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MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 24 RAJAB - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8555 www.thepeninsula.qa 2 RIYALS

Over 327,000 vaccine doses administered so far

vaccination program is moving at fast pace,” she added. The milestone comes as data shows that more than half the people aged 60 and above among the most vulnerable in the population — have now received at least their first dose of the vaccine, with 61 percent of people over 80 years of age, 61 percent of people over 70 years of age, and 55 percent of With the recent availability of Moderna vaccine people over 60 years of age alongside the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the having received the vaccine. vaccination programme is moving at fast pace: The MOPH stated that in the Minister of Public Health first six weeks of the vacci- nation programme around The vaccination programme is expanding significantly and it has seen an impressive increase in the 60,000 doses were adminis- number of vaccines administered each week. tered to people most at risk from severe complications due to COVID-19, while the last six In the first six weeks of the vaccination programme, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al weeks have seen more than around 60,000 doses were administered to people Thani with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate of the Republic of Yemen, H E Ahmad Awad bin most at risk from severe complications. 267,000 doses administered to the priority groups. Mubarak, in Doha yesterday. “Due to the availability of QNA — DOHA more vaccines and the opening stages of the vaccination pro- of additional vaccination The Ministry of Public Health gramme has helped to ensure that centres, including Qatar Deputy Prime Minister emphasises Qatar’s (MoPH) has announced that we have been able to protect National Convention Center 327,582 COVID-19 vaccine many of the high-risk, elderly and the Lusail COVID-19 Drive- position on preserving stability in Yemen doses have been administered population. I urge all the Through Vaccination Centre, since the start of the COVID-19 remaining elderly and at risk pop- we have been able to widen the QNA — DOHA countries and the latest devel- and a political solution, National Vaccination ulation to take the opportunity of eligibility to include more sec- opments in Yemen. achieve national reconcili- Programme. vaccinating”, the Minister added. tions of our population,” said Deputy Prime Minister and The Deputy Prime Min- ation, and return to the out- “Ten percent of Qatar’s “We are now significantly Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of Minister of Foreign Affairs H E ister and Minister of Foreign comes of the comprehensive adult population has already expanding our vaccination the National Health Strategic Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- Affairs stressed, during the national dialogue agreed upon received at least one vaccine program and have seen an Group on COVID-19 and Head rahman Al Thani met yesterday meeting, the firm position of by the political forces and all dose. It is very important that impressive increase in the of Infectious Diseases at Hamad with Minister of Foreign Affairs the State of Qatar regarding spectrums of the Yemeni everyone completes the vaccine number of vaccines adminis- Medical Corporation. and Expatriate of the Republic the importance of preserving people as a basis for ending by having the second dose to tered each week throughout the “There is growing clinical of Yemen H E Ahmad Awad bin the unity of Yemen and this crisis. ensure its efficacy,” said Min- program.” evidence around the world Mubarak, who is visiting the achieving its security and His Excellency also called ister of Public Health H E Dr. “With the recent availa- showing that both the Moderna country. stability. for the implementation of the Hanan Mohammeed Al Kuwari. bility of Moderna vaccines and Pfizer vaccines provide a During the meeting, they The Foreign Minister relevant UN Security Council “Our decision to focus on the alongside the Pfizer and good level of protection after reviewed the bilateral cooper- underlined the need to end the resolutions, especially Reso- most vulnerable in the initial BioNTech vaccines the just one dose." `P2 ation relations between the two state of war, adopt dialogue lution No. 2216. Park and Ride facilities in Lusail and Education City to open soon THE PENINSULA — DOHA The bus depot in Lusail will bus depot in Lusail is expected have parking canopies powered to complete in Q1 of 2022. Minister of Transport and by highly efficient solar panels, In addition to bus depots, Communications H E Jassim Saif making it the first bus depot in the Programme also includes Ahmed Al Sulaiti yesterday the region to rely on solar energy the Park and Ride parking conducted an inspection tour as a renewable source of clean spaces, bus stations and ferry of the ongoing projects of the energy. The solar panels — (water taxi) terminals. Public Bus Infrastructure totalling 10,720 units to generate Work to establish four new Programme that MoTC is four megawatts per day — plus sites under the “Park and Ride” carrying out in collaboration the power station as a conven- project has been wrapped up, as with Public Works Authority tional source of energy, will part of the first package of the (Ashghal). provide the necessary energy for Program. Two in Al Qassar and The Minister inspected work operating electric charging Al Wakra were inaugurated for progress on the programme’s devices and the whole project at the public in January 2020. The fifth package in which four bus large, in line with highest other two in Lusail and Education depots are being established at standards and specifications. City near 100 percent completion Lusail, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra and The Lusail bus depot will and are ready to open soon. New Industrial Area. also include 217 150kilowatt Work is underway to The new depots will include dual bus charging devices and establish 7 bus terminals within a bus care centre and bus five 300kilowatt fast bus the second and third packages of parking spaces fully equipped electric charging devices. It will the Programme. Delivery nears with an infrastructure sup- also include 474 bus parking 68 percent for bus terminals in portive of e-bus charging. They spaces. Works to establish the Al Sudan, Lusail, Al Wakra, Edu- will also include residential and bus parking spaces and solar cation City and Industrial Area Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti during a tour of the recreational facilities and panel canopies are scheduled and would complete during Q3 projects of the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme. mosques. to complete in Q4 of 2021. The of 2021. `P3 ‘Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic Vaccinated parents’ children to be World 2021’ activities start today ‘exempted from hotel quarantine’ QNA — DOHA National Committee for Edu- the media partner, Al Rayyan cation, Culture and Science, and channel, Al Jazeera Mubasher, THE PENINSULA — DOHA required to quarantine at home book a “Welcome Home Under the patronage of the the strategic partners in the Al Araby TV, and via the event’s for seven days, according to the Package” and follow the same Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin country, namely, the Ministry website https://www.dcciw.qa, Children of parents vaccinated Qatar Airways Holidays conditions outlined in the rest Hamad Al Thani, the activities of Education and Higher Edu- during which several person- against COVID-19 will be website. of this document, regardless if of “Doha, Capital of Culture in cation, the Ministry of Endow- alities will talk about the impor- ‘exempted from hotel quar- Any adults (18 or over) who the parent has received the vac- the Islamic World 2021” will ments and Islamic Affairs, Qatar tance of Qatar hosting this cel- antine’ on arrival into Qatar have received both doses of a cinations or otherwise,” said the start today, and for a whole Foundation for Education ebration, and what it reflects on from red zone countries. COVID-19 vaccine from a website. year, under the slogan “Our Science and Community Devel- the state’s efforts in promoting Qatar Airways Holidays, in medical facility in Qatar, with Effective Sunday, February Culture is Enlightenment.” opment (QF), Qatar Museums, culture in the Islamic world. partnership with Discover the second vaccine received at 14, all those arriving into Qatar “Doha, Capital of Culture in the Cultural Village Foundation The episode will also Qatar, has announced that least 14 days before the date of from countries not included in the Islamic World 2021” activ- (Katara), and many partici- include a speech by Minister of children up to 16 years old will entry into Qatar, are exempted the Green List, are required to ities are held under the super- pating entities in the country. Culture and Sports H E Salah be exempted from hotel quar- from quarantine. hold a Discover Qatar hotel vision of the Ministry of Culture A special episode on the bin Ghanem Al Ali and a speech antine only if accompanied by “For parents travelling with quarantine package booking. and Sports, in cooperation with launch ceremony of “Doha, by Director General of ISESCO a parent who has received the a minor aged 16-18 where the Previous exemptions for those the Islamic World Organisation Capital of Culture in the Islamic Dr. Salim bin Mohammed Al full course of the COVID-19 minor has not received the that fall under the vulnerable for Education, Science and World 2021” will be broadcast Malik on Doha’s hosting of this vaccine in Qatar. vaccine in line with the above groups category no longer Culture (ISESCO), the Qatar today at 7.30pm on Qatar TV, cultural celebration. `P2 But the child will be qualifications, they will need to apply. 02 HOME MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 Over 327,000 vaccine doses administered so far FROM PAGE 1 conditions at any age; and “However, it remains very additional healthcare profes- PRAYER important that everyone com- sionals and other key workers TIMINGS pletes the vaccine by having the in different ministries and gov- PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING second dose to ensure its ernment institutions, including efficacy” added Dr. Al Khal. teachers and administration FAJR 04.34 am The current priority groups staff in education eligible for vaccination are as Anyone over 60 years of SUNRISE 05.51 am follows: People aged 50 years age can call PHCC on 4027 DHUHR 11.45 am of age and above regardless of 7077 to book a vaccine ASR 03.08 pm their health conditions; People appointment. Online regis- with moderate chronic medical tration is also open. MAGHRIB 05.41 pm ISHA 07.11 pm 'Doha, Capital of Culture in the Islamic Deputy PM meets US Envoy for Peace in Afghanistan World 2021' activities start today Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al FROM PAGE 1 Thani met yesterday with US Envoy for Peace in Afghanistan H E Zalmay Khalilzad, who is visiting Also, the Qatari artist Fahad AlKubaisi will perform artistic the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral cooperation and relations between the shows and Omani poet Jamal Al Mulla will present a special poem two countries, and the latest developments in the region, especially in Afghanistan. on this occasion.

WEATHER TODAY Awqaf Ministry, HMC in deal to support cochlear implant surgeries

SANAULLAH ATAULLAH that international companies THE PENINSULA Qatar has funded 190 give special prices to charity cochlear implant surgeries organisations which ranges The General Department of from QR40,000 to QR45,000. o o for needy people in Gaza. 16 C 26 C Endowments at the Ministry of The project is now being “The market price of device Minimum Maximum Awqaf and Islamic Affairs reaches up to QR100,000. In yesterday signed an agreement extended to Kyrgyzstan some places like Gaza and Kyr- Moderate temperature daytime, cold by night. with Hamad Medical Corpo- also. gyzstan, people are unable to ration (HMC) to support the buy such expensive devices and project of cochlear implant afford the surgery costs due to W ALRUWAIS : 18o → 23o surgeries. Khalid. He said that the financial problems,” said Dr. Al W ALKHOR : 15o → 25o Under the agreement, the department will cover 80 Qahtani. Department will provide cochlear implant surgeries this He said that in Gaza 1,000 W DUKHAN : 19o → 21o financial support from its year as per the agreement. “We children and in Kyrgyzstan 250 WAKRAH 13o → 26o W : endowment fund for healthcare singed a cooperation agreement children are waiting for W MESAIEED : 13o → 26o for needy people with hearing with HMC to extend the support cochlear implant surgeries. W ABUSAMRA : 16o → 23o loss to receive hearing aids and for three years during which it Director of the Audiology and cochlear implants. is expected to cover over 300 Balance Unit at HMC, Dr. Khalid Director-General of General Endowment Department, Dr. Khalid bin The agreement was signed surgeries for needy people,” Abdul Hadi, said that the Mohammad Al Thani, and Head of the Specialised Hospitals Group, HIGH TIDE by Director General of General said Dr. Khalid. success rate of cochlear implant 01:21– 10:59 Endowment Department, Dr. He said the Department is Ali Abdul Qadir Al Jenahi, at the agreement signing ceremony. surgery is 100 percent in Qatar. LOW TIDE 09:20 – 17:31 Khalid bin Mohammad Al Thani, also providing financial support “The hearing and speech and Head of the Specialised to cover health bills of needy Cochlear Implants, Dr. Abdul Qahtani. He said with the rate have been recorded at 99 Hospitals Group, Ali Abdul people residing in Qatar suf- Salam Al Qahtani, said the support of General Endowment percent and 90 percent respec- Qadir Al Jenahi, at a ceremony fering from renal diseases and cooperation between the Min- Department the project will be tively among the recipients after held at the headquarters of the organ transplantation among istry of Awqaf and Islamic launched first time in Kyr- the surgery,” said Dr. Abdul Department. others. “The project of cochlear Affairs and HMC will continue gyzstan. “The project began Hadi, who is also Deputy Head “The initiative was taken implant surgeries is part of the during next three years. “The three years ago in Gaza during of Qatari Programme for following the directive of projects of General Department project targeted primarily the which we 190 people with lost Cochlear Implant. donors who specified to spend of Endowments which are being needy children with lost hearing hearing benefited from cochlear He said under the pro- the amount on bringing back implemented abroad,” said Dr. in Gaza but we are in cooper- implant surgeries,” said Dr. Al gramme over 300 cochlear the hearing and speech of needy Khalid. ation with authorities con- Qahtani. implant surgeries in Qatar and people through cochlear Head of ENT Section and cerned in Kyrgyzstan to launch Speaking about the cost of 190 surgeries in Gaza have been implant surgeries,” said Dr. Head of Qatari Programme for the project there,” said Dr. Al the surgery, Dr. Al Qahtani said done successfully. MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 HOME 03 Qatar hands over Presidency of 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to Japan QNA — KYOTO Prevention and Criminal Justice, Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al of its tasks. The Minister pre- Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Nuaimi affirmed Qatar’s sented the Japanese presidency The Global Program for the Minister of State for Cabinet keenness to provide all aspects with a small memento repre- implementation of the Doha Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi says Qatar has of support to the United Nations senting a boat with a sail sym- Declaration received wide Jafali Al Nuaimi expressed the not and will not spare any effort in combating crime, Office in Vienna on Drugs and bolising the unity in front of the international attention at the gratitude of Qatar to the people consolidating the principle of the rule of law and establishing Crime, and to actively partic- challenges and confirming the opening of the 14th United and government of friendly a successful and effective criminal justice system. ipate in all international and continuity of the work of the Nations Congress on Crime Japan for hosting this con- regional efforts, and at the crime prevention and criminal Prevention and Criminal Justice ference despite the great diffi- bilateral level between coun- justice conferences, besides in Kyoto, Japan. culties resulting from the tries, to implement the Kyoto establishing the principle of The Program is described as COVID-19 pandemic, and the that Qatar topped the list of people in 190 countries, besides Declaration and achieve its building on the achievements a pioneering model in helping early agreement on the Kyoto countries in the Middle East and the delivery of educational desired goals. of previous conferences, and countries, especially developing Declaration which represents North Africa in the ranking of materials to more than 1.4 Upon the inauguration of confirming that the great legacy ones, in dealing with organised an effective roadmap that leads the Global Peace Index for million students, and benefiting the 14th United Nations Con- of the crime prevention confer- crime, corruption, drugs and joint international efforts in 2020, and ranked first in the more than 170,000 people from ference in Kyoto, Dr. Issa bin ences since 1955 will be present terrorism, and in building solid crime prevention and criminal Arab world in the Societal 187 countries from capability- Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi handed at all conferences. criminal justice systems in justice over the next five years. Safety and Security index. building activities, in addition over the banner from the State Permanent Representative addition to contributing to the The Minister said that Qatar The Minister of Justice to the training of more than of Qatar, in its capacity as Pres- of Qatar to the United Nations implementation of the goals of has not and will not spare any reviewed the achievements of 11,000 young people on crime ident of the 13th United Nations and International Organizations the United Nations 2030 effort in combating crime, con- the Doha Global Program that prevention through sport, and Congress on Crime Prevention in Vienna Ambassador Sultan Agenda for Sustainable solidating the principle of the have been introduced during the training of more than 1,500 and Criminal Justice, to Japan, bin Salmeen Al Mansouri Development. rule of law and establishing a the Kyoto Conference. He made judges and public prosecutors stressing Qatar’s keenness on handed over the memento to In a statement delivered at successful and effective a special reference to the on the issues of judicial providing full support to the the Japanese presidency of the the 14th Congress on Crime criminal justice system, noting program reaching 2.5 million integrity. new presidency for the success conference. Namibia Deputy PM Park and Ride facilities in Lusail receives credentials of and Education City to open soon Qatar's Ambassador FROM PAGE 1 aims to achieve integration with public QNA — WINDHOEK Works at bus terminals in Msheireb and transit systems countrywide and support Al-Gharafa are 31% complete and would transportation operations during FIFA Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Inter- be fully delivered during Q1 of 2022. World Cup Qatar 2022 and beyond. It also national Relations of the Republic of Namibia The Program includes establishing a wants to increase public transit ridership H E Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah received a copy ferry terminal and parking spaces (water by offering high-quality service and facil- of the credentials of H E Tariq Ali Al Ansari as taxi) under the fourth package in Lusail, ities with world best technologies and non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Doha Port, Hamad International Airport specifications. Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Namibia. and the Pearl, in addition to establishing The Programme reflects MoTC’s The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of a bus terminal in the West Bay. Work is attention to implementing the strategy of International Relations wished the Ambassador underway to award the project tender to switching to clean energy in transportation success in his work assignments and the the most qualified company during Q1 of to reduce carbon emissions of conven- bilateral relations between the two countries 2021. tional vehicles and improve overall air and further development and growth. Public Bus Infrastructure Programme climate quality in Qatar. Lulu Intersection on D-Ring Road now partially open to traffic: Ashghal THE PENINSULA — DOHA left to Jaber bin Hayyan Street and the complete delivery is constructing a stormwater along 4.5 kilometers, in Rawdat Al Khail, during or turn back, and those coming expected in the first quarter of drainage tunnel with a total addition to tree-plantation and designing the beautification ele- The Public Works Authority from the north via D-Ring Road 2022. length of about 3.5 km. landscaping works throughout ments of the tunnel under con- (Ashghal) has partially opened towards Old Airport can take a The opening of Lulu Inter- The project also includes the project. struction within the project, and the traffic junction known as right turn at Lulu Intersection section is the first achievement construction of common path The special attention is paid it is planned to implement Lulu Intersection on D-Ring to Jaber bin Hayyan Street. of D-Ring Road development for pedestrian and cyclists on to maintain the Qatari heritage murals containing Qatari her- Road to traffic, in coordination Eng. Abdulla Darwish from project, which includes devel- both sides of D-Ring Road of the project area known as itage inside the tunnel. with the General Directorate of Highway Projects Department opment of Fereej Al Ali Inter- Traffic. of Ashghal said the opening of section (known as Al Tadamon By this opening, commuters Lulu Intersection would Interchange), Nuaija Inter- from Jaber bin Hayyan Street smoothen traffic flow in the section (The Mall) and Lulu and Al Hurriya Street can reach area, especially for commuters Intersection. D-Ring Road towards north on to and from Old Airport via The improvement works left, or towards Al Matar Street D-Ring Road. within the project also include on right. He clarified that about 30% developing rainwater drainage Commuters from Al Matar of works on D-Ring Road networks to raise the efficiency Street via D-Ring Road can turn development project is over of drainage in the area, by

A view of partially opened Lulu Intersection on D-Ring Road. Katara, Diplomatic Institute sign MoU

QNA — DOHA students. He noted that the records bright fingerprints and signing of this agreement came remarkable achievements at The Cultural Village Foundation at a time when Katara holds the the regional and international (Katara) signed yesterday a presidency of the Global Public levels. memorandum of understanding Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), For his part, Director of DI (MoU) with the Diplomatic and within the successive Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz bin Institute (DI) of the Ministry of achievements of the institution Mohammed Al Horr expressed Foreign Affairs aiming at coop- in this regard, whether through his hope that the agreement eration in the field of organising its success in attracting many would constitute a general joint cultural events, scientific countries from different conti- umbrella for the consolidation research, diplomatic studies, nents of the world as new and closer cooperation and the exchange of experts members in the network or by between the Cultural Village and researchers to spread adopting a distinct strategy in Foundation (Katara) and the public awareness of various the electronic aspect by Diplomatic Institute, pointing cultural issues. launching an electronic portal out that the joint project will The agreement was signed that has become a fundamental be the start of a wide range of by Director General of the Cul- factor for cultural communi- cultural events and activities, tural Village Foundation cation between member states whether through the exchange (Katara) Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim and provides them with many of experiences and training or Al Sulaiti, and Director of the common cultural services organizing events and holding Diplomatic Institute (DI) under what is known as public conferences, exhibitions, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz bin diplomacy. workshops, and other pro- Mohammed Al Horr. Dr. Al Sulaiti expressed his grams and activities that On this occasion, the hope that the agreement would embody the common vision of Director-General of Katara contribute to enabling the two parties. expressed his pleasure at knowledge exchange and pro- He also expressed his hope signing this joint project moting programs, events, and that the agreement will yield between Katara and the Diplo- activities in the field of public shortly the launch of an ongoing matic Institute at the Ministry diplomacy at the regional and program of cultural activities of Foreign Affairs, praising this international levels, which that will serve the public inter- important partnership that would highlight the cultural and ested in the issue of public would provide a lot for dip- civilizational aspect of the State diplomacy, whether inside or lomats, researchers, and of Qatar, whose diplomacy outside the State of Qatar. 04 HOME MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 HOME 05 06 HOME MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 MoI conducts workshop to boost efficiency of patrols QNA — DOHA

