New property Qatar ownership powering ahead decision to boost with 2022 foreign World Cup investment preparations

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Amir, Afghan President Amir, Turkish President to hold official talks hold talks today QNA — DOHA the role of Qatar and its com- mitment to peace in his country QNA — DOHA Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin and its efforts to host this round Hamad Al Thani and President of negotiations in order to reach Amir H H Sheikh Tamim of the Islamic Republic of lasting peace. bin Hamad Al Thani will Afghanistan H E Dr. Mohammad During the talks, the two meet today with President Ashraf Ghani held a session of sides reviewed bilateral relations of the Republic of Turkey, official talks at the Amiri Diwan and the means of developing and H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan, yesterday. strengthening them in various who will arrive in Doha on At the start of the session, the fields. The talks also dealt with a working visit today. Amir welcomed the Afghan developments in Afghanistan in Amir and the Turkish President and the accompanying light of the Afghan peace nego- President will discuss the delegation, expressing his con- tiations currently underway in strategic relations between fidence that this visit will con- Doha, in order to achieve the two countries and ways tribute to strengthening relations security, stability and peace in of enhancing and devel- between the two countries. Afghanistan. oping them, in addition to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meeting President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, For his part, the Afghan Pres- The meeting was attended a number of issues of H E Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, at the Amiri Diwan, yesterday. ident expressed his thanks and by a number of Ministers, and mutual concern. appreciation to the Amir for the from the Afghan side by warm reception, and stressed the members of the official dele- H H the Amir also hosted a Their Excellencies sheikhs and for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan importance of relations between gation accompanying the Pres- luncheon banquet at the Amiri ministers. bin Saad Al Muraikhi and the Qatar attends WHO the two countries. ident. An official reception was Diwan in honour of the Afghan The Afghan President left Ambassador of the Islamic He also appreciated the State held for the President of Afghan- President, and his accompa- Doha yesterday evening. He was Republic of Afghanistan to the executive board of Qatar’s hosting of the Afghan istan upon his arrival at the nying delegation. The banquet seen off at the Hamad Interna- State of Qatar, H E Abdul Hakim meeting on peace negotiations and praised Amiri Diwan. was attended by a number of tional Airport by Minister of State Dalili. COVID-19 response

QNA — DOHA

Non-Qataris can own property in 25 areas Qatar has participated in the special session of the WHO THE PENINSULA — DOHA within malls,” said Minister of residence in Qatar upon com- executive board on the Justice and Minister of State for pletion of the property own- response to the COVID-19 In a move that would further Owners of property worth not less than QR730,000 the Council of Ministers Affairs, ership procedures in a direct pandemic, which concluded stimulate Qatar’s realty sector, ($200,000), and their families, will get a residency H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al way. yesterday. the Ministry of Justice said Nuaimi. The owner of the property The delegation of Qatar at yesterday that non-Qataris can permit without the need for a sponsor. Procedures for granting res- with value of not less than the special session was chaired now own and use real estate in idency to owners of property of QR3.65m (equivalent of by Minister of Public Health, 25 areas in the country. The Those purchasing property worth not less than no less than QR730,000 (equiv- $1,000,000) will receive per- H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Ministry also released terms and QR3.65m ($1m) will receive permanent residency alent to $200,000) have been manent residency benefits that Kuwari, via remote commu- conditions for the non-Qatari benefits including healthcare, education, and facilitated, where the owner of include healthcare, education, nication technology. ownership of real estate in investment opportunities. the property from this category and investment in some com- During the two-day Qatar, and outlined the areas in can obtain a residency permit mercial activities. Qataris and session, the executive board which non-Qataris may use and for himself and the family Non-Qataris can now own a discussed several important own real estate. Qataris and non-Qataris can also own detached thereof without a sponsor detached unit in one of the res- topics, most notably updated Non-Qataris may now own units in residential compounds and shopping during the period of his idential compounds. They may information on the implemen- real estate in nine areas, while malls throughout the country. property ownership, said the also own detached units (offices tation of resolutions related to they can use real estate in 16 Ministry. and shops) in shopping malls the response to the COVID-19 areas. “With the issuance of The Ministry of Interior and throughout the country, pro- pandemic. Cabinet’s Decision No. (28) of the Ministry of Justice have vided that no modification to or The Director-General of 2020, Qatar has 16 usufruct Accordingly, freehold resi- Non-Qataris, residents and worked on introducing an change in the nature of the unit, WHO provided a summary of areas for a term of 99 years, dential properties have become non-residents, within resi- automated system through its style or to the exterior is the WHO’s activities since and nine areas for freehold. available to Qataris as well as dential complexes and shops which Non-Qataris can obtain made. `P2 January 2020 in response to the pandemic, and the steps taken to ensure lessons are learned and best practices are Afghan govt lauds Qatar's role in peace process implemented as the pandemic develops. IRFAN BUKHARI terming the existing cooperation government of Qatar to achieve our Updated information was THE PENINSULA between the two countries as shared goal of peace and stability,” also provided by the co-chairs ‘multi-faceted’. he added. for the Independent Panel for Acting Foreign Minister of Afghan- He said President Ghani and the The Acting Foreign Minister said: Pandemic Preparedness and istan, H E Mohammad Haneef Atmar, accompanying delegation had a “I reiterate that the role our two Response, the Chairman of the has said that Afghan peace process number of high level meetings in partners — the US and Qatar — have International Health Regula- has benefited greatly from the role Doha with Qatar’s leadership which played in this process is very much tions Review Committee and played by the State of Qatar. were very successful in many ways. appreciated by the government of the Chairman of the Inde- Addressing a press conference in “In the meetings, first we thanked Afghanistan, and we believe that by pendent Oversight and Doha yesterday, Atmar said there the leadership of Qatar for their con- working with our partners we have Advisory Committee for the were two important objectives of the tinued support for the Afghan peace better chance to succeed in peace WHO Health Emergencies visit by President of Afghanistan H E process. This process has benefited process.” Programme. The main func- Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani to greatly from the role the government To a question, he said Qatar and tions of the executive board Qatar. “The first objective is to of Qatar has played. Afghanistan had agreed to establish Acting Afghan Foreign Minister H E are to give effect to the deci- advance the peace process and the “The government of Afghanistan a high-level bilateral commission to Mohammad Haneef Atmar addressing sions and policies of the Health other is to expand our bilateral ties appreciates this role and we will like foster bilateral relations and cooper- a press conference, in Doha, yesterday. Assembly, to advise it and gen- and cooperation with Qatar,” he said to continue our cooperation with the ation. `P2 PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA erally to facilitate its work. HIA first in the world to get BSI COVID-19 safety protocol certificate THE PENINSULA — DOHA This important Company for Airports Man- staff and passengers in com- achievement marks agement and Operation. pliance with guidelines issued Hamad International Airport This important achievement by the International Civil Avi- (HIA) announced yesterday Qatar as the first marks Qatar as the first country ation Organization’s (ICAO) that it is the first entity in the country in the world in the world to be verified by Civil Aviation Recovery Task- world to achieve independent BSI for its COVID-19 Aviation force (CART). verification from BSI (British to be verified by Health Safety Protocol The airport was awarded Standards Institution) for its BSI for its COVID- Implementation. based on a compliance veri- implementation of COVID-19 It is also a significant tes- fication audit conducted by ICAO Aviation Health Safety 19 Aviation Health tament to the efforts imple- BSI to assess guidelines Protocols. The verification was Safety Protocol mented by Qatar’s gateway to implemented by the airport conducted following successful the world, HIA, which helped during the pandemic and will audits for Compliance to Inter- Implementation. successfully restore passenger be maintained via a continued national Civil Aviation Organ- confidence and boost air travel, verification that will be con- ization Civil Aviation Recovery E Jon Wilks; President of the even during the most turbulent ducted to ensure this com- Taskforce ICAO CART. Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, of times. pliance is maintained over Qatar’s airport received the Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al This Verification of Com- time. Qatar’s state-of-the-art verification certificate during Subaey; HIA’s Chief Operation pliance is a testament to the hub demonstrated industry- an official handover ceremony Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed airport’s commitment to main- best practices, having imple- attended by Qatar Airways Al Meer; Business Development taining business efficiency mented innovative measures Group Chief Executive, H E Manager at BSI, Jamal Dalli, during the COVID-19 pandemic for transferring, departing, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, and other Akbar Al Baker; British Ambas- among other BSI officials and while implementing unprece- and arriving passengers. officials during the BSI verification certificate receiving ceremony. sador to the State of Qatar, H executives from MATAR Qatar dented measures to protect its `P2 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 Amir hosts President of Afghanistan at Amiri Diwan

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H E Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, and his delegation at the Amiri Diwan, yesterday. An official reception was held for the President of Afghanistan upon his arrival at the Amiri Diwan.

Deputy PM and Minister Afghan govt lauds Qatar’s role in peace process of Foreign Affairs meets FROM PAGE 1 British Foreign Secretary He said leaders from both the countries, during meetings, focused on peace negotiations and challenges that the process was facing. “Good QNA — LONDON field of investment and consensus reached between leaders from both economy, as well as the countries on next steps on how to deal Deputy Prime Minister the latest develop- with challenges and obstacles in the way to and Minister of Foreign ments in the region achieve peace and for success of peace nego- Affairs H E Sheikh and issues of mutual tiations.” Mohammed bin Abdul- concern. He said the Afghan government was extremely rahman Al Thani met The ministers also grateful for the high level of political will on part yesterday with British discussed the need to of Qatar to expand bilateral cooperation espe- Secretary of State for reach a just solution to the cially in economic spheres. Foreign, Common- Palestinian cause based He said that the government of Afghanistan wealth and Devel- on the international legit- was pursuing three goals at this stage of peace opment Affairs H E imacy resolutions and the process. “Our first goal is to remove all the Dominic Raab, during two-state solution in obstacles in the way of reaching an agreement his current visit to the order to ensure the estab- on the rules and procedures of peace talks. There United Kingdom. lishment of an inde- are two pending issues in this regard which have During the meeting, pendent Palestinian state to be resolved.” the two sides reviewed on the 1967 borders, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman The second goal of the Afghanistan gov- the bilateral cooper- East Jerusalem as its Al Thani with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs ernment, he said, was achieving a comprehensive ation, mainly in the capital. H E Dominic Raab in London. ceasefire according to the desire of Afghan people. “Our focus is on reduction in violence as promised with the people of Afghanistan. We also have to Minister: HIA’s establish a special mechanism to monitor the level Non-Qataris can own property in 25 areas of violence and allow two sides to take effective achievements are measures to address the reasons behind violence.” FROM PAGE 1 based on strength units have also been allowed to take He said that the third goal of Afghanistan gov- The decision would provide an advantage of this decision. ernment, through peace negations, was reaching of aviation sector unprecedented opportunity for The areas that have been desig- a political settlement which should establish per- citizens with middle and limited nated for ownership and usufruct are manent ceasefire in the country. QNA — DOHA income to invest in the real estate considered to be pilot areas built sector. according to the latest global planning Three arrested for violating Minister of Transport and The Minister said that this decision and urban specifications. In the Communications H E Jassim supports the Government’s plans to planning and design systems, the home quarantine rules bin Saif Al Sulaiti expressed diversify the economy and establish latest international real estate spec- QNA — DOHA pride of the qualitative an integrated legislative system to ifications have been considered to achievement achieved by realise the various social and eco- make them meet the aspirations of The competent authorities arrested yesterday Hamad International Airport nomic aspects of Qatar National investors from around the world. three people who violated the requirements of (HIA) by demonstrating Vision 2030. These areas also provide prom- the home quarantine, they committed to compliance with the standards The Minister noted that such deci- ising opportunities and new benefits following, which they are legally accountable for, of the International Civil sions would make a qualitative shift Minister of Justice H E Dr. Issa bin for Qatari citizens to invest in the in accordance with the procedures of the health Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) in developing the real estate sector Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi real estate sector, whether through authorities in the country. Council Aviation Recovery in Qatar and promoting its investment partnership and investment oppor- It is in implementation of the precautionary Task Force (CART), in addition attractiveness in the region, in a way The areas of freehold ownership tunities through buying and selling measures in force in the country, approved by to being the first airport in the serving the national economy and covered by in this decision are West in the 25 areas covered by these health authorities represented in the Ministry of world to obtain accreditation promoting an attracting legislative Bay area (Legtaifiya), The Pearl area, decisions or through local and Public Health (MoPH) to ensure the achievement by the British Standards Insti- and legal environment that incen- Al Khor Resort, Al Dafna (Adminis- foreign real estate investment funds of public safety and to curb the spread of the coro- tution (BSI) for its implemen- tivises investors. It also guarantees trative District No. 60), Al Dafna that would be allocated to investors navirus. The three people being referred to the tation of COVID-19 ICAO them safe and promising investment (Administrative District No. 61), in the near future. competent prosecution are Hassan Saad Badi Al Aviation Health Safety that benefits local and foreign Onaiza (Administrative District), Such Decision would contribute Jafali Al Nuaimi; Mahmoud Badea Mukhtar Abdul Protocols. investors together with the economy Lusail, Al Kharaij and Jabal Thuaileb. to the advancement of the Qatari real Kamel and Salah Al Sayyed Bedair Al Dersi. The achievements and and the real estate sector in the Within the framework of estate market, the acceleration of the successes of HIA are based on country. investment facilitation that keeps economic development, and the stim- 251 new virus cases, 229 recoveries the strength and development According to the Ministry, the real pace with the new legislation in Qatar ulation of the real estate sector. of the aviation sector in the estate sector usufruct right areas for regarding the ownership of real estate The approval of the Cabinet has THE PENINSULA — DOHA State of Qatar, which follows a period of 99 years are Msheireb, by Non-Qataris, all services and pro- recently included the addition of new the latest international Fereej Abdul Aziz, New Doha, Al cedures for selling and buying, categories. While the decision The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday methods in standards and Ghanim Al Ateeq, Al Riffa, and Al extracting bonds and obtaining con- allowing so was previously limited to announced the registration of 251 new confirmed operation, as well as the Hitmi Al Atiq, Al Salata, Fereej Bin cessions related to these real estate individuals, Non-Qatari companies COVID-19. According to the Ministry among them high-level infrastructure with Mahmoud 22, Fereej Bin Mahmoud services would be provided through are currently allowed to own real 18 were travelers returning from abroad. global specifications to 23, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Mansoura, a single point of contact through the estate in the same areas included in Another 229 people have recovered from the achieve sustainable devel- Fereej Bin Dirham, Najma, Umm Ghu- Ministry of Justice. Cabinet’s decision, upon the proposal virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases opment in line with Qatar wailina, Al Khulaifat, Al Sadd, Al Real estate investment funds spe- of the Commission on Non-Qataris’ in Qatar to 123,893. All new cases have been intro- National Vision 2030, the Mirqab Al Jadeed, Fereej Al Nasr, and cialised in real estate investment in Real Estate Ownership and Use duced to isolation and are receiving necessary Minister said. the Doha International Airport area. the referred to various regions and thereof. healthcare according to their health status. HIA first in the world to get BSI COVID-19 safety protocol certificate FROM PAGE 1 standards as well as the leading role achievement would not have been Organisations need expert guidance drastically to adapt to the different Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, of Hamad International Airport, one made possible without the determined on how to maintain business efficiency needs of passengers. Keeping every said: “We are pleased to witness this of the best airports in the world.” efforts of our staff, partners, and pas- and resilience, while protecting passenger journey in mind, HIA unprecedented development in Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, sengers, who all contribute in boosting workers and consumers. They need to recently applied newly modified pro- Qatar’s aviation history. This said: “It is an honour to be recognised the airport’s position as a true leader ensure that protocols are in place and cedures for arriving passengers. The achievement is a testament to Qatar’s for our efforts to maintain a safe envi- in the global aviation industry.” need to provide trust to workers, pas- airport has customised its procedures keenness and commitment to ICAO’s ronment for our staff and passengers Group Executive Director sengers, authorities and all stake- based on the categorisation of arriving principles and objectives that help while ensuring operational efficiency. Assurance Services at BSI, Pietro Foschi holders that the best practices passengers to ensure a smooth return achieve the safety, security, and effi- We always strive to provide consist- said: “We welcome and congratulate regarding safety in aviation are cor- to the country. Whether travellers are ciency of the world’s civil aviation ently high-quality services for all our the leadership demonstrated by Hamad rectly applied so that such critical arriving, departing, or transferring system. Qatar’s Civil Aviation stakeholders. The verification reflects International Airport to be the first to infrastructure can be used safely over through the five-star airport, their Authority continuously works on our capability in maintaining HIA’s achieve this verification. The chal- time. We at BSI are delighted to have journeys have been designed to meet improving and developing the coun- position as a leading airport in the world, lenges presented by COVID-19 to been collaborating with the airport high levels of convenience and comfort. try’s aviation regulations to ensure in these unprecedented times. As the organisations, employees and con- management team to provide such To ensure the health and wellbeing of that the latest health, safety, and world is adjusting to the new normal, sumers have had a huge impact and as trust.” its staff and passengers, HIA also intro- security standards are implemented. the international recognition we get from we adjust to the ‘next normal’, organ- Qatar’s airport has taken swift and duced a series of unprecedented This achievement confirms the key BSI is important to ensure HIA’s opera- isations around the world are imple- comprehensive steps to curb the spread measures including the implemen- role played by the authority to ensure tional capabilities at all times.” menting new ways of working as part of COVID-19. The airport’s protocols tation of robotics and advanced compliance with international Engr. Al Meer added: “This of a progressive recovery. and procedures have changed thermal screening helmets. WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 HOME 03 QA, QNTC partner with UNWTO Labour and Social Affairs Minister meets Afghan Minister to support start-up competition

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The competition is aimed at global

Qatar Airways announced entrepreneurs whose ideas contribute yesterday that it has partnered towards the achievement of the United with Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) to support a Nations 17 SDGs through state-of-the- global start-up competition art methods, governance structures and event hosted in Doha, an initi- ative led by the United Nations social impact initiatives, technological World Tourism Organization applications and other ways of chosen (UNWTO) inviting bright minds to pitch ideas towards acceler- innovation. ating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the tourism “During these challenging out to making tourism safer, industry. times, it is essential for nations more responsible and more The competition is aimed at to provide platforms where sustainable. While the global entrepreneurs whose entrepreneurs can realise inno- COVID-19 pandemic has taken ideas contribute towards the vative ideas that align with the an unprecedented toll on achievement of the United current necessities of the tourism, it also has made clear Nations 17 SDGs through state- worldwide market. As a the important role tourism of-the-art methods, gov- company that is moulded plays in every part of society. Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, H E Yousuf bin Mohammed Al ernance structures and social strongly by tourism, we are We commend the dedication of Othman Fakhroo, met yesterday with Acting Minister of Economy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, impact initiatives, technological determined to play our role in Qatar Airways to continuing to H E Karima Hamid Faryabi, during her visit to the country, as part of Afghan President’s official applications and other ways of supporting the UNWTO through carry passengers safely delegation. They discussed aspects of joint cooperation, especially issues related to employment chosen innovation. From July this competition, upholding throughout this time, and in the to October 2020, successful sustainability and innovation new reality that awaits us all.” and ways to support and develop them. applicants are being selected at the heart of the global eco- The national carrier of Qatar based on pre-requisites such as nomic recovery. We look will actively be involved in the innovative value-added solu- forward to welcoming these competition finals, with a rep- tions with the potential for bright minds to Doha, with the resentative from the airline international scalability. A final anticipation that they can evaluating the participating Qatar committee begins disbursing event is set to be held in Doha, accelerate their vision towards start-ups through various com- in February 2021 with flights, a sustainable future.” petition phases, as part of the cash assistance in Gaza Strip transportation and accommo- The United Nations World jury. The UNWTO will advocate dation being provided by Qatar Tourism Organization Sec- the best ideas to its Member QNA — GAZA assistance to disadvantaged and bank and its branches and new Airways and QNTC for the retary-General, Zurab Pololi- States, Affiliate Members and needy families in the Gaza Strip. points affiliated to it in the gov- finalists. kashviki, said: “We are com- investors, providing winners Chairman of the Qatar He explained that the cash ernorates of the sector, under Qatar Airways recognises mitted to strengthening our with unique networking and Committee for the Recon- assistance will be provided to the full supervision of the the vital role the tourism sector long-standing partnership with matchmaking opportunity. struction of Gaza H E Ambas- 100,000 poor and needy fam- Qatari committee staff and in plays in the positive fulfilment both Qatar Airways and the Innovators are encouraged sador Mohammed Al Emadi ilies in the governorates of the cooperation with the concerned of societies’ economic potential Qatar National Tourism to apply through the competi- confirmed that Qatar Committee Gaza Strip, where every family authorities, headed by the Min- and cultural relevance. Qatar Council. Thank you for sup- tion’s website: https://www. for the Reconstruction of Gaza, will receive $100. istry of Social Development and Airways Group Chief Executive porting this competition, the unwto.org/sdgs-global-startup- in cooperation with Qatar Fund He further indicated that the Ministry of Communica- and QNTC Secretary-General, Sustainable Development Goals competition before October 10, For Development (QFFD), began the distribution process is tions and Information Tech- H E Akbar Al Baker said: and those entrepreneurs setting 2020. the process of disbursing cash carried out through the postal nology in Gaza. HMC campaign: Early detection of breast cancer saves lives FAZEENA SALEEM per 100,000 (source: Qatar therapy, chemotherapy, and identifiable gene mutations. centres and by a mobile THE PENINSULA Cancer Registry). systemic medical Therefore, it is recom- screening unit by Both women and men can interventions.” mended that women begin appointment, under the Hamad Medical Corporation however be affected by breast Most cancers occur ran- regular annual breast cancer National Breast and Bowel has joined the international cancer. According to HMC, it is domly, however a small screening at the age of 45. Cancer Screening Program. ‘Breast Cancer Awareness important to note that many number of cases (5 -10%) are Breast Cancer screening HMC offers a breast cancer Month’ campaign this month to breast cancers are treatable and linked to a strong family service is currently offered screening clinic at National encourage women to know the patients can survive if it’s diag- history of cancer. These by Primary Health Care Cor- Center for Cancer Care and signs and symptoms of the nosed and treated early. cancers may be the result of poration’s three health Research (NCCCR). cancer emphasising that early “Awareness is a very detection can save lives. effective tool that can greatly Under the theme ‘Together increase a breast cancer Against Breast Cancer’, HMC has patient’s chances of getting it a dedicated page in its official treated, but this action must be website and also spreading taken in the early stages of the awareness messages on social onset of symptoms, sometimes media. even earlier. For this reason, it The page includes infor- is extremely important for mation about breast cancer, the women to be aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and how causes and symptoms of breast to be breast aware. Visitors to cancer so they are able to the page also get the chance to quickly seek treatment,” learn about some success according to a breast cancer stories of breast cancer patients, awareness message. their treatment journey and It added: “The optimal care their victory in their battle with of patients with breast cancer cancer. is rapidly changing as a result In line with HMC’s mission of advances in all aspects of to provide the safest, most about mammograms, prevention, patient care. There is an effective and most compas- and how early detection can save increasing focus on providing sionate care to population and to lives. multidisciplinary care for provide help and support through Breast cancer is most patients with complex diseases early detection and education, common cancer in Qatar, such as breast cancer through the web page provides audiences accounting for 31 percent of the use of integrated teams of with the knowledge they need cancer cases in women. The risk professionals representing the through sharing information of women in the population relevant treatment modalities, about breast awareness, talking developing breast cancer is 56 including surgery, radiation Communications Regulatory Authority participates in Arab Digital Content Forum

