP

“I decided to play aggressively in the back-nine,” Lin bids to make Lin said. “I knew there were still lots of opportunities and I just had to stay patient. The last couple of holes were pretty surreal! It’s going to be a brand-new history; Bradley, experience for me. Today’s round has given me lots of confidence and I’m just going to do exactly the Burns share lead same thing like I did today.” South Korea’s Park, who shared the overnight SINGAPORE/MIAMI: Lin Xiyu could become the lead with fellow South Korean Park Hee-young, first Chinese female golfer to win the HSBC Women’s started promisingly with four birdies in a blemish- World Championship after she fired a five-under-par free front-nine. Her fortunes turned quickly in the 67 to snatch the third round lead yesterday. Lin, who back-nine as she dropped four shots with bogeys Trayvon Bromell is holding a 54-hole lead for the first time, had a and a double-bogey on holes 11, 14 and 16. But the Olympic gold medalist redeemed herself with a MUNICH: Germany’s Alexander Zverev returns the ball to sparkling back-nine to thank as she stormed up the birdie on 18 to keep herself in contention at the Belarus’ Ilya Ivashka during their quarterfinal match at leaderboard with four birdies in her last six holes to Bromell comeback Singapore tournament. the ATP Tennis BMW Open on Friday. — AFP take a one-shot lead over Australia’s Hannah Green and South Korea’s Park In-bee. Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley holed out for eagle Green and Park returned with matching three-day from the fairway at his final hole on Friday to share gathers pace with totals of 13-under-par 203 to share second place. the 36-hole lead at the Valspar Championship with Top seed Zverev The day did not start off according to plan for Lin as fellow American Sam Burns. Overnight leader world best 9.88sec she stumbled early with a bogey-five on the first Bradley’s five-under 66 saw him keep pace with crashes out; Osaka hole. She recovered quickly with birdies on the sec- Burns, who fired five of his eight birdies on the back MIAMI: Trayvon Bromell of the United States set ond and fifth holes but was pegged back again with nine in a blemish-free eight-under par 63. The US a world-leading 9.88sec with 100m victory at an another bogey on seven. duo were four strokes clear of their nearest rivals invitational meet in Florida on Friday, continuing enjoys winning start “I was really feeling nervous at the first hole. I with a record 36-hole total of 12-under 130. South his impressive start to the season after years thought I was going to hit it longer and left the putt Korean KJ Choi had set the previous best 36-hole dogged by injuries. Bromell, racing at the MUNICH/MADRID: Top seed Alexander Zverev short. But I just told myself that like yesterday when I score at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, Florida, with a University of North Florida Invitational near his crashed out of Munich’s ATP clay court tourna- had two bogeys, I can bounce back,” said Lin. The 131 back in 2002. “It was a fun day and what a way training base at Jacksonville, powered home ahead ment after a shock defeat to qualifier Ilya Ivashka 25-year-old birdied the ninth hole and started her to finish. It was a blast,” Bradley said after his gap of Canada’s Olympic bronze medalist Andre in the quarterfinals on Friday. Despite winning the charge with another birdie on 13 before finishing off wedge from 119 yards out at the par-four ninth DeGrasse who was second in 10.05sec. Divine opening set on a tie-breaker, Zverev, the 2017 and strongly with further birdies on 15, 16 and 18 to sign tracked the pin all the way, landing just beyond the Oduduru was third while France’s Jimmy Vicaut fin- 2018 Munich champion, bowed out 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, for a 202 total. hole and spinning back in. — AFP ished fourth with a time of 10.17. 3-6 after Ivashka of Belarus converted his first Bromell’s blistering run came after a 100m victo- match point. ry at the Oregon Relays in Eugene last weekend, The 27-year-old is ranked 101 places below where he defeated world 200m champion Noah world number six Zverev, 24, who made numerous Lyles in 10.01sec. The 25-year-old Bromell’s form errors. “This is a match I should never have lost - I’m suggests he is now firmly in the frame as a potential sad and disappointed”, admitted Germany’s Zverev. 