MUHARRAM 15, 1443 AH MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021

16 Pages Max 45º Min 29º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18513 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Dead body recovered US VP Harris begins Asia Sufis strive to protect their Kuwait’s Hashash becomes 4 from Gulf waters 7 trip amid Afghan debacle 11 heritage in war-torn Libya 14 Gulf’s first FIBA female referee

Amir, Iraqi PM discuss regional issues, trade

Iraq in dire need of investment: Al-Kadhemi

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- companies like Zain, Agility and others faced in Iraq, Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace Al-Kadhemi said he knows the sufferings of all for- yesterday His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh eign investors in Iraq. Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Iraqi Prime “There are warlords among businessmen, and Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi to discuss regional there are those who want to obstruct, but this govern- developments. The meeting, attended by His Highness ment is fighting corruption and all those who black- the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber mail Iraqi and non-Iraqi businessmen. The govern- Al-Sabah, also touched upon ways of promoting ment is dealing with legislations and will not restrict trade and economic partnership and investments. the investor at a time when Iraq is in need of invest- Premier Kadhemi, speaking in Baghdad before ment and this is not doing away with sovereignty as departing to Kuwait, said that his talks with Kuwaiti some claim,” explained the Iraqi premier. He said Iraq leaders are of utmost necessity for is a fertile investment environment in real “drawing up a regional road map,” in estate, industry and agriculture. the shadow of current developments. See Page 3 Earlier, Kadhemi was quoted by the The Iraqi premier told editors-in-chief Iraqi news agency as saying Kuwait of Kuwaiti newspapers during the Bayan visit that adopts a sagacious vision at the level of foreign policy Iraq is in dire need of investment. Al-Kadhemi called based on rich experience and good and successful for streamlining of procedures to help encourage initiatives. “The agenda (of the visit) is actually open investment and the development of the country. chapters from heart to heart,” he said, affirming Iraq’s “We must be courageous and give the investor an keenness on maintaining Kuwait as a stable and safe opportunity. The Kuwaiti investor is looking forward country, economically, “for this is an Iraqi interest.” A to an opportunity in Iraq as it is a fertile environ- stable and secure Iraq at the economic level “is also a ment,” the Iraqi premier said. Kuwaiti interest.” Responding to a question from Kuwait Times The Iraqi premier said in a statement that the visit KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Iraqi Prime Minister about guarantees Iraq presents to the Kuwaiti is part of the Baghdad government’s efforts to boost Mustafa Al-Kadhemi at Bayan Palace yesterday. -— Amiri Diwan photo Investor, especially after the obstructions Kuwaiti cooperation and relations. — KUNA

wants to get out, out,” Austin said in an Hawaiian and United - will aid dozens of US enlists major ABC interview, adding that the same military cargo transports involved in the applied to America’s Afghan allies. evacuation. Meanwhile, the deaths of seven Afghans Rather than going in and out of Kabul, airlines; 7 killed were reported yesterday during chaotic the planes will transport people from US scenes at Kabul’s airport, as thousands of bases in Qatar, Bahrain and the United in Kabul chaos people tried to get on evacuation flights Arab Emirates to European countries and, out of Afghanistan a week after the for many, onward to the United States. The WASHINGTON: The United States yes- Taleban seized control. Britain’s defense Pentagon said Saturday that 17,000 peo- terday enlisted several major airlines in its ministry said seven Afghans died in crowds ple had so far been taken out since the frantic evacuation of tens of thousands of in Kabul, without giving the circumstances. operation began on August 14, with many Afghans, Americans and other foreigners Sky News on Saturday aired footage of at flown first to Qatar or Kuwait. The total from Kabul following its fall to Taleban least three bodies covered in white tar- included 2,500 Americans. extremists. Secretary of Defense Lloyd paulins outside the airport. With thousands of troops trying to Austin activated the rarely-used Civil The announcement came with President secure the Afghan capital’s airport, Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) to aid the Joe Biden, widely criticized over the Washington has set a deadline to complete onward movement of people arriving at chaotic exit after a sudden Taleban victory, one of the largest evacuation missions the US bases in the Middle East, the preparing to address the nation from the Pentagon has ever conducted by August KUWAIT: A handout picture released by the US embassy in Kuwait shows Pentagon said. White House on the fraught evacuation 31. But Austin didn’t rule out asking Biden American citizens and Kabul embassy personnel boarding an airplane to “We’re going to try our very best to get mission. Eighteen civilian craft - from for more time. the United States at the Kuwait International Airport amid ongoing evacua- everybody, every American citizen who American Airlines, Atlas, Delta, Omni, Continued on Page 2 tions from Afghanistan. — AFP

WhatsApp. “This is our third day here and recently arrived from Afghanistan began to Afghan refugees there is no WiFi, only one washroom and settle in following their exodus. “I saw a one toilet,” said the 31-year-old, who land- Taleban member hitting someone trying to ed at the base on Wednesday and asked to climb the airport fence, and I felt so in Qatar limbo eye be identified only by his first name for fear scared, I couldn’t look him in the eye... I of retribution. was terrified,” said one woman on new lives abroad “Still here at the base, apparently wait- Saturday after travelling with her brother. ing to be boarded onto a plane but not They now hope to settle in the US. “We DOHA: The Taleban’s lightning takeover of sure how many more hours. We don’t get have family and friends and we want to Afghanistan forced Hariss to bring forward any accurate info right away. Finding info help them, but the problem is getting to his escape plan, only to find himself is impossible.” Qatari officials have the airport... At the beginning they let stranded on a Qatari airbase packed with stressed that “all evacuated people are everyone enter without documents, but evacuees yearning for new lives in the US. provided proper accommodation and all now it is very difficult,” she said. US officials confirmed evacuation opera- other required resources”. But Hariss com- “My family is still there and I am afraid tions from Afghanistan stalled for several plained that he and other evacuees “have for them, and my father is now hiding hours on Friday because the receiving been awake for days” with him and his somewhere in Afghanistan.” The US State base in Qatar was overcrowded and could countrymen offered scant information Department has faced criticism for fielding receive no further evacuees. about their next destination. insufficient staff to process the number of DOHA: This picture taken during a media visit organized by the Qatari “There are thousands of Afghans in At a villa complex 10 minutes from the Afghans seeking to travel to the United authorities Saturday shows Afghan women and a child inside a villa com- horrific conditions,” Hariss told AFP via heart of Doha, another group of refugees Continued on Page 2 plex near the center of the Qatari capital Doha. —AFP

9,000 people, Nazary added. Zionists strike Afghan resistance Meanwhile, the Taleban said yesterday that “hun- dreds” of its fighters were heading to the Panjshir Valley, one of the few parts of Afghanistan not yet con- Gaza after ready for conflict trolled by the group. “Hundreds of Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate are heading towards the state of Panjshir to control it, after local state officials refused border clashes but prefers talks to hand it over peacefully,” the group wrote on its GAZA CITY: Zionist warplanes bombed Gaza yes- Arabic Twitter account. Pictures taken by AFP during training exercises terday after clashes between its troops and KABUL: Former Afghan government forces forming a show dozens of recruits performing fitness routines, Palestinian protesters left dozens injured, including resistance movement in a fortified valley are preparing for “long-term conflict”, but are also seeking to negoti- and a handful of armored humvees driving across the a Zionist border policeman and a 13-year-old valley northeast of Kabul. The National Resistance Palestinian boy who were both critically wounded. ate with the Taleban, their spokesman told AFP in an GAZA CITY: Explosions light up the night sky above interview. Front’s main goal is to avoid further bloodshed in The Zionist military said it carried out air strikes Afghanistan and press for a new system of govern- against four sites and that it had reinforced its Gaza buildings in Gaza City as Zionist forces shell the Since the Taleban took control of the country fol- lowing a lightning charge into the capital Kabul, thou- ment. But Nazary said the group is also prepared for division with additional troops. Palestinian enclave early yesterday. — AFP sands of people have made their way to Panjshir to conflict, and if the Taleban do not negotiate they will The escalation came exactly three months since face resistance across the country. “The conditions for A Palestinian gunman fired at Zionist troops both join the fight and find a safe haven to continue Zionist entity and the Hamas reached a truce follow- their lives, Ali Maisam Nazary said. There, Ahmad a peace deal with the Taleban is decentralisation-a ing their deadliest fighting in years. Zionist troops through an opening in the wall and crowds of young system that ensures social justice, equality, rights, and protesters hurled explosives over the barrier and Massoud, the son of legendary Mujahideen command- fired at Palestinian protesters who gathered near er Ahmad Shah Massoud who was assassinated by Al- freedom for all,” said Nazary, the NRF’s head of for- tried to scale it. the Gaza border wall, the army and Palestinian wit- Qaeda two days before the September 11, 2001 eign relations, adding if the Taleban do not agree there nesses said. Continued on Page 2 attacks, has assembled a fighting force of around will be “long-term conflict”. — AFP 2 Established 1961 Local Monday, August 23, 2021 Kuwait’s Amir receives Crown Prince, senior state officials

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sabah meets His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan photos meets National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem. Hamad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem. He also Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of Sabah Al-Khaled yesterday at Bayan Palace. His Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace hosted His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh State for Nazaha (Integrity) Enhancement Abdullah Highness Sheikh Mishal also received ministers yesterday His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Yousef Al-Roumi. Sheikh Hamad and Roumi, as well as Foreign Minister Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh In the meantime, His Highness the Crown Prince and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr the Amir also received at Bayan Palace National Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, as well as Deputy received Speaker Ghanem and His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. — KUNA

Institute of Banking and the Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies. The full- international best practice standards in our industry.” KIB invests in Studies. The program, time program included a series of specialized training It is important to note that KIB’s mission to educate entitled ‘Succeeding in courses and educational lectures, which ran for five and develop employees also extends towards its Difficult Times’, was months and spread over five stages. The first stage upcoming young talent. In efforts to attract young professional dedicated to executives and second stage took place in Kuwait, while the final nationals to join the banking workforce, KIB recently like Bader, responsible three stages were conducted abroad. Furthermore, participated in the virtual exhibition of job opportuni- for tackling uncertain- Dhaher received an accredited international certificate ties at the Gulf University of Science and Technology, development ties and potential finan- when she completed the program and her graduation where the Area Manager of KIB, Abdullah Al-Shatti, cial obstacles. The pro- project. presented workshops discussing employment oppor- KUWAIT: As part of the bank’s top-level strategy gram focused on On this occasion, KIB Deputy General of Human tunities and tasks related to work in management retail focused on human capital development across all levels strategic threats in Resources Management Feras Al-Darmi, praised the and branch banking. In attendance was also Deputy of its organization, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) financial markets, miti- participation of Bader and Dhaher in their training Head of Auto Sales, Abdulaziz Al-Shammari who spoke continues to actively invest in the upskilling and pro- gation, including the Feras Al-Darmi program, praising their diligence in pursuing profes- on topics related to direct sales management and the fessional development of its employees, to enable its use of new financial sional development as part of the bank’s initiative opportunities available to develop their careers based teams to deliver a more enhanced and streamlined technology to deal with towards providing continuous educational and profes- on a plan outlined between them and the executive banking experience to customers. Within this frame- the repercussions of the pandemic, cyber threats and a sional training support to its employees. He further management of the Bank; Further demonstrating the work, the Bank has sought to focus especially on facili- deeper and detailed understanding of the challenges stressed on the bank’s commitment to its human capital career pathways available for young talent. tating advanced level training and high-level leadership faced by senior financial executives and ways to development efforts by saying: “We are actively “Offering the best banking experience in the market coaching to both mid- and senior-level managers address them. This developed Bader’s leadership and invested in insuring that our employees are fully quali- means having the best banking talents available. Our across its operations. response management skills. fied and readily equipped to deal with all the develop- mission from a human capital perspective is simply to Within this framework, Fahad Al-Bader, Assistant On the other hand, Athoub Al-Dhaher, Manager - ments and challenges facing our very dynamic sector attract and retain the best talents, and to provide them General Manager - Operations at KIB recently partici- Risk Governance at KIB partook in the Risk in general. In order to maintain a competitive edge in with every tool and resource possible to continue to pated in an executive education program, which was Management Leaders Program, a global program also the market, it is crucial that our teams continue to be develop their skills and capabilities - individually and presented by Harvard Business School in collaboration held in coordination with the Central Bank of Kuwait agile, well-informed and highly trained - on par with as a team,” concluded Darmi. with the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait

Hamas organization”. There were no immediate reports Zionists strike of any casualties from the strikes. Hamas had called a protest Saturday to mark the burning 52 years ago of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Gaza after... Islam. “Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line, and any attack on it will be met with valiant resistance from our people,” Continued from Page 1 the movement said in a statement. Late Saturday, Hamas and other groups in Gaza issued a joint state- The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said the ment in which they “saluted the heroic youth” who injured included a 13-year-old boy left in a critical clashed with Jewish forces. condition after being hit in the head. The violence is some of the worst since the May 21 “Forty-one civilians were wounded with various ceasefire came into force. Over 11 days in May, Zionist injuries,” the ministry said in a statement, with Hamas forces pounded Gaza with air strikes. saying “thousands” of protesters had taken part. Hamas said it took action after Zionist security The Zionist border police said a 21-year-old sniper forces stormed Al-Aqsa in May. Reconstruction in in its undercover unit was critically wounded when he Gaza has stalled since the ceasefire, in part because of was shot by a Palestinian protester. “His condition is a crippling blockade the Zionist regime has main- critical and there is a risk to his life,” it said of the tained on the enclave since Hamas seized power in wounded officer. 2007. On Thursday, Zionists announced it would allow Zionist police commissioner Kobi Shabtai in a state- funds from Qatar to reach impoverished Palestinians in ment vowed the force would “continue to act firmly Gaza. Other restrictions remain. The ceasefire Egypt and with all our might against those who want to harm brokered between Hamas and Zionists has largely held, us.” The entity’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz had although there have been flare-ups. On Monday warned that “these are definitely extremely serious Zionist entity said its “Iron Dome” missile defense sys- events that will have a response”. tem intercepted a rocket fired by militants in Gaza into Shortly after his comments, the Zionist air force said the Jewish state, the first time since the recent battle. on Twitter that its “fighter jets struck four weapons That came after four Palestinians were killed in the manufacturing and storage sites belonging to the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank— AFP

tial plan and board a US military flight. Afghan refugees At the vast Al-Udeid base in Qatar, which houses the biggest US airbase in the region, Hariss said many children, men and women were sleeping on in Qatar limbo eye... the floor. “I have given hundreds of people my (data) hotspot-and I don’t know how much will I be Continued from Page 1 charged later,” he told AFP. Six days after the Taleban took back power in States as well as erecting bureaucratic hurdles. Afghanistan, the flow of people trying to flee the Major General Hank Taylor said on Friday that Islamist hardliners continued to overwhelm the US aircraft flew out of Kabul with some 6,000 peo- international community’s efforts. Conditions out- ple until the bottleneck halted flights. Operations side Hamid Karzai International Airport have been from Kabul resumed late Friday after US forces in chaotic amid the crush of people hoping to flee. Qatar arranged for onward flights for many evac- US President Joe Biden has warned he could not uees to the US military base in Ramstein, Germany. predict the outcome of one of the “most difficult Unlike most of his fellow countrymen Hariss, the airlifts in history”. Washington says that the evacua- Afghan at the airbase, has a US residency permit tion is now being assisted by an array of countries and his family lives in Virginia. He had planned to including Bahrain, Britain, Denmark, France, leave Kabul on a commercial flight when Taleban Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Qatar, forces reached the outskirts of the capital. But the Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE and sudden fall of the city forced him to abandon his ini- Uzbekistan. — AFP

There have been reports of the Taleban intimi- US enlists major dating and beating people trying to reach the air- port but Austin said the militants had largely been letting American passport holders through safely. airlines; 7 killed... Britain said yesterday that seven Afghans had died in the chaos near the airport, and the situation was Continued from Page 1 further complicated on Saturday when the US gov- ernment warned its citizens to stay away from the “We’re going to continue to assess the situation. area because of “security threats.” A White House And again, work as hard as we can to get as many official said yesterday the US armed forces had tak- people out as possible. And as we approach that en out 30,000 people since the end of July-most deadline, we’ll make a recommendation to the presi- since the fall of Kabul-with the help of a coalition of dent,” he told ABC. Up to 15,000 Americans need US military partners, foreign military and commer- to be removed from Afghanistan, according to cial airlines. In the 24 hours to 3 am (0700 GMT), Biden, who says the administration wants to get at 23 military flights evacuated around 3,900 people, least 50,000 Afghan allies and their family members while the same number were flown out on 35 coali- out of the country. tion aircraft. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Monday, August 23, 2021 Kuwait’s Prime Minister, Iraqi counterpart hold talks Kadhemi’s visit sought ‘very necessary talks’ with Kuwaiti leaders

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah holds talks with His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah leads the Kuwaiti side his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa Al-Kadhemi.— KUNA photos during the talks.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Prime Minister led the Kuwaiti officials who wel- Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah held talks comed Kadhemi at Kuwait International Airport. yesterday with his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa Al- Upon his plane’s touchdown at the airport, a broad Kadhemi. The talks, held amid an amicable atmos- ceremonial reception was held for the Iraqi prime phere, revolved around bilateral ties and efforts to minister and his delegation. Then, he proceeded bring the two neighbors closer together, in addition with greeting and exchanging pleasantries with the to regional happenings and current developments Kuwaiti officials. The attending officials were around the world. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense The Kuwaiti side included Foreign Minister and Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of State Al-Nasser Al-Sabah, Minister of Oil and Minister of for Boosting Integrity (Nazaha) Abdullah Al-Roumi, Higher Education Dr Mohammad Al-Fares, in addi- Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet tion to Minister of Public Works and Minister of Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- State for Communications and Information Sabah, Minister of Interior and the Head of the Technology Dr Rana Al-Fares. Kuwait’s Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Al-Sabah; also the Head of the Mission of Honor escorting the distinguished Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi leads the Iraqi side during the talks. guest, Finance Minister and State Minister for Drawing up Economic Affairs and Investment Khalifa Hamada talks with the Kuwaiti leaders are of utmost neces- Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr a regional sity for “drawing up a regional road map,” in the On Saturday, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry Abdullah Al-Salman all attended the talks as well. shadow of current developments. Kadhemi was announced the prime minister’s visit to Kuwait and Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir Sheikh road map quoted by the Iraqi news agency as saying Kuwait revealed that Iraq’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Al- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met with the adopts a sagacious vision at the level of foreign Menhel Al-Safi, held a meeting with Chairman of the Iraqi Prime Minister, and discussed regional devel- policies; based on a rich experience and good and Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opments as well as means of promoting trade successful initiatives. “The agenda (of the visit) is Mohammad Jassem Al-Sagr, several days before, exchange amidst keenness to develop partnership, actually open chapters from heart to heart,” he said, discussing a host of issues namely Kadhemi’s mis- playing an active role in sustainable development, Accompanying Honorary Mission Sheikh Thamer affirming Iraq’s keenness on maintaining Kuwait as a sion in Kuwait. The statement quoted the ambassa- industrial and trade investments. His Highness the Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and President of the stable and safe country, economically, “for this is an dor as saying that Iraqi prime minister would meet, Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Prime Minister’s Diwan Abdulaziz Al-Dekheel. Also Iraqi interest.” Moreover a stable and secure Iraq at during the visit, with Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to dis- Sabah, and His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled present at the airport, greeting the Iraqi officials, the economic level “is also a Kuwaiti interest.” cuss means of facilitating their entry into the Iraqi attended the meeting. were senior officers of the Kuwaiti Police, Army, the Meanwhile, the Iraqi premiership said in a statement market and playing an effective role in Baghdad’s National Guard, the Fire Force, a number of ranking that the visit is part of the Baghdad government sustainable development schemes, commercial and Necessary talks officials and the two countries’ ambassadors in efforts to boost cooperation and relations with all industrial investments. It also indicated that the Kadhemi had arrived in the State of Kuwait yes- Kuwait and Baghdad. states namely the sisterly State of Kuwait. The envoy also discussed with Al-Jassem means of terday shortly after affirming that his mission in the statement quoted Kadhemi as affirming that his boosting trade between the two brotherly countries Gulf country is quite necessary at the regional level. Regional road map talks with the Kuwaiti leaders would address many in the shadow of “a real desire for boosting the Kadhemi, accompanied by officials, had come to In a statement upon his departure from Baghdad political and economic topics, including energy bilateral cooperation at diverse levels and in various Kuwait on a single day official visit. His Highness the earlier yesterday, prime minister Kadhemi said his affairs and investments. sectors.” — KUNA