THE PENINSULA — DOHA participation in this session, where we discussed the current The Communications Regu- reality of digital Arabic content latory Authority (CRA) partici- on the Internet and the chal- pated in the 4th Arab Digital lenges that face digitizing the Content Forum 2020 via video Arabic content. In addition to conferencing under the theme the importance of using the “The Future of Arabic Content currently available technologies on the Internet.” and solutions like applying arti- The event, which will con- ficial intelligence to enhance clude today, is organized by the digital Arabic content’s strength Ministry of Transport and Com- in various fields and sectors. We munications (MoTC) under the also exchanged our views about League of Arab States’ auspices the importance of supporting and collaboration with Qatar’s CRA Technical Affairs Department the innovations and break- CRA. Other partners are the Manager, Eng. Abdulla Jassmi throughs in this field, which will Arab Information and Commu- contribute to the development nication Technologies Organi- of Arab digital content,” said zation (AICTO), the UN Eco- session discussed the weak CRA Technical Affairs nomic and Social Commission presence of Arabic digital Department Manager, Eng. for West Asia (ESCWA), the content on the Internet and the Abdulla Jassmi. Arab League Educational, Cul- importance of preserving the It is worth to mention that tural and Scientific Organi- Arab digital identity from dis- the Forum focuses on Arabic zation (ALECSO), and the Inter- appearing. It also discussed the digital content, its national Telecommunication challenges of digitization from advancement, and challenges. Union (ITU). a technical perspective and It also discusses the importance The CRA participated in the artificial intelligence’s impact of Arabic digital content during first session titled, “The Reality in promoting Arabic content. crises and its role in the coro- of Digital Arabic Content,” and Participants also exchanged navirus disease (COVID-19) representatives from Qatar Sci- their views and experiences in pandemic and the knowledge entific Club and Qatar Com- this field. gained from this in preparation puting Research Institute. The “We are pleased with our for other emergencies. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 QF to host Teaching & Learning Forum on October 11 MME obtains THE PENINSULA — DOHA conversation about how we can ensure learning emerges stronger RAIS system Identifying how to make learning While COVID-19 has brought from its COVID-19 experience, but QNA – DOHA sustainable amid a global landscape so much uncertainty to our to set in motion a collaborative that is set to look radically different search for tangible, practical, and The Ministry of Municipality and Envi- after COVID-19 will be the focus for world, it has also united actionable solutions that help to ronment (MME), represented by the Radi- educators and school leaders from people from different protect and transform one of the ation and Chemicals Protection around the world when Qatar Foun- pillars of every society.” Department, in coordination with the Inter- dation stages a unique edition of its nations, cultures, and areas The forum’s keynote speaker will national Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Teaching and Learning Forum next of expertise in seeking to be Professor Mel Ainscow, Emeritus obtained the Regulatory Authority Infor- week. find solutions to the Professor of Education at the Uni- mation System (RAIS). RAIS is a software The virtual event, organised by versity of Manchester, and an inter- application developed by the IAEA to assist the Education Development challenges it has brought to nationally-recognised authority on member states in managing their regu- Institute (EDI) — part of Qatar us, and the field of inclusion and equity in education, latory control programs in accordance with Foundation’s Pre-University Edu- education is no different. which he will say should be a central IAEA Safety Standards and guides. cation is bringing together the local feature in any education system — A specialised technical team in the radi- Professor Mel Ainscow and international education com- Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi particularly in difficult times. ation protection section at the Department munity to discuss a series of issues The event will also include a is auditing all the data of radioactive President of Pre-University that will be vital for both safe- and the role of communication in Qatar Heads Summit, where more sources, companies, transport vehicles, guarding and disrupting learning learning. Education at QF than 50 directors of schools from workers, and activities and entering them into the future. “While COVID-19 has brought so across Qatar will discuss challenges into the system to create the basic rules for Among the areas coming under much uncertainty to our world, it has and opportunities around school the record of radioactive sources in the the spotlight at the Teaching and also united people from different management and share their views country, inspection reports, and infor- Learning Forum 2020, which will nations, cultures, and areas of pandemic has placed on education. on the forum’s six topic streams. It mation about the supervisory authority in take place on October 11, are per- expertise in seeking to find solutions However, this merely brushes the will be followed by a learning event the country represented by the Radiation sonalising teaching and learning; to the challenges it has brought to us, surface of what we must collectively on November 29 when EDI will and Chemicals Protection Department Min- building inclusive, accessible and the field of education is no dif- do to sustain education for the gen- gather together the education com- istry of Municipality and Environment. learning communities; fostering ferent,” said President of Pre-Uni- erations to follow, making it robust munity to develop practical The system has been prepared and wellbeing and a sense of community versity Education at QF Buthaina Ali and resilient while recognising and approaches to making learning more made appropriate amendments to it, to within education; and globalising Al Nuaimi. acting on the urgency of disrupting sustainable, and learning systems be in line with the national systems cur- school curricula so that they blend “Schools, educators, children, the way we teach and the way our less fragile. rently in the country, and the registry will global issues and local contexts. and parents around the world have children learn. The Teaching & Learning Forum be available to the concerned authorities Educators will also discuss topic shown tremendous adaptability and “Through our Teaching and 2020, is open to anyone connected in the country to strengthening the mon- streams based around creatively fortitude in responding to the Learning Forum 2020, Qatar Foun- to the education sector. To register, itoring work on activities, practices, and identifying and solving problems, incredible demands that the dation aims not just to start a visit https://cvent.me/ebDVkV radioactive sources. 10th anniversary celebrations of Safari Mall begin with ‘Win 25 Nissan Sunny Mega Car Promotion’

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Safari Group, Qatar’s leading hyper- market chain is all set to add another dimension to its winning streak by launching today, Safari Win 25 Nissan Sunny Car Mega Promotion and it's done in conjunction to mark the 10th Anniversary of Safari Mall - Abu Hamour outlet. In 2005 Safari Hypermarket - Salwa Road branch initiated its very first promotion by giving 1kg gold to customers, without any pur- Hamour. Coordinator, Shaheen Backer in a chases. Safari’s triumphant journey Second draw is planned for statement thanked customers for started from there, in all these years January 4, 2021 at Safari Hyper- their support and announced the they came up with cash prizes, Mer- market - Al Khor, the third draw will latest mega promotion. cedes-Benz, BMW, Land Cruiser and take place on February 15, 2021 at Safari was the first to introduce many more magnificent promotions Safari Hypermarket, Salwa Road and diverse promotions in the Qatari for its valued customers. fourth draw will be on March 31, hypermarket industry and to the Safari had created history in the 2021 at Safari Shopping complex - customers. retail hypermarket sector by giving umm salal muhammed branch. Go Green, Grow Green pro- away QR1m as first prize in one of Anyone can participate in this motion is one of the best examples the promotions. promotion by getting a raffle coupon of it, this promotion was made by The Safari Win 25 Nissan Sunny when purchasing items for just Safari with the aim of going back to Car Promotion is Safari’s latest mega QR50 from any of the Safari outlets. the nature and also the Rice Bazaar promotion, this mega promotion is Safari ensured uninterrupted supply promotion, which had different var- aimed at giving their customers a of food grains and other daily neces- iants of rice and other rice products fresh start in this situation where sities during the epidemic and took available at a very affordable price. they are slowly recovering from the extra care in creating an atmosphere Safari has been able to treat its grip of the Covid pandemic that has where once could shop without any customers equally at all times turned the world economy upside fear, the safety standards set was without any hesitation or prejudice, down. very comforting to the customers. even at the point where even the The promotion will start today During the coronavirus pan- movement of goods is stagnant. and has a total 5 draws. Safari offers demic time, many hypermarkets are Also, during this time of pan- 25 Nissan Sunny cars in this pro- hesitant to even present minor pro- demic Safari group is able to provide motion, five Nissan Sunny 2020 cars motions, but even then Safari always food and other items to the people in each draw. The first draw will presents differently and the best at affordable and lower prices. As take place on November 28, 2020 promotions for their customers that part of Safari Mall’s 10th anniversary and the last fifth draw will be on no one can match to. celebrations, Safari has launched a May, 24 2021 at Safari Mall-Abu Safari Group Director/Group number of offers for its customers.

MME issues 150 decisions for demolition and maintenance in Q3

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Committee for Building Maintenance and Demolition at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment issued 150 decisions including 136 for demolition and 14 for main- tenance during third quarter (Q3) of this year. The committee also received 211 requests — 173 for demolition and 38 for maintenance from the munic- ipalities during the period of study. Since its inception, the committee received a total of 1,473 requests for demolition and 452 for maintenance from municipalities. The necessary actions were taken by issuing appropriate decisions fol- lowing Law No. 29 of 2006 for monitoring the buildings. The committee issued 1,227 deci- sions till now. The committee is assigned to conduct study about the conditions of ramshackle buildings or those require maintenance. The job of the committee is to inspect the buildings if it is needed to do so and to take necessary deci- sions in this regards — asking for conducting maintenance or demolition partly or completely. WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 HOME 05

Ooredoo brings Disney+ QU-H and HMC experts collaborate Originals with OSN to mobile, to train healthcare workers Ooredoo ONE customers THE PENINSULA — DOHA sub-committees made up of THE PENINSULA — DOHA The OSN Streaming local experts to design and App, a Video-on- Qatar University’s Health deliver specific training tar- Ooredoo has announced its Demand (VOD) (QU-H), through its Continuing geted to address the learning mobile and Ooredoo ONE streaming app by Professional Development needs identified. customers will be able to access (CPD) programme, recently Director of Research at Disney+ Originals, HBO series OSN, offers viewers held a webinar aimed at sup- HMC Ambulance Service, Prof and much more, at no extra a comprehensive porting the educational and Guillaume Alinier, during his charge, thanks to a major part- entertainment package training needs in research skills presentation, said, “The nership with OSN Streaming with exclusive access for healthcare professionals in healthcare system in Qatar App service now included with Qatar. employs international experts its plans. to Disney+ Originals, With over 90 participants, in every sector. We must capi- The OSN Streaming App — including content from the event kicked off the first of talise on this valuable resource a Video-on-Demand (VOD) home entertainment a six-part series in research in developing initiatives such streaming app by OSN — offers Experts during the webinar. powerhouses such as skills co-designed in part- as this CPD series. We will all viewers a comprehensive nership with Hamad Medical benefit from this collaboration, entertainment package with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Corporation (HMC) experts. The The uncertainty of COVID-19 represents a real challenge healthcare workers, educators, exclusive access to Disney+ Star Wars and National session focused on the first step for all healthcare professionals; there is new information and the public.” Originals, including content Geographic. in the research process — the QU-H Assistant Professor in from home entertainment study design and developing a emerging which affects the way that we deliver Epidemiology in the College of powerhouses such as Disney, research question. Further ses- healthcare. It is therefore essential that healthcare staff Health Sciences, Dr. Mujahed Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and benefits with their postpaid sions will focus on other can read and understand the latest reported evidence and Shraim, while speaking on National Geographic. services.” essential steps in the research use it to benefit their patients. study designs, said, “We made The service also incorpo- Senior Vice President of process. the webinar as interactive as rates exclusively HBO along an Telco and OTT at OSN, Zahra This CPD series intends to possible for the audience using extensive library from NBC Zayat, said, “We are very equip healthcare professionals Dr. Zachariah Nazar quizzes throughout our talks to Universal and CBS and the excited to have Ooredoo as our with the necessary instructions QU-H CPD coordinator help everyone assimilate the recently added portfolio of telco partner for OSN streaming to embark on their research knowledge imparted.” Paramount+. in Qatar; a partner that shares projects and the expertise to Further CPD series have In addition, OSN Streaming our dedication in providing an interpret published studies. The “The uncertainty of COVID-19 series, participants can use the been planned in collaboration app features 11 local and exceptional digital experience delivery of the series has been represents a real challenge for skills they have acquired to seek with health and educational regional channels available to customers and availing the explicitly planned at this time, all healthcare professionals; opportunities to initiate their institutes in Qatar to be exclusively through OSN in the very best of entertainment to where there is increasing health there is new information research studies. delivered in coming months. Middle East.To celebrate the its tech-savvy clientele. The literature being published to emerging which affects the way Participants from all health QU-H has also extended an partnership, Ooredoo is OSN Streaming App, with its inform optimal patient care, that we deliver healthcare. It is professions attended the inter- invitation to the international offering the OSN Streaming huge library of premium especially during the COVID-19 therefore essential that active session, delivered by a audience by offering open- App as a gift to all customers content, is sure to satisfy pandemic. Healthcare profes- healthcare staff can read and panel of three experts from access live- streaming of these with Qatarna 5G plans, Shahry Qatar’s customers’ demand for sionals must understand and understand the latest reported QU-H and HMC. This collabo- events through their YouTube 5G L and XL plans, as well as world-class and exclusive utilise emerging evidence evidence and use it to benefit ration developed the following channel. those with 5G Data SIM L, XL content. We are committed to reported in published studies their patients.” strategic meetings to identify These efforts are in line with and Max plans, and all Ooredoo growing our customer base in to deliver the best possible care QU-H Clinical Lecturer, the critical learning needs of QU-H's continued commitment ONE customers on 150Mbps Qatar and our partnership with for their patients. College of Pharmacy, Dr. Daniel healthcare workers in Qatar. to supporting the optimisation plans and above. Ooredoo is a great opportunity QU-H CPD coordinator Dr. Rainkie, while presenting sug- Subsequent work has been con- of healthcare provision in Qatar Customers on lower-tiered to expand our reach with the Zachariah Nazar, commented, gested that following this CPD ducted to set up and beyond. plans can upgrade to obtain all country’s leading home brand.” the exclusive content now. World-class entertainment Chief Consumer Officer at is available across a range of People urged to Ooredoo, Fatima Sultan Al devices, meaning Ooredoo Kuwari, said: “We’re extremely Qatar subscribers can look ignore fraudulent excited to have signed a part- forward to box sets of their nership with OSN to allow our favourite shows including messages customers to experience new Game of Thrones, Grey’s and classic Disney content for Anatomy, The Mandalorian, THE PENINSULA — DOHA no extra charge, as well as Succession, and The Sopranos many more content options. in addition to the latest Turkish The Ministry of Interior has We’re sure they’ll be enter- series such as Al Tuffah Al advised people not to respond tained and informed by this Haram and Taer Al Sabah. to anonymous text messages exclusive streaming package, Widely popular movies seeking bank account or card which combines many of the available on the app include details. biggest names in home viewing Disney classics and latest “Never respond to anon- under a single banner, and releases, Star Wars: The Rise of ymous text messages stating we’re delighted to be able to Skywalker, Rambo: Last Blood, that the bank card has been sus- offer them even more value for Gemini Man and a whole lot of pended or blocked,” the MoI money and yet more extra Hollywood blockbusters. said in a tweet. It also urged people to ignore such fraudulent messages. In case of receiving such messages, “You may Cloudy Doha skyline heralds rain contact the Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating through Clouds seen breezing over the Doha skyline yesterday, promising rain in the coming days. Metrash2 or by direct calls,” the PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA Ministry said. MoCI announces investment opportunities in 2nd phase of Umm Slal Central Market