100m gold medalist at this year’s Tokyo Olympics, Half of his 14 double faults came in the deciding set where world champion Christian Coleman will be as Zverev lost after two hours, 33 minutes while absent because of a doping ban. Ivashka reached a semi-final on tour for the first Bromell’s return to form comes after a career time in his career. that had been blown off course by a catalogue of Meanwhile, Japan’s Naomi Osaka began her bid injuries. He exploded onto the athletics scene in to capture a first clay court title with a 7-5, 6-2 2015, when he ran a personal best time of 9.84sec win over compatriot Misaki Doi in the opening for the 100m before his 20th birthday - the fastest round of the Madrid Open on Friday. The 23-year- time ever run by a teenager over the distance - old world number two recovered from an early before later claiming a bronze at that year’s World break to ease into the last 32 in 87 minutes on the Championships in Beijing. back of six aces, the last of which came on match He won gold in the 60m at the World Indoor point, and five breaks of serve. For left-handed Doi, championships in Portland in 2016, but suffered dis- the world 79, it was a 21st loss in 21 meetings appointment at the Rio Olympics that year, only fin- against top 10 players. Osaka, the reigning US and ishing in eighth place in the final won by Usain Bolt. Australian Open champion, has seven career hard He later suffered a torn Achilles in the final of the PALM HARBOR, Florida: A general view during the second round of the Valspar Championship on the Copperhead court titles to her name, but has never managed to 4x100m relay, the start of an injury nightmare that Course at Innisbrook Resort on Friday. — AFP lift a clay court trophy. — AFP saw him miss two full years of competition. — AFP Established 1961 15 Sunday, May 2, 2021 Sports Tatum explodes for 60, Celtics roar back from 32-point deficit LOS ANGELES: Jayson Tatum scored a career-high Lillard leads Trail Blazers over Nets 60 points as the Boston Celtics stormed back from In New York, Damian Lillard finished with 32 a 32-point first half deficit for a 143-140 overtime points and nine assists to lead the Portland Trail win over the San Antonio Spurs at the Boston Blazers to a convincing 128-109 victory over the Garden. Tatum’s point total equalled Boston icon Brooklyn Nets. Jusuf Nurkic delivered 23 points and Larry Bird for the most points scored in a game in 11 rebounds as Portland improved to 3-0 on a six- Celtic’s history and he is the second youngest play- game road trip after losing five straight. Lillard er ever in the NBA behind Devin Booker to post a drained eight three pointers for the Trail Blazers, who 60-point game. improved to 35-28 and are putting together a string “It’s a surreal feeling,” Tatum said of owning the of wins as they gear up for the playoffs. franchise record with Bird. “Maybe tomorrow I will “We have been terrible for awhile, but we are put- realize how special it is.” The 23-year-old Tatum ting it together at the right time of the year,” Lillard made four free throws in the final 12 seconds of said. “The way we have won games is more important overtime for the Celtics who roared back from a 29- than just getting the wins. “We defended and moved point halftime deficit to level the score halfway the ball. It is the way we want to play in the postsea- through the fourth quarter on Friday night. Tatum’s son.” Kyrie Irving scored 28 points for the Nets after previous career best was 53 points against the sitting out Thursday’s 130-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 9. Indiana Pacers because of a groin problem. Tatum hit a three pointer with 38 seconds left in Brooklyn star Kevin Durant, who missed 23 the fourth to give the Celtics their first lead 127-126 straight games earlier this season with a left ham- since early in the first quarter. Tatum drained anoth- string injury, did not play. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia er free throw with 18 seconds to play to give the 76ers used a balance attack to beat the Atlanta Celtics’ a two point lead, but San Antonio’s DeMar Hawks for the second consecutive game as seven DeRozan tied the game with 10 seconds to go to set players hit double figures in a 126-104 victory. Joel the stage for a thrilling overtime. Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris each scored “That was a tough one,” Tatum said. “This game 18 points and reserve Dwight Howard finished with 19 is what being a Celtic is all about. Never quit, never points and 11 rebounds as the Sixers improved to 42- BOSTON: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on giving up. To be down 30 and come back in over- 21 on the season. The Sixers dominated the Hawks by Friday at the TD Garden. —AFP time and win, there is nothing like it.” Jaylen Brown 44 points on Wednesday and have won each of their added 17 points for the Celtics and Aaron Nesmith past three games by a combined 97 points. Shake had 16 points. DeRozan scored 30 points and Milton scored 13, Furkan Korkmaz had 11 and Matisse games with a sprained left ankle. Young showed no Mikal Bridges added 18 and the Phoenix Suns beat dished out a career-high 14 assists for the Spurs, Thybulle added 10. The Hawks got leading scorer rust, scoring 32 points but the Hawks lost their third the Utah Jazz 121-100 to move into a tie for the top who dropped to 31-31 on the season. Trae Young back in the lineup after he missed four straight game. In Phoenix, Booker scored 31 points, spot in the Western Conference. —AFP

