HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT PEOPLE’S HOSPITALS A GREAT WAY TO HELP PEOPLE PAGE-8 (OPINION)

NATIONAL NATIONAL Throne sections of Bhumi Phassa Mudra COVID-19 immunization conducted to sitting Buddha brought to Nay Pyi Taw monks, nuns and civil service personnel

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Vol. VII, No. 333, 3rd Waxing of Tabaung 1382 ME www.gnlm.com.mm Monday, 15 March 2021

Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Martial Law Order 1/2021 2nd Waxing of Tabaung 1382 ME 14 March 2021

1. In order to effectively provide security, the rule of law and community peace, the State Administration Council has transferred the executive and judicial power (Martial Law) to the Commander of the Yangon Command to exercise the martial law in the Hlinethaya Township and Shwepyitha Township of the Yangon Region under the Yangon Command in accordance with Article 419 of the Constitution. 2. Depending on changing situation in the region, the commander shall exercise the Martial Law by himself or shall transfer the power to the regional military commanders. By order Aung Lin Dway Lieutenant-General Secretary State Administration Council

Vice-Senior General Soe Win meets military personnel and families, encourages military and civilian patients in PyinOoLwin

ICE-CHAIRMAN of the State Administration VCouncil Deputy Com- mander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win met officer trainees, perma- nent officers and other ranks and their families at the local battal- ion and the Defence Services Technological Academy (DSTA) in PyinOoLwin Township sepa- rately yesterday morning. Also present were Lt-Gen Aung Zaw Aye of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), senior military officers from the Office of the Com- mander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) and the Commander of Central Command. At the meetings, the Vice-Senior Gen- eral explained details about handover of the State duty to the Tatmadaw in accord SEE PAGE-3 Vice-Senior General Soe Win and party are encouraging one of the military and civilian patients at PyinOoLwin military hospital yesterday. inside TODAY

NATIONAL NATIONAL NATIONAL BUSINESS BUSINESS Announcement Returnees from India Police stations Myanmar-Thailand Sagaing Region of Union Election undergo quarantine attacked with border trade down sees less cotton Commission at Tatmadaw’s slingshots and bottles by $452 mln as of 5 production this quarantine centre of petrol in Mandalay March year PAGE-2 PAGE-5 PAGE-6 PAGE-7 PAGE-7 15 MARCH 2021 2 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Announcement of Union Election Commission 14 March 2021

1. Regarding the Multiparty General Election held on 625 citizens, associate citizens, nationalized citizens, persons repeated on the voter lists two times. 8 November 2020, the Union Election Commission and non-identity voters, 6 persons repeated on the 4. The previous election commission released 158,898 eli- has inspected the voter lists and the casting of votes voter lists more than three times and 754 persons gible voters in Mayangon Township of Yangon Region. of Lanmadaw, Latha and Mayangon townships in repeated on the voter lists two times. The list of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Yangon Region. 3. The previous election commission released 17,863 Population in November 2020 showed 101,475 eligible 2. According to the inspection findings, the previous eligible voters in Latha Township of Yangon Region. voters who had turned 18. The voter lists mentioned election commission released 34,044 eligible voters The list of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and that there were 9,768 citizens, associate citizens, na- in Lanmadaw Township of Yangon Region. The list of Population in November 2020 showed 20,391 eligible tionalized citizens, and non-identity voters, 24 persons the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population in voters who had turned 18. The voter lists mentioned repeated on the voter lists more than three times and November 2020 showed 23,544 eligible voters who had that there were 149 citizens, associate citizens, na- 2,078 persons repeated on the voter lists two times. turned 18. The voter lists mentioned that there were tionalized citizens, and non-identity voters, and 188 5. Findings were as follows:

Findings on voter lists of respective township

Sr Township and numbers Township sub-com- List from Immigration Those involved in voting Those involved in Those involved in of polling stations mission department list without citizenship voter list more than voter list more than scrutiny cards three times holding two times holding one CSC one CSC 22 polling stations in 1 Lanmadaw Township of 34,044 23,544 625 6 754 Yangon Region 18 polling stations in 2 Latha Township of 17,863 20,391 149 - 188 Yangon Region 121 polling stations in 3 Mayangon Township of 158,898 101,475 9,768 24 2,078 Yangon Region

6. The Union Election Commission has inspected the withdrawal/receipt/use/remaining of ballot papers used for Pyithu Hluttaw Election of Lanmadaw, Latha and Mayangon townships in Yangon Region, together with the respective township election sub-commission, head of police force, Immigration and Population and administrator according to the Hluttaw Election Law Section 53. 7. According to the ground inspection, a total of 161 polling stations of these three townships took out 237,841 ballots and used 142,298. It left 93,573 ballots instead of 95,543. The difference was 2,065 ballots and if also found 95 extra ballots. The extra/shortage ballots were found at respective poll stations. The extra ballots were found and so it was found to print the ballots illegally.

The findings in each township are as follows:

Numbers of Exact Remaining on Difference Sr Subject Withdrawal Used polling stations Remaining the ground Shortage Extra 1 Lanmadaw 22 38,888 19,920 18,968 17,795 1,183 10 2 Latha 18 20,483 10,930 9,553 9,389 249 85 3 Mayangon 121 178,470 111,448 67,022 66,389 633 - Total 161 237,841 142,298 95,543 93,573 2,065 95

On the ground inspections on ballot papers for Pyithu Hluttaw Election of Lanmadaw Township

Difference Sr Subject Withdrawal Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing Extra 1 Ward/Village-tract ballots 35,550 19,190 16,360 15,187 1,183 10 2 Township ballots 3,338 730 2,608 2,608 - - Total 38,888 19,920 18,968 17,795 1,183 10

8. A total of 1,183 ballots of 22 polling stations in 13 Wards of Lanmadaw township were missing and the township sub-commission left 2,608 ballots while exact remaining ballots were 2,608 ballots. Moreover, the ward/village tract sub-commission received more than 10 ballots issued by township sub-commission.

9. The findings in Lanmadaw township were as follows:

Sr Ward Polling station Issued Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing Extra 1 No (1) Ward 2 3,300 1,855 1,445 1,446 1 2 No (2) Ward 2 4,550 2,265 2,285 2,151 134 3 No (3) Ward 2 3,250 1,620 1,630 729 901 4 No (4) Ward 2 3,350 1,888 1,462 1,464 2 5 No (5) Ward 2 3,450 1,963 1,487 1,438 49 6 No (6) Ward 2 4,500 2,368 2,132 2,134 2 7 No (7) Ward 3 5,650 2,997 2,653 2,658 5 8 No (8) Ward 1 1,550 1,013 537 533 4 9 No (9) Ward 2 2,550 1,407 1,143 1,096 47 10 No (10) Ward 1 1,250 469 781 781 11 No (11) Ward 1 800 436 364 364 12 No(12) Ward 1 900 502 398 350 48 SEE PAGE-4 15 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 3

MNM MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNNMNM Authorities are exercising restraint as peacefully as MNM possible MNM MNM MNM

EFFORTS must be exerted to develop Myanmar sports into ones that are systemic and meet international standards and to

NN support athletes in respective states and regions to participate in international events. All border crossings have been opened NN for the development of trade. Measures must be taken to enable internally displaced persons to return to their native places

N and to arrange their secure social- economic lives. Efforts will be continued to make to vaccinate people against COVID-19. N

N It is found that riots and protests are being incited on social media, and authorities are exercising restraint as peacefully as N

N possible. Efforts were made to repatriate Myanmar nationals detained in Malaysia, and a total of 1,086 Myanmar nationals N

N from Malaysia were brought back by Tatmadaw vessels. Measures are being taken to bring back those who are still left in N

M Malaysia. The repatriation of Myanmar nationals who were abroad is one of the achievements of the council. M M M

M (Excerpt from the speech to the meeting of the State Administration Council made by M

M the Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Chairman M

M Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 2 March 2021) M

MNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNMMNN

Vice-Senior General Soe Win meets military personnel and families, encourages military and civilian patients in PyinOoLwin