QNA — DOHA opportunities, including barns for MOCI said that it has worked, check for one month of the rent valid commercial register, a copy certificate of inclusion from the display and sale of sheep, and in coordination with the Aswaq and 24 checks in the name of of a valid commercial license (if same administration. The Permanent Committee for stores for selling vegetables and for Food Facilities Management Aswaq for Food Facilities Man- any), a copy of the establishment’s MOCI indicated the steps for Central Markets Management of fruits, in addition to the existing Company, to achieve great benefit agement Company, the ability to registration (if any), a copy of the submitting applications to obtain the Ministry of Commerce and stores that practice the same for tenants and consumers by provide products permanently, identity card, and an experience a commercial activity in the Industry (MoCI), in coordination activities. setting up a mechanism that the commercial activity recorded of no less than two years inactivity market, pointing out that the appli- with the Aswaq for Food Facil- It also includes butcheries, allows the tenant to obtain good in the commercial registry is in and submission of evidence. cation will be submitted online via ities Management Company, a selling travel supplies, and selling investment by granting him an line with the activity for which it As for the commercial activity www.moci.gov.qa, through the fol- Hassad subsidiary, announced chilled poultry and their products, adequate rental price. is submitted, and that the trader related to sheep barns, breeders lowing link https://www.aswaq. the offering of investment oppor- in addition to the availability of MoCI has set operating has experience in the activity must present all the above men- com.qa/ar/shop-registration, tunities to rent out stores in the a veterinary clinic and pharmacy standards and requirements for submitted to him. tioned documents as well as a which will be activated on second phase in the central fish to serve the owners of the barns, determining the value of rents for The Ministry clarified the doc- certificate of possession and a Tuesday, October 6 until October market in Umm Slal. and shops for various com- commercial activities in the uments and requirements farm certificate from the Live- 20, while the draw will be con- The second phase of the mercial activities such as the market, for the lease period to be required to apply for obtaining stock Department at the Ministry ducted via videoconferencing on central fish market in the Umm trade of dates and spices, and two years renewable for a similar investment opportunities, of Municipality and Environment, November 5 and the results will be Slal area includes 53 investment other commercial activities. period, provide a guaranteed including submitting a copy of a while traders must also submit a announced November 8. Nationwide awareness programme Indian Embassy announces helps improve osteoporosis care Know India Quiz 2020–21 THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA international experts to prepare an Osteoporosis Treatment Guideline as The Embassy of India has announced ‘Bharat Ko Head of Hamad Medical Corporation’s part of efforts to standardize oste- Janiye’ (Know India) Quiz 2020–21. Bharat Ko (HMC) Rheumatology Division, Dr. oporosis care in Qatar. Janiye (BKJ) Quiz contest is one of the important Samar Al Emadi, has said that in recent "Last year we launched a national initiatives of the Government of India to engage years her team has made major strides osteoporosis screening program and Indian diaspora and Friends of India, said the towards educating the public about we recently introduced a program that Embassy in a statement. The quiz will be organised the importance of good bone health. will see all patients age 50 years and online and will have four rounds. It will be held She said HMC’s Rheumatology above who have experienced a for three categories of participants – Persons of Division uses the latest technology and fracture screened for the disease. Our Indian Origin, Non Resident Indians and foreign Head of HMC's Rheumatology Division, Dr. Samar Al Emadi (left) and Associate medication to diagnose and treat Rheumatology and Orthopedic nationals (in the age group of 18-35 yrs only). patients with osteoporosis and is con- Departments are currently finalizing Rheumatology Consultant, Dr. Omar Alsaed Registration for the quiz is open from Sep- tinuing to collaborate with specialists plans to open a Fracture Liaison Clinic tember 30, 2020 and will remain open till the across the globe to ensure patients in later this year. steroids (cortisone), and gender, with "If your doctor has prescribed start of First Round. There will be four rounds of Qatar have access to world-class care. "The main aim for this clinic will the disease being more common in medicine to treat your condition, you the quiz in online mode. The 1st round will be “There is clear evidence that timely be to identify patients with fragility women, many people with oste- should never stop taking the medi- open to everyone. Winners from each country testing is critical to faster diagnosis, (low impact trauma) fractures who oporosis continue to go undiagnosed cation, or change the dosage, without will get Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. prompter treatment, and, better out- have osteoporosis so that we can begin and untreated. your doctor’s approval. There is no The 2nd round will be for winners of 1st round comes in many medical conditions, treatment in the hope of preventing Associate Rheumatology Con- known interaction between COVID-19 participate and the 3rd round will be for top 10 including osteoporosis. Today many further fractures,” said Dr. Al Emadi. sultant, Dr. Omar Alsaed, said it is infection and osteoporosis contenders of second round participate – total people are more educated about the Osteoporosis is often called a silent important for patients who have been medications. 30 participants. The 4th & final round (from importance of good bone health and disease as patients seldom have signs prescribed osteoporosis medication "Any patient who has questions or December 21 to 27, 2020) – Top 7 contenders of they understand that osteoporosis is or symptoms until a fracture occurs. to ensure they take it as directed. “The concerns about their osteoporosis 3rd round will participate – total 21 participants. not just a disease of the elderly. While risk factors for the condition COVID-19 pandemic has changed treatment plan should talk to their Final round winners – 5 in each category will be "However, many people remain include older age, a family history of almost every aspect of how healthcare doctor. Osteoporosis can’t be cured, invited for Bharat Darshan (India Tour). unaware that osteoporosis is a largely osteoporosis, low body weight, is delivered and it has also, unfortu- but with medication and lifestyle The interested candidates can make regis- preventable disease,” said Dr. Al smoking, certain medical conditions nately, resulted in the sharing of some changes, you can slow or even stop it,” tration and participation through the website Emadi. “Our team is working with and some medications, such as incorrect and damaging health advice. said Dr. Alsaed. www.bharatkojaniye.in. 06 GULF / MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 Kuwait Amir asks govt to stay on, prepare for elections

REUTERS — KUWAIT Parliament's term for Sheikh Nawaf to name a ends on October 8. crown prince to help guide state Kuwait’s new Amir has asked affairs at a time when low oil the cabinet to carry on its duties prices and COVID-19 have hit and prepare for parliamentary week, and in line with the con- state finances. against the elections due this year after the stitution submitted the govern- backdrop of continued tensions prime minister handed in his ment’s resignation “to ensure between Kuwait’s larger neigh- government’s resignation, state ministerial responsibilities are bours Saudi Arabia and Iran. news agency KUNA reported held by those who enjoy the The parliament speaker said yesterday. Amir’s confidence”, KUNA said. if the Amir names a crown prince Parliament, which must It said Sheikh Nawaf today (Wednesday), then he approve the Amir’s choice of expressed his full confidence in would call a session for crown prince, will end its term the current cabinet, which was tomorrow (Thursday) morning. on October 8, Speaker Marzouq formed last December. If there is no announcement by Al Ghanim later said in remarks Sheikh Nawaf, 83, took the today, then parliament would broadcast on state television. helm of the US-allied OPEC vote on the candidate at an Prime Minister H H Sheikh member state following the extraordinary session. Al Ghanim Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al death of his brother Amir H H said the body would hold two Sabah met Amir H H Sheikh Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad last sessions today, one to honour the Kuwait Amir H H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah meeting with Prime Minister H H Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Tuesday aged 91. late Amir and another to finalise Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, in Kuwait City yesterday. Sabah, who assumed power last Kuwaitis have been waiting pending items. Syrian victims of chemical attacks file case in Germany Turkey: Chance for Libya peace REUTERS — BERLIN been blocked by Russia and of the Syrian government’s “It is a small step but it gives security services for crimes China at the UN Security chemical weapons programme us hope that maybe one day we against humanity, including should not be Lawyers representing victims Council. or plans to carry out the two could see justice,” said a vol- torture and sexual assault, of chemical weapons attacks in The Syrian government attacks, they say. unteer medic who was injured started in a German court in wasted Syria say they have filed denies it has used chemical “Prosecutors may ultimately while rescuing victims of the April. The country’s prosecutor criminal complaints with weapons against its own determine they have sufficient attack in Ghouta. general has also issued an inter- AFP — ANKARA Germany’s federal public pros- civilians. evidence to issue arrest war- “The world has started to national arrest warrant for the ecutor against Syrian officials A spokesman for Germany’s rants for members of the Assad forget about us and our com- head of the Syrian Air Force Turkish President Recep they blame for the deaths of Public Prosecutor General regime,” said Steve Kostas, a plaints are a reminder that the Intelligence on charges of war Tayyip Erdogan yesterday hundreds of civilians in rebel- (GBA) confirmed that the com- lawyer with the Open Society world has a moral obligation to crimes and crimes against said the peace drive to end the held areas. plaint had been submitted, Foundation’s Justice Initiative, help put on trial people who humanity. conflict in Libya since 2011 Germany, which is home to declining to give further details. one of three organisations used chemical weapons,” added The Assad government should not be wasted, in a 600,000 Syrians, has “universal The complaints are based behind the complaints. the woman, who fled to denies it tortures prisoners. video conference with jurisdiction” laws that allow it on what the lawyers say is the “This would be a major step Germany in 2015 and requested “The significance of the German Chancellor Angela to prosecute people for crimes most comprehensive body of in the longer term process to anonymity, citing safety fears. complaints is to send a signal to Merkel. against humanity committed evidence so far on the use of secure trials against Syrian Syrian lawyers and victims the Syrian regime’s main There has been increased anywhere in the world. substances such as sarin gas in officials.” of alleged torture are also pur- backers, Russia and Iran, that hope since the two main That offers a rare legal Syria in Ghouta in 2013 and in A UN-commissioned inves- suing cases against former there can be no resolution to the warring factions separately avenue for action against the Khan Sheikhoun four years tigation to identify those behind Syrian military and security conflict without accountability announced in August that they government of President Bashar later, which killed at least 1,400 chemical weapons attacks in officials living in Germany and for crimes against civilians,” would cease hostilities, which Al Assad. Attempts by Western people. They include testi- Syria concluded in 2016 that suspected of human rights vio- said Mazen Darwish, director was followed by a series of powers to set up an interna- monies from 17 survivors and Syrian government forces had lations. The first trial of sus- of the Syrian Centre for Media UN-backed talks. tional tribunal for Syria have 50 defectors with knowledge used chlorine and sarin gas. pected members of Assad’s and Freedom of Expression. The two main factions are based around the UN-recog- nised Government of National Iran reports Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and a 13 civilians among 18 killed in car bomb in northern Syria parliament in the eastern city over 4,000 of Tobruk. AFP — BEIRUT group in 2017. German Foreign Minister COVID-19 cases, The town, 40 km northeast Heiko Maas on Monday A car bomb killed 18 people, of Syria’s second city Aleppo, voiced “cautious optimism” most in a day including at least 13 civilians, was one of the western-most over efforts to end the con- in the Turkish-controlled strongholds of the IS group. flict in Libya, after co-chairing AFP/REUTERS — TEHRAN town of Al Bab in northern “We condemn in the talks with the United Nations Syria yesterday, a war strongest terms these ongoing that involved the warring Iran announced yesterday monitor said. indiscriminate attacks on Libyan sides. more than 4,000 new cases of The explosion near a bus civilians,” senior UN humani- Erdogan told Merkel that COVID-19 infection, the most station in the town also tarian official Mark Cutts wrote “the opportunity that emerged in a single day for the Middle wounded at least 75 people, on Twitter after the latest thanks to the calm sustained East country hardest hit by the some of them seriously, the bombing. US-backed Kurdish on the field in Libya should pandemic. Britain-based Syrian Observ- forces seized the last scrap of not be wasted,” the Turkish “The number of infected atory for Human Rights the statelet from the militants presidency said. persons... is 4,151” in the past reported. in eastern Syria in March last Turkey backs the Tripoli A US fighting armoured vehicle takes part in a patrol near the 24 hours, during which “we Observatory chief Rami year. government. Rumaylan (Rmeilan) oil fields in Syria’s Kurdish-controlled northeastern unfortunately lost 227 of our Abdel Rahman said the Syria’s civil war has killed Erdogan on Sunday dear compatriots”, said health remaining five victims could not Hasakeh province, on Monday. more than 380,000 people expressed “full solidarity” ministry spokeswoman Sima immediately be identified. since it started with the with the GNA after a meeting Sadat Lari. There was no immediate car bombing, but there has been since its capture by Turkish repression of anti-government in Istanbul with its head Fayez The grim tally was claim of responsibility for the a string of attacks in Al Bab troops from the Islamic State protests in 2011. Al Sarraj. announced a day after Iran reported 235 fatalities from the virus, a figure equal to the record high death toll set on Over 90,000 displaced in July 28. According to Iran’s official figures, the pandemic has north Yemen battle zone claimed 27,419 lives out of a UN says around 3.3 Rottensteiner, Yemen chief of total 479,825 cases of infection mission for the IOM, said the in the Islamic republic. million people have UN agency was “hugely con- The situation in Tehran has been displaced in cerned” as the fighting drew worsened, with provincial nearer to areas heavily popu- authorities indicating it will be Yemen. lated with civilians. compulsory to wear masks in “We hope that a peaceful all public places in the capital AFP — DUBAI resolution can be found soon from Saturday in a bid to halt to prevent a massive dis- the spread. More than 90,000 people have placement crisis: hundreds of Because of coronavirus been displaced in Yemen’s thousands of people could be concerns, Iran has banned flashpoint Marib province since forced to flee, many of whom flights to Iraq to block trips by January due to intense fighting would be running from this Iranians to the neighbouring between the government and conflict for the second, third or country for the annual pil- the Houthi rebels, the UN said even forth time,” she said. grimage of Arbaeen, which yesterday. Until early 2020, Marib city draws large crowds. The Iran-backed Houthis was spared the worst of the have long held the capital conflict, due to its strategically Sana'a which lies just 120 kil- important oil and gas reserves, ometres (75 miles) away and and also because of its location Oman, Britain Palestinian women lift a banner which says “down with the deal of the century, no normalisation” are mounting a fierce campaign near the border of regional during a demonstration of the women committee of the Fateh movement, in Halhoul village north discuss joint to take the oil-rich province — power Saudi Arabia. of Hebron city in the occupied West Bank, yesterday. the government’s last northern It became a sanctuary for cooperation stronghold. many in the early years of the The escalation in fighting five-year war, taking in those QNA — MUSCAT Settlers storm Al Aqsa Mosque courtyards has pushed more and more hoping for a new start, but that families from their homes, and relative stability is gone and Air Vice Marshal Mattar bin Ali QNA — OCCUPIED JERUSALEM Mosque, under the protection Governorate of the eastern is now threatening 140 camps residents are in the line of fire al Obaidani, Commander of of the Israeli police, and amid West Bank. currently operating in the as the two sides battle for the Royal Air Force of Oman Thirty-nine settlers stormed the the policy of restrictions on Pal- Eyewitnesses said that a province. control. (RAFO), discussed with Air courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque estinians and Jerusalemites in number of Palestinian citizens After years of conflict, some Tens of thousands of Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, yesterday, under the protection particular, and the arrest of the were suffocated and were sources put the number of dis- Yemenis, mostly civilians, have Chief of the Air Staff in the of the Israeli occupation police. Palestinian and their depor- treated at the scene after the placed in Marib at one million. been killed and some 3.3 United Kingdom (UK), The settlers stormed Al Aqsa tation from Al Aqsa Mosque. outbreak of clashes with the “Deadly fighting now is million people displaced in enhancing mutual cooperation in successive groups from the On the other hand, the Israeli occupation forces, which entering its 10th month in what the UN describes as the between the two countries. Mughrabi Gate and carried out Israeli occupation forces stormed into the camp and fired northeast Yemen, where more world’s worst humanitarian The two sides exchanged provocative tours, eyewitnesses arrested nine Palestinians from tear gas, live bullets and than 90,000 people have been crisis. conversations and views of told Palestinian news agency separate areas in the West Bank rubber-coated metal bullets, displaced to and within Marib Rottensteiner warned that common concern, besides dis- WAFA. and occupied Jerusalem on according to WAFA. governorate since January,” the if there is no resolution, “more cussing several matters in Extremist groups have Monday and Tuesday. The Israeli occupation International Organisation for areas would become relation to promoting the called for intensifying the Meanwhile, a number of forces also stormed into Aida Migration said in a statement. unreachable for humanitarian existing military fields incursion into Al Aqsa, in con- Palestinians were suffocated by camp in north of Bethlehem, “That’s over half of all con- organisations, meaning vul- between the air forces of the junction with the Jewish hol- tear gas, after the occupation south of the West Bank, yes- flict-related displacement in nerable communities would be two countries, Oman News idays. Settler groups continue forces stormed into Aqabat terday and occupied the roofs Yemen this year. The situation left without even the most basic Agency (ONA) reported. to storm the blessed Al Aqsa Jaber camp in the Jericho of houses. is about to get worse.” Christa support”. WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 AFRICA 07

Nigeria ban on West African regional bloc lifts sanctions against Mali police unit is AFP — BAMAKO among Mali’s neighbours. The ECOWAS sanctions, imposed on August signed a peace agreement in A coup in 2012 was followed 2015 are also being represented ‘lame’: Amnesty The West African regional bloc by an uprising in northern Mali 20, included border closures and a ban on in the transitional government ECOWAS announced yesterday which morphed into a bloody commercial trade and financial flows but not while members of Tuareg AFP — ABUJA that it was ending sanctions insurgency, claiming thousands basic necessities, drugs, equipment to fight groups that led a rebellion in the imposed against Mali after a of lives and threatening neigh- north were awarded Nigeria is not doing enough to military coup in August, saying bouring Niger and Burkina coronavirus, fuel or electricity. portfolios. rein in and prosecute members it wished to back the return to Faso. The coup came after months of a notorious anti-robbery civilian rule. The ECOWAS sanctions, of protests over the country’s police unit accused of rights In a statement, the Eco- imposed on August 20, included roadmap be published and support Mali.” The bloody insurgency, economic abuses, Amnesty International nomic Community of West border closures and a ban on refused to let junta leader announcement came a day after struggles and chronic inter- said yesterday. African States (ECOWAS) said commercial trade and financial Colonel Assimi Goita, who was Ndaw appointed a government, ethnic violence. Although the operations of “heads of state and government flows but not basic necessities, appointed interim vice pres- headed by former foreign min- Despite its concessions, the the Federal Special Anti- have decided to lift sanctions” drugs, equipment to fight coro- ident, be empowered to replace ister Moctar Ouane, in which junta, which calls itself the Robbery Squad (FSARS) were after seeing positive steps navirus, fuel or electricity. Ndaw if he became junta members were given key National Council for the Sal- suspended on Sunday along towards a constitutional Under pressure, Mali’s junta incapacitated. positions. vation of the People (CNSP), has with other police units that government. endorsed a “charter” to restore The bloc has now taken into Defence, security, territorial still not met all the ECOWAS mount roadblocks and carry The 15-nation group civilian rule within 18 months account “notable advances administration and national demands. The regional bloc out stop-and-search opera- imposed tough sanctions and appointed a committee towards constitutional normal- reconciliation went to colonels. yesterday reiterated its call for tions, the rights group said the against one of Africa’s poorest which chose 70-year-old isation,” said the French text of But civilians were also the CNSP’s dissolution and for government had not gone far countries after president retired colonel Bah Ndaw as yesterday’s statement, signed appointed, including former the release of civilian and mil- enough. Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was interim president. by President Nana Akufo-Addo prosecutor Mohamed Sidda itary figures arrested during the “This is yet another lame ousted following mass Despite this, ECOWAS of Ghana, who currently chairs Dicko as justice minister and coup. The “charter” endorsed attempt to rein in this unit of protests. demanded further ECOWAS. former ambassador Zeini by the junta also sets down the the Nigerian police which is The coup was bloodless but concessions. It also called on “all bilateral Moulaye as foreign minister. goals of re-establishing security notorious for the widespread triggered widespread alarm It insisted that the transition and multilateral partners to Former armed groups that across the nation. torture and other ill-treatment of Nigerians,” said Osai Ojigho, Amnesty’s Nigeria director, in Mali insurgents a statement. Lawyers walk out of Bashir’s trial in protest There has been growing free politician, anger in recent months on AFP — KHARTOUM Presiding judge Essam social media over the unit’s aid worker Ibrahim responded that activities. Amnesty was unim- Most lawyers for Sudan’s ousted “whoever wants to leave, they pressed by Sunday’s statement AP — BAMAKO, MALI president Omar Al Bashir and can”, and adjourned the trial to from police Inspector-General other defendants walked out of October 20. Muhammed Adamu, who Extremists have freed prom- his trial over a 1989 coup in The 28 defendants stand blamed “a few personnel” in inent Malian politician protest at alleged bias on the accused of plotting the 1989 the unit for abuses. Soumaila Cisse after holding part of the prosecutor general. military coup that brought The rights group said pre- him hostage for more than six Dozens of lawyers, in a Bashir to power. vious attempts to ban the force months, as well as a French aid hearing broadcast on Sudanese Proceedings have been were unsuccessful, and there worker who was kidnapped television, left the courtroom repeatedly delayed, with yes- have been multiple pledges to back in 2016, a Mali official after the prosecutor, Tagelsir Al terday’s hearing the sixth since reform the squad and inves- said yesterday. Hebr, read out the charges. the trial opened in July. tigate allegations. The 70-year-old Cisse, Bashir and the 27 others Bashir ruled with an iron fist “We have seen from bitter who was abducted while cam- face accusations of under- for 30 years until his overthrow experience that past investi- paigning ahead of legislative mining constitutional order and on April 11, 2019 following gations into violations were elections, has boarded a plane use of military force to commit unprecedented youth-led street either never carried out or in northern Mali along with a crime, Hebr said. demonstrations. marred by irregularities,” said Sophie Petronin. The flight Defence lawyer Abdelbasit If convicted, Bashir and his Ojigho. The findings of a 2018 from Kidal region was headed Sebdarat said that Hebr had co-accused — including former judicial commission of enquiry to Gao and then on the capital made the same accusations top officials — could face the into FSARS have never been Sudan’s ousted president Omar Al Bashir gestures as he arrives of Bamako, the official said on even before taking up the post death penalty. Bashir is also made public, Amnesty said. for his trial in the capital Khartoum, yesterday. condition of anonymity of public prosecutor. wanted by the International “Unless the authorities because they were not “He lodged these com- Criminal Court (ICC) on charges follow through with their authorised to speak to plaints as an ordinary citizen. of genocide and crimes against in the conflict since 2003. peace deal with rebels, the gov- promises to reform SARS and journalists. Now, as he is prosecutor humanity in the western region Sudan’s transitional gov- ernment agreed to set up a end the frequent extortion and The government of Mali, general, we object to him of Darfur. The United Nations ernment has agreed that Bashir special court for crimes in ill-treatment of Nigerians, which has seen political reciting the charges,” the lawyer estimates 300,000 people were would stand trial before the ICC. Darfur and that Bashir should their empty words will be just upheaval since an August 18 said. killed and 2.5 million displaced However, in an August also face that court. that,” said Ojigho. military coup, freed about 180 militants over the weekend and put them on a plane to the Tens of thousands gather in Senegal despite COVID-19 north. That fuelled speculation Lack of funds stall that a prisoner exchange was AP — TOUBA, SENEGAL to the city of Touba for the recent days,” said Mame Diarra imminent. event, with many coming from Wade, who travelled from Gue- Cisse, a three-time presi- Tens of thousands of Muslims neighbouring Gambia. diawaye, a suburb of the Libya rights probe dential candidate, was trav- are descending upon Senegal’s With Senegal’s land borders capital, Dakar. elling with his entourage while Touba city this week for the still closed, fewer pilgrims Senegal was among the first AFP — GENEVA staffing needs,” rights council campaigning for re-election as annual Grand Magal pilgrimage, might attend the main events. African countries to report a spokesman Rolando Gomez member of parliament at the a tradition in West Africa that Closely packed lines queued up confirmed COVID-19 case but The United Nations does not told AFP. time of the attack, which killed some fear could become a to enter the Grand Mosque of has avoided the high death tolls have enough funds to inves- Investigators will now have his bodyguard. Witnesses said super-spreader event for Touba, though hand sanitiser seen elsewhere, in large part tigate rights violations in strife- more time — until September Cisse was injured by shattered COVID-19. and masks were required to due to widespread required torn Libya this year, the Human 2021 — to submit their reports, glass from his vehicle but little The Magal honours the enter. mask-wearing and restrictions Rights Council decided in the hope that in the else is known about his con- founder of the Mouride Broth- “I think the COVID-19 crisis on travel. yesterday. meantime, the UN finds the ditions in captivity. erhood, Senegal’s most influ- has not scaled down the The country has had more In June, the UN’s top rights money to fund their The only proof Cisse was ential religious order. In pre- attendance of Touba’s Grand than 15,000 confirmed cases body, with the support of mandates. still alive after his March vious years, as many as 3 Magal celebration, as we have and 312 confirmed deaths from Tripoli, adopted a resolution Libya has been wracked by abduction had been a hand- million people have travelled seen big crowds in the city in the coronavirus. calling for a fact-finding conflict since the overthrow written letter delivered in mission to be sent to the north and killing of dictator August. African country to document Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The re-emergence of Cisse abuses committed there by all Rival power centres as well as could cast further uncertainty parties since 2016. a myriad of militias are vying on the political scene in Mali. These experts, appointed in for control, while human rights He lost the 2013 and 2018 August by the UN, were to violations are often races to Ibrahim Boubacar present a report on their overlooked. Keita, who was overthrown by findings in March 2021. The two main factions are the military junta in August But the UN is currently based around the interna- after weeks of demonstrations going through a serious tionally-recognised Gov- organized by an opposition liquidity crisis because many ernment of National Accord in coalition. While the transi- countries have not paid their Tripoli and a parliament in the tional civilian government annual dues, and it is therefore eastern city of Tobruk. already has been chosen, new unable to fulfil all its On Monday, UN Secretary- elections are being organised mandates. General Antonio Guterres and with a 2022 deadline, pro- The Human Rights Council German Foreign Minister viding a new avenue for the adopted yesterday without a Heiko Maas, co-chaired a longtime presidential hopeful. vote a resolution to postpone meeting on Libya attended by Petronin was believed to the implementation of more foreign ministers, on the be the last known French than a dozen prior resolutions, margins of the UN General citizen held hostage abroad, including that on Libya, until Assembly in New York. though abductions are some- 2021. Participants welcomed the times kept under wraps while “There are mandates that establishment of the fact- negotiations are ongoing. could not be carried out in full... finding mission and committed She was last seen in the A policeman stands watch as hundreds of thousands of the Senegalese gather for the annual Grand because they had not received to support its work and its video released in 2018. Magal festival in the city of Touba, Senegal, on Monday. the sufficient funds, mostly for investigation team. Enough evidence to try S Sudan forces over starvation tactics: UN probe