Iraqi PM stresses keenness on attracting Kuwaiti investment KUWAIT: Iraq’s Prime Minister said yesterday that his country is keen on removing hindrances to allure Kuwait’s investment through enacting legisla- tions, and combating corruption and bureaucracy. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi meets KUWAIT: Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi speaks during a meeting with editors-in- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi made Kuwait Times Deputy Editor-in-Chief Abdullah Boftain. chief of Kuwaiti newspapers and representatives of the Kuwaiti media yesterday. that statement during a meeting with editors-in- chief of Kuwaiti newspapers and representatives of the Kuwaiti media yesterday, discussing an array of issues focusing mainly on attracting Kuwaiti investors to Iraq. Kuwait Times Deputy Editor-in- Chief Abdullah Boftain attended the meeting. Kadhemi told the Kuwaiti media representa- tives that Iraq is open to Kuwaiti investors. During meetings with a number of senior Kuwaiti officials, Kadhemi emphasized Iraq’s respect of international resolutions and their implementa- tions as well as abidance by relations based on common interest between the two countries. “Kuwait is a neighboring and friendly country to Iraq, and in the heart of Iraqi people due to its historical stances and support to Iraq and all Arab Representatives of the Kuwaiti media attend the meeting. countries,” he said.— KUNA

adding that Kuwaiti companies Lawmakers demand ‘rights’ invested in Iraq and their rights were confiscated by authorities. in Iraq during premier visit MP Mubarak Al-Hajraf said that all the time, the Kuwaiti By B Izzak such rights must be guaranteed government complains of the before signing any cooperation budget deficit but it opens up its KUWAIT: A number of lawmak- agreements with the visiting Iraqi wealth and investments to the ers yesterday urged the govern- premier. MP Hamad Al-Matar Iraqi side. MP Muhalhal Al- ment to raise the issue of Kuwaiti said talks with the Iraqi premier Mudhaf asked the foreign minis- investments, properties and must focus on securing “our ter if they will discuss with rights in Iraq during talks with investments in Iraq and proper- Iraqis how to ensure Kuwaitis Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al- ties of Kuwaiti companies” retake their properties in Iraq. Kadhemi who arrived in the country yesterday. MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari warned the Kuwaiti prime min- KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem meets Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al- ister that he will be held Kadhemi. —KUNA responsible for conceding what remains of Kuwaiti compensa- them on all levels, in addition to recent regional and tions estimated at $2 billion on Speaker Ghanem international developments, said Al-Dustour News Iraq, adding that the govern- Network in a statement. The meeting was attended ment denied in March reports by Head of Mission of Honor to the distinguished that it will forgive the compen- receives Iraqi PM guest, Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah sations resulting from Iraqi Al-Salem Al-Sabah, in addition to the Iraqi delega- invasion of 1990. KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq tion that included the ministers of Foreign, Finance, MP Mubarak Al-Ajmi said that Al-Ghanem received yesterday Iraqi Prime Minister Interior, Planning, Oil, Trade, Transport, and the government must work to KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Mustafa Al-Kadhemi on the occasion of his official Agriculture, as well as Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait protect Kuwaiti investments in Al-Hamad Al-Sabah receives his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa Al- visit to the country. During the meeting, both sides Al-Manhal Al-Safi, and a host of high ranking state Iraq and the rights of Kuwaiti Kadhemi upon his arrival to Kuwait yesterday. —KUNA reviewed brotherly relations and means to enhance officials. — KUNA companies there, adding that 4 Established 1961 Local Monday, August 23, 2021

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News in brief Dead body recovered from Gulf waters

KUWAIT: Fire and rescue men recovered a dead body across from the Blajat beach yester- day, 33 hours after search operations went on for the missing man. The victim’s wife had told authorities that her husband went missing when he was fishing on the beach, saying that she believes he may have fallen into the Gulf waters. KUWAIT: The misbah is quite popular in the Arabian Gulf region with people acquiring different types of them containing precious stones thus sold at high The body was taken to the coroner as an inves- prices. The misbah, or prayer beads, is famous among men in the region who prefer to purchase prayer beads made of amber, faturan, bakelite and ivory. They tigation was opened into the case. come in stones and are cut and furnished in special workshops. —KUNA

Residents jailed, deported for driving without license

KUWAIT: A court in Kuwait sentenced a resi- MPs vow to grill dent to six months and 15 days in jail followed by deportation for driving without a license, a local interior minister daily reported yesterday. The traffic court also sentenced another resident to three weeks in jail on similar charges, Al-Rai Arabic daily reported over citizen’s arrest quoting security sources. “This follows a current By B Izzak trend where serious traffic violators are sent to court regardless of appeals,” the sources said. KUWAIT: A number of lawmakers yesterday threatened to grill Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Al-Sabah if a Kuwaiti citizen was not released from Sexual assault suspect state security soon. MPs and activists said Saleh in police custody Al-Rasheedi, a serviceman working at the office of the interior ministry undersecretary was arrested KUWAIT: Police arrested a man who allegedly by the secret service a week ago without disclos- attempted to sexually assault a woman in Salmiya. ing the reason for his arrest. Police had headed to the scene in response to an MP Saad Al-Khanfour said on Twitter that he emergency call, in which a woman reported that a visited Rasheedi in the state security prison along man stalked her then attempted to break into her said the society assisted many families facing finan- with Rasheedi’s brother and he was in good health, apartment, before he ran away when the building’s Society pays cial struggles by paying their children’s outstanding adding that he will be freed shortly. Khanfour janitor rushed to her help, prompted by her may- student fees. This is part of the society’s struggling declined to say why he is being held. day calls. Police soon arrested a man matching the families’ aid project, which is one of its important MP Muhannad Al-Sayer called on lawmakers to descriptions, and he was identified in a police outstanding projects in Kuwait, he said. Meanwhile, the society’s grill the interior minister immediately when the new lineup by the woman and the building’s janitor. He Director General Khalid bin Sabt said this initiative Assembly term opens in October because of his was taken for questioning, during which he con- student fees is the result of coordination with the education min- violation of freedoms. MP Mohammad Al-Rasheedi fessed to committing four other similar crimes, Al- istry, adding that there are many families in dire warned that he will file to grill the interior minister Rai Arabic daily reported. KUWAIT: Chairman of the Board of Kuwait need whose children could not receive their school for arresting the citizen, adding that he should have Humanitarian Friendship Society Ahmad Al-Sarraf certificates unless they paid their accumulated fees. been questioned on the basis of the law.

country, we are confident this will be achieved.” Kuwait, UAE sign MoU Bouresli said: “This agreement marks the continued collaboration between Kuwait and the UAE, especially in preparation for in supporting inclusion in society and improving oppor- tunities given to People of Determination to become active participants in society. With the UAE’s experi- Winter Games Kazan ence and exceptional execution in hosting the 2018 Special Olympics Regional Games and the 2019 World ABU DHABI: Special Olympics UAE and Special Games, we are confident in the care, organization and Olympics Kuwait signed a Memorandum of knowledge that will be provided to all Athletes. We are Understanding (MoU), with the support of Special grateful for the support of all strategic parties involved, Olympics MENA, to support the training and knowl- in Kuwait and UAE, to make this collaboration success- edge building of Athletes heading to the World Winter ful for all.” Bouresli took the opportunity to congratu- Games Kazan 2022. The partnership will implement new late the leadership and people of the UAE on their joint programs and activities that help encourage par- upcoming Golden Jubilee, Year of the 50th, as well as ticipation in sports among People of Determination with the upcoming launch of Dubai Expo 2020. Intellectual Disabilities and knowledge sharing. Through Meanwhile, Rahma welcomed the MoU between the this partnership, the development of health, sports and Special Olympics UAE and Special Olympics Kuwait to leadership initiatives will help promote inclusion nation- promote and spread the culture of sports among People ally and regionally. of Determination. The MoU, he said, reflects the support The signing ceremony took place at the Dubai of the wise leadership of UAE and Kuwait for this Sports Council headquarters in Dubai. The agreement important segment of our community and provides was signed by Talal Al-Hashemi, National Director of them with an opportunity to practice their favorite Special Olympics UAE, and Rehab Bouresli, National sports, represent their country, and meet their peers in Director of Special Olympics Kuwait, with Nasser Aman various sports tournaments and forums. Rahma stressed Al-Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Dubai that this cooperation between the two leading sports Sports Council, and Theyab Al-Rashidi, Kuwait’s Consul institutions will have a significant positive impact on the General in Dubai in attendance. Special Olympics UAE level of increasing the number of sports practitioners in Athletes, Mohammed Al-Tajer, UAE equestrian champi- the category, as well as on raising the level of technical on, and Mariam Theyab, official spokeswoman for the and administrative staff in this important sector. Special Olympics MENA, and representatives from Special Olympics UAE and Kuwait will work togeth- Dubai Sports Council, UAE Winter Sports Federation, er to develop an annual calendar of various sports and Ski Dubai were also in attendance. events for Athletes, their families, and their caregivers. Hashemi, said: “We are delighted to further strength- The MoU will support the joint goal to reach the high- en our cooperation with Kuwait. The goal of this bilater- est number of sports covered under Special Olympics al agreement is to provide and exchange knowledge between the countries. Special Olympics UAE and and training opportunities between Special Olympics Kuwait will collaborate on designing and implementing UAE and Special Olympics Kuwait, which will support the training programs for managers, referees, and initiatives including inclusive leadership programs, administrators in all sports. youth councils and conferences. The agreement will support the Unified Games pro- “We are preparing our Athletes for the World Winter gram by providing technical support, training, licensing, Games Kazan 2022 and we will provide everything nec- and continuous development for volunteers and trainers, essary to ensure the training of the Kuwaiti team, during which will help establish and develop qualified teams to their training period in the UAE, is productive and suc- play these games. This includes the nomination of spe- cessful. Through the dedicated support provided by our cialists, as part of the Special Olympics’ health program, strategic partners such as the Dubai Sports Council, the to attend specialized training programs on providing UAE Winter Sports Federation, Ski Dubai, and the healthcare for People of Determination to best suit their coaches from People of Determination clubs across the health needs and address their concerns. International MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 US VP Harris begins Asia trip Hurricane Grace kills eight including children in Mexico Page 6 amid Afghan debacle Page 7

TUNIS: In this file handout picture provided by the Tunisian Presidency’s official Facebook Page shows President Kais Saied (center) gesturing as he walks protected by security while touring through Habib Bourguiba avenue in the center of the capital Tunis. —AFP Fears over freedoms rising in Tunisia Saied’s takeover sparks uncertainties amid arrests

TUNIS: Concern is mounting over freedoms in Tunisia as “The freedom to travel is a constitutional right which I expert who had vowed to revamp the political system “a flagrant violation” of his rights as guaranteed by the President Kais Saied presses ahead with a “purge” that promise to guarantee,” he said. “But some people will through his views of the law after his landslide election in constitution. has seen politicians, judges and businessmen arrested or have to answer to the judicial authorities before being 2019, has brushed aside such criticism. “We will continue Former human rights and civil society minister Kamel banned from travel, activists say. On July 25, Saied able to travel”. to uphold our principles within the framework of the law, Jendoubi agreed, saying Saied cannot go on “violating sacked the government and suspended parliament for and the laws allow us to take measures to protect the human rights with impunity”. “Removing Ennahdha and one month citing powers he says were granted by the ‘Constitution violated’ state,” he said on Friday. its allies from power does not entitle Saied to feel that he constitution, but he has yet to reveal a “roadmap” for his Saied insists that his actions are guaranteed by Article is free” to act, he said in an online statement Saturday. decisions despite repeated demands by political parties. 80 of the constitution, which stipulates that the head of ‘Authoritarian drift’ Saied’s shock move has sparked uncertainties for state can take “exceptional measures” in case of an A group of 45 judges have penned a joint statement 30-day deadline looms Tunisia, where the Arab Spring began a decade ago, set- “imminent danger” to national security. Constitutional denouncing Saied’s travel bans as “authoritarian drift”. I Watch, a Tunisian non-government group that bat- ting in motion pro-democracy revolts across the region law professor Salsabil Klibi believes the terms of the They also condemned what they called “the awful and tles corruption, said at least 14 members of parliament that unseated autocratic leaders. Tunisia, hailed as a rare controversial article “are more dangerous for rights and unprecedented” moves by the president’s travel ban that face legal proceedings or have been sentenced over a democratic success story in the Middle East and North freedoms than a state of emergency”. bars judges from going abroad. range of crimes. Among the MPs is Yassine Ayari, who Africa, is mired in a political crisis compounded by dire “It implies the suspension of rights and freedoms and Saied’s nemesis, the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha par- was found guilty by a military court in 2018 of criticizing economic woes and the COVID-19 pandemic. other guarantees linked to them,” she said. Sana Ben ty-the largest bloc in parliament-said one of their lead- the army, and Faycal Tebbini, sentenced in a libel case. Several politicians, businessmen and judges, as well as Achour, a professor specialising in public law, was ers, Anouar Maarouf, was among those held under house Media outlets have also been targeted since Saied’s members of parliament-who lost their immunity after among many Saied critics who had accused the presi- arrest. The opposition Democratic Current party also shock July measures, including Al Jazeera television. Saied suspended the legislature-have said they were dent of staging a “coup”. accused authorities of barring one of its deputies from The Qatari broadcaster was shut by police in the banned from travelling abroad or put under house arrest The president’s measures “violate the constitution”, travelling to France. Tunisian capital and the keys to the premises confiscat- without prior warning. she said. “He holds power and, as far as he is concerned, Like Ennahdha, the party said the move was arbitrary ed. No reason was given for the closure. With the dead- Their claims have sparked a chorus of condemnation, he is the only one capable of interpreting the constitu- and did not rest on any “judicial decision”. line on his month-long suspension of parliament looming, with critics denouncing “arbitrary” and “unjustified” tion,” she said. On Friday night, the former head of Tunisia’s anti-cor- Saied is due to address the nation in the coming days. measures. But Saied offered a stiff response to his critics By doing so, he is effectively holding all power in his ruption body, Chawki Tabib, said he had been ordered According to Ben Achour, he is expected to during a recent visit to the Tunis-Carthage International hands, Ben Achour told local media outlets. under house arrest. A former head of Tunisia’s bar asso- extend this suspension. “And this can go on for Airport. But Saied, a former university professor and legal ciation, Tabib said in a Facebook post that the move was years,” she said. —AFP