FROM PAGE-1 the detained man as a criminal with Articles 417 and 418 of the and tattooing on foreheads and Constitution after acting Pres- cheeks without respecting the ident U Myint Swe declared a human integrity, threatening in state of emergency on 1 Febru- the community, disturbing and ary 2021, the formation of the attacking non-CDM participants State Administration Council and those unwilling by regarding with senior military officers and them as government informers civilians and the implementa- and till they could lose their lives tion of the five future tasks and and hanging women’s longyis on nine objectives, lopsided accu- the roads and using the images sations on international media of revered monks, which are and social networks and by local contrary to Myanmar’s culture foreign news agencies describ- and custom. ing security forces’ legitimate The Vice-Senior General handling and dispersal of the also explained the direct and riots and protests in violent indirect responsibilities of the and anarchy-style incidents of Tatmadaw members and fam- anti-government protesters as ilies during the specific time use of force, taking of control when duties of the State are measures in conformity with the being shouldered in accord rules of the Riot Manual Law- with Sections 417 and 418 of the 1956 passed by the Ministry of Constitution, the assurance of Vice-Senior General Soe Win and party are cordially greeting and conversing with officers, other ranks and Home Affairs and the Rules of a faultless security system at their families yesterday. the Manual-2015, security forc- military headquarters and an es’ handling of the peaceful pro- unbreakable internal unity, the or unknowingly or intentionally families, and the credit given After the meeting, they tests from 5 to 22 February and restoration of permanent peace or unintentionally, to have the to the security forces for their cordially conversed with of- security forces’ handling of the with NCA-signatory EAOs, fur- awareness of the acts to sow 24-hour services. ficer trainees, permanent of- situation in line with the step- ther endeavours for the remain- seeds of distrust between the Then, the Vice-Senior Gen- ficers, other ranks and their by-step procedures of riot han- ing groups to sign the NCA, the Tatmadaw and its brother or- eral and party presented food- families. dling and dispersal of protesters need for all the Tatmadaw fam- ganization, the Myanmar Police stuffs manufactured by the fac- Later, they visited the mil- after 23 February following a ilies, as an individual, a family Force, and the need to continue tories of the Defence Services itary hospital in PyinOolwin, discussion for a certain period or a community, to stay away the ongoing bilateral coopera- and gifts to officer trainees, per- asked after the health of officers, about the acts which damage from committing acts that may tion, the aids being provided by manent officers and other ranks other ranks, MPF members and the human integrity by shaving tarnish the image of the institu- the leaders of the State and the and their families of the local civilian patients, receiving treat- eyebrows and haircut as pun- tion they are involved in, the Tat- Tatmadaw for the Tatmadaw units and DSTA through offi- ments there, individually, and ishment, putting a placard on madaw and the State knowingly and MPF members and their cials. presented gifts to them.—MNA 15 MARCH 2021 4 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Announcement of Union Election Commission

FROM PAGE-2 Sr Ward Polling station Issued Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing Extra 13 Maw Tin temporary market 1 450 407 43 43 Total Wards 22 35,550 19,190 16,360 15,187 1,183 10 Township remaining ballots 3,338 730 2,608 2,608 Total in township 38,888 19,920 18,968 17,795 1,183 10

On the ground inspections on ballot papers for Pyithu Hluttaw Election of Latha Township

Difference Sr Subject Withdrawal Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing Extra 1 Ward/Village-tract ballots 18,900 10,622 8,278 8,102 249 73 2 Township advance ballots 389 308 81 93 − 12 3 Township remaining ballots 1,194 − 1,194 1,194 − − Total 20,483 10,930 9,553 9,389 249 85

10. A total of 249 ballots were missing and it found 85 extra ballots – 73 ballots and 12 township advance ballots at 18 polling stations of 10 Wards in Latha Township.

11. Findings in Latha township were as follows:

Sr Ward/Village-tract Polling station No Issued Used Exact remaining Remaining on the Missing Extra ground 1 No (1) Ward 2 2,150 1,135 1,015 1,018 − 3 2 No (2) Ward 2 2,350 1,158 1,192 992 200 - 3 No (3) Ward 2 2,050 1,272 778 780 − 2 4 No (4) Ward 2 2,500 1,368 1,132 1,142 − 10 5 No (5) Ward 2 2,100 1,203 897 907 − 4 6 No (6) Ward 2 2,100 1,115 985 936 49 7 No (7) Ward 2 1,950 1,063 887 891 − 4 8 No (8) Ward 2 2,150 1,165 985 985 − − 9 No (9) Ward 1 1,000 766 234 234 − − 10 No (10) Ward 1 550 377 173 223 − 50 Total Ward 18 18,900 10622 8,278 8,102 249 73 Township advance ballots 389 308 81 93 − 12 Township remaining 1,194 - 1,194 1,194 − − Total township 20,483 10930 9,553 9,389 249 85

On the ground inspections on ballot papers for Pyithu Hluttaw Election of Mayangon Township

Difference Sr Subject Withdrawal Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing Extra 1 Ward/Village-tract ballots 166,750 108,720 58,030 57,397 633 - 2 Township advance ballots 2,728 2,728 - - - - 3 Township remaining 8,997 - 8,992 8,992 - - Total 178,470 111,448 67,022 66,389 633 -

12. A total of 633 ballots were missing at 121 polling stations in 10 wards of Mayangon Township. Although the township sub-commission must have 67,022 ballots, they have only 66,389 ballots and of them, 8,992 ballots were unused.

13. Findings in Mayangon Township were as follows:

Sr Ward/Village-tract Polling station Issued Used Exact remaining Remaining on the ground Missing 1 No (1) Ward 20 36,500 23,016 13,484 13,224 260 2 No (2) Ward 24 32,000 20,804 11,196 11,135 61 3 No (3) Ward 16 22,400 14,911 7,489 7,439 50 4 No (4) Ward 9 11,500 8,169 3,331 3,331 − 5 No (5) Ward 21 28,450 18,276 10,174 9,932 242 6 No (6) Ward 6 6,200 4,087 2,113 2,093 20 7 No (7) Ward 4 6,900 4,450 2,450 2,450 − 8 No (8) Ward 9 11,000 7,130 3,870 3,870 − 9 No (9) Ward 7 7,300 4,756 2,544 2,544 − 10 No (10) Ward 5 4,500 3,121 1,379 1,379 − Total Ward/Village-tract 121 166,750 108,720 58,030 57,937 633 Township advance ballots 2,728 2,728 − − − Township remaining ballots 8,992 − 8,992 8,992 − Total Township 178,470 111,448 67,022 66,389 633

14. The previous election commission announced 111,288 people cast votes in Mayangon Township of Yangon Region. According to the inspection, they used 111,448 ballots and so they used extra 160 ballots. Union Election Commission 15 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL 5

Yangon Region’s Hlinethaya, Throne sections of Bhumi Phassa Mudra Shwepyitha townships placed sitting Buddha brought to Nay Pyi Taw under Martial Law

GLOBAL Fashion Garment JCK Garment Factory and Factory, Wai Kyal Garment the Basic Education High Factory, Golden Dragon Fer- School on the Bayintnaung tilizer Plant and two other Road in Ward-6 yesterday. garment factories in Hline- By placing havoc on thaya Township, Yangon Re- roads, rioters managed to gion, were set fire yesterday. prevent the fire engines Rioters created havoc on from fighting the fires. The roads, and over 2,000 rioters rioters also carried out simi- also blocked the roads to lar activities in the township prevent fire engines from yesterday. leaving their stations and Therefore, the State fighting the fire. The rioters Administration Council, also carried out similar ac- to effectively enforce se- tivities with creating havoc curity, the rule of law and on roads over the previous community peace, placed days. the Hlinethaya Township Similarly, fire outbreaks and Shwepyitha Township A convoy of vehicles seen conveying parts of the Bhumi Phassa Mudra Sitting Buddha to Nay Pyi Taw on 13 occurred at the Myanmar of Yangon Region under the March 2021. Solo Moda Garment Factory, Martial Law. —MNA THE statue of the Bhumi Phas- Sayadaws and monks, and invited guests attended the sa Mudra sitting Buddha and along with State Central Work- ceremony for conveying the the pieces of throne have been ing Committee of the Sangha throne of the Buddha statue. transported from Semikhone Aungsithar Sayadaw Agga The weights of the sec- Returnees from India undergo port to Nay Pyi Taw Council Maha Pandita, Bhaddanta ond section and the pair of the Territory, and the second sec- Wiskkhana, Lt-Gen Kyaw Swar throne were 655 tonnes and 315 quarantine at Tatmadaw’s tion and the pair of the throne Lin, Lt Gen Kan Myint Than tonnes respectively, and the re- quarantine centre were brought to the designated from the office of the Command- maining parts will be brought place on 13 March. er-in-Chief and military officials as planned. —MNA

COVID-19 immunization conducted to monks, nuns and civil service personnel

TATMADAW has been work- tu, Namsang (North), Hsipaw, township in Ayeyawady Re- ing together with civilian doc- Hsenwi, Taunggyi, Ayethayar, gion; Mawlaik township in tors who did not participate Hopong, Kalaw, Aungban, Sagaing Region; Nattalin and in the CDM campaign to con- Nyaungshwe, Seikhaung, Monyo townships in Bago Re- duct COVID-19 immunization Kunhing, Mongnai, Maukmai, gion. across the country. Loilem, Panglong, Tachilek, Chairpersons of the re- Returnees seen getting COVID tested. On 11 and 14 March, the Monghsat, Mongkhok town- spective region administration vaccination was administered ships in Shan State; Bawlake councils and officials from the A TOTAL OF 71 Myanmar Okkapala Township of Yan- to the people over the age of and Moebyal townships in respective regional commands marine workers repatriated gon to provide proper med- 65, including monks, nuns and Kayah State; Dawei township encouraged and donated of- from India by Tatmadaw’s ical treatments. civil service personnel in Nam- in Taninthayi Region; Pathein fertories to the monks.—MNA vessels in accordance with The military medical the instructions of the State team provide them with the Administration Council needed healthcare services Chairman Senior General and Tatmadaw will send them Min Aung Hlaing are cur- back to their respective re- rently placed at Tatmadaw gions and states when they quarantine centre in South complete quarantine. –MNA

Request to Public

1. Democracy practices have granted the public for freedom of speech, practices and living. Such freedoms should not harm others. Diverse views of others should be under- stood, but should not be disturbed or harassed. However, with the reason of human rights, some persons are now under pressured, harassed and threatened in breaching the laws. Undisciplined acts could lead to tarnish the image of democracy. 2. For preventing destructive actions against stability of the state, safety of the public and rule of law, it is also required to proper actions in line with the law. 3. All the people who favour justice, freedom, equality and safety are requested to oppose breaching the laws and prevent such actions for the benefit of country and people. A nun is seen receiving COVID vaccination in Mawlaik. 15 MARCH 2021 6 NATIONAL THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Administration Council Nine Objectives