AFP — GENEVA until last April, faulted both giving rise to a power-sharing where killings, rapes, evidence to hold opposition on-going failure to address sides for their brutal tactics in government in Juba which took destruction, arson and looting forces accountable over star- underlying causes of the con- South Sudan’s government the civil war that left around control in February 2020, for- was also rampant. vation tactics in Central Equa- flict has fuelled the political forces and other armed groups 380,000 people dead. mally ending the war. This had resulted in physical toria State, where they had arbi- competition for South Sudan’s have deliberately starved “It is quite clear that both The three-member UN and food insecurity that left trarily denied humanitarian aid resources and corruption civilians, UN investigators said government and opposition team, which was first set up in civilians no alternative but to to populations in need, between political elites driving yesterday, adding there should forces have deliberately used 2016, said yesterday it believed flee, the report said, adding that including “objects indispensable ethnic divisions and violence, be enough evidence to try Juba’s the starvation of civilians as a there was sufficient evidence to these violations “may amount to their survival.” It meanwhile and deepening impunity in the forces for “crimes against method of warfare... sometimes hold to account both gov- to “the crime against humanity appears unlikely for now that country,” commissioner Barney humanity”. as an instrument to punish non- ernment forces and members of deportation or forcible perpetrators will be held to Afako said. The young country, In a fresh report, the UN aligning communities,” com- of Machar’s opposition SPLA-IO transfer.” The report also sug- account in South Sudan. born in 2011 from an inde- Commission on Human Rights mission chair Yasmin Sooka for deliberately starving gested that individual gov- In a separate report on the pendence struggle with Sudan, in South Sudan found that both said in a statement. civilians. ernment commanders could be transitional justice process in is still fragile, wracked by armed South Sudan government forces War erupted in 2013 after a It also said government held accountable under inter- the country, the commission violence at a local level and and opposition fighters inten- falling out between President forces appeared to have “sys- national law for “failing to lamented yesterday that two crisis levels of food security. tionally starved civilians during Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek tematically attacked, pillaged, prevent or punish the interna- years after the peace deal was It has also been hard-hit by the country’s civil war “as a Machar. destroyed, and rendered useless tional crime of starvation of the signed “there has been no con- the worst flooding in the method of warfare.” The report, They resisted multiple objects indispensable to the sur- civilian population as a method crete progress in realising any country in decades, with some covering the period from when peace efforts until a peace deal vival of the civilian population” of warfare” in Jonglei State. accountability, national healing, 800,000 people currently war erupted in December 2013 was inked in September 2018, in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, There should be sufficient or reconciliation.” “The affected, the UN said. 08 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020

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Championing Afghan peace Find little time to keep fit

QATAR is leading the efforts to find a permanent solution to one of the long-lasting conflicts in the world by hosting negotiations between the government of once you reach forties Afghanistan and the Taliban movement. The Doha Dialogue, launched on September 12 the milestone of their life and prolonged sleep is not only have a mammogram at the this year, is a part of a landmark deal signed between unfortunately some start to linked to productivity but also age of 40, depending on the United States and the Taliban in February in Qatar. feel that he or she is less helps to get rid of bad eating family history, disease and The deal was signed by US special envoy Zalmay Kha- attractive and expect illnesses habits. risk factors. lilzad and Taliban political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani and decline in their fitness. So, if you don’t use forties Although the burden of Baradar. Under the deal, the foreign forces will leave For many, the concept of as check-in points and turnout managing your finance and Afghanistan by 2021 in exchange of counter-terrorism aging begins on their 40th time, health problems will taking care of your family guarantees from the Taliban. The deal also has a pro- birthday. This transition can start to worsen, leading to may cause you to be over- vision for prisoner swap, under which some 5,000 Dr. YOUSUF ALI AL MULLA be even more shocking if you chronic conditions, such as whelmed, pressing small Taliban prisoners and 1,000 Afghan security force pris- enter your forties in an heart disease and diabetes. things will only increase your oners were to be exchanged by March 10. inactive lifestyle, nevertheless Regular screening for common suffering. All you have to do is Yesterday, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al With Ageing, especially after psychologists think it is good ailments is critical as most find a little time to keep you Thani held wide-ranging talks with visiting President reaching the age of forty, we if you are afraid of age. But health conditions go fit and that could happen by of Afghanistan H E Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani who retain same habits whether you have to overcome your unchecked and start showing accommodating a moderate arrived in Doha on Monday. The two leaders discussed good or bad which we have fear and understand that all signs only at an advanced exercise in your life style. developments in Afghanistan in light of the peace nego- been practicing for many ages have their advantages stage and that’s sadly observed I think to some points, we tiations underway in Doha in order to achieve security, years, but mental health and disadvantages. For in our daily medical set up. need to be real as well, health stability and peace in that country. experts stressed the need to instance, when you reach the It makes me wonder some in the forties is more The Afghan President appreciated Qatar’s hosting re-think many of the things age of forty, some may feel time, why almost every one of important than the thirties. If of the peace negotiations and praised the role of Qatar related to the life of the indi- the desire to cling to the spirit the explained age I talk to, has you don’t lay a good foun- and its commitment to peace in his country and its vidual, especially for those and shape of young people back pain or a health problem. dation in your thirties, you are efforts to host this round of negotiations in order to who carry false or negative also by wearing clothes that When I ask if they are exer- more likely to pay for it later reach lasting peace. The visit by the Afghan leader to beliefs about personality. may not befit his age. In fact, cising, the answer is usually, in life or you may feel it now! Doha and his talks with Qatari leadership will give a However, such individuals wearing young clothes at an no! Have we thought that your At the end, a sedentary life- new fillip to the efforts for finding a solution to the crip- consider that reaching this is older age makes it worse and fitness is not just for yourself style and poor nutrition pling conflict in the war-ravaged country. For instance, at the shows your age, not the other so you can feel comfortable; it increase the risk of premature The talks helped the Afghan people revive their way around! is about how fit you are for ageing, illness and disease, dream of a long-lasting peace which eluded them for age of forty, the human Actually, once you are in your family. For your son, your which ultimately shortens almost four decades due to internal conflicts and inva- body needs to rest your forties, you feel some wife, dad, brother and niece, your life expectancy. As an sions by foreign countries. and sleep for seven to changes in your body, you so you can stay there for as adage that says life begins at The current generation of that country never had may have trouble sleeping or long as possible. forty, starting from today, you a taste of peace as the country has been constantly nine hours a night. In have to enlarge the font while Hence, you will need to can make small changes so under the shadow of wars and struggles as internal fact, prolonged sleep writing emails or texting consider for example drinking you can live the best life pos- conflicts between myriad of warlords were adding fuel because you can’t see the text more water, eating a high sible and be awesome over to the fire. Now what the people are longing for is just is not only linked to well. I would say that you quality protein, since we start forty years old. After all, age is a peaceful atmosphere, to go on with their life fear- productivity but also shouldn’t feel depressed or losing our muscle mass since just a number, right? So we lessly and with dignity as people in other parts of the helps to get rid of bad frustrated, accept this change the early thirties, until the can undo body hours by con- world do. in your life and start making forties. In addition to taking trolling our health and Peace will definitely herald development which eating habits. changes that will help you care of the breast in women, making minor changes every should go hand in hand with fighting poverty. Winning stay healthy throughout your as breast cancer affects one in day that have a major impact over the imbroglio in Afghanistan is not an easy task life. For instance, at the age of eight women, making early on our health in the forties as sporadic violence and explosions are still continuing forty, the human body needs detection of the disease and beyond. there inflicting damage to the limited resources and to rest and sleep for seven to essential. In fact, most women The writer is a physician , facilities still standing in the country. Once a final peace nine hours a night. In fact, should start and continue to medical innovator and writer. deal is signed, all the parties should garner their strength and skills to rebuild the country to help it stand on a firm footing. Johnson backs green investment as cure for COVID-19 slump

THOMAS PENNY, JESSICA “We believe that in 10 years jobs to replace those wiped in green technologies “in the SHANKLEMAN — BLOOMBERG time offshore wind will be out by the pandemic and a next 10 years will create hun- powering every home in the source of prestige ahead of dreds of thousands if not mil- Boris Johnson will commit to country.” the United Nations climate lions of jobs,” he will say. D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR boosting UK offshore wind Johnson is seeking ways to talks, which convene in a year The prime minister had EMAIL: [email protected] power as part of his delayed rebuild the COVID-19-ravaged in Glasgow. been expected to give a green plan for a “green industrial UK economy and to tackle a Yesterday’s remarks, to recovery speech in Sep- revolution” as he seeks to get surge in joblessness expected his Conservative Party’s tember, but the timetable EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 his stalled domestic agenda once government employment annual conference, are a fore- slipped because of the pan- FAX: +974 4455 7758 back on course. support falls away at the end taste of a 10-point program demic, according to one of the In a speech aimed at of the month. Helping the for green industries the prime people. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 regaining a grip over the environment is a key part of minister is planning to unveil Britain aims to zero out political agenda after months his agenda to drive growth and later this year. It will include greenhouse gas emissions by DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 of negative headlines over his return to the program he set support for innovation and 2050, and the measures handling of the pandemic, the out before his decisive election infrastructure, his office said, would seek to drive LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 prime minister will say victory last December. Since without giving a specific date investment to reach that goal. renewable energy can help then, his ratings in polls have for the announcement. Ministers have repeatedly BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 drive Britain’s economic collapsed. The broader package will touted the benefits of clean regeneration. He will By stimulating the off- help build hydrogen as a fuel technologies to help the UK SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 announce 160 million pounds shore wind industry, Johnson for heavy industry, spur “build back better and build ($208 million) for infra- is seeking to maintain a lead carbon capture technology back greener.” ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 structure at ports to support in the technology that the UK and a ban on the sale of petrol The speech also will: email: [email protected] companies building turbines has developed. With almost cars, according to two people reaffirm an aim to generate off the British coast. 10 gigawatts of installed tur- familiar with Johnson’s 40 gigawatts of power from PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 “As Saudi Arabia is to oil, bines, Britain leads Germany, thinking. They spoke on con- offshore wind by 2030, more email: [email protected] the UK is to wind -- a place China and Denmark in dition of anonymity because than four times the current of almost limitless resource, building turbines at sea, the plans are private. capacity, endorse floating ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 but in the case of wind according to BloombergNEF “This investment in off- wind turbines, pledge to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] without the carbon emis- data. As the cost of the shore wind alone will help to double the support for sions and without the machines falls, everywhere create 60,000 jobs in this renewable energy in the next CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 damage to the envi- from Brazil to the US is country -- and help us to get year in an auction for con- email: [email protected] ronment,” Johnson will say, seeking to catch up. to net-zero carbon emissions tracts-for-difference, a mech- according to extracts of the For the UK, offshore wind by 2050,” Johnson will tell anism used to ensure pay- SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 speech released by his office. can be both a source of green delegates. Wider investment ments to power generators. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar All countries are now facing what I would call 'the long ascent' — a difficult climb that will /Peninsula_Qatar be long, uneven, and uncertain. And prone to /ThePeninsulaNewspaper setbacks.

+974 6698 6188 Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Managing Director WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 OPINION 09 The Palestinians need an alternative vision laws of dialectics (the devel- because of the weakening of There is an urgent need opment and movement of progressive Arab nationalism for a move beyond the opposites). In other words, and the fall of the Palestinian present historical stage that is interpreting this deal by only right-wing leadership into the characterised by a form of understanding the historical trap of the “peace industry”. prevailing nationalist dog- context within which they We need an However, any approaching matism represented in were signed is not enough; one alternative vision moment is expected to be slogans such as “two states for HAIDAR EID needs to offer a progressive heading against what is being two peoples” and “the only AL JAZEERA programme that challenges that can lead to offered to us under these cir- solution is the two-state them on the basis of changing peace and justice. cumstances: “All that is solid solution”, and others. Such the conditions which have melts into air” as Karl Marx slogans, in a way, are the Many articles have already ultimately led to them, namely And it seems would have put it. product of waves of normali- been written criticising the settler-colonialism and that colonised Opposition to the deals in sation with apartheid Israel, a normalisation deal signed apartheid in Palestine. the Arab world, in general, process of remoulding the between the United Arab The signing of the deal Palestinians are and the Gulf states, in par- Arab and Palestinian mind Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and between Israel, Bahrain and meant to be the ticular, will grow exactly the through “ideological state Israel and calling it a stab in the UAE at the White House same way the Egyptian and apparatuses”, such as media, the back of the Palestinian on September 15 is, admit- ones to offer Jordanian peoples opposed education, mosques, law, people. Others have argued tedly, the beginning of a new a vision that and fought against the Camp which try to manipulate and that it should not have come as era that has started in the David and Araba after they reshape the consciousness of a surprise since the ruling Middle East; however, it will rehumanises were signed. individuals, especially of oligarchies in the UAE and not bring about – with its them and their The alternative vision Pal- those with revolutionary The current situation Bahrain have been in bed with unbalanced power relations – oppressors. That estinians have to embrace is a potential. is undoubtedly apartheid Israel for years and a just solution to the Pales- geopolitical production that There is also an urgent it was only a matter of time tinian question. is their moral challenges the space newly need for a departure from the the product of before they made it public in The accords of Camp responsibility being drawn by the United States, nihilistic mood that has been international and order to strengthen their David (1979), Oslo (1993), Wadi Israel and their Arab allies – dominating much of the Pal- alliance against the two main Araba (1994), and the Abraham at the receiving the so-called new Middle East estinian Stalinist left-wing regional imbalances threats: Iran and the spread of Accord (2020), all of which end of a multitiered – and puts forward a new discourse lately, by empha- prevailing at this democracy in the Arab world. were borne out of trade deals system of settler- map of secular-democratic sising the importance of specific moment, This article will not go and backroom diplomacy Palestine, in the heart of a human agency and the down the same path. Rather, between Israel and those Arab colonial oppression. democratic Arab world. necessity for a historical which is neither it is an attempt to engage with countries, have sold out the We need an alternative understanding of the current static nor eternal, what seems to be a social, Palestinian cause altogether. representation of the whole post-Oslo historical moment. political, economic, and his- None of them addressed the The current situation is sociopolitical “reality” cur- We need an alternative but rather passing torical formulation of an basic Palestinian rights, like undoubtedly the product of rently rising in the area which vision that can lead to peace and will inevitably alternative programme to the right of return of the ref- international and regional moves away from the much- and justice. And it seems that what is offered by the hege- ugees, self-determination, imbalances prevailing at this repeated mantra of the racist colonised Palestinians are be followed by monic imperialist, Zionist, and equality, and freedom. specific moment, which is two-state solution. meant to be the ones to offer a other moments, reactionary powers not only In a nutshell, all men- neither static nor eternal, but Palestinians need to move vision that rehumanises them for Palestine, but also for the tioned agreements have guar- rather passing and will inevi- on, but with new ideas ema- and their oppressors. That is according to the law rest of the Arab world. anteed Israeli control over tably be followed by other nating from a strong belief their moral responsibility of dialectics. In this context, it is useful historic Palestine from the moments, according to the that “[wo]men make history, being at the receiving end of a to bring up American literary Jordan River to the Mediter- law of dialectics. but they do not make it in cir- multitiered system of settler- critic Fredric Jameson’s theori- ranean Sea, a de facto reality There is no doubt, then, cumstances chosen by them- colonial oppression. sation of “cognitive mapping”, created by the stronger that this specific historical selves”, as Marx has put it. For When things looked so a process that repeats, adds, colonial party with no com- moment is the climax of Pal- far too long, Palestinians have bleak for Black Africans suf- and respects very strongly the promise whatsoever. estinian and Arab passivity been led by right-wing politi- fering at the hands of another cians that have failed to settler-colonial power, in a achieve a single basic right of similar situation to what the any of the three components Palestinians are going through, comprising the Palestinian Nelson Mandela offered this people: those living in the alternative vision: “I have fought diaspora, residents of Gaza against white domination, and I and the West Bank, and have fought against Black domi- second-class Palestinian cit- nation. I have cherished the izens of Israel. ideal of a democratic and free Hence there is a need to society in which all persons live stress the importance of Pales- together in harmony and with tinian agency with a progressive equal opportunities. It is an ideal leadership that is against all which I hope to live for and to forms of class exploitation, achieve.” whether national, sexual, or The alternative for Pales- religious, a leadership that is tinians has to be one secular necessarily secular in its deep democratic state in historic understanding of the Palestinian Palestine, a state in which all question. citizens are treated equally Such leadership cannot regardless of their religion, sex, entertain racist solutions. It and colour. This state has to has to rise to the historical embrace the return of refugees challenges posed by the and self-determination, both of new-old alliance of Israel, the which are a step towards US and reactionary Arab solving the Palestinian and the regimes and, thus, become an Jewish questions. This is what agent for activities of local/ the Palestinian people have to national and international strive for: to turn the whole character through the pro- hegemonic political equation motion of Boycott, Divestment upside down. and Sanctions (BDS) against Haidar Eid is an associate Palestinian children wearing face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic attend a rally marking the 33rd founding anniversary of the Israel until it complies with Professor at Al-Aqsa Uni- Islamic Jihad group, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. international law. versity in Gaza. Who’s still working at home? you, probably working at home and 34.1% earnings, but there sure is a “It’s literally the people you and information are all near had started doing so because lot of overlap in the top 10. were interacting with who I the top in pay, too. of the pandemic, for a 48.7% Meanwhile, the ranks of think are suffering the most.” Note that educational total - although it’s important occupations with the highest The BLS also reports stay- services do not make the top to note that huge numbers of share of stay-at-homers have at-home percentages by 10 here (as a combined edu- people who couldn’t work actually been reshuffled a bit industry. Here are the 10 cational and health services, from home had just been fur- since May. topping the list in September. they come in 11th, at $958.77 a JUSTIN FOX loughed or laid off, and thus The stubbornly high It might be surprising to week). And it is of course edu- BLOOMBERG weren’t counted in the work-at-home percentage of see mining, quarrying, and oil cators who have seen the denominator. those in computer and math- and gas extraction on the list biggest declines since May in So one shouldn’t make ematical occupations is at here, but oil and gas com- the percentage of at-home In May, Census Bureau too much of these exact per- once unsurprising and panies in particular are high- workers, while most of those survey-takers started asking centages, which among other revealing. Tech firms were technology enterprises with employed in finance and Americans if they were things don’t capture what is among the first to recommend lots of engineers and other insurance and nearly half of There are, then, working at home because of surely a shifting mix of that employees work from skilled office workers on the those in professional and at least a few the coronavirus, and 35.4% of at-home and office work. I’ve home in early March and payroll. technical services remain at employed persons said yes. gone from working at home some, such as Twitter Inc., are In the other direction, home. interesting twists to That percentage dropped in every day this spring and preparing for this to be their information, which is where Here’s the breakdown by who is still working subsequent months, but as summer to going into the new normal. This is proving to internet and software com- educational attainment. The at home and who data released as part of office occasionally, but I be terrible economic news for panies are classified, has its more years of formal edu- Friday’s employment report would still show up as a the cities where their work-at-home percentage cation you have, the more is not. But on the from the Bureau of Labor work-at-homer in the above employees once went to the pulled down somewhat by likely you are to be working at whole it is people Statistics indicate, it hasn’t chart. But the work-at-home office every day (Twitter is the fact that it also includes home. Not a big surprise. been dropping by all that numbers do reveal some headquartered in San Fran- telecom, broadcasting, film Finally, here it is by race with professional much lately. important patterns and cisco) - and the same appears and television production, and ethnicity. Blacks and jobs, many of them This does not include trends. For example, here are to be true for other high-stay- and movie theaters. The Whites actually don’t differ those who were already the major occupational cate- at-home occupations and the industry with the smallest much in their likelihood of concentrated in working from home before gories with the highest per- places where they’re share of at-home workers is working at home; Asians and big cities, who are the pandemic. Estimates of centage of workers reporting concentrated. private household services, Hispanics do. most likely still not the size of this group range that they worked at home in Harvard University econ- at 3.5%, followed by agri- There are, then, at least a from the 5.7% of US workers September because of omist Raj Chetty has found culture and related indus- few interesting twists to who to have returned to who said they worked at COVID-19. that many of the ZIP codes hit tries (4.2%) and food services is still working at home and the office. Which home when the Census The occupations with the hardest by the economic (4.8%). who is not. But on the whole it Bureau asked them about lowest percentages were, not fallout of the pandemic are Here the matchup is people with professional is great for a lot of commuting patterns in 2019 too surprisingly, building and those where affluent stay-at- between stay-at-home per- jobs, many of them concen- those people, but to the upwards of 20% who grounds cleaning and mainte- home workers have stopped centages and earnings is trated in big cities, who are have reported working at nance; farming, fishing and spending money on local somewhat weaker - and the most likely still not to have not for their cities. home at least some of the forestry (both 2.1%); and food services. “The shock is most industry sectors for which the returned to the office. Which time in recent years in two preparation and serving severe actually in the richest BLS reports earnings monthly is great for a lot of those BLS surveys. Yet another (2.2%). The rankings above do parts of the country and the are a bit broader than those in people, but not for their cities. survey, conducted in April, not perfectly match the richest neighborhoods in the the above chart. But the Justin Fox is a Bloomberg found that 14.6% of employed rankings of major occupa- country,” he recently told work-at-home big three of Opinion columnist covering persons had already been tional categories by annual Bloomberg Businessweek. finance, professional services business. 10 ASIA WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 Duterte: Warring drug cartels behind killings

