Qatar and QSL: Al Paraguay Rayyan to bolster look to trade rise in relations standings

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TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 6 JUMADA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8507 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS Build your own plan! Terms & Conditions Apply Qatar to issue COVID-19 vaccination certificates IRFAN BUKHARI said that whoever has taken the “I think this will be the new THE PENINSULA two doses of the COVID 19 norm that everybody will have I think this will be the new norm vaccine will be given an offi- to produce a vaccination certif- that everybody will have to The Ministry of Public Health cially stamped “COVID-19 icate to board an aeroplane - produce a vaccination certificate announced yesterday that all Vaccine Card”, that will be in and not only to board an aero- individuals who have received Arabic and English. plane, but a lot of countries also to board an aeroplane - and not 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine The card will include the would require that you be vac- only to board an aeroplane, but a will get the vaccination certif- date of taking the first and cinated before you come to their lot of countries also would icate 7 days after the second second doses. Speaking to Qatar countries. I think it will be a require that you be vaccinated dose. TV yesterday, she said that in joint ICAO, IATA and WHO “COVID-19 vaccination cer- order to reach herd immunity project, to introduce a safe pass before you come to their tificate now available on from COVID-19 about 75 for people whose vaccination countries. MyHealth Patient Portal. All percent of the target groups certificates will be recognised individuals who have received must be vaccinated. Al Bayat internationally,” Al Baker said H E Akbar Al Baker 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine also said that there is a high in a video shared by Qatar Qatar Airways Group will automatically have a vac- response from the community Airways on its Twitter account e cination certificate available for on taking the vaccination and yesterday. Chief Executiv them in the ‘MyHealth Patient no one has delayed receiving Speaking about the possible Portal’ 7 days after their second the second dose of the speedy recovery of the aviation dose,” the Ministry of Public COVID-19 vaccine. sector, Al Baker said: “Until and passengers and our crew, to who were vaccinated with the Association (IATA) is also Health (MoPH) said on its social Meanwhile, in an interview unless science proves all these protect them from this pan- first dose when the campaign working on ‘Travel Pass Initi- media accounts yesterday. with the BBC News, Qatar questions that people have about demic. We invest to look after began on December 23. The ative’ to help people travel The Ministry further said: Airways Group Chief Executive the disease or the effect of the them and at the same time to issuance of COVID-19 vacci- safely again. “Individuals who have not yet H E Akbar Al Baker has said that vaccination, I don’t think that give them the confidence that nation certificate by the Min- “To re-open borders registered for the patient portal vaccination certificates could travel will come back to 2019 they can travel on Qatar istry of Public Health may help without quarantine and restart are advised to do so in order to be the new norm that a lot of levels for the foreseeable future.” Airways.” travellers from Qatar to enjoy aviation governments need to access their certificate.” countries would require that In another video, he said: Qatar began on January 13 smooth travelling in future. be confident that they are effec- Head of Vaccination at you be vaccinated before you “Nothing is more costly than to administering the second dose It is to be noted that the tively mitigating the risk of MoPH, Dr. Soha Al Bayat has enter their countries. look at the interest of our of COVID-19 vaccine to all those International Air Transport importing COVID-19." `P4

MME weighs plant factories Ashghal finishes South Al Wakra Health Center main works Qatar Airways resumes daily to ensure year-round The South Al Wakra Health Center is spread over an area of about 3000 sq m, to provide nine clinics, along with annex buildings such as a mosque, support services building, electrical Cairo flights produce of leafy vegetables and mechanical maintenance annex, a garage for ambulances & parking slots for 125 cars THE PENINSULA — DOHA

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH growing system which enables Qatar Airways yesterday THE PENINSULA farmers to achieve constant resumed flights to Cairo in the production of vegetables all Arab Republic of Egypt with a The Ministry of Municipality year around. The facility uti- daily service. QR1301 departed and Environment (MME) has lises artificial control of light, Hamad International Airport planned to establish plant temperature, moisture, and to Cairo International Airport factories soon to ensure carbon dioxide and landed at its destination. production of leafy vegetables concentrations. The flight was operated by round the year. Speaking about the devel- Qatar Airways’ state-of-the- The plan is under MME’s opment of agriculture sector in art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. food security strategy to the country, Al Shammari said: Qatar Airways will resume increase self-sufficiency in “The number of agricultural flights to Alexandria on Sustainability 3 stars fresh food production. farms reached to 953 at present 400 3,000 682,000 Monday, January 25. Qatar “The agricultural season in from 832 farms in 2017 which Designs as per special Airways passengers travelling the country is limited to some produce vegetables in large from Egypt can now enjoy Patients Sq m area working man need people months so the idea behind the quantity and supply them to per day seamless connectivity to over plan is to provide leafy vege- local market.” hours LTI Designs as per Qatari and 110 global destinations via its tables year-round with the help To a question about traditional heritage state-of-the-art hub, Hamad of proposed plant factories,” adopting latest technologies to International Airport. said Director of Agricultural increase agricultural produce, The national carrier of Research Department at MME Al Shammari said: “The Agri- Qatar continues to rebuild its Hamad Saket Al Shammari cultural Research Department network, which currently during a Qatar TV is conducting a research work stands at over 110 destina- programme. with Qatar University that will tions with plans to increase He said the move of the help equipping greenhouses to over 130 by the end of MME is to involve private sector with modern technologies. We March 2021. to make investment in agricul- reached in the advance stage tural sector to ensure food in the research work and the security. result will be announced Education City, A plant factory is a closed later.”`P4 Ahmad bin Ali Stadiums to host QA first airline to achieve 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating FIFA Club World Cup

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Hamad International Airport well-used to setting the highlights the fastidious “It also provides assurance THE PENINSULA — DOHA (HIA), recently being named as standard for others to follow. measures and procedures to passengers across the world Qatar Airways has become the the first airport in the Middle We are delighted that our com- Qatar Airways have employed that airline health and safety Matches of the FIFA Club first global airline in the world East and Asia to be awarded a mitment to providing the most to safeguard the health and standards are subject to the World Cup 2020 will be played to achieve the prestigious 5-Star Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 rigorous and comprehensive wellbeing of our passengers highest possible standards of at two venues, this was COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating Airport Safety Rating in COVID-19 safety programme throughout the global pan- professional, independent confirmed by FIFA yesterday. by international air transport December 2020. in existence within the global demic to date, and follows scrutiny and assessment. As The matches of the six- rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways Group Chief aviation community has been HIA’s recent success as the first Qatar Airways continues to deal team tournament will be The announcement follows Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, recognised with the Skytrax airport in the Middle East and with the ongoing impact and played at Education City and a detailed audit, carried out by said: “As an industry leader and 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Asia to be awarded a Skytrax challenges of the COVID-19 Ahmad Bin Ali Stadiums, both the Skytrax team in December the ‘World’s Best Airline’, as Rating. 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety crisis, we would like to rein- the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2020, which assessed how named by Skytrax, we are “This achievement Rating. force the message that air travel 2022 venues that were inau- effectively and consistently the does not need to be a source of gurated last year. airline’s stringent COVID-19 concern to passengers. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium hygiene and safety standards The achievement of the “In the meantime, we look will stage the first match on and procedures are adhered to, Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 forward to continuing to February 4 at 5pm and the from flight check-in to on- Airline Safety Rating is in provide the safest possible FIFA Club World Cup final will board aircraft. This included a experience for travellers across be played at the Education City full review of procedural effi- addition to Qatar the world, and expanding upon Stadium on February 11, with ciency checks, visual obser- Airways’ home and hub, our role in assisting the kick off set for 9pm. vation of hygiene and safety Hamad International recovery of the commercial avi- Initially the iconic Khalifa levels at all stages of the pas- Airport (HIA), recently ation industry over the coming International Stadium was also senger journey, and on-board being named as the first months.” slated to host the matches but Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) airport in the Middle Skytrax Chief Executive once New Zealand club sampling tests to measure the East and Asia to be Officer, Edward Plaisted, said: Auckland City FC pulled out of potential level of contamination “We congratulate Qatar Airways the event, FIFA made amend- of contact surfaces. awarded a Skytrax on being awarded with the ments to the playing schedule. The achievement of the 5-Star COVID-19 Airport highest 5-Star COVID-19 Safety The Khalifa International Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating in Rating and being the world’s Stadium, which was originally Safety Rating is in addition to December 2020. first major airline to be certified due to host two matches of the Qatar Airways’ home and hub, at this level. `P2 event, will not be used. `P4 02 HOME TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021

Shura Council OFFICIAL NEWS Minister of State for Foreign Affairs holds approves draft law on phone call with commercial companies UK minister Doha: Minister of State for For- QNA — DOHA The draft law includes 9 chapters eign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi held yesterday a phone The Shura Council yesterday approved and 49 articles, which aims to call with UK Minister of State for a draft law amending some provisions give companies and individuals Middle East and North Africa H E of the Commercial Companies Law the opportunity to acquire bank James Cleverly. During the call, issued under Law No. 11 of 2015. loans guaranteed by mortgaged they reviewed bilateral coopera- The Shura Council held its regular tion relations as well as issues of weekly meeting under the chairmanship movables and contribute to joint interest. -QNA of the Speaker H E Ahmed bin Abdullah lowering the cost of loans by bin Zaid Al Mahmoud. At the beginning finding guarantees for banks that Shura Council of the meeting, the Council discussed a reduce the risk of default. attends meeting draft law on mortgaging movable funds. Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, chairing The draft law includes 9 chapters and the weekly meeting. on supporting 49 articles, which aims to give companies The Shura Council reviewed the Palestinian people and individuals the opportunity to report of the Financial and Economic Minister of Commerce and Industry shall of the boards of directors of companies acquire bank loans guaranteed by mort- Affairs Committee regarding a draft law issue decisions regulating governance for and their general assemblies. They also Doha: The Shura Council partici- gaged movables and contribute to low- amending some provisions of the Com- private joint-stock companies. As for com- stipulated the possibility of holding the pated yesterday in a parliamentary ering the cost of loans by finding guar- mercial Companies Law issued under Law panies listed in the financial market, the general assembly of the company through meeting on supporting the rights of antees for banks that reduce the risk of No. 11 of 2015. The amendment of some authority shall issue decisions regulating modern technology means in accordance the Palestinian people. The meet- default. The move will benefit small and provisions of the aforementioned law their own governance, provided that the with the rules determined by the Ministry ing was held by the national security medium-sized enterprises in playing a aimed at enhancing the ease of capital Board of Directors of the company is com- of Commerce and Industry. and foreign policy committee of the major role in enhancing the local economy. flow, removing obstacles, reducing time mitted to implementing the aforemen- The report of the Financial and Eco- Islamic Consultative Assembly of The draft law also includes provi- and cost, diversifying non-oil income, tioned governance decisions, taking into nomic Affairs Committee included a the Islamic Republic of Iran and the sions related to the scope of application, developing market movement, and account that the companies’ incorporation detailed presentation of the draft law, Secretariat on Supporting the Pales- establishing an electronic record at the enhancing international competitiveness documents do not contain anything that amendments and additional articles to tinian Intifada via video conference Qatar Central Securities Depository (QCSD) in the field of establishing and operating contradicts with those decisions. the Commercial Companies Law, justi- technology. Held under the slogan and data needed to be recorded, estab- companies. The draft law also added new The amendments in the draft law spec- fications for amendment and addition, “Jerusalem Brings Us Together,” the lishing the right to mortgage and its entry provisions for the purposes of achieving ified how the members of the companys and the committee inquiries to officials meeting aimed to continue support- into force, and establishing the rights of the requirements of anti-money laun- board of directors should be elected and at the Ministry of Commerce and ing the realization of the legitimate mortgagee. After discussion, the Council dering and combating the financing of ter- the requirements that must be met by a Industry, and the answers it received. rights of the Palestinian people and decided to refer the aforementioned Draft rorism stipulated in the Law No. 20 of 2019 member of the board of directors. The After discussion, the Council decided the establishment of a Palestinian state Law to the Financial and Economic Affairs on combating money laundering and ter- amendments included replacing some to approve the aforementioned Draft with Jerusalem as its capital. Committee to study it and submit a report rorism financing. phrases and introducing definitions, in Law and referring its recommendations The meeting was attended by HE thereon to the Council. The amendments stipulated that the addition to the procedures for the meetings to the government. Abdullah bin Fahd bin Ghorab Al Marri, member of the Shura Council. -QNA 138 people referred to Geriatric-Dermatology Clinic at Rumailah Public Prosecution for Hospital expands patient care services not wearing masks Doha: The designated authorities yesterday referred 138 people to THE PENINSULA — DOHA pandemic became more Dermatology and Venereology the Public Prosecution for not wear- apparent. Department, in close collabo- ing masks in places where they are The Geriatric-Dermatology The GeriDerm clinic had ration with Dr. Wasim Akram, mandatory. The measure is in line (GeriDerm) clinic has expanded 329 virtual encounters with Geriatric Consultant at with the Cabinet decision, Decree its patient care services by older patients from June- Rumailah Hospital, with the Law No. 17 of 1990 on infectious adding face-to-face consulta- December 2020; with approx- support and guidance of Prof. diseases, and the precautionary tions to virtual sessions for imately 40 patients being seen Steinhoff, Chairman, of the Der- measures in force in the country Prof Martin Steinhoff older patients with skin diseases in the clinic where face-to-face matology Department and Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad to contain the spread of coronavirus in Qatar. consultation was deemed Director of the Dermatology (COVID-19).The designated author- From January 2021, all new essential. Institute at HMC, and Dr. include eczema, skin infections, assigned dermatologist per- ities called on the public to adhere referrals to the clinic will be Resuming face to face is in Hanadi Al Hamad, National and pruritus (severely dry and forms a GeriDerm risk to the precautionary measures in seen by an interdisciplinary accordance with clinical guide- Lead for Healthy Ageing in itchy skin). People with under- assessment using an interna- place to ensure their safety and the team of dermatologists and ger- lines and new patients are now Qatar and Medical Director of lying health conditions, such as tional best practice tool and safety of others. -QNA iatricians in a specialized receiving appointments to be Rumailah Hospital (RH) and diabetes, or those who take triaging process. Urgent Hamad Medical Corporation seen by clinical experts in the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute multiple medications, can also referrals, especially for sus- facility for the patient’s first Dermatology and Venereology (QRI). experience increased skin pected skin melanomas, aim to Online Ooredoo appointment. Department or the Elderly Day Dr. Al Khawaga explained problems.” refer patient within 24 to 48 The ‘GeriDerm’ clinic was Care Unit in Rumailah Hospital. the growing need for providing Patients aged 65 and hours. Portal security first launched in June 2020 as as well as continue their specialized dermatological older can be referred through The GeriDerm clinic is held a virtual clinic providing spe- ongoing care online. Follow up care for older adults: “Skin their primary health center, currently held from 7am to enhanced for cialized telemedicine-based appointments will be arranged disorders are more common or if they are seeing another 3pm, every Tuesday. The virtual care to cover the medical needs as either in-person or virtual in older adults, because the HMC doctor who recom- and direct clinics are managed business customers of older patients with derma- consultation, depending on skin becomes is dryer (less mends an expert consultation by multidisciplinary dermatol- tological problems. The pro- clinical need and patient oily), less elastic and thinner they can also arrange a ogists and geriatricians, along THE PENINSULA — DOHA vision of virtual and telephone preference. with advancing age, which can referral. with experienced nurses and consultations was initiated The development of the make it more susceptible to To help triage patients for allied health professionals, to Ooredoo Qatar has announced when the challenges of access ‘GeriDerm’ clinic was led by Dr. disease. The most common skin urgent and non-urgent provide the best possible a security enhancement of its to care due to the COVID-19 Sarah Al Khawaga from HMC’s diseases among older people appointment bookings, the service. online Ooredoo Portal for business customers, including launching a One-time Passcode (OTP) system. To further ensure Ashghal finishes South Al Wakra Health Center main works security when accessing the Ooredoo Portal, business THE PENINSULA — DOHA → South Al Wakra Health Sustainability Assessment System customers will soon be asked to Center serves 360 visitors (GSAS) since operational and enter an OTP, which will be sent Within the government plan for daily architectural considerations were to their registered mobile developing and implementing taken to accomplish a 3-star number or email address upon better health services in Qatar, → Three more health centers environmental level in terms of each attempt to access the the Public Works Authority energy saving and environment Portal. (Ashghal) has completed major to be completed in 2021 preservation. To use the OTP system to works of South Al Wakra Health besides the National Health Ashghal has been granted log in, business customers will Center, implemented by the Laboratory. two Sustainability Awards need to ensure their contact Building Projects Department to (2016) in health and education details – mobile number and serve about 360 visitors per day. → The Project, completed facilities by the Gulf Organi- email – are up to date. Regis- Eng. Hind Al Mahmied, Head within a duration of 682,000 zation for Research and Devel- tered contact details can be of Health Projects Section at man-hours without lost-time opment “GORD”, the leading found in the My Profile section Building Projects Department, organisation related to the per- of the Ooredoo Portal. confirmed that major works in injury, covers an area of 3,000 formance-based system of Business customers whose the South Al Wakra Health Center square meters GSAS implementation and contact information is not project are over and the project development in the MENA current should send an official is being prepared for handover project took about 682,000 main building housing main convenient height besides car region. Over the past years, request to update details on to the Ministry of Public Health man-hours without lost-time clinical building (health center) parking spaces close to the main GORD examined the designs of company letterhead via email (MoPH). injury; since Ashghal provides covering nine clinics, annex entrances and ramps in place building projects –educational to [email protected]. Eng Al Mahmied also noted all safety precautionary buildings such as a mosque, of steps. and health buildings - and con- Account Managers will also be that three more health centers measures for the workers support services building, The buildings design also ducted site visits to Ashghal’s available to answer any ques- in the pipeline will be delivered deployed to the project. guards building, monitoring reflects the heritage and culture projects to verify that the tions on the new security in 2021 including Al Khor She added that the South Al chamber, electrical and of Qatar without compromising projects match GSAS standards. enhancement. Health Center, Ain Khalid Wakra Health Center has been mechanical maintenance international standards of As per Ashghal’s vision to Chief Business Officer at Health Center, Al Sadd Health implemented in accordance annex, a garage for ambulances safety for fire protection, support growth of Qatar’s GDP, Ooredoo Sheikh Nasser Al Thani Centre and the National Health with the local construction and parking slots for 125 cars. besides 3-star rated GSAS envi- a huge proportion of materials said: “We’re committed to Laboratory. The head of Health specifications and international The project design has con- ronment standard. Another used in Ashghal projects are of ensuring the highest standards Projects Section stated that the standards, to achieve the sidered requirements of people important design feature of the local made; and the share of the of security for our customers, pace of construction works at required 3-star sustainability with special needs including architectural design of the percentage of local materials and we pride ourselves on South Al Wakra Health Centre standards (GSAS). signage messaging, illustrations health center is inclusion of next used in South Al Wakra Health offering the latest technologies did go on in accordance with The South Al Wakra Health and Braille script, comfortable generation technologies in the Center project reached 45% of and innovations to offer com- the set plan of the project Center is spread over an area toilets, wide walkways for easy field of medical equipment. the total materials including plete peace of mind. We’re despite the Corona Pandemic, of about 3,000 square meters movement, auto-sensor doors, It is worth mentioning that all iron, steel, MEP items, glass and delighted to be further Pointing to the fact that the and includes a single-story and reception desks with criteria were also set by Global other materials. enhancing the already stringent online Ooredoo Portal access protocols with the OTP system, in line with this commitment to QA first airline to achieve 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating security.” FROM PAGE 1 Business customers can to keep customers and staff passengers on aircraft than 45 destinations including state-of-the-art Ultraviolet leverage the Ooredoo Qatar Airways kept flying safe.” equipped with Qsuite can Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, Cabin System, operated by Advantage, making Ooredoo throughout COVID-19, taking Qatar Airways’ on-board enjoy the enhanced privacy London and New York. Qatar Aviation Services, as a “Best for Business,” thanks to over 3.1 million people home safety measures include the this award-winning business In addition, the airline also further step in the cleaning of its breadth and depth of since the start of the pandemic, provision of Personal Pro- seat provides, including sliding uses the most advanced HEPA its aircraft. For full details of all talent, best fixed and mobile and it is this experience that tective Equipment (PPE) for privacy partitions and the air filtration systems on board the measures that have been networks, broadest portfolio enables them to deliver an cabin crew and a compli- option to use a ‘Do Not Disturb all aircraft, and recently became implemented onboard and in of ICT services and solutions, excellent standard of health mentary protective kit for pas- (DND)’ indicator. Qsuite is the first global carrier to HIA, please visit qatarairways. and trusted partner for 60 and hygiene safety measures sengers. Business Class available on flights to more introduce Honeywell’s com/safety. years. TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 HOME 03 QF launches fourth cycle Chief of Staff reviews military relations of Akhlaquna Award with Chief of Staff of Pakistan Air Force