The Ministry of the Interior (MoI) started The workshop includes theoretical and yesterday a workshop on “Patrols Works”, scientific lectures on topics such as organised by the Permanent Committee for security sense, body language, the art of the Development, Follow-up of the Patrols and dealing with the people, first responder, Investigation at the Ministry. and crime scene preservation. This came within the framework of the ministry’s training plan to develop the skills of its cadres, refine their experiences and introduce them to modern methods in the fields so that the community enjoys safety and of security work. security. Ministry of Interior officials attending the workshop in patrols. The workshop, which will last until April This workshop, in which experts from the 17, 2021, aims to enhance theoretical and prac- Ministry of Interior are lecturing, is an oppor- tical experiences to raise the efficiency and tunity for the participants to exchange expe- officers and other ranks from various departments security sense, body language, the art of dealing readiness of patrol workers so that they can riences and experiments on ways to prevent of the Ministry of Interior and the Lekhwiya force with the people, first responder, crime scene pres- carry out their work effectively to maintain crimes and control them when occurring. who work in the patrols. ervation, criminal procedures, the principles of security, reducing crime, and enhancing com- The workshop is held in a group system Participants receive theoretical and scientific dealing with the wireless device, and traffic and munication between the public and the police, with ten groups, with the participation of lectures on several important topics such as drugs laws. Italy, UK embassies & Unesco Office hold beach cleanup 495 referred to prosecution for THE PENINSULA — DOHA pleased to join the Italian Embassy to contribute to COVID-19 The Embassy of Italy, the today’s valuable effort to pre- Embassy of the United serve this UNESCO World Her- violations Kingdom, and the Unesco Office itage Site. The problems we’ve for the GCC Countries and seen here today with non-bio- QNA — DOHA Yemen, in collaboration with degradables and other litter are the Doha Environmental of course global challenges that The competent authorities Actions Project (DEAP), we must all work to tackle and yesterday referred 495 people organised a beach cleanup at we are glad to be able to assist to the Public Prosecution for the Unesco World Heritage Site in this small way here in Doha violating the precautionary of Al Zubarah yesterday. today. and preventive measures This was a joint effort to “The UK looks forward to enforced by the country to help preserve Qatar’s natural working closely with the Italian curb the spread of COVID-19. resources and rich heritage, in and the Qatari Governments in Of them, 471 people were the framework of the #KeepQ- the run up to COP26 as Qatar referred to the Public Prose- atarClean campaign launched refines and develops its cution for not wearing masks by H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Nationally Determined Contri- in places where they are man- Hamad Al Thani, and also a way bution to emissions reduction. datory, while nine were found to raise awareness of the We also look forward to violating the rule limiting the serious damage caused by engaging with Qatari civil number of people allowed in Officials from the embassies of the UK and Italy as well as the Unesco Office for the GCC Countries and plastic pollution and littering to society at grassroots level in a vehicle. Yemen, and the Doha Environmental Actions Project at a beach cleanup event at the Unesco World the environment and wildlife. tandem with another of our According to the rule, a Heritage Site of Al Zubarah, yesterday. The cleanup was attended partners here today, the maximum of four persons, by Italian Ambassador H E Ales- AYCM.” including the driver, are sandro Prunas, British Ambas- bility and start with civic edu- Alessandro Prunas. “Awareness against climate change, with Reem Al Sahlawi said: “As a allowed in a vehicle except sador H E Jon Wilks, Unesco cation and community initia- and commitment are essential Italy hosting also the Pre- grassroots, community-ori- when the occupants are Regional Director Anna Paolini, tives as this one,” said Paolini. to leading the ecological tran- COP26 Summit in Milan. ented environmental organi- members of the same family. and Associate Director Partner- “Plastic pollution is a global sition of our societies and “I am confident that the sation, AYCM fully supports the Also, seven people were ships of the Arab Youth Climate issue, we need to focus on what ensuring the sustainability of leadership of Italy and UK, #keepqatarclean campaign referred to the Public Prose- Movement Qatar (AYCM) Reem we can do to help mitigate the our life on the planet. These are together with likeminded under the leadership of H E cution for not maintaining a Al Sahlawi, in addition to other problem” – said Jose Saucedo, indeed top priorities on the partners such as Qatar and in Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad safe physical distance and volunteers. Director of DEAP. “In one hour, Italian Presidency’s agenda for the framework of a compre- Al Thani and the efforts of the eight others for not installing “World Heritage sites are of we collected 850 kilograms of the G20 forum, which is aimed hensive strategy coordinated by co-hosts of COP26 and DEAP the Ehteraz app on their outstanding universal value and trash, that helps not only to — among other objectives — at the United Nations, can make a in this campaign. Reversing the mobile phones. I am pleased that the campaign illustrate the magnitude of the encouraging a switch towards real difference in accelerating damage and eco-system deg- The measure is in line with includes the beach area of al problem, but most importantly renewable energies and green the process of change,” con- radation caused by plastic and a Cabinet decision and Decree Zubarah to contribute to its it serves as an example on how technologies.” cluded Ambassador Prunas. waste pollution requires civil Law No 17 of 1990 on infec- preservation. This initiative the local community can have In 2021, Italy and UK have The British Ambassador Jon society and government collab- tious diseases, and the precau- takes an even greater impor- a positive impact on the pro- a great responsibility in leading Wilks commented: “Protecting oration in every stage, from tionary measures in force in tance as the UN Ocean Decade tection of the environment.” the change by co-chairing in the environment in all aspects raising awareness to shaping the country to contain the of which UNESCO is partner just “As members of a com- Glasgow the 26th Conference is a common responsibility that and introducing policies that spread of Covid-19. started with the scope to assure munity, we all can play a crucial of the Parties of the United calls on all of us to play a part. can preempt problems, regu- The authorities have called sustainability of our oceans. role in finding local solutions to Nations Framework Convention As co-hosts of COP26 in lating industries and encour- on the public to adhere to the Promoting a plastic free ocean global issues affecting the on Climate Change (COP26), a Glasgow in November, the aging conscious consumer COVID-19 precautionary is a common moral responsi- Earth,” said Ambassador key milestone in the global fight British Embassy Doha is very behaviour.” measures. QRCS sends 3rd shipment of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after port blast

THE PENINSULA — DOHA batch of humanitarian aid in solidarity with the Lebanese people. Under its humanitarian response to the In cooperation with the Lebanese Red Beirut port explosion, Qatar Red Crescent Cross, QRCS’s mission in Lebanon cleared Society (QRCS) has deployed the third and transported the shipment to the

Humanitarian aid provided by QRCS to Lebanon.

former’s warehouses. The aid would their medical services, especially affected people. QRCS and the Leb- be distributed to the affected people amid the COVID-19 outbreak. anese Red Cross worked together to and hospitals. In 2020, two humanitarian ship- repair the explosion-damaged It contained 50 tonnes of food ments were deployed by QRCS, homes. Under the supervision of the items, to be distributed to 1,050 fam- including food items and medical Regulatory Authority for Charitable ilies, or 5,250 persons. Also, 100 supplies. A field relief delegation was Activities, QRCS and Qatar Charity medical beds were delivered for the deployed to take part in the human- co-launched a joint campaign called hospitals in the proximity of the itarian intervention and help QRCS’s Heart for Lebanon, which raised over explosion, to help them to resume mission in distributing aid to the QR94m worth of donations. Keraleeyam Qatar holds online programme for students

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Malayalam Division at Rajagiri Public School, delivered a Keraleeyam Qatar has welcome speech, while vote conducted an online of thanks was delivered by programme for Indian Suma Suresh, President Students on how to take Keraleeyam Qatar Ladies examinations safely, along Wing. with the Hyderabad Peniten- The event was coordinated tiary. by Keraleeyam Qatar Women’s Dr. TP Sasikumar took a Representative Priyanka. two-hour long class for More than 100 children children in Qatar. from various Indian schools Dr. Mohan Thomas, in Qatar participated in the Director Birla Public School, event and shared their doubts inaugurated the function, with Dr. Sasikumar. which was presided over by Pravasi Bharatiya Award Durgadas, President winner Dr. Mohan Thomas Keraleeyam Qatar. said at the inauguration that ICC-Vice President Sub- this programme of ramanya Hebbaglu greeted Keraleeyam Qatar was very the gathering. useful for the students during Sunitha, head of the COVID-19 period. MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 HOME 07 Women playing leading role in Qatar’s healthcare sector

FAZEENA SALEEM healthcare as a vocation,” she THE PENINSULA Qatar has a leadership added. that places their The Division Chief of Ado- In Qatar, the role of women’s confidence in women, lescent Medicine, Sidra Med- participation as leaders plays icine, Dr. Alanoud Al Ansari, an important part in improving and over the years the said H H Sheikha Moza is a role the healthcare system. They country has had several model for all Qatari women to also play a full role in shaping women ministers and demonstrate great capabilities the pivotal decisions being women in leadership to be leaders in all fields and made right now as the country positions in different more prominently in respond to and recover from healthcare and education. the COVID-19 pandemic. fields including education “The healthcare sector in As the International and health. Qatar is filled with great Women’s Day is marked today examples of women leaders FROM LEFT: Dr. Muna Al Maslamani, Dr. Barbro Friden and Dr. Alanoud Al Ansari under the theme, ‘Women in Dr. Muna Al Maslamani who were active change agents leadership: Achieving an equal Medical Director, CDC, HMC and helped establish many of future in a COVID-19 world,’ places their confidence in Hanan Al Kuwari who leads the said that the institution repre- the current innovations in the The Peninsula spoke to several women, which was proactive health sector. There is great sents diversity and inclu- sector. They played a critical women leaders in healthcare. in appointing women ministers confidence granted to us by the siveness with 50 percent of lives. As Sidra Medicine’s first role in setting up policies, strat- Qatar has been proactive in and leaders. The former Min- leadership, and there is tireless staff being women from diverse female CEO, I am, with my col- egies and have also shown having women leaders in ister of Education, H E Sheikha work done by the Supreme walks in life and with tre- leagues both men and women exemplary effort in leading the healthcare, said Medical Al Mahmoud — may God have Committee for Crises and Dis- mendous capabilities. proud to be part of an insti- fight against the COVID-19 Director of the Communicable mercy on her — is the first asters which is lead by H E “Today I applaud every tution that dedicates its pandemic,” said Dr. Alanoud. Diseases Center of Hamad Qatari female minister. Over Lolwah Al Khater. They are woman across the world who services and abilities to the bet- “With access to world-class Medical Corporation (HMC), Dr. the years, Qatar has had women leaders with compe- has made medicine, and their terment of health for women education in Qatar, I am positive Muna Al Maslamani. several women ministers and tence and wisdom,” said Dr. dedication to population and children,” she said. that more women will be able Dr. Muna who is an women in leadership positions Muna. She also highlighted healthcare a vocation. From “When I chose to study to further impact transformative example of ‘Women in lead- in different fields including that, not just in leadership posi- the pioneering Madame Curie, medicine, I did it with a sin- efforts in healthcare and be a ership: Achieving an equal education and health,” said Dr tions but across the health Florence Nightingale, Merit- gular purpose to change and driving force in achieving the future in a COVID-19 world,’ Muna. Dr Muna emphasised sector women physicians, Ptah — the ancient Egyptian improve the lives of people, Qatar National Vision 2030. said it was equally important that the times of COVID-19 healthcare workers and others healer, to Rufaida Al Aslamia, and I know many of my women Being in a leadership position, for women to have the passion have shed light greatly on the such as in administration play known as the first female colleagues did it for similar gives me a sense of pride and a and community empowerment role of women in the health a major role in implementation surgeon in Islamic history, reasons. I hope that the path responsibility to pave the way with courageous leadership in sector in the country. of the state’s healthcare policy. women have contributed breaking work they do will for others across all healthcare the country. “At present we have Min- Dr. Barbro Fridén, the first greatly to medicine and helped continue to inspire young divisions to continue the “Qatar has a leadership that ister of Public Health H E Dr woman CEO of Sidra Medicine, millions of people have better women in Qatar to pick journey,” she added. Ooredoo awards business partners with Partners of the Year 2020 QNCECS to be part of 'Doha, THE PENINSULA — DOHA Ooredoo’s Senior Director expertise in the industry to Operations and Partnerships, ensure our offering is second to Capital of Culture' Ooredoo has held a virtual opened proceedings with none. We would like to thank awards ceremony to name and welcome messages, after which all our partners for their trust activities celebrate its Partners of The the winners of each category and support, and we look Year for 2020. were announced, with a repre- forward to many more years of QNA — DOHA The virtual ceremony was sentative of each partner being successful partnerships of attended by Chief Business invited to share a few words on mutual benefit,” Sheikh Nasser Qatar National Commission Officer at Ooredoo, Sheikh their win. said. for Education, Culture, and Nasser Bin Hamad Al Thani, and “We were delighted to cel- Business customers can lev- Science (QNCECS) has other senior representatives of ebrate our business Partners of erage the Ooredoo Advantage, announced its participation in Ooredoo and business partners. The Year for 2020. Our cor- making Ooredoo’ Best for the various programmes and A Partner of The Year was porate strategy’s key focus is Business’, thanks to its breadth events of the activities of selected for each of Ooredoo’s seeking, establishing, and main- and depth of talent, best fixed ‘Doha, the Capital of Culture business platforms: Microsoft taining partnerships that enable and mobile networks, broadest in the Islamic World 2021’ won for Data Centre & Cloud; Arbor for Security; Cisco for Connectivity. us to leverage the most cutting- portfolio of ICT services and under the slogan “Our Culture EshailSat for Mobile; Ericsson Collaboration; and VMWare and Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad edge technology, the latest solutions, and trusted partner is Enlightenment.” for Internet of Things; Netscout Dell Technologies for Al Thani and Mustafa Peracha, innovations, and the greatest for 60 years. On this occasion, the com- mittee will organise a series of various activities and events that highlight the culture of the QA, QDF congratulate State of Qatar, its civilizational and human features, and its intellectual and national Kvitova for winning values, in a way that serves the slogan chosen for this cele- bration, and contributes to the Qatar Total Open success of this hosting. Among the activities that THE PENINSULA — DOHA forward to taking part in future the National Committee will tennis championships for years implement throughout the Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty to come.” year is a scientific symposium Free (QDF), the Official Airline Qatar Airways Senior Vice- on tangible and intangible cul- and Retail Sponsor of the Qatar President, Marketing and Cor- tural heritage, a panel dis- Total Open 2021, have congrat- porate Communications, Salam cussion on social media and ulate Petra Kvitova on being Al Shawa, said, “Qatar Airways its impact on consolidating crowned the winner of the is delighted to congratulate Petra national values, a seminar on Women’s Tennis Association Kvitova after her victorious per- digital citizenship and its role (WTA) event in Doha after her formance in this year’s annual in consolidating values, an 6-2, 6-1, victory in Saturday’s Qatar Total Open. With every educational meeting about final. passing season, we are privi- cultural diversity, the global This is Petra Kvitova’s leged to witness world-class ath- citizenship symposium, the second win of the prestigious letes as they entertain us and alliance of civilizations annual tournament held at the bring people of all ages and program, the International state-of-the-art Khalifa Inter- backgrounds together through Day of Islamic Art, intercul- Petra Kvitova with the trophy after the Qatar Total Open title, in Doha, on Saturday. national Tennis and Squash sport.” Qatar Duty Free Vice- tural dialogue program and Complex in Doha from March President, Operations, Thabet earth week in Palestine. 1-6, 2021, and featured the Musleh, said, “Qatar Duty Free Roma, Boca Juniors, FC Bayern It is to be mentioned that presence of renowned interna- extends heartfelt congratulations I would like to extend my congratulations to Petra Kvitova for München, K.A.S. Eupen and Al the State of Qatar’s hosting of tional female tennis players. to Petra Kvitova on her well- securing this year’s Qatar Total Open 2021 title. Over the Sadd SC in the carrier’s global the activities of “Doha, the Qatar Airways Group Chief deserved win at the Qatar Total football sponsorship portfolio Capital of Culture in the Islamic Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, Open 2021. We thank all the years, Qatar Airways has been a proud sponsor of this further represent its alignment World 2021” comes to reinforce said, I would like to extend my players for an exciting prestigious tournament. Once again, the State of Qatar with Qatar’s national vision. the bonds of friendship and congratulations to Petra Kvitova tournament. continues to demonstrate its dedication toward hosting The airline continues to respect that bind the State of for securing this year’s Qatar "Thank you also to the WTA world-class sporting events. rebuild its network, which cur- Qatar with many countries of Total Open 2021 title. Over the 500 and the Qatar Tennis Fed- rently stands at over 130 desti- the world, especially the coun- years, Qatar Airways has been eration for bringing this global nations. With more frequencies tries of the Islamic world, and a proud sponsor of this pres- sporting event to Doha each year Akbar Al Baker being added to key hubs, Qatar based on the fact that Doha is tigious tournament. Once again, for spectators to enjoy both here Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Airways offers unrivalled con- a land of dialogue, a meeting the State of Qatar continues to in Qatar and across the world.” nectivity to passengers, making place of cultures and openness demonstrate its dedication With its recent it easy for them to change their to civilizations. The activities toward hosting world-class announcement as the Official Qatar Airways continues to world of sport, with FIFA, CON- travel dates or destination if they of ‘Doha, the Capital of Culture sporting events. “We look Airline for the UEFA EURO 2020, strengthen its presence in the MEBOL, Paris Saint-Germain, AS need to. in the Islamic World 2021’ are an opportunity to highlight the cultural diversity that charac- terises the State of Qatar, in QGBC, SC host first sustainability workshop on green hotels addition to promoting its ancient cultural and historical THE PENINSULA — DOHA industry professionals, of the first part of the workshop Hotel Group; Kamaran importance as we transition monuments. including general managers of series designed to support and Abdollahi, Business Devel- into refining the operational The activities of Doha In the lead up to the FIFA hotels, directors of engineering, further drive sustainability opment Manager, MEA, Winno; planning leading to and during Capital of Culture in the Islamic World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar housekeeping, and F&B staff, within Qatar’s hospitality and Richard Ekkebus, Culinary the tournament – including World 2021 seek to promote Green Building Council come together to identify sector. Director of The Landmark Man- that associated with hospi- the eternal Islamic values, (QGBC) recently hosted the current operational challenges “We are honoured to join darin Oriental Hong Kong. tality. We are pleased to be especially those based on first in a series of workshops during the three-day virtual hands with the Supreme Com- Bodour Al Meer, Sustaina- partnering with the Qatar science and human dignity; on Green Hotels for Qatar - session. mittee for Delivery & Legacy bility Director, SC, said, “We Green Building Council in promote the Islamic cultural Challenges and Pathways, in Attendees explored ways in and Qatar National Tourism are less than two years away delivering these workshops, heritage in an interconnected partnership with the Supreme which current challenges can Council to provide this inval- from hosting the FIFA World which we are certain will be world; encourage creativity Committee for Delivery & be resolved with the support of uable platform for fruitful dis- Cup 2022. We have been on invaluable in tackling the and innovation as civilized Legacy (SC) and supported by national stakeholders while also cussion that will contribute to an extraordinary journey over challenges facing the sector values that enrich the Islamic Qatar National Tourism highlighting the best practices sustainable transformation the last decade with our and lead to increased green civilization; inspire the new Council (QNTC). from certified green hotels in within the hotel sector.” various stakeholders to ensure and sustainable practices.” generations in the Islamic The three-part workshop Qatar and how best to make The virtual workshop sustainable delivery of the The second and third work- world to enrich the global cul- series aims to support the hos- these scalable. included presentations from event that will leave a lasting shops will be held in March and tural scene through a pro- pitality industry to achieve Commenting on the various hotel industry profes- legacy. May, respectively. Outcomes ductive and effective role; and lasting and tangible green workshop series, Engineer sionals, including Sara Stocker, “Whilst we have achieved from the workshop series will introduce the cultural expe- transformation. The first Meshal Al Shamari, Director, Sustainability Manager, FIFA; great progress in this regard, be documented and published rience of Qatar and its efforts workshop, Environmental Man- QGBC, said: “QGBC is delighted Sven Wiltink, Director of maintaining this green in a joint report in November in promoting the Islamic agement and Policies, F&B, saw with the overwhelming success Responsible Business, Radisson momentum is of crucial 2021. culture. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 It’s time to make the business Established in 1996 CHAIRMAN case for gender equality DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI s individuals, families EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and organizations DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Aaround the world come [email protected] together to celebrate Interna- tional Women’s Day on March 8, many will focus on the ACTING MANAGING EDITOR ‘human’ element: celebrating MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED women’s achievements, fund- [email protected] raising for female-focused charities, and raising awareness about women’s DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR equality. MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Doing so is vital – but it [email protected] isn’t the entire story. Far fewer will focus on the business case for gender equality: the very fact that pushing for gender equality EDITORIAL makes extremely strong business sense. Around the world, this fact may ulti- LGCT family thanks Qatar mately be the one that helps business take action to address gender equality. THE opening round of the Longines Global Cham- Resilient and commer- pions Tour concluded with fantastic Doha Grand Prix cially viable organizations, as by Belgium’s Niels Bruynseels who guided Delux van we all know, play a vital role Iraqi women celebrating International Women’s Day at Tahrir Square in Baghdad. T & L to a flawless routine under light at Longines in economic growth around Arena at Al Shaqab. Delux van T & L clocked a time the world and boost national of 39.93 seconds in the jump off as the Belgian cel- economies. Within these with high levels of gender the future economy. ebrated his superb win in the 1.60m class. Bruyn- organizations, women, of equality on their boards had In the private sector, there seels won €123,750. course, represent half of the higher returns on investments. remains a concerning lack of The equestrian fans in the country applauded Bru- total of employment potential In fact, the top 20 most diverse true understanding regarding ynseels’ magnificent win but the real applause was – meaning that developing utilities significantly outper- what equality means – there reserved for Qatar in putting together a truly magnif- the talents of women, in turn, formed the bottom 20 – a dif- are various factors that must icent two-week show jumping festival at the iconic increases a particular organi- ference that could be in the be considered in terms of Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. zation’s competitive millions of dollars or more. equal pay, such as bonuses Jan Tops, President and Founder, LGCT and GCL, advantage. On a broader, macro level, and shares. Examining a wide informed the international media watching the pro- The statistics speak for gender parity in labour variety of factors will ensure ceedings live: “It is important for us the organisers, themselves: a recent McK- markets would mean an addi- true gender parity. the riders and the fans around the world that we are insey study of 1,000 com- tional $12 to $28 trillion added We’ve already noted the continuing world-class sports especially after missing panies across 12 countries to global GDP. To put that in CAROLINE BERNS huge benefit that having out on so much last season. I think last year was found that firms that had perspective, that’s approxi- women in leadership and unusual with the COVID-19 (situation). taken steps to improve gender mately the value of the represent the majority of the C-suite positions would have Hopefully it will be a little bit better now. It is a bit equality were more profitable American and Chinese econ- Foundation’s student body in on a business. Here again, unusual times and hopefully we will return to the new than national averages. A sep- omies of today – combined. educational pathways that are businesses in Qatar must re- normal. First of all it takes a lot of courage and skills arate study of Fortune 500 Those of us here in Qatar still dominated by men in the double efforts. Part of this will to have an event like this and Al Shaqab deserves companies conducted by Cat- have much to be thankful for. US. mean nurturing young female praise in hosting two big events. Like I always say alyst found that organizations The leadership of this country Qatar’s investment in edu- talents from an early age, that this place Al Shaqab, not only is it beautiful, but with high levels of gender has taken steps to ensure cation has paid off, and the encouraging them to take it’s a friendly place. Everything is well placed. The equality in management posi- gender equality in the work- ripple effect has resulted in additional responsibilities and staff is great when you see how they operate. The tions had 35 percent better place, and according to UN data, more women taking on lead- empowering them with the horses travel so much and that too is taken care of return on equity than firms in 2019 Qatar had the highest ership roles in both the gov- skills they need to succeed. here.” that hadn’t taken similar labor force participation rate ernment and private sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic, Even a few of the top riders echoed the senti- steps. among women in the broader The percentage of women of course, has exacerbated the ments if Tops. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann said: “I Additionally, an EY study Arab region and was the first working as specialists in need to focus on these issues. am proud to be here. Al Shaqab made it happen in of the top 200 utilities in the country in the Gulf to grant various fields accounts for 44 The WEF’s 2020 Gender Gap these difficult times. We feel very good and safe here world found that companies women the right to vote. percent of the total number of report, for example, found in Qatar. Qatar’s movement to Qatari women in the work- that while women made up Kevin Staut, who won one of the premier show The statistics speak tackle many of the issue force, compared to 21.5 39 percent of the global jumping events of the CHI Al Shaqab that was held for themselves: a facing women began over 20 percent of Qatari men. Overall, workforce, they represented before the LGCT opening round, also praised Qatar’s recent McKinsey years ago and required labor force participation for 54 percent percent of all job initiative to bring back sports delight for fans. “I want massive investments in Qatari women is roughly 51 losses. In this environment, it to thank the organisers here because it’s so difficult study of 1,000 physical and societal infra- percent — higher than the is high time to double – or (to host events) right now. To organise this event at companies across 12 structure in order to empower global average. This extends even triple – efforts to ensure the highest level it’s fantastic,” Staut said. women, but the most across both the private and that these issues are Dozens of horses flown in for the two events is a countries found that important investment by far public sectors: Nearly 80 addressed. massive under-taking and the Local Organizing Com- firms that had taken was in education. percent of working Qatari This year, the theme for mittee teams at Al Shaqab - headed by Omar Al When Her Highness women are employed in International Women’s Day is Mannai, Event Director, and Commercial Manager, steps to improve Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, government. #ChooseToChallenge. Across Al Shaqab - deleivered a show that was watched by gender equality were founded the Qatar Foun- In Qatar and across the all sectors, that’s what busi- millions of fans around the world. It was truly a mag- dation over two decades ago, region – and indeed, the nesses in this country and the nificent two weeks of show jumping, dressage and more profitable than her goals were to educate world – there remains work wider MENA region need to para dressage events. national averages. young men and women from to be done. The rapid pace of do: challenge and call out infancy through adulthood, technological changes means gender bias and choose to and all along their chosen that women must continue to make a change. careers. Eight universities, 13 be heavily represented in Caroline Berns, Head of schools, and three research higher education, to allow Talent Acquisition, Ericsson facilities later, women them to play an equal role in MMEA