Shamsisadat told AFP. But salesman Salman com- Iran COVID deaths plained that although the market was closed for six days, authorities did not impose a ban on public set new daily record gatherings. “With the market closed, people trav- Two killed in Iraq elled” from one province to the other and interact- as curbs lifted ed, he said. by Turkish ‘Fifth wave’ TEHRAN: Iran’s health ministry yesterday reported The tighter regulations coincided with the com- more than 680 daily COVID deaths for the first memoration on Thursday of Ashura, that marks the bombardment time, as nationwide restrictions to contain the death in 680 of Imam Hussein. During Ashura wor- spread of the virus were lifted. The ministry said ARBIL: Two civilians were killed yesterday shippers throng mosques and take part in proces- in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region by a the deaths of 684 people in the past 24 hours sions to mourn their beloved religious figure killed brought the total number of fatalities to 102,038. Turkish army bombardment as forces bat- in battle in Iraq. The restrictions did not apply to TEHRAN, Iran: Mask-clad Iranians shop at the Tajrish tled the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Iran also registered 36,419 new infections rais- open-air mourning processions. Authorities have Bazaar market in the capital Tehran, yesterday. —AFP rebels, local officials said. ing the total since the pandemic started to repeatedly blamed rising COVID numbers on Turkey regularly targets northwest Iraq 4,677,114. Iranian health officials have acknowl- “unnecessary travel” and citizens flouting health spokesman Alireza Raisi meanwhile said yesterday edged that the ministry’s figures understate the real protocols. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima in operations against the PKK, which that Iran would accelerate its vaccination drive. toll but even they make Iran the worst-hit Middle Sadat Lari yesterday bemoaned the “extremely Ankara considers a terrorist organization. He said the Islamic republic is going to import Eastern country. Last week Iran tightened curbs to low” observation of health protocols even as curbs The Kurdish separatists have waged a 30 million doses of vaccine by late September and contain the spread of the virus. were in place. Iran has avoided imposing a full decades-long insurgency against Turkey, another 30 by November 21. Iran began offering The six-day restrictive measures that ended on lockdown on its 83-million-strong population, and maintain bases in the rugged mountains jabs in February but the vaccination drive has pro- Saturday included the closure of government build- instead resorting to piecemeal measures such as across the border in Iraq. gressed slower than authorities had planned. ings, banks and non-essential shops. A nationwide temporary travel bans and business closures. The latest violence comes six days Choked by US sanctions that have made it difficult ban on private car travel between provinces The country has seen since late June what offi- before a regional summit in Baghdad. The to transfer money abroad, Iran says it has struggled remains in force until August 27. At Tehran’s Tajrish cials have called a “fifth wave” of infections blamed Iraqi civilians were killed in Iraq’s Zakho to import vaccines. More than 16.7 million people Bazaar there were mixed feelings about the lifting mostly on the spread of the Delta variant. Daily district, an area bordering Turkey, said local have been given a first vaccine dose, but only 5.8 of curbs. “Today I went and got my (COVID) vac- deaths and infections have hit record highs several mayor Farhad Mahmoud. “They had gone to million have received the second, the health min- cine and came shopping, because I was so mentally times this month. National coronavirus task-force an area where it is advised not to go,” exhausted I could no longer stay home,” housewife istry said yesterday.—AFP Mahmoud said, adding that they were not from the area, but had been visiting from After the crown was placed on his head, the the city of Mosul. “They were caught in a Nigerian oil hub kingmakers bowed to pay homage to the new king Turkish bombing and died.” PKK fighters to applause from the ecstatic crowd of onlookers. said clashes were ongoing yesterday. The new king, now officially known as Ogiame Turkey has installed around a dozen mili- hails coronation Atuwatshe III of Warri kingdom, urged Itsekiri to tary bases over the past 25 years in Iraq’s support him, as guests were given displays of autonomous Kurdish region, and it launched of new king music, dancing, acrobatics and a boat regatta. “We a new cross-border offensive in April strongly believe the reign of King Emiko will usher against the PKK, consisting of both aerial ODE-ITSEKIRI, Nigeria: Thousands of people in in peace, progress and development in Warri king- and ground attacks. Residents of dozens of traditional red and white attire thronged the river- dom,” retired civil servant Felix Agbeyegbe, told villages in the area have fled the conflict. ine community of Ode-Itsekiri in southern Nigeria’s AFP, wearing a black hat with white and red cloth- On Tuesday, eight people died in a oil hub Warri on Saturday to witness the ascension ing. The 77-year-old, who has witnessed the Turkish airstrike in northern Iraq’s Sinjar of their new king. ascension of three Olu of Warri, described the new ODE ITSEKIRI, Nigeria: Prince Tsola Emiko smiles after region. Repeated Turkish raids have stoked The king or Olu of Warri is one of the most king as “a child of destiny who should be support- being Crowned as the 21st king or the Olu of Warri king- tensions with Baghdad, but President Recep important traditional rulers in Nigeria, reigning ed to succeed”. dom and the Ogiame Atuwatse 111 during his coronation Tayyip Erdogan has warned that his coun- at Ode Itsekiri Saturday.—AFP over a kingdom dating back to the 15th century Emiko rose to the throne after the death of the try will “deal with” the PKK presence if with a trading hub and seaport once used by former king, his uncle, but his ascension was not Iraq is unable to do so. On Wednesday, Portuguese and Dutch slave merchants. Nigeria’s without controversy. Some traditional leaders dis- behind him and to work for his people. Iraq’s national security council condemned Streets and corners in Warri and its environs kings and emirs hold no official political powers, agreed because his mother is not from Itsekiri. “unilateral military actions” and rejected were adorned with festive banners and buildings, but they wield enormous influence as custodians of Rumors of a cancellation of his coronation also “the use of Iraqi land for settling scores”, emerged after local media reports his traditional offices and markets were decorated with white and spiritual and cultural heritage in Africa’s most pop- but did not specifically mention of Turkey. crown, the symbol of authority, was missing. Two red, the symbol of the Itsekiri. ulous nation which has more than 300 ethnicities. Ankara is one of Baghdad’s key trading sons of the late king were reportedly invited for Security was heavy and police helicopters hov- The new King, Omo Oba Utienyinoritsetsola Emiko, partners, and Erdogan has been invited to 37, ascended the throne as the 21st Olu of Warri at questioning by the police over the matter. “The dis- ered over the town. Warri businessman Jolomi Otiri, next week’s regional summit in Baghdad. the ceremony in Ode-Itsekiri, his people’s ancestral pute has been resolved as the crown has been 32, hoped the king “with his pedigree, will attract But it is not known if Erdogan will attend, or home. The US-educated prince was crowned by found,” a palace source told AFP. “Prince Emiko more development to the town”. But he urged the traditional chiefs of the ancient town in the pres- will receive his crown.” In a message, Nigerian king “to unite all the sons and daughters of Warri if Turkish operations in Iraq will be dis- ence of ministers, governors, senators, religious President Muhammadu Buhari urged the new king irrespective of their religious and political affilia- cussed. —AFP leaders and diplomats. to put the controversy surrounding his emergence tions and beliefs.” —AFP 6 Established 1961 International Monday, August 23, 2021 Hurricane Grace kills eight including children in Mexico Storm causes widespread flooding, mudslides and damage to homes, businesses

XALAPA, Mexico: Hurricane Grace killed at least roof panels. Esteban Dominguez’s beachside eight people, including five children from the same restaurant was reduced to rubble. family, as it tore through eastern Mexico Saturday, “It was many years’ effort,” he said. “Over there causing flooding, mudslides and damage to homes was my house, but it’s destroyed. I’m left with no and businesses. The storm made landfall in Mexico roof or furniture,” he said. Many homes in the region for a second time near Tecolutla in Veracruz state were left without electricity. Grace dissipated as it as a major Category Three storm with winds of 125 churned inland, drenching Mexico City, but could miles (200 kilometers) per hour. develop into a new cyclone next week in the Pacific, It later fizzled out as it moved inland over the according to the US National Hurricane Center. central highlands, but not before causing wide- The Mexican authorities remained on alert due spread damage. In the to the threat of rivers Veracruz state capital, overflowing and land- Xalapa, streets were slides, mainly in Veracruz. turned into muddy brown Victims include President Andres Manuel rivers. Seven people died Lopez Obrador offered there and one more in the a mother his condolences to the city of Poza Rica, families of the victims. Veracruz Governor and five of Nearly 8,000 civil Cuitlahuac Garcia told a her children defense members, soldiers news conference. The and electricity board victims included a mother workers had been put on and five of her children, standby ready to tackle who were buried when a the aftermath of the storm, hillside collapsed on their small home. “I heard a he said on Friday night. Authorities in Veracruz bang on the roof and I went out to look,” said their state said they had prepared 200 storm shelters father Adan Moreno, who witnessed the tragedy. and urged residents to hunker down in safe places. They closed most highways in Veracruz, which is ‘It’s destroyed’ crossed by numerous rivers. XALAPA, Mexico: A public security paramedic carries a child after a landslide of a hill crushed a house due to “I heard the earth collapsing. The hill was swept the passage of Hurricane Grace, at Loma Bonita neighborhood in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico Saturday. —AFP away and they were all down there — my wife Fishermen affected and six children,” he told AFP, his voice breaking. In preparation for the storm, workers along He dug through the mud with the help of relatives the coast boarded up windows to protect stores, of fisheries cooperatives. was there holding it,” he said, expressing relief that but only one child was pulled out alive. His wife fishermen brought their boats ashore and resi- “About 35,000 fishermen will be affected his boat was not damaged too. The hurricane had and five other children, including a two-week-old dents secured their homes after stocking up on because we can’t go out,” he said. In Casitas, a already lashed Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula earlier baby girl, did not survive. canned food and water. “We will spend many small tourist town on the coast, fisherman in the week, forcing thousands of tourists to hun- The streets of Tecolutla, home to about 24,000 days without fishing-almost a week,” said Isabel Domingo Hernandez said the roof had been ripped ker down in shelters but blowing through with no people, were littered with fallen trees, signs and Pastrana Vazquez, head of Veracruz’s federation off his home. “The whole sheet was blown off. I loss of life. —AFP

News in brief sition from Ukraine, the United States and several Key ally Merkel European countries. “You can call it a pragmatic approach,” Swedish PM Lofven to step down Zelensky said this week in an interview with sever- visits Ukraine al media outlets, adding that Merkel was conduct- STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Sweden’s beleaguered ing a “very delicate balancing act”. “In my opinion, Social Democratic Prime Minister Stefan Lofven before leaving office this is too soft.” said yesterday he would step down in November to allow a successor time to prepare for the BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel was ‘Slap in the face’ country’s September 2022 general election. meeting yesterday with the president of Ukraine, an Despite disagreements over the pipeline, Lofven, who was reinstated as prime minister by ally she has supported in its conflict with pro- Germany is a key mediator in attempts to resolve parliament in early July just weeks after being Russia separatists but has disappointed with her the protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has ousted in a historic vote of no confidence, told a appetite for Russian gas. Her meeting with claimed more than 13,000 lives. Since the fighting political rally he would “leave my position as par- Volodymyr Zelensky comes just two days after broke out, Merkel has been one of the loudest voic- ty chairman at the party’s congress in November holding talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir es accusing the Kremlin of backing the separatists, KIEV: German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) chats with and thereafter also resign as prime minister.” Putin in Moscow ahead of her departure from office which Moscow denies. And she played a crucial role Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a wel- coming ceremony prior to their meeting at the Mariinsky Lofven, 64, has served as party leader for almost next month. in clinching the Minsk peace accords in 2015, which palace in Kiev yesterday. —AFP 10 years and as prime minister since 2014. —AFP The German and Ukrainian leaders were expect- helped halt the fiercest clashes. ed to give a joint press conference in the early But many in Ukraine think the deal, which afternoon. In power for 16 years, Merkel has been a assumes some autonomy for the breakaway parts of Kiev is also set to host several European leaders key ally of Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, was unfavorable today for a summit looking at ways to have Crimea annexed Crimea and pro-Russia separatists broke for Kiev and is difficult to fulfil. returned. Merkel, however, has chosen not to partic- Russian rocket launches away from the country’s east. “With Merkel’s departure, the foundation of the ipate in the summit. 34 UK satellites But the German leader has opposed sending Minsk agreements will become even more fragile,” Alyona Getmanchuk, director of the New Europe arms to Kiev, a position that has frustrated Kiev-based political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko Center, a Kiev-based foreign policy think tank, said MOSCOW: A Russian Soyuz rocket has blasted Ukrainian authorities. She has also been unwavering said. Merkel’s visit comes as Ukraine prepares to the decision was based “once again” on the “desire into space carrying 34 new satellites from British in pushing across the finish line a controversial celebrate the 30th anniversary of its declaration of to play a neutral referee” in a situation “when you operator Oneweb, which aims to provide broad- Russian gas pipeline to Europe despite fierce oppo- independence from the Soviet Union on August 24. need to clearly state your position”. —AFP band internet everywhere in the world. The rock- et operated by Europe’s Arianespace took off successfully at 2213 GMT Saturday from the parents, told AFP. Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Nigerian gunmen Hayab declined to say how much was paid as Roscosmos space agency said in a statement. It local authorities say they are opposed to ransoms was the fifth launch of OneWeb satellites this free 15 abducted and have threatened to jail those who make pay- year, with the last one on July 1. OneWeb is ments. So far 56 of the kidnapped Bethel students working to complete the construction of a con- have been released or escaped from their abduc- stellation of low earth orbit satellites providing Baptist students tors. “We still have 65 more of our students with the enhanced broadband and other services to coun- bandits and we are working to see they can be freed,” Hayab said. tries worldwide. —AFP KADUNA: Gunmen who kidnapped more than 100 students from a high school in northwestern Nigeria have released 15 more of the hostages after collect- Death in captivity ing ransom, a representative of families said yester- On Wednesday nine pupils of an Islamic semi- Jesse Jackson hospitalized day. Scores of assailants stormed Bethel Baptist nary were seized by motorcycle-riding attackers in with COVID High School on July 5 on the outskirts of Kaduna Katsina state, the second such incident in as many State capital city Kaduna, abducting 121 students months. Many hostages remain captive, including KADUNA: Gunmen who kidnapped more than 100 stu- more than 136 children abducted in June from an dents from a high school in northwestern Nigeria have WASHINGTON: Veteran American civil rights who were sleeping in their dorms. The Bethel abduction was part of a string of kid- Islamic seminary in Tegina in central Niger state, released 15 more of the hostages after collecting ran- activist Reverend Jesse Jackson was hospitalized som, a representative of families said yesterday. nappings by armed gangs known locally as bandits four of whom have died in captivity. after testing positive for COVID-19, despite hav- who have long terrorized northwest and central On Friday the gangs asked the seminary to send ing been vaccinated, representatives said Nigeria, looting, stealing cattle and kidnapping for clothing for the schoolchildren who have been in the and local farmers over land and water. But violence Saturday. Jackson, 79, and his wife, Jacqueline ransom. same clothes for months, according to one of the has spiraled into widespread tit-for-tat attacks, Jackson, 77, were in treatment at Northwestern Around 1,000 students have been kidnapped parents. “They phoned the head of the school and mass kidnapping and banditry. Kidnap gangs are Hospital in Chicago, the reverend’s Rainbow since December after gangs started to target told him to ask parents to send the children new driven by financial motives though there are signs of PUSH Coalition organization said in a statement schools and colleges. Most have been released after clothes as the one they have been wearing are in increasing ties between them and Islamist militants on Facebook. “Doctors are currently monitoring negotiations, but scores are still being held in forest shreds,” Maryam Mohammed, whose seven children fighting a 12-year insurgency in the country’s north- the condition of both. Anyone who has been camps. “Fifteen students were released last night are among the hostages, told AFP. east. That conflict has killed around 40,000 people around either of them for the last five or six days after ransom was paid,” Reverend Joseph Hayab, a The violence in northwestern and central Nigeria and displaced more than two million from their should follow” the guidelines of the government’s local church leader and representative of Bethel is rooted in clashes between nomadic cattle herders homes. —AFP Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the brief statement added. Baptist minister Jackson has been a leader in the American Civil Rights “Regarding the situation on the ground, we need a mobile tion of anonymity, said that Chad had told Mali of “this movement since the 1960s, when he marched Chad says pulling force, hence the withdrawal of some of our forces with readjustment” and that the process of withdrawing the with Martin Luther King and helped fundraise for heavy weapons,” he said. soldiers was “well-coordinated”. Chad’s commitment to fighting the jihadists remained Complicating the situation in the three-borders region the cause. —AFP 600 soldiers from intact, insisted Koulamallah. is the intercommunal violence there, with several rival The three-borders region along with central Mali, are armed groups active. The jihadist groups operating there the areas hardest hit by the jihadists, who have killed include a number aligned with Al-Qaeda or with Islamic G5 Sahel force thousands of people, soldiers and civilians. The latest State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). 102 migrants rescued in Channel jihadist attack, against a village in Niger’s part of the bor- They play on the local community tensions to recruit N’DJAMENA: Chad on Saturday said it will recall 600 der region, claimed at least 10 lives on Saturday. fighters to their forces as well as offering protection in LILLE, France: Over 100 migrants were rescued troops, half its contingent, from the multinational G5 Sahel France, also heavily involved in the Sahel, recently return for payment. Chad has its own problem with in the Channel on Saturday as they tried to reach force in the troubled three-borders region of Mali, Niger announced it was cutting its military presence in the jihadist violence in the Lake Chad region that borders Britain on makeshift boats, the French maritime and Burkina Faso, where an upsurge in jihadist violence region from around 5,000 to between 2,500 and 3,000 Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. prefecture said. A first boat carrying 38 migrants has cost thousands of lives. troops. Paris had long been calling for a greater At the beginning of the month, jihadist fighters in the was reported in difficulty off Boulogne, the “This is a strategic redeployment to better adapt to the Chadian contribution before their soldiers arrived in region killed at least 26 Chadian soldiers, wounding organization of the terrorists,” spokesman Abderaman authorities said. The migrants were rescued and February. another 14, eight seriously, in an attack attributed to the Koulamallah told AFP. Chad’s 1,200-strong contingent The French Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Boko Haram group. returned to France before being handed over to was deployed there to fight the jihadists, part of a force to decision “was taken in full consultation” with both the Jihadists from Boko Haram and a rival splinter group, border police, a statement said. A further 60 which all five of the Sahel region countries-which also G5 and the Sahel coalition, including France. “It is a the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have migrants were also rescued off Hardelot, includ- includes Mauritania-have contributed since 2017. question of having a force that is lighter, more reactive been using the region for years as a base from which to ing 58 through the intervention of a tug, and two “That still leaves around 600 soldiers on the ground,” and easier to support, while retaining the means of attack troops and civilians in all four countries. And as others by a patrol vessel. —AFP said Koulamallah. He said the redeployment had been combat best suited to the enemy,” he said. A Malian well as the jihadist insurgency, Chad’s military rulers face planned for some time and in cooperation with the G5. source at the Ministry of Defense, speaking on condi- a challenge from armed opposition groups. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, August 23, 2021 US VP Harris begins Asia trip amid Afghan debacle Harris might seek to allay regional concerns about US dependability