“We got to continue to get better,” James said. “We Kings rally to spoil are working in two new pieces in Drummond and Ben Forsberg fires Leipzig and also working in myself and AD.” At the time of the injury, the Lakers had the No. 2 record in the Western into German Cup final LeBron James’ Conference and James was considered one of the front-runners in the league’s MVP award. BERLIN: Emil Forsberg volleyed RB Leipzig into the return to Lakers But James saw the Lakers go 8-13 when he was German Cup final by sealing a 2-1 win at Werder sidelined, and they have now lost six of their last Bremen with a stunning last-gasp goal in extra-time eight. “It has been a hell of a season. Sometimes we on Friday. Hwang Hee-chan had put Leipzig ahead at LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles superstar LeBron have a game every other day, back-to-backs, and we the start of extra-time only for Bremen midfielder can have four or five games in a week. It has been a James scored 16 points in his return from the longest Leonardo Bittencourt to level with a superb finish absence of his NBA career on Friday, but the long super quick season.” Heading into his return, before Forsberg came off the bench to hit the winner. Sacramento Kings rallied to beat the Lakers 110-106 James was averaging 25.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and at Staples Center. James, who missed 20 games with a 7.9 assists a game. “I was only on for about five minutes, but that was sprained ankle, finished with eight rebounds and sev- James wasn’t designated as available for Friday’s enough to get the goal,” said Forsberg. en assists, but he also had five turnovers in 32 minutes game until less than two hours before tip-off. He “We are all really happy to be in the final and looking of playing time. “I came out unscathed. It’s a pretty gave his right ankle a final test in pre-game warm- forward to it,” he added as Leipzig face either Borussia good start,” James said. ups then announced he was ready to go. Lakers Dortmund or Holstein Kiel, who knocked out Bayern The reigning champion Lakers are pleased to have coach Frank Vogel hadn’t planned to limit James’ Munich, in the final on May 13. “We lost to Bayern the the four time NBA MVP back for the Lakers stretch playing time although James took his first break last time,” he added having played in the team which drive, but James will have to shake off some expected halfway through the first quarter with the Kings lost the 2019 German Cup final 3-0 in Berlin, “so the rust in order to get into playoff form. “For my first ahead 12-9. He didn’t score his first basket until the passion and desire to win the cup is huge.” game in six weeks, I felt OK,” James said. “My ankle final seconds of the first quarter. LOS ANGELES: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann, who will coach was a little tight at times. It was just different move- Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Bayern next season, can sign off after two seasons by ments and different things I hadn’t done. As the games Kings fight back Sacramento Kings on Friday at STAPLES Center. —AFP lifting the German Cup. “The boys fought hard, it’s go on that will continue to improve.” The Lakers led by 10 points at the end of the third been a turbulent week for the club and we deserved The good news is that his play improved as the quarter, but the Kings outscored Los Angeles 32-18 in 10 assists and Terence Davis scored 10 fourth-quarter the win,” said Nagelsmann after his departure to game progressed and he didn’t appear to show any the fourth. James scored the Lakers final points of the points. The Kings earned their first victory at Staples Bayern was confirmed on Tuesday. “I would love to serious negative effects of the ankle injury which kept game on a driving layup with 36 seconds left. He then Center since 2018 and they did it without key players finish with a title for Leipzig.” him out since March 20. James rejoined a Lakers team put up a desperation 32-foot three pointer that bounced De’Aaron Fox (COVID-19 protocols) and Harrison His side romped to a 4-1 win in Bremen when the that has added Andre Drummond and Ben McLemore off the back of the rim and out with two seconds Barnes (abductor tightness). Davis led the Lakers with teams met in the league three weeks ago, but the during his absence and that welcomed back Anthony remaining that would have given the Lakers the lead. 