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatari citizens and residents aged 15-24 can submit Projects embodying the moral values projects, either as individuals that are the bedrock of a strong and sustainable society are being sought as or teams. The three shortlisted Qatar Foundation launches the fourth projects will be voted on by cycle of its Akhlaquna Award to broaden the public and assessed by a its reach and impact, benefiting even panel of jurors to determine more lives. First announced by Her Highness the winner. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, in 2017, the change and making a difference to their Akhlaquna Award highlights the timeless community and the world. As we enter and universal values exhibited by the fourth cycle of this empowering ini- Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) tiative, we look forward to seeing the Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, H E Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim met yesterday with that remain relevant and vital to people young people of Qatar come forward Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan, H E Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan. They reviewed military cooperation relations of all ages and cultures — and celebrates with their ideas for placing robust between the two sides, and means of strengthening and developing them. The meeting was attended by a number of those whose actions and behaviours epit- human values at the heart of society and senior officers from both sides. omise what the initiative represents. to the impact and benefit of Akhlaquna Each year, young people who have extending even further into people’s developed projects rooted in exemplary lives.” moral character and who inspire others Reflecting Qatar Foundation’s (QF) through the example they set are rec- commitment to inspiring young people Music Affairs Centre invites talented ognised through the award. It nurtures and all members of society to be active, the behaviours essential to being a aware, compassionate, and thoughtful cit- leader and a change-maker. And izens who improve people through their singers in Qatar to join Nagham contest through its ethos and message, actions and mindsets, Akhlaquna high- Akhlaquna also facilitates behavioural lights the enduring importance of values RAYNALD C RIVERA Arabic singers and singers in other voting which will start on March 1. change within the broader society, such as mercy, tolerance, honesty, and THE PENINSULA languages. Two winners from each category heightening awareness of the intercon- generosity. It aims to create a ripple effect The contest, aimed at enhancing will take the first place that will be nectivity between knowledge and that benefits Qatar’s community and the The Music Affairs Centre under the cross-cultural convergence through decided by jury and voting (number morality. global community by heightening recog- Ministry of Culture and Sports is music and encouraging the best musi- of likes that each competitor’s video “Through Akhlaquna, we have nition of what good moral character and inviting talented singers in Qatar to cians in the country, is open to tal- will get at the Centre’s YouTube already influenced the lives of thou- behaviors make possible. join the second edition of Nagham ented citizens and residents in Qatar channel during the voting phase). The sands of people, empowering them to Since its launch, young people have Competition, registration of which of any age, and competitors can sing second place winner will be decided recognize how the values and behaviors submitted over 250 projects to starts tomorrow. in any language. by the jury for each category. they exhibit and live by benefit them- Akhlaquna, with 70 of these coming in The Music Affairs Centre recently To enter the competition, partici- The winners will be invited to the selves and those around them,” said its third cycle. The initiative has also made the announcement on its official pants must record a video of them per- final event on April 5 where each will Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, President provided tailored workshops to hun- social media accounts and website. forming a song of their choice, whether perform their own complete song live of Community Development, Qatar dreds of youth, guiding and empowering The contest follows the huge cover or original, not exceeding two onstage. Foundation. them to establish their humanitarian ini- success the inaugural edition enjoyed minutes and upload it along with their Under the Department of Culture “They have become ambassadors tiatives. Its fourth cycle will unfold in a last year which saw the wealth of full name, phone number, and email and Arts at the Ministry of Culture and for the morals and values that stand at form that reflects the pandemic-affected talent Qatar possesses in the field of address at the Centre’s website: www. Sports, the Music Affairs Centre con- the core of Akhlaquna, inspiring others times the world is living through, with music when a large number of qmusic.qa starting tomorrow until tinues to play an active role in sup- to adopt, embrace, and exemplify them at least the first half of its program aspiring musicians from various January 31 at 6pm. porting music activities in Qatar, in their own daily lives. This is how taking place via virtual platforms. nationalities took part in the compe- From among the entries sub- developing talents and spreading the Akhlaquna is serving as a vehicle for Qatari citizens and residents aged tition despite limitations imposed by mitted, a total of 16 finalists - eight culture of music to citizens and positive change within our society. It 15-24 can submit projects, either as indi- the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted for each of the two categories - will residents. promotes, instills, and catalyzes viduals or teams. The three shortlisted in several phases, the exciting com- be chosen by the jury on February 10 The Centre has been organising behaviors that make communities projects will be voted on by the public petition took place virtually between to advance for the final phase of the events for the community such as stronger, more unified, more tolerant, and assessed by a panel of jurors to June and September. contest. The 16 finalists will then music festivals which focus on and more aware. determine the winner, which will be Unlike its first edition which was record a music video of their per- reflecting the importance of cultural “The three cycles of Akhlaquna to announced at a dedicated Akhlaquna divided into two categories namely formance not exceeding four minutes diversity of the communities residing date have illustrated how our inno- Day ceremony later this year and sup- singers and instrumentalists, this in the Music Affairs Center production in Qatar and reflect the ministry’s vative, creative, and socially-engaged ported by QF to amplify the positive upcoming contest focuses only on studio which will be uploaded on the vision of stressing the importance of youth are committed to leading this impact it can bring to society. singers in two categories namely Centre’s YouTube channel for online opening up to other cultures. MoPH reports Sidra Medicine establishes Movement Disorders Clinic 157 more THE PENINSULA — DOHA performed on Aiden at Sidra important that Aiden would be recoveries, 227 Medicine, was highly specialized able to withstand undergoing Sidra Medicine has established and is considered possibly the such a complex surgery and it new cases Qatar’s first pediatric focused first of its type in the region for took three years before we felt THE PENINSULA — DOHA Movement Disorders Clinic the improvement of mobility in confident that he was ready. which will address problems a pediatric patient with Cerebral The clinical team felt that Aiden The Ministry of Public Health such as spasticity (uncontrol- Palsy. was a prime candidate for the yesterday announced the lable muscle stiffness) and Eight-year-old Aiden has procedure where certain nerves registration of 227 new dystonia (involuntary, abnormal cerebral palsy (CP) and visual would be cut to permanently confirmed cases of COVID-19. jerking or twisting movements) impairments. His CP causes reduce the spasticity in his legs.” Dr. Ian Pople (above), Chief Among them 36 from trav- in children and young people spasticity that leads to leg Aiden’s surgery was per- of Neurosurgery, and Dr. Lisa ellers returning from abroad. who have not responded to stiffness and interferes with his formed in Sidra Medicine’s Also 157 people have medications and therapy and Thornton, Chief of Rehabilitation ability to walk, causing him to state-of-the-art neurosurgery recovered from the virus who may benefit from state-of- Medicine use a wheelchair for mobility. operating room. The surgery bringing the total number of the-art surgical interventions Aiden’s parents sought to took six hours and involved a cases recovered in Qatar to available at Sidra Medicine. find the best care possible for team of two surgeons, a neu- 144,015. In addition, the Ministry The Movement Disorders their son, and tried a number of rologist and two neurophysiol- announced 2 new deaths, aged Clinic is staffed by a team of different therapies including ogists who monitored Aiden’s 85 and 64 - all were receiving specialists from rehabilitation stem cell therapy in the USA, spinal cord function during the the necessary medical care. All medicine, physical and occupa- before seeking a treatment surgery. Together they deter- new cases have been introduced tional therapy, neurology, and program at Sidra Medicine in mined which nerves were to isolation and are receiving neurosurgery. The most 2017. Aiden was referred to causing the most spasticity and necessary healthcare according common diagnosis seen at the Eight-year-old Aiden undergoing Sidra Medicine’s Rehabilitation carefully sectioned those to their health status. clinic are children with Cerebral physical therapy Medicine department to help sensory nerves to reduce the The Ministry further said Palsy, a brain disorder that inter- with his spasticity issues. After spasticity in his legs. After the that measures to tackle feres with the way that the brain including neurosurgery, neu- consultation with experts at the surgery, Aiden stayed at Sidra COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- communicates with the body and rology, inpatient and outpatient eight-year-old Aiden, who Movement Disorders Clinic, it Medicine for nearly three weeks ceeded in flattening the curve causes difficulty with movement. rehabilitation and orthopedic underwent a Selective Dorsal was decided that he would to begin rigorous rehabilitation and limiting the spread of the Commenting on the care surgery. While these brain con- Rhizotomy (SDR) procedure to benefit from a surgery called that he will continue as an out- virus and the number of new provided by the Movement Dis- ditions are incurable, our com- help address his spasticity. The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy patient for up to one year. His daily cases and hospital orders Clinic, Dr. Lisa Thornton, bined effort is to ensure that we nerves causing the most stiffness (SDR). The goals of the surgery parents are also committed to admissions is continuing to Division Chief of Rehabilitation are improving the quality of life were cut during this unique were to make it easier for him helping him perform a home- decline each week. Qatar’s Medicine at Sidra Medicine said: for the patients and their surgery. SDR has been shown to to move, so that he could walk based, daily therapy program. proactive and extensive testing “Sidra Medicine is one of the very families.” reduce the number of additional in his home with a walker. Following his intensive post- of suspected cases has enabled few hospitals in the world with Dr. Ian Pople, Division Chief orthopedic surgeries needed over Dr. Ian Pople added: operative care, Aiden’s parents us to identify a high number the specialist expertise to offer of Neurosurgery at Sidra Med- the course of a child’s life. In most “Timing was critical regarding have seen easier movements in of positive cases in the comprehensive care for children icine said: “Our first case at the cases, spasticity doesn’t return,” the selective dorsal rhizotomy his legs, with his strength community. with Cerebral Palsy or Dystonia, Movement Disorders Clinic was continued Dr. Pople. The SDR procedure on Aiden. It was improving by the day. Aspetar, Aspire Zone & QAF sign medical cooperation agreement THE PENINSULA — DOHA international competition. This agreement would be useful for agreement will serve Qatar’s Qatari sport, pointing out that Aspetar and the Qatar Athletics sport by conducting a fully cooperation with Aspetar has Federation have signed a coop- comprehensive medical test been going on for years. He eration agreement. Qatari for athletes pre, during and noted that Qatar would partic- athletes will benefit from Aspe- post competitions, providing ipate in many competitions, tar’s outstanding medical them with comprehensive including the Diamond League services, the latest scientific medical support and using - Doha round at the end of May research, and sports science Aspire Zone facilities to serve this year and the Tokyo 2020 using Aspire Zone facilities. Qatar’s sport and athletics.” Olympic Games to be held next The agreement was signed “We are always pleased to summer. at Aspetar by the Director- collaborate with Qatar Ath- Aspetar was the official General of Aspetar, and CEO letics Federation for the medical provider of the 2019 of Aspire Zone Foundation service of sport and per- IAAF World Athletics Champi- Mohammed Khalifa Al formance. We are very pleased onships, where it was highly Suwaidi, and President of Officials after signing the agreement. to cooperate with such distin- praised by many sports officials Qatar Athletics Federation Dr. guished associations such as locally and internationally. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. Samba, Abubakar Haidar, and Olympics, where the Qatari elite results achieved during this the Qatar Athletics Federation, Aspetar attracts many of the The signing ceremony was Ashraf Al Saifi. aspires to confirm their tournament. and our wish is for Qatar ath- world’s athletics stars both for attended by senior officials of Under the agreement, progress, especially after the Commenting on the letics stars to reach the treatment and medical advice, the Qatar Athletics Federation, Qatari athletics stars will benefit successful organisation of the agreement, Al Suwaidi said: podiums at the Tokyo thanks to the world hospital’s Aspetar officials, and several from comprehensive medical 2019 IAAF World Athletics “We are proud of the successes Olympics,” added Al Suwaidi. distinctive approach to athletes’ Qatari athletics stars led by support leading up to the Tokyo Championships and the positive achieved by Qatar Athletics in Dr. Al Kuwari said the treatment. 04 HOME TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021

ExxonMobil Qatar platinum sponsor QU academic appointed as president of of Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture European Society of Clinical Pharmacy

THE PENINSULA — DOHA expand the scope and at the international level to membership. influence clinical pharmacy Dr. Derek Stewart, Professor of Commenting on his practice, education, and Clinical Pharmacy and Practice achievement, Dr. Derek said: “It research.” at the QU College of Pharmacy is an honour and highlight of Dr. Mohammad Diab, Dean and Manager of Academic my career to take on the role of of the College of Pharmacy at Quality Assurance at Vice Pres- the President of the European Qatar University, added, “Dr. ident for Medical and Health Society of Clinical Pharmacy. I Derek’s appointment as Pres- Sciences Office QU has been do so with a little trepidation ident of this organisation is an appointed as the President of and a great deal of excitement outstanding achievement which Ahmad Musa Al Amla, CEO of Qatar Museums, and Dominic Genetti, the European Society of Clinical and hope to bring commitment, reflects very well on the college President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, at the official Pharmacy (ESCP). energy, drive, and a little fun to and university. This provides an launch of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. ExxonMobil Qatar The European Society of the role. I am indebted to the excellent opportunity to is the platinum sponsor of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, an Clinical Pharmacy is an inter- immediate past President, Pro- enhance our international rep- annual initiative that builds bridges with nations and promotes national leader in advancing fessor Bart van den Bemt of the utation within pharmacy and Qatar’s rich heritage and culture beyond its borders. quality and innovation in Netherlands, for his healthcare.” clinical pharmacy education, Dr. Derek Stewart leadership. Dr. Derek joined Qatar Uni- practice, and research. The “The coronavirus pandemic versity in April 2019 from society’s mission is to promote, largely from Europe, the inter- has provided further evidence Scotland, where he was Pro- MME records 4 violations at support, implement and national profile is growing of the pharmacist and fessor of Pharmacy Practice at advance education, practice, within the Middle East. pharmacy team’s significance Robert Gordon University in food outlets in Al Sheehaniya and clinical pharmacy research Before being appointed as to ensuring the appropriate use Aberdeen. He is a highly to optimize outcomes for President, Dr. Derek served as of medicines and delivering on acclaimed international THE PENINSULA — DOHA following the provisions of the patients. a member of the General Com- the wider healthcare agenda. researcher and academic, Law No. 8 of 1990 for regu- Specifically, the association mittee, the strategic planning As a society, we will build on having published over 200 Al Sheehaniya Municipality lating foods, said the Ministry promotes the value and impact and decision-making com- this positive foundation to meet research and education papers, represented by the Health of Municipality and Envi- of clinical pharmacy services mittee of the society. He also the aspirations and needs of our attracted more than £3 million Monitoring Section of ronment (MME) in a statement. among health care professionals, served as Chair of the Research members to deliver the very in research funding, and super- Municipal Monitoring The municipal inspectors scientific societies, health Committee for three years. As best care.” vised 25 doctoral students to Department recorded four conducted a number of authorities, and the public. It President, Dr. Derek will lead He also noted that “The role completion. He has collabo- violations at food outlets during inspection campaigns on food raises awareness of clinical the society for two years, during of President will also provide rated with individuals at Qatar inspection campaigns which outlets operation across the pharmacy practice and its activ- which time he hopes to revise opportunities to showcase University and Hamad Medical were conducted recently. Municipality by the beginning ities. While the membership is the vision and mission and Qatar University’s contribution Corporation for over ten years. The violations were booked of this year. CNA-Q students participate in clean-up drive at Al Zubara