SINGAPORE: US Vice President Kamala Harris began a and naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, trip to Asia yesterday where she will offer reassurances Southeast Asia remains “strategically important and eco- of Washington’s commitment to the region after the nomically important to this country”, said a White House chaotic US pullout from Afghanistan and Taleban official, who asked not to be named. “That hasn’t changed takeover. The hardline Islamists’ swift return to power a with Afghanistan.” week ago, and desperate scenes of thousands trying to The 10-country region is a growing battleground flee, have cast another shadow over the United States’ for influence between the United States and China, and status as a global superpower. Washington has repeatedly criticized Beijing’s expan- sive claims to almost the entire South China Sea. Four Southeast Asian states-Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam-as well as Taiwan have over- Trip to cover lapping claims with Beijing in the flashpoint sea, home to key shipping lanes. Singapore “Following the previous administration and what’s and Vietnam happening in Afghanistan, it is a categorical imperative for the US to build up political trust in this region,” said SINGAPORE: US Vice President Kamala Harris (center) is greeted by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at Balakrishnan (left) and officials upon her arrival at Paya Lebar Base airport in Singapore yesterday. — AFP consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. During the Singapore leg of her trip, Harris will meet the president and prime minister and make a stop at the Changi Naval But on her visit, which includes stops in Singapore and The Vietnam leg has sparked criticism, with some Afghan debacle, however-and insist Harris is focused on Base, where she’ll address US sailors aboard the visiting Vietnam, Harris will seek to allay concerns about US accusing Harris of being tone-deaf for visiting the com- Washington’s broader strategic goals in Asia. It is the lat- USS Tulsa. She arrives in Hanoi late tomorrow, and will be dependability. munist country as US forces struggle to evacuate est visit by a top US official to the region, as President the first US vice president to visit Vietnam. “The vice president will make clear throughout the Americans, other foreigners and Afghan allies from Joe Biden’s administration looks to build alliances against She will hold Vietnamese government meetings, trip that we do have an enduring commitment to the Kabul airport. The crisis has prompted comparisons China and reset relations after the turbulent Donald attend the opening of a Southeast Asian regional branch region,” said a senior US official. Harris, an Asian- with the trauma of 1975 Saigon, when US helicopters Trump presidency. of the US Centers for Disease Control, and meet civil American whose mother was of Indian origin, landed in ferried final evacuees from the embassy roof, as Viet society representatives in the communist country. She Singapore yesterday and will start her activities today by Cong troops advanced. ‘Strategic, economic importance’ will also join a virtual meeting of Southeast Asian officials meeting the city-state’s leaders. US officials say the trip was planned long before the At a time when China is challenging US political sway which will focus on the coronavirus pandemic. — AFP Blair slams West’s US, allies race against ‘abandonment’ of Afghanistan time in chaotic Kabul LONDON: Former UK prime minister Tony Blair, who evacuation in 2001 took Britain into war in Afghanistan alongside the United States, on Saturday condemned their “aban- donment” of the country as “dangerous” and “unneces- KABUL: The United States and allies were on sary”. In his first public comments on the crisis since the Saturday racing against “time and space” in the Afghan government collapsed last weekend, Blair criti- increasingly chaotic and dangerous bid to evacu- cized the US motives for the withdrawal as “imbecilic” This handout photo released by the Arabic Twitter account of the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” shows a Taleban ate people from Taleban-held Afghanistan, with and “driven not by grand strategy but by politics”. delegation led by the head of the negotiating team Anas Haqqani (second left) meeting with former Afghan govern- the EU warning it may be “impossible” to get “The abandonment of Afghanistan and its people is ment officials including former high Council for National reconciliation head Abdullah Abdullah (center) at an everyone out in time. Six days after the Taleban tragic, dangerous, unnecessary, not in their interests and unspecified location in Afghanistan. — AFP swept to power, tens of thousands of people were not in ours,” Blair wrote in a wide-ranging article pub- still trying to leave the country in what has been lished on his institute’s website. dubbed one of the most difficult airlifts in history. Why are they so widely feared? As desperate people, including children, wait Haqqani network: The Haqqani network is blamed for some of the for hours and days in the heat and crush outside deadliest and most shocking attacks in Afghanistan dur- the US-controlled Hamid Karzai International ing the last two decades. They have been designated a Airport, the delay has turned deadly for some. Afghanistan’s most foreign terrorist group by the United States, and are Britain’s Sky News on Saturday aired footage of at also under United Nations sanctions. least three dead bodies covered in white tarpau- feared militants The Haqqanis have a reputation for frequently using lins outside the airport. It was not clear how they suicide bombers-including drivers in cars and trucks had died. packed with huge amounts of explosives-and have Sky reporter Stuart Ramsay, who was at the KABUL: Some of the Taleban’s top leaders are gather- demonstrated the ability to carry out complex, high- airport, called the deaths “inevitable” and said that ing in Kabul to discuss the formation of a new Afghan casualty assaults on major targets including military people at the front of one part of the crowd were In this file photo taken on June 6, 2021 former British government-including a representative from the installations and embassies. In October 2013, Afghan being “crushed”, while others were “dehydrated Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves the BBC in central Haqqani network, the country’s most feared militants. forces intercepted a Haqqani truck in eastern and terrified”. The footage was the latest image of London, after appearing on the BBC political program The Haqqanis have been blamed for some of the dead- Afghanistan that contained nearly 28 tonnes (61,500 utter despair, after video of a baby being lifted The Andrew Marr Show.— AFP liest attacks in recent years, claiming the lives of civil- pounds) of explosives, according to the US National over a wall at the airport and horror scenes of ians, government officials and foreign forces. Counterterrorism Center. people hanging onto departing planes. Despite their reputation, they are expected to be “We didn’t need to do it. We chose to do it. “We did The Haqqanis have been accused of assassinations- Families hoping for a miracle crowded between it in obedience to an imbecilic political slogan about powerful players in the new regime following the including an attempt against then-president Karzai in the barbed-wire that surrounds an unofficial no Taleban’s takeover of Afghanistan last week. ending ‘the forever wars’, as if our engagement in 2021 2008 — and kidnappings of officials and Western citi- man’s land separating the Taleban from US troops. was remotely comparable to our commitment 20 or zens, for ransom and forcing prisoner exchanges. Roads to the airport were choked with traffic. Who are the Haqqanis? even 10 years ago.” They have also long been suspected of links with the “Please, please, please help me... where should I The comments will be widely seen as a direct attack The shadowy group was formed by Jalaluddin Pakistani military establishment-US Admiral Mike go, what should I do,” one man, who said he Haqqani, who gained prominence in the 1980s as a on US President Joe Biden, who used the “forever wars” Mullen described them as a “veritable arm” of worked for the US embassy in the mid-2000s, phrase repeatedly during campaigning last year. Blair, a hero of the anti-Soviet jihad. At the time, he was a valu- Islamabad’s intelligence in 2011. Pakistan denies the alle- wrote on a WhatsApp group for people to share able CIA asset as the United States and its allies such controversial figure both in Britain and abroad over his gation. information on how to get out. strong support for US-led military action in both as Pakistan funneled arms and money to the The Haqqanis have also hugely contributed to the Pentagon spokesman John Kirby conveyed a mujahideen. During that conflict and following the Afghanistan and then Iraq, argued the withdrawal left Taleban’s fighting ranks, and are the group’s “most com- sense of urgency as the military aims to complete “every Jihadist group round the world cheering”. Soviet withdrawal, Jalaluddin Haqqani fostered close bat-ready forces”, UN monitors said in a June report. the evacuations by August 31. “We know that ties with foreign jihadists-including Osama bin Laden. “Russia, China and Iran will see and take advantage. The monitors also described the network as the “prima- we’re fighting against both time and space,” he Anyone given commitments by Western Leaders will He later allied with the Taleban who took over ry liaison” between the Taleban and Al-Qaeda. said. Others saw it as another losing battle. “They Afghanistan in 1996, serving as a minister for the understandably regard them as unstable currency,” he want to evacuate 60,000 people between now added. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who Islamist regime until it was toppled by US-led forces in What is their role in the new Taleban regime? and the end of this month. It’s mathematically 2001. Jalaluddin Haqqani’s death after a long illness was has faced sustained criticism for being on holiday when The Haqqanis have emerged as serious players in impossible,” European Union foreign policy chief Kabul fell, conceded late Saturday that Moscow and announced by the Taleban in 2018, and his son the Taleban’s political project with at least two of their Josep Borrell said. Sirajuddin formally became the network’s chief. Beijing would now play a bigger role in Afghanistan. leaders in Kabul as talks begin on forming the next Speaking to AFP, Borrell added that “we have “We’re going to have to bring in countries with a Thanks to their financial and military strength-and a government. Sirajuddin Haqqani’s formal elevation to complained” to the Americans that their airport reputation for ruthlessness-the Haqqani network is potentially moderating influence like Russia and China, the deputy leader position six years ago cemented security was overly strict and hampering however uncomfortable that is,” he told the Sunday considered semi-autonomous while remaining within that role, analysts say. And the release of his brother attempts by Afghans who worked for the the Taleban fold. Mainly based in eastern Afghanistan- Telegraph. “It will give us a group to exercise greater Anas from Afghan custody in 2019 was seen as a Europeans to enter. “Planes are leaving while influence and better convey our messages to the with alleged bases across the border in Pakistan’s move to help kickstart the direct US-Taleban talks people are still on the tarmac,” he said. Biden has northwest-the group became more visible in the Taleban.” One of Britain’s longest-serving leaders, in that eventually led to the troop withdrawal. Sirajuddin said the deadline could be extended for the air- power for a decade from 1997, Blair forged a close Taleban leadership in recent years, and Sirajuddin Haqqani even wrote an op-ed in The New York Times lifts. Borrell said that as far as he knew that deci- Haqqani was appointed deputy leader in 2015. His alliance with former US President George W Bush dur- last year, outlining the Taleban’s position on the US sion had not yet been made. The United States ing the latter’s so-called war on terror. His steadfast younger brother Anas, once imprisoned and sentenced talks and the conflict in Afghanistan-though in diplo- urged its citizens still in Afghanistan to avoid the to death by the previous Afghan government, has held support for the increasingly unpopular military inter- matic tones that belied the network’s violent reputa- airport unless told otherwise, citing “potential ventions in the Middle East were seen as a key factor in talks with former president Hamid Karzai and ex-chief tion. While Anas Haqqani has held talks with Karzai, security threats” near its gates. —AFP executive Abdullah Abdullah since the fall of Kabul last him standing down and handing power to his successor his uncle Khalil Haqqani was seen leading prayers in Gordon Brown in 2007.—AFP weekend. Kabul on Friday. —AFP

close to the airport-many sleeping in the open. occupation that followed the ousting of the Taleban in weekend. “Everybody had a reason to leave,” the jour- ‘Please let us on the Families hoping for a miracle escape were crowded the wake of the September 11 attacks. But those plans nalist on the convoy told AFP. “Some were journalists, between the barbed-wire boundaries of an unofficial were thrown into disarray by the Taleban’s devastating others women university students... then there were no man’s land separating Taleban fighters from US rout of Afghan forces, and their return to power last those who worked with foreigners.”—AFP bus’: Heartbreak on troops and the remnants of an Afghan special forces brigade helping them. Kabul airport convoy “As soon as they saw our convoy they got up and ran towards the buses,” he said. “They were showing us their passports or other documents... One man came KABUL: Afghans aboard a convoy of buses that was to my window with wife and child and waved his pass- given a Taleban escort to Kabul’s airport spoke port saying ‘I have a British visa, but can’t get in. Sunday of the heartbreak of driving past huge crowds Please let us on the bus’.” desperate to join them. Tens of thousands of people There have been reports of the Taleban stopping, are gathered around the airport north of the capital in harassing and even detaining Afghans trying to flee, the hope of getting a flight out of the country as an but the reporter said his convoy passed largely with- evacuation run by the US military continues in chaos. out incident. “They didn’t care about us,” he said. ‘One People have been crushed to death in the melee, day, you’ll thank me’ while images of a family handing a child over a wall to The United States-and other nations-had plans to a soldier-and of young men clinging to the side of a offer sanctuary this year to tens of thousands of military plane as it rolled down the runway for takeoff- Afghans following Washington’s decision to withdraw KABUL: This handout picture released and taken by the Italian Defense press office yesterday shows soldiers on the have shocked the world. A journalist aboard the con- all its troops from the country. Those offered the voy that left a downtown hotel early yesterday told tarmac past passengers, who fled Afghanistan, waiting to board on an Italian military aircraft at Kabul airport, to fly chance of a new life abroad mostly included Afghans to Rome Fiumicino. — AFP AFP a huge crowd was camped at an intersection who had worked for foreign forces during the 20-year Established 1961

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 Oil prices at pump soar in Lebanon after subsidy cut Price of cooking gas canister shot up by 50% BEIRUT: Lebanese fuel prices soared by up to 70 increases come at a time when more than three- percent yesterday after yet another subsidy cut, quarters of the population now lives in poverty. official figures showed, heaping more pressure on Most people in Lebanon earn wages in the local people struggling to make ends meet in the cash- currency, the pound, which has lost more than 90 strapped country. percent of its value against the US dollar on the The cost of hydrocarbon fuels in Lebanon has black market since 2019. now roughly tripled in the two months since the The central bank on Saturday agreed to support central bank started decreasing its support for fuel imports at an exchange rate of 8,000 pounds imports. The latest cut, which is expected to cause to the dollar, up from a rate of 3,900 to the green- price hikes for other key commodities, comes as the back set during a first de facto subsidy decrease in Mediterranean country is mired in one of the world’s worst economic crises since the 1850s. Dire shortages have seen Lebanon’s people struggle to find enough fuel to drive to work or Worst power back-up generators during near round-the- clock electricity cuts. Motorists have become economic caught up in long lines outside the petrol stations that have remained open. The refusal of many petrol crises stations to sell what they do have saw the army deploy this month to seize hoarded fuel and distrib- ute it to the needy. Frustrations have boiled over in recent weeks, with scuffles repeatedly breaking out over scarce BEIRUT: Lebanese wait in a queue outside a closed petrol station in Beirut’s Hamra district. Lebanon’s fuel, leaving at least three people dead. Last week- June. Before that the Bank of Lebanon had provided energy crisis is dragging people to unlikely places in their desperate quest for daily life’s essentials, be end the explosion of a fuel tank in the north of the importers with the foreign currency at the official country killed at least 30 people. The cost of 98- rate of around 1,500 to the dollar. it fresh air, lighting, a working fridge or petrol for their cars. —AFP and 95-octane petrol rose yesterday by 67 and 66 The central bank said earlier this month it could percent, respectively, from August 11, according no longer afford to provide importers with dollars Widespread panic ensued, with distributors scaling nesses and even hospitals. On Saturday evening, the prices posted by the National News Agency. The at any preferential rate, but leaders on Saturday back deliveries until new prices were announced presidency announced approval of a “request for cost of mazout, a widely used petrol derivative, reached a compromise with the 8,000 rate. and desperate motorists forming long queues out- the Bank of Lebanon to open a temporary account soared by 73 percent over the same period. Meanwhile, Lebanese leaders agreed to a short- side petrol stations. to cover urgent and exceptional subsidies for fuel”. The price of a cooking gas canister shot up by term compromise to maintain fuel subsidies At a time when state electricity supply is almost A kitty of up to $225 million would be set aside to more than 50 percent. All three types of fuel cost Saturday, the presidency and prime minister’s office non-existent, fuel oil has also been in short supply subsidise imports of petrol, fuel oil and cooking gas roughly three times what they did on June 23. The said, in a move set to trigger more price hikes. to run back-up generators to power homes, busi- until the end of September, it said. — AFP Malaysia’s PM to fix virus Taleban inherit hit economy untapped $1tn KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s new prime minister called on his colleagues yesterday to end a months- trove of minerals long political crisis and come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, in his first speech as the PARIS: The Taleban now hold the keys to an country’s fourth premier in as many years. untouched trillion-dollar trove of minerals Just days after the previous government col- including some that could power the world’s lapsed in a storm of political infighting, Ismail Sabri transition to renewable energies, but Yaakob urged lawmakers to unite to help the coun- Afghanistan has long struggled to tap its vast KUALA LUMPUR: This handout photo from the Malaysia National Palace taken and released yesterday shows try recover from the pandemic. deposits. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob (L) and his wife Datin Sri Muhaini binti Zainal Abidin (R) posing for “The political crisis that has hit the country is The Taleban are already in a financial bind causing unrest among the people,” the 61-year-old pictures with Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (2nd L) and Queen Tunku Azizah Aminah since they returned to power 20 years after said in a televised address yesterday evening. Maimunah Iskandariah (2nd R) after a swearing-in ceremony for the incoming prime minister at the National Palace their ouster, as major aid donors halted their “Let us move forward. Let us stem this grab for in Kuala Lumpur. —AFP support for Afghanistan. Endless wars and political power.” Malaysia has been enveloped in a poor infrastructure have prevented the coun- political crisis for months amid growing public Ismail said yesterday his government aimed to resigned after a turbulent 17 months in office on try from getting its hands on the metals that anger over the government’s handling of the pan- help the economy by focusing on raising people’s Monday following the collapse of his razor-thin could brighten its economic fortunes. demic. Thousands have lost their jobs as businesses purchasing power and aid the country’s embattled majority in parliament. The resources include bauxite, copper, iron nationwide have been forced to close due to a private sector. “Our focus will be on Malaysians who A deputy premier in the previous cabinet and a ore, lithium and rare earths, according to a series of lockdowns put in place to halt the spread have lost their jobs and their livelihood,” he said. senior official in the ruling United Malays National January report by the US Geological Survey of COVID-19. “I will also make sure that no Malaysian, regard- Organisation party, Ismail was then picked by a (USGS). Copper, which is needed to make Those measures are widely seen as having failed less of race, religion or ethnicity, will be left behind.” majority of MPs to be their leader. power cables, became a hot commodity this to mitigate the pandemic, and Malaysia’s healthcare The premier also invited leaders of the political But his government has come under criticism for year as prices soared to more than $10,000 infrastructure is now overwhelmed as it records an opposition to join special councils formed to com- containing many familiar faces — including per tonne. Lithium is a crucial element to average of 20,000 new infections and hundreds of bat the virus and help the economic recovery. Muhyiddin and his allies — and just as vulnerable to make electric car batteries, solar panels and deaths every day. Ismail succeeded Muhyiddin Yassin, who collapse as its predecessor. — AFP wind farms. World demand for lithium is expected to grow by over 40 times by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. stockpile of what it claims were old bills, drawing And Afghanistan “sits on a huge reserve of Yemen currency clash the ire of the rebels who accused it of minting new, lithium that has not been tapped to this day,” “counterfeit” money. said Guillaume Pitron, author of the book deepens crisis in Rebel authorities also banned their use and “The Rare Metals War”. Afghanistan is also issued civilians with guides to identify the so-called home to rare earths that are used in the clean “fakes”-something experts said would be hard for energy sector: Neodymium, praseodymium war-torn country an average citizen to do. “Obviously, this new injec- and dysprosium. The country’s untapped min- tion of money will affect the economy negatively, eral riches have been estimated at $1 trillion DUBAI: Alongside a grinding seven-year military increase inflation and affect the citizen’s purchasing conflict, Yemen’s government and the Huthi rebels by the USGS, though Afghan officials have put power,” Alaa al-Haj, an Aden resident, told AFP. it three times as high. are locked in battle on another front-a currency war Yemenis were already battling soaring living costs that has opened up a gulf in riyal values. Both the Afghanistan has done better digging for in a country where more than 80 percent of people precious stones such as emeralds and rubies government and the Iran-backed Huthis used the are dependent on international aid. same notes until late 2019 when the rebels banned as well as semi-precious tourmaline and lapis new banknotes printed in government-run Aden, lazuli, but the business is plagued with illegal Huthis allege ruse smuggling to Pakistan. The country also mines due to concerns about inflation. The Huthis have accused Goznak, a Russian for talc, marble, coal and iron. The resulting difference in money supply has SANAA: An employee serves a customer at a currency state-owned company, of colluding with the central While the Taleban’s takeover may deter since seen the riyal’s value plummet to around exchange office in Yemen’s capital Sanaa. —AFP bank of Aden to print “large amounts of counterfeit foreign investors, one country that appears 1,000 to the dollar in government areas, while the currency” this year-”in particular 1,000 riyal notes” willing to do business with them is China. value in Huthi-controlled zones has held relatively the mostly Huthi-controlled north, and the south to pass new bills off as old. The world’s second-biggest economy has stable at 600. Citizens and businesses in both gov- under the internationally-recognised government Wahid al-Fawdai, an adviser to the central bank, said it was ready to have “friendly and coop- ernment and rebel-controlled zones have been left which relocated the central bank to Aden after the said the bills the government recently put into cir- erative” relations with Afghanistan after the out of pocket by the divergence, but especially insurgents seized Sanaa in 2014. culation had been in the central bank reserves for Taleban entered Kabul. those in the former, given rampant inflation there. The war has pushed the nation, long the poorest several years. Goznak and the central bank did not The state-owned China Metallurgical This internal exchange rate has also complicated on the Arabian Peninsula, to the brink of famine and comment when contacted by AFP. Social media and Group Corporation won rights in 2007 to trade and led to manipulation by profiteers, to the economic collapse, with most schools, factories, newspapers are rife with stories of profiteers lease the giant Mes Aynak copper ore deposit detriment of most in a country on the verge of hospitals and businesses either destroyed or closed. exploiting the unstable economic situation. Some for 30 years and extract 11.5 million tonnes of famine. “Right now, we have... an exchange rate of As the riyal plummeted to new lows in recent weeks people have used the rate discrepencies as an the commodity. The project to tap the world’s the same currency inside the country,” said Amal in government areas, the central bank there pledged opportunity to cash in, including by using the newly second-largest unexploited copper deposit Nasser, an economist with the Sanaa Center for to withdraw the series of banknotes which had issued “old” notes in Aden to buy up those printed has yet to start operations “due to safety Strategic Studies. “This is bizarre from an economic accumulated in its territory after the Huthi ban in after 2017 at a discount of around 20 percent. issues”, according to Chinese state-run tabloid perspective”. According to Nasser, other experts late 2019. Experts spoken to by AFP believe that the new Global Times. But Global Times cited a source and ordinary Yemenis, the gap between the two The central bank in Aden was caught out “old” notes have a strong chance of permeating at the group as saying that it would “consider currency values meant higher transfer costs because it had expected the new notes to eventually largely undetected into Huthi areas, since they are reopening it after the situation is stabilised, between the two zones. spread evenly through both zones, but the concen- hard to distinguish from the earlier old notes. and international recognition — including the tration of supply in the government zone stoked Ultimately, this should help the central bank in clos- Chinese government’s recognition of the Inflationary stimulus inflation there and spurred the exchange rate diver- ing the gap in the exchange rate between the two Taleban regime — takes place.”— AFP Yemen’s conflict has split the country between gence. The government this month introduced a zones, they said. — AFP Established 1961 9 Business Monday, August 23, 2021