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Women stand at forefront to confront COVID-19

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 QNA FAX: +974 4455 7758 workers, as scientists, doctors people alive and holding in equal numbers at the top and caregivers, community economies, communities and leadership posts at the United MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 The world’s countries celebrate activists and remarkable families together,” Guterres Nations, we are seeing even the International Women’s Day examples of effective national explained, adding “women more concerted action to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 which annually falls on Mar. 8, leaders, yet they get paid 11 are among the leaders who secure peace, sustainable as the theme of 2021 is per cent less globally than have kept prevalence rates development and human LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 “Women in leadership: their male counterparts. lower, and countries on track rights,” he said, pointing out BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 Achieving an equal future in a In his speech on this for recovery.” “in a male-dominated world COVID-19 world”, with the aim occasion, UN Secretary- Guterres expressed his with a male-dominated SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 of celebrating the tremendous General Antonio Guterres said pride that the UN has culture, gender equality is efforts made by women and that the COVID-19 pandemic achieved gender parity in its essentially a question of ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 girls all around the world in has erased decades of leadership posts for the first power.” email: [email protected] shaping a more equal future progress towards gender time in history, praising The UN Secretary-General PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 and a recovery from the equality, adding that from women’s roles in all areas and called on countries, com- email: [email protected] COVID-19 pandemic and high- high job losses to exploding positions, saying “when panies and institutions to lights the gaps that remain, burdens of unpaid care, and women lead in government, adopt special measures and MARKETING: TEL: 4455 7657 aligning with the theme of the from disrupted schooling to we see bigger investments in quotas to advance womens email: [email protected] 65th Session of the Commission an escalating crisis of social protection and greater equal participation and on the Status of Women domestic violence and exploi- inroads against poverty, and achieve rapid change, ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 “Women’s full and effective tation, womens lives have when they are in parliament, stressing that support and FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] participation and decision- been upended and their rights countries adopt more stimulus packages must target CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 making in public life.” eroded. stringent climate change pol- women and girls specifically, email: [email protected] Today, women are at the “Women have been on the icies, and when women are at including through invest- forefront of the battle against frontlines of pandemic the peace table, agreements ments in women-owned SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 COVID-19, as front-line and response, as they are the are more enduring.” businesses and the care FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected] health sector essential workers keeping “With women now serving economy.

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/ThePeninsulaQatar Ahead of us is another hill to climb, probably with tighter national measures before we can /Peninsula_Qatar ease and then lift the restrictions.

/ThePeninsulaNewspaper Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway

+974 6698 6188 MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 OPINION 09 From the Arab Spring to the great march of return

gateway to the outside world The celebrations in Gaza When the time came, tens construction materials, and for Palestinians living in Gaza, were bigger than in Eid. Thirty of thousands of refugees other necessities which but it also has historically years of authoritarian rule gathered at the closest point Israel had banned through been a guarantor of Pales- and corruption had just ended to the borders of Palestine in its debilitating siege on the tinian rights. We believe that in Egypt and we celebrated in Today, the Arab Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the strip. Then, Israel launched we are bound by fate to Egypt solidarity with the Egyptian West Bank and the Gaza Strip. another deadly assault on because of its leadership in people. Their dictator and our streets may appear This was an unprecedented Gaza, killing more than AHMED ABU ARTEMA the Arab world and that its oppressor – the man who quiet, but that event and a symbolic 2,000 people, including AL JAZEERA weakness is our weakness kept the Rafah border closed, achievement. Hundreds of hundreds of children, and and its strength is our helping Israel lay a debili- burning feeling of Palestinian refugees residing destroying whatever it had strength. tating siege on Gaza – had injustice, that drive in Syria were able to pene- not in its 2008 onslaught. When I reflect on my 35 years We believe Israel’s fallen. The man who had for freedom are still trate the Golan Heights bar- As a result, the humani- of living in besieged Gaza, I increasing abuse of and brought Egypt to its knees and riers and enter Palestine, tarian situation in Gaza often think of the outbreak of aggression towards the Pales- sold out the Palestinian cause there, simmering waving Palestinian flags and started to deteriorate the Arab Spring in 2011 as one tinians has to do with Egypt was gone. under surface, the keys to their Palestinian quickly. The economy was of the happiest moments in growing weaker in the past In the following weeks, homes. on the verge of collapse; my life. Although 10 years few decades and its ruling revolutions broke out in ready to erupt The Israeli army services, like electricity, have passed since the world- regime failing to represent the Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and and sweep Arab responded violently, shooting sewage and potable water, shattering events of that year will of its people. Syria. The chant “The people at the crowds and killing and were almost absent. In 2015, and many heartbreaks and So when the protests esca- want the downfall of the authoritarians and injuring a number of pro- the UN released a report disappointments have come lated, it hit home for us. We regime!” echoed across the their allies off their testers. That day, Israel felt saying that by 2020 the strip along since then, I still recall felt these were not events in Arab world. In the Arab that the winds of the Arab may become the Arab revolutions in all some other country, but in our streets rebelling against dic- feet once again. Spring have reached the Pal- “uninhabitable”. their glory, vitality, and hope. own. Between January 25 and tatorship, the Palestinian flag estinian territories it occupies Anger, frustration and When the first protests February 11, I was one of mil- would be a regular feature. and it got worried. It knew desperation grew in Gaza. started in Tunisia in late lions of Arabs who stopped The Arab revolutions the Arabic online newspaper that the Arab people are And by 2018, it was ready to December 2010, I, like many following local news and awakened a feeling of unity Elaph. overwhelmingly opposed to explode. It was that year that Arabs who had limited turned to social media and Al in the hearts of the Arabs. The In this piece, I proposed its occupation and coloni- amid the suffocation and knowledge of Tunisian pol- Jazeera to find out the latest Sykes-Picot Agreement had the day we mark the Nakba, sation of Palestine. An Arab destitution, we decided to itics, did not pay much on what was going on in built up walls among Arabs the Palestinian catastrophe, to awakening was going to be resurrect our call for a attention. But as the protest Egypt. and divided us politically, but be an occasion for a peaceful bad news for its colonial march of return. movement grew and shook My heart shook with joy the revolutionary winds of protest of Palestinian refugees project. The massive mobili- the regime of Zine El Abidine whenever I saw the number the Arab Spring brought them to demand their right to Our moment of joy and sation that we witnessed in Ben Ali, I started following of protesters in Tahrir Square down. return to their homes. feeling of freedom, however, response was a clear sign closely. increase and the chants of the They swept through Pal- Here is what I wrote: was short-lived. The Arab that despite the brutality of The news of Ben Ali’s crowds get louder and I held estine as well. Many of us, “We are in a time when revolutions had only decapi- the Israeli siege, occupation escape on January 14, 2011, my breath every time I saw young Palestinians, felt dreams are rapidly turning tated the regimes but the body and colonisation, the Pales- shocked us as much as it the number of demonstrators renewed energy to continue into realities, which tempts us – the deep state – had tinians were not going to thrilled us. The idea that an decrease, as thugs attacked our struggle against our own to dream and persevere in remained. Undoing decades give up fighting for their Arab nation could come them. oppressor – the Israeli pursuing our dreams. And of dictatorship was going to rights. It was a declaration together, defeat fear and I prayed that the people of occupier. because I firmly believe that take more than a few weeks that the Arab dream was still topple their tyrannical pres- Egypt would be victorious, Shortly after Mubarak’s the will of the people is of mass protests. alive. ident, long ruling over them that their country would be downfall, I had a talk with a stronger than all challenges, The remnants of the After it flickered in Pal- through intimidation and vio- liberated and that a new gov- group of friends. We said: “We and that nothing is impossible regimes joined hands with estine, several months later it lence, was inspiring to the rest ernment would come, bound do not have a ruling system when there is faith and per- external counter-revolu- flared up in Sudan. Protests of us, Arabs, who have lived to the will of the people and that we can overthrow in the sistence, I hope that this idea tionary forces and started to started all over the country under similar oppressive ready to back us in our own same way the other Arab will quickly find people who systematically undermine the against the misery the circumstances. struggle for freedom and peoples have. But we have a will adopt it and push for its peaceful, democratic drive of Sudanese regime had reduced Soon the Tunisian flame justice. big issue which is being ref- realisation.” the Arab Spring protests. In its people to. made a spark in Egypt. On February 11, 2011 was one ugees in our own homeland. The response to my article Syria, Libya, and Yemen these Soon after, Algeria January 25, thousands of the most beautiful days of We want to return to our was greater than my expecta- forces managed to use local rebelled. By the end of the gathered in Tahrir Square to my life. I was with friends homes, and so, let us say, ‘The tions. In just a few weeks, sectarian and tribal divisions spring in 2019, two more Arab denounce police brutality and when the news reached us people want a return to groups of Palestinian refugees to destroy society-wide dictators had been toppled. call for President Hosni that Mubarak had stepped Palestine.’” in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and protest alliances and plunge The revolutionary torch was Mubarak to step down. We down. We jumped with joy On February 24, 2011, I occupied Palestine-1948 these countries into bloody then passed on to the Iraqis Palestinians were thrilled. and hurried to the store to buy published an article entitled adopted this call and started civil wars. and the Lebanese who carried Egypt has a special signifi- sweets to give away in the “15-5-2011: Date of the his- mobilising to stage a demon- In Egypt, the military, it forward with pride. cance for us. It is not only a streets. torical march to Palestine” in stration on May 15. backed by external forces, led What some have called a coup against the democrati- the “second wave” of the cally elected government. This Arab Spring also resulted in a helped stifle the revolutionary lot of death, destruction and spirit across the region and despair. thwart efforts to establish a The Arab people continue new Arab reality. to pay a hefty price for their Our disappointment grew stolen revolutions. But they into despair, as the counter- are also learning. They have revolution imprisoned, tor- tasted freedom – albeit only tured and killed with impunity. momentously – they have Meanwhile, Israel was basking seen what people power can in the defeat of the Arab Spring achieve, but they have also and the renewed interest from understood their failures – Arab regimes in normalising that anger and enthusiasm relations. are not enough to defeat Arab despots felt they deeply rooted oppressive needed Israeli backing to regimes. guarantee their own security For the people who have amid the persisting legitimacy lived the Arab Spring, it crises they were facing. That remains more than just an alliance seemed natural: both exciting memory or a beau- Israel and Arab dictatorships tiful dream. The events of 2011 vehemently opposed Arab awakened something in the democracy. Arab world. In Palestine, we felt suf- Today, the Arab streets focated. It was not only may appear quiet, but that moral suffocation, but burning feeling of injustice, physical too. Soon after that drive for freedom are still General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi there, simmering under took power in Egypt, he surface, ready to erupt and ordered the destruction of all sweep Arab authoritarians the tunnels under the Gaza- and their allies off their feet Egyptian border. These were once again. the vital channels through Ahmed Abu Artema is a which the Palestinians in Palestinian journalist and Gaza brought in food, peace activist. Palestinians wave the Palestinian and Egyptian flags, during a rally in Gaza on February 11, 2011. Biden must learn the right lesson from globalisation

THE WASHINGTON POST corners of the world. released simultaneously backed as a strategic counter competition. We reiterate these facts with Blinken’s speech. “We to China. Yet Chinese behavior is Between the fall of the Berlin to rebalance the debate over will only pursue new trade Obviously, the failure of not typical of all trading Wall in 1989 and the global globalization, which is at deals after we have made trade to induce political lib- partners. With Australia and pandemic of 2020, the risk of being won by those investments in American eralization in China, as South America, the United global population grew from who view free trade one- workers and communities.” advocates promised and States has both free trade 5.2 billion to 7.7 billion. Yet sidedly as a job-destroying There was a good sign in expected, is a reason to get deals and trade surpluses. Globalization the share living in extreme disaster for American Friday’s mutual decision by tougher toward the People’s Only certain U.S. workers greatly reduced poverty fell from more than workers. Alas, Biden admin- the United States and Republic on technology and industries benefited inequality a third to less than 10 istration foreign policy pro- European Union to negotiate transfer, intellectual from Trump-era tariffs on percent, according to the nouncements this last week an end to their dispute over property and investment. China (which Biden is between rich and World Bank. In other words, show how much influence aircraft protectionism, and This should be done in keeping, for the time being). poor nations. hundreds of millions of this critique has gained over the tariffs it had triggered on concert with allies, as Pres- Nor is it true that all or even premature deaths were both political parties. both sides. Yet in renouncing ident Joe Biden has pro- most Americans lose out Any policy that avoided and a similar In his first major speech, new agreements pending posed. If the administration’s from globalization, which undervalues that number of opportunities for Secretary of State Antony unspecified “investments,” call for “reform” of global has on the whole boosted human flourishing were Blinken all but apologized or promising to put labor institutions means it intends many exporters and helped side of the ledger created. While China for past Democratic support and environmental groups to fix the World Trade consumers access a broader enhances neither accounted for much of the of trade agreements, prom- (selected how?) “at the table” Organization’s often biased array of high-quality goods, progress, World Bank data ising that “lessons learned” in negotiating them, the forum for appealing trade both U.S.- and the United States’ show that poverty fell at from those deals will hence- administration’s statement rulings - without trashing or foreign-made. moral standing similar rates elsewhere. Not forth guide policy. “We will all but eliminates hope that withdrawing from the WTO, Globalization greatly nor, in the long coincidentally, this colossal make sure that the rules of the United States would join as former president Donald reduced inequality between achievement occurred the international economy broader tariff-reduction Trump would have - well rich and poor nations. Any run, its security. during three decades of U.S.- are not tilted against the deals even involving and good. The United States policy that undervalues that endorsed trade liberali- United States,” declared a advanced industrial democ- must counter predatory side of the ledger enhances zation, which brought White House “Interim racies, such as the Trans- Chinese tactics and repair neither the United States’ investment, jobs and income National Security Strategic Pacific Partnership, which damage to manufacturing moral standing nor, in the to previously destitute Guidance” document the Obama administration from unfair Chinese long run, its security. 10 HOME MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 Envoys hold ‘Diplomat for a Day’ initiative for young girls

THE PENINSULA — DOHA students was contagious,” she added. Ten Heads of Mission in Qatar Maryam Al Thani, who hosted female Qatari students spent the day with the Ambas- to provide insight into their sador of Mexico to Qatar work in recognition of Interna- Graciela Gómez García, said, “As tional Women’s Day (IWD). a Georgetown University “Women in leadership: member in Qatar’s ‘Ambassador Achieving an equal future in a Society’, I frequently receive COVID-19 world” is this year’s invites to meet distinguished theme, which aims to celebrate guests and speakers in Foreign the tremendous efforts of Service." women and girls around the "When the opportunity to world in shaping an equal shadow an Ambassador to the future and recovery from the State of Qatar presented itself, COVID-19 pandemic. I did not think twice. Being To celebrate this year’s “Diplomat for a Day” will allow International Women’s Day, the me to translate the theory I have Ambassadors of Austria, learned in Georgetown into Canada, Ethiopia, Greece, practice. I can experience an in- Mexico, the Netherlands, Tan- depth look into an ambassador’s zania, and the USA and the life, one that can often feel far Director of the regional Unesco and foreign to a Politics major and IOM offices in Doha – all- like me. " Ambassador of Canada and her student donating books to l’Institut Français in the presence of the Ambassador of France. RIGHT: Head female Heads of Mission – “This opportunity is espe- of Mission of Unesco with her student. organised the initiative “Dip- cially relevant to me as a lomat for a Day.” This pro- female. To be able to shadow a gramme aims to mentor young activities in Qatar. Students interacting with other Ambas- virtual wrap-up session was of the work we do and give successful female Ambassador, female Qatari students from were a shadow-diplomat for the sadors, receiving briefings on organized to allow all partici- them first-hand experience in who surely had to overcome a Georgetown University and the day, working side by side with the various policies being pants to meet and provide diplomatic offices,” Ambassador lot, is a clear indicator that American School of Doha and their Head of Mission and par- implemented, discussing pro- feedback on their experience. of Canada to Qatar H E Stefanie women are finally placing expose them to real diplomatic ticipating in various diplomatic grammes within Embassy Trade All COVID-19 precautions were McCollum said. themselves firmly in the field. I life. activities. Some of these activ- and Cultural Sections, meetings in place for the day. “The experience was very cannot think of a better way to Each Head of Mission ities comprised meeting with with other UN agencies, partic- “The idea behind this initi- enriching for us too, and the spend the week leading up to organised a unique plan that the Consular Sections to witness ipating in technical meetings, ative is to provide young energy and enthusiasm International Women’s Day," highlighted their mandate and the documentation process, and attending field visits. A women with exposure to some exhibited by these amazing said Maryam Al Thani. Quranic Botanic Garden concludes HBKU Press publishes new article on Qatar Environment Day activities impact of pharmacists during COVID-19

THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA The article, titled, Commu- COVID-19 cases in the 12 quar- nicable Disease Center Phar- antine centers across Qatar. The Quranic Botanic Garden Hamad Bin Khalifa University macy’s prudent response to the The Clinical Pharmacy (QBG), the first garden in the Press (HBKU Press) has recently COVID-19 pandemic in the Service established protocols world to exhibit all plant species published a new article State of Qatar, has been pub- within its team to raise mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, detailing the effectiveness and lished in QScience.com’s open awareness and provide edu- Hadith, and Sunnah, marked the dedication of pharmacists journal, QScience Connect. cation to prevent prescription Qatar Environment Day, held and pharmacy technicians in The research took place errors. annually on February 26, with responding to the COVID-19 from March – October 2020 The result of such an initi- a series of activities in cooper- pandemic in Qatar on its online and the post-research analysis ative by the CDC Pharmacy ation with local and interna- academic publishing platform demonstrated how the Team, along with the various tional entities, including minis- QScience.com. Pharmacy Team at the CDC of efforts of multiple other tries, local NGOs, and Qatar The research was con- Hamad Medical Corporation healthcare sectors in HMC, was Development Bank (QDB). ducted by Dr. Rania A. Has- managed to plan, record, and the containment of COVID-19 Among the events held was sanin, Supervisor of Outpatient implement a full strategy to patient’s death rate. A tree plantation event was organised to mark Qatar Environment Day. a wild plant restoration event Pharmacy at the Communi- maintain their critical This resulted in the overall at Rawdat Al Faras in Al Nas- cable Diseases Center (CDC) of healthcare service despite the death rate in Qatar around 40% raniya, which the Environ- tree-planting ceremony with of the State’s efforts and com- Hamad Medical Corporation, challenges presented by the lower than the global rate. mental Protection Reserves & the BMKQ (Women in Con- mitment to protect the in coordination with Dr. Fatima COVID-19 pandemic. The research shows that the Wildlife Department at the Min- struction and Allied Sectors in environment. Rustom, Pharmacy Director at During those months, it was successful response to the istry of Municipality and Envi- Qatar), a member of Bayanihan Commenting on the Gar- the CDC, and highlights how the reported that the number of COVID-19 pandemic during the ronment has allocated to QBG Qatar, a federation of Filipino den’s Qatar Environment Day retrospective analysis on the prescriptions increased from acute critical phase between for rehabilitation. Participants grassroots organisations. In line initiatives, Fatima Al Khulaifi, roles of these particular approximately 7,000 per March – October 2020 can be restored 300 desert trees to the with the United Nations’ SDGs Director, QBG, said, “Qatar healthcare workers provides a month to approximately 22,000 broken down to the successful event and adhered to social dis- and the environmental pillar of Environment Day is an espe- key data as a part of the overall per month. In addition to simply responses of individual tancing regulations. Qatar National Vision 2030, the cially important occasion for contribution of healthcare pro- filling up prescriptions, the new healthcare sectors in con- The event took place in Ghars campaign aims to plant QBG. Sustainability and pro- viders in containing the effect cooperation with the Qatar 2,022 trees in the lead-up to the tecting the environment is of the pandemic in Qatar. National Committee for Edu- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. crucial for the future of Qatar, “As preventative measures cation, Culture and Science that To date, QBG has planted nearly and we are pleased to have col- surrounding the COVID-19 pan- in turn coordinated the partic- 2,000 trees with the support of laborated with well-respected demic are re-introduced due to ipation of the Youth Affairs ministries, embassies, NGOs, entities all over the country a spike in cases, the research Department at the Ministry of and academic institutions towards this indispensable goal. published on QScience.com Culture and Sports, and the across the country. “Additionally, we are provides insight on successful Department of Conservation Following the MoU signed working with diverse parties to protocols implemented in the and Energy Efficiency “Tar- with QDB last December, QBG rehabilitate endemic plants and past by frontline healthcare sheed” at Qatar General Elec- launched its first online inter- plant wild trees in their desert sectors becomes increasingly tricity & Water Corporation active workshop on Qatar Envi- habitats to reduce carbon emis- important,” said Dr. Rima J. (Kahramaa). QBG brought ronment Day for QDB clients, sions and limit desertification Isaifan, the Head of Academic together members of the Scout which will familiarize partici- in Qatar. QBG is fully committed and Journals Publishing at and Guide Association of Qatar pants with green houses, home- to providing the community HBKU Press. and Friends of the Environment cultivation techniques and with the expertise and tools “This article is particularly Center. management, irrigation tech- required to make them active relevant as it highlights one part Qatar Environment Day niques, hydroponics, fertilizers, contributors to Qatar’s sus- of the overall strategic plan to A pharmacist wearing face shield and white coat holding medicine activities also included the sustainable planting practices, tainable development and the mitigate the effects of the pan- in pharmacy store amid the COVID-19 pandemic. launch of the Seeds Exhibition and pest control. The aim of the environmental pillar of Qatar demic in Qatar. of the Flora of Qatar, located at workshop is to contribute to National Vision 2030. Every The paper sheds light on the the QBG Museum. At present, Qatar’s efforts to protect the event held and each impactful collaboration between different inpatient workflow for phar- junction with the overall stra- the exhibition contains 20 types environment and its natural MoU signed is an integral part corporate functions at Hamad macists and pharmacy techni- tegic response initiated by of natural plant seed samples balance.In addition, QBG signed of that commitment.” Medical Corporation, including cians established to maintain Qatar’s Ministry of Public from diverse flora that can be a MoU with the Scout and Guide Just last year, also in cele- the Pharmacy, Nursing, efficient infection control Health. found across Qatar, from the Association of Qatar with the bration of Qatar Environment Infection Control, Clinical increased their overall The article details how the collection of QBG’s Conser- objective of increasing environ- Day and as part of the Ghars Informatics and Transportation workload by four times. The effective maintenance of phar- vation Center. mental community awareness campaign, QBG launched the teams, to the effect of one of the outpatient pharmacy also maceutical treatment plans for As part of its Ghars cam- and supporting Qatar’s youth African Women’s Diplomatic lowest global death rates due expanded its scope of service COVID-19 patients. paign, QBG also organized a by making them an integral part Garden. to COVID-19 around the world. to manage all refill requests for FENIX launches first e-scooter private subscription service in Qatar

THE PENINSULA — DOHA hours. micro-mobility subscription Co-Founder of FENIX IQ integrated hand sanitization Available for QR 150 per solution in the region that pro- Sayed said, “We want to packs. Users can avail of the FENIX is the first company in week or QR 300 per month, vides insurance for every ride, transform the way we move in MyFENIX subscription packages the Middle East to introduce a MyFENIX is accessible across all free service and maintenance, cities and ignite impactful com- via the FENIX mobile appli- private subscription service for areas of Qatar to private sub- annual vehicle upgrades, and a merce. This means empowering cation, available on the iOS and electric scooters. scription users. smart app for your scooter. commuters to have freedom Google Play stores. FENIX entered Qatar in Co-Founder and CEO of These added benefits are not and access to affordable, con- Also commenting on the ini- December as a pioneering FENIX Jaideep Dhanoa com- available today for a scooter venient, and sustainable trans- tiative, CEO of ARC Group Andy licensed micro-mobility mented, “At FENIX, we aim to buyer. We are proud to augment portation options. The MyFENIX Ryan said, “We are delighted to solution to officially launch in provide commuters with a our shared scooter service in the service is a game-changer for have FENIX as part of the ARC the state. In coordination with range of micro-mobility region with this first-of-its-kind mobility access, offering a price Group Family. Their pride in the Ministry of Transport and services that best meet their holistic offering in Qatar,” point and level of convenience their work, passion for excel- Communications, FENIX daily needs and unleash urban Dhanoa added. within reach of the majority of lence, and innovative spirit truly operates shared e-scooters in potential. Private e-scooters MyFENIX offers commuters the population. We believe make them stand out, and key areas across Doha that are MyFENIX offers commuters have taken off all over Qatar. free insurance on every ride, MyFENIX will change multi- MyFENIX will be a real game- commuter-friendly, including their FENIX connected With MyFENIX, consumers have and free vehicle upgrades every modal transportation journeys changer. It is a pleasure to be West Bay, West Bay Lagoon, e-scooter for an affordable another affordable, no-com- year, and free cancellation at making it more inclusive, effi- associated with a company that Onaiza, and Legtaifiya. After the weekly or monthly fee, inclusive mitment option in place of any time. Qatar’s residents and cient, and 100 percent sus- is as fresh, exciting, and inno- successful launch of shared of unlimited rides, a smart app paying thousands of Riyals to visitors can locate their tainable and safe.” vative as FENIX and that is a e-scooters in Qatar, FENIX is to lock and locate the scooter, buy a scooter upfront that they e-scooters, monitor battery FENIX has the largest fleet real contributor to the doubling down on the market and free maintenance with no- may not use or that may break levels, and lock/unlock the of electric scooters in the Middle improvement of Communities with the introduction of questions-asked vehicle due to poor quality.” digital lock via the FENIX East, and each scooter is and Sustainability efforts in MyFENIX. replacements in less than 24 “MyFENIX is the first mobile application. equipped with the world’s first Qatar.” MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 HOME / MIDDLE EAST 11

Saudi Arabia Smoking associated with increased announces four more COVID-19 risk of colorectal cancer, experts warn deaths AGENCIES — RIYADH/MUSCAT THE PENINSULA – DOHA colon cancer at the age of 40 A study conducted by the years compared to the normally Saudi Arabia announced four March is the Colorectal Cancer Norwegian Institute of recommended age of 50 years deaths from COVID-19 and 357 Awareness Month and to mark Public Health included for colon cancer screening,” new infections yesterday. this occasion, experts at Hamad added Dr. Abdullah. Of the new cases, 188 were Medical Corporation’s (HMC) data of more than Dr. Abdulla stressed the recorded in Riyadh, 54 in Tobacco Control Center have 600,000 men and women importance of quitting Makkah, 51 in the Eastern warned that smoking is one of aged between 19 and 67 smoking immediately for Province, 13 in Madinah, eight the leading causes of colorectal years, nearly 4,000 of those diagnosed with color- in the Northern Borders cancer, which is the third most whom suffered from colon ectal cancer. He explained that region, six in Asir, five in Hail, common cancer worldwide. continuing to smoke after a two in Jazan and one in Najran. Head of HMC Tobacco cancer, has revealed that cancer diagnosis, regardless The total number of recov- Control Center, Dr. Ahmad Al smokers, and especially of cancer type, can have very eries in the Kingdom increased Mulla explained that many female smokers, are more serious consequences in terms to 370,614 after 314 more epidemiological studies of increasing the pace of patients recovered from the Dr. Jamal Abdullah, Smoking Dr. Ahmad Al Mulla, Head of HMC at risk of developing colon indicate that smokers are at tumor growth, negatively virus. Cessation Specialist at HMC Tobacco Control Center cancer than non-smokers. an increased risk of devel- impacting the patient’s A total of 6,528 people oping colorectal cancer. Dr. Al response to treatment, and have succumbed to the virus Mulla said while several that the amount and duration female smokers, are more at increasing the risk of devel- in the Kingdom so far. factors can lead to the devel- of smoking can play a role in risk of developing colon cancer quits smoking, the less likely he oping more tumors. He noted The Omani Ministry of opment of colon cancer, increasing the risk of devel- than non-smokers. is to develop colorectal cancer. that several studies have indi- Health announced yesterday including inherited genetic oping colon cancer, as the inci- The risk of developing Dr. Abdullah added that cated a link between smoking that the total of reported cases mutations, unhealthy lifestyles dence of this type of cancer colon cancer increased by 19 there are many cancer- causing cessation and the increased of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in such as eating a low-fiber or decreased among those who percent among female ingredients in tobacco that can likelihood of survival for the Sultanate reached 143,955. high-fat diet and leading an quit smoking early (before at smokers compared to 8 damage the DNA. Over time, the people with cancer compared The total number of deaths inactive lifestyle; smoking can least 10 years) compared to percent in male smokers. ability of the body to repair this to those who have been diag- due to COVID-19 reached also negatively affect disease those who continued to smoke. Therefore, the International damage decreases. However, nosed with cancer but did not 1,591, while the recoveries progression and response to Other studies have found that Agency for Research on the body starts to dispose of all quit smoking. reached 134,314, bringing the treatment. women who smoke are at more Cancer, part of the World toxic tobacco ingredients if the HMC’s Tobacco Control recoveries rate to 93.3 percent, Tobacco use has been asso- risk of developing colon cancer Health Organization, lists smoker quits this harmful habit Center takes the opportunity of the Ministry said in a statement ciated with increased cancer than male smokers,” added Dr. colon cancer as a smoking- early. the Colorectal Cancer carried by Oman News Agency growth and metastasis of tumor Al Mulla. related cancer. “Available evidence is Awareness Month to call on (ONA). cells in patients with cancer, A study conducted by the Commenting on the impor- strong enough to suggest that smokers to take advantage of Patients who have been thus increasing the risk of death Norwegian Institute of Public tance of quitting smoking as the risk of developing colon the services provided by the isolated in hospitals due to due to cancer. Health included data of more early as possible and its role in cancer as a result of smoking is Center and take immediate infections in the past 24 hours “Studies indicate that color- than 600,000 men and women preventing colorectal cancer, high. The American Cancer action on tobacco smoking ces- reached 31 cases, bringing the ectal cancer-related death rates aged between 19 and 67 years, Dr. Jamal Abdullah, Smoking Society (ACS) recommends that sation and seek the Center’s total to 217, while patients in are significantly higher in nearly 4,000 of whom suffered Cessation Specialist at HMC’s smokers, and especially those support by calling one of the the intensive care units smokers compared to non- from colon cancer, has revealed Tobacco Control Center said with a family history of colon following numbers: 40254981 reached 77 cases, the Ministry smokers. Studies also showed that smokers, and especially that the sooner an individual cancer, should get screened for -50800959. added. Qatar Museums holds debate to MoPH reports 474 new highlight public art role in society cases and 301 recoveries THE PENINSULA — DOHA that measures to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- THE PENINSULA – DOHA The opposition team further in cooperation with The Ministry of Public Health ceeded in flattening the curve The opposition team said that the absence of a single, QatarDebate Center. Qatar (MoPH) yesterday announced and limiting the spread of the Qatar Museums in cooperation conversely argued that art agreed upon culture in any Museums is working to enhance the registration of 474 new virus. with the Qatar Debate Center, was a means of country implied the presence the sense of national partici- confirmed COVID-19. Among Due to the measures put in a member of the Qatar Foun- expression, and its of ethnic and cultural pluralism pation in important cultural them 55 were travelers place by Qatar’s government dation, recently organized a in that country. The team addi- dialogue, and to inspire future returning from abroad. and the support of the public debate on public art and its role restriction meant limiting tionally stressed that art should generations to take an interest Also 301 people have in following preventive steps, in the development of culture the freedom of enhance harmony between the in the arts and contribute to recovered from the virus, Qatar succeeded in suppressing and thought in society, attended expression, a human right components of society. It is Qatar’s thriving art scene. bringing the total number of the spread of the virus since its by more than 100 community guaranteed by the unsound to prevent compo- "This debate falls within the recovered cases in Qatar to peak in July. members. Universal Declaration of nents of society from expressing framework of the campaign to 156,001. However, over the past Two teams of high school themselves through art, because protect public art from van- All new cases have been month in Qatar has seen a students debated the topic: This Human Rights. marginalizing these groups dalism. The campaign was introduced to isolation and are gradual and consistent increase house believes that public art leads to chronicling this soci- launched last year to raise receiving necessary healthcare in the number of new daily must be compatible with coun- ety’s history in an incomplete awareness on the protection of according to their health status. infections. try’s culture? The debate fea- right guaranteed by the Uni- way, the negative team argued. public art and to encourage The total number of pos- Additionally, and of great tured the participation of: Moza versal Declaration of Human In contrast, the proposition society to share in the respon- itive COVID-19 cases recorded concern, is the recent increase Al-Hajri, Dana Al-Darwish, and Rights. The team further stated team said that art compatible sibility to protect the nation’s in Qatar is 166,949 and there in both the number of people Muhammad Hamzah Al-Sioufi that public art led to the devel- with the local culture con- cultural asset.” are 10,686 active cases under admitted to hospital with as the proposition team, and opment of the thought and tributed to anthropological Abdulrahman Al-Subaie, treatment. COVID-19 and the number of Ammar Yasser Muhammad culture of society by intro- studies, whereas the incompat- Head of Outreach Programs While the first phase of people admitted to ICU with Karkur, Abdullah Hamza ducing different ideas and cul- ibility between public art and QatarDebate Center, empha- COVID-19 vaccinations has COVID-19,” said the Ministry Muhammad Sha’ar, and Rahaf tures to it. the country’s culture caused an sized: “The importance of started in Qatar and in the in the daily COVID-19 update Khalid Abu Tarbush, as the On one hand, the propo- imbalance in this natural debate and public discussion of coming months it will be report. opposition team. sition team explained that sequence. general issues that meet the available for the public for free, “For this reason, the Min- The proposition team humans were emotional beings During the debate, held in aspirations of young people and the Ministry has stressed it is istry said, it is more important argued that art’s role was a his- affected by the stories and emo- Arabic via Zoom, community allow them to employ their important for everyone to than ever that people adhere torical one. As per the team’s tions surrounding them in their members voted on the question: promising energies by pro- play their role in controlling to preventive measures to cut argument, art documents environment, so it is their right Should Public Art be Com- viding the appropriate atmos- the virus by following precau- off second wave before it gains events that affect people’s lives, to express the changes that patible with a Country’s phere to explore the potentials tionary measures including momentum. and it additionally contributes occur around them through art. Culture? Majority of the within them. QatarDebate adhering to physical dis- “If numbers of positive to constructing society’s culture On the other hand, the oppo- audience agreed with the prop- Center provides programs and tancing; avoiding close cases and hospital admissions when artists document new sition team indicated that art osition team in this debate. events for all state institutions contact with others, crowded continue to increase over the events using modern methods. expressed society and shaped Architect Abdulrahman that ensure positive impact on places, and confined closed coming week or two, additional The opposition team con- its culture. As per the opposition Ahmad Al-Ishaq, Director of the ideas of young people and spaces where other people restrictions may need to be versely argued that art was a team, art may change society Public Art, Qatar Museums, their creativity in research, dis- congregate; wearing a face implemented across the means of expression, and its for the better, as it sparks dis- said, “We were pleased at Qatar cussion, and analysis that mask and washing hands country and we will return to restriction meant limiting the cussions that lead to education Museums to receive so many enables them to be open to dif- regularly. some of the early restriction freedom of expression, a human and development. attendees in this debate, held ferent world views." The Ministry further said phases,” said the Ministry. Abbas battles Fatah party discord ahead of Palestinian elections