AP — MANILA “This extrajudicial instances when seized drugs were resold by rogue officers. Philippine President Rodrigo killing, they have been Only a small part of the confis- Duterte said that like his fierce harping for many cated drugs should be stored as critics, he has also suspected years. Truthfully, I evidence in ongoing drug traf- that extrajudicial killings may ficking cases, Duterte said, and have happened under his drug also suspect, and expressed hope the courts crackdown that has killed thou- there was a time would allow the move. He said sands of people. he plans to inspect seized drugs He said in televised remarks when I conducted a stored in warehouses. Monday night he had once discreet hearing,” the “Why do we have to put on inquired into the brutal deaths our shoulder the burden of and was told some drug dealers Philippine President keeping a contraband or mer- may have been killed due to said. chandise that can be stolen and rivalry among syndicates or for used, and recycled? Duterte stealing drug money. asked. “Because of the huge More than 5,800 suspects “What reached me is that, amount of shabu that we have been killed and 256,000 sometimes, there is a rivalry of cannot guard every day, even arrested since Duterte took the turf,” he said, adding that one spoonful of it that gets lost, Fined for not wearing face mask office in mid-2016. Human other drug dealers may have the government will get the rights groups have alleged been killed by gangsters for blame.” A New Delhi Municipal Council official (left) fine a man who was walking in market without wearing many of the killings were rub- running away with the drugs Shabu is the local name for a face mask violating preventive measures against the spread of the COVID-19, at Connaught Place outs, but Duterte and the and the money. methamphetamine, a pro- in New Delhi, India, yesterday. police said that most were “I know that, whether I like hibited stimulant widely traf- gunned down when they it or not, there is a war going ficked in the Philippines. Since fought back. on. I cannot stop the killings, the his crackdown started in 2016, Western governments have killing of criminals and the more than 7,000kg of metham- Sri Lanka confirms 321 cases in factory cluster called for an independent killing of my soldiers and phetamine, with a street value investigation into the killings, policemen,” he said. of 53bn pesos ($1bn), have been AP — COLOMBO diagnosed at a hospital two imposed restrictions on public which have continued even An International Criminal seized, along with smaller days ago. transport. during the coronavirus pan- Court prosecutor has been quantities of cocaine, marijuana Sri Lanka said yesterday more The outbreak in the suburbs For more than two months, demic, but Duterte has dis- examining complaints of crimes and party drugs, officials said. than 300 garment factory of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, Sri Lankan health officials have missed such calls as meddling against humanity over the drug Human rights lawyer Edre workers are infected with the was identified despite claims been saying that they have pre- into his country’s affairs. killings under Duterte but has Olalia said Duterte’s remarks coronavirus, days after by the government that it has vented community spread of “This extrajudicial killing, not declared whether there is deflect public attention to the reporting the Indian Ocean successfully controlled the the virus and that patients being they have been harping for adequate evidence to start a failure of his campaign to end nation’s first community virus’s spread. reported belonged to two many years. Truthfully, I also formal inquiry. the drug problem, which con- infection in two months. Trying to contain the out- known clusters. suspect, and there was a time Duterte also yesterday tinues significantly, and the The health ministry said break, the government imposed The country has reported when I conducted a discreet ordered authorities to destroy massive injustice over the 321 cases have been iden- a curfew in two suburbs where 3,471 patients, including 13 hearing,” the brash-talking large volumes of seized drugs killings of thousands of mostly tified in the factory cluster most of the patients live, closed deaths. Of the total, 3,259 have Duterte said. in one week, citing past poor suspects. after the first patient was schools and universities, and recovered. Malaysia to impose targeted Give me free Press, key institutions: Rahul tells govt IANS — PATIALA the entire architecture designed more aggressive, going forward. knowledge that the Press would Amarinder Singh, who informed lockdowns to for giving voice to the people Terming the control of insti- project his one-sided the media that his government Rejecting the suggestion that the has been captured,” he added. tutions by the government a big statements. will soon bring a special session halt virus surge Central government was able “Give me free Press and free problem, Rahul noted that no “Why don’t you question to scuttle these legislations of to take unilateral decisions institutions and this gov- other country in the world him at press conferences,” he the Centre, which were crafted REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR because of a weak opposition, ernment won’t last long,” today is faced with a situation asked the media. to destroy not just the farmers Congress leader Rahul Gandhi declared Rahul. where even the media does not Rahul, however, said while but the entire agricultural Malaysia’s Prime Minister yesterday said, “Give me free The Modi government has question the government when the government may have cap- system, and the state. Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday Press and other key institutions taken control of all the key its land has been seized by tured the institutions but the Rahul said he was com- said targeted lockdowns and this (Narendra Modi) institutions, and it has done so another nation. fact is they cannot control the mitted to fighting against the would be imposed in areas government will not last long”. not democratically but forcibly, Modi, he said, is not inter- farmers, the youth and the small Modi government’s attack on with high rates of corona- Pointing out that the oppo- Rahul told a press conference ested in India’s people but is traders, whose interests they farmers, just as they had earlier virus infections, as the sition in any country functions here on the third and final day only concerned about pro- are destroying. targeted SMEs and small traders country grapples with a sharp within a framework, including of his Kheti Bachao Yatra in tecting and promoting his “I work among these people, with demonetisation and GST. spike in cases over the past the media, the judicial system Punjab against the ‘black’ farm image, which would have got who are the hardest hit by “I will fight them and stop two weeks. and institutions that protect the laws. dented had he admitted to Modi’s policies. I am a patient them,” he declared, pointing out The health ministry voice of the people. “The BJP government has China’s incursion. person, and will wait till the that if MSP (minimum support reported 691 new COVID-19 “In India, that entire captured the soul of the country, The media, by helping people of India see the truth,” price) goes, Punjab, Haryana, cases and four deaths yes- framework has been controlled which is what the Congress is promote his image, is also to he added. and other agricultural states like terday, another new record in and captured by the Bharatiya fighting,” he said, adding that blame, said Rahul, adding that Rahul was flanked by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan the wake of last month’s Janata Party (BJP) government, this fight will become more and Modi was comfortable in the Punjab Chief Minister will have no future left. election in the state of Sabah, from where many infections have been traced. “For now we are not Stranded Easter Islanders to thinking of imposing a total lockdown nationwide. If we do return home after 6 months that again, it could bring down the country’s economic and AP — RUSSELL to Chilean President Sebastián social systems,” Muhyiddin Piñera. said in an address on Facebook About 25 residents from remote “I’m so happy!!!” said the Live from his home, where he Easter Island who have been group’s unofficial leader, Kissy is undergoing quarantine due stranded far from their loved Baude, in a WhatsApp message. to possible exposure to the ones for more than six months “We are very happy and virus. because of the coronavirus will relieved to finally be able to Malaysia’s economy saw finally be able to return home return home and to know that its first contraction since the this week on a French military the Tahitians stranded in Rapa 2009 global financial crisis in plane. Nui will also return home in the the second quarter, due to The group has been same mission.” strict curbs on movement and stranded on Tahiti in French Baude thanked authorities businesses. Polynesia. Many arrived in in France, French Polynesia, It has so far kept a major March planning to stay for just Chile and Easter Island for contagion at bay, with just a few weeks, but they got stuck putting the logistics in place, 13,504 infections compared to when the virus swept across the including airport management more than 300,000 in Indo- globe and their flights back and a 14-day virus quarantine nesia and the Philippines. home on Latam airlines were they will undergo at a health Muhyiddin said infections cancelled. center when they arrive back may increase as authorities A second group of about 15 on Easter Island. undertake aggressive Tahitians have also been Among those stranded is a screening especially at prisons stranded on Easter Island 21-year-old mom who gave and detention centres in Bangla students protest because of the flight birth to her second son just a Kedah and Sabah states, cancelations. few days ago without her where most cases have been Students scuffle with police during a demonstration to protest against an alleged torturing of a French authorities husband by her side, because found. woman in the southern district of Noakhali, in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday. announced yesterday they he was back home. It was would use an Airbus A400M unclear whether she and her Atlas turboprop to repatriate newborn would be ready to both groups in a flight that return home on Thursday’s Indonesians protest against passage of jobs bill would take about six hours in flight. each direction. Home to about 8,000 REUTERS — JAKARTA million workers in protest “The law will definitely affect cheered the passage of the bill, Also named Rapa Nui, people, Easter Island is a tiny against the bill. the status of our employment,” with the main stock index up as Easter Island is a Chilean ter- speck in the vast Pacific Ocean Thousands of Indonesians took Demonstrations began yes- said Anwar Sanusi, a member of much as 1.31% and the rupiah ritory located midway between renowned for its imposing the streets of several cities terday in industrial areas FSPMI trade union in Tangerang, reaching as high as 1.28%, its Polynesia, in the South Pacific, moai - giant heads carved from yesterday to protest the passage around Jakarta including Tan- who took part in a rally with 400 strongest in a month. and South America. volcanic rock by inhabitants a day earlier of a jobs law they gerang and Karawang and on others. Deputy Finance Minister The French state hundreds of years ago. For say is too pro-business, but which Batam island, home to many People fear losing pensions Suahasil Nazara, speaking at a department said it launched the Easter Islanders, Tahiti has long the government has promoted electronics plants, local media and insurance if they are made banking conference yesterday, mission following a request been a stopping-off point, a as vital to attract investment. reported. contract workers for life due to said the law was meant to from Chilean authorities, and connection to the rest of the President Joko Widodo’s Kompas TV footage showed the law, Sanusi said. support the business com- it was being conducted in close world. “omnibus” Job Creation bill was thousands of people protesting The law removes the three- munity “to move forward and coordination with the French Until the virus struck, passed three days ahead of in Bandung, West Java, wearing year maximum duration of con- create many jobs”. embassy in Santiago, Chile. The Latam airlines ran a regular schedule, revising over 70 face masks but without tracts and reduces severance Citibank in a research note plane is currently deployed return route from Santiago, existing laws to accelerate observing social distancing. benefits — provisions the gov- said the law simplifies business with the French military in Chile, to Easter Island and on reform of Southeast Asia’s So far, workers have been ernment said are intended to licensing and addresses Tahiti. to Tahiti. Latam said it sus- largest economy. unable to protest in front of par- promote formal hiring. Other restrictive trade and labour pol- The group of Easter pended the route in March The passage also came a liament in Jakarta as planned. reforms include longer working icies. However, it said immediate Islanders had been begging because of the virus and doesn’t day before the start of a three- Police have sought to block pro- hours and changes to man- foreign investment was unlikely authorities for help for months have a timeline for restarting day national strike which testers citing the need to contain datory paid leave. in the currently depressed global - in Spanish, in French, and in it. No other airlines offer a unions expected to involve two the novel coronavirus. Indonesian markets economic climate. English. They had even written similar service. WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 ASIA 11 Indo-Pacific cooperation need of the hour: Pompeo AP — TOKYO Pompeo in a meeting the world. It says the US is the biggest aggressor in the South US Secretary of State Mike with the foreign China Sea. Beijing also denies Pompeo said yesterday that ministers of Japan, human right violations in its China’s increasingly assertive handling of Hong Kong and actions across the region make India and Australia, minority Muslims in Xinjiang, it more critical than ever for who together make up and accuses Western nations of four Indo-Pacific nations meddling in its internal affairs. known as the Quad to cooperate the Quad, discussed Earlier yesterday, new Jap- to protect their partners and China’s growing anese Prime Minister Yoshihide their people from Chinese Suga said in a meeting with the “exploitation, corruption and power and pushed for Quad diplomats that their “Free coercion.” and Open Indo-Pacific” security Pompeo made the remark the FOIP initiative. and economic initiative is more at a meeting in Tokyo with the important than ever amid chal- foreign ministers of Japan, India lenges from the coronavirus and Australia, who together tensions between China and pandemic. make up the Quad. The talks India over their disputed Hima- The international com- were the group’s first in-person layan border, while relations munity faces multiple chal- meeting since the coronavirus between Australia and China lenges as it tries to resolve the pandemic began. have also deteriorated in recent pandemic, and “this is exactly Pompeo accused China of months. why right now it is time that we covering up the pandemic and Japan, meanwhile, is con- should further deepen coordi- worsening it, while threatening cerned about China’s claim to nation with as many countries freedom, democracy and the Japanese-controlled as possible that share our diversity in the region with its Senkaku Islands, called Diaoyu vision,” Suga said, without increasingly assertive actions. in China, in the East China Sea. directly criticizing China. “It is more critical now than Japan also considers China’s Japan and the US have been Foreign Ministers (from left) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar of India, Toshimitsu Motegi of Japan, Marise ever that we collaborate to growing military activity to be pushing the FOIP as a way to Payne of Australia and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a meeting in Tokyo, yesterday. protect our people and partners a security threat. bring together “like-minded” from the Chinese Communist Japan’s annual defence countries that share concerns reaffirmed the importance of Japanese minister said he opening remarks at the Quad Party’s exploitation, corruption policy paper in July accused about China’s growing assert- cooperating among them to expressed hope that Japan and meeting. Others used more and coercion,” Pompeo said. China of unilaterally changing iveness and influence. advance peace, prosperity and the US will lead the interna- nuanced language to describe the “We see in the East and South the status quo in the South Pompeo, as well as Aus- security in the Indo-Pacific. tional community to achieve the significance of promoting the China Seas. The Mekong, the China Sea, where it has built tralian Foreign Minister Marise Pompeo in his talks with FOIP. concept of the FOIP as an Himalayas, the Taiwan Strait. and militarized manmade Payne, Indian Minister of Payne shared concerns about Pompeo attended the Quad inclusive, rule-based, democratic These are just a few examples.” islands and is assertively External Affairs Subrahmanyam “China’s malign activity in the meeting, but canceled subse- order that respects territorial sov- The talks came weeks pressing its claim to virtually all Jaishankar, and their Japanese region,” while agreeing on the quent planned visits to South ereignty and peaceful resolution before the US presidential of the sea’s key fisheries and counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, importance of the Quad discus- Korea and Mongolia after Pres- of disputes, rather than making election and amid tensions waterways. held talks after meeting Suga sions for “the promotion of ident Donald Trump was hospi- allegations against China. between Washington and China has denied allegations together. peace, security and prosperity talized with COVID-19. The pres- Japan sees the FOIP as Beijing over the coronavirus, of covering up the pandemic, Pompeo earlier met one on in the Indo-Pacific,” according ident was released Monday and crucial for assuring access to sea trade, technology, Hong Kong, saying it acted quickly to one with his three counterparts, to the State Department. returned to the White House. lanes all the way to Middle East, Taiwan and human rights. They provide information to the meetings in which according to Motegi held a working lunch Pompeo was the only one a key source of oil for the follow a recent flare-up in World Health Organization and the State Department with Pompeo in which the who explicitly criticised China in resource-poor island nation. China wants WHO to assess its vaccines for global use Cambodia denies Chinese