THE PENINSULA — DOHA were briefed about beach with Qatar Museums and Sea- clean-up best practices and shore on this interesting initi- As part of their environmental COVID-19 precautionary ative. This is an opportunity for awareness activities, the measures. Group leaders made our students to learn and Students Affairs Department at sure that students wore their become more active in their College of the North Atlantic- masks, gloves and adhered to community. Sustainability is the Qatar participated in a coastal physical distance. Participants key to a better tomorrow and the clean-up at Al Zubara beach. were specifically requested to driver for innovation, and that This initiative took place in look for small plastic debris that is the message we want to collaboration with Seashore has a significant impact on convey to all participants. We Recycling and Sustainability marine life. hope that this activity will also Center and Qatar Museums. Promoting environmental give them the chance to connect The initiative took place in awareness is key at CNA-Q. The with their heritage and value the the presence of CEO of Seashore College offers a diploma in past to build a prosperous Group Salem Saeed Al- “Environmental Health,” a pro- future.” Mohannadi, Director of the gramme that prepares grad- Director of the Department Department of Archaeology - uates to become environmental of Archaeology - Qatar Qatar Museums Faisal Al Naimi, health officers and public health Museums, Faisal Al Naimi, and Acting President of CNA-Q inspectors required to monitor, added: “This initiative aims to Dr. Salem Al-Naemi. control, manage, promote, and join efforts across Qatar, to Al Zubara Fort is a historic manipulate environmental build a common sustainability Qatari military fortress built factors that impact human platform. An action that will Students of CNA-Q with officials during a clean-up drive at Al Zubara Beach. under Sheikh Abdullah bin health. Within this framework, involve different community Jassim Al Thani’s oversight in CNA-Q organizes many events target groups to raise awareness 1938. The dignitaries toured a that reflect the value of com- about the environment and the sustainability across Qatar, in Protecting our environment is EcoMena, Qatar produces more temporary exhibition titled munity participation in pre- importance of keeping archae- line with the policies and pro- a pressing issue, and we want than 2.5 million tons of “Daily Life” and then headed venting and resolving environ- ological sites and beaches cedures set by the country. We everyone to be part of the municipal solid waste each year. towards Al Zubara archaeo- mental problems. clean”. Commenting on the work on fostering bigger com- solution.” It has one of the highest per logical site, a place inscribed on Acting President of CNA-Q, event, CEO of Seashore Group, munity involvement in events Participation in this activity capita waste generation rates the UNESCO World Heritage Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, said: “It is Mr. Salem Saeed Al-Mohannadi, and programmes to increase came from thorough research worldwide of up to 1.8 kg per List. a pleasure for College of the said: “The group is working awareness and create a public done by students about the envi- day, where only 8 percent of that Before starting, students North Atlantic-Qatar to partner relentlessly to promote sustainability culture. ronment in Qatar. According to waste is recycled. Vaccination certificate Education City, Ahmad Doha Festival City launches available for those who Bin Ali Stadiums to host received two doses FIFA Club World Cup International Festival FROM PAGE 1 FROM PAGE 1 this challenge IATA is In a statement released yesterday, FIFA THE PENINSULA — DOHA “This means having working on launching the confirmed that the current format of the accurate information on IATA Travel Pass, a digital competition will remain unchanged, Doha Festival City, Qatar’s one passengers’ COVID-19 platform for passengers,” with the opening match forfeited, which and only choice for shopping, health status. Informing IATA said on its website. was scheduled for February 1 between dining and entertainment, has passengers on what tests, It added: “The main Auckland City and Qatari football announced hosting an Interna- vaccines and other priority is to get people powerhouse Al Duhail. tional Festival, offering memo- measures they require traveling again safely. In The tournament will be contested rable moments and unique prior to travel, details on the immediate term that by Al Duhail, Al Ahly, Bayern Munich, experiences to shoppers. where they can get tested means establishing confi- Ulsan Hyundai FC, Tigres UANL and the Set to run between January and giving them the ability dence in governments that winners of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 15 and February 28, the Inter- to share their tests and systematic pre-departure final scheduled for January 30. national Festival will give a taste Art Exhibition at Doha Festival City vaccination results in a COVID-19 testing can work Following the withdrawal of of the multicultural diversity of verifiable, safe and as a replacement for quar- Auckland City, Al Duhail will move Doha, through a range of companies in Qatar. available at the Mall. Customers privacy-protecting manner antine requirements. And directly to the second round. exciting events and activities The International Tech Fes- will also have the opportunity is the key to giving govern- that will eventually The draw to finalise the pairings will including art and tech exhibi- tival will showcase the myriad to receive a special ‘foodies ments the confidence to develop into a vaccine take place in Zurich tomorrow, FIFA tions, a food festival as well as a of high tech products available passport’ after collecting 6 open borders. To address program.” said. number of competitions with at Doha Festival City, as well as stamps from any restaurant in major prizes available for new tech releases and product the mall, for a chance to win shoppers and visitors to enjoy arrivals at the Mall for shoppers QR2,000 DHFC Gift Card. MME weighs plant across all age groups. to enjoy.Shoppers can watch all Winners of the online contest Kicking off the festival with of the tech programmes and will be announced on the first factories to ensure the International Art Exhibition, panel discussions live streamed week of March 2021. and in-line with the Mall’s CSR on the Mall’s YouTube channel Customers who wish to par- year-round produce of initiatives, the exclusive exhi- as well as on the screens in ticipate in the food passport bition will give the local com- Virtuocity. contest can collect their leafy vegetables munity and international artists As part of the International passport starting from the 1st the opportunity to get together Tech Festival, Doha Festival until the 28th of February 2021 FROM PAGE 1 under one umbrella, and City will also host a dedicated and they can ask all the ques- Al Shammari said that second national stra- display their arts collections. ‘PC Assembly Competition’ on tions regarding the competition tegic plan of food security focused on The International Art Exhi- February 13 and 20 at Vir- at the dedicated International increasing favorite vegetables for citizens bition will be located at Centre tuocity, where 4 contestants Festival booth located at Market and expatriates like zucchini, tomato, court on the ground floor of the who will have to assemble a Node in front of Monoprix, eggplant and cucumber. Mall. Guests can explore the computer from PC parts pro- every day from 2pm to 10pm “The food security strategy is based on four exhibition’s artists and their vided by Geek Nation from the during the activation. pillars – raising quantity of local fresh food collections daily starting from Mall. The fastest contestant to Commenting on the Inter- products, enhancing supply chain inside the 2pm until 10pm throughout the assemble the computer will win national Festival, Doha Festival country, improving strategic reserves and duration of the Festival. a brand new PC from Geek City’s General Manager, Robert international trade,” said Al Shammari. Running on the sidelines of Nation. Winners will be selected Hall, said: “Doha Festival City Speaking about the Ministry’s support to the Festival will also be the based on their skills in cable is delighted to celebrate the rich encouraging farmers to increase the produce, International Tech Festival, management, assembly speed culture and diversity of Qatar’s Al Shammari said that the farmers were pro- dedicated to shedding light on in addition to a performance community by providing vis- vided with platforms to market their produce new technology, brands, and PC test. Furthermore, Doha Fes- itors with unique activities and directly to customers without middlemen. assembly competition, in tival City will host the much- experiences and giving them a He said that the Ministry also provided addition to a series of panel dis- anticipated International Food taste of the different cultures greenhouses, tools, equipment and fertilizers cussions that will be held in Festival, showcasing the variety and traditions that are available among many more to farmers. partnership with major tech of international cuisines at the Mall.” TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 HOME 05 QU-YSC, Qatar Scout Association QNL highlights cultural heritage restitution launch ‘Scout Scientific Camp’ THE PENINSULA — DOHA contextual backgrounds of art restitution cases. He also pre- THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar National Library recently sented the regional and inter- held an online training course national legal framework Qatar University’s Young on combating art trafficking regarding the restitution of Scientist Center (QU-YSC) that explored the restitution of works of art and illustrated its launched “Scout Scientific cultural heritage, with a special application with case studies, Camp” in cooperation with the focus on manuscripts and with particular attention paid Qatar Scout Association ancient books. This training, to manuscripts and ancient recently. The Camp provided which is within the framework books. an innovative environment for of the Library’s Himaya project, Chiche-Attali commented: young participants. It was based supports efforts to counter the “While legal frameworks are on merging between the scien- trafficking and illegal circu- set in motion to regulate the tific and research aspects lation of documentary heritage. restitution of art and cultural through the center’s activities Delivered by Paris-based goods, it is equally important and the educational scout intellectual property and art to raise awareness about art aspects presented by the Qatar lawyer Sydney Chiche-Attali, trafficking and to promote the Scout. the training course brought various means to combat this The idea of the Camp was together experts and specialists growing phenomenon. Qatar implemented because of the in protecting documentary her- National Library’s initiative is collaboration between the two itage from many Arab countries essential to build and expand parties to prepare a complete and outlined the international the networks of exchange to scientific scout programme that and regional legal frameworks pursue these objectives and can improve the participants’ of the restitution of art and cul- preserve cultural heritage and leadership skills and innovative tural goods. forgotten treasures. I sincerely capabilities. Besides, the Camp Commenting on the appreciate the part that the was set to build their personal- occasion, Director of Distin- Library is playing to spread ities, develop their scientific Students participating in the Scout Scientific Camp. vtive Collections at the Library, awareness on this crucial skills, and support their back- Stephane Ipert said: “Cultural issue.” ground of scout principles and guarantee students’ success was considered a platform for property is an indispensable The session is the second of ethics. The idea of the Camp was and prepare them to become the students to present their part of a nation’s identity, and the Library’s efforts to highlight The activities continued for implemented because of future leaders, such as self- creativity and fully develop considering the number of the importance of combating three consecutive days by fol- reliance, cooperation, disci- their scientific potentials and countries in conflict or turmoil art trafficking; the first, in lowing all precautionary the collaboration between pline, leadership, and other intellectual abilities. This Camp in the Middle East, the impor- November 2020, focused on measures and social distancing the two parties to prepare skills. is just a beginning for several tance of combating art traf- the laws surrounding the among students, with 24 stu- a complete scientific scout Commissioner-General of partnerships in the future with ficking cannot be overstated. looting and trafficking of dents from 8 different prepar- programme that can the Qatar Scout Association YSC to obtain the best outcome The Library’s recent training important artifacts in the atory schools for boys in Jassim Al Hardan, said, “The for Qatar’s youth.” Meanwhile, course on the subject matter is Middle East and around the attendance. The activities improve the participants’ Scout has an important and the Director of YSC, Dr. Noora not only timely and relevant, world. The Library aims to varied between scientific, cul- leadership skills and positive role in preparing the Al Thani, noted that the initi- but it also supports the col- create a professional network tural, and scout activities, innovative capabilities. youth’s personality and pre- ative would combine education lective effort to promote the of collaborative assistance to including camping challenges Besides, the Camp was set paring them for life experi- and entertainment. restitution of cultural heritage exchange knowledge and share and interactive scientific ways ences. We believe that influ- “We always strive to in the region and around the successful experiences toward to solve these challenges to build their ential figures should have lead- encourage students to love world.”During the session, the preservation of docu- depending on the use of personalities, develop ership skills and scientific skills, science by creating an inter- Chiche-Attali provided an mentary heritage throughout problem-solving skills and their scientific skills, and which was the reason for our active educational envi- overview of the historical and the region. engineering design process support their background cooperation with YSC. We are ronment that combines steps, including identifying proud of the unique experience learning with entertainment. problems, planning, con- of scout principles and our students gained and the Our goal is to build a new gen- struction, and testing and ethics. ideas that had emerged in the eration capable of decision- evaluation. Camp, as it is the outcome of making and capable of making Creating an environment of our distinguished cooperation developments in Qatar. We are positive competition also helps creative ideas to be applied and and is the start for more inno- pleased to cooperate with the to enhance the spirit of tested outside the laboratories vations.” Subject evaluation Scout Association to prepare teamwork and critical thinking in which the participants adapt consultant at the Scout Associ- the young students to be role skills and supports the Scout’s to overcome the challenges ation and the supervisor of the models and leaders for the goals. The modern educational successfully. Camp Aisha Al Kuwari, future, pioneers in all scientific, methods used in the center con- The Camp developed many commented, cultural, and political fields,” tributed to the release of important scout skills to “The scientific scout camp Dr. Noora said. Ibn Al Rayb Cultural Street hosts dialogue with writers

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

An event ‘A Dialogue With An Author’ was launched on Saturday in Katara within the programme of Ibn Al Rayb Cultural Street. The Cultural Street is being organised by the Cultural Village Katara in cooperation with Qatari Forum for Pub- lishers and Distributors at the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The event aims at cele- Writers from Qatari publishing houses provide testimonials about brating the authors and pub- their newly released books, and talking with the public about lishing houses participating in the events and the establishment their experience. of an intellectual and cultural dialogue with the audiences of Authors and Publishers, transitions between the Arab Ibn Al Rayb Cultural Street. Ibrahim Al Bu Hashem Al Sayed regions, its temporal and spatial said at the beginning of the pro- dimensions, cultural and civi- gramme: “A Dialogue With A lizational impact, aesthetics and Author’ is a cultural and dia- arts. ‘A Dialogue With An logue platform that celebrates Abdullah Affas Al Marri, a Author’ is a cultural and authors and the production of researcher at the Police College, dialogue platform that Qatari publishing houses and reviewed the contents of his celebrates authors and builds bridges of communi- book in his speech which cation with their audience. explains the articles of Law No. the production of Qatari He said the event celebrates 7 of 2002 regarding the pro- publishing houses and the fruits of the Qatari pub- tection of copyright and related builds bridges of lishing revolution that was rights. communication with launched to strengthen the Dr. Muhammad Farzat pre- knowledge lauding the roles of sented a summary of his and their audience. writer, author, publishing confirmed that Qatar was houses and Qatari cultural pro- present in Claudius Ptolemy’s Ibrahim Al Bu Hashem Al duction by interacting with maps, and in the Syriac lan- Sayed audience and writers. guage, the Akkadian dictionary Director of Qatari Forum for Director of the Forum said and cuneiform writing. that Ibn Al Rayb Cultural Street The fourth and final lecture Authors and Publishers represents a model for cooper- hosted by Dr. Hassan Rashid, ation and interaction between who holds a PhD in Philosophy state institutions to achieve its of Arts from the Academy of strategy in the field of cultural Arts at the Higher Institute of The programme which will development and building a Dramatic Arts in Cairo. be held every Saturday knowledge economy. This book is considered as afternoon, hosted four writers “We, at the Forum, are a memory for Qatari theater, from four Qatari publishing proud of our close cooperation from an artist who has devoted houses to provide testimonials with the Cultural Village Foun- nearly half a century of his life about their newly released dation Katara and the Katara to the advancement of theater books, a dialogue with the Publishing House to accomplish art.D. Rasheed, at the beginning public about the experience, this ambitious project, which of his lecture, expressed his and signing their books in the filled a gap due to the post- thanks and appreciation to Cul- pavilions of publishing houses. ponement of Doha Interna- tural Village, Katara, for its The writers whose books tional Book Fair due to efforts in strengthening Arab were discussed in the pro- COVID-19 pandemic,” said Al culture not only in Qatar but in gramme include Dr. Ali Afifi, Sayed. all Arab countries. Dr. Rasheed Abdullah Afas Al Marri, Dr. In his speech, Dr. Ali Afifi explained that his book, Studies Muhammad Farzat and Dr. reviewed the journey of Arabic in Theater and Drama, is a col- Hassan Rashid. calligraphy from its inception lection of articles written in Director of Qatari Forum for to the stage of modernity, its newspapers at different times. 06 HOME TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 GULF/MIDDLE EAST 07

Kuwait Amir Ankara, Berlin seek better EU-Turkish ties accepts Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said after meeting his German counterpart Heiko Cabinet Maas in Ankara that there has been a “positive resignation atmosphere” for EU-Turkish relations in recent days, following a tumultuous 2020. REUTERS — KUWAIT

Kuwait’s Amir has accepted AP — ISTANBUL with Greek counterparts was the resignation of the Cabinet, taking place yesterday at Nato state news agency KUNA said The German and Turkish headquarters. yesterday, after a standoff foreign ministers sought to “With the announcement of between the government and boost prospects of better rela- direct talks, the window for a parliament over questioning tions between Ankara and the diplomatic solution that had the Prime Minister. European Union yesterday as been closed since 2016 is The political confrontation, Turkey and EU-member Greece slightly open again,” Maas said. which erupted less than a embark on much-awaited steps “I think all participants are month after the cabinet was to solve a long-running dispute. aware that this process will not appointed, has posed the first Germany has been trying to be easy, but I am convinced that big challenge to Amir H H help ease tensions between if both sides approach these Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al fellow Nato allies Turkey and talks with sustainable intentions Jaber Al Sabah, who assumed Greece. Turkish Foreign Min- and the necessary pragmatism, power in September. ister Mevlut Cavusoglu said political solutions can ulti- Prime Minister Sheikh after meeting his German coun- mately be found.” Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah and terpart Heiko Maas in Ankara The disputes “are very com- his cabinet will continue in a that there has been a “positive plicated but they are not caretaker capacity until the atmosphere” for EU-Turkish insoluble,” Maas added. formation of a new gov- relations in recent days, fol- Cavusoglu insisted that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu meets with his German counterpart Heiko Maas in Ankara, ernment, KUNA said. lowing a tumultuous 2020. Turkey has always been ready Turkey, yesterday. It was unclear when the Turkey and Greece last to talk with Greece without any new cabinet will be appointed. summer came to the brink of preconditions. But he asserted Archbishop of Athens con- defence capabilities. readiness to put frayed relations The motion to question war due to a dispute on mar- that Athens may be trying to sidered by Turkey to be In December, the European with the EU “back on track.” Sheikh Sabah, Prime Minister itime boundaries and energy provoke Ankara in a bid to force anti-Muslim. Union gave the green light for If the efforts at detente since late 2019, was submitted rights in the Eastern its hand to respond and then ask “We are not a country that sanctions against individuals succeed, Maas said at Monday’s by three lawmakers on Mediterranean. for the EU to impose sanctions. fears sanctions but we don’t over Turkey’s exploration of gas news conference with Cavusoglu January 5, and was supported Last week, both countries “We want to continue this want to continue with this neg- reserves in waters claimed by that he expects “a significantly by more than 30 other MPs in announced the resumption of positive atmosphere but unfor- ative agenda and sanctions,” EU members Greece and more constructive relationship, the 50-seat assembly. exploratory talks and said tunately Greece is continuing Cavusoglu said. Cyprus. for the good of both sides.” The referred to a cabinet meetings could take place its provocations in this period Across the Aegean, Greek Though Ankara has But he also delivered a that did not reflect the poll between top officials, including as well,” Cavusoglu said, citing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mit- repeatedly said sanctions would pointed message to Ankara result and to government the Turkish president and the armament attempts on demil- sotakis said he welcomed the not deter Turkey from ahead of his arrival, noting the “interference” in electing the Greek prime minister. itarised islands, military exer- resumption of contacts, defending its energy rights, difficulties of 2020 and warned speaker and members of par- The Turkish Defence Min- cises, maritime announcements saying he was counting on Turkish President Recep Tayyip that “this playing with fire must liamentary committees. istry said a technical meeting and a recent statement by the international law and Greek Erdogan has expressed a not be repeated.” Kuwait has the most vibrant political system among Gulf Arab states, where the parliament has some power to Israel moves to rein in rights group over ‘apartheid’ use pass, and block, legislation and question ministers. AP — TEL AVIV banner of advancing Jewish, and making our findings pub- population of 9.3 million, have seized power there two years democratic and Zionist values licly known to the Israeli public, citizenship rights, but they often later. It considers the West Bank Kuwait reports Israel’s education minister says and it is acting accordingly,” he and worldwide,” it said in a suffer from discrimination in “disputed” territory whose fate he is banning groups that call said. It was not immediately statement. housing and other spheres. Arab should be determined in peace 467 new virus Israel an “apartheid state” from clear whether he had the Adalah, an Arab legal rights citizens of Israel have repre- talks with the internationally rec- lecturing at schools — a move authority to ban speakers from group, said it had appealed to the sentatives in parliament, serve ognized Palestinian Authority, the cases, one death that targets one of the country’s schools. country’s attorney general to in government bureaucracy and autonomy government for its leading human rights groups In a report released last cancel Galant’s directive, saying work in various fields alongside Palestinian residents. QNA — KUWAIT after it began describing both week, the rights group B’Tselem it was made without the proper Jewish Israelis. Israel annexed east Jeru- Israel and its control of the said that while Palestinians live authority and that it was intended Israel seized east Jerusalem, salem in 1967 in a move not rec- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health Palestinian territories as a single under different forms of Israeli to “silence legitimate voices.” the West Bank and the Gaza ognized internationally and reported yesterday 467 new apartheid system. control in the occupied West Israel passed a law in 2018 Strip in the 1967 war — lands considers the entire city its cases of coronavirus The explosive term, long Bank, blockaded Gaza, annexed preventing lectures or activities that are home to nearly 5 million unified capital. Most Pales- (COVID-19) in the past 24 seen as taboo and mostly used east Jerusalem and within Israel in schools by groups that Palestinians and which the Pal- tinians in east Jerusalem are hours, bringing the total of by the country’s harshest critics, itself, they have fewer rights support legal action being taken estinians want for a future state. Israeli “residents,” but not cit- confirmed cases in the country is vehemently rejected by than Jews in the entire area against Israeli soldiers abroad. B’Tselem and other rights izens with voting rights. to 158,244. Israel’s leaders and many between the Mediterranean Sea The law was apparently drafted groups argue that the bound- Israel adamantly rejects the The Ministry’s spokesman ordinary Israelis. and the Jordan River. in response to the work of aries separating Israel and the term apartheid, saying the Dr. Abdullah Al Sanad said that Education Minister Yoav B’Tselem said it would not Breaking the Silence, a whistle- West Bank vanished long ago restrictions it imposes in Gaza one death has been recorded Galant tweeted late on Sunday be deterred by the minister’s blower group for former Israeli — at least for Israeli settlers, and the West Bank are tem- in the past twenty-four hours, that he had instructed the min- announcement and that despite soldiers who oppose policies in who can freely travel back and porary measures needed for bringing the number of deaths istry’s director general to it, the group gave a lecture on the occupied West Bank. It was forth, while their Palestinian security. Most Palestinians in in Kuwait to 948, adding that “prevent the entry of organisa- the subject via videocall to a not clear if Galant’s decree was neighbors require permits to the West Bank live in areas gov- the patients in intensive care tions calling Israel ‘an apartheid school in the northern city of rooted in the 2018 law. enter Israel. erned by the Palestinian units have reached 56. state’ or demeaning Israeli sol- Haifa yesterday. Israel has long presented Israel withdrew troops and Authority, but those areas are The Kuwaiti Ministry of diers from lecturing at schools.” “B’Tselem is determined to itself as a thriving democracy. settlers from Gaza in 2005 but surrounded by Israeli check- Health announced earlier “The Education Ministry keep with its mission of docu- Its own Arab citizens, who make imposed a blockade after the Pal- points and Israeli soldiers can today the recovery of 354 under my leadership raised the menting reality, analysing it, up about 20 percent of its estinian militant Hamas group enter at any time. people over the past 24 hours. Facebook to New infections overwhelm appoint Turkey representative hospitals in Lebanon REUTERS — BEIRUT a bed when her 86-year-old REUTERS — ISTANBUL grandfather’s oxygen levels COVID-19 patients wait on plummeted dangerously low. Facebook Inc said yesterday pavements outside hospitals in “We called all the civic it had started the process of Beirut, where emergency groups, politicians, even the appointing a legal entity as a rooms are packed and intensive health minister, no one could local representative in Turkey care beds full. help,” she said. in compliance with a new Inside, exhausted In the end, she took matters social media law which critics healthcare workers are suc- into her own hands, got her have said will muzzle dissent. cumbing themselves - doctors own oxygen tank and hooked The law allows authorities at one hospital, asking not to it up to her grandfather lying to remove content from plat- be named, said around 40 on a stretcher outside the hos- forms, rather than blocking percent of staff were sick or in pital. One doctor helped out by access as they did in the past. isolation. snaking an extension power The move has caused concern Countries worldwide are cable out into the street. as people turn more to online feeling the strain, but few have A few days later, Lebanon’s platforms after Ankara had to deal with anything like caretaker health minister, tightened its grip on main- Lebanon’s crisis, where the Hamad Hassan, tested positive stream media. pandemic piled in on top of a and was rushed straight into a The company said its financial collapse and a huge bed at another different decision did not change its Online school lesson in Gaza port blast in August that had medical centre. community standards, which already brought the health His admission, as dozens of outline what is and what is not Palestinian student Waed Bisharat, 13, attends an online school lesson using a mobile phone as system to its knees. Lebanese struggled to find allowed on Facebook, nor its sheep graze, amid the coronavirus disease, in a Bedouin encampment in Jordan Valley in the Israeli- “It is basically from one room in hospitals, fuelled wide- process for reviewing gov- occupied West Bank. catastrophe to another,” said spread criticism. ernment requests. Charaf Abou Charaf, the head In response to a question “We will withdraw the rep- of Lebanon’s doctors about why he did not isolate at resentative if we face pressure syndicate. home, a ministry advisor only on either,” the company said in Israeli jets hit Hamas targets in Gaza The country has seen daily shared a picture of Hassan a statement, adding that it infection rates soar in the last signing papers in hospital with remains committed to main- AP — JERUSALEM the airstrikes. There were also job-creation projects. week to the highest levels in the a thin tube hooked to his nose, taining free expression and no reports of damage or injury Israel and Hamas have fought region — past the 6,000 mark without elaboration. other human rights in Turkey. Israeli military aircraft struck from the rockets launched. three wars since the Islamic mil- for the first time on Friday. Much of the frustration has Other companies have also targets in the Gaza Strip early It was not immediately itant group seized power of the The caretaker government focused on the lag in Lebanon’s appointed representatives in yesterday in response to two clear who fired the rockets. coastal enclave in 2007. While no has said it is doing all it can. It vaccination drive, on top of the line with the recently amended rockets fired allegedly from the Hamas maintains an unofficial major confrontation has occurred has ordered the strictest lack of restrictions over the Internet law. YouTube, owned Palestinian territory, the cease-fire with Israel, but Israel since 2014, there are often cross- lockdown yet — a 24-hour recent holiday season, when by Alphabet Inc’s Google, said military said. holds the group responsible for border skirmishes and flare-ups curfew until Jan. 25, a move nightclubs, Christmas markets a month ago it had taken such In a statement, the military any fire emanating from Gaza. between the sides. which came too late according and businesses were all a decision.. said fighter jets hit Hamas mil- Hamas, meanwhile, accuses While Israeli retaliatory to medics who have criticised allowed to open. In previous months itary targets, including sites for Israel of failing to honour its truce artillery and aerial strikes are the response. As countries in the region Facebook, YouTube and digging underground tunnels, obligations, which include easing frequent, they have largely Beirut resident Jenny roll out shots, Lebanon only Twitter had faced fines in some of which stretch into a crippling blockade on the Pal- been subdued in recent months Chami said she spent hours signed its final deal for 2.1 Turkey for not complying with Israel. There were no imme- estinian enclave, and allowing due to the coronavirus out- calling up every hospital in the million doses of the Pfizer- the law. diate reports of injuries from for large-scale infrastructure and breaks in both territories country last week searching for BioNtech vaccine on Sunday. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 A post-Trump Palestine Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

