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QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Wednesday MAY 20, 2020 ramadan 27, 1441 Vol.13 no. 4951 qR 2

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Qatar providing all Implementation of Amir’s directive to support the private sector support to people, countries hit by National Response Guarantees COVID-19: Kuwari Programme period extended QNA Development (QFFD) had QNA months. Doha provided medical assistance to DohA ● The period has The Prime Minister also more than 20 countries. been extended directed that the contracting Upon the directives of the Dr Kuwari presented a In implementation of the di- and construction sector be in- Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin report on the latest develop- rectives of the Amir HH Sheikh to a year cluded in the beneficiary sec- Hamad al Thani, Qatar has pro- ments of the situation of the Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to tors within the same controls vided assistance to many coun- COVID-19 in Qatar. support the private sector im- ● Contracting and and conditions. tries across the world to combat In her speech, Dr Kuwari pacted by the novel coronavi- construction sector The National Guarantees the coronavirus (COVID-19) reviewed Qatar’s efforts to rus (COVID-19), Prime Minis- to be included in Programme aims to support pandemic, Minister of Public confront the COVID-19 pan- ter and Minister of Interior HE salaries and rents of companies Health HE Dr Hanan Moham- demic through a work-based Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin the beneficiary in the private sector. The QDB med al Kuwari has said. approach between all com- Abdulaziz al Thani has direct- sectors will manage and issue the guide “The Amir directed all ponents of government and ed to extend the period of the for this programme, while concerned authorities and in- society. National Response Guarantees the Qatar Development Bank banks operating in the coun- stitutions in Qatar to provide She highlighted the actions Programme, which provides (QDB), to become interest-free try will grant financing with a all possible global support to taken in all sectors to protect guarantees to local banks by for a full year instead of six guarantee from the QDB. the people and countries af- members of society from the fected by the COVID-19 pan- virus. She attributed the re- demic,” Kuwari told the 73rd cording of large numbers of World Health Assembly of the positive cases in Qatar to the World Health Organization extensive tests and monitoring HRW’s COVID-19 outbreak in (WHO) via video-conference policy pursued by the state. technology. She said Qatar Fund for Continued on page 2  Qatar prison report false: GCO QNA reached the acute phase of the the ongoing health response. Doha illness and were transferred to The statement further said a designated off-site treatment since mid-March, public health Qatar has dismissed the re- centre where they received and security authorities have port of an alleged coronavi- first-class healthcare before implemented strict control rus outbreak in Qatar’s Cen- being transferred back to the measures in the Central Prison tral Prison by Human Rights Central Prison once fully re- to protect inmates and limit the Watch (HRW) as false. covered,” the GCO added. spread of the virus. In a statement on “Inmates have un- Tuesday, the Govern- dergone regular health ment Communications check-ups and a proac- Qatari urgent medical aid Office (GCO) said there tive testing programme have been 12 confirmed has been carried out to arrives in Afghanistan cases in the Central Pris- monitor for new cases. In implementation of the directives of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim on and zero deaths. Personal protective bin Hamad al Thani, the shipment of urgent medical aid provided Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohammed al Kuwari briefs the “Those 12 patients were The statement noted that equipment such as gloves and by Qatar through the Qatar Fund for Development arrived at Hamid World Health Assembly of the WHO via video-conference technology. transferred immediately to a the Human Rights Watch ac- masks have been distributed Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan to help combat corona- secure, purpose-built medi- count is based on unfounded to all inmates, and personal virus (COVID-19) pandemic. The medical aid plane was received cal facility operated on-site by rumours and speculation from and community spaces are by senior Afghan officials, Ambassador of Qatar to Afghanistan HE Hamad Medical Corporation a small number of unverified sanitised on a regular basis,” Saeed bin Mubarak al Khayarin and media representatives. (QNA) where they have received, or interviews, amplifying false- the GCO said. continue to receive, first-class hoods and irresponsibly redi- QNB Stars League to be held medical treatment. Two cases recting attention away from Continued on page 2  between July 24 and Aug 26 Record 735 COVID-19 The QNB Stars League will be completed between July 24 and August 26, according to Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO Hani Taleb Sunday to be first day of Eid astronomically: QCH Ballan. “The QSL will issue circulars for the dates and stadiums of recoveries in a day league matches in co-ordination with Supreme Committee for De- The Qatar Calendar House (QCH) said on Tuesday that, based on astronomical calculations, Satur- livery and Legacy and Ministry of Culture and Sports,” Hani Taleb day will be the final day of Ramadan with Eid beginning on Sunday. Some unverified social media said. Medical protocol approved by the Ministry of Public Health outlets reported Qatar Calendar House announcing Saturday as the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Qatar will be implemented by the QFA and QSL. A corona detection Calendar House dismissed those reports and stressed that the authority for sighting Shawwal examination will be conducted for all technical and administrative crescent belongs to the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs staff and players on June 8 and 9, he said. page 11 in Qatar. (QNA)