1. Political affairs sectors of the economy as well; (a) Building of a Union based on democracy and federalism in practising genuine (b) Stability of market economy and inviting international investments to develop disciplined multiparty democracy in a full fairness manner; the economy of entire ethnic people; (b) Emphasizing of restoration of eternal peace for the entire nation in line with (c) Encouragement of local businesses to create employment opportunities to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA); be able to produce many products of the State. (c) Continuous practising of the “principle” of peaceful co-existence among countries by holding up the independent, active and non-aligned foreign 3. Social affairs policy. (a) For ensuring of dynamism of Union spirit which is genuine patriotic spirit; (b) Following customs and traditions of all ethnic nationalities and preservation 2. Economic affairs and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national characters; (a) Further development of production based on agriculture and livestock (c) Enhancement of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation. breeding through modern techniques and all-round development of other

1 police, 4 civilians injured, 11 new cases of COVID-19 reported on 1 killed in shooting at Phakant

14 March, total figure rises to 142,147 THE security forces dispersed perse. Police Constable Zaw a protest crowd of around 450 Zaw Aung was injured on his people in front of the Mashi Ka eyebrow due to the attack of MYANMAR’S COVID-19 positive cases rose to 142,147 after 11 new cases were reported on 14 Htaung Ward administration riotous protestors. March 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Sports. Among these confirmed cases, 3,202 office in Phakant Township of Meanwhile, Kyaw Lin died, 131,39 have been discharged from hospitals.—MNA Kachin State yesterday. Htike, aged 30, son of U Tin Wa The protest crowd shout- from Sate Mu Ward of Phakant ed slangs in front of the ad- Township died on the spot and ministration office and did not another four people — three agree with the negotiation of men and one woman were in- Police stations attacked with slingshots the security forces to disperse. jured. A case was opened and Therefore, the security forc- police carried out necessary and bottles of petrol in Mandalay es fired at protestors to dis- measures.—MNA

Rioters attack railway police station in Bago

A group of 200 rioters violent- on the garbage and the police ly attacked the security forces had to extinguish the fire. It is in the railway police station reported that the police force which is about 150 yards from has been beefed up to provide the Bago train station in Bago security for the railway police Township yesterday afternoon station. and security forces had to fire Rioters who do not want warning shots to disperse the stability, peace and security in mob. the country have accelerated The mob used slingshots to confront security forces by and rings of incendiary materi- inciting people to take to the als with the screams during the roads, commit anarchic vio- attack. Although buildings were lence and raid on police sta- not burned, the fire rings fell tions.—MNA

Police stations were attacked by anarchic mob in Mandalay yesterday.

POLICE stations were attacked handmade bombs and burning ed to take legal action against by slingshots and bottles of car tyres, throwing petrol bot- them. petrol with the attempt to burn tles to attack the police stations, Rioters who do not want down the stations in Mahaaung- security forces had to disperse stability, peace and security in mye township, Aungmyethazan them to maintain the situation the country have accelerated to township, Pyigyidagun township for the rule of law. Although confront security forces by incit- in Mandalay Region yesterday. buildings were not destroyed, ing people to take to the roads, While groups of people who some police were injured and a commit anarchic violence and Security forces are dispersing the mob who attack the Bago train resort to violence were using total of 15 rioters were arrest- raid on police stations.—MNA station. 15 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR LOCAL BUSINESS 7 Sagaing Region sees less cotton production this year SAGAING REGION, which had Department stated. over 100,000 acres of cotton the At present, cotton has only a previous years, covers only Chinese market through border 64,000 acres this year. trade. Price instability occurs “If the crop is potential, depending on China’s demand. the growers plant them. The In a bid to control the market, high input cost and low profit cotton is required to penetrate bring down the acreage in the more foreign markets through region,” said U Kyaw Soe, head typical marketing besides Chi- of Sagaing Region Agriculture na, said an official from the De- Department (Administration partment. Cotton should be a Division). profitable crop beyond covering Cotton growers said that the input cost to regulate the cotton cotton fetches K1,700 per viss (a market. If not, growers will turn viss equals 1.6 kg) this year. to other crops, said a grower. “The cotton price is not that There are 64,094 acres of low. Nevertheless, the growers cotton between April 2020 and lose interest in cotton this grow- Cotton is included in the National Export Strategy, and textile fibre and fabric is listed on priorities for March 2021 in five Sagaing Re- ing season. Consequently, the exports. PHOTO : LU LAY gion districts, covering 19 town- number of acres has decreased,” National Export Strategy, and Cotton is solely dependent control the market, more for- ships in Monywa, Sagaing, Yin- a grower elaborated. textile fibre and fabric is listed on the Chinese market, resulting eign market access is required, mabin, Shwebo and Kantbalu Cotton is included in the on priorities for exports. in price instability. Therefore, to the Sagaing Region Agriculture districts. — Lu Lay/GNLM Myanmar-Thailand border trade Sino-Myanmar border trade up despite political changes: down by $452 mln as of 5 March MOC reports THE value of Myanmar’s bilat- both sides, said a trader from al Association. SINO-MYANMAR border trade agricultural products. Moreover, eral trade with the neighbour- Myawady. Additionally, exports of has registered a rise of US$227.37 the COVID-19 impacts slow the ing country Thailand through During the last budget natural gas from the Tanin- million between 1 October and 5 trade last year. the land border has registered year, Myanmar has increasing- thayi Region has contributed March in the current financial In a bid to contain the spread a decrease of US$452 million ly exported corns to Thailand to the enormous increase in year 2020-2021 amid the political of coronavirus on the border, between 1 October and 5 March through the Myawady border. border trade with Thailand in changes, according to the Min- China banned border cross- of the current financial year Myanmar’s corn exports to the previous years. This year, istry of Commerce. ing. Shortly after that, about 50 2020-2021 as against a year- Thailand significantly soared to gas exports via the Hteekhee As of 5 March 2021, Myan- drivers are allowed to pass the ago period, the Ministry of over 1.2 million tonnes through border drastically fell. mar’s exports to China through crossing under the driver sub- Commerce-issued statistics border posts between Myan- There are seven border the land border were valued at stitution system. Those drivers indicated. mar and Thailand during Oc- posts between Myanmar and $1.9 billion, while imports are are, however, tested every three The ministry reported tober and May period in the Thailand, Tachilek, Myawady, worth $897.8 million. The value days. As a result of this, China exports surpassed imports in FY2019-2020, an official of the Kawthoung, Htikhee, Myeik, of Sino-Myanmar border trade included them in the vaccina- trade with Thailand this year, Ministry of Commerce said. Mawtaung and Maese. Except via all five border posts touched tion programme, covering more with exports reaching over At present, Myanmar for Tachilek and Myawady, the over $2.89 billion in the current than 40 Myanmar truck drivers, $985.6 million and imports exports the corn to Thailand remaining border posts showed FY, which significantly soared vice-chair of Muse rice wholesale valued at over $454 million, through Myawady and Tachilek a decrease in the trade this FY. from over $2.66 billion recorded centre said. totalling $1.4 billion. land borders. About 5,000-6,000 The value of border trade in the year-ago period, indicated In a bid to lower trade barri- During the corresponding tonnes of corn are daily sent stood at $159.27 million via the Ministry of Commerce’s data. ers and offer relief to Myanmar period of the past FY2019-2020, to Thailand through Myawady, Tachilek, $549.48 million via The increase in trade is at- traders through the border trade Myanmar-Thailand border while the Tachilek border does Myawady, $159.8 million via tributed to the extending trad- channel, the Ministry of Com- trade touched a high of $1.89 not regularly export. Kawthoung, $62.565 million ing hours at Muse-Man Wein merce, the related departments billion. Myanmar is allowed for via Myeik, $501.97 million via and Kyinsankyawt checkpoints. and the Union of Myanmar Feder- Following some traders corn export between 1 Feb- Hteekhee and $6.9 million via Furthermore, Pan Hseng (Kyu- ation of Chambers of Commerce tested positive for COVID-19, ruary and 31 August with Mawtaung. Maese border post kok) and Wan Ding border posts and Industry have been negoti- some border posts were tem- Form-D, under zero tariff. has not witnessed any trade also gave the green light to fruit ating with China counterparts. porarily halted last year. At Thailand imposed 73 per cent yet. trucks under the driver substitu- The two countries are mak- present, fruits and agricul- of tax on corn import to pro- Myanmar primarily ex- tion system. ing efforts to set up more border tural products such as cu- tect their growers’ rights if the ports natural gas, fishery prod- This FY, border trade val- economic cooperation zones cumber, mango, tomato and corns are imported during the ucts, coal, tin concentrate (SN ues totalled $2.28 billion through and promote border trade. My- vegetable, fishery products, corn season of Thailand as per 71.58 per cent), coconut (fresh the Muse border, $123.3 million anmar’s MOC is trying to boost building materials and other the World Trade Organization and dry), beans, and bamboo via Lweje, $274.936 million via exports of rice, broken rice, pharmaceutical-related goods notification regarding corn im- shoots to Thailand. It imports Chinshwehaw, $204.8 million via agro-products, fruits and fisher- and equipment can be traded. port of Thailand, said a corn capital goods such as machin- Kampaiti, and over $5 million via ies to China through negotiations. Myanmar-Thailand friendship exporter. ery, raw industrial goods such Kengtung. The Commerce Minis- Myanmar exports agricultur- bridge No. 2 is also open for Myanmar intends to reach as cement and fertilizers, con- try’s data showed a rise in trade al products, including rice, beans trading. an export target of one million sumer goods such as cosmet- value through all those border and corns, and fishery products The halt in trading un- tonnes of corns to Thailand this ics and food products from the posts. such as crab, prawn, and others. doubtedly harmed the trad- year, said U Min Khaing, chair neighbouring country. —HH/ Muse is an essential bor- Furthermore, Myanmar’s natural ers and truck drivers from of the Myanmar Corn Industri- GNLM der in Myanmar and handles an gas export to China is also con- enormous volume of trade. But at ducted through the Muse-Ruili times, it has experienced a sharp border. The raw CMP materials, 09 251 022 355 drop in trade on account of China electrical appliance and consum- Advertise with us Call clamping down on illegal goods, er goods are imported into the 09 974 424 848 resulting in a halt in the trade of country. —KK/GNLM 15 MARCH 2021 15 MARCH 2021 8 OPINION THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR NATIONAL/ ARTICLE 9