[email protected] AHMED ABU ARTEMA AL JAZEERA ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED For decades, Palestinians [email protected] have suffered under Israeli colonial occupation backed and empowered by US DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR political, financial, and MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI military support. This has [email protected] allowed Israel to gradually expand its settlement and colonisation of Palestine, to the point that now only about EDITORIAL 5 percent of historical Pales- tine’s land is actually controlled by Palestinians. This process continued Another sports blockbuster almost undisturbed by inter- A file picture of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holding a document while speaking during national scrutiny for years, a Security Council meeting at the United Nations in New York. DOHA is primed for another sports blockbuster in under the cover of Washing- February. Just last week the Qatar capital concluded ton’s “peace process” and its the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifying event in self-declared position as Relief and Works Agency for League – upon the initiative wants, whether it is legit- Judo - the Doha Masters - and the 2021 Australian mediator between the Pales- Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). of the late Saudi King imacy for its illegal theft of Open tennis qualifiers at the Khalifa Tennis Complex. tinian and Israeli sides. This was not only a catas- Abdullah – committed to nor- land or an unlimited supply of And exactly 47 days after hosting the first match on When Donald Trump trophe for millions of Pales- malise relations with Israel advanced weapons to use its freshly laid pitch, the state-of-the art Ahmad Bin became US president in 2017, tinians who depend on the UN only in exchange for the against the Palestinians. Ali Stadium will host the opening clash of the 2020 however, he disrupted this agency for food, education establishment of a Palestinian Fully supported by the US, FIFA Club World Cup on February 4, 2021. On Qatar’s carefully crafted process of and health care, but it was an state on 1967 borders, the Israel continues its pursuit to National Day, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium became the gradual colonialisation. He attempt to erase the status of return of refugees, and the establish “facts on the fourth FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue to be embraced the most extremist the Palestinians as refugees withdrawal of Israel from the ground” – to establish declared open following the inauguration of the iconic Israeli agenda and eliminated and, by doing so, their right to Golan Heights. absolute domination over all Khalifa International Stadium (2017), A Janoub the established practice of return. By trying to destroy A post-Trump Palestine of historical Palestine and to Stadium (2019) and Education City Stadium (2020). paying lip service to Pales- UNRWA, Trump was doing Joe Biden’s victory in the make Palestinian statehood The 2020 Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al tinian rights. the bidding of the Israeli gov- US presidential elections in impossible. But there is one Arabi was staged in front of 12,000 fans at the brand Israel’s right-wing gov- ernment which has done eve- November seems to have fact that Israel is completely new stadium where H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin ernment was given the green rything it can for decades to brought some optimism in failing to establish, despite all Hamad Al Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino light to do as it pleased, while prevent ethnically cleansed certain Palestinian quarters its military might, financial were also in attendance to witness the historic title the American president kept Palestinians from returning that the US will change its resources and limitless clash. validating its illegal, criminal and reclaiming their land. policy towards the Pales- backing by a superpower: It Next month’s premier continental event will see acts. This effectively accelerated The right of return was tinians. Let us not forget that cannot erase the Palestinians. matches among AFC giants from Korea Ulsan the process of establishing “facts also further undermined by Trump’s policies were never Six million Palestinians – Hyundai FC, CAF side Al Ahly SC from Egypt, Con- on the ground” – i.e. the usur- the “deal of the century” really in contradiction to deprived of their liberty and cacaf Tigres UANL from Mexico, European cham- pation of Palestinian land and Trump and his son-in-law Washington’s traditional homeland – continue to live pions Bayern Munich of Germany and Qatar pow- subversion of any Palestinian Jared Kushner put forward. stance on Palestine, showing in historical Palestine. Mil- erhouse Al Duhail in the six-team tournament set to political leverage to the point Copying the language of pre- full and unconditional support lions of other Palestinians live be held from February 4 to 11. The Supreme Com- that Palestinian demands vious US “peace initiatives”, for the Israeli state. in neighbouring Arab coun- mittee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) on Monday con- become impossible to fulfill the proposal promised “peace” Biden's team have made it tries and the diaspora. Their firmed two venues for the hugely popular FIFA tour- their rights irrelevant. and “prosperity” for the Pales- abundantly clearly that they identity, their very existence, nament - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and the Education So what does Trump’s tinians but denied most of will not reverse Trump’s deci- erodes day by day the City Stadium. Both the Qatar 2022 venues were legacy mean for the their demands, including self- sions, including the moving of deception Israel has used to inaugurated six months apart last year, one in June Palestinians? determination in the form of a the US embassy from Tel Aviv whitewash its apartheid and and the other in December. Although the US Congress sovereign Palestinian state. to Jerusalem. His adminis- present itself to the world as a The FIFA Club World Cup comes around at a time passed a bill recognising Jeru- Meanwhile, US Secretary of tration will not support the “model democracy”. More when the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic. salem as the capital of Israel State Mike Pompeo Palestinians’ struggle for importantly, the Palestinian However, the Local Organising Committee - with in 1995, successive US admin- announced on November 18, justice; it will not seek their lives and spirit actively expert help from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) istrations postponed acting on 2019, that the US government liberation, the end of the undermine the Israeli occu- and other state authorities - hosted and successfully it due to the absence of an considers the construction of Israeli occupation, the dis- pation and apartheid. delivered two month-long championships in Sept- agreement between the Pal- Israeli settlements in the West mantling of the Israeli Palestinians are suffering Oct and Nov-Dec when the West and East Zone estinian Authority and Israel Bank not to be a violation of apartheid regime, or the shocking deprivation and matches were held to complete last year’s AFC Cham- on the status of the holy city. international law. return of Palestinian refugees torment by the Israelis, but they pions League. Dozens of matches were played in the On December 6, 2017, In his final months as to their homeland. are steadfast. Their very two events and hundreds of players and officials were Trump turned what was president, Trump did not fail The lesson the Pales- existence has become carefully housed in a bubble-to-bubble environment already on paper into reality to give yet another gift to tinians should learn from the resistance. And time is not on as AFC completed its stalled championship for clubs by issuing an executive order Israel: normalisation with four long years of Trump’s their tormentor’s side. At this with a final on Dec 19, 2020 in Doha. AFC later to move the US embassy in Arab states. This was yet presidency is not to bet on moment in time, Israel may thanked Qatar for putting together ‘excellent events’ Israel from Tel Aviv to Jeru- another major blow for the any US administration ever appear as a victorious colo- in trying circumstances. salem. The move happened Palestinian cause and a clear embracing their interests and niser, having lifted almost all Fans who will be visiting Qatar for the eight-day on May 14 the following year, break with the Arab con- rights or becoming an barriers to annexing the West FIFA Club World Cup next month will get a sneak which coincided with the 70th sensus of “land for peace”. objective arbiter. The US Bank. But the Palestinian preview of Qatar’s World Cup plans at two of its anniversary of the Nakba and Thus, by the end of the political elite is an enabler of struggle is making headway. In venues that are nothing short of engineering marvels. which the Israelis marked by Trump’s presidency, Pales- Israeli occupation and coloni- the not-so-distant future, massacring dozens of Pales- tinians seem stripped of sation of Palestine, it has justice will prevail and Pales- tinians in Gaza. whatever they could be always been and will remain tinians will have their freedom. A few months later, Trump stripped of. such in the future. And, just Ahmed Abu Artema is a announced that he was In the aftermath of the like Trump, it will continue to Palestinian journalist and defunding the United Nations second Intifada, the Arab give Israel everything it peace activist. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Utilise European nations’ involvement to help stabilise Indo-Pacific region EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI Last year, the German considering dispatching an unchecked, the stability of the FAX: +974 4455 7758 government worked out new aircraft carrier to waters near sea-lanes that support the To promote the “free and policy guidelines for the Indo- Japan for a long-term stay. distribution system between MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 open Indo-Pacific” vision Pacific region, establishing a What these countries have Asia and Europe will be Japan is backing, it is essential plan for active involvement in in common are the principles undermined, and Europe’s DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 to cooperate with countries the region and closer ties with of freedom of navigation, economic interests will be that share with Japan such democratic countries, rule-based order and multi- harmed. LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 values as freedom, democracy including Japan, South Korea, lateralism. It is obvious that This sense of crisis may be and the rule of law. Australia and India. they are trying to restrain behind the aligning of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Japan should utilize the France was among the China’s attempts to change European countries to prior- growing involvement of first countries, in 2018, to put the status quo by force. itize the Indo-Pacific region. SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 major European countries in forward the concept of the There is no change in A decisive factor in the the security of the Indo- Indo-Pacific in its national Europe’s emphasis on eco- strengthening of cooperation ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Pacific region to help stabilize security policy. The country nomic relations with China. between European countries email: [email protected] the area. has increased its presence by This is indicated by the fact and countries in the Indo- The German defense min- actively participating in a that the European Union Pacific region is the United PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 ister has expressed to Japan crackdown on North Korea’s reached a broad investment States, which is continuing the email: [email protected] its plan for Germany to dis- maritime smuggling in vio- agreement with China last forward deployment of its patch naval ships to the Indo- lation of U.N. sanctions. December. The perception of military in the region. ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Pacific region this year. In a Britain plans to invite the China’s military threat also In telephone talks with the FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] written interview with The leaders of South Korea, Aus- tends to be small because of leaders of Japan and other Yomiuri Shimbun, the min- tralia and India to summit the long distance. countries concerned, US Pres- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 ister also revealed that talks of the Group of Seven However, if China’s ident-elect Joe Biden has email: [email protected] Germany is considering par- countries, as the host of this aggressive maritime expressed his intention to ticipating in military exercises year’s summit. It also has expansion in the South China cooperate for peace and sta- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 in the region. been reported that Britain is Sea and other areas is left bility in the region. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar Vaccines are the shot in the arm we all need, literally and figuratively. But we now face the real danger that /Peninsula_Qatar even as vaccines bring hope to some, they become another brick in the wall of inequality between the /ThePeninsulaNewspaper worlds of the world’s haves and have-nots. +974 6698 6188 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Uganda cops surround offices of opposition party

AP — KAMPALA The opposition leader by violence ahead of polling day has been effectively as well as an Internet shutdown The opposition party of that remained in force until Ugandan presidential chal- under house arrest Monday morning, when access lenger Bobi Wine said yesterday since he cast his was restored for most that police have prevented top Ugandans, although social officials from going to their vote and now is media sites remained restricted. headquarters in the capital, allegedly unable even Wine has been effectively Kampala, as they prepare to under house arrest since he cast launch a legal challenge to to receive visitors. his vote and now is allegedly Wine’s house arrest. Police prevented party unable even to receive visitors. Police swooped in at dawn officials who were Police prevented party officials at the offices of Wine’s National who were trying to meet with Unity Platform, diverted traffic, trying to meet with Wine at his home outside and stopped people from him at his home in Kampala in order to discuss the entering, party spokesman Joel way forward, Ssenyonyi said. Ssenyonyi, said. order to discuss the The party will seek a court Wine, whose real name is way forward. order to end Wine’s apparent Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, was the house arrest, he said. “His home main opposition challenger in is not a detention facility,” he said. presidential elections last week Opposition lawmaker Police spokesman Fred that electoral authorities say Medard Sseggona, an attorney Enanga said security forces are long-time leader Yoweri for Wine, said he feared police “maintaining a security Museveni won with 58 percent would seize any vital infor- presence” around Wine’s home of the vote. mation related to the elections as a pre-emptive measure Wine, who took 34 percent that was kept at the party’s against possible rioting in the of the vote, has rejected the headquarters. aftermath of the disputed polls. official outcome as fraudulent Museveni has dismissed the Wine is allowed to leave is leave Ugandan soldiers patrol near the house of Ugandan opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, and insists he will use all legal claims of vote-rigging. his home under “escort” in order also known as Bobi Wine in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday. means to protest the “cooked- “I think this may turn out to to prevent his followers from up” results. be the most cheating-free “instigating riots and violent candidate Kizza Besigye after watched across the African con- to power in 1986. Wine’s party has said it has election since 1962,” when demonstrations,” he said. presidential elections in 2016, tinent with a booming young Calling himself the “ghetto video evidence of the military Uganda won independence Wine has said his campaign preventing him from going out population and a host of aging president,” Wine had strong stuffing ballot boxes, casting from Britain, said Museveni in against Museveni is after the official results of his leaders, the 38-year-old singer- support in Uganda’s cities, ballots for people and chasing a national address on nonviolent. loss to Museveni had been turned-lawmaker posed where frustration with unem- voters away from polling Saturday. Police similarly surrounded declared. arguably the greatest challenge ployment and corruption is stations. But the election was marred the home of opposition In a generational clash to Museveni, 76, since he came high. Court in Central African Republic Sudanese bury victims of Darfur violence, toll at 129 AP — CAIRO people, according to the United Sudanese Professionals Asso- shelter in schools and gov- The violence came two upholds Nations. ciation, which spearheaded a ernment buildings. OCHA said weeks after the UN Security The death toll from tribal The doctors’ committee in popular uprising that eventually there was an “urgent need” for Council ended the joint UN- election results clashes between Arabs and the province said the clashes led to the military’s ouster of protection, shelter and food. African Union peacekeeping non-Arabs in Sudan’s western killed at least 129 people and longtime autocratic president The clashes threaten to force’s mandate in the region. AP — BANGUI Darfur region reached around wounded 189 others, including Omar Al Bashir in April 2019. derail Sudan’s fragile transition The UNAMID force, established 130 people, including children newborn babies. Among the Adam Regal, a spokesman to democracy. A military- in 2007, was the first joint Central African Republic’s and women, doctors and an aid dead was a US citizen, Saeed for a local organisation that civilian government has been UN-AU peacekeeping oper- constitutional court yesterday worker said Monday, as families Baraka, from Atlanta, who was helps run refugee camps in in power since April 2019, and ation. It was replaced with a upheld President Faustin began burying their dead. visiting family in Darfur. Darfur, said families started to has struggled to end the coun- much smaller, political mission Archange Touadera’s The latest bout of violence The committee, which bury their dead after the clashes try’s decades-long civil wars known as the United Nations re-election, raising the spectre in West Darfur province grew called the violence “unprece- subsided. However, he warned and overcome crippling eco- Integrated Transition of more violence days after out of a fist fight on Friday in a dented,” said the casualty toll of the potential for renewed nomic conditions. Assistance Mission in Sudan, rebels attempted to overtake camp for displaced people in was likely to increase. fighting. Authorities imposed a or UNITAMS. the capital. Genena, the provincial capital, “The scale of the crisis in The UN Office for the Coor- 24-hour curfew in all of West Mohammed Osman, a The opposition had urged and then escalated, lasting until West Darfur is unimaginable. dination of Humanitarian Darfur province and authorized Sudan researcher at Human the court to order a re-run of Sunday. The transitional government Affairs, said initial estimates military and police to use “all Rights Watch, said the tribal the December 27 voting, The clashes, between should bear its responsibilities show that at least 50,000 necessary force” to regain violence in Darfur is an saying insecurity and alleged members of the Arab Rizeigat and declare the province a dis- people were displaced because order. The central government example of why many dis- irregularities had marred the tribe and the non-Arab Massalit aster area,” it said. of the violence. It said the dis- in Khartoum also deployed placed people protested the election. However, the court tribe, displaced at least 50,000 The committee is part of the placed families have taken security reinforcements. end of UNAMID. announced yesterday that Touadera had won with 53 percent of ballots cast by 35 percent of registered voters. Tunisian army and police Anicet Georges Dologuele had 22 percent of the vote, quell unrest in many areas repeating his second place finish in the 2016 election. Tensions have escalated AP — TUNIS improved. There is also added dramatically since the presi- frustration over coronavirus dential polls, with rebels Tunisia’s Defence Ministry said restrictions. opposed to Touadera’s re- yesterday that army units The Defence Ministry said election trying to invade the deployed overnight and police the army will conduct joint capital last week. Security forces have quelled days-long social patrols with security forces in backed by UN peacekeepers unrest that saw violent protests the regions of Siliana, Kas- ultimately repelled the attack. by young people in various serine, Sousse and Bizerte, Former president Francois cities across the North African where clashes with police Bozize and his allies have been country. broke out Sunday evening for blamed for inciting the vio- The ministry said military the second consecutive night. lence, which erupted after the units were called in on Sunday The Interior Ministry said constitutional court rejected night to protect public buildings authorities had made 630 his candidacy in December. and “seats of sovereignty,” and arrests linked to the violence A judicial investigation has the situation was “calm” on Sunday alone. been opened into the role of yesterday. According to local media Bozize, who was in exile until Tunisians are angry at the the outbreak of violence spread December 2019, according to state of the economy and of to other parts of the northeast, the Attorney General at the public services. Many feel dis- in particular Nabeul and the Bangui Court of Appeal. appointed that on the 10th south, including the region of Bozize faces an interna- Schools reopen in Nigeria anniversary of the uprising that Kebili where demonstrators tional arrest warrant for ousted the autocratic former looted shops and threw stones “crimes against humanity and A student wearing a protective face mask washes her hands, as schools reopen in Nigeria amid the president, Zine El Abidine Ben and Molotov cocktails at official incitement of genocide.” coronavirus disease outbreak, in Abuja, yesterday. Ali, little seems to have buildings in some places. Mozambique President hands Taxis for ladies: Putting brakes on crime in South Africa control to army in IS battle THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION community activist in the Cape percent of South African women Customers told her male — JOHANNESBURG Flats for two decades, said. feel safe walking at night. driving instructors often tried BLOOMBERG — MAPUTO to contain the insurgency that “I always knew I wanted to Fredericks said the fear of to “chat them up”. has left more than 2,500 people From a women-only driving do something about it, but a few crime was ever-present for “A car is an intimate space, Mozambican President Filipe dead and caused 570,000 to school to an all-female taxi weeks ago I heard someone I women in the Cape Flats, where all she wants is to be taught how Nyusi has put the military in flee. The violence this year service — a South African know personally has been South Africa’s apartheid-era to drive and here she has to charge of combating a growing prompted Total SE to evacuate activist-turned-entrepreneur is raped and I thought I can’t wait government dumped Black and fend off hands and advances Islamic State-linked insur- workers from its $20bn liq- tackling high rates of sexual a minute longer,” she said by mixed race people forced out from men once more,” she said. gency in the natural gas-rich uefied natural gas project as assault by providing safe phone. of white-only areas. Tamara Goliath, 29, got her Cabo Delgado province after attacks encroached on what is transport in one of the coun- In the year ending March Cape Town authorities driving licence through Ladies limited success by the police Africa’s biggest private try’s most crime-ridden areas. 2020, more than 53,000 sexual could not immediately be Own Transport just before force. investment. The Cape Flats, which lies assaults were reported in South reached to comment. lockdown in March last year Nyusi on January 14 pro- “A move to turn opera- on the outskirts of the popular Africa, according to police Ladies Own Transport is an and just before giving birth. moted army general Eugenio tional control of the conflict tourist city of Cape Town, is figures, though women’s rights add-on company to the “I felt safe and comfortable Mussa to chief of staff of the over to a trusted lieutenant notorious for gang warfare, and groups say the true number is women’s driving school that with my female instructor,” said military, according to a suggests that Nyusi will play sexual violence is an everyday likely far higher. Fredericks launched in 2018, Goliath, a former teacher. statement from the Presidency, a more active role going fear for women taking taxis or Research shows that in Sub- which has taught hundreds of “There wasn’t that... har- and was earlier named as the forward in developing using public transport in the Saharan Africa “transport women to drive. assment that sometimes comes new commander of the nation’s counter-insurgency strategy,” area, said Joanie Fredericks. poverty” — inaccessible or When Fredericks launched with male instructors,” said northern operational command ACLED said. Launched last week, Fred- unsuitable transport that neg- the driving school, more than Goliath, adding that women post in Mueda. “The military will have a ericks said her taxi service, atively impacts a person’s 500 women signed up on the always have to consider their Mussa, a confidant of credible command voice,” Ladies Own Transport, had quality of life — disproportion- first day. safety when using public Nyusi since 2012 when he Adriano Nuvunga, a political already received calls from ately affects women and girls It became a kind of coun- transport too. “It is quite pro- was defense minister, science professor at Maputo- women requesting a ride to due to sexual harassment and selling service too, she said. found, the way Joanie has gone replaces Lázaro Menete chief based Eduardo Mondlane Uni- work that will keep them safe, abuse. “Do you know how many out of her way to empower of staff. versity, said of Mussa’s with some saying they were And according to a 2019 times we had to switch off the women around her,” she said. He had been in charge since appointment. “smitten” with the idea. index by the Georgetown car, and just sit and talk. This is Fredericks hopes to expand October 2017, the month of the “This is the start of the “I’ve heard too many stories Institute for Women, Peace and often the only space women her taxi service from her neigh- first attack. correct management of the war of women being raped in taxis,” Security that measured safety in have to get away from abusive bourhood of Tafelsig across the Mozambique has struggled in Cabo Delgado.” Fredericks, 51, who has been a 167 countries, only about 25 relationships,” she said. Cape Flats. 10 ASIA TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 Aid effort intensifies after Indonesia earthquake