NBK Weekly Markets Report Taper talk sends greenback to a 9-month high, consumer spending loses momentum US labor market shows improvement with unemployment claims falling to 17-month low

KUWAIT: In their latest meeting, US Federal Reserve Jobless claims hit pandemic-era low United Kingdom Commodities officials indicated plans to pull back the $120 billion Moving to the labor market, the number of Consumer spending loses momentum Demand for oil slides as production rises in monthly asset purchases before the end of this Americans filing new claims for unemployment British retail sales unexpectedly declined Oil prices have declined around 12% since July due year. Stressing that tapering is not a precursor to an benefits dropped to a 17-month low. The figure 2.5% m/m in July, marking the biggest drop to growing concerns regarding the Delta strain and a imminent rate hike, minutes from the meeting even represents the fourth straight weekly decline, since January’s lockdown and far worse than rallying US dollar. Just as more supply hits the market, noted that some members preferred to wait until ear- dropping 29,000 to 348,000 for the week end- the 0.4% rise expected. rising cases sapped demand across Asia and especially ly 2022 to start tapering. Both the delta variant and ing August 14th. Although claims are now far Analysts suggest that the size of the fall in China. More supply has also hit the market after inflation fears will present difficult challenges moving below the record 6.149 million seen in April of likely reflects the impact of the Delta variant OPEC and its allies agreed on a new output deal to ahead. Meeting minutes also added that members felt 2020, they remain above the 200-250K range amid rising cases and bad weather which increase production by 400,000 barrels per day. The the economy had reached its goal on inflation and that is considered a healthy level for labor mar- forced many workers into quarantine. Still, group announced this will continue until it has reversed was “close to being satisfied” with the progress of ket conditions. Data is pointing to an overall overall sales are now 5.8% higher than all of the production lost due to the pandemic. Still, job growth. To consider raising rates, the Fed believes recovery in the labor market with the unemploy- February of 2020. Moving ahead, retailers prices are up almost 30% this year. employment has not met the “substantial progress” ment rate falling back to 5.4% from the 6.3% have warned that a combination of the pan- benchmark the central bank has set. seen at the beginning of 2021. demic and Britain’s exit has weighed on staff Greenback weighs on gold prices However, a large gap remains in the job market. and goods availability. Moving to gold, prices also eased alongside a Retail sales decline in July In July, there were around 8.7 million workers Alongside weak inflation readings, the data stronger dollar and taper talk by the US Fed. However, With consumers making up nearly 70% of activ- looking for a job out of the nearly 10 million open- helps ease pressure on the Bank of England to losses were limited as the safe-haven remains support- ity in the US, retail sales fell 1.1% in July following ings. Many reasons may continue to contribute to discuss any pull back on its stimulus program. ed by concerns of rising COVID-19 cases which may an upwardly revised 0.7% increase in June. Sales the inability to get back to full employment. Not The central bank has warned of consumer slow global growth. As the greenback reached a 9- from motor vehicles and parts dealers led the only are there ongoing fears regarding the pan- prices possibly doubling its 2% target by the month high, gold prices are down nearly 6% year-to- decline, leaving the core figure of retail sales just demic, employees are now pushing for higher end of this year, however a slower pace of retail date. The commodity was last seen trading near $1,781 0.4% lower. Despite the monthly decline, the $617.7 wages. Meanwhile, enhanced government benefits sales eases such concerns. The UK economy after reaching a high of $2,070 in September of 2020. billion in sales represents a 15.8% gain on a yearly fail to incentivize people to take jobs. In response, has now recovered most of its 10% plummet in basis. Spending growth is expected to shift from average hourly earnings rose 4% in July on a year- 2020 as the country suffered high death tolls Kuwaiti Dinar goods to services over the next couple of years. ly basis. and extended lockdowns. USD/KWD closed last week at 0.30110.

online ads targeting would-be sellers and Montreal Protocol, which barred making Leak and destroy: On the they even do business under a different CFCs so as to repair a thin layer of ozone in Webinar on name, Refrigerant Finders, to sidestep what the atmosphere that shields life on Earth from remains a politically charged subject in the cancer-causing ultraviolet rays, as the “only non-resident hunt for climate killing gas United States. UN treaty ever that has been ratified by every WASHINGTON: After finding a rusty gas Karas connected online with a company Chad Dorger, who picked up Karas’s country on Earth.” canister near his midwest US home, Rick called Tradewater, which subsequently led to tank, noted that 80 percent of customers It’s hard to debate the logic. Besides their taxation Karas checked online if it was worth anything. one of its staffers picking up the can at his don’t care what happens to the gas, but for corrosive effect on the ozone layer, CFCs are KUWAIT: Pakistani Banking & Incredibly, it turned out to be a coveted com- home in tiny Peotone, Illinois, about an hour’s the rest it can get tricky. also a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat modity in the battle against climate change. drive from Chicago. “They will flat out refuse (to sell) and up to 10,000 times more efficiently than car- Finance Professionals in Kuwait His roughly basketball-sized container was Minutes later he had a $100 bill and the they’ll say, ‘No, I want this to be used. Or I bon dioxide. (PBFPK) organized a webinar filled with CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), a gas — once standard in car air conditioners don’t believe in that climate change hoax,” Global CFC concentrations fell steadily on “Non Resident Taxation and potent greenhouse gas that is perfectly legal or refrigerators and packed into cans that he said. until about 2012 after the Protocol took Filing of Tax Returns”. His to possess but which has been globally leak over time — was on its way to the Still, the taming of CFCs has been one effect, but startled scientists discovered Excellency Syed Sajjad Haidar banned from manufacture for decades. incinerator. of the success stories in humanity’s patchy in 2018 that the pace of that slowdown Pakistan ambassador to Kuwait efforts to tackle the manmade emissions had dropped by half during the preceding Absent a government mandate to “I feel good. A little cash in the pocket and was the chief guest of the that are driving stronger storms, drier five years. destroy the ample existing stocks, a handful it helps the environment,” Karas, who raises webinar. A large number of of companies have stepped in to hunt down bees, told AFP, though he was completely droughts and the massive, deadly wildfires Evidence pointed to factories in eastern that have come roaring after them this China. Once CFC production in that region Pakistani community members the gases in a process funded by selling unaware of the climate connection. That’s the participated from within carbon credits they earn from destroying way the Chicago-based firm prefers it. summer. stopped, the ozone layer’s healing process Kuwait and around the globe. the chemicals. They make no mention of their mission in The United Nations trumpets the 1987 appeared to be back on track. —AFP

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5600.00000000 and most importantly 5245. If the index managed to )5 *5 +5 5550.00000000 ŽǀĞƌĐŽŵĞ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ  ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚ ǀŽůƵŵĞ  ǁĞ ŵŝŐŚƚ  5500.00000000 2021Jan FebFeb Mar Apr MayMay Jun Jul Aug ƌĞĂĐŚϱϱϭϬĂŶĚϱϱϴϬ͘ 10 Established 1961 Business Monday, August 23, 2021 California ‘gig worker’ ballot ruled unconstitutional ‘Court had recognized referendum as an assault on labor rights’

SAN FRANCISCO: A California voter-approved have a real opportunity to fight for a living wage referendum that lets many “gig workers” be treat- and a fair workplace,” Mighetto added. “What a ed as independent contractors was ruled unconsti- triumph for the future of app-based work.” tutional on Friday, setting up more legal fights over Benefits and collective bargaining the controversial measure. The November vote came after a contentious The labor legislation known as Proposition 22 campaign with labor groups claiming the initiative — heavily backed by Uber, Lyft and other app- would erode worker rights and benefits, and with based, on-demand services-effectively overturned backers arguing for a new, flexible economic mod- a California law requiring them to reclassify their el. The victory for the “gig economy” in California drivers and provide employee benefits. Yet an was expected to echo across the United States, in Alameda County a boon for app-based Superior Court judge services while igniting ruled the law violated fears that big business is California’s state rewriting labor laws. Constitution because it Under the proposition, “limits the power of a... drivers remained inde- legislature to define app- Protections pendent contractors but based drivers as workers Uber and Lyft were to subject to workers’ com- and benefits pay them a number of pensation law.” benefits including a mini- Uber attacked the mum wage, a contribution decision and pledged to to health care and other challenge it, while some forms of insurance. workers impacted by the Critics of the measure rule welcomed the judgement as an opportunity to said it failed to take into account the full costs fight for better treatment. borne by drivers. Uber and Lyft claimed most driv- “This ruling ignores the will of the overwhelm- ers support the contractor model. But many drivers LOS ANGELES, California: File photo shows rideshare drivers demonstrate against rideshare companies Uber ing majority of California voters and defies both were still bitter and angry after the vote, and said and Lyft during a car caravan protest in Los Angeles. —AFP logic and the law,” the ride-hailing service said in a they have all the inconveniences of being inde- statement. “Meanwhile, Prop. 22 remains in effect, pendent, and none of the advantages. including all of the protections and benefits it pro- Drivers for companies such as Uber and Lyft many fares as possible-including less profitable Prop. 22 does guarantee some support such as vides independent workers across the state,” it use their own cars and chose their own work routes. pay topping the minimum wage and supplemented added. schedules in what the companies describe as cher- Some drivers see the situation as basically hav- health care coverage-but it designates drivers as Erica Mighetto, a driver in San Francisco, said ished independence. But how work days turn out is ing a software version of a manager, making them self-employed, meaning they do not have the right the court had recognized the referendum as an orchestrated by a sophisticated computer algo- tantamount to employees-without the security to some regular employee benefits such as collec- assault on labor rights. “I believe that now drivers rithm that artfully nudges drivers to accept as such an arrangement would give them. tive bargaining. —AFP

aerospace-grade titanium fused with sap- Huawei launches Huawei Watch 3 phire glass lens that guarantees durability. The Pro variant is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also capable of withstanding series, Huawei nova 8 in Kuwait harsh weather conditions and the test of ABK congratulates time, offering an incredible level of protec- KUWAIT: Huawei Consumer Business versatile quad-camera, an advanced tion at any given moment. ‘Experience the Group (BG) yesterday announced the processor for users to enjoy the most of The back body of the Huawei Watch 3 is launch of Huawei Watch 3 Series including content viewing, capturing and sharing. The made of a hi-tech ceramic material that elegant looking Huawei Watch 3 and long battery life and fast charging support uses nano zirconia powder, achieved only Change’ winners Huawei Watch 3 Pro and sleek beautiful even gives users peace of mind throughout after 42 rounds of processes including pre- camera phone - the Huawei nova 8 the lat- the day. cision high temperature polishing that KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) est nova family member that empowers reaches over 1,4000 C, and fusing with sap- pressure, the smartwatch series’ compre- announced 4 winners of the sixth salary transfer people to explore and share. The Huawei Huawei Watch 3/3 Pro phire glass lens. hensive feature set allows users to stay up campaign “Experience the Change”, for Al Raed, Watch 3 Series bring consumers conven- eSIM + Long Battery Life: Independent The Huawei Watch 3/3 Pro debuts with to date on their health condition. Prestige and Elite Salary account holders. The ient and smart life experiences that are intelligence, as powerful as a smartphone a more expansive selection of watch faces draw took place on 17th August 2021, under the underpinned by enhanced interaction, inde- The Huawei Watch 3/3 Pro support and watch straps that provide options for Huawei nova 8 supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and pendent connectivity and all-scenario stand alone connectivity. By activating the users to personalise their smartwatch. With An exceptional photography wizardry Industry. interconnectivity. On top of elegant design eSIM service on their smartphones, users a wide range of innovative and interesting that captures your moment ID, high-end finishing, eSim connectivity, can share the phone number as well as themes including technology, gaming, DIY Inside the Nebular Camera System is a ultra-long battery life, health and fitness voice and data plans between their smart- powerful quad-camera consisting of a The winners were: and short videos, the watch faces can be monitoring features, the Huawei Watch 3/3 phone and smartwatch. Besides that, users 64MP HD Main Camera, 8MP Ultra-Wide Eissa Mohammad Najaf Shah mixed and matched with fluoroelastomer, Pro brings new features such as a high- can also answer incoming MeeTime1 calls nylon, leather, stainless steel and titanium angle Camera, 2MP Macro Camera and Badreyeh Awadh Mnahi Alenazi precision temperature sensor for the first on either device simply by tapping the noti- 2MP Bokeh Camera, which lets users cap- Rejinlal Choolakkal Divakaran straps to create the perfect accessory to go time to support skin temperature detection, fication on the device of their choice. with any outfit. ture when exploring. Farhan Jouhr Hamad hand washing detection and fall detection. Huawei Watch 3 Series feature ultra- Lightning-fast charging that lets you The 7th draw will be held on 21st September The new smart watches will be stylish long battery life, supporting up-to five-day All-day health monitoring have more fun and achieve more 2021. Every month 4 winners can win back their smart companion that help users continu- battery life in smart mode and provides up- The Huawei Watch 3/3 Pro is a profes- Huawei nova 8 runs fast and smooth no salary (2 Kuwaitis & 2 Expatriates). To be eligible ously monitor their workout progress and to 21 days in ultra-long battery life mode. sional fitness monitoring assistant, offering matter for browsing social feeds or playing to enter the draw, customers need to have one health conditions with science-based solu- Huawei Watch 3 is always connected and over 100 workout modes, skin temperature games. It doesn’t easily get heated either, salary credited into their account in the month tions no matter where their lives take them. offers support. detection2 with the new high-precision thanks to the 3D graphene cooling technol- prior to the draw date. The Huawei Watch 3/3 Pro will be avail- temperature sensor, fall detection and SOS ogy. Even when binge-watching, Huawei Furthermore, upon opening a salary account able in Kuwait together with the Huawei Redefining smartwatch aesthetics alert. Coupled with health monitoring fea- nova 8 has it covered with its superb heat with ABK, customers can choose one of the fol- nova 8 that packs a gorgeous display, a The Huawei Watch 3 Pro is made of an tures such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep and dissipation capacity. lowing rewards: l Up to KD 1,000 cash gift for Kuwaitis 2- Salary account campaign - the prize of up to that the account offers weekly prize of KD l Up to KD 10,000 interest free loan for CBK announces 1,000/- Kuwaiti Dinars - went to the winner 5,000/-, monthly prize of KD 20,000/- and a Kuwaitis Mohammad Barjas Al-Qaamar. semi-annual prize of KD 500,000 in addition to l Up to KD 5,000 interest free loan for expa- The bank stated that the salary campaign is the largest prize - linked bank account payout of triates Al Najma, Salary aimed at customers who transfer their salaries of KD 1,500,000. The offer is open to new salary clients only, KD 500 or more to the Bank, especially Kuwaiti Al-Najma Account can be opened by deposit- with one salary credited into their account a account winners employees and residents working in the govern- ing KD 200, and customer should maintain a mini- month prior to the draw date. ment, oil sectors and companies listed with the mum amount of KD 500 to be eligible to enter all KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait conducted bank as well as retirees, and take advantage of the draws on Al-Najma Account prizes. As for the the weekly draws on Al Najma Account and Salary benefits of this campaign and get an instant cash chances of winning, the more balance a customer Transfer Campaign yesterday. The draws were gift from KD 250 to KD 500 Kuwaiti Dinars or an maintains in Al Najma Account, the more chances conducted in the presence of Ministry of interest-free loan for a period of up to 5 years and the account holder will get to win, the account also Burgan Bank announces Commerce and Industry representative Ahmed up to 25,000 Kuwaiti Dinars, Kuwaiti pensioner, offers additional benefits like the ATM card, a Al-Basman. along with expatriate customers who transfer their credit card against customer’s account and all debt to the bank will receive an instant cash gift of CBK banking services that customer can enjoy. lucky winners of The results of the draws were as follows: 1% from their transferred debt. The bank revealed that Al Najma account is 1- Al Najma weekly account - the prize of The bank stated that Al Najma Account prizes available to everyone, and anyone can open Al Yawmi account draw 5,000/- Kuwaiti Dinars went to the winner are distinguished by the highest cash prize and Najma account through CBK mobile application in Mohammed Redha Hussain Taqi Shashtari. diversity of prizes throughout the year clarifying simple steps from anywhere and at any time. KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi KFH keenness on offering the best value and at 0% profit or maximum account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of KD KFH launches new finance experience to customers. He indicated that KD 15,000 if the salary 5,000. the campaign is addressed to new Kuwaiti cus- ranges KD 700 - 1499. tomers whose salaries, are KD 700 and above, are Customers with higher The lucky winners are: campaign to salary transferred to any of KFH accounts. Each category salaries, KD 1500 and 1. Hassan Abbas Sadaqat of these customers shall enjoy the advantages of above, may obtain a prof- 2. Basem Hasan Alnassar transfer customers finance and debt buyout services 10x the salary at it-free finance up to KD 3. Basem Hasan Alnassar 0% profit over a payment period of 36 months sub- 25,000. Regarding profit 4. Wasmeyah Jassim Alrujaib KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House “KFH” launched ject to the personal finance and debt settlement free debt buyout, the cus- 5. Taleb Ahmad Ibrahim Albaghli a new campaign to new salary transfer customers terms and conditions. tomer can get a profit In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank also entitled “Our Zero Makes a Difference”. The cam- Al-Rashood emphasized KFH utmost keenness free finance up to KD offers a quarterly draw with more chances to win paign offers the best advantages at the market lev- and concern to enhance the banking experience of 30,000 bearing in mind higher rewards, offering the chance to one lucky el, enabling salary transfer customers to avail the KFH customers and achieve a pioneering position in that the minimum transac- Adel Al-Rashood customer to win KD 125,000 every three months. profit-free finance and debt buyout services up to the Kuwaiti market through a series of marketing tion limit shall not be less The Yawmi account offers daily and quarterly KD 30,000. programs, sale services and campaigns targeting than KD 10,000. draws, wherein the quarterly draw requires cus- The campaign shall continue for three months, various categories of customers with various inter- KFH continues to introduce a variety of distin- tomers to maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 aiming to attract new customers to transfer their ests. Also, the campaign aims to reiterate KFH guished offers with longer credit periods to all in their account for two months prior to the draw salaries to any of KFH accounts and benefit from absolute concern about customers interests and current and new salary transfer customers through date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will any of the profit-free finance offers as follows: aims to achieve the highest standards of quality and its campaign “Transfer your salary”, namely the entitle customers to one chance of winning. If the Consumer finance up to KD 25,000 at 0% profit customers satisfaction. This would also enhance 0% profit on a group of selected vehicles in coop- account balance is KD 500 and above, the account over a 36 months payment period and a buyout of KFH market share and role in the finance services eration with several agencies up to KD 25,000 holder will be qualified for both the quarterly and current outstanding debts of consumer and housing and banking products market as one of the most over a period of 5 years and special discounts on daily draws. finance up to KD 30,000. reputable Islamic banks worldwide. profit ratios for more than 12 automotive agents. In Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a Executive Manager Personal Finance Products at The offer covers Kuwaiti customers whose the field of banking cards, the campaign intro- Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to KFH, Adel Ahmed Al-Rashood said that the cam- salaries have been transferred recently to any of duced a special offer on Al-Tayseer cards with maximize their chances of becoming a winner. The paign “Our Zero Makes a Difference” highlights the KFH accounts, whether they are employees or pen- usage limits approximating KD 5,000 and higher the level of the deposit, the higher the likeli- several qualitative and distinctive advantages sionaries in the government or private sectors. The Mastercard world - Kuwaiti Airways, covering a hood to win. offered by KFH at the market level and reiterates customer can obtain a consumer finance, 10x salary, milage of 50 miles. Established 1961 11