Healthcare Objectives of 76th US leads billion-plus vaccine push in India Anniversary Armed services at Forces Day NDIA will produce more than nounced that Indian company speed up the process of post-pan- one billion more COVID vac- Biological Ltd. would manufac- demic recovery and enable fam- FOR the Tatmadaw to join hands with the entire nation to people’s hospitals cine doses by the end of next ture at least one billion addition- ilies and businesses to put the I safeguard democracy, which is the aspiration of all the nation- year in an initiative launched al vaccine doses by the end of COVID-19 crisis behind them," Friday with the United States 2022, focusing on the single-shot, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shrin- alities of the country, from deviating from its path, in accord a great way to (US), Japan and Australia, US-developed Johnson & John- gla told reporters in New Delhi. with the basic principles of the Constitution, while observing challenging China as the four son jab that was approved Friday The White House said that Our Three Main National Causes, which is the national policy; leaders held their first-ever joint by the World Health Organiza- Japan and the US would provide To protect the people from all dangers including natural help people summit. tion (WHO). favourable loans to allow the In- US President Joe Biden, Biden's national security ad- dian production, with Australia disasters at any time and in any situation and to provide all- who has vowed to reinvigorate visor, Jake Sullivan, called the stepping up to nearly US$500 round assistance for ensuring social security of the people; EOPLE of the world’s countries, including Myanmar, de- alliances in the face of grow- plan a "massive joint commit- million funding to administer To restore eternal peace based on NCA, without deviat- mand Universal Health Coverage (UHC) of good quality ing worries about China, met ment" and said that Southeast vaccines in Southeast Asia and ing from Our Three Main National Causes, as the cessation Pto ensure their access to healthcare services for disease virtually with the three nations' Asia would be the priority to the Pacific. The plan comes as of armed conflicts is the principal requirement in realizing prevention and cure, palliation, health promotion, and rehabilitation. prime ministers as they pledged receive the shots, which should China, where the deadly virus The health services in Myanmar are offered by both the public together to defend a "free and come well after the US is largely was first detected in late 2019, democracy; and private sectors. open" Indo-Pacific region. vaccinated. works to transform its image To build a strong and compact Standard Army, which has Besides, our people are relying on people’s hospital for health "We're renewing our com- Indian Prime Minister Nar- into that of a global healer. the combat prowess and combat power, to effectively safeguard care service as the cost at the people’s hospital is not a financial mitment to ensure that our re- endra Modi said the vaccine in- China has shipped vaccines A monitor displaying a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden (top L), Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison (bottom L), Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (top R) and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the State peace and stability and sovereignty. burden for them in compared with the cost at the private hospitals. gion is governed by internation- itiative showed that the Quad is as far afield as the Dominican seen during the virtual Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting, at Suga's official residence in Tokyo on 12

With free health care al law, committed to upholding "a positive force for global good Republic and provided doses to March, 2021. PHOTO: AFP service, people’s hospitals universal values and free from and for peace, stability and pros- international partners such as are playing a crucial role in coercion," said Biden, who like perity in the Indo-Pacific". Pakistan and Zimbabwe. meeting with the other three is taking a more tactful approach will become the first foreign The healthcare providing health care servic- the others made no explicit, but India, a global pharmaceuti- leaders this year. that includes a renewed focus leader to have White House es to the people in Myanmar, plenty of implicit, mentions of cal hub, is already sending vac- Flurry Of Diplomacy The Biden administration on alliances –many of which, es- talks with Biden, who has tried professionals especially for the people at the China. cines to 70 nations and called The Quad summit kicks off says it largely agrees with pre- pecially in Europe, were badly to set an example by limiting grassroot level. Vowing to show concrete the Quad initiative a vindication. a flurry of diplomacy by Biden, vious president Donald Trump's rattled by the vitriolic Trump. travel and meetings during the Myanmar Daily Weather Report Hence, the country is pro- results, the so-called Quad an- "We believe that this will who promised an in-person hawkish line of China but that it Japan announced that Suga pandemic. —AFP (Issued at 7:00 pm Sunday 14 March 2021) and workers are ducing doctors every year, but the total number of doctors at BAY INFERENCE: Weather is partly cloudy over the Andaman the sine qua non the hospitals nationwide do Sea and South Bay and generally fair elsewhere over the Bay not reach over one thousand. of Bengal. for an efficient Therefore, the imbalance AstraZeneca defends its vaccine amid safety fears physician-to-patient ratio has FORECAST VALID UNTIL NOON OF THE 15 March 2021: Rain and effective been a headache for our coun- or thundershowers will be scattered in Taninthayi Region and try for years, and the Ministry OGGED already by better to get vaccinated as soon cember, underpinned largely by isolated in Upper Sagaing, Bago Regions and Kachin, Kayin, healthcare of Health and Sports have to rows with European as the invitation arrives both to the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab and Mon States. Degree of certainty is (80%). Weather will be partly handle this issue every year. Dpoliticians, AstraZene- minimise your personal risk and another from Pfizer-BioNTech, cloudy in the remaining Regions and States. Now, there are about 10,000 ca was forced anew to defend its to help get the epidemic under and has strenuously defended system and their vacancies for doctors at hos- coronavirus vaccine on Friday control, so we can all progress AstraZeneca's safety and effica- STATE OF THE SEA: Seas will be moderate in Myanmar pitals to meet the need of the over concerns about a potential towards a more normal future." cy. But the impact of the rolling waters. Wave height will be about (4-7) feet off and along My- shortage is an organizational set up for the link to blood clots. disputes is being seen on the anmar Coasts. healthcare system. The decision of some coun- 'Dubious' Politics London stock market. impediment to With the CDM movement, tries in Europe and Asia to sus- This week Denmark, Nor- In Friday afternoon trading, OUTLOOK FOR SUBSEQUENT TWO DAYS: Increase of doctors working for the peo- pend their use of the COVID-19 way and Iceland all paused their AstraZeneca shares were down day temperatures in Nay Pyi Taw, Lower Sagaing, Mandalay, ple’s hospitals walked out of jab was extra bad news for the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine 1.11 per cent at 6,935.00 pence. Magway Regions, Shan, Chin States. the achievement the hospitals, and it has been United Kingdom (UK)-based as a precaution after isolated They have lost five per cent over a blow to the country’s health pharmaceutical company, which reports of recipients developing the year to date, compared to a FORECAST FOR NAY PYI TAW AND NEIGHBOURING AREA of Millennium care system. has taken a knock with inves- blood clots. rise of 4.50 per cent for London's FOR 15 March 2021: Partly cloudy. The healthcare profes- tors even as authorities around Italy and Austria have also FTSE-100 share index. Development sionals and workers are the the world insist the jab remains stopped the use of shots from "Coming on top of reports in FORECAST FOR YANGON AND NEIGHBOURING AREA sine qua non for an efficient safe. separate batches, while Bulgar- some countries that are linking FOR 15 March 2021: Partly cloudy. Goals. and effective healthcare sys- "An analysis of our safety ia and Thailand said they would the vaccine to blood clots, the tem and their shortage is an data of more than 10 million re- A health worker (R) receives the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine at the National Hospital of delay its rollout. company can't seem to catch FORECAST FOR MANDALAY AND NEIGHBOURING AREA impediment to the achieve- cords has shown no evidence Tropical Diseases in Hanoi on 8 March, 2021. PHOTO: AFP However, the World Health a break when it comes to re- FOR 15 March 2021: Generally fair weather. ment of Millennium Develop- of an increased risk of pulmo- Organization (WHO) earlier ports around its vaccine," CMC ment Goals. This situation has directly affected the people who nary embolism or deep vein developing economies. It is rela- delivery schedule, amid accusa- pens after you have had a vac- Friday said there was no rea- Markets chief market analyst need health care at hospitals. thrombosis in any defined age tively cheap, and easier to store tions that it is favouring Britain cination, it's natural enough to son to stop using the vaccine, Michael Hewson said. The EU Medical professionals have to take the Hippocratic oath and group, gender, batch or in any than other jabs. because its home country se- wonder whether the vaccine stressing there was no causal delivery shortfalls were "more of use it as ethnics as well. particular country" from the jab, But it has been repeatedly cured a contract earlier, prior was the cause," said Adam Finn, link between the jab and any an optics problem than anything With the oath-taking, they have to declare their commitment to AstraZeneca said. hit by controversy in Europe, to its full exit from the EU. professor of paediatrics at the clotting. A range of other health else", he added. assume the responsibilities and obligations of the medical profes- "In fact, the observed num- with some governments initially The controversies have tak- University of Bristol in south- authorities have also insisted it "The reality is that the EU sion and have to promise that they will, to the best of their ability, ber of these types of events are refusing to certify its use for en a toll on public confidence west England. is safe, including the European currently has up to 11.5 million serve humanity—caring for the sick, promoting good health, and significantly lower in those vac- people aged over 65 – initially in Europe, with millions of As- But in any mass inocula- Medicines Agency (EMA). unused vaccine doses due to a alleviating pain and suffering. cinated than would be expected over sparse data proving it was traZeneca jabs sitting unused tion campaign, "unexpected and But the EMA on Friday reluctance to take the vaccine With people who are in need of medical care at the people’s among the general population." safe for the elderly, although to the consternation of experts unusual illnesses are going to also said that severe allergies as a result of dubious efficacy hospitals, doctors, while accepting responsibility for patient safe- The jab, developed with this has now been provided. who say that needless rows are happen in the period following should be added to its possible claims by some European pol- ty and promising to act professionally, should practice medicine Oxford University, forms the The company has also been setting the inoculation cam- vaccination by chance", he said. side-effects. Britain began the iticians, which has meant that without considerations of political affiliation. mainstay of Britain's vaccina- embroiled in a dispute with the paign back. "In the meantime, the risk world's first vaccination drive uptake of the vaccine has strug- tion programme, and of many European Union (EU) over its "When something bad hap- benefit balance is very clear – in the general population in De- gled to gain traction." —AFP 15 MARCH 2021 10 ARTICLE THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Need to have true courage By Hein Ko