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Drummond had 17 hosts put up a fight this time. Werder goalkeeper Jiri Davis, who missed nine weeks with injuries of his own. Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings with 23 points and points in the loss. —AFP Pavlenka pulled off a superb save to deny Leipzig striker Alexander Sorloth with four minutes gone. from Tajikistan to feature in the continental club show- Bremen’s US striker Joshua Sargent fired wide with Istiqlol first Tajik piece, pulled one back with Rustam Soirov scoring the goal at his mercy after getting the better of from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Komilov. Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano on half an hour. club into Champions But even though AGMK withstood the pressure in Just before the break, Bremen had a penalty deci- the dying minutes to pull off only their second win, it sion reversed after referee Manuel Graefe judged emerged that Al Hilal had been beaten by Shabab Al Davie Selke had exaggerated contact from Leipzig League last 16 Ahli at Riyadh’s Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Igor Jesus scored both the goals for Shabab in the second defender Nordi Mukiele. It finished goalless at the DOHA: Tournament debutants Istiqlol on Friday half to give the UAE side a second win in three match- break, but Leipzig hit the woodwork three times in became the first club from Tajikistan to qualify for the es. Brazilian forward Jesus first struck with a spot-kick the second-half. Mukiele hit the post shortly after Asian Champions League last 16 despite suffering a 2- in the 54th minute after Mohamed Kanno brought half time, then Leipzig defender Willi Orban also rat- 1 defeat to Uzbekistan’s AGMK. The Dushanbe-based down the dangerous Jaloliddin Masharipov. tled the woodwork with 65 minutes gone with a Istiqlol finished on 10 points from six matches to top Al Hilal’s star players failed to fire throughout the powerful header. Group A on a better head-to-head-record with Saudi match with Bafetimbi Gomis, Andre Carillo and Yasir Pavlenka palmed a shot by Christopher Nkunku giants Al Hilal, who also advanced as one of the three al-Shahrani fluffing chances and when Jesus struck his onto the post and in added time, Pavlenka produced a best second-placed teams after a 2-0 defeat by second of the night in the 90th minute, it appeared the stunning save to deny a Yussuf Poulsen header and Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE. former champions’ misery was complete. But Qatar’s Al take the game to extra time. Leipzig got the break- AGMK had nothing to lose and were aggressive Duhail and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli could only draw their through when Poulsen flicked the ball through to from the start, keeping Istiqlol goalkeeper Rustam match 1-1, resulting in both crashing out and Al Hilal Hwang, who held off his marker and fired home three Yatimov on his toes throughout the match at the King making the cut. RIYADH: Saudi’s Al-Hilal forward Luciano Vietto is minutes into extra-time. marked by UAE’s Shabab Al-Ahli midfielders Abdullah Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh. After several Iran’s Esteghlal progressed to the round of 16 as The South Korea striker is reportedly being close calls, the Tajiks finally fell to the pressure in the Group C winners after Chieck Diabate’s 14th-minute Al-Naqbi and Eid Khamis during the AFC Champions League group A match on Friday at the Prince Faisal chased by Premier League sides Everton, Brighton 67th minute with AGMK’s Zafar Polovonov heading in penalty gave them a 1-0 win over Iraq’s Al Shorta. The and West Ham United. However, a mistake by from close off an assist from Akramjon Komilov. bin Fahd stadium. —AFP Malian striker had missed a great chance earlier in the Upamecano allowed Bittencourt to sprint clear, round Twelve minutes later Istiqlol suffered another set- match but made amends with his spot kick after back as AGMK scored their second goal with Jovan Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and equalize from a Croatian Hrvoje Milic drew a foul from Karrar Al- Ahmed Basil. Iran’s Tractor FC and the UAE’s Al tight angle in the 105th minute. Forsberg came on in Djokic’s powerful shot off a pass from Murodjon Abbasi. Esteghlal won another penalty a few minutes Wahda, who were not in action on Friday, also the second period of extra-time and volleyed home Toshmatov finding the net. Istiqlol, who had already later when Mehdi Ghaedi was brought down but advanced along with Al Hilal despite being second in made history this month by becoming the first club Diabate’s shot was saved by Al Shorta goalkeeper their respective groups. —AFP Hwang’s header from close range to break Bremen hearts. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 Man City on brink of title glory Guardiola: Season ‘extra special’ due to fixture stress