Monday, August 23, 2021 Lifestyle Features

Some baby bats babble like human infants, scientists find

uman babies are not the only babblers, said a study pub- Picture shows the Sufi mosque in Tripoli’s coastal city of Zliten, 150 kilometers east of the Libyan Hlished Thursday, some bats capital, which is also a zawiya-an Arabic term for a Sufi institute offering religious education and are also very talkative in their free accommodation to travellers-also includes boarding school and a university. — AFP photos Sufi mosque in Tripoli’s coastal city of Zliten. infancy and even make sounds that recall the googoo-gagas of our own tots. Babbling in human chil- dren is key to developing the care- ful control over the vocal apparatus necessary for speech. The study published in the journal Science indicates the same is true for the greater sac-winged bat, or Saccopteryx bilineata, native to Central America. “Human infants seem to babble ullet holes scar the minaret of the the zawiyas to regain their autonomy,” he on the one hand to interact with Sufi mosque in Libya’s Zliten, but fol- added. their caregivers, but they also do Blowers of the Muslim mystical tradi- After Gaddafi’s overthrow in 2011, that when they’re completely tion are working to renovate and preserve another danger emerged. The attack in alone, seemingly happily just their heritage. A handful of students sit Zliten, on the Mediterranean coast east of exploring their voice, and that’s the cross-legged on the floor of the mosque in Tripoli, was echoed across the country. same what our bats are doing,” the Asmariya zawiya, transcribing on wood- Islamist militants used diggers and pneu- study co-author Mirjam en tablets as their teacher chants Quranic matic drills to destroy numerous Sufi sites Knornschild, behavioral ecologist verses. Elsewhere in the complex, named across Libya-attacks echoed in Iraq, at the Museum of Natural History for its 16th-century founder Abdessalam Al- Pakistan and elsewhere. Zirkhani says the in Berlin, told AFP. Bats communi- Asmar, scholars pore over old manuscripts people who attacked the complex in Zliten cate by ultrasound, sound waves on theology and Islamic law. The zawiya-an were “extremists known to the state”. at frequencies above human hear- Arabic term for a Sufi institute offering a But in the chaos of post-revolt Libya, ing, but they can also make space for religious gatherings, Quranic they have never been held to account. sounds audible to people. “It education and free accommodation to trav- The zawiya has also suffered from a lack sounds like a high pitched twitter- ellers-also includes a boarding school and Muslim men praying at the Sufi mosque. of funds as it seeks to rebuild and restore ing to our ears... it’s melodic,” said a university. its treasures. Zirkhani showed AFP dusty Knornschild, who has worked with Historian Fathi Al-Zirkhani says the site old manuscripts he wants to preserve for bats since 2003. is the Libyan equivalent of Cairo’s presti- damaging Asmar’s tomb. But today, crafts- ‘Fear and mistrust’ posterity. “We have neither the means nor Saccopteryx bilineata don’t hide gious Al-Azhar University, a global authority men are busily restoring terracotta tiles and When the call to prayer rings out, all rise the know-how to restore them,” Zirkhani away in gloomy caves, but prefer in Sunni Islam. But despite Sufism’s long repairing damage caused by the extrem- and head through an arcaded courtyard to said. “We need help from (UN cultural to live in trees, making them easier history across North Africa, Libya’s plunge ists. The tomb is surrounded by scaffolding the mosque for noon prayers. It is a scene agency) UNESCO and European institu- to observe. The babbling of 20 into chaos after dictator Muammar Gaddafi but still bears its green silk cover, delicately repeated daily for hundreds of years, but tions.” But there are some signs of hope baby bats was recorded in Costa was ousted in a 2011 revolt gave a free embroidered with gold. The zawiya hosts the zawiya has had a turbulent few for Sufis in Libya. The zawiya was closed Rica and Panama between 2015 hand to militias. They included hardline several hundred students, including many decades. Gaddafi, who ruled Libya with an for six years following the 2012 attack. and 2016 by researcher Ahana Islamists, who are deeply hostile to Sufi from overseas, who enjoy free food and iron fist for four decades after seizing power But in 2018 it discreetly reopened, and Fernandez, also affiliated with the “heretics” and their mystical nighttime cere- lodging. “I came to Libya to learn Koran in a 1969 coup, was suspicious of the Sufis have been able to exercise their Museum of Natural History in monies aimed at coming closer to the here,” said Thai student, Abderrahim bin Sufis. customs more publicly. Last October in Berlin, who spent hours with the divine. “(Previously) dormant ideological Ismail, in faltering Arabic. “He infiltrated the zawiya with his secret Tripoli, they took to the streets of the old bats in the forest. currents, with backing from abroad, took Houssein Abdellah Aoch, a 17-year-old services, creating a climate of fear and mis- city to celebrate the birthday of the advantage of the security vacuum to attack from Chad wearing a long blue tunic, said trust,” said an employee, who asked to Prophet Mohammed(PBUH)-a festival Up to 43 minutes the zawiyas,” Zirkhani said. he was working hard to commit verses to remain anonymous. “Gaddafi chose to frowned upon by more austere currents of The mammals, like us, have a In August 2012, dozens of Islamist mili- memory. “I’m hoping to memorize the entire divide the Sufis to control them better.” But Islam. — AFP larynx, and start babbling about tants raided the site, blowing up part of the Quran then go home and become a reli- Gaddafi’s authorities “loosened the stran- three weeks after birth, for about 7 sanctuary, stealing or burning books and gious teacher,” he said. glehold in the mid-1990s, which allowed to 10 weeks-until they are weaned. During this period, the bats spend around 30 percent of their days babbling, with sessions lasting on average about seven minutes, the researchers calculated. But one bat babbled for a full 43 minutes, a long stretch considering adult com- munication generally lasts but a few seconds. “That’s something really, really peculiar that the other bat species that have been studied to date simply don’t do,” said Knornschild. “They’re very chatty.” The vocalizations were con- verted into images, called spectro- Sufi mosque in Tripoli’s coastal city of Zliten. Picture shows a man inside the Sufi mosque in Tripoli’s Historian Fathi Salem Muhammad Al-Zarkhani stands near old manu- grams. “Each syllable has a very coastal city of Zliten. scripts at the Sufi mosque. specific shape, so to say, and they are easy to distinguish by eye,” Knornschild added. The Sport hunting-which attracts amateurs euros ($13 million), Tanczos told AFP. ary. Last month, Bucharest adopted a researchers analyzed more than from all over the world in search of a “tro- Authorities say figures from the 1990s of decree giving local authorities the right to 55,000 produced syllables, finding Census could be phy”-has been banned since 2016. But in a more than 6,000 brown bears spread permit nuisance bear shootings, speeding universal characteristics of bab- recent controversial case, environmental- across some 30 percent of the country, up a laborious process that could take bling in human infants in the bats, blessing or bane for ists accuse a Liechtenstein prince of killing especially in the Carpathians, are underes- weeks. such as repetition, lack of mean- a brown bear, named Arthur, on a March timated. Now, in a matter of hours, aggressive ing, but also that the sounds fol- hunt in the Carpathian Mountains-using a Whereas the methodology used so far- bears could become a legal target-a move lowed a certain rhythm. On top of Romania’s bears permit to shoot a female bear seen as a counting tracks in mud and snow-is unreli- widely condemned by activists. “A mas- that, like with humans, the learn- nuisance to residents. Activists say the 17- able, the collection of droppings and hair sacre is being prepared against these often ing curve is not linear. Out of 25 year-old bear was the country’s largest, will make it possible to create a database of starving animals, which are victims of log- syllables in the adult repertoire, omania will soon conduct a census of observed for years in the area. Yet while samples, each one duly stamped with a ging, the destruction of their habitat and an young bats have not yet mastered its protected brown bears using DNA the hunting ban loophole may be abused, barcode, according to the minister. The pro- attempt at demonization by groups of all of them by the time they are Rfor the first time, with tensions raised residents are also fed up with rampant bear cedure can provide a wealth of information, hunters,” the Brigitte Bardot Foundation weaned, suggesting that they con- between villagers fearing further attacks attacks-and want protection. including an animal’s sex and family ties, said in a letter to Romania’s president. tinue to learn. and conservationists warning against loos- says Robin Rigg, president of the Slovak Tanczos has dismissed such accusa- er hunting laws. Incidents with hungry ‘Villagers frightened’ Wildlife Society, who has used the same tions as “unfounded”, saying that the first Song bears descending into villages have Last month, a bear killed a shepherd methodology to count wolves. option to deal with nuisance animals will The researchers were able to sparked the ire of residents, in a country and seriously injured another in the eastern always be their relocation, though he show that the young bats learned that has seen around 100 attacks over the part of the forested and mountainous ‘Massacre being prepared’ admits human-bear relations “have deterio- fairly early on a six-syllable song last three years. A hunting ban loophole Transylvania region. “The situation has By casting a wide net, the number of rated”. “If the state does not intervene, used by males to mark their territo- that allows the shooting of so-called nui- become untenable,” Marton-Csaba Bacs, samples “should be about three times big- there’s a risk that desperate people will ry and attract females. “The pups sance bears is already being abused, say mayor of Bixad village in central Romania, ger than the expected animal population,” resort to illegal solutions to settle this con- listen to adult males singing and activists, who fear a rise in killings if the told AFP. “Every day, bears ransack said Djuro Huber, a professor at the flict,” he said. — AFP then imitate that song,” census finds the species is more numerous orchards and attack sheep. They even University of Zagreb. The census project Knornschild said. Baby females than thought. entered the courtyard of the clinic... The vil- also entails the creation of a bear sanctu- also learn the song, even though lagers are frightened.” they won’t reproduce it as adults. In neighboring Harghita, Environment But the study suggests learning it Minister Barna Tanczos’s home county, may help them judge the perform- bears were seen on a train station platform ance of their potential future part- and even in a restaurant kitchen, according ners. Very few other species bab- to the police, who were called upon 12 ble-only some birds, two species of times in a single weekend last month to marmosets and perhaps some dol- keep them away. In this tense context, the phins or beluga whales. results of the census may lead to a tug of Why would certain animals war between environmentalists and the need to develop in this way and defenders of hunting. While activists wel- others not? “Navigating and com- come the census project, they fear it could municating in a dark, 3d environ- lead to the hunting ban being lifted if ment, seems to be a huge selec- authorities deem there are too many bears. tive pressure for vocal learning,” “Collecting samples and interpreting statis- Knornschild said. But no matter tics in a transparent way is crucial,” Cristian the reason, the researchers Papp of the World Wildlife Fund told AFP. underscore that developing a complex vocal system opens a Analysing faeces world of possibilities-as demon- Romania has long been known as hav- strated in humans, and now also ing the largest population of brown bears in in bats.— AFP the EU, but just how many of the protected species actually roam the Carpathians remained unknown-until now. In the coming This file photo shows the biggest observed months, 400 experts and volunteers will Romanian bear Arthur at an undisclosed loca- In this file photo bear cubs climb a tree as they see a large male bear (not pictured) approaching take samples of faeces and hair for DNA tion in Romania. at a bear observatory near the Tusnad touristic resort in central Romania. — AFP photos analysis, thanks to a EU fund of 11 million 12 Established 1961 Monday, August 23, 2021 Lifestyle Music

Carlos Santana (left) and Rob Machado (center) perform during the ‘We Love NYC: Wyclef Jean (center) performs during the “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Arnel Campaner Pineda (center) performs during the “We Love NYC: The The Homecoming Concert’ in Central Park in New York City. Concert” in Central Park. Homecoming Concert”.

ew York City shut down on In the week leading up to Saturday’s NSaturday its star-studded concert show, the city hosted a series of hip-hop meant to mark its “homecoming” in concerts across the New York boroughs, the wake of the pandemic’s worst devas- featuring performances from Big Daddy tation, over the threat of severe weather Kane, Slick Rick, KRS-1, and Wu-Tang as Hurricane Henri churned closer. Barry Clan members Ghostface Killah and Manilow, who was on a line-up that Raekwon. Except for VIP spots, tickets included Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith were free for Saturday’s concert, which and Paul Simon, was cut off mid-song had been set to also feature performanc- by a booming voice urging concert goers es from Jennifer Hudson and LL Cool J. to proceed swiftly but calmly to the near- est exit due to approaching storm Henri threatens clouds. “I was so disappointed,” Manilow Some 68 percent of adult New Yorkers told CNN after his set was cut short. are fully vaccinated, though cases have “This was a wonderful, wonderful experi- ticked up recently to more than 1,850 a ence up until the rain hit. We were so day, a 19 percent increase in two weeks. excited to do this.” The unvaccinated population continues to Some 60,000 people were expected at face risks of both contracting the virus and the concert in Central Park, as the hurri- feeling its worst effects. “My heart goes cane, packing maximum sustained winds out to everyone who suffered,” said near 75 miles (120 kilometers) per hour attendee Laurie Ramirez, an educator in and heavy rains, was drawing closer to her 50s. She won a ticket to the event making landfall sometime on Sunday. because of her essential worker status Sporadic lightning and thunder rolled in Earth, Wind and Fire perform a soundcheck in New York’s Central Park, a day before the”We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert”. — AFP photos during the pandemic. “It’s extraordinary. over the park as people streamed out of It’s the most beautiful thing” to be the grounds, with some taking shelter were still concerned over COVID-19, what I missed the most” during the pan- New York City was back, to tell the whole here, she told AFP. But the threat of bad under scaffolding and building entryways. despite vaccination requirements. All demic, the 27-year-old told AFP, adding world,” he said. The pandemic hit New weather cast a pall over the revelry even “I guess for safety it makes sense. I mean attendees aged 12 and over had to pro- that it was “amazing” to be with so many York hard in early 2020, and has left more before the event was cut off, as US I can hear the thunder,” said attendee vide proof of vaccination, except for those people but that she thought it wasn’t “the than 33,000 people dead. But life-long meteorologists upgraded storm Henri to Maria Fuentes. The weather cut short a prevented from getting shots for reasons best idea” to have such a large event. New York resident Bill Thompson said he a hurricane on Saturday. Henri was show that had begun with groups of revel- of disability. Masks were not required at was “more guarded than ever.” Despite anticipated to miss New York City by ers cheering and dancing, with seating the outdoor event, except for unvaccinat- ‘We are back’ lingering coronavirus concerns, the 69- miles, but could still cause tropical storm marked out by laying down picnic blan- ed children. “At least everyone is vacci- Speaking on local radio Friday, Mayor year-old said “it’s a joy” to see the city conditions. — AFP kets ahead of five hours of live music that nated” at the show, said Ilana Gomez, Bill de Blasio had said the concert was coming back to life. “It feels so free to be kicked off at 5:00 pm (2100 GMT). who was most excited to see guitarist meant as a marker of recovery. The cele- able to enjoy what people have missed for Even before the bad weather hit, many Carlos Santana’s band play. “Music is bration was planned “to really tell people so long.”

Jon Batiste performs during the “We Love NYC: The Andrea Bocelli performs during the “We Love NYC: The Baby Face performs during the “We Love NYC: The People leave We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert as Homecoming Concert”. Homecoming Concert”. Homecoming Concert”. the event was canceled due to severe weather in Central Park.

he remains of Josephine Baker, a of the members, told AFP. “When the pres- resistance fighter during WWII in the ures in French history from the world of Tfamed French-American dancer, ident said yes, (it was a) great joy,” she French army, active alongside Martin politics, culture and science. Only the singer and actress who also fought said. “It’s a yes!” Macron said after the Luther King in the civil rights fight,” the president can decide on moving personali- in the French resistance during WWII, will July meeting, Le Parisien newspaper petition says. Another member of the cam- ties to the former church, whose grand be moved to the Pantheon mausoleum in reported yesterday. An aide to Macron paign group, Pascal Bruckner, said Baker columns and domed roof were inspired by November, an aide to President confirmed to AFP that the ceremony will “is a symbol of a France that is not racist, the Pantheon in Rome. Of the 80 figures Emmanuel Macron said yesterday. It will take place on November 30. contrary to what some media groups say”. in the Pantheon, only five are women, make Baker, who was born in Missouri in “Pantheonisation is built over a long period “Josephine Baker is a true anti-racist, a including the last inductee Simone Veil, a 1906 and buried in Monaco in 1975, the of time,” the aide said. The Baker family true anti-fascist,” Bruckner said. former French minister who survived the first Black woman to be laid to rest in the have been requesting her induction since The ceremony will take place on Holocaust and fought for abortion rights, hallowed Parisian monument. 2013, with a petition gathering some November 30, the date Baker married who entered in 2018. — AFP In this file photo taken on January 1, 1920 A group including one of Baker’s sons 38,000 signatures. Frenchman Jean Lion, allowing her to get US-born singer-entertainer Josephine campaigning for her induction met with “She was an artist, the first Black inter- French nationality. The Pantheon is a Baker poses in Paris in the 1920s. Macron on July 21, Jennifer Guesdon, one national star, a muse of the cubists, a memorial complex for great national fig-

In this file photo taken on February 13, 1949 Josephine Baker poses In this file photo taken on June 23, 1949 French US-born dancer and In this file photo taken on August 19, 1961 US-born singer-entertainer Josephine with Michel Gyarmathy, artistic director, director and costume designer singer Josephine Baker poses during the automobile elegance contest Baker (center left) receives the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre with palm in at the Folies Bergere in Paris. at the Bois de Boulogne waterfall, near Paris. her Milandes Castle.— AFP photos Established 1961 13

Monday, August 23, 2021 Lifestyle Features

Cast members take a selfie on stage.