HE truth and courage network, and such doings are are interrelated to each disgraceful and shameless Tother. No matter how manners. The plebeian way brave you are, if you do some- does not mean undergradu- Some of the news are false. It can easily thing wrong even though you ate, poor or ugly, it means the know it, such courage or brav- wicket moral characters and ery will instantly disappear, and stances. Expressing the bad mislead ignorant and unintelligent people, and you will also become a coward. words just deviating from eth- ics are plebeian manners. some become lost in these fake news items. Character A person is born with a Character means a way to combination of polite or rude teach moral behaviour. Every- manners. Today, some people Meanwhile, some even want the help of foreign one must have good morality, are rude on social media. May- and having righteousness is be, they are delivered in rough countries. They take to the streets to protest by just the best policy. The actions, ways, and they no longer hide habits, moral character and their inferiority during this cur- ethics are morality. “If you have rent situation. Most of them breaking the rules and want foreign countries’ a good character, you will be a are not mature enough. While polite person being respected some are CDM participants, by others. And you also will some are rich, and some are help without thinking of officials’ less strong riot have a peaceful mind,” ac- unemployed. They use inap- cording to Myoma Myint Kywe. propriate pictures or images control methods. Then, “If you lose your wealth, that should not be seen even you have lost nothing. If you in families. lose your health, you have lost something. However, if you lose Target your character, you have lost “The people are not afraid to others without any hesitan- the help of foreign countries. but good-hearted person”. Al- everything,” said Philosopher to admit their greedy or anger, cy. Their doings, like posts of They take to the streets to pro- though you have good charac- Socrates. but they don’t dare to express their one-sided thoughts and test by breaking the rules and ter and attitude, you will make The persons with good their envy. The envious mind is rootless information, can be want foreign countries’ help mistakes in serving the country character can distinguish right worse than other,” Sayadaw U seen online. But, factual and without thinking of officials’ and people even if you think and and wrong. Moreover, they can Jotika preached. The unscrupu- accurate information cannot be less strong riot control meth- do so with “cetana”. Therefore, control themselves not to break lous persons intentionally com- a cover-up in this 21st Century. ods. Such moves are so silly only with good character and any rules. Those without good mit incitements to government and reckless. right-thinking can there be true character cannot determine staff to join CDM. But some of Getting lost in the dark Therefore, the intellectu- courage. right and wrong and are lack- the CDM participants under- Let’s look at the current al persons urged the people People should consider ing modesty or fear of sinning. stand the situation and enter news items spreading on the to read good literature, not these transitions in Myanmar Modesty is vital for human be- their duties as usual. Those social network. Some of the to trust others easily. Good political affairs with good char- ings’ value, so people think of it hooked CDM due to these in- news are false. It can easily readers have reasoning skills acters and mindsets during this as doing something bad. citements are currently unem- mislead ignorant and unintelli- to consider what is wrong and current situation. They should Some youths protesting on ployed without any income. gent people, and some become what is right. Only a good char- have the right thoughts to the roads intentionally com- Those full of envious mind lost in these fake news items. acter and mindset can over- achieve true courage. mit social bullying via social easily do something terrible Meanwhile, some even want come the actions of a “stupid Translated.

PANDEMIC: LATEST STORIES US weighs 3-foot distancing rule, a major change

The United States’ top Asked on CNN’s “State of pressure to fully reopen as pandemic advisor said Sunday the Union” show whether that soon as safely possible, but that authorities were consid- meant that a three-foot sep- many say the six-foot require- ering cutting social distancing aration was sufficient, Fauci ment makes it extremely dif- rules to three feet (one meter), replied, “It does, indeed”. ficult without adding portable a move that would change a While cautioning that the classrooms or shortening the key tenet of the global fight CDC was still poring over the school day. against Covid-19. new data and conducting tests Many teachers unions Anthony Fauci, a world-re- of its own, he said its findings have also insisted on six-foot spected figure during the coro- would come “soon”. distancing. navirus crisis, said experts at The six-foot social dis- Policies on reopening the Centers for Disease Con- tancing rule has been a wide- schools and businesses have trol (CDC) were examining ly-adopted global measure to varied sharply across the a Massachusetts study that prevent the spread of the coro- US and around the globe found “no substantial differ- navirus, along with mask-wear- as government try to bal- ence” in Covid cases in schools ing and hand-washing. ance quelling infections Social distancing circles in New York -- but could the rules soon be cut observing six-foot and three- School officials across the with a return to normal life. from six foot to three foot? PHOTO: AFP foot rules. world are under enormous —AFP 15 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ARTICLE 11

Resume banking operations for daily cash flow By Nay Chi Thway

THE banking sector has been (CDM) campaign as anti-State ployees, it is heard that the turbulent time were also con- and lending money back to the essential to developing social activists have been inciting them banks are also trying to gather demned for not joining the CDM people. Banks are the most fun- sectors. People keep their mon- intending to stop the State’s fi- employees to resume banking so that they will be scared to do damental part of the financial ey and important documents as nancial machinery. Since early operations. so again. Moreover, there were system and the key player in well as loan assistance and mon- February and banks had to close It can be said the private rumours circulated to raise pub- the financial market. We rely on ey transfer on a daily basis at the as the bank staff were contin- banks shut down since 8 Feb- lic concerns to the highest level banks to withdraw money from banks. To be exact, people open uously forced to join the CDM ruary, which affects people’s life that the country has run out of our deposit, check the balance bank accounts to save money, campaign, protesters had been primarily. I would like to speak money, and some banknotes will of our accounts, and draw sala- take loan assistance to buy cars, staging demonstrations around to those who support CDM re- be demonetized again. ry every month. We should be homes and phones, and others. the banks. sponsible for the inconvenient Although the Central Bank aware of the fact that the coun- Besides, banks are responsible The bank staff who were lives of the people who keep of Myanmar instructed private try’s economy can be affected for transferring money from one serving their duty at work were money in the bank and hold in- banks to reopen in February, when the business of the people to another, locally and interna- humiliated with their photos on ternational or local bank cards. only a few branches could re- who received bank loans are in tionally. At present, there are social media. It made trouble for These export-import businesses open. Although banks such as crisis and when the cash flow four government banks and 27 the bank staff who were working rely on money transfer at the Myawady Bank opened their has become difficult. private banks in Myanmar. to make the finance of the peo- banks’ employees who receive branches to support financial Although there are mobile Some bank staff from ple convenient. their salary through the bank. operations while many private and electronic payment sys- those banks participate in the While the private banks Bank staff who put mon- banks were shut down, incit- tems, most people cannot use Civil Disobedience Movement have been paying their em- ey in ATMs during the most ers continuously took all their them yet. If the banks did not money. resume regular operation, we Because the people are would face the weak usage of worried, they are taking all of cash on living and healthcare. their money from every open- Since the banks are the crucial ing bank. However, it is not parts of the State, we hope the Bank staff who put money in ATMs during necessary for them due to the resumption of banking opera- mismatch between the servic- tions to normal. the most turbulent time were also condemned es that can be provided. The It is not the current govern- people, banks are also in the ment but the people who have struggle to resume operation. deposit, money transfer, and for not joining the CDM so that they will be Exporters are not able to loan assistance at most private withdraw or transfer payment banks. We, the public, have suf- scared to do so again. Moreover, there were when banks are closed, which fered from the consequence of could also affect the ability to the banks’ shutdown. No citizen control commodity prices, hurt- can stand the long-term difficul- rumours circulated to raise public concerns ing all import-export business ties to withdraw his or her own and domestic products. Only the money from the bank. I wish people will suffer from this con- people find out those who are in- to the highest level that the country has run sequence. Due to the COVID-19 citing from behind and report to crisis, people have lived with the responsible persons so that out of money, and some banknotes will be lower income and economic they can be taken legal action. I downturn, following the banks’ specially invited the bank staff shutdown make the situation to return to work and serve the demonetized again. worse. people as soon as possible. Banks are financial inter- mediaries, accepting deposits Translated.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS UPDATE Yellen says Biden has yet to decide on a wealth tax