REUTERS— SINGAPORE Socorro Escalate, WHO’s agencies to determine the respectively. base plan speculation coordinator for essential med- acceptability of the vaccines. They are tested in such China is in talks to have its icines and health technologies “Potentially through this countries as Pakistan, Indo- locally-produced COVID-19 in the Western Pacific region, emergency use listing the nesia, Brazil, Russia and the AP — PHNOM PENH China has not been given vaccines assessed by the World told a news conference con- quality and safety of these United Arab Emirates. exclusive rights to use the base, Health Organisation, as a step ducted online that China had vaccines and efficacy could Last month, the UAE Cambodia’s government while also saying that warships toward making them available held preliminary discussions be assessed...and then this authorized the emergency use denied that its demolition of a from all nations, including the for international use, a WHO with WHO to have its vaccines could be made available for of a CNBG vaccine, the first US-funded facility at one of its United States, are welcome to official said yesterday. included in a list for emergency our licensees,” Escalante international emergency naval bases is a signal that dock there. He pointed out that Hundreds of thousands of use. said. clearance for one of China’s China will be granted basing Cambodia’s Constitution does essential workers and other The WHO’s emergency use China has at least four vaccines, just six weeks after privileges there, saying the not allow foreign military bases groups considered at high risk listing procedure allows unli- experimental vaccines in the human trials began in the Gulf work only involves planned to be established on its soil. in China have been given censed vaccines and treatments final stage of clinical trials - two Arab state. infrastructure improvements. The Wall Street Journal locally-developed vaccines to be assessed to expedite their are developed by state-backed Philippines President The statement by the reported last year that an early even as clinical trials had not availability in public health China National Biotec Group Rodrigo Duterte said last month National Committee for Mar- draft of a reputed agreement been fully completed, raising emergencies. (CNBG), and the remaining two it would prioritise China and itime Security on Monday was seen by US officials would allow safety concerns among This helps WHO member are from Sinovac Biotech and Russia in his country’s global in response to recent media China 30-year use of the Ream experts. states and UN procurement CanSino Biologics shopping for a vaccine. reports highlighting new con- base, where it would be able to cerns over China’s suspected post military personnel, store plans for Cambodia’s Ream weapons and berth warships. Virus SOPs for Naval Base on the Gulf of Western analysts believe Thailand. The stories were basing rights in Cambodia Pakistan's based on satellite photos would extend Beijing’s strategic showing the demolished facility military profile considerably, domestic flight and earlier statements from and tilt the regional balance of Cambodian officials. power in a manner that would travellers issued The committee said its Tac- pressure adjacent countries in tical Command Headquarters, the Association of Southeast INTERNEWS — KARACHI “an operational unit responsible Asian Nations whose security for implementing multi-agency concerns traditionally have Amid the rise in number of law enforcement” in cooper- been aligned more closely with coronavirus cases, the Civil ation with the United States and the United States. Aviation Authority (CAA) has Australia, had been a temporary Speculation about China issued new rules for the structure, and plans were begun being allowed military facilities domestic air transport in late 2017 to relocate it. in the area was heightened by department. It said the existing facility a deal giving a Chinese company As per details, the rules will was too small and lacked control over a large part of the remain applicable till December docking facilities, with limited coastline, and construction of 31 under which no person apart capacity for training and other an airport on its land that from airport staff and pas- activities, so a larger facility appeared to be designed to sengers will be allowed to go was being established at a new accommodate military aircraft beyond the parking area. location, with no change in as well as civilian planes. Whereas, no one will be able to function or relationships with The US Treasury Depart- enter the passenger terminal foreign partners. ment’s Office of Foreign Assets building without a mask. China is Cambodia’s closest Control announced last month People other than pas- political ally and main source that it was imposing sanctions sengers will be barred from King of Cambodia due in China for health check-up of economic support, through under US law on China’s Union entering the lounge from the aid and investment. Development Group Co Ltd, the King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia (right) greets Prime Minister Hun Sen before his departure to airport. The CAA said that it Cambodian Prime Minister company behind the coastal China for a health check-up, at Phnom Penh International Airport, in Phnom Penh yesterday. would be the responsibility of Hun Sen declared in June that land deal. the air manager to ensure social distance between the boarding bridge and the departure lounge. Thailand’s new army chief UN calls for impartial probe into Airlines will be required to provide briefing counters and vows to defend monarchy sanitizers to every passenger killing of S Korean man by North while all passengers and crew AP — BANGKOK a dozen successful coups since will be required to wear masks Thailand became a constitu- REUTERS — SEOUL Lee’s brother, Lee Rae-jin, wrote a letter to South Korean and comply with other Thailand’s new army chief tional monarchy in 1932. told reporters outside the Seoul President Moon Jae-in accusing standard operating procedures yesterday made the traditional Speaking at his first news The United Nations Human office of the UN High Commis- the government of failing to (SOPs). pledge to defend the country, conference, Narongpan did not Rights office in South Korea sioner for Human Rights that save his father’s life. Furthermore, the aircraft the Buddhist religion, the directly criticise the protesters called yesterday for an impartial he wanted to expose North “Would you have acted the must be disinfected in monarchy and the people, but for their beliefs, instead investigation into the killing of Korea’s “atrocities” and ask for same way if it were your own accordance with the SOPs seemed to take a softer line warning they must respect the a fisheries official by North a “fair and objective investi- child or grandchild going before boarding the passengers. than his predecessor toward rights of others and accept the Korean troops at sea last month, gation” by the UN. through this pain?” he wrote to The presence of PPAs on each dissenting political voices. consequences if they violate the as the man’s family urged the In a statement on Twitter, Moon. aircraft will be ensured while General Narongpan law. UN to conduct its own probe. the UN human rights office in Moon’s office said that the the cabin crew will be required Jittkaewtae took his post on Asked whether the pro- The death of the official, Seoul said both Koreas are obli- president planned to respond to provide hand sanitisers to the October 1 in an annual military testers’ 10-point manifesto for whose family identified him as gated to carry out a “prompt, to the boy personally. passengers every hour. reshuffle as the government royal-related reforms is a Lee Dae-jun, sparked a dispute impartial, and effective inves- A spokesman for South CAA said that the protocol faces a challenge from mass threat to the monarchy, over why and how he was tigation” and to make the Korea’s ministry of defense said would be binding on passengers protests that include unprece- Narongpan avoided a direct found floating in North Korean findings public, but made no it would respond to the family on domestic flights. The dented calls for reforms to the answer, declaring that reform waters nearly 36 hours after he mention of the UN playing a after reviewing their request for requirement to wear a mask is revered institution of the is a positive thing but everyone went missing. role. information. mandatory on all parts of the monarchy. should look at themselves first The South Korean gov- North Korea should also South Korea has accused airport and on board. Whereas, The position of army com- before asking others to change. ernment said their investigation engage with the South to return the North of dousing Lee’s body social distance, hand sanitizer mander carries enormous He said Thai society should suggests Lee wanted to defect the man’s remains, the UN in fuel and setting it on fire in and mask must be ensured while political influence, since the have tolerance for people with to the North, but his family dis- office said. an effort to prevent any possible boarding and disembarking. military has staged more than different beliefs. putes that. Lee Dae-jun’s teenage son coronavirus infections. 12 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 European countries run out of antiviral drug remdesivir REUTERS — AMSTERDAM/ In July, the 27 the world. A spokesman for the WARSAW/BRUSSELS European Commission, which European Union negotiates medical supply deals European countries are facing countries and Britain, on behalf of EU states during the shortages of COVID-19 drug with a combined pandemic, was not immediately remdesivir because limited available for a comment about supplies are running out, offi- population of 500 shortages. cials said, with cases surging and million, secured The EU executive is dis- the United States having bought cussing with Gilead a new up most of drugmaker Gilead’s doses of remdesivir supply deal, meant to be sealed output. to treat about 30,000 by late September or the In July, the 27 European beginning of October “to Union countries and Britain, patients. The United prevent a delivery gap,” a with a combined population of States signed a deal Commission official told health 500 million, secured doses to for more than 500,000 experts from EU governments treat about 30,000 patients. The at a meeting in mid-Sep- United States signed a deal for courses of treatment, tember, minutes show. more than 500,000 courses of The supplies secured so far accounting for most of A police officer tells people to wear masks, as local authorities in Rome ordered face coverings to be treatment, accounting for most by the EU were supposed to worn at all times when outdoor in an effort to counter rising COVID-19 infections, at Trevi fountain, of Gilead’s output through Gilead’s output through cover needs until the end of Sep- September. September. tember. Several officials said in Rome yesterday. “Remdesivir has run out,” new deliveries were expected Dutch Health Ministry shortly. Gilead has expanded its spokesman Martijn Janssen said, order arrived just last Friday. production capacity. Last week it Vote on new steps to curb virus in adding however that new deliv- Spain, which has Europe’s said it was meeting US demand eries were expected shortly. highest infection rate, experi- and expected to cover global The antiviral drug has been enced shortages in late August, needs in October, even in the Italy lacks quorum in parliament shown to shorten hospital its medicine agency said. It has event of future surges of COVID- recovery time in severe cases of now enough doses to meet 19. Available doses in the EU have BLOOMBERG — ROME majority in disarray, quar- quorum if more lawmakers are COVID-19. Remdesivir and the needs for the coming weeks, the so far been divided according to relsome and absent, even when forced into quarantine. steroid dexamethasone are the only health ministry said yesterday. the number of cases and hospi- A resurgence of the coronavirus we’re talking about the virus,” “The question is simple, drugs authorised in Europe to treat Britain, which has joined the talisation rates. But not all EU in Italy has prevented the lower said opposition leader Matteo either the houses of parliament COVID-19. Both have been given EU procurement for remdesivir, states face shortages. Germany’s house of parliament from Salvini of the anti-migrant adopt remote voting, like other to US President Donald Trump, has rationed its supply, priori- health ministry said remdesivir voting on new measures to League. A new ballot was parliaments have done, or as of who is also receiving an experi- tising COVID-19 patients who stocks were sufficient for the combat the pandemic, with a scheduled for today. now it’s impossible to make our mental antibody cocktail. need it most, the health ministry coming months. host of lawmakers forced to go Two members of the lower democracy function regularly Hospitalisations across said. Shortages are likely to stir Meanwhile, Italy is consid- into quarantine. house have tested positive in with the Covid emergency,” Europe have been rapidly debate about the availability and ering making the use of masks The chamber in Rome twice recent days: former Health Min- Democratic lawmaker Andrea increasing, although in most pricing of COVID-19 drugs. outdoors mandatory nationwide failed to reach a quorum yes- ister Beatrice Lorenzin of the Romano said in a tweet. countries still far below levels While dexamethasone, a generic to fight the coronavirus, Health terday following a speech by center-left Democratic Party, the In addition to anti-virus of the spring. “Due to the medicine, is widely available Minister Roberto Speranza said Health Minister Roberto second-biggest force in Prime measures, the parliament’s increased hospital admissions, and cheap, remdesivir is pro- yesterday. Infections in Italy, the Speranza, as about 40 law- Minister Giuseppe Conte’s ruling current agenda includes work the demand for remdesivir is tected by Gilead’s patent. first European country to be hit makers from the ruling coa- coalition, and Francesco Zic- on investment projects linked increasing rapidly,” the Dutch The company has set a by the virus, have risen steadily lition were in isolation after chieri, deputy head of the to European Union funding, spokesman said. Poland’s health $2,340 price per patient for over the past two months and two contact with people who’ve League’s lawmakers. with Italy set to be the biggest minister Adam Niedzielski said wealthier nations. It says it has regions, Lazio around Rome and tested positive for the virus. Italian law does not cur- recipient of EU recovery fund yesterday the drug was in short also donated treatments for Campania around Naples, have Opposition lawmakers rently allow for remote voting, grants and loans, and approval supply in some hospitals. Its research and to treat hundreds already made mask wearing cheered as the second attempt which could lead to a repeat of of the 2021 budget by the end latest shipment from the EU of thousands of patients around mandatory outside. at a vote failed. “A government yesterday's failure to reach a of the year. Spain detains Johnson promises McAfee software creator wanted in to use pandemic as US for tax evasion catalyst for change AFP — MADRID AP — LONDON system, and members of John- son’s own party have opposed Anti-virus software creator Prime Minister Boris Johnson restrictions aimed at slowing John McAfee, who is wanted yesterday promised to use the the spread of the disease. in the United States for tax COVID-19 pandemic as a In his 30-minute speech evasion, has been arrested at catalyst to build a stronger Johnson underscored previous Barcelona airport, police said Britain led by private enter- pledges to hire more nurses and yesterday. prise, and took aim at “potshot, police officers, upgrade Officers detained the snipeshot” opponents who highways and railroads, and 75-year-old on Saturday as he want to prolong government make Britain a world leader in was about to board a flight to bailout programs forever. renewable energy. This will give Istanbul and he was being held In a sometimes combative private industry the tools it needs at a jail near Barcelona speech to his Conservative to build a stronger, more equi- awaiting extradition to the Party, Johnson said simply table economy, he said. United States, a Spanish police defeating the virus wasn’t Johnson, who was hospi- source said. enough, because history has talized with COVID-19 in April, His arrest comes a day Musicians protest in London shown that “events of this mag- added that his government has after US prosecutors released nitude” often lead to social and had to take tough decisions Musicians perform near the houses of Parliament during a protest highlighting their inability to an indictment against McAfee economic change. during the pandemic and perform live or work during the coronavirus disease, in London, Britain, yesterday. for allegedly failing to report “We see these moments as rejected the opposition Labour income made from promoting the time to learn, and to Party’s calls for government crypto-currencies, making improve on the world that went spending to rebuild the speaking engagements and before, and that’s why this gov- economy. “We have no time now selling the rights to his life Navalny’s blood samples showed traces ernment will build back better,” to focus on Captain Hindsight story for a TV documentary. Johnson said in a video address and his regiment of potshot, The indictment, which was of nerve agent Novichok, says OPCW to the annual party conference, snipeshot fusiliers,” Johnson said, issued in June but only which is being held online this echoing a barb he has directed unsealed on Monday, said REUTERS — AMSTERDAM in his blood and urine had concluded he had been poi- year due to the pandemic. at Labour leader Keir Starmer in McAfee failed to file tax returns “similar structural character- soned with Novichok. The speech was an effort to recent weeks. from 2014 to 2018, despite Blood samples taken from istics as the toxic chemicals Western governments have inject optimism into the While the continuing crisis receiving “considerable Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny belonging” to the Novichok called for sanctions against political debate and shift focus has sidelined other initiatives, income” from several sources. confirmed the presence of a nerve group. The findings confirm Moscow over the case. Russia away from the government’s Johnson has continued to push his McAfee allegedly evaded agent in the banned Novichok results released by Germany, denies any involvement and has response to the pandemic, environmental agenda. He taxes by directing his income family, the global chemical where Navalny was treated said it doubts Navalny was poi- which has killed more than pledged that every home in Britain to be paid into bank accounts weapons watchdog said. after falling ill on a flight in soned. “No doubt Novichok 42,000 people in Britain, the will be powered by wind energy and crypto-currency exchange The Organisation for the Siberia on August 20. Berlin nerve agent used to poison highest death toll in Europe. in a decade as the government accounts in the names of Prohibition of Chemical asked the OPCW to take Alexey #Navalny,” Britain’s del- People from across the political kick-starts a “green industrial rev- others, according to the Weapons (OPCW) said in a samples from Navalny and test egation at the OPCW said on spectrum have criticized the olution’’ that will create hundreds indictment. statement that the biomarkers them after German doctors Twitter. government’s test and trace of thousands of jobs. Floods sweep bodies from cemeteries in France

AP — BREIL-SUR-ROYA, FRANCE yesterday for some 20 people have said cemeteries in the water supplies were cut off still missing, according to a French towns of Saint- by the storm, the spokesman The grim job of searching for spokeswoman for the Alpes- Martin-de-Vesubie and said. Neither spokesperson flood victims in Alpine Maritimes regional Tende were partially washed was authorized to be publicly villages and on the nearby administration. out by the floods. Tende named according to official French and Italian coasts has Corpses unearthed from Mayor Jean-Pierre Vassallo policy. grown even more gruesome: cemeteries have washed up told Le Parisien newspaper Some roads were still Along with storm casualties, on the Italian side, she said. that the village cemetery blocked by debris yesterday, authorities say corpses from She could not say how many “was cut in two” and bodies so helicopters are delivering cemeteries have also been or where they came from, were unearthed. supplies to cut-off found around the Mediter- and it was unclear whether Forensic police working populations. ranean shore, apparently the bodies were among the to identify the dead are “It’s a catastrophic situ- swept down the mountain by eight reported dead in Italy among the security forces, ation, this has not happened violent rains. from the storm. Italian local firefighters, rescue divers and in a thousand years,” said A total of 12 deaths have authorities could not imme- others helping yesterday in Georges Pomarede, a retired March against wild animal ban been reported since the storm diately be reached for the continuing search and police officer clearing out his pounded France’s Alpes-Mar- comment. cleanup effort, according to home in the town of Breil- Protesters holding signs reading “I am happy at the circus, leave me with my itimes region and Italy’s The cemetery corpses a spokesman for France’s sur-Roya. “All of that is gone, family” during a gathering of circus professionals after the French government northwestern regions of were in such an advanced national gendarme service. no more campground, no announced it planned to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses, Liguria and Piedmont starting state of decomposition that Police are going door-to- stadium, no more swimming in Paris, yesterday. France said on September 29 it planned to “gradually” Friday - four on the French they were clearly distin- door to check on people pool, no more shops, a hotel ban mink farms as well the use of wild animals in travelling circuses and side, eight on the Italian side. guishable from recent storm reported as missing in is gone,... entire houses swal- dolphins and orcas in theme parks. More than 600 rescuers victims, the French spokes- hamlets where roads, elec- lowed by the floods. It’s a and others were searching woman said. Local authorities tricity, communications and phenomenal disaster.” WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 EUROPE 13 3 win Nobel Physics Prize for black hole research

REUTERS — STOCKHOLM Roger Penrose won half the prize of $1.1m for his work using mathematics to prove that Britain’s Roger Penrose, Reinhard Genzel of Germany black holes are a direct consequence of Albert and American Andrea Ghez won Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Reinhard the 2020 Nobel Prize for Physics yesterday for their Genzel and Andrea Ghez shared the other half discoveries about one of the for discovering that an invisible and extremely most exotic phenomena in the heavy object governs the orbits of stars at the universe, the black hole. Penrose, professor at the centre of our galaxy. University of Oxford, won half the prize of $1.1m for his work using mathematics to prove that yourself that what you are really may not be able to escape. black holes are a direct conse- seeing is what you think you are Einstein predicted in 1915, quence of Albert Einstein’s seeing. So, both doubt and in his general theory of rela- general theory of relativity. excitement,” the 55-year-old tivity, that space and time could Genzel, of the Max Planck astronomer said in a call with be warped by the force of Institute and University of Cal- the committee after receiving gravity. Yet he did not actually ifornia, Berkeley, and Ghez, at the award. believe in black holes, and David Haviland (left), member of the Nobel Committee for Physics, and Goran K Hansson, Secretary-General the University of California, Los “It’s that feeling of being at finding a way to prove their of the Academy of Sciences sit in front of a screen displaying the winners of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Angeles, shared the other half the frontier of research when existence baffled scientists for Physics, during a press conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, in Stockholm, yesterday. for discovering that an invisible you have to always question another 50 years. and extremely heavy object what you are seeing.” “It was a theory — there was finger of his other hand. observing movements of stars, “What is the black hole? We governs the orbits of stars at the Genzel, 68, told Reuters Tel- nothing to make black holes At the ball’s edge, time teams of astronomers led by don’t know, we have no idea centre of our galaxy. evision soon after hearing he visible,” said Genzel. stands still, Danielsson said, and Genzel and Ghez concluded that what is inside a black hole and Ghez — only the fourth had shared the prize that had It was not until a seminal as his finger pushed into it, its around 4 million solar masses that is what makes these things woman to be awarded the been on a Zoom call with col- paper in 1965 that Penrose, now tip moves into the future. are packed into a region the size such exotic objects,” said Ghez. Physics prize after Marie Curie leagues when the phone rang. 89, proved that black holes can It would be impossible to of our solar system. Physics is the second of this in 1903, Maria Goeppert-Mayer “Just like in the movies, a really form — describing them withdraw one’s finger without “Penrose, Genzel and Ghez year’s crop of Nobels to be in 1963 and Donna Strickland voice said: ‘This is Stockholm’,” in detail and stating that, at their tearing it apart. Instead it would together showed us that black awarded, after three scientists in 2018 — said she hoped it he said. He admitted to being centre, time and space cease to be “carried all the way into the holes are awe-inspiring, math- won the medicine prize for their would inspire others. flabbergasted by the news: “I exist. centre of the black hole, where ematically sublime, and actually discovery of Hepatitis C on Asked about the discovery cried a little bit.” Illustrating Penrose’s insight time ends and the known laws exist,” said Tom McLeish, pro- Monday. of a massive yet invisible object Scientists have wondered at the awards presentation in of physics cease to apply”. fessor of natural philosophy at The Nobel prizes were at the heart of the Milky Way, since the 18th century whether Stockholm, Ulf Danielsson of the Subsequent efforts to find a Britain’s University of York. created in the will of Swedish Ghez said “the first thing is any object existed in the uni- Nobel Committee held a black black hole focused on the clouds While black holes are now dynamite inventor and busi- doubt”. verse that would exert a gravi- ball the size of a grapefruit in one of dust in a region of the Milky accepted science, much about nessman Alfred Nobel and have “You have to prove to tational pull so strong that light hand and pointed at it with the Way called Sagittarius A*. By them remains a mystery. been awarded since 1901.