AP — MAMUJU distributed from trucks. The military said it sent five planes Aid was reaching the thousands The disaster agency’s carrying rescue personnel, food, of people left homeless and medicine, blankets, field tents struggling after an earthquake chief, Doni Monardo, and water tankers. that killed at least 84 people on said authorities were Volunteers and rescue per- an Indonesian island where trying to separate high- sonnel erected more temporary rescuers intensified their work and lower-risk groups shelters for those left homeless yesterday to find those buried and provided tens of in Mamuju and Majene. in the rubble. Most were barely protected More rescuers and volun- thousands of anti- by makeshift shelters that were teers were deployed in the coronavirus masks for lashed by heavy monsoon hardest-hit city of Mamuju and those needing shelters. downpours. Only a few were the neighbouring district of He said authorities lucky to be protected by tar- Majene on Sulawesi island, would also set up health paulin-covered tents. They said where the magnitude 6.2 quake they were running low on food, struck early on Friday, said posts at the camps to blankets and other aid, as emer- Raditya Jati, the National Dis- test people for the virus. gency supplies were rushed to A local affected by floods carries a bag containing aid assistance from Indonesian President Joko aster Mitigation Agency’s the hard-hit region. Widodo at Pekauman Ulu village in Banjar regency, South Kalimantan province, Indonesia, yesterday. spokesperson. Police and soldiers were He said nearly 20,000 sur- deployed to guard vehicles car- almost flattened and a shopping people for the virus. city in 2018, setting of a tsunami vivors were moved to shelters people in six isolated villages in rying relief goods and grocery mall was reduced to a crumpled People being housed in and a phenomenon called liq- and more than 900 people were Majene district after the quake stores from looting that hulk. temporary shelters were seen uefaction in which soil collapses injured, with nearly 300 of damaged roads and bridges. Aid occurred in some areas, said The disaster agency said the standing close together, many into itself. More than 4,000 them still receiving treatment and other logistic supplies can Muhammad Helmi, who heads evacuees are in dire need of of them without masks, saying people were killed, including for serious injuries. be distributed only by foot over the West Sulawesi police’s oper- basic necessities — blankets, that they difficult to observe many who were buried when A total of 73 people died in the severe terrain, said Mahatir ation unit. mats, tents, baby food and health protocols in this emer- whole neighborhoods were Mamuju and 11 in Majene, said who goes by one name. Jati said at least 1,150 houses medical services. gency situation. swallowed in the falling ground. Didi Hamzar, the disaster In a virtual news con- in Majene were damaged and The disaster agency’s chief, West Sulawesi province has Indonesia, home to more agency’s director of prepar- ference, Hamzar said that three the agency was still collecting Doni Monardo, said authorities recorded more than 2,500 cases than 260 million people, is lined edness. He said rescuers also helicopters were taking aid sup- data on damaged houses and were trying to separate high- of the coronavirus, including 58 with seismic faults and is fre- managed to pull 18 people alive plies yesterday to four cut-off buildings in Mamuju. and lower-risk groups and pro- deaths. Indonesia has con- quently hit by earthquakes, vol- from the rubble of a collapsed villages in Majene. Mamuju, the provincial vided tens of thousands of anti- firmed nearly 908,000 cases canic eruptions and tsunamis. houses and buildings. In other hard hit areas. capital of nearly 300,000 coronavirus masks for those and almost 26,000 fatalities. A magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Mahatir, a relief coordinator water, which has been in short people, was strewn with debris needing shelters. He said Many on Sulawesi island are Sumatra in 2004 triggered a for volunteer rescuers, said his supply, as well as food and from collapsed buildings. The authorities would also set up still haunted by a magnitude 7.5 tsunami that killed 230,000 team was trying to reach many medical supplies were being governor’s office building was health posts at the camps to test earthquake that devastated Palu people in a dozen countries. Japan finds COVID-19 variant in Baby-trafficking ring busted in Mumbai 3 people with no record of travel REUTERS — MUMBAI “We’re now investigating couples who bought them and the connection fee, police said. how many more children have were awaiting a consultation In 2016, Mumbai police REUTERS — TOKYO was no proof yet that the Police in Mumbai have charged they sold and if there are more from child welfare officials. arrested five women accused variant first detected in Britain nine alleged members of a agents operating in the area,” Preliminary investigations of selling babies to childless Japanese doctors have detected was spreading in Shizuoka baby-trafficking ring — among said police inspector Yogesh suggest gang members tar- couples in various states across a fast-spreading variant of the now. Japan has so far detected them a nurse at a maternity Chavan, who received a tip-off geted poor pregnant women the country. new coronavirus first 45 cases of new variants of the hospital and agents who about the baby-trafficking in a slum area close to the India recorded more than discovered in Britain in three virus that were first spotted in operated in the impoverished racket last week. city’s affluent Bandra Kurla 1,100 cases of child trafficking people who had not travelled Britain, South Africa and Brazil, slums of India’s financial “The mothers of the babies Complex business district, in 2019, according to gov- there, the Health Ministry said he said. capital, officials said yesterday. were poor and the buyers officials said. ernment data, up from 1,000 yesterday. Japan earlier this month In the second such case in were couples desperate for a The maternity hospital cases recorded a year earlier, The three, aged from their expanded a state of emergency the city in five years, the nine child,” he said. nurse would then put childless but anti-trafficking cam- 20s to their 60s and living in declared in the Tokyo area to are accused of having bought The nine suspects have couples she met through work paigners say the real number Shizuoka prefecture, about seven more prefectures to curb and sold at least seven babies been charged under India’s in touch with the pregnant is likely much higher. 200km west of Tokyo, first had COVID-19 cases. over a six-year period. anti-trafficking laws and women, charging couples up Government officials have symptoms in early January, the The country has recorded The mothers of three juvenile justice laws against to 100,000 rupees ($1,365) for said an increase in baby traf- ministry said. A health ministry about 335,000 cases of infants and a man who had the buying and selling of making the connection. ficking is reducing the number official said that the authorities infection so far, including 4,500 bought a baby were also children. Police said they have Baby girls were sold for of children available for are looking into how the three deaths, public broadcaster NHK arrested in a four-day police not yet taken the babies 70,000 rupees and baby boys adoption as more couples wait became infected but that there said. operation. involved away from the for 150,000 rupees, on top of to adopt. Australia unlikely Thailand protesters accuse to fully reopen authorities of abduction borders in 2021; REUTERS — BANGKOK Mongkol, who filed a police virus cases slide complaint after he said he was Thai police said yesterday they dumped on the street around REUTERS — SYDNEY were investigating a complaint noon the next day, pledged to by a political activist who said he continue his activism. Australia may not fully reopen had been abducted by a group Deputy Police spokesman its international borders this of unknown men and then ques- Kissana Phathanacharoen said year even if most of the popu- tioned inside a van for 12 hours the alleged abduction was not lation is vaccinated against before being dumped on the conducted by police and an coronavirus, the head of its street. investigation was ongoing. health department said Mongkol Santimetakul, 25, a The Internal Security Oper- yesterday as the country volunteer guard for the protest ations Command, a military- recorded zero local COVID-19 movement, said at around 11pm linked security agency, also cases. on Saturday on a street near his released a statement denying Australian authorities are home in a province south of involvement after accusations also looking at potential adverse Bangkok he was bundled into a against the agency appeared on effects of the Pfizer vaccine van by the men who placed a social media. after Norway reported a small hood over his head and confis- Protesters also accused number of deaths in old people cated his phone. authorities of intimidation tactics who received the shot. He said he was asked about after alleging police detained at “Even if we have a lot of the an anti-monarchy sign that was least two other volunteer guards population vaccinated, we don’t Disinfection operation erected by protesters in a nearby at the weekend, initially denying know whether that will prevent area. them access to a lawyer, before transmission of the virus,” Firefighters wearing protective masks gather before a disinfection operation during a lockdown “I was told to sign some doc- both were freed. Brendan Murphy told the Aus- due to coronavirus disease outbreak, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ument, which I refused and also “These tactics by the author- tralian Broadcasting Corp. told to cease all activism,” ities will only generate more Australia, which has Mongkol said. anger among the protesters,” managed the coronavirus better Youth-led protests since last Piyarat Chongthep, a protest than many other nations Hong Kong experts back Pfizer shots year have been demanding the leader, said. Yingcheep Atch- through targeted lockdowns resignation of the military- anont of the legal monitoring and high rates of testing and BLOOMBERG — HONG KONG more information from Nor- Year holiday, which this year backed prime minister, who first group iLaw said anyone who contact tracing, reported zero wegian authorities and Fosun, begins on February 12. came to power in a coup, and was arrested should have the local COVID-19 cases A panel of experts said they and will ask the government to The progress on vaccines is also reforms to Thailand’s pow- right to see their lawyer or a rel- yesterday. have recommended that Hong stop administering the shot “as likely to soothe Hong Kong res- erful monarchy. ative before being charged. Victoria, which is hosting the Kong approve the Pfizer Inc- soon as we receive information idents who have seen places Australian Open, reported four BioNTech SE coronavirus that tips the balance ratio of like mainland China and Sin- positive cases in overseas trav- vaccine for use, clearing the risks and benefits,” said Wallace gapore kick off vaccination ellers, all associated with the way for a regulatory greenlight Lau, the panel’s convenor, at a drives earlier. While the city’s tennis, taking the total to nine. as the city tries to stamp out a press briefing yesterday. coronavirus cases haven’t risen The cases have prompted winter outbreak that appears The panel also wants more as dramatically as in western authorities to send three Aus- to be worsening. information on which groups countries, strict social dis- tralian Open charter flights into It’s the first vaccine on track to prioritized in administering tancing rules like the closure of hard quarantine, forcing more for approval in the Asian the vaccine, said Lau. Although schools and some businesses than 70 players into a 14-day financial city, which likely most countries are planning to have been in place for nearly hotel room isolation. means that the vulnerable vaccinate their elderly first, the two months. Australia has reported more groups which the government Norway deaths indicate that the Hong Kong’s government than 22,000 local COVID-19 has prioritised like health-care side effects or allergies from the said it has purchased enough cases and 909 deaths since the workers and the elderly will shot may be potentially deadly doses — including from Sinovac pandemic began. The main receive this shot. The vaccine in the old and frail. Biotech Ltd. and AstraZeneca COVID focus in Australia is cur- is being marketed by Shanghai After the endorsement by Plc — to cover its 7.5 million rently in Sydney in the state of Fosun Pharmaceutical Group the 12-person vaccine advisory residents, and plans to offer New South Wales (NSW), where Co in mainland China, Hong panel, Secretary for Food and people a choice of which an outbreak in Sydney’s west Kong, Taiwan and Macau. Health Sophia Chan will make vaccine to take, though that also has prompted other states to In a sign of growing global a final decision on approving the depends on availability. Volunteer guards of the anti-government protest movement scuffle impose travel restrictions on concern over reports of vaccine for use. Officials said Government advisers have with police officers at Khlong Luang police station in Pathum Thani either all of NSW or people in vaccine-related deaths in that the city’s vaccine rollout will defended their relatively slower outbreak suburbs. Norway, the panel is seeking start around the Chinese New rollout as due to caution. province, Thailand. TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 ASIA 11 Moon to Biden: Learn from Trump’s North Korea diplomacy AP — SEOUL an agreement over denuclear- Biden has accused Trump isation and establishing peace. South Korea’s president of chasing the spectacle These are problems that could yesterday urged the incoming of summits rather than all be solved by success in dia- Biden administration to build logue,” he said. upon the achievements and meaningful curbs on the During an eight-day con- learn from the failures of Pres- North’s nuclear gress of North Korea’s Workers’ ident Donald Trump’s diplo- capabilities. Party that ended last week, Kim matic engagement with North described the United States as Korea. his country’s “foremost prin- A dovish liberal and the son North Korea. cipal enemy.” He didn’t entirely of northern war refugees, Moon During a mostly virtual news rule out talks, but he said the Jae-in had lobbied hard to help conference in Seoul, Moon fate of bilateral relations would set up Trump’s three summits claimed that Kim still had a depend on whether Washington with North Korean leader Kim “clear willingness” to denu- abandons its hostile policy Jong-Un, but their diplomacy clearise if Washington and toward Pyongyang. stalemated over disagreements Pyongyang could find mutually The erosion in inter-Korean over easing crippling US-led agreeable steps to decrease the relations have been a major sanctions for the North’s nuclear threat and ensure the setback to Moon, who met Kim disarmament. North’s security. Most experts three times in 2018 while Biden has accused Trump of see Kim’s recent comments as expressing ambitions to reboot chasing the spectacle of summits further evidence he will inter-Korean economic rather than meaningful curbs on maintain his weapons program engagement when possible, the North’s nuclear capabilities. to ensure his regime’s survival. voicing optimism that interna- North Korea has a history of When asked about the tional sanctions could end and South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during an online news conference with local and foreign staging weapons tests and other North’s efforts to increase its allow such projects. journalists in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. provocations to test new US pres- ballistic capacity to strike Moon said the South would idents, and Kim vowed to targets throughout South Korea, continue to seek ways to strengthen his nuclear weapons including US bases there, Moon improve relations with the from Washington by halting their which would have amounted to up with concrete agreements,” program in recent political said the South could sufficiently North within the boundary of joint drills and to defy sanctions a partial surrender of its nuclear he said. “But if we start over from speeches that were seen as aimed cope with such threats with its sanctions, such as pursuing and restart inter-Korean eco- capabilities. the Singapore declaration and at pressuring the incoming Biden missile defence systems and humanitarian assistance and nomic cooperation. Moon said that Trump and revive talks over concrete steps, administration. other military assets. joint anti-virus efforts against During Trump’s first summit Kim’s agreement in their first it’s possible that diplomacy The South Korean leader “The start of the Biden COVID-19. with Kim in June 2018, they meeting was still relevant and the between North Korea and the has been desperate to keep alive administration provides a new But Kim during the ruling pledged to improve bilateral rela- Biden administration should take United States and between South a positive atmosphere for dia- opportunity to start over talks party congress already tions and issued vague aspira- lessons from the failures of their and North Korea would gain pace logue in the face of Kim’s vows between North Korea and the described such offers as “ines- tional vows for a nuclear-free second meeting, “The declaration again.” Moon said he hopes to to further expand a nuclear and United States and also between sential” while slamming South Korean Peninsula without in Singapore under the Trump meet Biden as soon as possible missile programme that South and North Korea,” which Korea for its own efforts to describing when and how it administration was a very and that South Korean officials threatens Asian US allies and have stalled amid the stalemate strengthen defense capabilities would occur. important declaration for denu- were actively communicating the American homeland. And in nuclear negotiations, Moon and continuing annual military But the negotiations faltered clearization and building peace with their American counterparts while Moon acknowledged that said. exercises with the United States, after their second meeting in in the Korean Peninsula,” Moon to ensure that the North Korea Biden is likely to try a different “The North Korean efforts which were downsized under February 2019 when the Amer- said. issue remains a priority for the approach than Trump, he to expand its nuclear program Trump to create space for icans rejected the North Korean “Of course, it’s very lamen- new US government, which stressed that Biden could still and acquire more weapons diplomacy. demands for major sanctions table that the (content of the) dec- inherits a horrendous corona- learn from Trump’s successes systems are all because we have Experts say Pyongyang is relief in exchange for the disman- laration remains theoretical virus outbreak and domestic and failures in dealing with not succeeded yet in reaching pressuring Seoul to break away tling of an aging nuclear reactor, because of the failures to back it political turmoil. Japan urges South Korea to drop wartime compensation demands 12 workers