AMID reports that the richest spending we need to do”. that the world’s richest 10 peo- Americans have grown far richer Senator Elizabeth Warren, a ple -- including Americans Jeff during the pandemic year, Treas- liberal Democrat, has called for Bezos, Elon Musk and Bill Gates ury Secretary Janet Yellen said an annual tax of two per cent on -- had collectively seen their for- Sunday the Biden administration every dollar of people’s wealth tunes grow by $540 billion since had yet to decide on imposing a above $50 million, and three the pandemic began, even as new wealth tax. “That’s some- percent on every dollar above millions of Americans suffered. thing that we haven’t decided $1 billion. Last month, Yellen The trillions of dollars spent yet,” Yellen said on ABC’s “This told the New York Times that a in government stimulus plans Week” programme. Warren-style wealth tax would during the pandemic have greatly She said that President Joe have “very difficult implementa- swollen the federal deficit, and Biden “hasn’t proposed a wealth tion problems”. But she said she Republicans -- who supported tax, but he has proposed that cor- would consider other approaches stimulus spending during the porations and wealthy individuals that might have a similar effect. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen listens during a March 5, 2021 meeting with Trump administration -- now President Joe Biden in the White House; he hasn’t decided yet on imposing should pay more in order to meet A recent study by the hu- warn that the deficits risk be- a wealth tax, she now says. PHOTO: AFP the needs of the economy, the manitarian group Oxfam found coming unsupportable. —AFP 15 MARCH 2021 12 GLOBAL AFFAIRS THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Netanyahu: master politician fighting for survival

BENJAMIN Netanyahu has re- normalization agreements with “But at the end of the day mained in power as Israeli prime four Arab states and unrolling your core belief is to protect minister for a record 12 consec- a world-beating Covid-19 vac- yourself and survive,” Shindler utive years, partly by convincing cination campaign, the envy of told AFP. “That is how I perceive some voters that only he can many nations. Netanyahu.” keep the Jewish state safe while One reason why his political Yet despite being the first defending it on the world stage. standing remains fragile is that sitting Israeli premier indicted But on March 23, the his dealings with coalition part- while in office over corruption 71-year-old wily politician faces ners are so often undermined allegations which he denies, Ne- his fourth re-election contest in by mistrust, said Colin Shindler, tanyahu may well survive the less than two years, after repeat- a leading Israel scholar at Lon- ballot box again. edly failing to unite a coalition don’s SOAS University. That is because part of the behind him, despite his devoted “You trust people insofar as electorate still sees him as the right-wing base. you can use them, as you can safest available pair of hands to Polls indicate that this People walk past an electoral billboard for Israel’s Likud party bearing a pretend to forge friendships guide the nation, Shindler said. master political survivor, wide- portrait of its leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who faces the and alliances with them,” said “That’s the reason he’s still ly known as Bibi, could again fourth election in under two years. PHOTO: AFP Shindler, author of “The Rise of in power. He’s the national goal- struggle to forge the necessary Since Israelis last voted a yahu’s Likud may have even the Israel Right: from Odessa keeper and he doesn’t let in any 61-seat parliamentary majority. year ago, support for Netan- dipped, despite clinching historic to Hebron”. goals”.—AFP

Ailing Greek far-left hitman ends Zaghari-Ratcliffe back in Iran court on hunger strike: lawyer ‘propaganda’ charges JAILED Greek far-left hitman he carried out for the extremist Dimitris Koufodinas on Sunday group November 17. ed in a rally in front of the Iranian ended a 66-day hunger strike, For 20 years, the group embassy in London” in 2009. his lawyer said, a day after doc- targeted industrialists, police- Zaghari-Ratcliffe spoke in tors warned he risked “sudden men, foreign diplomats and sol- court where she denied all charg- death” from disruption to mul- diers, before being dismantled es, according to the Free Nazanin tiple vital organs. in 2002. support campaign. “Nazanin... “We persuaded him to end Considered the outfit’s top pointed out that all the accusa- the strike,” Koufodinas’ lawyer assassin and dubbed ‘Poison tions and evidence put forward Ioanna Kourtovik told AFP. Hand’ by Greek media, Kou- had been part of her trial in 2016,” In a statement released fodinas began a hunger strike the group said. through Kourtovik, Koufodinas in January after being denied “She had already been tried thanked “progressive people” transfer to a high-security jail and convicted on this evidence.” Richard Ratcliffe, husband of British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe for having shown their support in Athens to be near his family. Kermani told AFP that “the jailed in Tehran since 2016, and his daughter Gabriella, attend a protest in multiple protests around the His health has been in crit- outside the Iranian Embassy in London on March 8. PHOTO: AFP hearing took place in a very calm country in the past months. ical condition for the last two and good atmosphere, in the The demonstrations were of- weeks. On Saturday, doctors BRITISH-IRANIAN dual nation- diplomatic tensions between presence of my client”. ten marred by violence. treating Koufodinas at a hos- al Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe ap- London and Tehran. ‘Detention effectively “What is happening out pital in Lamia, central Greece, peared in a Tehran court Sunday British Foreign Secretary open-ended’ there is more important than said he was in “constant possi- to face new charges of “propa- Dominic Raab said it was “un- Under Iranian law, the court what initiated it,” he said. ble risk of sudden death” and ganda against the system”, a acceptable that Iran has cho- has seven working days to issue Koufodinas, who turns 63 had suffered “multiple accu- week after she finished serving sen to continue a second wholly a judgement, although delays next week, is serving multiple mulated disruption” to vital a five-year sentence, her lawyer arbitrary case”. According to are common. With the Islamic life sentences for 11 murders organs. —AFP said. The hearing has dashed the Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s lawyer, Hojjat republic about to celebrate the hopes of family and supporters Kermani, she is now being pros- Iranian new year, it means a rul- for a swift release of the 42-year- ecuted for “propaganda against ing might not be released until old, in a case that has heightened the system for having participat- March 30.—AFP

Protesters in Argentina attack bus carrying president

DOZENS of protesters kicked center in the town of Lago Puelo the bus carrying the president, and threw rocks at a minibus in the southern Patagonia re- punching and kicking it and carrying Argentine President Al- gion, Fernandez had to take ref- throwing stones that broke berto Fernandez on Saturday as uge behind a wall of people as a windows in the vehicle, accord- Hitman Dimitris Koufodinas began a hunger strike in January after he visited an area devastated by crowd of demonstrators pushed ing to footage broadcast by the being denied transfer to a high-security jail in Athens to be near his forest fires, TV footage showed. toward him and his delegation. TN network and the newspaper family. PHOTO: AFP As he left a community The protesters later stopped Clarin.—AFP

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Should you submit [email protected] www.facebook.com/thegnlm a text longer than 500 words please be aware that your letter will be edited. 15 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR ECON/AD 13 70% of Japanese firms rethink US air travel hits overseas business strategy amid virus highest level since March 2020 AROUND 70 per cent of AIRPORTS in the Unit- The previous high Japanese companies keen ed States saw their larg- since the onset of the coro- on pursuing overseas op- est number of passen- navirus crisis was seen on erations are rethinking or gers in a year on Friday, January 3, with nearly 1.33 have reviewed their busi- data showed, following a million passengers. ness strategy amid global shuddering halt in travel Air traffic had plunged risks such as the corona- brought on by the Covid-19 to a record low 87,534 pas- virus pandemic, a recently pandemic. sengers on April 14. The released survey showed. Just over 1.35 million United States has been bat- With the spread of travelers were checked tered by the world’s biggest COVID-19 battering the in at American airports reported outbreak of the world economy since last on Friday, the most since virus, with some 534,000 year, 64.8 per cent of firms March 15 last year, accord- deaths. However, the with business dealings ing to Transportation Safe- country has administered abroad said they have ty Administration figures. over 100 million doses of been negatively impact- Despite the recovery, the vaccine and new cases ed in terms of overseas volume is still nearly half numbers have fallen from sales for fiscal 2020 end- of what it would normally their highs over the holiday ing this month, according be this time of year. season. —AFP to Japan External Trade Photo taken in January 2020 shows a display space put up by the Japan External Trade Organization. Organization at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. PHOTO: KYODO COVID-19, which FY 2020 earnings upgrades resulted in lockdowns strengthened export reg- technology amid the pan- the next three years has and battered the world ulations, while 32.6 per demic, with 38.5 per cent hit a record low, the JET- triple downgrades as economy since last year, cent expressed the same looking to utilization of vir- RO survey said the propor- vaccines ease caution has thrust companies in for U.S. export control re- tual exhibits and business tion for those still wanting Japan into restructuring strictions. meetings and 30 per cent to start an overseas foray their business plans and In multiple answers, with eyes on cross-border in the future has only mar- UPWARD revisions in helped pull the Nikkei organization to weath- 42.5 per cent of respond- e-commerce. ginally decreased, under- earnings forecasts for stock index up above a er the fallout from the ents, including those in the The survey also found scoring how “eagerness this fiscal year by listed 30-year high last month, virus. food and clothing, apparel that the margin of decline to advance overseas has companies in Japan have Teikoku Databank said in Among other global and electrical machinery for overseas sales -- espe- not waned.” been triple the downward a survey report of listed risks, U.S.-China trade sectors, cited a review of cially in the apparel and Around 13,500 Japa- ones, as cautious views companies which close tensions as well as export their sales strategy. retail sectors -- in fiscal nese firms ranging from on the impact of the their books in March. restrictions by the United As a specific meas- 2020 dropped by 38.4 per manufacturers to trading new coronavirus eased Some 802 companies States and China have also ure on how to revise such cent on average, more houses and in the com- toward the start of vac- had revised their sales stirred worries among the strategy, 60.9 per cent cit- than 10 points higher from munications sector were cinations in February, projections by the end of companies. ed a review of their over- that of domestic sales. surveyed between the end according to a credit re- February, of which 604 or The survey found seas customers. Although the propor- of October to early Decem- search firm. 75 per cent raised their that 36.4 per cent are con- Others are taking the tion of firms looking at ber, with a total of 2,722 Improvement in guidance, while 198 re- cerned in the next two to digital route due to in- expanding their existing giving valid responses. — their outlooks for the duced it, according to the three years over Beijing’s creased demand on digital overseas operations for Kyodo year to March 2021 recent survey. —Kyodo