LONDON: Manchester City are within Ederson had to make a superb save touching distance of the Premier League to keep City level when he stretched to title after Sergio Aguero and Ferran block Christian Benteke’s close-range Torres sealed a 2-0 win at Crystal effort with his legs. Aguero couldn’t hit Palace yesterday. Pep Guardiola’s side the target from 10 yards before Jesus sit 13 points clear at the top and will be was correctly ruled offside after he crowned champions if second-placed volleyed home from Fernandinho’s Manchester United lose against cross. It was the first time in 21 games Liverpool today. that City had failed to have a shot on After a tepid first half in south target in the first half. London, it was fitting that Aguero - the But City are too potent to be sub- architect of so many big moments in dued for long and they played with far City’s history - should open the scoring more intensity after the interval. Aguero with a typically lethal finish. Torres killed had been anonymous for long periods, off Palace two minutes later as City but he rolled back the years to break eased to an 11th successive away victory the deadlock in the 57th minute. in the Premier League, equaling the Running onto Mendy’s pass, Aguero English top-flight record. took a touch inside the Palace area Even if United do not slip up against before smashing a half-volley into the Liverpool at Old Trafford, City have four roof of the net from 10 yards. matches left to secure the one win they Aguero’s fourth goal of the season - need to clinch the title, starting with next his 258th for the club - put City back in Saturday’s home game against Chelsea. their groove and Torres doubled the It is a matter of when not if City add the lead 84 seconds later. Aguero, Jesus Premier League to the League Cup they and Sterling exchanged a flurry of won against Tottenham in April. passes, teeing up Torres for a fine low City were languishing in 14th place in finish from the edge of the area. late November but a blistering run since Guardiola’s joyous fist-pumping cele- then has carried them to the brink of a bration underlined the magnitude of the third title in four seasons. The treble moment as City closed in on their latest chasers could also add the Champions title triumph. League to that haul. On Tuesday, City LONDON: Crystal Palace’s Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate (right) vies with Manchester City’s English midfielder Raheem On Friday, Leicester missed a chance will attempt to reach their first ever Sterling (center) and Manchester City’s Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero during an English Premier League match at Selhurst Park to cement their grip on third place in Champions League final when they yesterday. — AFP the Premier League after a 1-1 draw defend a 2-1 lead in the semi-final sec- against 10-man Southampton at St ond leg against Paris Saint Germain. cess this season “extra special” and this ing their places as Aguero, Gabriel Jesus Torres met Benjamin Mendy’s cross Mary’s. Southampton had to play 80 This was City’s sixth successive game win was another tribute to their tena- and Raheem Sterling came in. Aguero with a deflected effort that looped over minutes without Danish defender away from the Etihad Stadium and by cious attitude. was making only his sixth league start of the bar. Sterling’s poor form has been Jannik Vestergaard after he was sent the time they return to Manchester to an injury-plagued season for City’s hidden by City’s march towards the title off for a foul on Jamie Vardy. But James play PSG, they will have clocked up Guardiola joy record goalscorer, who has announced and the England winger was guilty of Ward-Prowse’s second half penalty more than 3,500 miles on the road in The City boss made eight changes he will leave in the summer. All the taking one touch too many after bursting briefly put Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side just three weeks. Guardiola believes that from the midweek win in Paris, with only changes left City looking disjointed in a into the Palace six-yard box as a good ahead before Jonny Evans headed grueling schedule has made City’s suc- Ederson, Rodri and Joao Cancelo keep- scrappy first half. chance went begging. Leicester’s equalizer. — AFP