AP — TOKYO during the war was “an wartime suffering. They were companies to provide repara- settled under a 1965 treaty nor- trapped in abnormal development abso- among tens of thousands of tions to some South Koreans malising relations in which Japan’s foreign minister accused lutely unthinkable under inter- women across Japanese- who were forced to work in Japan provided $500m in eco- China mine South Korea yesterday of wors- national law and bilateral occupied Asia and the Pacific their factories during the war. nomic assistance. ening already strained ties by relations.” who were sent to front-line. The dispute over forced In Seoul, South Korean blast are alive making “illegal” demands for “We strongly urge South The ruling worsened ten- labour escalated into a trade President Moon Jae-in said yes- compensation for the abuse of Korea to correct the violation of sions between the two countries, dispute and prompted South terday that it “wouldn’t be AP — BEIJING Korean women and use of forced international law as soon as pos- whose relations had already Korea to threaten to scrap a desirable for bilateral relations” labourers during World War II. sible” and restore healthy rela- plunged to the lowest level in 2016 military intelligence- if Seoul and Tokyo fail to find a Chinese state media say 12 out Toshimitsu Motegi, in a dip- tions, Motegi said. decades over earlier South sharing agreement with Japan, diplomatic solution before of 22 workers trapped for a lomatic policy speech in par- The Seoul Central District Korean rulings on Japan’s a key component of their South Korean courts proceed week by an explosion in a gold liament, said a recent South Court ruled on January 8 that the actions during its 1910-1945 regional defence cooperation with liquidating the local assets mine are alive, as hundreds of Korean court ruling ordering Japanese government must give colonial rule of the Korean with the United States. of the Japanese companies that rescuers seek to bring them to Japan to compensate 12 South 100 million won ($91,360) to Peninsula. Japan has protested the were seized after they refused safety. Korean women who were each of 12 elderly women who South Korea’s Supreme court rulings, saying all wartime to compensate the Korean The Xinhua News Agency abused by Japanese military filed lawsuits in 2013 over their Court in 2018 ordered Japanese compensation issues were wartime labourers. said yesterday a note passed through a rescue shaft on Sunday night reported the fate Taliban call on Biden to honour of the other 10 remains unknown. The handwritten note said Trump deal to remove US troops four of the workers were injured BLOOMBERG — KABUL “good advancement.” and that the condition of others While it’s unclear whether was deteriorating because of a The Taliban has called on Pres- Biden will withdraw all US lack of fresh air and an influx of ident-elect Joe Biden to honour troops by the May deadline, his water. a US agreement to withdraw all nominee for national security Managers of the operation American forces from Afghan- adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN were detained after they failed istan by May in order to secure early this month the new to report the accident for more intra-Afghan peace talks and administration would support than a day. The mine in Qixia, a end the two-decade-long war. “diplomacy” with the Taliban, jurisdiction under the city of “Steps must now be taken urging the insurgent group to Yantai in Shandong province, to end the war, not to prolong cut ties with Al Qaeda and other had been under construction at it, and the agreement was terrorist organisations, ensure the time of the blast, which made for the purpose,” a reduction in violence and par- occurred January 10. Mohammad Naeem, a senior ticipate in “good-faith negotia- More than 300 workers are spokesman in the Taliban’s tions” with the Afghan seeking to clear obstructions political office, said yesterday, government. while drilling a new shaft to referring to their accord with Andrew Watkins, a senior reach the chambers where the the US signed last February analyst with International Crisis workers were trapped and expel which paves the way for a Group, said the May 1 troop with- dangerous fumes. complete withdrawal of drawal deadline is the biggest “Keep on with the rescue American troops by May in early challenge for the peace efforts. We have hope, thank exchange for Taliban security process and the most urgent you,” read the note, written in Medical staff are seen at a nucleic acid testing site following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease guarantees. “The lack of com- decision for the incoming Biden pencil on notebook paper and in Beijing, China, yesterday. plete implementation of the team. posted on Xinhua’s official agreement can affect the A reduction in U.S. troops — website. ongoing process of negotia- who provide air support to China’s mining industry has tions,” he added. Afghan forces — won’t affect the a reputation for skirting safety China reports more than 100 new virus cases The call from the insurgent ability of Afghan forces to push requirements amid massive REUTERS — BEIJING/SHANGHAI were in Hebei, which surrounds New Year break, compared with group comes just days after the back against the Taliban, demand for coal and precious Beijing. 410 million in 2019. US reduced its troop levels from according to a spokesman for the minerals, although increased China reported more than 100 Hebei authorities vowed to Beijing, which reported two 4,500 to 2,500 at President country’s National Security supervision has reduced the fre- new COVID-19 cases for the sixth punish lockdown violations, new local infections, now Donald Trump’s direction, Council, Rahmatullah Andar. quency of accidents that used consecutive day, with rising including the illegal staging of requires travellers from abroad despite opposition from both The Afghan government and to claim an average of 5,000 infections in the northeast weddings or funerals, the Xinhua to undergo health monitoring for Republican and Democrat law- Taliban resumed negotiations in miners per year. Two accidents fuelling concern of another wave news agency said. seven additional days following makers who’ve warned of the early January under the shadow in the southwestern megacity when hundreds of millions of Northeastern Jilin province 21 days of medical observation. potential impact on counter- of a series of targeted killings of of Chongqing last year killed 39 people travel for the Lunar New also reported a record 30 new The city of Gongzhuling said terrorism operations. Naeem journalists, government miners, prompting the central Year holiday. cases, underscoring the risk of it was “strictly forbidden” for cheered the reduction on employees and independent government to order another Tough new controls in the new clusters emerging. anyone to go out unless they are Twitter, saying the move was a human rights advocates. safety overhaul. city of Gongzhuling in Jilin China has two domestically scheduled for a COVID-19 test at province, which has a population produced COVID-19 vaccines a designated site. of about 1 million people, brings and more in trials. Its vaccination The Jilin outbreak was Pakistani raid kills militant suspected of slaying troops the total number of people under programme started in July for caused by an infected salesman lockdown to more than 29 emergency use and more than travelling to and from the neigh- AP — PESHAWAR military said it acted on intelli- Waziristan districts served as million. 10 million doses have been given. bouring province of Heilongjiang, gence. The six soldiers were the main base for local and According to the Global Daily increases in infections the site of a previous cluster of Pakistani security forces raided killed in a bomb attack in the foreign militants until the mil- Times newspaper, at least 11 remain a fraction of what China infections. Xinhua said the new a hideout yesterday in a former region three months ago. The itary secured the regions in regions in the provinces of Hebei, saw at the height of the outbreak clusters were caused by social insurgent stronghold in the military statement provided no 2015 with a series of Heilongjiang and Jilin have in early 2020, but officials are activities in rural areas and a lack country’s northwest and killed further details. operations. imposed lockdowns and intro- concerned infections could of awareness at the grassroots two Taliban fighters, including Pakistani militants have in The Pakistani Taliban, also duced extensive testing spread rapidly during the Lunar level, creating “hotbeds” for rapid one suspected of involvement recent months stepped up known as Tehreek-e-Taliban programmes. New Year holiday in less than a spread. in an October attack that killed attacks on troops in the former Pakistan, are a separate The National Health Com- month. The total number of con- six soldiers, the military said. tribal regions bordering insurgent group from the mission reported 109 new Despite travel restrictions, firmed COVID-19 cases in A third suspect was arrested Afghanistan, citing concerns Afghan Taliban, although Paki- COVID-19 cases for Sunday, the China Railway Corporation mainland China is 89,336, while in the raid in the South that insurgents are regrouping stan’s militant groups are often unchanged from the day earlier. expects about 296 million pas- the death toll remained Waziristan district of Khyber there. interlinked with those across Of the 93 local infections, 54 senger trips during the Lunar unchanged at 4,635. Pakhtunkhwa province. The The North and South the border. 12 EUROPE TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 Conte tells lawmakers to back his plan to govern REUTERS — ROME “It is a majority. The absolute majority is only Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Looking to entice centrist needed for (votes on) budget Conte appealed yesterday for and liberal lawmakers, changes and very few other parliamentarians from outside Italian PM promised to acts. And when we need it, we his government to rally to revamp his policy agenda will find it,” he told Corriere coalition ranks, saying he della Sera daily. needed broad-based support and shake up his cabinet, A minority government will to forge ahead with a pro- saying he wanted to always find itself at the mercy European agenda. modernise Italy and of parliament, but Conte hopes “Help us to heal this speed up implementation that if he can overcome Tues- wound,” Conte told the lower of a recovery plan for the day’s threat, centrist parlia- house of parliament in a debate mentarians will drift into his called after a junior partner recession-stricken camp over time and bolster his quit his coalition, depriving economy. position. The vote in the lower him of an absolute majority house was scheduled for and throwing Italy into political sometime after 6.30pm (1730 turmoil in the midst of the undo what has happened, we GMT), with Conte expected to COVID crisis. can’t regain the trust and con- cling to an absolute majority Looking to entice centrist fidence that are essential con- there. The crucial Senate vote and liberal lawmakers, Conte ditions for working together. is set for Tuesday afternoon. promised to revamp his policy Now we have to turn the page,” Italia Viva has said it will agenda and shake up his he said, apparently closing the return to the coalition if its cabinet, saying he wanted to door on any reconciliation with policy demands are met, but modernise Italy and speed up Renzi. both 5-Star and its main coa- implementation of a recovery Italia Viva said it withdrew lition ally, the centre-left Dem- plan for the recession-stricken from the cabinet because it did ocratic Party (PD), have said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte speaks at the lower chamber of Parliament, in Rome, yesterday. economy. not agree with the prime min- they want nothing more to do “I ask for clear, transparent ister’s handling of the twin with Renzi, accusing him of support, based on the strength coronavirus and economic prolonged negotiations on a ranks at the weekend to rally on 157 votes, four short of an betrayal. and clarity of the proposal,” crises. new government. to his side looked to have absolute majority. Conte said there was “no Conte said, condemning the Conte faces two days of Attention is especially failed. However, Foreign Minister plausible justification” for the small Italia Viva party, headed parliamentary votes that will focused on the 321-seat Senate, At least three of the upper Luigi Di Maio, a leading light in walkout and warned that the by former premier Matteo decide if his fragile coalition where Conte looks certain to house’s six life senators are the largest coalition party, the political crisis risked damaging Renzi, for abandoning the can stay in power or if it has fall short of an absolute expected to back the gov- 5-Star Movement, has said Italy at a time when it was 17-month-old coalition. lost its majority, opening the majority after his efforts to per- ernment, but at present the even a relative majority would president of the G20 group of “Let’s be frank, we can’t way for what are likely to be suade centrists in opposition most optimistic tally puts Conte do. major global economies. France may WHO expects to have access to Pfizer vaccine ‘very soon’ UK vaccinating vaccinate 2.4 REUTERS — GENEVA very soon we will have access Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stance saying they were 140 people per to that product,” WHO senior yesterday blamed vaccine expensive and that its cold- million people by The World Health Organization adviser Bruce Aylward told the nationalism for the inequity, chain requirements were dif- minute on is in advanced negotiations with WHO’s executive board saying the world was on the ficult for many countries to end of February Pfizer to include the firm’s meeting, adding that it would brink of “catastrophic moral manage. average: Minister COVID-19 shot in the body’s then look to add others. failure”. The Pfizer/BioNTech REUTERS — PARIS vaccine-sharing scheme, which COVAX aims to deliver 135 The WHO already has deals vaccine must be stored at ultra- REUTERS — LONDON would speed vaccine deliveries million doses of all shots it has with several suppliers, including low temperatures of about -70 France is on track to reach its to poorer countries, a senior deals for to 92 lower and middle AstraZeneca and the Serum degrees Celsius before being The United Kingdom is vacci- target of vaccinating 1 million WHO official said yesterday. income countries in the pro- Institute of India. shipped to distribution centres nating 140 people per minute people against COVID-19 by the The COVAX scheme — led gramme by the end of March, Austria’s Clemens Martin in cool boxes filled with dry ice. against COVID-19 on average, end of January and has enough by the WHO and GAVI vaccine he said. Auer, one of the 34 WHO board So far, 44 countries out of Vaccine Deployment Minister doses to increase the total to 2.4 alliance — is due to start rolling So far, over half of the 50 members, said at yesterday’s the 50 that have already begun Nadhim Zahawi said million by the end of February, out vaccines to poor and million inoculations given glo- meeting COVAX had been slow vaccinations have used the shot, yesterday. Health Minister Olivier Veran middle-income countries in bally in 50 countries have been in securing deals and called its WHO data shows. The United Kingdom, said yesterday. February, with 2 of 3 billion done in the United States and failure to procure mRNA vac- The WHO also hopes to which has the world’s fifth During a visit to a vacci- doses expected to be delivered China, according to Aylward. cines, such as that made by procure Pfizer shots via dona- worst official COVID-19 death nation centre in the eastern city this year. None have yet been given in Pfizer and BioNTech, “a major tions, rather than some coun- toll, is racing to be among the of Grenoble, Veran told “We are in... detailed discus- Africa, he said. mistake”. tries being “double-served”, first major countries to vac- reporters that France had now sions with Pfizer. We believe WHO Director-General Aylward justified the WHO Aylward said. cinate its population - seen as set up about 800 such centres. the best way to exit the pan- “With the acceleration of the demic and get the economy vaccination campaign in going again. retirement homes, we will com- Spain’s elderly receive Latest figures show the fortably reach our goal of 1 United Kingdom has vacci- million French people vacci- nated 3,857,266 people with a nated by the end of this month,” second COVID-19 shot first dose and 449,736 with a he said. second dose. On Sunday, the health min- REUTERS —MADRID same. Smiling from behind her “It is going well, we’re vac- istry reported that France had mask as she walked through the cinating on average 140 vaccinated more than 422,000 Faced with new record grounds of the Los Olmos people, that’s first jab, literally people since the start of the vac- infection rates, Spain has begun nursing home using a walking a minute. That’s the average cination campaign on Dec. 26. giving second shots of corona- frame, she said that more than so some areas are doing But France still trails far virus vaccines to elderly nursing anything she wanted to see her better,” Zahawi told Sky. behind several other European home residents, while a court family. “You’ll see that improve as countries such as Britain, where in Seville ruled yesterday that “I haven’t done that since we open more of the large vac- the number of people who have one home could inoculate a the bug got here.” New infec- cination centres, 17 in total by received a first dose of the vac- resident against her family’s tions have soared in the wake this week and 50 by the end cination had reached 3.2 million wishes. of the Christmas holidays. of the month.” Healthcare professionals rest after taking injections of the Pfizer- by Friday. In Germany and Italy, Like many other countries, Nearly 84,300 new cases were “Today, in some areas more than 1 million people had Spain is racing to vaccinate in reported yesterday, a record BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 at the Refena centre in Pamplona, where they’ve done the been vaccinated at the end of care homes to prevent a repeat rise over the two days since Spain, on Sunday. majority of their over 80s, last week. of the epidemic’s first wave, Friday that brought the coun- letters are going out to the over Veran said the main chal- which killed some 20,000 res- try’s cumulative total to incapacitated 86-year-old read. Despite rising infections, 70s and those who are clini- lenge in France - which has idents between March and May, 2,336,451, government data woman, despite her son’s objec- the Health Ministry has ruled cally extremely vulnerable,” reported nearly 3 million con- according to preliminary data showed. tions, in the second such ruling out a return to nationwide con- he said. firmed COVID-19 cases, the reported by El Pais By yesterday morning, eight in a week. finement despite calls from He said the 24-hour highest in the Europe Union - newspaper. of Spain’s 17 regions had got The judge presiding over the regional administrations for vaccine offering would begin was not the logistics of the vac- In the central city of Guad- underway with the second case said protecting public tougher measures. to be piloted in London by the cination process but the delivery alajara, 96-year old Araceli round of jabs, the health min- health must take precedence The national government end of the month. of doses. A new delivery of the Hidalgo Sanchez, Spain’s ear- istry said. over the family’s concerns. has taken the northern region Key workers such as vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc liest recipient of a first dose of Although vaccination is vol- “It appears to be the only of Castile and Leon to court teachers, the police and shop- and BioNTech would arrive this the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, untary in Spain, a court in the effective option to adequately over its imposition of an 8pm workers could move to the top week and more would be said she was delighted to have southern city of Seville safeguard her life against the curfew, which is two hours of the list for a vaccine once arriving in coming weeks, he received the second and authorised a nursing home to real risk of developing a serious earlier than permitted under all those over 50 have been said. encouraged others to do the vaccinate a severely COVID-19 infection,” the ruling nationwide rules. offered a shot, Zahawi said. Extreme cold hits large parts of Europe AP — WARSAW Temperatures dropped to of Prague near the Polish border, layer of snow minus 28 degrees Celsius according to the Czech Hydrom- covering the city, Extreme cold has hit large parts (minus 18 Fahrenheit) in some eteorological Institute. with cars stalled of Europe, with freezing Polish areas overnight, the The freezing weather was or skidding on temperatures cracking railroad coldest night in 11 years. Many expected to be replaced by heavy the roads. tracks in Poland, snow blan- trains were delayed yesterday snowfall in the northeastern In Germany, keting the Turkish metropolis after tracks at two Warsaw Czech Republic, the institute fresh snow, of Istanbul and smog spiking as railway stations cracked. said. Wintry weather and slippery roads more coal was being burned to Hand-in-hand with the cold freezing temperatures were and fallen trees generate heat. came a spike in smog in Warsaw reported throughout the led to several car In Switzerland, a skier who and other parts of Poland, as the Balkans, which has created accidents on had been buried by an ava- cold prompted an increase in problems with power supplies Sunday and lanche over the weekend died burning coal for heat. Air pol- in Serbia and brought some overnight, the in a hospital of his injuries, lution levels were so high in snow even to Croatia’s Adriatic DPA news authorities said yesterday. Warsaw that city officials urged Sea islands. agency reported. The country had issued ava- people to remain indoors. In eastern Albania, temper- A driver died in lanche warnings several days Just across Poland’s south- atures dipped as low as minus southwestern People sled down a public sledding trail as the spread of the coronavirus disease earlier after heavy snowfall. western border, the Czech 13 degrees Celsius in Peshkopi, Germany after continues, on Mount Uetliberg in Zurich, Switzerland, on Sunday. Officials said the skier and his Republic experienced the coldest 110km east of the capital, his car shot over two companions were buried night this year with tempera- Tirana. The deep freeze caused a mound of by an avalanche while skiing off tures dropping below minus 20 water pipes to freeze and snow. yesterday, saying: “we group, aged between 26 and 51, marked trails in the Gstaad area degrees Celsius (minus 4 Fahr- created dangerous driving con- The Nordic region also saw encourage all knitting lovers to was preliminarily charged with on Sunday. One man freed enheit) in many places. ditions. Icy roads in the city of snow and subfreezing temper- send woolen clothes to their violating pandemic restrictions himself from the snow and then The lowest temperature - Pogradec prevented firefighters atures, with the coldest temper- friends in the north.” In limiting gatherings to five extricated one of the others, but minus 27 degrees Celsius (minus from arriving in time to a home atures predictably recorded in Denmark, police found 17 people people. Police said they will all the third man could only be 16 Fahrenheit) — was recorded fire in which a man died early the Arctic. Norway’s meteoro- ice bathing naked on Sunday in receive a fine, which is 2,500 found by rescue crews, who yesterday in Orlicke Zahori, a yesterday. In Istanbul, traffic logical institute tweeted a a lake near Roskilde, 40km west kroner ($405) for first-time arrived later. mountainous village 160km east was brought to a halt by the tongue-in-cheek message on of Copenhagen. Everyone in the offenders. TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 EUROPE 13 Navalny held in pre-trial detention; Moscow tells West not to interfere