The cast pose on stage at the El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center following a production of a superhero-themed COVID-19 play in San Bernardino, California. — AFP photos

Kenneth Artry, who plays the COVID-19 virus, jumps off Captain Empath played by Nathaniel Chavez, fights the COVID-19 virus, played by The COVID-19 virus, played by Kenneth Artry and virus spreads played by Leonor Garcia and stage during rehearsals of a superhero-themed COVID- Kenneth Artry during a superhero-themed COVID-19 play at the El Sol Neighborhood Vernocia Flores, attack the unmasked as Captain Empath is subdued during a production at the El 19 play. Educational Center . Sol Neighborhood Educational Center of a superhero-themed COVID-19 play.

s it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s people to get immunized. “We thought of United States are free and widely avail- “Captain Empathy vs. COVID-19” is a the task, and has already won over at Captain Empathy, a superhero ready this play as a way to educate people able for anyone over the age of 12 who community-based effort to counter the least one cast member. “I thought that Ito vanquish misinformation about vac- about the importance of vaccines, espe- wants them, but just 51 percent of the skepticism about vaccines, with the since I already had COVID, I already cines in a Hollywood-style twist on the cially young people,” says director population is fully immunized against spikey-shelled villain seen spreading lies had antibodies and I didn’t need to get fight against COVID-19. Wearing a yel- Valentina Sanabria. COVID-19. The low vaccination rate has about the effects of the jab. “We are vaccinated,” says Julia Perez, 26, who low cape, the warrior battles the evil “There are many people who are doctors worried. They say that a recent doing this to fight back against the misin- plays one of the girls initially refusing the Coronavirus with medical science as his resisting the vaccine... because of surge in cases-driven by the infectious formation,” says Natanael Chavez, who jab. “Here they let me know that it’s superpower in a piece of educational rumors that it contains a microchip, or Delta variant-is largely affecting the plays the hero. “Not being vaccinated important,” said Perez, who, like her theater in San Bernardino, near Los because... not enough time has passed unvaccinated, particularly in conserva- puts the whole family at risk.” With great character, is now ready to book her Angeles, California. The hero disarms to take a good look and educate them- tive southern states, among ethnic power comes great responsibility, but, it shot.—AFP his nemesis by convincing two young selves,” she says. Vaccines in the minorities and in poorer communities. appears, Captain Empathy is equal to

Kenneth Artry, dressed as the Coronavirus, walks past a Veronica Flores (left) and Leonor Garcia (right) wear Bertha Garcia helps cut sections off a mask so Leonor A Superhero style ad is displayed with COVID-19 comics banner at the El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center coronavirus masks ahead of a superhero-themed Garcia, dressed as the coronavius, can breathe better. at the El Sol Neighborhood Education Center for arrivals ahead of a superhero-themed COVID-19 play. COVID-19 play. to a COVID-19 superhero themed play.

ures. Only 2.6 million tourists visited that offers guided visits in a classic Paris last year. French car in the capital, said he only Dark days for “With clients from afar not coming, the had 120 customers this summer com- impact is considerable,” Didier Arino, pared to 360 in 2019. Most of his clients director of the travel firm Protourisme, told are from the United States and Australia. AFP. France eased its travel rules ahead “We’re trying to get a bit more French tourism in the of the summer season, putting countries clients but our problem is that our aver- in a red, orange and green color-coded age price (150 euros) is a little high,” he system that determines if visitors need to said, noting that the French usually rincess Marie, the wife of the reign- 1989, handed management of the princi- City of Light take a COVID-19 test before arriving, spend less than foreigners. ing Prince of Liechtenstein Hans- pality’s affairs to his eldest son, have a compelling reason to visit or quar- Tour guides have also suffered from PAdam II, died Saturday after suffer- Hereditary Prince Alois, in 2004. Princess antine. Museums and other cultural ven- the absence of tourists, with activity drop- ing a stroke earlier this week. She was 81. Marie was born in Prague in 1940 to ew tourists are gazing at the Mona ues reopened after long closures, though ping by more than 80 percent in the Ile- Princess Marie had suffered a stroke on Count Fedinand Carl Kinsky von Wchinitz Lisa or wandering the streets of visitors have to show proof of vaccination de-France region, which includes Paris, Wednesday and died Saturday afternoon und Tettau and Countess Henriette as FParis this summer, dashing hopes or negative tests. But Paris visitor num- according to the FNGIC association of in hospital, the Princely House said in a one of seven children. Her family was that the top tourist destination would see bers still disappointed. guides. “Paris is a mirror of the great statement. Her family had gathered expelled in 1945 from what was then brighter days after last year’s pandemic- European capitals,” Arino said. “They all around her, and after receiving the last Czechoslovakia and fled to Germany. linked desertion. The City of Light has ‘Reinventing ourselves’ have problems and the more they depend rites, she “passed peacefully and with She attended the Academy for Applied seen between 3.6 million and 4.7 million Arino said occupancy rates at hotels on foreign clients, the more difficult it is.” great trust in God”, the statement said. Graphics at the University of Munich, and visitors between June and August, down in Paris were worse than elsewhere in On the river Seine, the sightseeing boat The princess consort had like her hus- worked as a commercial artist until her from 10 million in 2019, before the coron- France, with revenues down 60 percent. company Vedettes de Paris has seen band largely stepped back from public life engagement to Prince Hans Adam II in avirus emerged and wrecked internation- Romain Jouhaud, director general of 4 turnover drop 50 percent compared to in Liechtenstein, a small principality nes- 1965. They were married two years later al travel, according to tourism office fig- Roues Sous 1 Parapluie, a company 2019. French clients used to make up half tled between Austria and Switzerland with and had four children. — AFP the number of passengers; they account- nearly 40,000 inhabitants. Prince Hans- ed for 65 percent this year. The company Adam II, who took over the regency in has adapted by adding an “aperitif cruise” and installing an area to play petanque on its dock. “We learned to reinvent our- selves, give the Seine and Eiffel Tower back to Parisians,” said the company’s director, Marie Bozzonie. The Eiffel Tower reopened in mid-July after a nine-month hiatus due to the pan- demic, but it has only had 13,000 visitors per day-half its usual number. Some 50 percent are French compared to 20 per- cent in the past. Similar scenes have been seen at the Grevin Museum, which features wax figures of famous people. Half of its visitors are usually foreigners. It is down to 10 percent this year, according to Francois Frassier, a director at the Compagnie des Alpes, which owns the museum and theme parks. — AFP In this file photo mother and father of Crown Prince Alois, Marie of Liechtenstein (left) and Prince In this file photo a visitor walks past impressionist paintings in the under crowded Musee d’Orsay Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein wave to the crowd during the parade in Vaduz during celebrations in Paris. — AFP for the small Alpine principality’s 200th anniversary. — AFP 14 Established 1961 Sports Monday, August 23, 2021 Tokyo Paralympics to open under shadow of pandemic Spectators banned as part of strict COVID-19 rules

TOKYO: The Tokyo Paralympics open tomorrow training venues, competition sites and the Village. after a year-long pandemic delay and with the The measures are intended to prevent the virus continuing to cast a long shadow as Japan Games from becoming a superspreader event — battles a record surge in cases. As at the Olympics, and officials say the Olympics proved the restric- the event will be marked by strict virus rules, with tions work. There were 552 positive cases linked to almost all spectators banned and tough restric- the Olympics reported from July 1 until yesterday, tions on athletes and other participants. the majority among Japan residents employed by While a swell of domestic support emerged the Games or working as contractors. during the Olympics after months of negative polls, So far, 138 cases related to the Paralympics there is deep concern in Japan as the Paralympics have been confirmed, also mostly among Japan- approach with the country going through a fifth based Olympic officials, though at least four ath- virus wave. More than 25,000 new cases were letes have also tested positive. But Olympic offi- recorded on Thursday, and medics across the cials say there is no evidence of infection spread- country have warned hos- ing from the Games to the pitals are at breaking rest of Japan, where case point with serious cases numbers were already on also at record highs. the rise. It’s a challenging envi- Daily tests Still organizers ronment for the most acknowledge the worsen- important sports event for and limited ing environment. “The disabled athletes, and infection situation today International Paralympic mobility is different to how it was Committee chief Andrew before the Olympics. It Parsons has warned par- has deteriorated,” said ticipants against compla- Tokyo 2020 official cency. Despite the back- Hidemasa Nakamura on drop, IPC officials insist the reach of the event will Friday. “And the local medical system is also in a TOKYO: The Paralympics symbol is pictured in front of the National Stadium, the main venue of the games, be “incredible.” very tight situation.” ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP “Of course the fact that we will not have spec- The virus surge has caused tensions, with some tators at the venues is a challenge,” Parsons told local regions and schools cancelling planned trips AFP in an interview. “But we believe we will reach to Games events despite support for the program competing. There are 22 sports, with athletes com- McFadden, the American wheelchair racer who will more than four billion people through broadcast- from Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. peting in different categories and classes depend- be competing in her fifth summer Paralympics. She ing.” Local officials say the Games can be held ing on the nature of their disability. Badminton and also appeared at the Sochi Winter Games, where safely, with athletes and other participants subject ‘Blade Jumper’ taekwondo are appearing for the first time. she won a silver medal in the country where she to the same anti-infection rules that applied to the The mood among Paralympians remains buoy- Top names include Germany’s Markus Rehm, was born, as her adoptive US mother and Russian Olympics. ant though, after the uncertainties of the year-long dubbed the “Blade Jumper” for his gravity-defying birth mother cheered her on. delay. “It’s our time to take aim at gold!” tweeted feats in long jump, which have earned him three Japan will be hoping it can repeat the gold rush ‘Situation has deteriorated’ US archer Matt Stutzman, a Paralympic silver gold medals and a bronze. He has pushed to be that saw it bring home a record 58 gold Olympic Competitors can only enter the Paralympic medalist who uses the handle “Armless Archer”. included in the Olympics, but so far without suc- medals. Among its top medal hopes is Shingo Village shortly before their event and must leave Stutzman is among those likely to be appearing cess over concerns that his prosthetic blade gives Kunieda, the reigning world number one wheel- within 48 hours of the end of their competition. They on the medal podium during the Games, which will him an advantage. chair men’s single champion and considered one of will be tested daily and limited to moving between see 4,400 athletes from around 160 national teams Other household names include Tatyana the greatest figures in the sport. —AFP

letes with visual impairments, and boccia, which is simi- cases reported by Tokyo 2020 are among people who Tokyo Paralympics lar to boules. live in the country. But organizers say their virus coun- termeasures will stop infections spreading from 10 eligible impairments Paralympic participants to the Japanese public. An esti- by the numbers Event categories are organized around 10 types of mated 88 percent of those in the Paralympic Village are physical, vision and intellectual impairment recognized vaccinated, according to organizers. TOKYO: From TV viewers to venues, here are some by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Eight key figures related to the Tokyo Paralympics, which of these are physical, such as impaired muscle power or 4 billion viewers kick off tomorrow after a year’s pandemic delay: involuntary movements caused by conditions like cere- Like the Olympics, the Paralympics will mostly be bral palsy or a spinal cord injury. Also on the list are held in empty stadiums, with spectators banned over 4,400 Paralympians muscle tension, short stature and the partial or total virus fears. But organizers hope to reach a massive TV Around 4,400 competitors from nearly 160 coun- absence of a limb from birth, or as a consequence of audience worldwide. “We believe we will reach more tries and territories will be in Japan for the Paralympics, trauma or illness. than four billion people through broadcasting,” IPC with 12,000 staff, officials and journalists also taking chief Andrew Parsons told AFP in a recent interview. A part in the 13-day event. Like their Olympic counter- 21 venues record 4.1 billion cumulative viewers tuned in to the parts, Paralympians will be tested daily for COVID-19 Paralympic venues range from the Olympic Stadium 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio, up from the 3.8 billion MASON: Alexander Zverev of Germany returns a shot and are barred from venturing beyond their accommo- to the historic Nippon Budokan and state-of-the-art who watched London 2012, the IPC says. This year, to Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during the semifinals dation or Games venues. Tokyo is the only city ever to new arenas like the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Most are in free-to-air coverage will be provided to 49 territories of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family host the Paralympic Games twice. At the 1964 Tokyo the capital and neighboring regions, while cycling in sub-Saharan Africa, to grow the Games’ global audi- Tennis Center on Saturday in Mason, Ohio. —AFP Paralympics, 378 athletes competed in nine sports at events will take place at two venues near Mount Fuji in ence and tackle disability stigma. six venues. Shizuoka, southwest of Tokyo. Some Olympic venues will be used for different sports at the Paralympics, like 5,000 medals 22 sports the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, which will host boccia. Around 5,000 gold, silver and bronze Paralympic Zverev books From archery to wheelchair tennis, medals are up for medals have been produced for the Games, featur- grabs in 22 sports, with two new this year — taekwon- 107 virus cases so far ing the words “Tokyo 2020” written in Braille. Like do and badminton. For each of the 539 events, a com- Cincinnati final As of Saturday, organizers had reported 101 the Olympic medals, they are made from recycled plex classification system groups Paralympians COVID-19 cases linked to the Paralympics, including metals extracted from consumer electronic items depending on how their disability impacts their per- two athletes. Another six cases have been reported by donated by people in Japan. China has topped the with Rublev formance. While most of the sports have an Olympic local regions hosting teams for training camps. Japan is gold medal table at every Paralympic Games since equivalent, two do not: goalball, a team sport for ath- CINCINNATI: Alexander Zverev came from two battling a record wave of infections, and most of the Athens 2004. —AFP breaks down in the third set to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4) on Saturday and reach the final of the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Masters. Tokyo — surged away to finish several meters The German, who briefly left the court to vomit in Thompson-Herah clear of the field. the final set as he stepped up his fightback in front of Thompson-Herah’s compatriot Shelly-Ann a full crowd, will take a 4-0 record into the final with Fraser-Pryce finished second in 10.73sec while Andrey Rublev. romps to victory in Shericka Jackson took third in 10.76sec — a carbon The Russian fourth seed surprised world number copy of the Tokyo Olympic 100m podium. two compatriot Daniil Medvedev 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Richardson comeback Thompson-Herah’s winning time saw her slice World number seven Rublev had never won so much 0.07sec off her Olympic record of 10.61sec set on EUGENE: Olympic champion Elaine Thompson- as a set in four previous losses to Medvedev, top July 31. Herah scored an emphatic 100m victory over the Only the late Florence Griffith Joyner has ever seed in the prestigious hardcourt tournament that returning Sha’Carri Richardson at the Prefontaine serves as a tuneup for the US Open. run faster, with Thompson-Herah now tantalizingly Classic in Oregon on Saturday. Jamaican star close to the American’s 33-year-old world record of Zverev also turned a corner this week, having Thompson-Herah powered over the line at never won a match in six previous Cincinnati edi- 10.49sec. “To come back with a PB after the cham- Hayward Field in 10.54sec — the second fastest pionships, that is amazing,” said Thompson-Herah. tions. The German said he’d begun to feel his stom- time in history — as Richardson finished a distant “It means a lot to me...because my job is to inspire a EUGENE: Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica cele- ach trouble coming on in the second set, and he was last in 11.14sec. generation. I have more races, so I don’t get too seen briefly by a doctor who gave him some tablets brates winning the 100m race during the Wanda Saturday’s Diamond League clash in Eugene had excited, too carried away. I have to continue doing Diamond League Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in the third. Immediately, things began to jell for the been billed as a chance for Richardson to show the the job.” on Saturday in Eugene, Oregon. —AFP Tokyo Olympic gold medalist. “After I got the first world what might have been after she was banned Richardson meanwhile put on a defiant stance break (of the third set) back I thought I had chances. from the Olympics for testing positive for marijuana after her much-hyped comeback fell flat. “It was He was not serving bombs and I was always in the following her win at the US trials in June. a great return back to the sport,” Richardson “This is one race, I’m not done. You know what I’m rallies. I started to play more aggressively.” But in her first race since returning from sus- told NBC television. “I wanted to be able to capable of. Count me out if you want to, talk all the Zverev got worked up at the end of the first set pension, the 21-year-old Texan was never in con- come and perform. Having the month off, dealing shit you want, because I’m here to stay,” added when Tsitsipas - as now seems to be his habit - left tention as Thompson-Herah — who completed with all I had to deal with, I’m not upset with Richardson, who later withdrew from a women’s 200m the court with his full bag of gear, presumably to back-to-back Olympic 100m and 200m wins in myself at all.” won by Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji. —AFP change clothes. His absence lasted an infuriating eight minutes as Zverev complained to the chair umpire, indicating he thought Tsitsipas could use the FIFA ‘working with’ break to receive coaching via text. Kuwait’s Hashash Tsitsipas tried to take another break after win- ning the second set but was informed he had used up FIFPro to help evacuate his one break. Despite the tension, the two traded a becomes Gulf’s first friendly embrace at the net when the match ended. Afghan players “It’s a great rivalry,” Zverev said. “There’s a lot of fire FIBA female referee there, there’s a lot of emotions there. But I think both PARIS: FIFA and the player’s union FIFPro are co- of us, especially now before the US Open, we didn’t KUWAIT: Muneera Al-Hashash was granted an offi- operating to evacuate male and female footballers who want to give each other anything.” cial refereeing license by FIBA (the International wish to leave Afghanistan, the global body’s secretary general Fatma Samoura said yesterday. Last week, Zverev moved into his ninth Masters 1000 final Basketball Federation) after successfully meeting set hardline Islamist militants the Taleban took control in with 42 winners including 15 aces after nearly two requirements and passing mandatory tests, making Kabul with tens of thousands of people trying to leave and three-quarter hours. He had lost six previous her the first female to do so in Kuwait and all the in what has been dubbed one of the most difficult air- matches out of eight played against the Greek. Arabian Gulf states. A press statement on Saturday lifts in history. “We’re in the process of working with Zverev was already thinking ahead to Rublev. “In a by President of Kuwait’s Basketball Federation Muneera Al-Hashash FIFPro,” Samoura said. She added the body had final at this level there are no easy opponents, he Rasheed Al-Enzi congratulated Hashash on this “already done it in the past, we should be able to do it played incredible today in beating Daniil. He’s also achievement which “reflects the progress in Kuwait’s again.” On Friday, FIFPro said on Twitter it had “been one of my best friends.” —AFP basketball scene.” Hashash’s career as a basketball took different refereeing courses leading her to be liaising with governments to establish an evacuation referee has been developing for eight years as she approved as a FIBA candidate. —KUNA plan for athletes at risk”. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Monday, August 23, 2021 Inter Milan open Serie A title defense with Genoa thumping Lazio’s Correa could be answer as Inter looks to add forward MILAN: Inter Milan kicked off their Hakimi, but they played as though their Dzeko on target Italian league title defense by cruising troubles were behind them under new Vidal made sure of the points in the past Genoa 4-0 on Saturday in an boss Inzaghi. 74th minute when he swept home the encouraging display from the champions Skriniar opened the scoring five min- third following smart work from Nicolo following a turbulent close season. utes into the new season with a thump- Barella to set up the Chilean after Simone Inzaghi’s side were two goals ing header from a corner by Calhanoglu, Dzeko’s curling shot was well saved by ahead after 13 minutes thanks to Milan who doubled Inter’s lead eight minutes Genoa stopper Salvatore Sirigu. Skriniar and Hakan Calhanoglu, before later by drilling home a long-range strike A gloriously warm evening in Milan second-half strikes from Arturo Vidal after exchanging passes with fellow new was made even better for the home fans and Edin Dzeko completed the rout in signing Dzeko. when Lukaku’s replacement Dzeko front of just over 27,000 spectators at Bosnia forward Dzeko was excellent rounded off the scoring by meeting the San Siro as crowds return to sta- Vidal’s deep cross with a thumping diums in Italy. header to score his first goal in Inter “We worked hard towards today, colors. CEO Giuseppe Marotta told we got off to a great start and we broadcaster DAZN before the match won,” said the impressive Lazio, Sassuolo, that Inter would nonetheless bring in Calhanoglu, who also provided the Atalanta another forward, but both he and cross for Skriniar’s goal. “It’s easy to Inzaghi remained coy over who the play with teammates who have such victorious new signing would be. quality, you know how they’re going However while DAZN’s reporters to move and today we played really in Milan tried to get a name out of well all together. We want to contin- Inzaghi after his first win as Inter ue that way.” coach, Lazio director Igli Tare MILAN: Inter Milan’s Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko celebrates after he scored a goal Grounds have been permitted to revealed to Sky Sport Italia that during the Italian Serie A football match against Genoa at San Siro stadium in open to 50 percent capacity by the up front and was denied a debut goal Argentine Joaquin Correa wanted to Milan, on Saturday. — AFP Italian government and although when his deflected shot clipped off the head to Inter. “We know Correa wants to Saturday’s crowd was some way down bar in the 24th minute as Inter dominat- leave Lazio, there is a chance he could winners. The match in Tuscany got off to Immobile scored the third from the on the near 38,000 places made avail- ed. The hosts also had two goals ruled go to Inter, but let’s see what happens,” a flying start with Filippo Bandinelli lash- penalty sport following a foul on able at the San Siro, the roars from the out offside either side of half-time, with Tare said. ing the hosts ahead in the fourth minute, Francesco Acerbi in the dying minutes of stands brought some joy back to the Ivan Perisic and Calhanoglu — who Correa wasn’t even on the Lazio only for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic head the opening half. In the other matches ‘Nerazzurri’ after a difficult summer. arrived from local rivals AC Milan to take bench for Maurizio Sarri’s first league Lazio level seconds later. Sassuolo won an entertaining contest at Financial problems led to coach Antonio the place of Christian Eriksen as he match in charge of the Roman club at Milinkovic-Savic then laid on Manuel 10-man Verona 3-2 while Roberto Conte’s departure and the sale of star recovers from cardiac arrest at Euro Empoli, but his teammates did not Lazzari to put the away side ahead just Piccoli’s stoppage-time tap-in gave players Romelu Lukaku and Achraf 2020 — both denied. appear to miss him as they ran out 3-1 after the half-hour mark before Ciro Atalanta a 2-1 win at Torino. — AFP