‘Markets be damned!’: Fed standing firm on inflation fears SKITTISH investors have see-sawed between cele- bration about the expected US economic recovery and nail-biting over a possible price spiral, but the Federal Reserve is standing firm on keeping interest rates low. In the balance be- tween allowing faster growth -- and rising prices -- in order to restore some Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is unlikely to waver on maintaining stimulus policies despite market inflation of the more than nine mil- fears. PHOTO: AFP lion jobs still missing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Federal Open Market Com- again that the Fed is willing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s mittee (FOMC) to maintain to accept higher inflation message has been clear: he its very “dovish” stance to get back to full employ- wants to see more people when it holds its two-day ment, a goal that took a dec- back to work. policy meeting next week. ade to achieve following the Analysts are expect- Powell on Wednesday 2008 global financial crisis. ing the Fed’s policy-setting is expected to stress once —AFP 15 MARCH 2021 14 WORLD THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Canada jobs market bounces back, NEWS IN BRIEF unemployment lowest in a year German experts But employment was still But several parts of the econ- warn cases could down about 600,000 jobs omy continue to struggle. peak again in April from pre-pandemic lev- There were gains in both part- els, said Statistics Canada. time (+171,000) and full-time “The quick turnaround is rem- (+88,000) jobs; the number of EXPERTS from Germany’s iniscent of the first wave (of self-employed workers was un- Robert Koch Institute (RKI) Covid-19 illnesses) when em- changed for a second consecu- warned on Saturday that ployment rebounded far fast- tive month; and the private sector further easing of lockdown er than expected as the econ- added 226,000 new employees. restrictions could cause cases omy began reopening,” said In February, total hours worked to increase rapidly again. This CIBC analyst Royce Mendes. increased by 1.4 per cent, driven could lead to peaks in April Mendes suggested it could lead mostly by gains in wholesale and which are similar to those ex- Canada’s central bank to soon retail trade. perienced around Christmas. start tapering off its quantita- More people also returned In its latest situation tive easing programme — bond to their traditional workplac- report, the RKI said that daily Canada added a net 259,000 jobs in February, blowing past forecasts purchases to boost money sup- es, leaving their home offices reported cases could exceed as the unemployment rate fell 1.2 percentage points to 8.2 percent — its 30,000 in the week staring 12 lowest rate since March 2020. PHOTO: AFP plies, ending and investment. set up during the pandemic, as Several Canadian provinces schools and offices reopened. April. The news came as Ger- CANADA added a net 259,000 statistical agency said Friday. have gradually lifted lockdowns Earlier this week, the Bank of many recorded another 12,674 jobs in February, blowing past The rebound, after two months ordered by public health au- Canada revised its economic fore- cases from Covid-19 and 239 forecasts as the unemployment of falling job numbers, coin- thorities in December, allow- cast, saying it expected growth deaths. The seven day average rate fell 1.2 percentage points cided with a gradual lifting of ing many businesses, cultural in the first quarter to be positive of cases per 100,000 increased to 8.2 per cent — its lowest rate pandemic restrictions as Cov- and recreational facilities, as rather than negative as it had from 72.4 to 76.1. —AFP since March 2020, the national id-19 infections trended lower. well as restaurants to reopen. predicted in January.—AFP Mexico authorizes Americans to start seeing stimulus payments this weekend: officials remdesivir to treat Covid US workers and families will vice (IRS) will send payments start to see stimulus funds go directly to everyone who filed a MEXICO on Friday approved into their bank accounts as soon tax return this year or last year, the anti-viral drug remdesivir as this weekend, just days after anyone who registered with the for emergency use treating President Joe Biden signed the IRS or who is already receiving Covid-19 patients in the Latin $1.9 trillion rescue plan into law, government benefits such as American country, one of the officials said Friday. Social Security. worst hit by the pandemic. This third round of pandem- An IRS official said paper Regulatory agency Cofe- ic impact payments for many checks will go out later in the pris said it had authorized the families will be more generous month for those who do not have medicine for use exclusively than the two prior rounds, with direct deposit, but unlike his pre- by hospitals and specialist $1,400 going to every individual decessor President Joe Biden’s doctors during the early stages earning up to $75,000 or married name will not appear on those of the illness. couples earning up to $150,000, checks. Mexico joins other People wearing masks are crossing the road front of the World Bank and the same amount for each Treasury and IRS officials countries including the United Group building in Washington DC on September 25, 2020 amid the of their dependents. urged workers to file a tax return Covid-19 crisis. PHOTO: AFP States, Canada and Japan, as That means a typical family even if they would not normally well as the European Commis- of four will receive $5,600. do so since they also could be the stimulus package, including Income Tax Credit for low wage sion, that have approved the The Internal Revenue Ser- eligible for other benfits under child tax credits or the Earned workers.—AFP treatment for use against the coronavirus. —AFP

French Oscars turn political over virus shutdown DRC suspends THERE was a fiercely political but not the cinema... it’s incom- use of AstraZeneca air at France’s annual celebra- prehensible,” said Stephane De- vaccine tion of cinema, Les Cesars, on moustier as he picked up the Friday as frustrations were un- Cesar for best screenplay for THE DRC has suspended use leashed over the months-long “The Girl With a Bracelet”. of the vaccine, joining a small shutdown of theatres. The mood was set from the group of other countries who The country has seen opening monologue, as mis- have paused use of the jab mounting protests in recent days tress of ceremonies Marina after reports of several people over the closure of cultural sites, Fois launched a scathing attack developing blood clots after with several theatres occupied on Culture Minister Roselyne they had been vaccinated. by activists and students. Bachelot. DRC’s health minister That frustration was cen- “The minister hasn’t done Eteni Longondo said that “as tre stage at Friday’s awards, nothing... Madame Bachelot, you a precautionary measure, we with actress Corinne Masiero released a book with your recipe decided to postpone the date stripping naked with the words for pasta and gorgonzola,” the for the launch of vaccination in “No culture, no future” written Frustrations were unleashed Friday over France’s months-long actress joked, before striking the DRC.” shutdown of theatres at the country’s annual celebration of cinema, Les DRC has received 1.7 mil- across her front as she present- Cesars. PHOTO: POOL/AFP a sad note to conclude: “What ed the costume award. we miss is what unites us, the lion doses of the vaccine, and Others used the stage to its decision to keep cinemas shut er businesses have reopened. emotions that we experience was intending to start distribu- confront the government over since October, even as most oth- “My children can go to Zara together.” —AFP tion on 15 March.—AFP 15 MARCH 2021 THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR SOCIETY 15