REUTERS — RAMALLAH always denied the charges. the discord by dispatching a presidential election,” one of Abbas, 85, has ruled the Pal- loyalist to visit Barghouti in them said. Abbas is due to Facing elections for the first estinian Authority (PA) in self- prison and, through emissaries, convene a meeting of Fatah’s time in 15 years, Palestinian rule areas of the West Bank by preaching party unity after Central Committee today, President Mahmoud Abbas is decree for over a decade. In Qudwa announced his new list. where he is expected to for- battling a growing rift within his January, he announced presi- “Fatah, with strength and mally sanction Qudwa. Qudwa powerful Fatah party that poses dential and legislative ballots - a power, will run united in the told Reuters he does not plan to a new threat to his dominance move largely seen as a response upcoming democratic elections attend committee meetings. over Palestinian politics. to domestic and Western crit- to strengthen democracy, It was not immediately clear A breakaway bid by one of icism of his presidency’s demo- maintain the national liberation how much support Qudwa’s list Abbas’s party allies has inten- cratic legitimacy. project and protect Palestinian would garner. About 250 Pal- sified speculation he might Adding to that criticism is national unity,” Hussein Al estinians joined a Zoom con- cancel a presidential vote Nasser Al Qudwa, a longtime Sheikh, Abbas’ civil affairs min- ference call he held last week planned for July, fearing a member of Fatah’s top Central ister, wrote on Facebook. to announce the move. potential challenge by Marwan Committee who last week Palestinian officials have The Palestinians’ last par- Barghouti, a popular Palestinian announced he was forming a Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (left) and Nasser Al Qudwa, privately questioned how liamentary ballot, in 2006, leader jailed by Israel. new list that would run sepa- a member of the Palestinian Fatah’s Central Committee. Barghouti would contest the resulted in a surprise victory by Abbas’s office denies he has rately from Fatah in the legis- elections from prison and what Fatah’s main rival Hamas. That plans to delay or scrub the pres- lative election, in May. would happen if he won. Any created a rift that deepened when idential vote. “(Palestinians) are fed up 19-member Central Committee interview him. But opinion polls move to free him would likely the Islamist group wrested mil- Barghouti, now 61, was a with the current situation... members to publicly break with suggest he would win com- ignite a political firestorm in itary control of Gaza from the driving force in Palestinians’ internal behaviour or misbe- Abbas. Qudwa, 67, said he fortably against Abbas and Israel. Two Western diplomats Fatah-led PA two years after 2000-2005 uprising in the haviour, things like the absence hoped his list would be led by leaders from Hamas, the told Reuters that European coun- Israel withdrew settlers and sol- Israeli-occupied West Bank and of the rule of the law, the Barghouti, a Fatah leader long Islamist movement that seized tries were urging Abbas not to diers from the territory. The elec- Gaza Strip. He was sentenced absence of equality, the absence floated as a potential Abbas control of Gaza from Fatah in backtrack on his election pledge. tions are part of a broader push by an Israeli court in 2004 to of fairness,” Qudwa, a nephew successor. 2007. Aides to Abbas point to “There’s concern he (Abbas) for reconciliation between Fatah life imprisonment after being of late Fatah founder and Pal- Barghouti has not said if he the split with Hamas as having might see a middle ground in and Hamas, seen as vital to convicted over multiple lethal estine Liberation Organization will join the list or run in the contributed to the long delay in allowing the legislative elec- building broad popular support attacks on Israelis by Pales- leader Yasser Arafat, said. It is presidential ballot. He and his holding new elections. tions to go ahead, but post- for any future statehood talks tinian militants. Barghouti has rare for leaders on the lawyer declined a request to Abbas has tried to resolve poning or cancelling the with Israel, frozen since 2014. 12 MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 Austin: US will do Sharp rise in settler crimes what’s necessary in Palestinian to defend itself after villages attack in Iraq QNA — RAMALLAH The Palestinian Ministry of REUTERS & BLOOMBERG — Foreign Affairs said yesterday WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD Speaking on ABC’s “This that settlers’ crimes and attacks Week” program, US on citizens in Palestinian towns The United States will do what Defence Secretary Lloyd and villages have increased it sees as necessary to defend sharply over the past 24 hours. its interests after a rocket Austin said the United The ministry added, in a attack last week against Iraq’s States is urging Iraq to statement, that these attacks Ain Al Sada airbase, which quickly investigate the take place in broad daylight hosts American, coalition and incident at the base located and reflect the ease in the Iraqi forces, US Defence in western Anbar province movement of terrorist settlers, Secretary Lloyd Austin said and the freedom granted to yesterday. and determine who was them, whether in the planning Speaking on ABC’s “This responsible. US officials their attacks and monitoring Week” program, Austin said the have said the incident fit the victims, leading to the United States is urging Iraq to the profile of a strike by implementation of their crimes quickly investigate the incident Iran-backed militia. in complete comfort. at the base located in western The ministry explained that Anbar province and determine the settlers ongoing crimes who was responsible. US offi- Russian ship sails through the Bosphorus against the Palestinian people, cials have said the incident fit attack directly from Iran. their land and property, expose Russian Navy’s landing ship Saratov is escorted by a Turkish Navy Coast Guard boat as it sets sail in the profile of a strike by Iran- US forces carried out air those who are trying to protect Bosphorus, on its way to the Mediterranean Sea, in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. backed militia. strikes against facilities at a the Israeli occupation from the “We’ll strike, if that’s what border control point in Syria investigations of the Interna- we think we need to do, at a used by Iranian-backed militias tional Criminal Court. Noting time and place of our own including Kata’ib Hezbollah that human rights reports and choosing. We demand the right and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada Jordan PM reshuffles cabinet testimonies of victims and to protect our troops,” Austin in February. various media outlets, said. Austin said relations with including Israeli media outlets, Asked if Iran had been Saudi Arabia, Iran’s main unanimously agree that all given a message that US retal- regional adversary, will remain in bid to accelerate reforms violent attacks are carried out iation would not constitute an good. "It will be a good rela- under the watchfulness, pro- escalation, Austin said that Iran tionship, but it will be a bit dif- REUTERS — AMMAN The British-educated Kha- IMF programme worth $1.3bn, tection, and support of the is fully capable of assessing the ferent,” Austin said. sawneh, a veteran former dip- signalling confidence in Jor- occupation forces, whether by strike and US activities. Saudi Arabia "is a strategic Prime Minister Bisher Al lomat and palace aide, was dan’s reform agenda. monitoring settlers during the “What they should draw partner in the region” and the Khasawneh reshuffled his appointed last October by King The expected reshuffle implementation of their from this, again, is that we’re two countries "have to work cabinet yesterday in a move Abdullah to restore public trust comes after parliament last attacks, or by intervening to going to defend our troops and together to make sure that that meant to accelerate IMF- over the handling of the coro- week passed a 9.9bn dinar ($14 provide cover for their with- our response will be thoughtful. we achieve our goals and guided reforms seen as crucial navirus health crisis and defuse bn) budget which Al Ississ said drawal through a violent It will be appropriate,” Austin objectives,” Austin said. "We’re to Jordan’s economic recovery anger over successive govern- aimed to maintain fiscal pru- break-in to Palestinian towns said. “We would hope that they going to lead with our values, from the blow of the corona- ments’ failure to deliver on dence to help ensure financial and flood them with gas would choose to do the right but we’re going to protect our virus pandemic, officials said. pledges of prosperity and stability and rein in a record bombs. things.” interests.” Six new ministers were curbing corruption. $45bn public debt. And to complete the There were no reports of Austin directed sharper named including interior and Jordan is witnessing a The economy saw its worst mission that settler militias injuries among US service per- comments at China, which he justice after Khasawneh fired nearly two-month-old surge of contraction — 3%— in decades began to disperse the Pales- sonnel after the attack but an said is "trying to close the com- both incumbents last week for infections driven by a more last year, hit by lockdowns, tinian citizens to prevent them American civilian contractor petitive edge that we’ve always attending a restaurant dinner contagious variant of the virus border closures and a sharp fall from protecting their property. died after suffering a “cardiac enjoyed” with its military party that violated coronavirus amid rising discontent over in tourism during the pan- In its statement, the Pales- episode” while sheltering from buildup. restrictions they were supposed worsening economic conditions demic, but the government and tinian Foreign Ministry con- the rockets, the Pentagon said. "In some cases, they’ve to enforce. and curbs on public freedoms the IMF both predict a bounce demned the violations and Iraqi officials said 10 been coercive and some of that In the new 28-member under emergency laws. of similar magnitude this year. crimes committed by the ele- rockets landed at the base but coercion has been directed cabinet, Brigadier General Aides say Khasawneh was Officials say Jordan’s com- ments of Jewish terrorism scat- the Pentagon was more against our allies, and our allies Mazen Araya, who headed the expected to retain Harvard- mitment to IMF reforms and tered in the hills, plateaus, and guarded, saying there were 10 are very important to us,” he COVID-19 crisis centre, was educated Mohammad Al Ississ investor confidence in the mountains of the Occupied “impacts.” It said the rockets said. Austin and US Secretary appointed interior minister in as finance minister. He has won improved outlook helped the Palestinian Territory, affirming appeared to have been fired of State Antony Blinken plan to a shakeup seen as giving Kha- International Monetary Fund country maintain stable sov- that the elements and compo- from multiple sites east of the visit Japan and South Korea in sawneh more scope to tackle praise for his handling of the ereign ratings at a time when nents of this racist occupa- base, which also was targeted March, Reuters reported last social and economic problems, economy during the pandemic, other emerging markets were tional image are clear and that last year by a ballistic missile week. government officials said. and has negotiated a four-year being downgraded. no party can hide or ignore it. Israeli woman Iran frees aid worker Zaghari-Ratcliffe from house arrest charged after REUTERS — DUBAI Iran’s judiciary was not immediately Sky News reporter Lisa Holland said returning available to comment about the release. on Twitter. “Richard Ratcliffe has told Iran has released British-Iranian aid Her family and the foundation, a charity me the news today is ‘mixed’. The ankle from Syria worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe from that operates independently of media tag is off but Nazanin has to appear in house arrest at the end of her five-year firm Thomson Reuters and its news sub- court again next Sunday in a second AP — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM prison sentence, but she has been sidiary Reuters, deny the charge. case.” summoned to court again on another Kermani said a hearing for Zaghari-Rat- Ratcliffe did not immediately An Israeli woman who charge, her lawyer said yesterday. cliffe’s second case has been scheduled respond to a request for comment. crossed illegally into neigh- Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager on March 14. British foreign minister Dominic boring Syria and was with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, “In this case, she is accused of prop- Raab welcomed the removal of Zaghari- returned in a Russian- was arrested at a Tehran airport in April aganda against the Islamic Republic’s Ratcliffe’s ankle tag but said Iran con- mediated deal last month was 2016 and later convicted of plotting to system for participating in a rally in front tinued to put her and her family through charged in an Israeli court on overthrow the clerical establishment. of the Iranian Embassy in London in 2009 a “cruel and an intolerable ordeal”. Sunday, prosecutors said. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who served out and giving interview to the BBC Persian “She must be released permanently The woman, whose name most of her sentence in Tehran’s Evin TV channel at the same time,” Kermani so she can return to her family in the UK. has not been released, was prison, was released last March during said. He said he hoped that “this case will We have relayed to the Iranian author- charged with illegally leaving the coronavirus pandemic and kept be closed at this stage, considering the pre- ities in the strongest possible terms that the country and visiting Syria under house arrest, but her movements vious investigation”. her continued confinement is unac- in violation of Israeli law were restricted and she was barred from A British-Iranian aid worker, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s husband told Sky ceptable,” Raab said in a statement. before the Nazareth District leaving the country. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, poses for a photo after News yesterday she was “pleased” her Her lawyer told Iranian state TV he Court, the prosecution said. Yesterday, the authorities removed she was released in Tehran, yesterday. ankle tag had been removed but said the had no news on the status of her travel Additional details her ankle tag. “She was pardoned by news was “mixed” from Iran due to the ban. British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq said remained under gag order. Iran’s supreme leader last year, but spent her feet. Now they’re cast off,” her lawyer court summons. she had spoken to Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s Many details remain censored the last year of her term under house Hojjat Kermani told an Iranian website. “Richard Ratcliffe says Nazanin is family and that her first trip would be to by the Israeli military. arrest with electronic shackles tied to “She has been freed.” ‘pleased’ the ankle tag is off #nazanin,” see her grandmother. The terms of the deal that secured her release last month still remain murky weeks later. The woman had reportedly Saudi-led coalition strikes jumped the fence along the demilitarized zone separating Yemen’s rebel-held capital the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights and Syria. AP — CAIRO fell on the city. The Houthi-run In exchange for her Al Masirah satellite TV channel release, Israel said it had The Saudi-led coalition fighting reported at least seven air- released two Syrian shepherds Iran-backed rebels in Yemen strikes on the Yemeni capital. who had entered Israeli said yesterday that it had While the Houthi attacks territory. launched a new air campaign rarely cause damage or casu- Israeli media reports said on the country’s capital and alties, strikes on major oil facil- that Israel paid Russia $1.2m other provinces, in retaliation ities in Saudi Arabia, the world’s to supply the Syrian gov- for missile and drone attacks on largest oil exporter, have ernment with coronavirus vac- Saudi Arabia. shaken energy markets and the cines as part of the deal. “The targeting of civilians world economy. The released 25-year-old and civilian facilities is a red On Thursday, the Houthis Israeli woman was returned line,” Col. Turki Al Maliki, a said they launched a drone to Israel via Moscow and was spokesman for the coalition, attack on an oil facility in the questioned by Israel’s internal was quoting as saying by the port city of Jeddah. Another bal- security agency. official Saudi Press Agency. He listic missile attack last week She hails from the pre- was referring to the missile and reached as far as the capital, dominantly ultra-Orthodox drone strikes on Saudi cities in Riyadh, where it was intercepted West Bank settlement of recent weeks that the Iranian- and exploded in the sky, scat- Modiin Illit and previously backed rebels, known as tering shrapnel over the city. attempted to cross Israel’s Houthis, had claimed. The conflict in Yemen Smoke and dust rise near buildings from air strikes launched by Saudi-led coalition on Sana'a, Yemen, borders with the Gaza Strip “The terrorist (Houthi) erupted nearly six years ago, yesterday. and Jordan, according to Israeli leaders will be held after the Houthis swept into the media. accountable,” he said. Residents capital and seized much of the Her identity and moti- in Sana'a, Yemen’s rebel-held country’s north. A Saudi-led the Houthis and restore the was has killed around 130,000 millions to the brink of famine vation for crossing into Syria capital, reported hearing huge military coalition launched a internationally recognised gov- people, including more than and spawned the world’s worst have not been released. explosions as a round of bombs bombing campaign to dislodge ernment. The stalemated war 12,000 civilians, pushed humanitarian crisis. MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 13 Libya unity government to restore oil and gas ministry

BLOOMBERG — TRIPOLI government against eastern A representative of military commander Khalifa The new Libyan unity western Libya will Haftar, with both receiving government will restore an oil support from competing and gas portfolio as one of 27 be in charge of the regional powers. Forming a ministries to administer the oil and gas ministry, unified government could sta- war-ravaged Opec member which was scrapped bilise energy production, a key until December elections, income source that has been according to the office of the by the Tripoli-based blighted by repeated clashes prime minister-designate. Government of and closures. A representative of western It’s not immediately clear Libya will be in charge of the National Accord, what changes, if any, the res- oil and gas ministry, which was according to plans toration of the oil ministry scrapped by the Tripoli-based would mean for Libya’s energy Government of National published by policies. The NOC’s current Accord, according to plans pub- the office on its chairman, Mustafa Sanalla, took lished by the office on its the helm in May 2014 amid Facebook page. The head of the Facebook page. political upheaval and has National Oil Corporation and worked hard to raise the Relatives of three Palestinian fishermen from Allaham family mourn during funeral in Khan Younis, the governor of the central nation’s oil output to its current in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. bank will both be from the businessman, was chosen as level of about 1.3 million barrels eastern region. It’s not clear premier by Libyan delegates at per day from almost zero at whether the two current heads a political forum in Geneva in some points. will be changed. February. He will work In a deeply divided country, Explosion kills 3 Gaza fishermen Premier-designate Abdul alongside a new presidency he’s been one of the few public Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah council in an administration figures treated with respect by presented his plan to par- that’s supposed to rule until the all sides, including the interna- AP — GAZA CITY association, said the men — two of rockets. liament last month, without elections tional community, investors brothers and a cousin — were Minutes before the naming any potential ministers, Libya, home to Africa’s and buyers of Libyan oil. Three Palestinian fishermen working off the coast of the explosion, local media reported and lawmakers will discuss it largest oil reserves, has been Hailing from the eastern were killed yesterday after a southern town of Khan Younis that Hamas was test-firing today in the city of Sirte. The roiled by a decade of turmoil city of Benghazi, Sanalla takes blast ripped through their boat when the explosion rockets toward the sea. proposal, which also includes since a Nato-backed revolt pride in having kept the NOC off the Gaza shore, officials happened. Hamas said it was launching six state minsters and two ousted longtime leader as one of the rare national insti- said, in what appeared to be The cause of the blast an investigation. And relatives deputy prime ministers, Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, tutions that has worked across an explosion caused by a wasn’t immediately clear, but of the fishermen posted a requires support from at least eventually leading to the estab- the political divide. That’s misfired rocket launched by there were growing indications statement on Facebook 120 members of the North lishment of dueling adminis- included asserting the com- the ruling Hamas militant that it was the result of a mis- describing them as “the martyrs African nation’s 200-seat trations. Fighting in recent pany’s authority against group. fired rocket. Hamas, which has of living who were killed when assembly to pass. years pitted an internationally attempts by eastern parties to Nezar Ayyash, a spokesman fought three wars with Israel, a local mortar shell hit their Dbeibah, an influential recognised Tripoli-based sell oil independently. for the local fisherman’s is believed to possess thousands boat.” South Africa’s Peace more powerful than war, Pope tells residents of Mosul top six leaders REUTERS — MOSUL, IRAQ surrounded by skeletons of afflicted by so barbarous a blow, could never be “silenced by the helicopter to Qaraqosh, a to meet Zuma buildings, dangling concrete with ancient places of worship blood spilled by those who Christian enclave that was Muslim and Christian residents staircases, and cratered ancient destroyed and many thousands pervert the name of God to overrun by IS fighters, and BLOOMBERG — JOHANNESBURG in the ruined Iraqi city of Mosul churches, most too dangerous of people — Muslims, Christians, pursue paths of destruction.” visited a church whose told Pope Francis of their lives to enter. Yazidis and others — forcibly He then read a prayer courtyard was used by the A meeting between the top under brutal Islamic State (IS) “Together we say no to sec- displaced or killed,” he said. repeating one of the main insurgents as a firing practice leadership team at South rule yesterday as the pontiff tarianism and no to corruption,” “Today, however, we themes of his trip, that it is range. He then said Mass in Africa’s ruling party and blessed their vow to rise up the Chaldean archbishop of reaffirm our conviction that fra- always wrong to hate, kill or Erbil, capital of the autonomous former president Jacob Zuma from ashes and told them that Mosul, Najeeb Michaeel, told the ternity is more durable than wage war in God’s name. Kurdistan region, where thou- could take place as early as “fraternity is more durable than pope. fratricide, that hope is more Iraq’s Christian community, sands of people packed a Monday, the Johannesburg- fratricide.” Much of the old city was powerful than hatred, that one of the oldest in the world, stadium. based Sunday Times says, Francis, on a historic first destroyed in 2017 during the peace more powerful than war.” has been particularly devas- In both Qaraqosh and Erbil, citing an African National visit by a pope to Iraq, visited bloody battle by Iraqi forces and Intense security has sur- tated by the years of conflict, he received the most tumul- Congress official. the northern city to encourage an international military coa- rounded his trip to Iraq. Military falling to about 300,000 from tuous welcomes of his visit. And The meeting, which has the healing of sectarian wounds lition to drive out Islamic State. pickup trucks mounted with about 1.5 million before the US in both places most people were been postponed several times and to pray for the dead of any Francis, who flew to Mosul machine guns escorted his invasion of 2003 and the vio- not wearing masks or practicing due to the unavailability of religion. by helicopter, was visibly motorcade and plainclothes lence that followed. social distancing despite a rising either the leaders or of Zuma The 84-year-old pope saw moved by the earthquake-like security men mingled in Mosul A Muslim member of the number of COVID-19 cases in himself, will be held this week ruins of houses and churches in devastation around him. He with the handles of guns Mosul committee, Gutayba the country. “This visit gives us at Luthuli House, the ANC a square that was the old town’s prayed for all of the city’s dead. emerging from black backpacks Aagha, urged the Christians who hope and courage, it’s as if we’re headquarters in Johannesburg, thriving centre before Mosul “How cruel it is that this worn on their chests. had fled to “return to their celebrating a new life,” said the party’s treasurer-general was occupied by Islamic State country, the cradle of civili- In an apparent direct ref- properties and resume their Frdos Zora, a nun at the stadium Paul Mashatile is quoted as from 2014 to 2017. He sat zation, should have been erence to IS, Francis said hope activities”. Francis flew by Mass. saying. Among the issues to be dis- cussed is Zuma’s defiance of the Constitutional Court ruling Pirates free 10 abducted ordering him to appear at a hearing of the so-called state fishermen in Nigeria capture commission, which is probing graft during his rule. President Cyril Ramaphosa AP — UGHELLI, NIGERIA operate in Zamfara state and and the other top six members kidnap for money. are trying to persuade Zuma Ten foreigners abducted by After the abductions of the to change his mind and comply pirates last month were schoolgirls, Babagana with summons from the panel, rescued in southern Nigeria, the Monguno, head of the govern- according to the Times. army said. ment’s national security A senior official in South The victims were released service, said on state television Africa’s ruling party said the unharmed by Nigeria’s security that banditry and kidnapping government should reject an forces in Rivers state, after in the country were being attempt next week to impeach Nigerian mediators paid a sponsored by powerful non- the country’s public prose- $300,000 ransom for their state actors. cutor, according to the Johan- freedom, Col. Mohammed He said the bandits are nesburg-based Sunday Times. Yahaya told a press conference “causing problems for the According to Ace Saturday night. innocent citizens of Zamfara Magashule, a motion to inves- The hostages were kid- state.” tigate Busisiwe Mkhwebane is napped on Feb. 7 off the He said Nigeria’s intelli- a strategy by the main oppo- Atlantic coast of the West gence and security agencies are sition party to divide the gov- African country, Gabon, and investigating the bandits, who erning African National included six Chinese nationals, “will soon be arrested and Spice market in Damascus Congress. three Indonesians and a brought to justice.” A curfew The motion from the oppo- Gabonese, all thought to be and a no-fly zone have been People shop for herbs and spices at a market in the old city of Damascus, Syria. sition Democratic Alliance for fishermen, said Yahaya. placed on the state, he said. an inquiry into whether the Kidnapping for ransom has The girls’ abductions came prosecutor should be removed become a lucrative practice in on the heels of the release of 24 on grounds of misconduct, Nigeria. students, six staff and eight rel- Huge blaze after oil facility strike in Syria incapacity or incompetence Last week hundreds of atives on February 17 from the was approved by the speaker Nigerian girls were released in Government Science College AP — BEIRUT massive blaze, and at least four showed char marks across the of parliament in January last the country’s northwest, after Kagara in Niger state. people killed and 24 wounded. entire area where the trucks year. being abducted from the Gov- In December, more than A suspected missile strike on an Photos and videos from the once were. Nasa’s fire satellite Mkhwebane challenged ernment Girls Secondary 300 schoolboys from a sec- oil-loading facility used by air taken by the Syrian opposi- monitoring, which watches for the probe on constitutional School in Jangebe. ondary school in Kankara, in Turkey-backed opposition tion’s civil defense group flashes associated with blazes grounds but the Western Cape While officials did not say northwestern Nigeria, were forces in northern Syria known as the White Helmets or explosions, showed fires at High Court ruled in December if a ransom had been paid, they taken and later released. The sparked a massive blaze across showed scores of workers the site in the early morning that the process was legal. said that “bandits” were behind government has said no a large area where oil tankers struggling to extinguish a hours of Saturday. The parliamentary probe the abduction, referring to the ransom was paid for the stu- are normally parked, aerial and massive fire resulting from The reports of missiles fired is likely to be the precursor to groups of armed men who dents’ release. satellite images show. burning oil tanker trucks in an from a Russian warship - a rare a vote on whether she should Syrian opposition groups open field, as black and gray occurrence - could not be inde- be replaced — a decision that and at least one war monitor smoke covered the area. pendently verified and Russia, would require the backing of Torrential rains leave 6 dead in Algeria blamed Russia for the strike Satellite images by Planet which is a main supporter of two-thirds of lawmakers. Friday night near the towns of Labs Inc. analyzed by The Asso- Syrian President Bashar Assad Since her appointment in QNA — ALGIERS Jarablus and Al Bab, near the ciated Press yesterday also in the country’s 10-year civil 2016, the controversial anti- border with Turkey. In a report, showed the aftermath of a large war, has not commented on the graft ombudsman has faced Six people were killed as a result of torrential rains, which took the Syrian Observatory for fire that tore through an area accusations. criticism with courts over- place in the province of Chlef in western Algeria, 200km west of Human Rights, based in Britain, near Jarablus between Friday Turkey’s state-owned turning several of her rulings Algiers, last night. said Russian warships in the and Saturday morning. Anadolu news agency reported and rebuking her for failing The civil protection services in the province announced that Mediterranean had fired three Past satellite photos of the they were ballistic missiles, but to stick to her constitutional six deaths were recorded, including two men, two women, a boy missiles that struck primitive site, some 75km northeast of said it was not clear who mandate. Mkhwebane has and a girl, while search and rescue operations are still continuing oil refineries and tanker trucks the Syrian city of Aleppo, carried out the attacks. also been accused of taking by the civil protection teams in coordination with the security in the region. showed hundreds of tanker Turkey and allied Syrian sides in factional battles teams and a number of the people of the region. The weather in It said more than 180 trucks trucks gathered in the area. opposition fighters control large within the ANC, an allegation Chlef state caused many roads to be closed to traffic. and tankers were burned in the An image from Saturday parts of northern Syria. she denies. 14 ASIA MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 Myanmar police fire on protesters in ancient city