Depay rescues saved just before the break. Dortmund crash to first defeat Leverkusen made it 3-0 after the break when Moussa Diaby hit draw for Barcelona against Freiburg in 11 years the net after his shot took a deflection. Gladbach also lost in Bilbao BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund hour to go. Freiburg had been defender Matthias Ginter with a slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at winless in their previous 19 meet- head injury, then striker Alassane MADRID: Barcelona were given a torrid time by Freiburg on Saturday as star strik- ings with Dortmund dating back Plea also went off after twisting Athletic Bilbao but escaped from their trip to San er Erling Braut Haaland drew a to May 2010. his knee. Replacement Nadiem Mames with a point as Memphis Depay’s superb rare Bundesliga blank. It was the Bayer Leverkusen later romped Amiri completed the rout with late strike secured a 1-1 draw for the Catalans on first time Dortmund have lost to to a 4-0 victory at home to Leverkusen’s fourth goal three Saturday. Depay found the net with a fine left-foot Freiburg in Germany’s top flight Borussia Moenchengladbach. minutes from the whistle. “We let half-volley 15 minutes from time in the Basque for 11 years, with Saturday’s set- Visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer them get the better of us,” admit- Country for his first goal in La Liga since moving to back coming just four days after Barcelona from Lyon. losing 3-1 to Bayern Munich in the Ronald Koeman’s side had impressed in their German Super Cup. first match of the post-Lionel Messi era as they “We made stupid mistakes, beat Real Sociedad 4-2 last weekend, but they were twice!” grumbled Dortmund cen- fortunate to depart with a point from this game and tre-back Manuel Akanji. “We gave it was impossible to avoid questions about the away a free-kick for the first and BILBAO: Barcelona’s Memphis Depay (right) cele- Argentine at full-time. the second goal was a counter brates his goal with teammates Jordi Alba (center) “I don’t like to always talk about the same thing attack. We can’t invite opponents and Sergio Busquets during the Spanish League but he is the best in the world and the opposition to score, especially when we have football match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the might be more afraid if Messi is there,” Koeman Champions League aspirations.” San Mames stadium in Bilbao on Saturday. —AFP admitted. “For us too, if there is a pass to Leo, nor- Dortmund will discover their mally he doesn’t lose the ball, and today we gave group opponents when the draw the ball away too often in the first half. You notice it, Barcelona were unchanged from their opening for the Champions League is made but that’s how it is, it can’t be changed now.” victory meaning another start for Pedri, the brilliant on Thursday. Freiburg raced into It was a difficult night for Barcelona’s defense in young midfielder who also played at Euro 2020 and the lead when dead-ball expert particular, with Gerard Pique coming off after half the Olympics and is now set to get a two-week hol- Vincenzo Grifo blasted in a superb an hour and Eric Garcia being sent off in stoppage iday. Martin Braithwaite, who netted twice against free-kick after just six minutes. Real Sociedad, missed an early sitter for the visitors Dortmund thrashed Eintracht time for bringing down Inaki Williams. Former FREIBURG: Borussia Dortmund’s Norwegian forward Erling Haaland when he blazed over after great play by Depay. Frankfurt 5-2 last Saturday on the Manchester City defender Garcia received news of (right) reacts at the end of the German first division Bundesliga foot- Athletic, with 11,000 of their fans allowed into opening weekend, but the visitors’ his grandfather’s death before the match and strug- ball match against Freiburg in Freiburg, southwestern Germany on the 53,000-capacity San Mames for this game as defensive frailties emerged again gled throughout the 90 minutes, allowing Inigo Saturday. —AFP Martinez to get away from him to head in the open- coronavirus restrictions are gradually loosened in la having been a problem last season. er early in the second half. Liga, then saw Oihan Sancet turn and crash a shot After England midfielder Jude “He is a great professional to play so well in a off the crossbar from 12 yards out. Bellingham lost the ball, Freiburg had a nightmare start when ted Gladbach captain Stindl. game after the death of his grandfather. We wish Pique then came off to be replaced by Ronald forward Roland Sallai was left Mitchel Bakker’s shot hit the post, Hertha Berlin omitted Matheus him all the best in his personal situation,” said Araujo, suggesting Koeman should not have played unmarked to smash home his shot deflected off the Gladbach keeper Cunha from their match-day squad Koeman, who insisted the draw was the right result. the center-back who had reportedly been struggling as the hosts doubled their lead on and rolled over the line for an own for their 2-1 home loss to Athletic, though, will feel they should have won with a minor injury before the game. Athletic were 53 minutes. goal. Czech striker Patrik Schick Wolfsburg amid reports the Brazil despite missing several key players, among them seeking revenge for their 4-0 loss to Messi’s Bellingham made amends by then doubled Leverkusen’s lead on striker wants to join Atletico goalkeeper Unai Simon, who has not featured at the Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final last April and pressuring the defense with a eight minutes. Gladbach lost strik- Madrid. Hertha took the lead when start of this season after helping Spain reach the they went ahead in the 50th minute when Martinez strong run which caused Freiburg er Marcus Thuram with an injury striker Dodi Lukebakio converted Euro 2020 semi-finals and then the final of the attacked a corner quite magnificently, getting ahead midfielder Yannik Keitel to put the after just 20 minutes, then their a penalty after the Belgian striker Tokyo Olympics. of Garcia to divert the ball into the far corner. — AFP ball into his own net with half an captain Lars Stindl had a penalty was fouled in the area. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021 Lukaku strikes as Chelsea sink Arsenal Kane back in Spurs win, Man Utd held by Southampton

LONDON: Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku gestures toward supporters at the end of the match during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. — AFP

LONDON: Romelu Lukaku scored on his second Mount picked out the unmarked defender inside was fouled by Wolves keeper Jose Sa and the weekend’s 5-1 demolition of Leeds as they trailed Chelsea debut as the club’s record signing the Arsenal area. European champions Chelsea midfielder picked himself up to notch his first to Fred’s own goal. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s inspired a 2-0 win at troubled Arsenal, while have made a flawless start to their title chal- league goal since March 2020. side left the south-coast frustrated, they did equal Harry Kane made his first appearance for lenge, winning successive games without con- Kane replaced Son Heung-min with 19 minutes Arsenal’s English top-flight record of 27 succes- Tottenham this season in a 1-0 victory against ceding a goal. left and received a largely positive reception sive away league games without defeat. Wolves. In yesterday’s other game, Mason Lackluster Arsenal were booed off at half-time from the travelling Tottenham fans, who sang Southampton took their controversial lead in Greenwood salvaged a 1-1 draw for Manchester and Mikel Arteta’s team are pointless and goalless “Harry Kane, he’s one of our own” as Wolves the 30th minute. Bruno Fernandes felt he was United at Southampton. after following their limp loss at Brentford with a supporters mockingly chanted “He’ll be a Manc fouled when a barge from Jack Stephens left the Lukaku has rejoined Chelsea from Italian second defeat. At Molineux, Kane came off the in the morning”. United midfielder in a heap but referee Craig champions Inter Milan for £98 million ($133 mil- bench in the second half after the Manchester City Kane had a golden opportunity to mark his Pawson waved play on. lion) and the Belgian striker made an immediate transfer target missed the first two games follow- return with a goal when Steven Bergwijn picked Moussa Djenepo and Adam Armstrong repayment on that huge investment in the London ing his late return from his close-season holiday. him out, but his shot was repelled by Jose Sa. worked the ball to Che Adams on the edge of the derby at the Emirates Stadium. The 28-year-old The England captain, frustrated by Spurs’ 13- Despite Kane’s miss, it was a winning return to United area and his shot deflected off Fred’s spent three years at Chelsea between 2011 and year trophy drought, hopes to force a move to Wolves for Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, out-stretched boot as it flashed past David De 2014, but rarely featured and never scored before Premier League champions City before the who was back for the first time since leaving in the Gea. Greenwood equalised in the 55th minute, being sold to Everton. August 31 transfer deadline. Kane said he has close-season. firing under home keeper Alex McCarthy from 12 Lukaku, who endured a difficult spell at “never refused to train” with the squad, but the “Harry is still in the process of increasing and yards after Paul Pogba poked the ball into the Manchester United before joining Inter, took just 28-year-old believes he has a gentleman’s agree- improving his level of fitness, but he is one of the teenager’s path. 15 minutes to showcase his power and predatory ment with club chairman Daniel Levy allowing him best players in the world,” said Nuno after “We should do better defending their goal but, instincts. Holding off Pablo Mari, Lukaku kept the to leave this summer. Tottenham’s second successive league win. “You that being said, it’s a foul. He goes straight Chelsea attack going before shrugging aside the However, City are so far unwilling to meet can see how he helped the team in terms of pos- through Bruno, with his arm and his hip across Arsenal defender as he surged into the six-yard Levy’s £150 million asking price for last season’s session and the fine lines. We need everybody.” him,” Solskjaer said. “We can’t go from one box to tap in Reece James’ cross. Premier League top scorer. Tottenham were extreme of volleyball or basketball last season to James scored Chelsea’s second himself with a already leading through Dele Alli’s 10th minute Greenwood to the rescue rugby now. I like the more lenient way, it’s more superb strike into the far corner after Mason penalty by the time Kane arrived on the scene. Alli At St Mary’s, United failed to build on last men’s football but still, that’s a foul.” -— AFP

body earlier this year for inactivity. “We only Pacquiao nears had two weeks of training but I listened to my corner and it all worked out,” said Ugas, who Rashani double for Clermont improves to 27-4 with 12 knockouts. end after ‘I’m a warrior’ keeps Bosz’s Lyon winless Ugas upset “I’m a warrior. I’ve been doing this since I was six years old. I knew deep down inside he PARIS: Clermont’s Kosovo winger came in first half injury time as LAS VEGAS: Yordenis Ugas bludgeoned wasn’t going to beat me tonight. I felt it coming Elbasan Rashani scored twice in the Brazilian pair Bruno Guimaraes and Manny Pacquiao ever closer to retirement on to the fight and that’s what happened. I want to final 10 minutes yesterday to claim Lucas Paqueta combined sublimely Saturday, upsetting the veteran Filipino boxing thank Manny Pacquiao for sharing the ring with a 3-3 draw at Lyon who are still before Paqueta smoothly side-foot- icon with a comprehensive defeat. In his first me. He’s a legend, one of the greatest fighters without a win this term. Home ed his finish into the bottom corner. fight after a two-year absence from the ring, that ever lived. I’ll always respect him not only coach Peter Bosz, who arrived from With 10 minutes to play, Pacquiao was made to look every bit of his 42 as a great fighter but outside the ring.” Bayer Leverkusen in the close sea- Clermont, in their first season in the years as the younger Ugas dominated with a Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach also thinks son, is without victory after three French top-flight, cut the deficit as stinging jab and cleaner punching to retain his the loss could nudge the Filipino into retire- games of the campaign despite his Rashani claimed his maiden goal WBA welterweight crown at Las Vegas’s T- ment. “I’ll hate to see the day Manny retires, LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao of the side leading 3-1 at the break. Bosz since joining the club from Mobile Arena. but this could be it. We’ll see what Manny Philippines (left) looks at Yordenis Ugas dropped Brazilian defender Erzurumspor in July. The comeback Ugas, 35, had only been drafted in to face decides,” Roach said. If Saturday’s fight turns of Cuba after being knocked down dur- Marcelo who was sent to train with was complete after 91 minutes as out to be his last, Pacquiao can have few com- Pacquiao earlier this month after the eight-divi- ing the WBA Welterweight Championship the club’s reserves as punishment 28-year-old Rashani, born in plaints about the eighth defeat of a career that sion world champion’s original opponent Errol boxing match at T-Mobile Arena in Las for “inappropriate behavior” after Sweden, headed home from a cross Spence Jr, suffered an eye injury in training. But has encompassed 72 fights spanning 26 years since 1995. Vegas, Nevada on Saturday. — AFP last week’s 3-0 loss at Angers. by first-half culprit Gastien. the defending champion from Cuba seized his Moussa Dembele, 25, who spent Later, second-placed Angers opportunity brilliantly to win on all three cards, Although the Filipino was aggressive throughout, advancing with flurries of punches throughout but the Filipino’s legion of admirers the latter part of last season on- head to Bordeaux, there is a Breton with one judge scoring it 115-113 and two oth- grew steadily more subdued as the rounds loan at Atletico Madrid, opened his derby between Rennes and Nantes ers 116-112. A deflated Pacquiao said after- from the opening round, few of his blows inflicted significant damage on Ugas, who clev- wore on. Pacquiao, with a cluster of red marks account for the new campaign after before Marseille head along the wards he will take his time before deciding on on his cheek and forehead a testament to his future, but admitted the boxing world may erly used his advantages in reach and height to just five minutes from the penalty Mediterranean coast to face Nice. frustrate Pacquiao. Ugas meanwhile scored Ugas’s increasing accuracy and effectiveness, spot after he was fouled by Johan On Saturday, champions Lille drew well have seen him in the ring for the last time. continued to come forward as he sought a big “In the future you may not see Manny consistently with crisper punches that often Gastien. The hosts were all-square 1-1 with Saint-Etienne and are still rocked Pacquiao back on his heels. Ugas’s jolt- round to change the complexion of the contest. seven minutes later as Lyon’s Sinaly without a win this season. Pacquiao fight in the ring,” Pacquiao said. “I’ve But Ugas would not be denied, and he had done a lot for boxing and boxing has done a lot ing left jab caused problems for Pacquiao Diomande repeated team-mate On Friday, Paris Saint-Germain throughout, and he repeatedly did damage with Pacquiao scrambling onto the defensive once Marcelo’s feat from last weekend made it three wins out of three as for me. I look forward to spending time with my again after landing a double left jab and a right family and thinking about my future in boxing. I a series of powerful rights. with an own goal. Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria After a cagey opening round, Ugas quickly hook in quick succession in the 10th, before Bosz’s side took control of the both netted in a 4-2 win at Brest. did my best tonight but my best wasn’t good closing out the final rounds to win. The Cuban enough. No excuses. I wanted to fight for the asserted himself in the middle rounds, startling fixture again after 20 minutes with Lionel Messi and Neymar missed Pacquiao with a left-right combination in the fighter’s greater accuracy was reflected in the title in the ring, and the champion tonight is still post-fight stats, which revealed that Pacquiao Dembele claiming his second the fixture with the Argentina star Ugas.” It was a sweet victory for Ugas, who fifth before ending the sixth with another hard despite VAR being used to check set to make his PSG debut at Reims right. A T-Mobile crowd of 17,438 tried to rally landed just 130 of a total of 815 punches had been awarded the WBA title after Pacquiao thrown. Ugas landed 151 of 405 thrown. — AFP for an offside. The hosts’ best goal next Sunday. — AFP was stripped of the belt by the sanctioning Pacquiao with chants of “Manny, Manny”