Russia detains two EU court rules against Hungary PM over Soros university for passing state AP — BRUSSELS Hungarian-American financier. European University was damental Rights. dozens of foreign institutions Under pressure from Orban, it seeking to get advantages other In light of Orban’s views on operating in Hungary, but most secrets to Estonia The European Union’s highest had to relocate most of its main Hungarian universities didn’t Soros, the amendments to the of them had no problem com- REUTERS — MOSCOW court ruled yesterday that activities to Vienna from have. academic rules were widely plying with this legislation, changes by Hungary to its law Budapest, where it had been Among the legal changes seen as targeting CEU. The EU referring to the CEU as a Russia’s Federal Security on higher education which operating since the early 1990s. Hungary imposed was tying the Commission launched an “mailbox” institution. Service (FSB) said yesterday effectively forced a university Orban has been a vocal operation of foreign universities infringement procedure in April Greens MEP Gwendoline that it had detained a serv- founded by George Soros to critic of Soros for years, arguing in Hungary to a bilateral 2017 against Hungary in the Delbos-Corfield said the ruling iceman and his brother in the leave the country were not in that the billionaire philan- agreement between the Hun- wake of the changes. It subse- from the Luxembourg-based country’s west for having line with EU law. thropist is intent on under- garian government and the uni- quently referred Hungary to the court “ruled on what should be allegedly passed state secrets The European Court of mining European values with versities’ country of origin. Court of Justice in December clear in any European to Estonia. Justice ruled against Prime Min- his liberal views on migration, Foreign universities were also 2017. democracy: that measures to A criminal case has been ister Viktor Orban’s gov- claims Soros has denied. compelled to carry out educa- Under such a ruling by the limit academic freedom are opened for high treason, the ernment, saying in the ruling Orban’s ideological aim of cre- tional activities in their home ECJ, the member state is legally incompatible with EU law. FSB said. that “the conditions introduced ating an “illiberal state” is also countries. That forced the CEU forced to immediately comply Forcing out a university is The serviceman was by Hungary to enable foreign in contrast with Soros’ ideal of to move to Vienna. with the Court’s judgment, and undemocratic, it goes against detained in front of an higher education institutions to an “open society.” The EU court ruled that by if it refuses, the EU Commission European values and now it’s apartment building in Smo- carry out their activities in its Hungary’s justice minister, imposing such conditions, can seek to fine it. been ruled as illegal.” lensk, a city 365km west of territory are incompatible with Judit Varga reacted to the “Hungary has failed to comply Justice Minister Varga told She added that it “should Moscow, by three masked EU law.” decision by saying that any EU with the commitments” under state news agency MTI that “all send a warning to Viktor Orban officers in military fatigues At the heart of the conflict court ruling would only be the framework of the World universities in Hungary must that it’s time to step back from and dragged into a black van, is the fate of the Central applied “in accordance with the Trade Organization and acted comply with the legislation the brink of autocracy and FSB footage carried by European University (CEU) interests of the Hungarian in contravention of the provi- equally.” reverse the Hungarian govern- Russian news agency TASS established by Soros, a people” and said Central sions of the EU’s Charter of Fun- She said the law affects ment’s undemocratic path.” showed. “There hasn’t been any official correspondence with Russia on that issue,” Estonia’s Poland, Lithuania recall Foreign Ministry said in an emailed statement. The FSB added that the envoys from Belarus serviceman’s brother, a per- manent resident of Estonia, AP — WARSAW urging them to do the same. had also been detained in Belarus also demanded that Pskov, a Russian city located Poland and Lithuania have Poland and Lithuania scale about 30km from the border recalled their ambassadors down their missions in the with Estonia. from neighbouring Belarus, country because of their Separate footage released where hundreds of people have “destructive activity.” by the FSB showed officers been detained during massive Polish Foreign Minister pinning a man in civilian protests against the authori- Zbigniew Rau tweeted Monday clothing to the ground, hand- tarian president who won a to say that “in coordination” cuffing him and taking him sixth term in office in an with EU bodies “we’ve made a away in a van. election widely seen as rigged. joint decision to recall for con- If convicted, the men could The foreign ministries of sultations some of the ambas- face up to 20 years in jail. Poland and Lithuania, nations sadors accredited to Belarus.” In a similar case in August, that offer support to the Bela- Rau thanked “EU partners a Russian serviceman from the rusian opposition, have said for an unequivocal expression Strategic Missile Forces was they were recalling their of solidarity with Poland and detained in Siberia for having ambassadors from Minsk for Lithuania. Support for Belaru- allegedly passed state secrets consultations. Poland sug- sians and their efforts to to Ukraine. gested ambassadors from some democratize the country Russia’s relations with the other European Union nations remains a priority to us.” Baltic states, European Union were also being recalled. Poland and Lithuania are members since 2004, remain An interior view shows the Krylatskoye indoor ice skating arena following the decision of local The move by Poland and hosting some leaders of the strained over issues ranging authorities to turn it into a temporary hospital amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Moscow Lithuania followed Friday’s Belarusian opposition and are for their occupation by the yesterday. announcement by Belarus that taking steps to win EU and Soviet Union to Moscow’s it was recalling its ambassadors international support for efforts annexation of Crimea from Transport curbs in Moscow as virus cases jump from the two countries and toward a democratic Belarus. Ukraine in 2014.

REUTERS — MOSCOW hospitalised with coronavirus has already opened two tem- in the city yesterday. porary hospitals to tackle the Estonia PM for new probe into ferry disaster Russia’s daily tally of new coro- Sobyanin said students’ spike in cases and ordered busi- navirus cases rose to its highest cards allowing them to travel nesses to have at least 30 AFP — TALLINN proposal to Finland and sank in Finnish waters in the since May 11 yesterday, on public transport in Moscow percent of their staff working Sweden to carry out a joint early hours of September 28, prompting Moscow to take at a discount would be tempo- remotely. Estonia’s prime minister investigation into the sinking 1994, while en route from Tallinn measures to keep students and rarily cancelled on Friday until Kremlin spokesman Dmitry yesterday called for a new of the MS Estonia. to Stockholm in Europe’s worst the elderly off the city’s the end of a two-week school Peskov said on Monday that he investigation “as soon as The priority “should be to peacetime shipping disaster. sprawling public transport holiday. was unaware of plans to impose possible” into a 1994 ferry investigate the position of the In 1997, investigators con- network. Muscovites over the age of a strict lockdown despite the sinking in the Baltic Sea that shipwreck and the seabed cluded the disaster was caused Moscow Mayor Sergei Sob- 65 and those with chronic ill- rapidly growing number of killed 852 people, following the around it to identify the damage by the bow door of the ship yanin said the measures were nesses will be stripped of passes cases. release of a documentary. to the hull as well as the nature being wrenched open in heavy needed to keep students and that allow them to travel across Russia’s official coronavirus “We wish to proceed with and timeframe of its occurrence seas, allowing water to gush the elderly at home as the the city for free from October task force reported 11,615 new further investigation as soon as and its possible connections to into the car deck. capital recorded 4,082 new 9 until October 28, Sobyanin infections nationwide yesterday possible to find answers to all of the sinking of the ship,” it said. Survivors and relatives of infections yesterday. added. and said 188 people had died the questions that have arisen Makers of the five-part doc- those killed have fought for “Every day the situation Sobyanin said the move was overnight, pushing the official in connection with the new umentary series, which was over two decades for a fuller with the coronavirus is meant to protect Moscow’s death toll to 21,663. information,” Prime Minister released for streaming last investigation, with some becoming more difficult and senior population, which he With 1,237,504 infections Juri Ratas said in a statement fol- month, claimed to have found claiming that the opening of the dramatic,” Sobyanin wrote on said accounted for more than since the start of the pandemic, lowing a Cabinet meeting. a hitherto unrecorded four- bow visor would not have his website, adding that more a quarter of virus infections. Russia has the world’s fourth The statement said it had metre hole in the ship’s hull. caused the vessel to sink as than 1,000 people had been The city of nearly 13 million highest number of cases. been decided to submit a The passenger and car ferry quickly as it did. 14 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 Over 4 million Americans already cast vote REUTERS — WASHINGTON A national Reuters/ level of early in-person voting. Ipsos poll taken The percentage of voters Americans are rushing to cast who cast their ballot at a voting ballots ahead of the November last week found 5 machine on Election Day already 3 election at an unprecedented percent of Democrats had been in steady decline pace, early voting numbers before this year, according to the show, indicating a possible nationwide said US Election Assistance Com- record turnout for the they had already mission, a federal agency. showdown between President voted compared The total number of early or Donald Trump and Democratic mail-in votes more than doubled challenger Joe Biden. to 2 percent of from nearly 25 million in 2004 With four weeks to go before Republicans. About to 57 million in 2016, it said, rep- Election Day, more than 4 resenting an increase from one million Americans already have 58 percent of in five of all ballots cast to two voted, more than 50 times the Democrats planned to in five of all ballots cast. 75,000 at this time in 2016, Trump has railed against according to the United States vote early compared mail-in voting, making Elections Project, which com- to 40 percent of unfounded accusations that it piles early voting data. leads to fraud. Experts have said The shift has been driven by Republicans. such fraud is rare. an expansion of early and Those attacks by the pres- mail-in voting in many states as has led McDonald to predict a ident have shown signs of a safe way to cast a ballot during record turnout of about 150 depressing Republican interest the coronavirus pandemic and million, representing 65 percent in voting by mail. Democrats an eagerness to weigh in on the of eligible voters, the highest rate have more than doubled the political future of Trump, said since 1908. number of returned mail-in Voters support their candidate in a designated area outside of the Hamilton County Board of Elections Michael McDonald of the Uni- Biden leads Trump in ballots by Republicans in seven for the upcoming presidential election, as early voting begins in Cincinnati, Ohio, US, yesterday. versity of Florida, who admin- national opinion polls, although states that report voter regis- isters the project. surveys in crucial battleground tration data by party, according “We’ve never seen this many states indicate a tighter race. to the Elections Project. taken last week found 5 percent strong, then drops before surging percent of total 2016 turnout in people voting so far ahead of an The numbers reported so far In the crucial battleground of Democrats nationwide said just ahead of the election. But in Virginia and nearly 15 percent election,” McDonald said. come from 31 states, McDonald state of Florida, Democrats have they had already voted com- some states, rates of partici- of total 2016 turnout in the bat- “People cast their ballots when said, and will grow rapidly as requested more than 2.4 million pared to 2 percent of Repub- pation already have skyrocketed tleground state of Wisconsin. they make up their minds, and more states begin early in- mail-in ballots and returned licans. About 58 percent of Dem- a month out. “That’s just nuts,” McDonald we know that many people person voting and report 282,000, while Republicans have ocrats planned to vote early In South Dakota, early voting said. “Every piece of data sug- made up their minds long ago absentee mail-in totals in the asked for nearly 1.7 million and compared to 40 percent of this year already represents gests very high turnout for this and already have a judgment next few weeks. All but about a returned more than 145,000. Republicans. McDonald said nearly 23 percent of the total election. I think that’s just a about Trump.” The early surge half-dozen states allow some A national Reuters/Ipsos poll early voting typically starts turnout in 2016. It is nearly 17 given.” FDA asks for safety data for COVID-19 vaccine 26 countries urge lifting REUTERS — NEW YORK month to discuss coronavirus If the agency follows its own discussed the FDA’s standards vaccines under development. advice, it is unlikely to authorize with the White House, saying of Western sanctions The US Food and Drug Admin- The FDA had originally sub- a vaccine before sometime in that could compromise the istration has told coronavirus mitted the two-month late November. agency’s independence. to tackle coronavirus vaccine developers it wants at requirement as official guide- Pfizer Inc and partner The FDA’s “public servants least two months of safety data lines, which were blocked by BioNTech are currently are known for their high AP — UNITED NATIONS The statement notes that from half of their trial volun- White House officials, the New expected to be the first vaccine integrity and scientific expertise both UN Secretary-General teers in order to authorize York Times reported on developers to announce results and we have full faith in their China and 25 other nations Antonio Guterres and UN emergency use, a requirement Monday. from a late-stage US clinical ability to set appropriate countries on Monday called for human rights chief Michelle that would likely push any US The White House could still trial. standards for the approval of a the immediate lifting of sanc- Bachelet have called for the vaccine availability past the force authorisation of a vaccine About half the volunteers in COVID vaccine or treatment,” tions by the United States and waiving of sanctions that November 3 presidential without that additional safety the 44,000-subject Phase III Bourla said. Western countries to ensure undermine a country’s election. data. Doing so would put it in trial had received the second The FDA expects to hold an effective response to the capacity to respond to the The FDA advice was open disagreement with the dose of the two-shot vaccine by separate meetings of its vaccine COVID-19 pandemic. pandemic. released yesterday as part of FDA and its career scientists, late September. advisory committee before Speaking on behalf of the There was no immediate documents posted ahead of a and add to the perception that Pfizer Chief Executive issuing an emergency use 26 countries at a meeting of response to an email seeking meeting of the agency’s panel politics was playing a role in Albert Bourla tweeted yesterday authorization for any experi- the UN General Assembly’s comment from the US Mission of outside experts later this pushing out a vaccine. that the company had not mental shot. human rights committee, to the United Nations. China’s UN Ambassador Zhang Germany’s UN Ambassador Jun said “unilateral coercive Christoph Heusgen addressed Mexico deploys measures” violate the UN the sanctions issue at a Charter, multilateralism, and Security Council meeting on military as major impede human rights by hin- Syria in May saying EU sanc- dering “the well-being of the tions “do not affect the delivery hurricane approaches population in the affected of humanitarian aid or medical countries” and undermining goods to limit the effects of the right to health. COVID-19,” citing specific EU AFP — CANCUN “Global solidarity and guidance on ensuring aid gets international cooperation are to the Syrian people. Mexico yesterday mobilised thousands of the most powerful weapons in The 26 countries also took soldiers and began evacuating tourists in fighting and overcoming aim at “chronic and deep- some of its top holiday resorts as an COVID-19,” the joint statement rooted racial discrimination, “extremely dangerous” hurricane barreled said. police brutality and social towards the Yucatan Peninsula. “We seize this opportunity inequality.” Hurricane Delta rapidly intensified in to call for the complete and They cited the shooting by the Caribbean to reach Category 4 status, immediate lifting of unilateral police of two Black Americans, the second-highest, and was on course to coercive measures, in order to George Floyd who died at the hit southeastern Mexico early today, US ensure the full, effective and hands of a white police officer forecasters said. efficient response of all in Minneapolis in May, and The region is home to a string of members of the international Jacob Blake, shot by a white beachside resorts including Cancun, community to COVID-19.” police officer in August and left although the number of visitors has plum- Among the countries that paralysed from the waist meted because of the coronavirus pan- backed the statement were down. demic, which has hit Mexico hard. People board up a restaurant in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Delta, in Cancun, half a dozen that face sanctions “The COVID-19 mortality Authorities in the Yucatan said they Mexico, yesterday. by the United States, European rate of minorities, in particular were moving guests from hotels in Cancun Union or other Western people of African descent, is and other resorts to emergency shelters, waves and the risk of significant flash Governor John Bel Edwards of Loui- nations including Cuba, North disproportionately high in while residents were also being moved to flooding, the NHC said. siana urged people there to start getting Korea, Iran, Russia, Syria and some countries,” their safe locations. At 1520 GMT, the hurricane was located ready for its arrival. Venezuela. statement said. “The order has been given to mobilize about 315 miles southeast of the holiday “This storm will affect Louisiana and up to 5,000 troops with all the necessary island of Cozumel, just off the Yucatan everyone needs to prepare accordingly,” equipment to protect the population,” Pres- Peninsula. Non-essential activities in the he wrote on Twitter. ‘Colombia’s govt must protect ident Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told state of Quintana Roo, which is home to Delta is the 26th named storm of an reporters. Cancun, will be suspended from the early unusually active Atlantic hurricane season. communities to stop activist killings’ The storm was packing maximum sus- afternoon, authorities said. Over the weekend, six people died and tained winds of around 130 miles per hour, State governor Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez thousands were forced from their homes REUTERS — BOGOTA The government must according to the Miami-based National announced the closure of the Cancun and as Tropical Storm Gamma triggered floods implement rural reforms to Hurricane Center (NHC). Cozumel airports from 5pm. and landslides in southeastern Mexico. Colombia’s government must offer viable alternatives to Delta was expected to pass southwest People living in the area stocked up on In September, meteorologists were prioritise communities’ safety illegal activities such as coca of the Cayman Islands on Tuesday food and drinking water as the storm forced to break out the Greek alphabet to over military operations against growing and should widen afternoon. approached. Delta is forecast to bring heavy name Atlantic storms for only the second armed groups to stop killings demobilization programs, the It is expected to be an “extremely dan- rainfall and floods to parts of the south- time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season of activists, while ensuring report said. gerous hurricane” when it makes landfall eastern United States later this week, blew through their usual list, ending on perpetrators face legal “Without abandoning the in Mexico, bringing large and destructive according to the NHC. Tropical Storm Wilfred. punishment, advocacy organ- goal of dismantling armed ization International Crisis groups, Colombia should offer Group said in a report their members realistic yesterday. pathways back into civilian life US National Guard puts troops on standby for coming months At least 415 human rights through negotiated collective REUTERS — WASHINGTON and community activists - demobilisation,” the report said. May when a Minneapolis police 24 hours if requested by a an oblique call for illegal voter widely known in Colombia as A ministry of defence officer knelt on his neck. governor. intimidation. social leaders - have been killed spokesperson reiterated the After a summer of civil unrest While the units were not “We’re in very unique times The National Guard was since January 2016, according government’s view that vio- over racial injustice in the United specifically created to address right now in our country, we’ve thrust into the spotlight in June to government figures cited in lence will not be stopped by States, the National Guard has potential violence around the seen several instances of where when more than 40,000 troops the report. Some human rights military and police presence put hundreds of military police Nov. 3 elections, their existence civil disturbances escalated very were deployed to help deal with groups put the figure much alone, but by establishing rule on standby specifically to help highlights how the military could quickly to riots, extensive protests, including in Wash- higher. of law. law enforcement deal with any help deal with unrest around the property damage,” the official ington, where thousands President Ivan Duque’s The government accuses potential violence in the coming vote without deploying active said. The units would be on marched outside the White government has focused on left-wing guerrillas from the months, three US military offi- duty troops to cities - a key tenet standby until at least the end of House. destroying coca crops and National Liberation Army, ex- cials have said. for Pentagon leadership. the year, the official said. In June, Defence Secretary weakening armed groups in a members of the FARC rebels Officials said the units, con- A senior National Guard In the campaign, tensions Mark Esper publicly voiced his bid to protect activists, but mil- who reject a 2016 peace deal sisting of about 600 military official, speaking on the con- have risen over Republican opposition to invoking the itary operations can provoke and criminal groups, some police stationed in Arizona and dition of anonymity, said the President Donald Trump’s calls Insurrection Act to deploy retaliation against commu- comprised of former right-wing Alabama, were a response to the military police “Rapid Response for his supporters to act as active duty forces, in remarks nities, according to Crisis paramilitaries, of attacking lessons learned during the Units” had been established in ad-hoc poll watchers. Demo- to reporters that did not go over Group, a nongovernmental activists as they seek control of violent upheaval after a Black the past month and could deploy crats and nonpartisan election well with Trump and his top organisation focused on con- drug trafficking and illegal man, George Floyd, died in late to any part of the country within experts have denounced that as aides. flict resolution. mining areas. WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 AMERICAS 15 Trump conflates COVID-19 toll with false flu numbers