Google slams Microsoft over Obituary Shri Siyaram Jee Arya aged 89, M.E, Sahityaratan Senior Lecturer, Y.I.T & former advisor of Defence stance in media payments Services Technological Academy PyinOoLwin residing at North Dagon, a prominent leader GOOGLE on Friday took Myanmar Arya Samaj Movement, a great social aim at Microsoft, accus- person and thinker who rendered unique services ing its technology rival for Vedic Religion and Culture and for upliftment and of “distraction” for siding enhancement of Hindi Language and Literature, with governments seeking passed away on March 13, 2021 at 5:20 AM at to force tech platforms to OSC Hospital, North Okkalapa and cremated on pay media organizations the same day according to Vedic rites. for news content. In a blog post, Google Yangon Arya Samaj HQR argued that Microsoft was Yangon, Myanmar. trying to divert attention from a potentially devas- tating attack on Exchange Nigeria jihadists emails servers by hackers taking advantage of soft- ambush military ware vulnerabilities. The comments came convoy, 19 troops dead amid a heated battle of words over efforts in Aus- ISLAMIC State-aligned ji- convoy was on its way to Google had unusually harsh words for Microsoft, claiming its technology rival was “willing tralia and elsewhere to hadists ambushed a Nige- Gudumbali from the town to break the way the open web works” by supporting mandatory payments to media require digital services organizations for news content. PHOTO: AFP rian military convoy, killing of Kukawa for a military op- to negotiate payments for 15 soldiers and four militia eration against the insur- news content. Kent Walker fired back ganizations play in de- the technology ecosystem, fighters in the northeast- gents when it came under Google and Facebook in the blog post, saying fending democracy and and all of us who partic- ern state of Borno, security fire, said another military have resisted mandatory of Microsoft: “They are contended that the “in- ipate in this ecosystem sources said Sunday. source, who gave the same payments, while Microsoft now making self-serving ternet gutted the already have both an opportunity The attack was the toll. “The casualties were has taken a more collabo- claims and are even willing ailing local news business and responsibility to help latest in a jihadist conflict brought to Maiduguri this rative stance. to break the way the open by devouring advertising journalism flourish,” Smith which has killed 36,000 peo- afternoon,” the source Microsoft president web works in an effort to revenue and luring away said. ple and displaced hundreds told AFP, referring to the Brad Smith, in a letter to undercut a rival.” paid subscribers.” Backers of Google and of thousands in northeast regional capital. a congressional subcom- Walker added, “This Microsoft has lobbied Facebook have claimed Nigeria since it began Militia leader Umar mittee hearing, blamed important debate should for other countries to fol- that mandatory payments more than a decade ago. Ari said a vigilante leader Google’s business model be about the substance of low Australia’s lead in call- for news links would funda- “We lost 15 soldiers and in the area was among for “devouring” ad reve- the issue, and not derailed ing for news outlets to be mentally change the way four civilian JTF (militia) those killed. Nigeria’s army nue on which news groups by naked corporate oppor- paid for stories published the internet works and in the terrorists’ ambush works with local militia rely. tunism.” online, a move opposed by ultimately be detrimental in the forest near Gudum- forces as part of its battle Google senior vice In his letter, Smith Facebook and Google. to free online services. — bali,” a military officer, who against jihadists. “Four of president of global affairs lauded the role news or- “News today is part of AFP asked not to be identified, our comrades were among told AFP. He said 13 gov- the dead, including, Yusuf ernment fighters, including Baba-Idris, the head of Ci- Jazz noodling: Hong Kong band streams inside 10 troops, were wounded in vilian JTF in Kukawa,” Ari the ambush. The 10-vehicle said. —AFP cramped restaurant distancing limits to control ed, speaking of his usual Kosovo’s abused ‘restaurant the coronavirus pandemic clients. bears’ move to greener and – like most forms of Owner Paul So said entertainment – live music he knew musicians were pastures has been decimated. struggling, even more than So instead the musi- restaurants, which have HAVING only just wok- (40-acre) refuge near the cians inside the 47-year- had to weather reduced en up from hibernation, capital Pristina, replete old noodle restaurant opening hours and multiple a brown bear named Ero with trees, berry bushes, streamed their gig online, lockdowns. “I don’t know lazily strolls between the ponds and artificial dens. asking for donations in re- much about music at all, trees under a snow-capped Named the Pristina turn from the few hundred but I love listening to it,” mountain in central Koso- Bear Sanctuary, it is a rare who logged in. said So. “What I do is sim- vo, enjoying life alongside conservation success story Musician Justin Siu (C) playing double bass with his band in The get together was ply to offer him the venue his chubby partner Mira. in Kosovo, where poverty, his local noodle shop in Hong Kong during a live streaming the brainchild of double and see if it gives him any Yet just eight years ago, corruption and political cri- jazz performance between the tables. PHOTO: AFP bassist Justin Siu who in- sparks of creation,” the he was a so-called “restau- ses are still overwhelming IN a densely populated 300-square-foot restaurant, vites various fellow jazz 61-year-old added, saying rant bear” -- chained up in the former Serbian prov- city with notoriously high perched on cola crates and musicians for a gig at the Siu is allowed to use the front of an eatery, forced to ince 13 years after it de- rents, Hong Kong’s musi- using dining tables as mu- restaurant once every two shop for free on the rare drink alcohol and serve as clared independence. cians are used to playing sic stands. The double bass months. They have all seen days off So takes. Unlike entertainment for custom- That leaves the envi- cramped stages. But few player was squeezed into their work evaporate over high-end hotels and jazz ers in a bizarre and cruel ronment low on the scale venues are quite as pokey the space where the noo- the last year. “We played cafe where he used to per- practice that was popular in of priorities, with plastic – or unorthodox – as Yuen dles are usually bubbling party music, wedding mu- form, Siu said Yuen Hing Kosovo after its late 1990s bags a common sight along Hing Lung noodles. away. sic and now all of that is Lung has a distinctly tradi- war with Serbia. Ero is one rivers and roadsides, while On a recent week- There were no live gone,” Siu told AFP. “They tional vibe. Most of its decor of nearly 20 bears rescued coal plants pump black day night a jazz band was spectators. Hong Kong won’t have the budget to is exactly the same as it from that abuse who now smog into the sky outside in full swing inside the has placed strict social hire us for a while,” he add- was in the 1970s. —AFP live in a rolling 16-hectare Pristina. —AFP 15 MARCH 2021 16 SPORT THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR AFC Futsal Championship to be launched on 23 March

THE AFC Futsal Championship land 2021 from 18-28 March 2021 2020 will be held in Kuwait on 23 for the first round and 28 April to March, according to an official an- 8 May 2021 for the second round. nouncement with the Asian Foot- The 2020 AFC Futsal Champi- ball Confederation. onship will be the 16th edition of The tourney will be held from the AFC Futsal Championship, the 23 March to 3 April 2021 for its first biennial international futsal cham- round, officials said. The decision pionship organized by the Asian to hold the tourney this month was Football Confederation (AFC) for confirmed at the 1st Asian Foot- the men’s national teams of Asia. A ball Confederation (AFC) Futsal & total of 16 teams would have taken Beach Soccer Committee meeting part in the tournament and the top which was held online and chaired three teams from the tourney will by Mehdi Taj. The Beach Soccer represent Asia at the FIFA Beach Committee has agreed to hold the Soccer World Cup Russia 2021 in AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thai- August.—GNLM Futsal tournaments are popular not only in Asia but across the globe. PHOTO: AFF

Late birdies lift Westwood to lead Estrada outslugs Gonzalez at Players Championship to win title rematch in thrilling fashion VEDRA BEACH (Florida) — Lee Westwood birdied two of DELLAS – Juan Francisco rounds. If he threw two or the last three holes to seize a Estrada unified the super fly- three punches then I had to two-stroke lead over Amer- weight division on Saturday, throw two or three punches ican Bryson DeChambeau earning redemption for a loss as well. after Saturday’s third round he suffered eight years ago “Chocolatito is a great of the US PGA Players Cham- with a thrilling split-decision fighter. He deserves a tril- pionship. victory over Roman “Choc- ogy” The 47-year-old English- olatito” Gonzalez in Dallas, Estrada retained his man dropped his approach Texas. World Boxing Council title to four feet at the par-5 16th In the long-anticipated and snatched Gonzalez’s and made the putt to seize the rematch of their 2012 fight, World Boxing Association outright lead, then rolled in Mexico’s Estrada went toe- belt by winning on two of the a 25-footer for birdie on the to-toe for 12 rounds with judges’ scorecards, 117-111 famed par-3 17th island green. the former pound-for-pound and 115-113. One judge gave Britain’s Lee Westwood reacts to sinking a birdie putt at the 17th hole Westwood, who parred his Saturday on his way to leading after the third round of the US PGA king and four-time division the fight to Gonzalez, 115-113. way through the front nine, Players Championship. PHOTO: AFP champ from Nicaragua. “I When the decision was an- saved par from five feet at the did enough to win,” said Es- nounced many in the crowd 18th to finish off a bogey-free Beach, Florida. was. trada. “I knew it was a close booed the result, especially four-under par 68 and stand on “I’m delighted with the I thought it was a profes- fight. I didn’t know if I was up the lopsided 117-111 score be- 13-under 203 after 54 holes at way I played,” Westwood said. sional round from a 47-year-old or down. “I needed to close cause they felt Gonzalez had TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra “I needed to be patient and I veteran.” —AFP out the fight in the last two done enough to win.—AFP Chelsea stumble in Champions League chase as Zaha takes a stand

LONDON — Chelsea gave the chasing pack touches in the box to score one or two goals. in the race for a place in next season’s Cham- Unfortunately, we didn’t, so we have to live with pions League hope with a 0-0 draw at Leeds a draw,” said Tuchel. on Saturday, as Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha “We were not clinical enough in our coun- became the first Premier League player not to ter-attacks. We take a 0-0.’” take a knee prior to kick-off of a 1-0 win over Kai Havertz kept his place as a false nine West Brom. with strikers Timo Werner and Olivier Giroud The Blues remain unbeaten in 12 games left on the bench and had the visitors’ best since Thomas Tuchel replaced the sacked chance with a driven effort than Illan Meslier Frank Lampard and kept a 10th clean sheet tipped over. in that run at Elland Road. Leeds lost top scorer Patrick Bamford to However, Chelsea remain far from prolific injury in the first-half, but could have claimed at the other end despite the wealth of attacking victory themselves as Edouard Mendy made talent at Tuchel’s disposal. brilliant saves to deny Tyler Roberts and Chelsea extended its unbeaten start under Thomas Tuchel to 10 Premier League games with a 0-0 draw at Leeds on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP “We created enough chances and enough Raphinha.—AFP