AP — YANGON At least five people neighbourhoods. The escalation of violence Police in Myanmar’s ancient were reported has put pressure on the global former capital, Bagan, opened wounded as police community to act to restrain the fire yesterday on demonstrators junta. The coup reversed years protesting last month’s military sought to break up of slow progress toward takeover, wounding several the Bagan protest, democracy in Myanmar, which people, according to witness and photos showed for five decades had languished accounts and videos on social under strict military rule that media. one young man with led to international isolation At least five people were bloody wounds on and sanctions. reported wounded as police Suu Kyi’s party led a return sought to break up the Bagan his chin and neck, to civilian rule with a landslide protest, and photos showed one believed to have been election victory in 2015, and young man with bloody wounds with an even greater margin of on his chin and neck, believed caused by a rubber votes last year. It would have to have been caused by a rubber bullet. been installed for a second five- bullet. Bullet casings collected year term last month, but at the scene indicated that live instead Suu Kyi and President People flash three-finger salutes as they attend a funeral of U Khin Maung Latt, 58, a National League rounds were also fired. force by police firing warning Win Myint and other members for Democracy (NLD)’s ward chairman, in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday. The city, located in the shots, and variously employing of the government were placed central Mandalay region, is a tear gas, rubber bullets and stun in military detention. Unesco World Heritage Site in grenades. A rare light note was struck NLD party official dies in custody recognition of the more than Multiple reports from Yangon on Saturday when demon- 2,000 pagodas or their rem- said there were also police raids strators in the central city of REUTERS — YANGON Myanmar’s biggest city. “It seems that he was nants still situated there, dating Saturday night seeking to seize Monywa poured cans of bev- According to his deputy arrested at night and tortured from the ninth to 13th centuries, organisers and supporters of the erages over their feet and those An official from Aung San Suu chairman, pictures from the severely,” he said. “This is when it was the capital of a protest movement. A ward of passers-by to show their con- Kyi’s National League for military hospital where he died totally unacceptable.” The army kingdom that later became chairman from Aung San Suu tempt for the company’s owners Democracy died in custody in showed he had a wound on the has rejected accusations of known as Burma and is now Kyi’s National League for — the military. The company is Myanmar overnight after being back of the head and bruises on using excessive force against Myanmar. Democracy party, which was one of a number of business detained in a crackdown on his back. protesters. It says it took power Bagan is best known for ousted from power in the coup, concerns in the country that are anti-junta protesters, associates “The doctor said those were after the electoral commission being one of the country’s top was found dead in a military hos- linked to the generals and has said, and a party leader said he not the cause of death,” Khin rejected its allegations of fraud tourist attractions, but it has also pital Sunday morning by fellow seen its sales plummet in the suspected the man was tortured. San Myint told reporters. “They in an election last November in been the scene of large protest residents of his Pabedan neigh- weeks following the coup. An officer at the police said it was due to heart con- which the NLD won a marches against the military’s bourhood, according to a post on In neighbouring Thailand, station in the Pabedan district dition,” she said. landslide. February 1 seizure of power. Facebook by NLD lawmaker several thousand people, Thai of Yangon, the area where Khin A charity worker who had The army’s promise of new Large protests have Sithu Maung. as well as from Myanmar, Maung Latt was arrested on seen the body said there were elections is scorned by pro- occurred daily across many Suspicion was rampant on rallied Sunday outside the Saturday, declined to comment. bruises on the head and chest testers, who say the NLD’s cities and towns in Myanmar, social media that Khin Maung regional office of the United A spokesman for Myanmar’s and stitches on the side of the victory must be respected. and security forces have Latt, 58, died due to a beating Nations to bring attention to the army did not answer phone head. He declined to be named. Meanwhile, China said it is responded with greater use of in custody after being taken crisis and their desire for inter- calls seeking comment. It was not possible to reach willing to engage with "all lethal force and mass arrests. from his residence, but no national action to end the More than 1,700 people the doctor or the hospital for parties" to ease the crisis in At least 18 protesters were official cause of death was junta’s violence. have been detained in Myanmar comment. neighbouring Myanmar and is shot and killed on February 28 immediately announced. “I have a good life here, but since the February 1 coup, Khin Maung Latt was not taking sides. "China is ... and 38 on Wednesday, In Yangon and elsewhere, I’m fighting for my relatives and including elected leader Suu Kyi arrested after 9pm on Saturday willing to contact and commu- according to the UN Human raids are carried out nightly families and friends in and dozens of members of her night, one friend said. nicate with all parties on the Rights Office. More than 1,500 after an 8pm curfew by police Myanmar. Since Day One NLD, an advocacy group says. Ba Myo Thein, an NLD basis of respecting Myanmar's have been arrested, the inde- and soldiers. The arrests are (when) the military took our The Assistance Association for member of the upper house of sovereignty and the will of the pendent Assistance Association often carried out at gunpoint, leader, we are here,” said Political Prisoners (AAPP) also parliament, which was dis- people, so as to play a con- for Political Prisoners said. without warrants. 26-year-old Aye Nanda Soe, says more than 50 protesters solved after the coup, said the structive role in easing ten- Protests elsewhere Sunday, In videos taken Saturday who works in digital marketing have been killed by security reports of bruising to Khin sions," the Chinese govern- including in the two biggest night and posted online, spo- and lives in Bangkok with her forces. Maung Latt’s head and body ment's top diplomat, State cities of Yangon and Mandalay, radic fire from heavy weapons mother and brother while her Khin Maung Latt, 58, was a raised suspicions that he had Councillor Wang Yi, said were also met with the use of could be heard in some father resides in Yangon. local NLD chairman in Yangon, been abused. yesterday. US defence chief Austin likely Sri Lankans mark ‘Black Sunday’ for blast victims AP — COLOMBO More than 260 people, the then-government in pre- anyone inclined to create con- report is not genuine and it did to visit India including 171 from the two venting the attacks despite early flict on account of religion to not do any justice to those who Sri Lankan Roman Catholics Catholic churches, were killed warnings, rather than finding out give up that idea,” he said. suffered,” said Manilal Ranas- next week attended Mass dressed in black in the attacks, which were the handlers of the groups accused At St Sebastian’s Church in inghe, who attended Mass at St. yesterday, with prayers and blamed on two local extremist of carrying out the bombings. Negombo, a predominantly Mary’s Church in Dehiwala, REUTERS — NEW DELHI protests calling for justice for groups that had pledged alle- “No one who wants to Catholic area north of Colombo south of Colombo. those killed in coordinated giance to the Islamic State group. promote hatred and religious where 115 people were killed in Political infighting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd suicide bomb attacks on Easter A presidential inquiry com- strife will receive our support. the Easter attacks, parishioners the then-president and prime Austin is likely to visit India Sunday two years ago. mission has handed its final We believe there should be attended Mass yesterday minister resulting in a communi- next week, an Indian Church bells tolled and report to President Gotabaya unity and brotherhood among dressed in black and held cations breakdown and lapse of government source said prayers were chanted at 8.45am, Rajapaksa, who has shared different ethnic and religious placards outside the church in security coordination was said to yesterday, as the two allies the time when bombs were det- parts of it with Catholic and groups all over the world,” a silent “Black Sunday” protest. have enabled the attacks despite seek to deepen military ties to onated almost simultaneously Buddhist religious leaders. The Ranjith said yesterday. “The main purpose of this is foreign intelligence warnings. counter the growing power of at two Roman Catholic churches report has also been sent to the “Today Pope Francis has to show the people and our rulers Rajapaksa told a public China in the Asia-Pacific and a Protestant church during attorney general for legal visited Iraq and has had a dis- that justice has not happened for gathering on Saturday that the region. Easter services on April 21, 2019. action. cussion with the Shia leaders (in the victims of the Easter attacks,” report blamed the government The first person visit by a Bombs were also set off at three However, the archbishop of Iran). It shows religious leaders said Auxiliary Bishop the Rev- at the time for letting its guard top official of the new US Pres- top hotels targeting locals and Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm in the world think about unity erend Maxwell Silva, who cele- down on national security, and ident Joe Biden’s adminis- foreigners who were eating Ranjith, said the report had con- and brotherhood, not about cre- brated Mass at the church. that his government will punish tration will focus on enhancing breakfast. centrated more on the failures of ating strife. Therefore I request “We believe the commission those responsible. cooperation, said the source, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Austin plans to meet Moderna reaches supply Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit some deal with Philippines time in the week of March 15, the official added. The first Black US defence REUTERS — MANILA immunity and reopen an chief will join Secretary of economy that in 2020 saw its State Antony Blinken on a visit Moderna Inc said yesterday it worst contraction on record. to Japan and South Korea, has agreed to supply the Phil- The Philippines reported sources told Reuters on ippines government with 13 3,276 confirmed cases yes- Thursday. It was not immedi- million doses of its COVID-19 terday, the third straight day ately clear if Blinken will also vaccine, with deliveries set to that the daily figure has visit India. begin in mid-2021. remained above 3,000 or levels The US Embassy in New The company will work last seen in October. Delhi referred a request for with regulators to pursue nec- Its food and drug regulator comment to the Defense essary approvals before distri- has so far approved for emer- Department, which could not bution, it said in a press release. gency use COVID-19 vaccines be reached outside regular Moderna said it expected to developed by Pfizer Inc and business hours. reach a separate deal with the BioNTech SE, AstraZeneca PLC For India, closer bilateral Philippines government and and Sinovac Biotech. military ties could bring private sector to supply an Officials on Sunday also greater access to American additional seven million doses. took delivery of 525,600 more technology, as New Delhi tries The deal will boost the doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to modernise its defence supply of COVID-19 vaccines bringing to a little over one system amid tensions with Vaccination drive in Nepal in the Philippines, which on million the total AstraZeneca neighbouring China in the March 1 began its campaign to vaccines the Philippines has so western Himalayas. People wait to register themselves to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease as the government inoculate 70 million of its 108 far received via the COVAX India and China last month started a campaign to vaccinate elderly people above 65 years old, in Lalitpur, Nepal, yesterday. million people to achieve herd facility. began to pull back troops and battle tanks from a bitterly contested lake area high in the Himalayas, in a breakthrough India sets up holding centre for Rohingya in Kashmir after a months-long standoff on the disputed border AP — SRINAGAR Saturday following a directive “All of them are illegally overcrowded, squalid refugee outskirts of the city, and at least between the two nuclear- from the region’s home living here and we have begun camps in Bangladesh. 168 Rohingya have so far been armed giants. Authorities in Kashmir have department to identify identifying them,” Singh said. Since Saturday, officials sent there, Singh said. The standoff began in April sent at least 168 Rohingya Rohingya living in the “This process is to finally deport have called hundreds of The refugees, who have pre- when India said Chinese refugees to a holding cente, southern city of Jammu, said them to their country.” Rohingya to a stadium in viously faced hostility in the troops had intruded deep into police said yesterday, in a Inspector-General Mukesh More than one million Jammu, taking their personal city, were not informed of what its side of the Line of Actual process that they say is for the Singh. He said around 5,000 Rohingya have fled waves of details and biometrics and was going on. Jammu is a Control or the de facto border deportation of thousands of the Rohingya Muslims have taken violent persecution in their testing them for the corona- Hindu-dominated area in in the Ladakh area in the refugees living in the region. refuge in Jammu in the past native Myanmar and are cur- virus. A jail has been converted Muslim-majority Indian-con- western Himalayas. The move began on few years. rently mainly living in into a holding center in the trolled Kashmir. MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 ASIA 15 China tells Biden to reverse ‘dangerous practice’ on Taiwan

AP — BEIJING The Foreign Minister and rejection of criticism over Hong Kong, the northwestern China’s foreign minister warned gave no indication region of Xinjiang and other the Biden administration on how Beijing might sensitive topics. Sunday to roll back former react if Biden doesn’t Wang defended proposed President Donald Trump’s changes in Hong Kong that will “dangerous practice” of change course, but tighten Beijing’s control by showing support for Taiwan, the the ruling Communist reducing the role of its public in island democracy claimed by government. He dismissed Beijing as its own territory. Party has threatened complaints that erodes the The claim to Taiwan, which to invade if Taiwan autonomy promised to the split with the mainland in 1949, former British colony when it is an “insurmountable red line,” declares formal returned to China in 1997. Wang Yi said at a news con- independence or The changes announced on ference during the annual Friday follow the arrest of 47 meeting of China’s ceremonial delays talks on pro-democracy figures in Hong legislature. uniting with the Kong under a national security The United States has no mainland. law imposed last year following official relations with Taiwan but months of anti-government extensive informal ties. Trump protests. irked Beijing by sending Cabinet technology and human rights. Beijing needs to protect officials to visit Taiwan in a show Surveys show American public Hong Kong’s “transition from of support. “The Chinese gov- attitudes turning more negative chaos to governance,” Wang ernment has no room for com- toward China, which is seen as said. promise,” Wang said. an economic and strategic The proposal would give a “We urge the new US competitor. pro-Beijing committee a bigger administration to fully under- Wang gave no indication role in picking Hong Kong leg- stand the high sensitivity of the how Beijing might react if Biden islators. That would be a Taiwan issue” and “completely doesn’t change course, but the marked reduction of democracy Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends via video link a news conference on change the previous adminis- ruling Communist Party has and Western-style civil liberties the sidelines of the National People’s Congress (NPC), in Beijing, China, yesterday. tration’s dangerous practices of threatened to invade if Taiwan in Hong Kong. Mainland offi- ‘crossing the line’ and ‘playing declares formal independence cials say they want to make sure said the changes will protect the minorities in Xinjiang amounts Chinese officials say they are with fire,’” he said. or delays talks on uniting with the territory is controlled by “rights of Hong Kong residents to genocide. trying to prevent extremism. President Joe Biden says he the mainland. people deemed patriots. and the legitimate interests of Human rights researchers “The so-called existence of wants a more civil relationship Wang’s comments in a “No one cares more about foreign investors.” say more than 1 million people, genocide in Xinjiang is absurd. with Beijing but has shown no wide-ranging, two-hour news the development of democracy Also Sunday, Wang rejected many of them members of the It is a complete lie fabricated sign of softening Trump’s con- conference reflected Beijing’s in Hong Kong than the central complaints Beijing’s treatment Uyghur minority, have been with ulterior motives,” Wang frontational measures on trade, increasing assertiveness abroad government,” Wang said. He of predominantly Muslim ethnic sent to detention camps. said. Gunmen ambush Pakistan Navy South Korea and US scale back drills due to pandemic AP — SEOUL the Korean Peninsula. US.-South Korea drills have upcoming drills, one of the two greater inter-Korean ties. vehicle killing It said the drills are been a major source of animos- major military exercises A South Korean Joint Chiefs The South Korean and US mili- defensive in nature and are ities on the peninsula, with between Seoul and Washington of Staff officer said that Seoul one, wounding 2 taries are scaling back their mostly tabletop exercises and North Korea viewing them as along with their summertime and Washington decided to annual exercises this month due simulations that won’t involve invasion rehearsals and training. “minimize” the number of AP — QUETTA to the COVID-19 pandemic and field training. responding with its own The nuclear negotiations troops participating in this to support diplomacy focusing Last year, the allies canceled weapons tests. In January, North have been stalled for about two month’s drills because of the Gunmen ambushed a vehicle on North Korea’s nuclear their springtime drills after some Korean leader Kim Jong Un years since a February 2019 pandemic. transporting security forces programme, officials said of their troops were infected urged the US to withdraw its summit between Kim and then The officer, who requested killing a sailor and wounding yesterday. with the coronavirus. In recent hostile policy and South Korea President Donald Trump col- anonymity citing a department two others in the coastal town Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff years, the countries have also to end drills with the US, lapsed due to wrangling over rule, said the allies have been of Jewni in southwest Pakistan, said in a statement that the suspended or downsized many warning the fate of their rela- US-led sanctions on North staging field exercises officials said yesterday. allies decided to start the nine- of their regular training to create tions with North Korea depends Korea. The government of throughout the year to maintain The Pakistan Navy vehicle day drills today after more space for the now-stalled on how they behave. South Korean President Moon their readiness, rather than came under attack Saturday reviewing factors like the US-led diplomatic drive to con- Some experts have said Kim Jae-in, which facilitated the holding them intensively in evening while traveling from status of the pandemic and vince North Korea to denu- may resume high-profile early part of the US-North certain periods, in an apparent Jewni to the Ganz area, said diplomatic efforts to achieve clearize in return for economic missile tests and raise tensions Korea talks, has been calling for reference to the spring and Zahoor Buledi, a Baluchistan denuclearization and peace on and political incentives. if he feels provoked by the the diplomacy’s restart and summer drills. provincial minister. The insurgent group Bal- uchistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the Afghan policewoman hurt, attack. Two intelligence officials husband dies in attack confirmed the minister’s account, saying unidentified AP — KABUL Helmand police chief, said attackers opened fire with auto- Malala served for 14 years and matic weapons on the vehicle, The former head of women was working in a Helmand which was also carrying Quick police in a southern Afghan- police section that deals with Response Force troops. istan province was seriously family domestic problems. The attack came a day wounded and her husband — No one immediately claimed after five labourers were killed also a police officer — was responsibility for the attack. and five others, including two killed yesterday in an attack by Zwak said that an investigation security personnel, were unidentified gunmen, is going on into the attack. wounded when a roadside provincial officials said. Afghanistan is experiencing bomb went off between the Omer Zwak, spokesman for a nationwide spike in towns of Sibi and Harnai in the Helmand’s provincial governor, bombings, targeted killings and same province. said unidentified gunmen opened other violence as peace nego- Intelligence officials, who fire on the couple in the provincial tiations between the Taliban spoke on condition of ano- capital Lashkar Gah. The attack and the Afghan government nymity under policy, said a came amid a surge in violence in continue. sailor was fatally shot while a the war-weary country. The Islamic State group’s barber and another sailor were An officer in the Helmand local affiliate has claimed critically wounded during an police chief’s office who wasn’t responsibility for some of the exchange of fire with the authorized to speak with attacks, but many go attackers. media, said the attack targeted unclaimed, with the gov- Baluchistan Liberation Army the female officer, whom he ernment putting the blame on spokesman, Azad Baluch, in a identified only as Malala. She the Taliban. The insurgents message to reporters, said the formerly supervised all female have denied responsibility for group killed four Navy officers Thai protesters demand release of detained activists police in the province. most of the attacks. and wounded two others Malala was seriously In the capital Kabul yes- Pro-democracy leader Jatupat “Pai” Boonpattararaksa flashes the three-finger salute during a march wounded and her husband terday afternoon, one person Train derails in from Kasetsart University towards Democracy monument, demanding the release of four protesters Abdul Qayum, also a police was killed and four others were who were charged with the else majeste law, in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. officer at Helmand police head- wounded when a bomb Sindh, 1 dead quarters, was killed in the exploded on a minibus, Kabul attack, he said. police spokesman Ferdaws and 40 injured Mohammad Zaman Faramarz said, adding that China says ready to provide vaccines Hamdard, a spokesman for the investigations were underway. AP — MULTAN

Eight cars of a Lahore bound to its overseas citizens, Olympians Quarantine rules to be eased train derailed in southern Pakistan early yesterday, REUTERS — BEIJING in countries where conditions firms are already being offered for tourists in Thailand killing at least one passenger permit, to provide services to in several countries, including and injuring 40 others, offi- China said yesterday it has compatriots in need in neigh- Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey and BLOOMBERG — BANGKOK cials said. plans to set up COVID-19 vacci- bouring countries,” said Wang. the United Arab Emirates. The accident took place nation stations to vaccinate He said some Chinese cit- During Sunday’s news con- Thailand plans to relax quarantine rules for foreign visitors from between the Rohri and Sangi Chinese citizens abroad and is izens were already receiving ference, Wang also spoke next month as part of a series of steps being considered to revive stations in southern Sindh also ready to work with the Chinese-made vaccines abroad against “vaccine nationalism”, the nation’s tourism sector, the Bangkok Post reported. province and caused a tem- International Olympic according to local law. and said China would resist any The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration is set to porary suspension of railway Committee to help provide He said China would also attempt to politicise vaccine consider on Monday a proposal that will allow foreign visitors to traffic in both directions, said vaccines to Olympic athletes for make vaccines available to cooperation. leave their hotel rooms after three days of a mandatory two-week Kamran Lashari, a railway upcoming events. Olympians, and is open to dis- Beijing has repeatedly quarantine, the newspaper reported. The so-called area hotel official. China has developed cussions on mutually recog- called into question the idea quarantine will still require tourists to confine themselves to the It wasn’t immediately clear several vaccines domestically nising vaccines with other that the new coronavirus orig- properties, it said. what caused the derailment. and has begun its own vacci- countries, but did not offer inated in China, and has The quarantine relaxation, discussed at a meeting chaired by Train accidents are common nation drive, with plans to vac- specifics. embarked upon a vaccine Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn on Sat- in Pakistan, where successive cinate 40 percent of its popu- China is set to hold the 2022 diplomacy campaign to send urday, will initially be considered for top five tourist destinations governments have paid little lation by July. Winter Olympics next year, Chinese-developed shots such as Phuket and Krabi, the Post reported. The Covid panel will attention to improving the China’s top government while the Summer Olympics are against COVID-19 around the also discuss a proposal to waive the quarantine requirement for poorly maintained signal diplomat Wang Yi made the scheduled to take place in Japan world. vaccinated visitors, it said. system and aging tracks. comments during his annual later this year. China has denied exploiting Thailand is betting on a revival in tourism, which accounted Lashari said eight cars of news conference held China has said it plans to the fight against COVID-19 to for about a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product pre-pan- the 18-car train that departed yesterday. provide 10 million doses of boost its global influence. demic, to return Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy to from Karachi for the eastern “We are preparing to set up COVID-19 vaccines to global President Xi Jinping has growth. The local tourism industry has called for mandatory quar- city of Lahore derailed and six regional vaccination sites for vaccine sharing scheme pledged to make China’s vac- antines to be lifted from as early as July 1 so it can open to poten- fell into a shallow ditch. domestically produced vaccines COVAX. Vaccines from Chinese cines a “global public good.” tially millions of vaccinated visitors. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 Austria suspends AstraZeneca vaccine after death