REUTERS — WASHINGTON Trump’s chances of extremely well.” winning November’s Trump had no public events A coronavirus patient himself, listed for Tuesday and it was President Donald Trump election have unclear when he would resume yesterday said Americans were taken a hit over the a full schedule of presidential learning to live with the duties and campaigning ahead pandemic, posting comments millions of jobs lost of Election Day, November 3. online that drew a rebuke from during coronavirus He tweeted that he was Facebook and Twitter for lockdowns, and he looking forward to a scheduled likening the COVID-19 death second debate with Democratic toll to that of the annual flu. has frequently sought election opponent Joe Biden on A day after leaving a nearby to encourage a return October 15 and wrote that he hospital for the White House, was feeling great. He had yet to where he will receive intensive to work despite the be seen in public or to release treatments unavailable to most pandemic. a new video since Monday people, the Republican, 74, night. again understated the effects of Trump spent three days at the virus on social media. between some 22,000 and a military hospital and was due “Many people every year, 64,000 people a year in the to receive further doses of the US President Donald Trump gestures after walking out of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, sometimes over 100,000, and United States, US government antiviral drug remdesivir and Maryland, before heading to Marine One to return to the White House, on Monday. despite the vaccine, die from the statistics show. the steroid dexamethasone, flu. Are we going to close down Trump’s chances of winning which is normally used in the descending from his Marine “Get out there. Be careful.” US military who traveled with our country? No, we have November’s election have taken most severe cases. One helicopter wearing a white Trump mocked Biden at last the president last week, a learned to live with it, just like a hit over the millions of jobs Trailing Biden in opinion surgical mask, only to remove Tuesday’s presidential debate for Bloomberg News reporter said we are learning to live with lost during coronavirus lock- polls, Trump’s campaign sought it as he posed, saluting and wearing a mask when on Twitter, citing unnamed COVID, in most populations far downs, and he has frequently to project an image of a strong waving, on the mansion’s South campaigning. sources. Bloomberg, CNN and less lethal!!!” Trump wrote on sought to encourage a return to president who is overcoming his Portico. “I was aghast when he said NBC also reported that a military Twitter and Facebook. work despite the pandemic. illness and planning to get back The severity of his illness has COVID should not be feared,” aide to Trump had COVID-19. Twitter Inc responded by Trump’s doctor said on yes- on the campaign circuit. been the subject of intense spec- said William Schaffner, a pro- White House spokeswoman putting a warning label on the terday he was doing “extremely “We’re looking forward to ulation, with some experts fessor of preventive medicine Kayleigh McEnany, herself diag- post, saying it included poten- well” and reporting no him getting back on the trail noting that, as an overweight, and infectious diseases at Van- nosed with the virus, said the rise tially misleading information. COVID-19 symptoms. Sean when the doctors say it’s phys- elderly man, he was in a high derbilt University Medical Center in COVID-19 cases at the White Facebook Inc removed the Conley, a Navy commander, ically feasible for him to do so. risk category. in Nashville. House and among some Repub- Trump post for breaking its said a team of physicians met He’s ready now,” Trump cam- #GaspingForAir began Many Trump aides and con- lican senators was not disrupting rules on COVID-19 misinfor- with the president yesterday paign spokesman Hogan Gidley trending on Twitter after video fidants have been diagnosed the functioning of the US mation, according to CNN. morning. told Fox News. showed Trump appearing to with the disease since his government. “This is a lie. The flu doesn’t “He had a restful first night A Twitter post by Biden take several deep breaths while announcement last week that he “We are regularly meeting,” kill 100,000 a year,” Senator at home, and today he reports showed images of himself standing on the White House had tested positive, intensifying although some staff must attend Chris Murphy, a Democrat, no symptoms. Vital signs and donning a mask and Trump balcony. scrutiny and criticism of the remotely,” she told Fox Business tweeted. physical exam remain stable, removing his. “Masks Matter. “Don’t let it dominate you. administration’s handling of the Network. The United States has the with an ambulatory oxygen sat- They save lives,” the caption Don’t be afraid of it,” Trump said pandemic. Media outlets The top US military leaders world’s highest death toll from uration level of 95-97 percent,” read. in a video after his return on reported two more White House are isolating after the Coast the pandemic, with more than Conley said in a statement Trump returned to the Monday night. “I’m better, and staffers had tested positive for Guard’s No. 2 tested positive for 209,000 deaths. By com- released by the White House. White House on Monday in a maybe I’m immune - I don’t the disease. One was a Trump the coronavirus, Pentagon offi- parison, influenza typically kills “Overall he continues to do made-for-television spectacle, know,” he added. valet, an active member of the cials said. EPA grants Stitt Pence-Harris debate to draw outsized attention request for REUTERS — WASHINGTON public he is ready to step in as debate with Biden on October 15 president if the situation requires, in Miami. state oversight This week’s vice-presidential while also defending the Trump Pence will also be charged debate has taken on an outsized administration’s handling of a with trying to slow the Biden- on tribal lands and perhaps unprecedented 7-month-old health crisis that Harris momentum, something significance, with questions has killed nearly 210,000 Trump was unable to do in his AP — OKLAHOMA CITY about President Donald Trump’s Americans. unruly debate with Biden last health now looming over the US For her part, Harris, who has week. Trump struggled to make The US Environmental election less than a month away. largely stayed out of the spotlight a case for his re-election and Protection Agency has approved Vice-President Mike Pence’s in recent weeks as Biden ramped often resorted to insults to try to a request from Oklahoma Gov sole face-off against Senator up campaign travel, must dem- rattle Biden. Kevin Stitt’s administration to Kamala Harris, Democrat Joe onstrate to voters that she, too, Pence, a talented and even- allow the state, not tribal Biden’s running mate, today in could assume the presidency if tempered communicator who nations, to regulate environ- Salt Lake City comes as the needed at some point in the once hosted a radio show while mental issues in Indian Country, Trump campaign reels from a 77-year-old Biden’s tenure a member of the US House of even those lands that may be COVID-19 outbreak that has should he win the election. Representatives, can be more inside historical tribal reser- infected not only the Republican Traditionally, the vice presi- effective on a debate stage than vation boundaries. president but several in his inner dential debate is considered an the undisciplined Trump, said Stitt, a Republican, circle. afterthought to the three presi- US Vice-President Mike Pence (left) and Democratic vice presidential Michael Steel, who worked with requested the authority in July, The pressure on Pence, who dential debates, watched by candidate California Senator Kamala Harris Pence in the House when Steel shortly after the US Supreme often toils in Trump’s deep fewer voters and viewed as was an aide to then-Speaker John Court determined that a large shadow, is great. Trump trails almost irrelevant in terms of if called upon. And there are doctors say he is recovering, it Boehner. swath of eastern Oklahoma Biden by 10 percentage points shifting public opinion. questions about Joe Biden’s remains uncertain when he will “The vice-president can make remains a Muscogee (Creek) nationally, according to a new “This debate is different,” said ability to stay healthy.” Trump, be able to resume campaign a more cogent and thoughtful case Nation Indian reservation. Reuters/Ipsos poll, with voters Christopher Devine, an expert on 74, returned to the White House activities. for the Trump administration’s In the July 22 letter to EPA faulting what they viewed as the the vice presidency at the Uni- on Monday following a three-day Trump campaign spokesman record than almost anyone else,” Administrator Andrew Wheeler, president’s carelessness about versity of Dayton. “Some people stay at Walter Reed National Mil- Tim Murtaugh said on Monday Steel said. “He’s in a position to Stitt requested state authority the pandemic. may be worrying about Mike itary Medical Center where he the president intended to partic- have a much stronger debate than to administer all EPA programs Pence needs to show the Pence and how he may perform was treated for his illness. While ipate in the next scheduled the president.” in areas of the state that are in Indian Country, with a few exceptions. Wheeler approved the state’s request in an October CDC says virus can 1 response. It applies to more than two dozen federal environ- mental programs overseen by several state agencies, including spread indoors in the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture, Food updated guidance and Forestry, Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Cor- AP — NEW YORK or sneezes. Most CDC guidance poration Commission. about social distancing is built The federal law allowing The top US public health agency around that idea, saying that 6 states to seek environmental said on Monday that the corona- feet is a safe buffer between oversight in Indian Country was virus can spread more than 6 feet people who are not wearing authored in 2005 by Okla- through the air, especially in masks. homa’s Republican US Sen. Jim poorly ventilated and enclosed In interviews, CDC officials Inhofe, a staunch ally of the oil spaces. But agency officials main- have also acknowledged growing and gas industry. tained that such spread is evidence that the virus can some- “The underlying law is a uncommon and current social times spread on even smaller one-section provision surrep- distancing guidelines still make particles called aerosols that titiously inserted as a midnight sense. spread over a wider area. rider in the massive (Safe, However, several experts In the update posted on its Accountable, Flexible, Efficient faulted the updated Centers for website, the agency again Transportation Equity Act) of Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged recent research 2005 that treats Oklahoma guidance. They said the virus can showing people with COVID-19 tribes differently than other spread more easily than the CDC infected others who were more tribes throughout the United seems to be indicating, and sug- than 6 feet away or shortly after Healthcare workers move a gurney with a patient at Maimonides Medical Center in the Brooklyn States,” the Muscogee (Creek) gested that the public should an infected person left an area. neighbourhood of Borough Park, in New York City, yesterday. Nation said in a statement. wear masks even in prolonged CDC officials called those “Like the SAFETEA Act itself, outdoor gatherings when they ”limited, uncommon circum- controversy among experts when said the post was a mistake and how coronavirus spreads in the this was a swift move meant to are more than 6 feet apart. stances.” In those cases, spread it quietly posted an update that that it had been released before air. circumvent the federal govern- The virus “is traveling occurred in poorly ventilated and seemed to suggest the agency’s full editing and clearance was They said health officials ment’s trust, duty and obligation through the air and there is no enclosed spaces where people position had changed, and then completed. They said there was need to use clearer language in to consult with the tribal nations bright line. You’re not safe were doing activities that caused within days took it down again. no major change in the agency’s talking about the size of airborne concerned.” Stitt said in a beyond 6 feet. You can’t take heavier breathing, like singing or The short-lived post said the position, but they would finalise particles and droplets that can statement Monday that he was your mask off at 6 feet,” said Dr. exercise, CDC officials said. virus can remain suspended in a post to clarify the CDC’s spread the disease, and be more pleased with the EPA’s decision, Donald Milton of the University People can protect them- the air and drift more than 6 feet, thinking. That’s what was posted straightforward about the role saying it would help better of Maryland School of Public selves by staying at least 6 feet and officials emphasized the on Monday. that viruses in small aerosols can protect the state’s public health Health. away from others, wearing a importance of indoor ventilation. A small group of researchers play in infecting people. and environment “by ensuring For months, the CDC has said mask, washing their hands, It also added singing and - including Milton - on Monday Masks and good ventilation certainty and one consistent set that the virus spreads mainly cleaning touched surfaces and breathing to the ways the virus published a letter in the journal are crucial indoors. But they can of regulations” for all citizens of through small airborne droplets staying home when sick Last can go airborne. Science that called for clearer be important outdoors too, said Oklahoma, including tribal when an infected person coughs month, the CDC ignited Federal health officials later public health guidance about Linsey Marr of Virginia Tech. citizens. WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2020 16

Qetaifan Island North’s Phase 2 villa plots launched The beach villa plots range from 1,000sqm to 2,400sqm, the waterfront plots from 1,000sqm PRAYER to 1,800sqm, and the garden villa plots reach TIMINGS an area of 1,300sqm at an average of 850sqm. PRAYERPRAYRRAAAY TIMINGSMING

THE PENINSULA — DOHA project through which we seek FAJR 04.11 am to be in line with the national SUNRISE 05.28 am On the occasion of the Safety vision of the State of Qatar and Award presented to Qetaifan the country’s aspirations to lay DHUHR 11.22 am Projects at the Safety & Security the foundations for devel- ASR 02.44 pm Book Launching event, Qetaifan opment in all sectors. MAGHRIB 05.17 pm Projects Managing Director “Qetaifan Island North ISHA 06.47 pm Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al project will contribute to Thani announced the sales serving all the state’s sectors, launch of Qetaifan Island most importantly the real estate North’s phase 2 villa plots. development sector, in addition Present during the launch to other sectors such as tourism, were, Chief Operating Officer, hospitality, and the enter- Hesham Sharaf, Construction tainment sector. Qetaifan Island Director Mahmoud Fahmy and North project will be added to Head of Business Development the development and economic Department Sheikh Nasser bin projects of the state through our The Jeem TV team with Qetaifan Projects team. Abdulaziz Al Thani. endeavour for the island to be WEATHER Commenting on the award a unique entertainment and studying the market and by was used in Phase 1 will be of 1,300sqm at an average of TODAY and launch of Qetaifan Projects touristic destination that pro- offering competitive prices and applied; by bidding on the 850sqm. latest development, Sheikh vides an integrated community payment facilities to owners down payment only in a cer- The design of the villas Nasser said, “It is with great offering, world-class services and investors, and in continu- emony attended by all inter- allows building a ground floor pleasure that we have received and amenities for housing and ation of the company’s success, ested investors that reserved a in addition to two floors, this award, which comes as a entertainment.” we announce the launch of plot, and in the presence of the including the first floor and the culmination of the efforts of Sheikh Nasser further said, Phase 2 villa plots that are now Sales Agent,” he added. penthouse, and it is also pos- o o Qetaifan Projects team over the “Given the high demand on open for reservation; including The beach villa plots range sible to build a basement. 29 C 36 C past two years. Qetaifan Island North’s Phase beach villas, waterfront villas, from 1,000sqm to 2,400sqm, The villa plots are located Minimum Maximum “There is no doubt that the 1 villa plots, which was and garden villas.” the waterfront plots from on the eastern side of the island Hazy at some places at first becomes award puts more responsibility launched last year during Cit- “For transparency, the 1,000sqm to 1,800sqm, and the on the beach and overlook the hot daytime with local clouds and on us towards this huge national yscape exhibition after same sales mechanism that garden villa plots reach an area hotel. chance of scattered rain by afternoon and relatively humid by night. W ALRUWAIS : 28o → 33o WHO calls for W ALKHOR : 26o → 39o Qatar Museums celebrates W DUKHAN : 26o → 33o action against W WAKRAH : 27o → 37o Islamic World Heritage Day rising ‘pandemic W MESAIEED : 27o → 37o THE PENINSULA — DOHA W ABUSAMRA : 25o → 37o consolidate the importance of fatigue’ The Museum of Islamic Art human heritage in nations’ AFP — COPENHAGEN HIGH TIDE (MIA), in collaboration with the memories. 08:07 – 18:12 Qatar National Commission for Through a series of social Education, Culture and Science, media posts, MIA is promoting The World Health Organization LOW TIDE 01:43 – 14:54 yesterday finished its week- an awareness of the purpose warned European countries long campaign to mark Islamic and measures used in the yesterday about “pandemic World Heritage Day, celebrated museum to protect its collec- fatigue” which it says threatens on September 25, and to raise tions . The posts highlighted the continent’s ability to tackle awareness within the wider how the MIA Conservation and the coronavirus. EU at risk of community of how the museum Collections teams uses a variety “Although fatigue is uses modern technology to of modern technology to guard Carpet conservation at Museum of Islamic Art. measured in different ways, missing plastic preserve its extensive collec- against the natural elements and levels vary per country, it tions from the natural elements. and manage the collection our collections. The harsh efforts that go into protecting is now estimated to have recycling targets The Islamic World Educa- MIA Director Dr. Julia Gon- desert climate in Qatar means these artworks and artefacts.” reached over 60 percent in tional, Scientific, and Cultural nella, said: “Qatar Museums is that extra special care needs to The social media posts also some cases,” WHO Europe AP — BRUSSELS Organization (ICESCO) delighted to support the inau- be taken and we utilise modern encouraged children to join in director Dr. Hans Kluge said. announced the launch of gural Islamic World Heritage technologies, amongst other a simple experiment that dem- He said this is based on The European Union is facing a Islamic World Heritage Day Day, which provides us with the methods, to preserve our col- onstrated the effects of “aggregated survey data from growing waste problem and is during the 11th Islamic Con- opportunity to celebrate our lections for future generations, exposure to sunlight on colours countries across the region.” at risk of missing its plastic recy- ference of Culture Ministers rich Islamic heritage and to and the week-long campaign to convey the importance of Citizens have made “huge sac- cling targets for 2025 and 2030 held in Tunis on December 17, highlight the efforts of our has enabled us to raise careful preservation of rifices” over the last eight as more stringent export rules 2019, an occasion to teams to protect and preserve awareness about the extensive artworks. months to try and contain the will be implemented next year, coronavirus, he said in a the bloc’s independent auditor statement. warned yesterday. “In such circumstances it is As part of its plastics Mathaf Talk to launch M.F. Husain book today easy and natural to feel apa- strategy adopted in 2018, the thetic and demotivated, to European Commission set itself THE PENINSULA — DOHA Speaking ahead of the talk space of belonging. experience fatigue.” Kluge the goal that at least 50 percent Karroum said: “Following the During his last years, Husain called on European authorities of all plastic packaging waste Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern huge success of last year’s exhi- explored his ancestral connec- to listen to the public and work will be recycled by 2025, and to Art has announced the release bition, Mathaf is delighted to tions with Yemen and even- with them in “new and inno- reach 55 percent by 2030. The of the publication M.F. Husain: launch the extended publication tually made his home in Doha vative ways” to reinvigorate the EU’s executive arm also wants Horses of the Sun (2020), to be of Husain’s oeuvre. We invite and was honoured with Qatari fight against COVID-19, which to ensure that all plastic pack- launched during a Mathaf Talk members of the community to citizenship. is on the increase throughout aging on the EU market will be that will be held today. The attend the launch, which will His life and art form a Europe. either reusable or recyclable by volume is the expanded publi- provide insights into works that bridge between West Asia and He cited a local authority in 2030. cation of the exhibition of the spanned more than six decades South Asia, as well as between the UK which has consulted But while the European artist’s work presented at Mathaf and depict his strong connection modernity and the deep his- communities to gauge their Commission has vowed to make in March 2019. to many parts of the world, tories of a transcontinental feelings, and a municipality in the fight against climate change Abdellah Karroum, Director including Qatar.” swathe extending from Denmark where students have a priority, EU countries are still of Mathaf, will introduce the Maqbool Fida Husain (1913- Morocco and Mali to Central been involved in drawing up incinerating more than they 2019 M.F. Husain: Horses of the 2011) was a foundational figure Asia and Indonesia. The launch restrictions that allow them to recycle, releasing large quan- Sun exhibition, placing it in the in the history of modern Indian of M.F. Husain: Horses of the return to university. Turkey has tities of carbon dioxide and context of Mathaf’s curatorial art. Born in British India and cel- Sun will be held today from employed social media polls to other pollutants in the process. programme and vision, to be fol- ebrated as a national artist by 4pm to 5.15pm. The event will understand public sentiment, Samo Jereb, the auditor in lowed by a talk by Ranjit an independent India, he saw be in English with simultaneous while Germany’s government charge of the review, said Hoskote, curator of the exhi- himself as a global nomad. He Arabic translation. To register “has consulted philosophers, reversing that trend is a bition and editor of the volume, was an early example of the to attend, please visit: https:// historians, theologians, and “daunting challenge,” especially where he will touch on Husain’s transcultural artist, open and diverse societies, which nour- us02web.zoom.us/meeting/reg- behavioural and social scien- amid the coronavirus crisis. art and its multiple contexts. responsive to the energies of ished his lifelong quest for a ister/tZUpd- tists,” Kluge said. “By resuscitating single-use habits amid sanitary concerns, the COVID pandemic shows that plastics will continue to be Mall of Qatar launches biggest ‘Pick & Choose’ festival a mainstay of our economies, but also an ever-growing envi- THE PENINSULA — DOHA move towards the end of 2020, participate in to win through the ronmental threat,” Jereb added. we are pleased to launch the ‘Pick and Choose’. About a third of the plastic Mall of Qatar has announced the biggest Pick & Choose festival Designated raffle draw boxes packaging recycled by the EU is launch of the biggest ‘Pick & in the Mall of Qatar to give our have been installed at all the currently treated outside the Choose’ festival, which will run customers a chance to choose customer service, where cus- bloc. But from next year, most until January 14, with a total of and win a fascinating car. The tomers can track the number of plastic packaging shipments will 20 fascinating cars given away festival comes under the Mall raffle participants in each box to be assimilated to hazardous weekly during the festival and of Qatar’s social responsibility have better information for waste and be banned. the grand prizes to be to give back to the community making their decision. Pick & “This, combined with the announced in December. and reward them with value- Choose festival includes twenty lack of capacity to treat plastic The ‘Shop & Win’ festival is added prizes.” BMW’s, and Mini Cooper’s. The packaging waste within the EU, part of the Mall of Qatar’s “This unique campaign weekly raffle draw will occur increases the risk that it is dis- responsibility towards giving clearly demonstrates the Mall of every Thursday at the Oasis posed of illegally both within the back to the local community Qatar’s values towards the cus- stage under the supervision of EU’s borders and when shipped and creating an exceptional tomers as the top priority. We are A total of 20 cars will be given away to raffle draw winners. the Ministry of Commerce to third countries,” auditors shopping experience that adds delighted to offer them with 20 Industry. The first weekly raffle wrote. excitement to their visit. The fascinating cars to win need to buy a gift card QR300 draw to win one of the two draw is on October 8, while the They also warned that new festival theme is ‘Pick and throughout the festival weeks, or spend QR300 or more in any luxury cars in December. last one will take place on stricter reporting rules will likely Choose’, which gives visitors the with two grand prize draws on of the mall outlets to be eligible Customers can redeem their January 14, 2021. The two grand lead the EU’s reported average opportunity to choose the car the Mall’s anniversary on for the weekly raffle draw. Also, receipts with coupons from the prize draws for the two luxury plastic packaging recycling rate and the week they wish to par- December 10, and on Qatar customers who buy gifts cards Mall customer service desks and BMWs will take place on to drop, from 41 percent cur- ticipate in the raffle draw. National Day on December 18,” worth QR500 or spend QR500 will have the opportunity to December 10 on the Mall’s anni- rently to between 29 percent General Manager, Mall of said Sarkis. or more will be entitled to par- select the car and the week of versary, and on Dec 18 on the and 32 percent. Qatar, Emile Sarkis said: “As we Mall of Qatar visitors will ticipate in the grand prize raffle the raffle draw they wish to occasion of Qatar National Day.