REUTERS — MOSCOW The United Nations Navalny in the past for and Western countries espousing overly nationalist A Russian judge remanded views, something he rejects. Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny told Moscow before A possible target of any new in pre-trial detention for 30 the ruling to let penalties would be Nord Stream days yesterday for violating the 2, a $11.6bn project to build a terms of a suspended jail Navalny go and some natural gas pipeline from Russia sentence, ignoring calls from countries have called to Germany. Germany has sup- Western countries to free the for new sanctions. ported the project so far, opposition politician immedi- arguing it is a commercial ately. venture, and government The ruling, a day after police streets in protest. spokesman Steffen Seibert said detained him at the airport as “Don’t be afraid, take to the yesterday that had not changed. he returned home for the first streets. Don’t go out for me, go The foreign ministers of time since being poisoned by a out for yourself and your Germany, Britain, France and military-grade nerve agent, future,” Navalny said. Italy had earlier called for Nav- may be the prelude to him being He called his treatment Alexei Navalny alny’s release and Czech jailed for years. illegal under Russian law and first time he had returned home Foreign Minister Tomas Pet- Moscow’s prison service has lashed out at President Vladimir after being poisoned by what ricek had said he wanted the applied to convert a suspended Putin, accusing him of throwing German military tests showed bloc to discuss possible 3.5 year embezzlement sen- the criminal code out of the was a Novichok nerve agent, a sanctions. tence in the same case, which window in fear. version of events the Kremlin The UN human rights office he says was trumped up, into The Kremlin did not imme- rejects. called for Navalny’s immediate real jail time later this month. diately respond, but has previ- The rouble weakened as release and demanded due He faces three other sep- ously said that the 44-year-old investors weighed the risk of process in line with the rule of A supporter of Alexei Navalny holding a banner reading ‘Freedom arate criminal cases too. politician must face justice like new sanctions against Moscow. law. Both Jake Sullivan, one of to Navalny. Those who wanted to kill him — to justice’, during a The United Nations and any other citizen if he has done Lithuania, Latvia and US President-elect Joe Biden’s protest against his detainment, in Izhevsk, Russia, yesterday. Western countries told Moscow anything wrong. Estonia said they wanted the top aides, and US Secretary of before the ruling to let Navalny Around 200 hundred European Union’s foreign min- State Mike Pompeo have criti- Zakharova wrote on Facebook. “We should probably think go and some countries have Navalny supporters had isters to discuss further sanc- cised the arrest. Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s about our image, but we’re not called for new sanctions after gathered outside the police tions against Russia for The Russian Foreign Min- foreign minister, said Western young ladies going to a ball,” earlier penalties from the EU in station in temperatures of detaining Navalny, whose foun- istry brushed off all criticism. countries’ expressions of Lavrov told reporters. response to his poisoning. minus 18 degrees Celsius and dation specialises in investiga- “Respect international law, outrage over the detention were Moscow residents inter- Moscow told them to mind their demanded he be set free, a tions into alleged official do not encroach on national designed to distract their cit- viewed by Reuters TV were own business. Reuters witness said. corruption. legislation of sovereign states izens from domestic problems divided on Navalny’s detention, Navalny, in a video released Four masked police officers Some of the foundation’s and address problems in your and that Moscow was unfazed with some showing sympathy on Twitter after the ruling, detained Navalny at passport targets have taken legal action own country,” Russian Foreign by potential damage to its but others calling him foolish to urged Russians to take to the control on Sunday evening, the and some critics have upbraided Ministry spokeswoman Maria image. come back. Hungary minister Russia ready for extension of last arms pact with US mulls sanctions AP — MOSCOW Biden has spoken in favour a dialogue on this issue and try tensions between Russia and New START was signed in of the preservation of the New to agree on the New START the United States, which have 2010 by US President Barack against social Moscow is ready for a quick START treaty, which was nego- treaty’s extension before it been fueled by the Ukrainian Obama and Russian President deal with the incoming admin- tiated during his tenure as US expires on February 5. We are crisis, Moscow’s meddling in the Dmitry Medvedev. media giants istration of US President-elect vice-president, and Russia has waiting for specific proposals, 2016 US presidential election It limits each country to no Joe Biden to extend the last said it’s open for its quick and our stance is well-known.” and other irritants. more than 1,550 deployed REUTERS — BUDAPEST remaining arms control pact, unconditional extension. New START envisages the Sunday’s arrest of leading nuclear warheads and 700 which expires in just over two Russian Foreign Minister possibility of its extension for Putin critic Alexei Navalny in deployed missiles and bombers, Hungarian Justice Minister weeks, Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov said at a news another five years, and Russian Moscow after his return from and envisages sweeping on-site Judit Varga yesterday raised said yesterday. conference yesterday that President Vladimir Putin has Germany where he was recov- inspections to verify the prospect of sanctioning Months of talks between Moscow is ready to move said that Moscow is ready to do ering from a nerve agent poi- compliance. social media firms over what Russia and President Donald quickly to keep the pact alive. so without any conditions. soning he blamed on the Arms control advocates she called “systematic abuses” Trump’s administration on the “The most important pri- The Kremlin also has voiced Kremlin will further cloud have strongly called for its pres- of free speech. possible extension of the New ority is the absolutely abnormal readiness to prolong the pact Russia-US ties. ervation, warning that its expi- The minister said she START treaty have failed to situation in the sphere of arms for a shorter term, as Trump’s Biden’s pick for national ration would remove any would meet the Hungarian narrow their differences. The control,” Lavrov said. “We have administration had pondered. security adviser, Jake Sullivan, checks on US and Russian competition watchdog this pact is set to expire on February heard about the Biden admin- The talks on the treaty’s called on Russian authorities to nuclear forces, striking a blow week to discuss possible pen- 5. istration’s intention to resume extension have been clouded by free Navalny. to global stability. alties for what she described as unfair commercial practices as well as convening a meeting EU defends Portugal trip as of the country’s digital freedom committee. In a growing wave of crit- ministers, officials quarantine icism, some government offi- cials are complaining about AP — BRUSSELS in-person discussions on these what they have described as different political files,” Mamer efforts by social media com- The European Union’s exec- said. panies, including Facebook, to utive arm yesterday defended Portuguese Prime Minister limit conservative views on a decision to send a team of António Costa said Wednesday their platforms. senior officials to Lisbon for a that the pandemic is “at its most Prime Minister Viktor meeting with Portuguese dangerous point” in the country Orban has turned Hungary’s government ministers, after and that the new lockdown public media into an obedient two ministers tested positive would last at least a month. mouthpiece and allies control for COVID-19 and a number of Staying at home is man- large parts of the private top officials went into isolation. datory, including for work, and media, allowing his agenda to Eight members of European fines for not complying with be aired prominently. Commission paid a one-day rules such as to wear masks But the right-wing premier visit to Lisbon Friday — as Por- oiutdoors have doubled. faces the toughest challenge tugal started a month-long Schools remain open, along to his decade-long rule at a lockdown — for meetings early with companies providing parliamentary election next in the country’s six-month term essential services. year, as he tackles a protracted as EU president nation, which Mamer said the commission recovery from the COVID-19 began on January 1. officials in quarantine would pandemic and a united oppo- Portugal’s finance and respect Belgium’s coronavirus sition, with polls showing a labour ministers later tested rules and take a test on the neck-and-neck race. positive for the virus, while seventh day after their return “’Shadowban’ means the Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria during a news conference, as the spread of the coronavirus three other ministers have gone from Lisbon. act of social media providers disease continues, in Vienna on Sunday. into isolation after coming into In August, the EU’s chief secretly, for political purposes, contact with people who tested trade negotiator, Commissioner restricting the visibility and Three nations seek EU approval for AstraZeneca vaccine positive. Two EU commission Phil Hogan, had to resign after access of our user profile vice-presidents and a commis- he admitted flaunting some without our knowledge about REUTERS — VIENNA contain highly infectious new “What is now needed is — sioner are in quarantine. measures during a summer stay it,” Varga said in a Facebook variants. based on all scientific facts, of Asked why it was so in his native Ireland. post. “To reduce their reach, Austria, Greece and Denmark EMA, the EU drugs regu- course — an immediate and important for the visit to go Portugal’s daily death toll Facebook also limits the visi- will jointly pressure the lator, said last week it would quick decision, because Astra- ahead, commission spokesman from the new coronavirus bility of Christian, conserv- European Medicines Agency to review the vaccine developed Zeneca can deliver up to two Eric Mamer said the decision reached a record high of 167 ative, right-wing opinions. I approve AstraZeneca’s by AstraZeneca and Britain’s million doses in the first quarter to meet face to face rather than yesterday, bringing the total to also have personal experience COVID-19 vaccine as quickly Oxford University this month for Austria alone, and that of via videoconference — like 9,028 deaths since the start of of that,” Varga added. as possible, Austrian Chancellor under an accelerated timeline. course makes an enormous dif- most EU meetings over the past the pandemic, health authority Facebook did not imme- Sebastian Kurz said yesterday, “Every week counts,” Kurz ference to our success in vac- year — was “not taken lightly.” DGS said. diately respond to an emailed adding: “Every week counts.” told a news conference after a cinating the population.” “It is the launch of an It added 6,702 new cases, request for comment. Kurz was speaking before video call with various coun- Kurz also said part of the extremely important presi- bringing the cumulative tally Varga has nearly 120,000 a European leaders’ virtual tries on dealing with the virus. already-approved vaccine dency. There are many, many infections to 556,503 and Facebook followers, while summit on Thursday, and a day “We expect that work be done doses being supplied by Pfizer files which need to be carried reported a record 664 corona- Orban has over 1 million, rep- after he said Austria’s lockdown day and night, that a decision would arrive late, after Pfizer forward by the Portuguese virus patients in intensive care, resenting more than 10 was being extended until at be reached unbureaucratically said it was temporarily presidency, and it was felt according to the health percent of the Hungarian least February 7 as it tries to and that Europe not fall behind. reducing deliveries to Europe. important to be able to hold authorities. population. Swiss ski resort St Moritz quarantines hotels, shuts schools to contain COVID-19 variant

REUTERS — ZURICH About 300 employees and Those under quarantine will Grisons said foreigners were genetically sequenced. saying mask-wearing and social 95 guests at the Grand Hotel des be tested and those receiving likely among hotel guests. Switzerland has left ski lifts distancing makes it safe, and Officials in the Swiss mountain Bains Kempinski St Moritz and positive tests isolated. Those Authorities had identified including in St Moritz open, letting people disperse may help resort of St Moritz quarantined Badrutt’s Palace Hotel were who test negative may be able mutations common to highly while closing restaurants, limit infections. employees and guests of two quarantined. The eastern to depart, a spokesman for the infections coronavirus variants clubsand theatres. Swiss ski “If there are 100 people on luxury hotels, closed ski schools canton of Grisons ordered eve- region’s coronavirus task force found in South Africa and areas have been embroiled in the ski pistes, then there will be and kept schoolchildren home ryone to wear masks in the said, but must follow quarantine Britain, though officials could coronavirus concerns. 100 fewer in the villages,” said from class yesterday after a town of 5,200 that prides itself rules once they arrive home. not immediately say whether it Local St Moritz officials Christian Gartmann, an official dozen positive tests for a highly as a birthplace of modern The nationalities of those matched either variant exactly defended the decision to keep with a COVID-19 task force in infectious coronavirus variant. winter sports. affected were not given, but because samples had yet to be the skiing open, the St Moritz area. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 Brazil clears emergency use of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines

REUTERS — BRASILIA Adding to the urgency week but is waiting on ship- for vaccinations, a ments of the AstraZeneca Brazilian health regulator vaccine at the center of its plans. Anvisa on Sunday approved second wave of the That has added to public frus- emergency use of COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil is tration and offered a political vaccines from China’s Sinovac snowballing as the rival the chance to upstage the Biotech Ltd and Britain’s Astra- right-wing president. Zeneca, clearing the way for country confronts a Sao Paulo Governor Joao immunizations as the pandemic new, potentially more Doria, who oversees the enters a deadly second wave. contagious variant Butantan biomedical center that Minutes after Anvisa’s board is partnered with Sinovac in voted unanimously to approve of the coronavirus Brazil, said Anvisa’s decision both vaccines, Monica Calazans, that originated in was a triumph for science as he a 54-year-old nurse in Sao gave the go-ahead for the first A healthcare worker receives the Sinovac vaccine at Hospital das Clinicas in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. Paulo, became the first person Amazonas state and vaccination in his state. to be inoculated in the country, prompted Britain and “A victory for science. A Pazuello told a news conference is snowballing as the country The federally-funded receiving the Chinese vaccine Italy to bar entry to victory for life. A victory for that the rush to start vaccinating confronts a new, potentially Fiocruz institute is still waiting known as CoronaVac. Brazil,” Doria tweeted. immediately was an illegal more contagious variant of the for a delayed shipment of the President Jair Bolsonaro, a Brazilians. Bolsonaro, for whom Doria “marketing ploy” and the gov- coronavirus that originated in active ingredient in the Astra- coronavirus sceptic who has is a potential center-right rival ernment would start distrib- Amazonas state and prompted Zeneca vaccine for finishing on refused to take a vaccine himself, to his 2022 re-election efforts, uting the vaccines to states on Britain and Italy to bar entry to a Rio de Janeiro assembly line. is under growing pressure to start country, once a global leader in has taunted the governor over Monday, with the nationwide Brazilians. The Health Ministry has inoculations in Brazil, which has mass immunizations and now CoronaVac’s disappointing 50 immunization plan beginning Butantan, which is set up to fill scrambled to line up 2 million lost more than 200,000 lives to a regional laggard after coun- percent efficacy in Brazilian on Wednesday. Brazil could and finish CoronaVac doses on its ready doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 - the worst death toll tries such as Chile and Mexico trials. But the federal Health eventually vaccinate 1 million production line, plans to supply vaccine from India, but officials outside the United States. started giving shots last month. Ministry has agreed to acquire people a day, he said. 46 million doses of the two-dose there have suggested it may Delays with vaccine ship- Bolsonaro’s government and distribute the shot for the Adding to the urgency for shot by April, the institute said in take weeks to approve exports. ments and testing results have aims to kick off a national national immunization drive. vaccinations, a second wave of a statement. Some 6 million of Pazuello said he expected the held up vaccinations in the immunization program this Health Minister Eduardo the outbreak in Brazil those are ready to go. doses from India this week. Twitter locks Guatemala forces stall caravan with tear gas, batons account of

AP — VADO HONDO, GUATEMALA in the grass beside the roadway. Republican who “We have only had water, even promoted QAnon Guatemalan police and soldiers my stomach is grumbling,” launched tear gas and wielded Eliazar said. REUTERS — NEW YORK batons and shields against a Guatemalan soldiers and group of Honduran migrants police had blocked part of a Twitter Inc locked the account that tried to push through their caravan of as many as 9,000 of Republican US Represent- roadblock early on Sunday. Honduran migrants on Saturday ative Marjorie Taylor Greene, A group of about 2,000 night at a point not far from a political newcomer known migrants had stopped short of where they entered the country, for promoting the baseless the roadblock the night before. seeking to reach the US border. QAnon conspiracy theory. The roadblock was strategically Guatemala has set up almost The social media platform placed at a chokepoint on the a dozen control points on suspended her account after two-lane highway to Chiq- highways, and may start busing the newly elected Georgia con- uimula in an area known as more migrants back to Honduras, gresswoman sparred with a Vado Hondo. It’s flanked by a as it has done before, arguing state election official over tall mountainside and a wall they pose a risk to themselves baseless voter fraud allega- leaving the migrants with few and others by traveling during the tions. Greene’s account “has options. coronavirus pandemic. Govern- been temporarily locked out Some 100 migrants tried ments throughout the region for multiple violations” of to make their way through have made it clear they will not Twitter’s ‘civic integrity policy’, authorities around 7:30am on let the caravan through. a company representative said Sunday. The security forces Honduras has been ravaged in an emailed statement. beat them back and deployed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Greene accused Twitter of tear gas. None made it through the hurricanes that hit the suppressing conservative and the larger remaining con- Hondurans taking part in a new caravan of migrants, set to head to the United States, gather in front country in November leaving political voices. “The bor- tingent kept its distance during of police officers blocking the road in Vado Hondo, Guatemala. its most productive northern derline monopolistic stran- the melee. regions in tatters. Many of the glehold a few Big Tech com- Some migrants were visibly We’re not looking for trouble. Guatemala’s human rights Rodriguez said, in apparent ref- migrants hope for a warmer panies have on the American injured by baton strikes. One We just want to pass.” office, spoke to the migrants, erence to President Alejandro reception from the incoming political discourse is out of man leaned against a wall near Later, hundreds of migrants acknowledging “this is a dis- Giammattei’s refusal to allow administration of President- control,” she said. police with a bandage atop his sat down on the roadway, tressing moment we’re caravans through out of fear elect Joe Biden who will be Greene promoted online head. “They hit me in the head,” refusing to leave and insisting experiencing”. they could spread COVID-19. inaugurated tomorrow. conspiracy theory QAnon in a he said. “I didn’t come with the they be allowed through, “We want to start a dialogue As the standoff stretched So far, Biden’s team has 2017 video but later back- intention of looking for appealing to the soldiers as with you, to ask you to accept toward 24 hours, some indicated it will not make tracked, saying it was not part problems with anybody. We’re fellow Central Americans. some of the needs of the Gua- migrants, like Ismael Eliazar of immediate changes to policies of her campaign. She won a brothers, Central Americans. Leila Rodriguez, of temalan people right now,” Choloma, Honduras, lay down at the US-Mexico border. House seat in conservative rural northwest Georgia after her Democratic opponent dropped out. QAnon backers US Capitol riot: Official have pushed numerous con- spiracies on social media. Twitter suspended tens of from New Mexico held thousands of accounts pri- marily dedicated to sharing REUTERS — WASHINGTON Federal authorities have QAnon content after the vio- brought criminal charges lence in Washington earlier The US Justice Department said against more than 100 people so this month when supporters on Sunday that it had arrested far in connection with the of President Donald Trump an elected official from New January 6 riot, in which Trump’s stormed the US Capitol. Mexico who had vowed to travel supporters stormed the Capitol, The attack on the Capitol by to Washington with firearms to ransacked offices and attacked Trump supporters delayed cer- protest President-elect Joe police. Investigators are scouring tification of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. more than 140,000 videos and Biden’s election victory by Cuoy Griffin, a New Mexico photos from the siege in which several hours that day, as law- county commissioner and five people died, including a makers were forced to flee to founder of a group called police officer. seek safety from the angry mob “Cowboys for Trump”, was US officials arrested 10 more who had overwhelmed security arrested in Washington on people on Saturday and Sunday. forces. Five people died in the charges related to the January Among them was Chad Barrett violence. After the attack, 6 attack, according to docu- Jones of Kentucky, who author- Forest fire in Chile Twitter removed Trump’s ments posted on the Justice ities said was captured on video account, which had 88 million A forest fire burns the hills next to a neighbourhood in Quilpue area, in Valparaiso, Chile, on January Department’s website. using a wooden flagpole to try followers, due to the risk of 15, 2021. Griffin was among thou- to break glass door panels in the further violence. sands who stormed the Capitol House of Representatives. He in an attempt to block Congress faces several charges, including from certifying Democrat Biden’s assaulting a federal officer. victory over Republican Pres- Two cousins, Daniel Adams Man hid 3 months at Chicago airport due to virus ident Donald Trump, according of Texas and Cody Connell of to charging documents. He stood Louisiana, likewise face AP — CHICAGO but said that Singh was pro- Chicago Tribune reported. Singh troubled that someone could on the steps of the building but charges of assaulting a federal hibited from setting foot in the lowered his mask and showed remain in a secured area for did not enter it. officer for allegedly pushing A California man who told airport. As of yesterday a badge that actually belonged so long at the airport without After the riot, Griffin said he their way past Capitol Police police that the coronavirus pan- morning, Singh remained in the to an operations manager at the anyone noticing. planned to return ahead of into the building. demic left him afraid to fly has Cook County Jail. airport who had reported it “The court finds these facts Biden’s inauguration this Connell posted videos of been arrested on charges that Assistant Public Defender missing in late October, Hagerty and circumstances quite Wednesday. “If we do, then it’s their activity on social media he hid in a secured area at Chi- Courtney Smallwood said Singh said. shocking for the alleged period gonna be a sad day, because and told others he planned to cago’s O’Hare International does not have a criminal record. The employees called of time that this occurred,” the there’s gonna be blood running return to Washington with Airport for three months. She also said it was unclear why police, who took Singh into judge said. “Being in a secured out of that building,” he said in a firearms and body armor, Aditya Singh, 36, is charged Singh, who is unemployed, custody. Singh was “scared to part of the airport under a fake video posted to Facebook, according to FBI documents. with felony criminal trespass to came to Chicago or if he has ties go home due to COVID-19”, ID badge allegedly, based upon according to an FBI document. Law enforcement officials a restricted area of an airport to the area. Hagerty said, and told author- the need for airports to be abso- Back in New Mexico, Griffin have been bracing for further and misdemeanor theft after he During the hearing, ities that he’d found the badge lutely secure so that people feel told a Thursday meeting of the violence. More than a dozen was arrested on Saturday. Assistant States Attorney and that other passengers at the safe to travel, I do find those Otero County Council that he states activated National Guard At a court hearing on Kathleen Hagerty said that airport had given him food. alleged actions do make him a planned to drive to Washington troops following an FBI Sunday, a judge ruled that the Singh was spotted by two Before she granted Singh danger to the community.” with a rifle and a revolver. He warning of armed demonstra- Orange, California, man could United Airlines employees, who bail, Cook County Judge Singh is scheduled to return to faces trespassing charges. tions by right-wing extremists. be released if he paid $1,000, asked him for identification, the Susana Ortiz was clearly court on January 27. TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 AMERICAS 15 The White House reality show for Trump is over REUTERS — WASHINGTON of a literal reality show that was used the power of his words and media and rewarded him with legacy of a second impeachment helicopter to Joint Base his administration, always with his office to attend to his political applause and cheering for the for spurring a deadly uprising Andrews, where he will board A red tie, often tied too long. A an eye for the camera, a flair for base, with which he kept a direct pejorative monikers he assigned. will almost certainly over- Air Force One for Florida. raised fist, often held high to a the dramatic, an instinct for the line of communication via his Trump gave his all to his shadow any accomplishments, The trappings of the pres- supportive crowd. A scowling outrageous. now-suspended Twitter feed. supporters. He fired them up at real or perceived. idency will be taken away face. A raised voice. His supporters loved it. His He remembered what he regular rallies and drew energy “When a President incites afterward and he will watch President Donald Trump opponents hated it. Regardless, had promised them as a presi- from their adulation and enthu- an insurrection that could have his successor, Democrat Joe never hid how he felt. His words nearly everyone tuned in. The dential candidate and sought siasm for his unconventional - killed his vice-president, could Biden, seek to undo much of and body language made his country and the world watched, with some success to deliver on critics said unpresidential - have killed the Speaker of the what Trump did during his thoughts clear. and were consumed. those pledges to build a border style. “I see Trump as a fighter House and other members of term in office. The reality For more than four years, The show may have had wall, upend immigration and for the people that actually work Congress, could have destroyed show from the White House Trump, a Republican, cultivated deadly consequences. Hundreds cut taxes. and put the backbone into this a free presidential election and will be over. But his base, at a political base by sharing his of thousands of people in the He threatened and irritated country,” said Will Williams, who might have permanently least in part, will remain, still thoughts and emotions — pride, United States died of the disease world leaders during trips attended Trump’s June campaign impaired our democracy, there hanging on his statements, in happiness, indignation, rage — associated with the coronavirus abroad, complicating relation- rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the is very little good you can find whatever medium he finds to on a daily, sometimes hourly, while Trump played down the ships with US allies who he felt coronavirus pandemic raged. “I that’s going to outshine that,” said get them out. “I think he does basis, creating an omnipresence danger of the pandemic and did were not carrying their financial will remember him as (a) hero.” historian Michael Beschloss. understand the power of his of sorts that completely domi- not model wearing a mask. weight in global alliances. History may not. On Wednesday, Trump will words. I think he relishes in it,” nated the news cycle. US racial and political divides He criticized and vilified the With the riot on January 6 at leave the White House for the said one senior administration Like no US President has widened under Trump and press, while craving journalists’ the US Capitol by Trump sup- final time as the 45th president official who considered resigning done before, he made himself migrant children were separated attention and respect. The base porters who believed his false of the United States, taking his in the aftermath of the riot. “And the center of attention, the star from their parents. The President enjoyed his demonization of the assertions of election fraud, the final flight on the Marine One I think he will continue to do so.” Biden takes oath of office tomorrow BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON The swearing-in of living former president — except Joe Biden at the US 96-year-old Jimmy Carter — and Joe Biden will take the oath of Vice-President Mike Pence. office as president in a ceremony Capitol on January But Trump won’t be there. dramatically reshaped by the 20 will come amid Fresh from his historic second coronavirus pandemic and still- an unprecedented impeachment, he’s expected to simmering threats of violence in leave for his Mar-a-Lago club Washington, casting a pall over cordon of security, in Florida the morning of the the quadrennial celebration of with strict physical event, and will not have Biden American democracy. distancing measures and his wife, Jill Biden, over to His swearing-in at the US the White House beforehand, Capitol on Wednesday will in place as well. as is customary. come amid an unprecedented The twin challenges of the cordon of security, with strict coronavirus and security threats physical distancing measures the ceremony, the first living have meant that many tradi- in place as well. A sea of Oval Office occupant to skip the tions have been put on hold. 200,000 flags on the National regularly scheduled inaugu- The inaugural parade will be US President-elect Joe Biden waves as he volunteers at Philabundance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mall will stand in for the nor- ration of his successor in more replaced by a short military pro- US, yesterday. mally vast crowd cheering a than a century. cession. Balls and parties will give new commander-in-chief. Biden will become the 46th way to a 90-minute prime time could get around the city Pop icon Lady Gaga will sing Pledge of Allegiance. And while Biden is using his US president at noon on January TV special featuring musical per- anyway. Thirteen Metro subway the national anthem, and After the swearing-in, the inauguration to highlight 20, a time prescribed by the formances and guests located stations will be closed and many national Youth Poet Laureate Bidens will lay a wreath at the “America United", he faces a Constitution. He’ll stand on the around the country, all hosted by roads are blocked around Amanda Gorman will give a Tomb of the Unknown Solider nation where many Republicans western-facing steps of the US actor Tom Hanks. downtown. As many as 25,000 reading, a tradition started by at Arlington Cemetery. In a nod still reject his victory, including Capitol building, a nod to the Biden supporters were members of the National Guard President John F Kennedy. A to continuity, he’ll be joined outgoing President Donald power of the legislative branch already being discouraged from are already in place in the city. priest will lead the invocation there by former presidents Bill Trump — who Biden’s fellow and the nation that stretches out coming to avoid turning it into Some traditions will remain, for Biden, the second Catholic Clinton, George W Bush and Democrats and a handful of before him. But he’s asked the a coronavirus super-spreader however. A briefcase known as the president in US history, while Barack Obama and their wives. Republicans impeached for a audience to stay home. event. And now with the threat “nuclear football” containing the the pastor of a Black church in The wreath laying is a new second time last week despite The inauguration displays to of violence, new security codes to launch nuclear weapons Biden’s home state of Delaware addition to the day’s events Biden’s misgivings about the the world the country’s tradition fencing topped with razor wire will be handed from one aide to will give the benediction. and is especially meaningful message it would send as he of a peaceful transfer of power, has been erected around the another, and the White House A female firefighter from for Biden, whose late son, ascended to the presidency. which will be represented this Capitol and troops stand guard website and social media handles Georgia, where Biden pulled off Beau, served in the National Trump is refusing to attend year by the inclusion of every 24 hours a day. Not that anyone will switch automatically. a surprise win, will lead the Guard in Iraq. US Capitol shut Fauci says Biden’s down briefly out of caution 100 million vaccine goal over fire nearby is ‘absolutely doable’