REUTERS & AP — ZURICH An AstraZeneca One 49-year-old woman nurses who worked at the subject to strict and rigorous Adverse reactions seen in spokesman said: died as a result of severe coag- Zwettl clinic. quality controls. trials were short-lived for the Austrian authorities have ulation disorders, while a BASG said blood clotting Trials and real-world expe- most part and blood clotting suspended inoculations with a “There have been no 35-year-old woman developed was not among the known side rience so far suggests the issues were not reported. batch of AstraZeneca’s vaccine confirmed serious a pulmonary embolism and is effects of the vaccine. It was vaccine is safe and effective and A safety assessment by Ger- against coronavirus (COVID-19) recovering,” it added. A pul- pursuing its investigation vig- it had been approved for use in many’s vaccine regulator of as a precaution while investi- adverse events monary embolism is an acute orously to completely rule out well over 50 countries, he said. more than 360,000 people who gating the death of one person associated with the lung disease caused by a dis- any possible link. AstraZeneca also said it was received the AstraZeneca and the illness of another after vaccine,” adding that lodged blood clot. “As a precautionary in contact with Austrian author- vaccine in the country between the shots, a health agency said “Currently there is no evi- measure, the remaining stocks ities and would fully support the the launch in early February yesterday. all batches are subject dence of a causal relationship of the affected vaccine batch are investigation. and February 26 concluded that “The Federal Office for to strict and rigorous with the vaccination,” BASG no longer being issued or vac- European Union regulators adverse reactions were in line Safety in Health Care (BASG) has said. cinated,” it added. at the end of January approved with the safety profile described received two reports in a tem- quality controls. Austrian newspaper Nied- An AstraZeneca spokesman the product, saying it was in clinical trials. poral connection with a vacci- eroesterreichische Nachrichten said: “There have been no con- effective and safe to use, while On Saturday, Austrian nation from the same batch of as well as broadcaster ORF and firmed serious adverse events the World Health Organization officials announced plans to the AstraZeneca vaccine in the Lower Austria province, the the APA news agency reported associated with the vaccine,” (WHO) in mid-February listed vaccinate most of the 84,000 district clinic of Zwettl” in authorities said. that the women were both adding that all batches are the product for emergency use. residents there to curb its spread. France ramps up UK schools to reopen, weekend virus vaccinations backed by frequent REUTERS — PARIS coronavirus testing Thousands of people across France flocked to vaccination AP — LONDON yesterday that the risk of a false centres yesterday as the positive was very low. More government stepped up inoc- British students, backed by a than 5 million rapid tests have ulations against the corona- robust coronavirus testing been carried out at schools virus to ease the load on programme, are gearing up to during lockdown, including 1 hospitals and stave off further return to school Monday after million last week, the gov- restrictions. a two-month closure, in what ernment said. French authorities have Prime Minister Boris Johnson Evidence from testing over come under criticism for the says is a plan to get the country the past eight weeks indicates slow vaccination rollout, “moving closer to a sense of “the risk of false positives is which has so far targeted the normality.” extremely low, less than 1 in most vulnerable only. About The reopening of schools is 1,000,” Susan Hopkins, the 3.58 million people of France’s the first step in the UK govern- COVID-19 strategic response 67 million population have ment’s plan to gradually ease director for Public Health received a first jab compared COVID-19 restrictions as the England, told the BBC. “And a to neighbouring Britain, which country’s vaccination drive test that returns less than 1 in is nearing 23 million. gains critical mass, with all 1,000 false positives is a very While some European restrictions lifted by June. good test.” countries have resorted to As part of the plan, millions To help children forced into sweeping national lockdowns of high school and college stu- online learning for months to Members of the district election office Stadtkreis 3, wearing protective masks, count ballots on the to fight a resurgence in the dents coming back to UK class- catch up with their education, day of a Swiss referendum on banning burqas and other facial coverings, in Zurich, yesterday. virus spurred by new variants, rooms will be tested for the officials are considering France has opted for a less virus for the first few weeks. extending school days, short- severe nightly curfew and the Authorities want to quickly ening the summer holiday or closure of restaurants and Switzerland agrees to outlaw facial coverings detect and isolate asympto- adding an extra term to the entertainment venues. matic cases in order to avoid year. British students already The country continues to REUTERS — ZURICH chairman of the referendum and Denmark, Austria, the sending entire schools home. have a much shorter summer see cases rise, averaging about committee and a member of Netherlands and Bulgaria have “We are being cautious in holiday than American stu- 23,000 new cases a day com- A far-right proposal to ban parliament for the Swiss Peo- full or partial bans on wearing our approach so that we do not dents, usually leaving for pared with just over 6,000 in facial coverings in Switzerland ple’s Party, had said. face coverings in public. undo the progress we have summer break after mid-July. UK, while intensive care units won a narrow victory in a The Central Council of Practically no one in Swit- made so far,” Johnson said in a “We’re looking at a whole are increasingly saturated. binding referendum yesterday Muslims in Switzerland called zerland wears a burqa and only statement, urging everyone range of measures,” U.K. Edu- “It’s a race against time,” instigated by the same group the vote a dark day for the around 30 women wear the who is eligible to get cation Secretary Gavin Wil- Armed Forces Minister that organised a 2009 ban on community. niqab, the University of Lucerne vaccinated. liamson told Sky News. “We’ve Florence Parly told reporters new minarets. “Today’s decision opens old estimates. Muslims make up 5 High schools and colleges got to look at what is going to visiting one of four military The measure to amend the wounds, further expands the percent of the Swiss population will be allowed to reopen in have the biggest positive hospitals opened yesterday for Swiss constitution passed by a principle of legal inequality, and of 8.6 million people. phases to allow for three impact on children’s lives.” vaccinations. 51.2 to 48.8 percent margin, sends a clear signal of exclusion The government had urged rounds of testing. Students will Britain has Europe’s dead- Some 220,000 people provisional official results to the Muslim minority,” it said. people to vote against a ban. then get kits so they can test liest coronavirus outbreak, with were vaccinated on Saturday, showed. It promised legal challenges “After the ban on minarets, themselves twice more at nearly 125,000 lives lost so far. more than twice as many as The proposal under the to laws implementing the ban a majority of Swiss voters has home. Its coronavirus vaccination last week. France expects to Swiss system of direct and a fundraising drive to help once again backed an initiative The UK government has program has, however, raced deliver 10 million first-round democracy does not mention women who are fined. that discriminates against a distributed nearly 57 million ahead of the United States and shots by mid-April and 30 Islam directly and also aims to The proposal predated the single religious community and rapid “lateral flow” test kits to the European Union to give at million by the summer. stop violent protesters from COVID-19 pandemic, which has needlessly stirs up fears and schools across the country, but least a first dose to nearly 22 Needing to vaccinate wearing masks, yet local poli- required adults to wear masks division,” Amnesty Interna- there are concerns about the million of the country’s adults 200,000 people a day to reach ticians, media and campaigners in many settings to prevent the tional said. “The veiling ban is accuracy of the tests, which so far. its targets, it’s not clear have dubbed it the burqa ban. spread of infection. not a measure for women’s lib- may result in pupils being Britain has approved three whether the government will “In Switzerland, our tra- Two cantons already have eration, but a dangerous sym- forced to self-isolate vaccines for use: those made get enough doses to have a dition is that you show your local bans on face coverings. bolic policy that violates unnecessarily. by Pfizer, Moderna and Astra- quick enough impact to avoid face. That is a sign of our basic France banned wearing a freedom of expression and A senior public health Zeneca, and plans to vaccinate a new lockdown. freedoms,” Walter Wobmann, full face veil in public in 2011 religion.” official, however, said all adults by July. Catalonia’s former leader vows to keep fighting extradition to Spain

AP — BARCELONA “The question is whether political persecution is Catalonia’s former regional accepted. If political minor- President Carles Puigdemont ities, nationalists and dissi- (pictured) has vowed to keep dents have the same right as fighting extradition back to others to be represented, to Spain if the EU’s parliament do politics, they will be strips him of his immunity as a voting on that,” Puigdemont lawmaker this week. said. Puigdemont and two fellow The EU parliament’s Catalan separatists won seats Legal Affairs Committee did in the European Parliament in not see any threat for 2019, two years after fleeing political persecution when Spain because they had led a it analysed their case last failed secession attempt for month. Catalonia, which Spain con- In October 2017, Puigde- sidered illegal. Spain and were found guilty of mont’s regional government Today, Puigdemont, along sedition and the misuse of ignored warnings from Spain’s with cohorts Toni Comín and public funds for the 2017 top courts that authorizing a Protesters raise their hands in front of police officers during a demonstration, after weeks of protests over Clara Ponsatí, face a vote by the breakaway bid. referendum on independence freedom of speech following the arrest of rapper Pablo Hasel in mid-February, in Barcelona, yesterday. European Parliament on So far, courts in Belgium, would be unconstitutional. whether to lift their immunity Germany and Britain have They pushed ahead anyway, as lawmakers, a move that has refused to send Puigdemont and hundreds of people were New protests in Spain over jailing of rapper’s backers been recommended by the par- and his colleagues back on injured in a police crackdown liament’s Legal Affairs grounds of sedition as on the day of the vote. The pro- AP — BARCELONA called for the release of Hasél speech in Spain. Committee. requested by Spain. Out- secession side won the vote by and his jailed supporters. Spain’s ruling left-wing “We contemplate all sce- standing arrest warrants in a landslide with most unionists Several hundred protesters The rapper is serving nine coalition has pledged to launch narios, obviously even that we Spain mean they would be not voting. marched on Saturday in Spain’s months for inciting terrorism — a legal reform to eliminate will lose our immunity, which immediately detained if they Spanish courts have handed northeastern city of Barcelona he has praised two now-defunct prison terms for offenses is the most likely,” Puigdemont attempted to return home. down damaging corruption against the authorities’ armed groups responsible for involving freedom of speech. told The Associated Press on Puigdemont said besides verdicts against the conserv- crackdown following a violent killing over 900 people in Spain The coalition’s junior partner, Saturday evening from his res- resisting in the national courts, ative Popular Party that ruled outcry over the imprisonment — and for refusing to pay a fine the far-left United We Can idence in Waterloo, Belgium. the three will also “take our Spain in 2017 and are investi- of Pablo Hasél, an anti-estab- for insulting Spain’s former king. party, has filed a petition to “But we know that would not case to the Court of Justice of gating the alleged financial mis- lishment artist. His arrest on February 16 pardon Hasél. be the end of the road.” the European Union.” doings of former King Juan Saturday’s march took triggered a mix of peaceful and Eight suspects have been Lifting their immunity Puigdemont appealed to Carlos I. Even so, Puigdemont place amid a heavy police violent protests that have at jailed for being in a group that would allow Spain to once fellow lawmakers on the believes that Spanish courts are presence, winding through times ended in the looting of protested the rapper’s impris- again pursue their extradition grounds that his cause is shared not impartial when hearing several avenues of the Catalan shops in several cities. The case onment by setting fire to a to stand trial like fellow sepa- by other minorities in larger cases involving Catalan regional capital. Protesters has also invigorated a debate police van in which an officer ratist leaders who remained in European nations. separatists. walked behind a banner that over the limits of freedom of narrowly escaped the flames. MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 EUROPE 17 Lawmaker from Merkel Norway should prepare for party quits over more COVID-19 face mask scandal restrictions: PM

REUTERS — FRANKFURT Nikolas Loebel, a REUTERS — OSLO member of Merkel’s A German lawmaker from conservative Christian Norway will likely need chancellor Angela Merkel’s stronger restrictions to combat party said yesterday he would Democrats (CDU) the latest resurgence in coro- resign “to avert further party, said yesterday navirus infections, Minister damage” for receiving he would resign as Erna Solberg said in a tele- payments for brokering vised speech yesterday. procurement deals of face- member of Merkel’s “Ahead of us is another masks for local authorities. parliamentary group hill to climb, probably with Nikolas Loebel, a member tighter national measures of Merkel’s conservative with immediate effect before we can ease and then Christian Democrats (CDU) but keep his seat in the lift the restrictions,” Solberg party, said yesterday he would Bundestag, the lower said. resign as member of Merkel’s She did not outline which parliamentary group with house, until federal additional measures could be immediate effect but keep his elections scheduled for needed to curb the COVID-19 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II signs her annual Commonwealth Day message in St George’s Hall at seat in the Bundestag, the lower September. outbreak however. house, until federal elections The Nordic country has Windsor Castle, Britain, in this picture issued on Friday. scheduled for September. maintained one of Europe’s In a statement, Loebel said lowest rates of infection but a he apologised that his conduct Laschet told broadcaster ARD. recent resurgence in cases has Queen stresses importance of did not meet the “special moral Another conservative led to concerns that a third duty” of his office. member of parliament, Georg wave of the outbreak may be The resignation comes one Nuesslein, on Friday resigned underway. friends, family during pandemic week before regional elections from his post as one of the In the capital region, in the western states of deputy leaders of Merkel’s par- where the more contagious AP — LONDON a deeper appreciation of the in contrast to the turmoil in the Rhineland-Palatinate and liamentary group, saying he variant first identified in mutual support and spiritual royal family before the Baden-Wuerttemberg, where would also not run to keep his Britain as B.1.1.7 now domi- Queen Elizabeth II highlighted sustenance we enjoy by being interview, which promises to Loebel’s constituency is. seat in parliament in the Sep- nates, non-essential stores are the importance of staying in connected to others,” the queen provide an unprecedented The scandal risks stirring tember elections. already closed, restaurants are touch with friends and families said in her audio message. glimpse into the couple’s more voter disgruntlement Nuesslein, a member of the only allowed to provide during the coronavirus People have become used departure from royal duties and after Germany’s ruling coalition CDU’s Bavarian sister party takeaway service and some pandemic in a message to “connecting and communi- the strains it has put them of Merkel’s CDU and the CSU, denies allegations that he schools are shut. broadcast yesterday. cating by our innovative tech- under. centre-left SPD came under fire took more than 600,000 euros The variant started Britain’s monarch also nology” that allows them to Harry and Meghan departed for a slow COVID-19 vacci- via a consultancy firm for spreading in Oslo in January touched on the role of technology “stay in touch with friends, royal life a year ago over what nation campaign. mediating a mask purchase and now accounts for 50-70% in keeping people connected family, colleagues, and coun- they described as the intrusions CDU-chairman Armin order by the state. of infections, the Norwegian amid the global pandemic, in her terparts,” she said. Online com- and racist attitudes of the Laschet, a possible contender Prosecutors in Munich have Institute of Public Health (FHI) royal address before Common- munication “transcends bound- British media toward the to succeed Merkel as chan- said they were investigating said. wealth Day today. aries or division, helping any duchess, who is biracial. cellor, and other leading con- initial allegations of bribery As of March 4, the nation She made no mention of sense of distance to It’s unclear what public servative lawmakers called on against Nuesslein. of 5.4 million had vaccinated Oprah Winfrey’s interview with disappear.” reaction, if any, the queen and Loebel to quit as member of Meanwhile, the number of close to 377,600 people with Prince Harry and his wife, The queen also paid tribute other royal family members parliament immediately. confirmed coronavirus cases a first dose, and nearly Meghan—the Duke and to the front-line workers will have to the interview. The Elected officials seeking in Germany increased by 8,103 200,700 had also received a Duchess of Sussex — which is helping in the fight against UK’s Sunday Times newspaper, gains in their duty to protect to 2,500,182 yesterday. The second dose, according to data set to air in the UK today. COVID-19 in Commonwealth citing an anonymous source, against the pandemic “should reported death toll rose by 96 from the Norwegian Institute “The testing times experi- nations. reported that the queen leave parliament immediately”, to 71,900, the tally showed. of Public Health. enced by so many have led to Her message of unity stood wouldn’t watch it.

EU nations receive a third of Moderna Italy offers vaccination shots so far: Data for all by end of summer

BLOOMBERG — BUDAPEST AGENCIES — ROME activities are swiftly put into place. European Union member Italy’s health minister says that Italy reported 207 corona- states have received only all Italians who want to be virus-related deaths yesterday about a third of the quarterly vaccinated against COVID-19 against 307 the day before, the target for COVID-19 vaccines will be able to do so by health ministry said, while the produced by Moderna Inc., summer’s end. daily tally of new infections fell according to a delivery Minister Roberto Speranza to 20,765 from 23,641 the day schedule published by a told state TV on Sunday that before. Hungarian official on Italy expects to receive delivery Some 271,336 tests for Facebook. of more than 50 million doses COVID-19 were carried out in The bloc is slated to in the second quarter of this the past day, compared with a receive 10 million of the shots year, including the Johnson & previous 355,024, the health in the January-March period, Johnson single-dose vaccine, ministry said. Italy has regis- with deliveries set to accel- whose approval by European tered 99,785 deaths linked to erate later in the year, the data Minister visits vaccination centre Union medicine authorities is COVID-19 since its outbreak show. That compares with just expected soon. began in February last year, the French Defence Minister Florence Parly speaks with patients as she visits a vaccination centre in the over 3.4 million distributed so As of yesterday, about 3.7 second-highest toll in Europe HIA Begin military hospital, in Saint-Mande, southeast of Paris, France, yesterday. far to member states since the million people in Italy had after Britain and the seventh- vaccine was approved in received at least one injection highest in the world. The January, according to the of an anti-COVID-19 vaccine. country has reported 3.07 European Centre for Disease That’s just over 5% of Italy’s million cases to date. Prevention and Control. North Macedonia gets first batch population. Patients in hospital with The schedule refers to the Health authorities in Lazio, COVID-19 - not including those 160 million doses procured by the region including Rome, in intensive care — stood at the EU in November, before a of Sputnik V vaccine doses have expressed eagerness to 21,144 yesterday, up from deal last month to buy an AP — SKOPJE inoculation is expected to start an agreement to procure produce Russia’s Sputnik V 20,701 a day earlier. additional 150 million shots from the middle of next week. 200,000 doses of the Chinese vaccine in pharmaceutical There were 161 new admis- both this year and next. The North Macedonia yesterday North Macedonia began Sinopharm vaccine, but the deal plants near the capital. sions to intensive care units, EU has been under pressure received the first batch of 3,000 administering vaccinations has been postponed after health After months of a plateau down from 214 on Saturday. to speed up a sluggish vaccine doses of Russian vaccine against the coronavirus three authorities have decided to in daily caseloads of corona- The total number of intensive roll-out that’s lagged several Sputnik V from a total order of weeks ago from a first batch withdraw the advance payment virus since late fall 2020, last care patients increased to 2,605 peers, including the US and the 200,000 in the fight against the of 4,680 doses of Pfizer vac- in order to secure proper doc- week saw a steady climb in from a previous 2,571. UK. COVID-19 pandemic. cines donated by neighboring umentation from the Chinese new infections in Italy. When Italy’s second wave Gergely Gulyas, the The first shipment was Serbia. company. Epidemiologists say Italy of the epidemic was acceler- cabinet minister to Prime Min- delivered to the country’s main Doctors and nurses in the As of Saturday, North Mac- should brace for a new peak of ating quickly in the first half of ister Viktor Orban in Hun- airport near the capital, Skopje, main COVID-19 center at the edonia, a country of just over 2 infections in about two weeks, November, hospital admissions gary’s government, published and Health Minister Venko infectious diseases clinic in the million people, has recorded warning that daily caseloads were rising by about 1,000 per the schedule in defense of a Filipce said that the Russian capital, Skopje, were the first to nearly 107,000 coronavirus could reach as high as 40,000 day, while intensive care occu- decision to opt out of addi- vaccine is aimed at people over receive the shots. North Mace- cases and more than 3,100 unless more severe restrictions pancy was increasing by about tional purchases. the age of 65, and that donian authorities also signed deaths since last year. of citizens’ movement and 100 per day. Russian rights NGO French billionaire politician Olivier disbands under ‘foreign Dassault killed in copter crash agent’ pressure REUTERS — PARIS reserve commander in the air ($7.15bn) mostly inherited from force: during his life, he never his father, according to the French billionaire Olivier ceased to serve our country, to 2020 Forbes rich list. AP — MOSCOW of the pejorative conno- Dassault (pictured), was killed value its assets. His sudden He stepped down from his tation that the term “foreign yesterday in a helicopter death is a great loss. Thoughts role on the board of Dassault A longtime human rights agent” carries for many crash, a police source said, on his family and loved ones,” due to his political role to avoid organisation in Russia Russians. with President Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter. any conflict of interest. announced yesterday it’s The organization For Macron paying tribute to the The private helicopter Olivier, seen as the favourite disbanding because of pressure Human Rights said in a 69-year old conservative poli- crashed last afternoon in Nor- of founder Marcel, was once from the country’s foreign statement that it was dis- tician. mandy, where he has a considered favoured to succeed agents law. banding, citing the inclusion of Dassault was the eldest son holiday home, according to a Serge at the head of the family The law requires organi- its leader, Lev Ponomarev, on of late French billionaire indus- police source. The pilot was holding, but that role went to zations and individuals the Justice Ministry’s list of trialist Serge Dassault, whose also killed. former Dassault Aviation CEO involved in vaguely defined foreign agents. namesake Dassault Aviation, A lawmaker for the con- Charles Edelstenne. political activity and who It also said the law could builds the Rafale war planes servative Les Republicains “Great sadness at the news “A businessman, but also a receive assistance from subject its members to fines and owns Le Figaro party since 2002, Dassault was of the sudden passing of Olivier renowned photographer, he abroad to register as foreign and imprisonment. Ponomarev, newspaper. considered the 361st richest Dassault,” Valerie Pecresse, a had a passion for politics in his agents. a veteran human rights activist, “Olivier Dassault loved man in the world alongside his conservative politician who is blood, rooted in his department It seen as an attempt to founded the organization in France. Captain of industry, two brothers and sister, with president of the Paris region, of Oise. My warm thoughts to discredit activists because 1997. lawmaker, local elected official, wealth of about 6 billion euros said on Twitter. his family.” 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 Venezuela rations diesel supply to truckers as fuel shortages worsen

REUTERS — VALENCIA Frustrated truckers by successive socialist govern- blocked a highway in ments spurred hyperinflation. Venezuelan state oil company That collapse has led to a Petroleos de Venezuela has the central state of humanitarian crisis marked by begun rationing diesel to Maracay in protest shortages of food and medicine, truckers, four transport sector over the shortages. prompting 5.4 million Vene- sources told Reuters, as low zuelans to emigrate, according domestic refining output and Industry groups said to the United Nations High scarce imports amid US sanc- the unprecedented Commissioner for Refugees. tions squeeze fuel supplies. rationing would Jonathan Durvelle, pres- Frustrated truckers blocked ident of the Regional Freight a highway in the central state create delays Chamber representing truck of Maracay in protest over the delivering goods drivers, said PDVSA was lim- shortages on Friday, social iting diesel supplies to between Trailer trucks line up along an avenue to fill up their tanks at a fuel station as part of a growing diesel media images showed. Industry to markets in the 100-200 liters per truck, and shortage, in Caracas, Venezuela. groups said the unprecedented nation, reeling from a that many drivers have to wait rationing would create delays prolonged economic in line for three days to receive rigged his 2018 re-election. blames US sanctions for the PDVSA’s 1.3 million b/d delivering goods to markets in fuel. Most tanks can hold at least Diesel suppliers including once-prosperous nation’s woes. refining network — operating the Opec nation, reeling from a crisis. 1,200 liters, he said. India’s Reliance Industries Ltd Private estimates place Ven- at a fraction of its capacity after prolonged economic crisis. “If we cannot move our and advocacy groups concerned ezuelan diesel consumption at years of underinvestment and The diesel squeeze came vehicles, we cannot move about the humanitarian impact between 35,000 and 49,000 lack of maintenance — pro- after the country suffered wide- unparalleled difficulty in recent products,” Durvelle said. Neither of shortages have urged new US barrels per day (b/d). Diesel is duced around 37,000 b/d of spread petrol shortages times,” said Jesus Rodriguez, PDVSA nor Venezuela’s oil or President Joe Biden to lift the also widely used in agriculture, diesel in February, according to throughout 2020, prompting president of the chamber of information ministries immedi- ban on so-called diesel swaps. electricity generation and public Antero Alvarado, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro to cut commerce for the central city ately responded to requests for Venezuela has not received a transit. Farmers have warned managing partner for consul- longstanding heavy subsidies of Puerto Cabello, home to Ven- comment on the rationing. cargo of imported diesel since for months that shortages were tancy Gas Energy Latin America. and import petrol from Iran. ezuela’s largest container port. The shortages come after Reliance’s final shipment jeopardizing the planting and PDVSA also had around 4 Diesel is still distributed to The diesel shortages and the United States last year arrived in November, Refinitiv harvesting of crops. million barrels of diesel inven- truckers free of charge. transit snags come after Vene- barred oil companies from sup- Eikon data show. The 400km round trip tories in February, Alvarado Before the recent crisis, zuela’s economy contracted plying PDVSA with diesel in A White House official told between Puerto Cabello and the said. A worker at PDVSA’s Par- cheap and abundant fuel had more than 63% between 2013 exchange for crude, part of the Reuters last week that the admin- capital Caracas requires at least aguana refining complex, who long been taken for granted in and 2019, according to the Trump administration’s esca- istration was in “no rush” to ease 400 liters of diesel, according to spoke on condition of ano- Venezuela, home to the world’s International Monetary Fund, lating sanctions on the company sanctions in the absence of con- Jose Petit, president of the Asotra- nymity, said the company was largest crude reserves. as a collapse in oil prices fol- in its unsuccessful bid to oust cessions by Maduro, who says the container industry group repre- prioritizing petrol output over “We are talking about an lowing years of expropriations Maduro, who Washington says 2018 vote was free and fair and senting Puerto Cabello truckers. diesel production. UN finds soaring Mexico City launches Latin America’s latest cable car line poverty in AP — MEXICO CITY minutes or an hour,” Guillermo Calderon, director of the elec- virus-hit Latin Mexico City has launched the trical transportation system first of what it hopes will be Mexico City. America region several cable-car lines serving Traditional transport solu- the poorer outskirts of the city tions like bus or subway lines AP — SANTIAGO, CHILE of 9 million. are almost impossible here, The inauguration on both because there are no rights More than 20 million people Thursday of the first leg of the of way in the densely packed were pushed into poverty “Cablebus” line marks the latest slums, and they are crowded during pandemic-plagued chapter in Latin America’s love along hillsides on steep 2020 across Latin America and affair with cable cars, which are 15-degree slopes. the Caribbean, the UN seen in much of the world as Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum economic agency for the largely for tourists and ski slopes. said a second cable car line is region reported. The neighbouring State of being built in Iztapalapa, Poverty as a whole rose Mexico already has a cable car another working class neigh- to afflict a total of 208 million serving one northern Mexico borhood, to the east. “Having people - 33.7% from 30.5% of City suburb, and the city’s own the best transportation for the the population - in a year first line was also built on the poorest parts of the city reduces when the overall gross poor, crowded north side. inequality,” Sheinbaum said. domestic product collapsed Cable cars are seen as a Cuautepec resident Evelyn by 7.7%. cheaper, quicker way to bring Sánchez said that, like most Extreme poverty - those public transport to poor commu- people here, her biggest chal- without the resources to cover nities located high up hillsides. lenge is getting to the nearest basic food requirements - rose Since they’re airborne, the car A general view shows the first line of a cable car system dubbed the Cablebus during its inauguration, subway station. to encompass 78 million lines also don’t have as many dif- in the neighbourhood of Cuautepec, in Mexico City, Mexico, on March 4, 2021. “It does take us a long time, people, 12.5% of the region’s ficulties with Latin America’s and now with this, well now it population, according to the notoriously difficult issues of bus station. The stretch inaugu- travel much more slowly. Plus, in the city. is going to be a lot quicker,” Economic Commission for chaotic development, bad traffic rated on Thursday covers just they don’t have the nice view “There are nearly a million Sánchez said. The city of Latin America and the Car- and lack of rights-of-way. 1.7km of that route, to the the cable cars offer from their inhabitants living in the area Medellin, Colombia, launched ibbean. That’s the highest per- By June, the line will run neighbourhood of Tlalpexco. big windowed cars that can seat around the Cablebus, and they its cable cars in 2004. Since centage in 20 years. almost 9.2km from Cuautepec, At present, officials 10 passengers at a time. The make their trips in small vans then, many other Latin Poverty as a whole rose to a working class neighbourhood explained, residents at the top cars run on electricity and can that descend through narrow American cities have followed afflict a total of 208 million on the northern edge of Mexico of the hill in Tlalpexco have to travel about 13 miles (20km) per streets, and that may take, from suit, ranging from from Rio de people - 33.7% from 30.5% of City, to the nearest subway and board crowded, small vans that hour, far faster than most traffic the highest point... as long as 55 Janeiro, Brazil to La Paz, Bolivia. the population - in a year when the overall gross domestic product collapsed by 7.7%. The report said the situ- Mobile orchestra brings Daily virus deaths 'could' reach 3,000 in Brazil ation would have been worse without household subsidy cheer to Venezuela streets REUTERS — BRASILIA point. The 14-day moving Brazil has the world’s programs enacted by many average is currently 1,250 second-highest death toll, governments to cushion the AP — BARQUISIMETO, VENEZUELA and cry. The tour began outside Brazil’s daily COVID-19 death deaths per day. trailing only the United States. blow for some 84 million a school of medicine next to a toll could reach 3,000 if serious Despite the high death toll, While the outbreak is ebbing in households. Orchestra music envelops the hospital. Sanchez conducted action is not taken to halt the the sources said the Health Min- the United States and Europe, The report presented streets of a Venezuelan city the mobile orchestra from his spread of the virus, according istry does not see any chance of Brazil is facing its worst phase online by agency director every time a truck carrying piano as the musicians sweated to a presentation made in a nationwide social distancing of the epidemic yet, pushing its Alicia Bárcena also found musicians has made its way under the midday sun. meeting of the government’s measures due to the resistance hospital system to the brink of worsening rates of inequality through traffic for the past year, The orchestra performed crisis response team, two of President Jair Bolsonaro. collapse. Surging infections and unemployment across a capturing the attention of for hours many of his melodies, sources present said. The Health Ministry, said it have triggered local restrictions region that accounts for just drivers and passers-by who which he wrote while serving The inter-ministerial task does not produce estimates. It in the capital, Brasilia, and 8.4% of the world’s population take photos and stare at the as resident composer of the force, which includes the did not answer questions as to largest city, Sao Paulo. but nearly 28 percent of global vehicle. The live performance Caracas Municipal Symphony Health Ministry and the office whether the estimates were Particularly worrying to deaths from COVID-19. is an effort to give people some Orchestra. of the president’s chief of staff, presented at the meeting or health authorities is the emer- The report said more than small respite from the corona- Venezuela has seen more met recently to discuss the whether the ministry agreed gence of a new coronavirus 507,000 people died of virus pandemic and other than 140,900 confirmed infec- current situation of the pan- with the figures. variant from the Amazon region COVID-19 last year across hardships. tions and 1,364 deaths from demic in Brazil where a brutal Sources said the estimates that appears more contagious Latin America and the One hot afternoon this week, COVID-19. Experts believe the second wave is killing people were calculated by the health and more able to reinfect those Caribbean. the musicians climbed on the small number of cases com- faster than at any previous secretaries of Brazil’s states. who previously had COVID-19. The report said that dete- truck’s platform, and wearing pared to other countries in the riorating economic, health and facemasks, began to play as they region, such as Brazil, Colombia education conditions for travelled around Barquisimeto, and Peru, is largely due to the households “could forge a a city west of the capital, Caracas. isolation that Venezuela has vicious cycle of poverty and Their instruments included a been experiencing for years bad health conditions for wide cello, violins and even a because of a political, economic sectors of the population”. Steinway & Sons grand piano. and social crisis. Bárcena said levels of ine- “Music beyond entertaining Barquisimeto is also known quality have reached “unsus- us, it can transform us, it can as the “musical city” of Vene- tainable” levels and she called heal, it can alleviate emotions,” zuela for being the hometown for creation of “a true welfare said José Agustín Sánchez, a of several of the country’s man- state, a task long postponed in Venezuelan pianist, composer ufacturers of musical instru- the region.” Unemployment and conductor who came up ments, musicians and com- rose 2.6 percentage points to with the initiative. posers, including Gustavo 10.7 by the end of the year, Before the show began, Dudamel, the music and artistic with the greatest losses among Sanchez reminded the musi- director of the Los Angeles women, informal workers, cians that their upcoming per- Philharmonic in the United youths and migrants. formance was a “musical dis- States and considered one of More than 165 million stu- infection” that might provoke the great conductors of today. dents were affected by school in them and their audience a “It’s a worthy show, it’s An empty street with closed stores at a popular shopping district is pictured, after the Sao Paulo closures, even if some - espe- range of emotions. He told beautiful,” said Zulay Chirinos state government mandated further restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease, in Sao cially those with economic them to be ready to get yelled Mariño, a 60-year-old resident Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday. means - were able to turn to at but also to see someone clap of Barquisimeto. remote learning systems. MONDAY 8 MARCH 2021 AMERICAS 19 Biden order moves to blunt ‘assault’ on voting rights

BLOOMBERG — WASHINGTON The executive action the Supreme Court’s move in directs federal 2013 to strike down a key pro- President Joe Biden issued an vision requiring states and local executive order mandating facilities to accept governments with a history of federal departments and requests from states discrimination to get pre- agencies increase efforts to help — which each run clearance from the federal gov- Americans register to vote, as ernment before enacting the White House looks for ways their own voter changes to voting procedures. to offset Republican efforts to processes — to And this month, the con- toughen voting standards. become registration servative-leaning high court The executive action taken heard arguments on another Call to end deportations yesterday directs federal facil- sites, and calls for a voting rights case that could Cutouts of US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris are displayed on a window while ities to accept requests from free state legislatures to make modernization of the a protester’s vehicle drives by during a rally to demand the end of deportations in US immigration states — which each run their more changes to voting laws. own voter processes — to Vote.gov website. Biden yesterday said he policy, at Silver Lake Reservoir in Los Angeles, California, US, on Saturday. become registration sites, and hopes the Senate passes the calls for a modernization of the House legislation so he can sign Vote.gov website. election day, not 45", and it into law, and call on Congress The effort aims “to make it derided the “insanity” of “to fully restore the Voting White House officials visit Mexico easier for eligible voters to reg- mail-in voting. Rights Act”. The executive order ister to vote, and improve Democrats have argued that also calls for the Pentagon to access to voting,” Biden said in such measures are intended to give service members an border amid rising migrant influx taped remarks to the annual disenfranchise poor and minority opportunity to register to vote Martin and Coretta King Unity voters who are less likely to have or update their information, REUTERS — WASHINGTON instead of being released while that must be made in order to Breakfast. additional documentation — and asks agencies to examine their asylum applications are restore safe and efficient proce- Biden’s push comes amid such as drivers licenses — or be how they might allow federal Secretary of Homeland Security considered. dures to process, shelter, and heated debate over voter able to take off work to vote on employees the option to take Alejandro Mayorkas led a visit The White House said last place unaccompanied children access, inflamed by a 2020 Election Day itself. leave to vote or volunteer as by Biden administration offi- week Biden had asked senior with family or sponsors,” the election that saw a record Biden said an “all-out poll workers. And the Biden cials to the US border with members of his staff to travel to White House said. number of ballots cast, as well assault on the right to vote” is administration will examine Mexico on Saturday amid a the border to report back about the “Officials also discussed as a sizable uptick in mail-in happening now” with over 250 ways to improve voting access growing number of border influx of unaccompanied minors ways to ensure the fair and voting in response to the coro- bills introduced in state legis- for eligible federal prisoners, as crossings and criticism by making crossings. It declined at the humane treatment of immi- navirus pandemic. latures across 43 states to well as Native Americans. Republicans that an immi- time to release details about the grants, the safety of the work- Donald Trump, defeated by “make it harder for Americans The impact of the order will gration crisis is brewing. timing of the trip, citing security force, and the wellbeing of Biden in November, repeatedly to vote”. depend on how many Amer- President Joe Biden, a Dem- and privacy concerns. communities nearby in the face blamed his loss, without evi- House Democrats this icans take advantage of new ocrat, has sought to reverse Mayorkas and other offi- of a global pandemic.” dence, on widespread fraud, an month passed a sweeping registration and voting oppor- rigid immigration polices set up cials, including Biden’s An influx of people seeking effort to cast doubt on the elec- election reform bill that would tunities that might result. A by his predecessor, former domestic policy adviser Susan to cross the US border is likely toral system that culminated in mandate same-day voter reg- senior administration official President Donald Trump, Rice, visited a border patrol to be a big issue in the 2022 the January 6 insurrection at istration and an expansion of said the effort represented the whose 2016 election and four- facility and a refugee reset- midterm elections. Trump may the US Capitol. early voting. But that effort extent of what the President can year presidency were domi- tlement facility during their Sat- use it to rally his base against Since then, GOP lawmakers seems doomed to failure in the accomplish unilaterally. nated in part by his efforts to urday trip, the White House Biden and lay the groundwork have promoted state-level Senate, where the filibuster Biden unveiled the action build a border wall and reduce said in a statement on Sunday. for a potential return as a pres- efforts to make registration means Democrats would need on the anniversary of the 1965 the number of legal and illegal “They discussed capacity idential candidate in 2024 or as requirements more stringent, to recruit 10 Republicans to Bloody Sunday civil rights migrants coming into the needs given the number of unac- a way to boost another Repub- and to reduce mail-in and early back the bill. Trump called the march in Selma, Alabama. United States. companied children and families lican successor. voting. In a February 28 speech bill a “monster” that “cannot be “Those torches, the batons, Biden has faced criticism arriving at our border, the “The border is breaking to the Conservative Political allowed to pass”. tear gas, fire hoses, attack from immigration activists, too, complex challenges with down as I speak. Immigration Action Conference, his first Democrats have also sought dogs, and unfair laws and who say unaccompanied migrant rebuilding our gutted border in 2022 will be a bigger issue since leaving the White House, to restore elements of the trials could not stop progress,” children and families are being infrastructure and immigration than it was in 2016,” Republican Trump said “we need one Voting Rights Act. That follows Biden said in his remarks. held too long in detention centers system, as well as improvements Senator Lindsey Graham said. Trump demands 3 Fauci upbeat on vaccinations Republican groups stop raising money for US teens by autumn off his name REUTERS — WASHINGTON and then we’ll have a much, much easier time to safely pull REUTERS — WASHINGTON High school students in the back” on mitigation measures. United States should be able to The United States is now vac- Former President Donald receive COVID-19 vaccinations cinating on average 2.1 million Trump has clashed again with by the autumn, with younger people a day. “We project that his Republican Party, students likely to be cleared for high school students will very demanding that three Repub- vaccinations in early 2022, top likely be able to be vaccinated by lican groups stop using his name US infectious disease official Dr. the fall term, maybe not the very and likeness for fundraising, a Anthony Fauci said yesterday. first day, but certainly in the early Trump adviser said on Saturday. Fauci said he expected the part of the fall,” he said. The adviser, confirming a Centers for Disease Control and He said elementary school report in Politico, said lawyers for Prevention to issue relaxed guide- children would likely be ready to Trump on Friday had sent cease- lines for people who have already receive vaccinations by the first and-desist letters to the Repub- been vaccinated within “the next quarter of next year, after studies lican National Committee, couple of days,” but urged con- on safety are finished, he said. National Republican Congres- tinued vigilance on mitigation The decline in cases had begun sional Campaign and National measures for the over 80% of to plateau at 60,000 to 70,000 new Republican Senate Campaign, Americans still awaiting shots. infections per day, which Fauci said asking them to stop using his “We’re going in the right was not acceptable. He pointed to name and likeness on fundraising People wait in a line stretching inside the Jacob K Javits Convention Center on midtown Manhattan’s direction. We just need to hang the need to continue mask man- emails and merchandise. west side, to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the site which has been converted into a mass in there a bit longer,” Fauci told dates and other mitigation The adviser said Trump is vaccination center in New York City, New York, US. CBS. “We want to get those death measures to avoid a resurgence as sensitive to the use of his name levels of the virus very, very low, new variants emerge. and likeness for branding pur- poses and was irked that the three groups have supported US Senator says filibusters Republican lawmakers who Floyd’s cause of death and former joined Democrats in voting to impeach him over the January could be made more ‘painful’ 6 storming of the US Capitol cop’s force will be keys at trial by pro-Trump protesters. REUTERS — WASHINGTON Both parties have made use of Trump is using his Save the filibuster over the years. AP — MINNEAPOLIS his knee against Floyd’s neck a felony — in this case, third- America SuperPAC to raise Centrist Democratic Senator But Manchin said he for about nine minutes, holding degree assault. money in part to help hand- Joe Manchin, a pivotal vote in believes the filibuster has A Minneapolis police officer his position even after Floyd The manslaughter charge has picked Republican candidates the US Senate, yesterday advo- become too easy for the cham- was swiftly fired and charged went limp as he was handcuffed a lower bar, requiring proof that in the 2022 congressional cated making the procedural ber’s minority party to use. He with murder after bystander and lying on his stomach. Chauvin caused Floyd’s death elections. Some of them are maneuver called the filibuster said he would be open to the video showed him pressing his Floyd’s death sparked through negligence that created expected to challenge Repub- more “painful” to do, with idea of returning to a knee into George Floyd’s neck, sometimes violent protests in an unreasonable risk, and con- lican incumbents. Democrats concerned about requirement that a filibuster ignoring the Black man’s cries Minneapolis and beyond, and sciously took the chance of A civil war has erupted Republicans obstructing Pres- should require a senator to take that he couldn’t breathe. But led to a nationwide reckoning causing severe injury or death. within the Republican Party, ident Joe Biden’s legislative to the Senate floor and keep on even with that powerful on race. Chauvin is charged Exactly how Floyd died is with establishment figures such agenda. talking. “The filibuster should footage, legal experts say the with second-degree uninten- shaping up as a major flash- as Senate minority leader Mitch Some Democrats have advo- be painful. And we have made case isn’t a slam dunk. tional murder and second- point of the trial. Chauvin’s McConnell eager to put Trump cated eliminating the filibuster it more comfortable over the Jury selection begins today degree manslaughter, and a attorney, Eric Nelson, argues in in the rearview mirror, and to prevent Republicans from years. Not intentionally maybe, in Derek Chauvin’s trial, which panel of appeals court judges court documents that Floyd others, like Trump ally Senator blocking Biden’s initiatives. it just evolved into that,” is expected to come down to two ruled on Friday that the judge likely died from fentanyl he Lindsey Graham, believing the White House Communications Manchin said on the “Fox News key questions: Did Chauvin’s must consider reinstating a consumed, or a combination of party’s future depends on the Director Kate Bedingfield made Sunday” program. actions cause Floyd’s death, and third-degree murder charge fentanyl, methamphetamine energy of the pro-Trump base. clear that the President is not Under current rules, 60 were his actions reasonable? that he dismissed last fall. and underlying health condi- Trump has waged a war of calling for ending the filibuster. votes are needed to advance “It’s hard not to watch the Three other officers, all of tions - not as a result of Chau- words with establishment Biden previously served in the most pieces of legislation in the video and conclude that the whom also were fired, face trial vin’s knee on his neck. Republicans, some of whom he Senate for decades. Senate, except for presidential prosecutors will not have any in August on charges of aiding But Hennepin County Judge feels betrayed him by joining Manchin said he also is not nominations and some budget- trouble with this case,” said and abetting the second-degree Peter Cahill wrote last fall that Democrats in impeaching him. in favour of eliminating the fil- related provisions. Susan Gaertner, the former murder and manslaughter for the second-degree murder Trump dangled the possibility ibuster, which necessitates a The Senate is split 50-50, head prosecutor in neigh- counts. The second-degree charge, prosecutors don’t have of running for president again threshold of 60 votes in the but Democrats control the bouring Ramsey County. “But murder charge requires pros- to prove that Chauvin was the in 2024 when he addressed a 100-member Senate rather chamber because Vice-Pres- it’s not that simple.” ecutors to prove Chauvin sole cause of Floyd’s death - conference of conservatives last than a simple majority to move ident Kamala Harris can cast a Floyd died on May 25 after caused Floyd’s death while only that his conduct was a Sunday. forward with most legislation. tie-breaking vote. Chauvin, who is white, pressed committing or trying to commit “substantial causal factor”. MARKS

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MARCH 9, 1996 - 2021 Media leaders, experts and envoys share views about The Peninsula’s achievements

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