REUTERS — WASHINGTON BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON 850,000 doses per day were administered in the US over the The US Capitol complex was President-elect Joe Biden’s past week. Biden’s timeline for shut down temporarily yes- promise of administering 100 deploying 100 million doses terday out of an abundance of million doses of the COVID-19 sets the bar low, according to caution after a small fire broke vaccine in 100 days is “abso- two Trump administration offi- out nearby, the US Secret lutely a doable thing,” Dr. cials familiar with the vaccine Service said, underscoring Anthony Fauci said. delivery drive, known as Oper- jitters days before President- Dr. Fauci, Director of the ation Warp Speed. elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. National Institute of Allergy and Internal administration “There is no threat to the Infectious Diseases, said he projections suggest that enough public,” the Secret Service said expects Biden not to hesitate to vaccine will be available by the in a tweet. The US Capitol “use whatever mechanisms we end of April to provide shots to Police said in a statement that, can” to speed the production about 170 million people, the in an abundance of caution and distribution of the shots, officials said. following an external security including invoking the Defence Scott Gottlieb, former head threat near the Capitol, its Production Act. of the US Food and Drug acting chief ordered a Military Band members dressed in 18th century costumes rehearse near the US Capitol Hill, ahead “The feasibility of his goal Administration, said 45 million shutdown of the complex. of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, in Washington, DC, yesterday. is absolutely clear, there’s no doses have been shipped or will “There are currently no fires doubt about it,” Dr. Fauci said be available to states on on or within the Capitol campus,” US Capitol in Washington by All participants in the The city’s fire department on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” US Tuesday and another 5 million the statement said. “Members Trump supporters, some of rehearsal for Biden’s inaugu- posted on Twitter that fire- authorities gave emergency use have been ordered by states. and staff were advised to shelter whom called for the death of ration, were evacuated into the fighters put out an outside fire authorizations in December for Biden’s plan, “trying to push in place while the incident is Republican Vice-President Mike building, and participants were near the Capitol complex. “There a vaccine developed by Pfizer this through different channels being investigated.” Pence as he presided over the being held in the Capitol were no injuries,” the department Inc. and BioNTech, and one like big-box stores, like phar- The lockdown follows the certification of Democrat Biden’s rotunda and other indoor areas, said. “This accounts for smoke from Moderna Inc. macies, trying to set up more deadly January 6 attack on the November election victory. according to a Reuters witness. that many have seen.” Dr. Fauci said that the US federally chartered sites”, may be “weeks away, not makes sense, he said on CBS’s months away” from approvals “Face the Nation”. of additional vaccines being The President-elect warned Anxious US sees subdued protests developed by Johnson & on Friday that “we didn’t get Johnson and AstraZeneca Plc. into all of this overnight. And Addressing early slow- we won’t get out of it overnight, BLOOMBERG — NEW YORK activity, remained in full capitol in Lansing. In recent orders by Democratic Governor downs in giving COVID-19 vac- either”. He’s expected to launch lockdown as stunned Washing- days, some armed groups called Gretchen Whitmer, who also cines, Dr. Fauci said there didn’t a “100 Day Masking Challenge” Smothered in security ahead of tonians said the barriers, check- on members to overwhelm law was the target of a kidnapping need to be rigid adherence to after taking office, imposing Joe Biden’s inauguration, the US points and National Guard enforcement. With more than plot foiled months later. initial guidelines on who should new mandates that require and state capitals remained troops resembled a scene out 100 of those who attacked the Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, be eligible and in what order. masks on federal property and mostly peaceful Sunday despite of wartime Iraq. Capitol arrested, purported a Democrat, said he was pleas- “You just want a steady flow. for interstate transportation. law enforcement’s concerns Across the country, most plans to attack state capitols antly surprised the protest was You don’t want to hold back,” he The incoming head of the about widespread protests and protests were subdued, even in have been replaced with calls tame, but stressed that police said. “You want to not, essen- Centers for Disease Control and violence. places where demonstrators for peaceful protest. and the National Guard will tially, overshoot nor undershoot, Prevention, Rochelle Walensky, Officers from the federal came with weapons — like in In both publicly accessible remain on duty. but just let the flow keep going.” said there are bottlenecks at dif- Bureau of Prisons patrolled the Michigan, one of six states social media channels and In Salem, Oregon, a handful Vaccinations against the ferent points of the vaccine sidewalks along Pennsylvania where the FBI had warned last private platforms, users were of armed demonstrators coronavirus in the US began on system, but that supplies will be Avenue in Washington, which week of the potential for large- expressing a commitment to gathered outside the Capitol. December 14 with health-care adequate. “We have looked care- connects the White House and scale, armed unrest. avoiding physical conflict. Conditions remained civil. workers, and so far 13.7 million fully and we are confident that Capitol Hill, the scene of chaos “I’m out here essentially to The crowds who turned out In Atlanta, an expected shots have been given, according we have enough vaccines for the on January 6. be peaceful and also show in Michigan to oppose Biden’s armed militia rally never mate- to a state-by-state tally by 100 million doses over the next Workers erected extra people that even armed pro- inauguration were small — rialized after the building was Bloomberg News and data from 100 days,” she said on CBS. “That’s fencing around FBI head- testers can be peaceful,” said a fewer than 100 people — com- heavily fortified with National the Centers for Disease Control what the President-elect has quarters. The National Mall, protester who called himself pared with those that gathered Guard troops and vehicles and Prevention. promised. It will be a hefty lift, but typically a flurry of tourist Preacher outside the state in May to protest quarantine parked in front of all entrances. An average of almost we have it in us to do that.” TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2021 16

Fahad Badar climbs Ama Dablam summit despite PRAYER TIMINGS harsh conditions PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING THE PENINSULA — DOHA

FAJR 05.00 am Fahad Badar, the SUNRISE 06.21 am Qatari high-altitude climber, adventure DHUHR 11.45 am seeker, and banking ASR 02.48 pm executive leader, keeps MAGHRIB 05.10 pm challenging himself after every mountain- ISHA 06.40 pm eering expedition. Badar has yet again chosen a challenging summit to climb the Ama Dablam, located in Nepal. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he took on the journey with all the required precautions and WEATHER Fahad Badar at Ama Dablam summit in Nepal, with a Qatari flag. TODAY measures. Winter expeditions are a real challenge for rising 6,856 meters in elevation. It is a difficulty level due to the season any mountaineer. Ama popular mountaineering destination for (winter). Dablam is one of the experienced mountaineers, not only for The Ama Dablam is among the most perfect destinations for its incredible natural appeal but also for technical and challenging climbs. All achieving such a feat, the exhilarating challenges that these conditions tested Fahad’s abilities o o as it requires technical accompany the climb. and resilience, providing fundamental 17 C 25 C knowledge and Due to its immense altitude and geo- experiences that will be useful in his Minimum Maximum endurance through graphic location, Ama Dablam can only upcoming trips. Hazy at places at first becomes harsh conditions. be climbed at two points from April to “I was looking forward to reaching moderate temperature daytime Badar, the first Arab May or September to October. the summit of Ama Dablam. It’s been with some clouds, relatively cold man to summit Everest But Fahad started his expedition in quite a long time since I’ve been away by night. and Lhotse in a single trip, reached Ama “mother’s necklace”— is a life-changing December 2020. Besides the thrilling from the mountains, and I have the need W ALRUWAIS : 18o → 22o Dablam’s summit on January 14. ascent. Located in the Nepalese Hima- climbing routes made of snow, ice, and to return to the place where I feel the W ALKHOR : 16o → 23o Ama Dablam, which translates to layas, Ama Dablam is a daunting peak rock, the expedition itself has a higher most alive,” said Fahad. W DUKHAN : 16o → 22o W WAKRAH : 12o → 26o W MESAIEED : 12o → 26o China’s retrieved lunar W ABUSAMRA : 16o → 21o

HIGH TIDE samples weigh less 08:21 – 22:52 LOW TIDE 02:27 – 16:35 than targeted

REUTERS — BEIJING been reached. “However, from tests, the Lunar rocks retrieved by a actual density might not be that Michelin France historic Chinese mission to the high,” Pei told reporters. moon weighed less than initially “We originally planned to stars awarded in targeted, but China is still willing use 22 hours to complete the to study the samples with foreign work of surface sampling, but, virtual ceremony scientists, the mission’s in fact, we stopped after 12 spokesman said yesterday. hours.” AP — PARIS China became the third But China is still open to country ever to secure lunar cooperating with all nations in France’s Michelin Guide, samples when its unmanned studying the samples, he said, which has long served for Chang’e-5 probe, brought back including the United States. foodies, is adapting its awards Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit, with a rocket underneath the wing of a modified Boeing 747 jetliner, 1.731 kg (3.8 lb) of samples last For years, US laws have ceremony in Paris for the year prior to its takeoff on a key drop test of itshigh-altitude launch system for satellites from Mojave, month, falling short of the 2kg limited its space agency NASA that was like no other —2020. California, US, yesterday. (4.4 lb) planned. from directly cooperating with It is handing out its stars for The probe had estimated China. “We didn’t set restric- the shuttered industry at a the lunar rocks to have a tions between countries,” Pei virtual ceremony to a virtual Branson’s Virgin Orbit reaches space density of 1.6 grams per cubic said. “Whether or not two public. millimetre, based on data from countries could carry out From the panoramic past missions by other coun- related cooperation is a matter splendor of the Jules Verne res- with key mid-air rocket launch tries, said Pei Zhaoyu, the for two sides.” taurant on the the Eiffel Tower’s mission spokesman. China has not yet received second floor, judges are giving REUTERS — WASHINGTON rocket, a 70-foot launcher tai- was aimed at “enhancing our Going by that figure, the any access request for samples, out this year’s stars for their lored for carrying small satel- knowledge & demonstrating probe stopped taking samples he said, adding that the rocks 2021 France guide — based on Billionaire Richard Branson’s lites to space, aimed to place 10 LauncherOne’s full capabil- after just 12 hours, apparently were still in a pre-treatment reviews of eateries that have for Virgin Orbit reached space for tiny satellites in orbit for NASA ities,” the company wrote on assessing that the target had stage. large periods of time been com- the first time on Sunday with a roughly two hours into the Twitter on Sunday. pletely closed nationwide. successful test of its air- mission, though Virgin Orbit Virgin executives say high- The country famed for its launched rocket, achieving a had not confirmed whether altitude launches allow satel- cuisine saw restaurants shut key milestone after aborting the they were deployed as planned. lites to be placed in their for large parts of last year rocket’s first test launch last The successful test and intended orbit more efficiently during what was one of year. potentially clean payload and also minimize weather- Europe’s harshest lockdowns, The Long Beach, California- deployment would be a needed related cancellations compared while strict curfews disrupted based company’s LauncherOne double-win for Virgin Orbit, to more traditional rockets the dinner service. Michelin rocket was dropped mid-air which last year failed its launched vertically from a France said that it squeezed its from the underside of a mod- attempt to reach space when ground pad. anonymous reviews into a ified Boeing 747 nicknamed LauncherOne’s main engine Competition is fierce reduced six-month period, from Cosmic Girl some 40,000 feet shut down prematurely between Virgin Orbit, Firefly May to October, when restric- over the Pacific at 11:39 a.m. PT moments after releasing from and US-New Zealand company tions on restaurants were eased. before lighting its NewtonThree its carrier aircraft. The Rocket Lab, which are And it called for help from engine to boost itself out of shortened mission generated designing smaller or non-tra- overseas for its secretive Earth’s atmosphere. key test data for the company, ditional systems to inject inspections, bringing in twice “According to telemetry, it said. smaller satellites into orbit and as many foreign inspectors as LauncherOne has reached The Cosmic Girl carrier craft meet growing demand. usual. France had two lock- orbit!” the company had taken off from an airstrip Virgin Orbit’s government downs last year, one in spring announced on Twitter during at the Mojave Air and Space services subsidiary VOX Space Pei Zhaoyu, spokesperson for Chang’e-5 Mission and deputy and the other starting in the the test mission, dubbed Port in southern California LLC is selling launches using the director of Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center of fall. The Michelin guide has 28 Launch Demo 2. under clear skies Sunday system to the US military, with issues covering 25 countries, “In both a literal and figu- morning, bringing Launch- a first mission slated for the China National Space Administration (CNSA), introduces the though awards in other coun- rative sense, this is miles erOne to its target altitude for October under a $35m US Space reentry module which has carried moon sample back to earth, tries are handed out at dif- beyond how far we reached in launch. Force contract for three at the National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy ferent dates. our first Launch Demo.” The The Launch Demo 2 mission missions. Sciences (CAS), in Beijing, China, yesterday. Indian zoo stops feeding chickens to hawks on bird flu fears

BLOOMBERG — NEW DELHI Ministry of Environment, operations continue, it added. reconsider their decisions to Crisil, the Indian unit of S&P Fears against chicken con- Forest and Climate Change. The outbreaks in the world’s ban poultry sales and advised Global. The overall revenue of sumption do not last for more A state-run zoo in India has Birds in captivity at the zoo second-biggest egg producer them to allow sellers to source the sector could drop 30%-40% than a few weeks as the stopped feeding chickens to have been isolated, it said threaten the poultry industry, chickens from non-infected this month on lower volumes infection rate abates.” birds such as hawks, eagles and over the weekend. which is recovering after prices areas. “Consumption of well- and a 20%-30% slump in Venky’s India Ltd., which owls as bird flu outbreaks More deaths of crows, slumped last year on specu- cooked chicken and eggs is safe wholesale prices, it said in a reported about half of its spread to more than 10 states herons, swans, pigeons and lation that chickens could for humans,” it said, adding that note. revenue from poultry sales in in the country. poultry from avian influenza spread the coronavirus. The $14 consumers should ignore However, the price decline 2019-20, said yesterday that the Serological tests of a brown have been confirmed in the bn industry directly or indirectly rumors. could be temporary, it said. “In organized poultry sector has not fish owl, which died at the states of Maharashtra, Madhya employs 5 million people and The outbreak has slashed recent past, the impact of such reported any positive bird flu National Zoological Park in New Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttara- supports 25 million broiler chicken demand by outbreaks has been temporary case so far. Delhi, confirmed that the bird khand and Delhi, the animal producers. about 30% to 7 million kilo- due to swift implementation of Shares of Venky’s dropped was infected with the H5N8 husbandry ministry said in a The federal government has grams per day in January from testing, culling and containment 1%, while agribusiness company virus, according to the separate statement. Culling urged some affected states to a month earlier, according to protocols by the authorities. Godrej Agrovet Ltd. fell 1.1%.