HIA elevates safety measures for post-COVID-19 travel mal screening helmets as part ture travel experience.” Airport to use robotics, of the measures being intro- Using the latest technolo- duced for the post-COVID-19 gy and tools, he said, the HIA advanced thermal era. will continue to conduct ther- Engr Badr Mohammed al mal screening and disinfec- screening helmets Meer, Chief Operating Officer tion procedures for all staff at HIA, said: “HIA has adapt- and passengers. Travellers Tribune News Network ed to the changes brought on at HIA will be screened us- Doha by the spread of COVID-19, ing thermal and temperature especially in the travel sector. screening. Hamad International Air- Recovery plans have been put The Smart Screening port (HIA) has implemented in place with priority given Helmet is a wearable intel- the latest technologies to to the safety and comfort of ligent helmet, which is port- optimise passenger and em- travellers and employees. able, safe and effective, and A record 735 people recovered from COVID-19 in Qatar on Tuesday, ployee safety in preparation These plans include the use enables contactless tempera- marking the highest single day jump in recoveries. With this, the to- for post-COVID-19 travel. of the latest advanced tech- ture measurement. tal number of recovered patients in the country rose to 5,635. The The airport will be using nology to achieve the highest Ministry of Public Health said 1,637 more people tested positive in robotics and advanced ther- safety standards for the fu- HIA staff with the advanced thermal screening helmets. Continued on page 2  the last 24 hours. (TNN) 02 Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Contact US: Qatar Tribune ı EDITORIAL ı Phone: 40002222 ı ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING ı Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

‘Performance of health sector is exceptional’ Ashghal commences QR304.8mn roads, Maryam Maged Abouzaid Further explaining, he said Doha that very early on, the health sec- infrastructure project in West Semaisma tor started comprehensive prep- Dr Faraj Howady, senior con- arations to control the spread of Tribune News Network which will be carried out suc- of surface and groundwater sultant, infectious diseases, at the epidemic, starting from the Doha cessively, with each phase drainage network, and 7 kilo- Hamad Medical Corporation Communicable Disease Center lasting for one year while full metres of Treated Sewerage (HMC), has praised the efforts at HMC. The process included The Public Works Author- completion of the project is Effluent (TSE) network. of Qatar’s healthcare sector in opening new hospitals and es- ity (Ashghal) has announced scheduled for Q2, 2023. In addition, new sewage limiting the spread of the coro- tablishing coronavirus field hos- the commencement of the Engineer Hamad al Badr, pipelines will be provided and navirus in the country. pital. In such circumstances, he QR304.8 million Roads and project engineer in the Roads connected with Qatar’s main “The readiness of the health noted, cooperation between var- Infrastructure Project in Projects Department at Ash- sewage network. Construc- system in Qatar has been re- ious health entities in the state West Semaisma (Package 1), ghal, said the project provides tion works will also include flected in the high number of re- plays an effective role. which aims to develop inter- services for 539 residential an emergency flood area with coveries from the virus infection When asked about the ru- nal streets in the area and plots in West of Semaisma a total capacity of 263,000 and lower number of deaths,” mours on social media on the improve local traffic safety as through the provision of up- m3 to provide proper protec- Dr Howady said during an in- role of medical face masks, Dr well as upgrade infrastructure graded infrastructure services tion for the entire area against terview with Qatar TV. Howady stressed the impor- facilities to respond to resi- and enhanced local streets to flooding and excess rainfall. With the emergence of tance of wearing medical face dents needs and urban growth improve the traffic flow and The Roads and Infra- COVID-19 (the disease caused masks to prevent the spread of in the future. provide connectivity to future structure in West Semaisma by coronavirus), a treatment the virus, pointing out at the The project is located east public facilities that will be es- is being implemented by Iris policy based on the experiences same time that hand sterilisation of Al Khor Road in Semaisma tablished in the area, such as Construction at a cost of ap- in treating previous epidem- and frequent hand washing are a area and is bordered by Sema- schools, mosques, commercial proximately QR304.8 million ics has been established by the must to keep the infection at bay. isma West Street to the East complexes and youth centres. and is part of the New Subdi- health sector, he noted. “Thanks to Allah first, and and by Semaisma Road to the Engineer Badr said, “The visions Program which is car- “Plasma treatment in Qatar thanks to the exceptional efforts South. project’s scope involves de- features and street lighting as track. ried out by the Public Works has come out with positive out- of the medical staff, primary The implementation of veloping a road network with well as road signs and marks. The project’s scope also Authority and includes a num- comes, and has led to the im- care centres and the Ministry of upgrading works is divided a total length of 20.5 kilome- The project also features a includes a 19-km-long foul ber of development projects provement in the condition of Public Health, the recovery rate into three geographical zones tres equipped with road safety 14.5-km-pedestrian and cycle sewer network, 36 kilometres across Qatar. 60 percent of the critical cases,” in Qatar is increasing,” Dr How- Dr Howady pointed out. ady added. Qatar allows NHRC, global bodies to inspect prisons Continued from page 1  HBKU’s College of Science & Qatar has regularly opened man Rights visited Qatar and lowest death rates in the world the statement stressed. Since In April, the Amir HH Sheikh its prisons for inspection by the inspected Qatar’s prisons. Qa- with 15 deaths recorded. To the start of the pandemic, Qa- Engineering team gets 3-year Tamim bin Hamad al Thani is- National Human Rights Com- tar treats anyone detained in its date, 4,899 patients have re- tar has made its priority clear to sued official pardons to more mittee and international or- prisons with respect and dignity covered and been released from protect the health and safety of NATO grant for IoT research than 500 inmates, consider- ganisations. In January 2019, in line with international stand- hospital. The recovery figure is all its citizens and residents by ably reducing Qatar’s prison a Special Rapporteur from the ards, the statement added. increasing by over 500 cases a providing equal services to all, Tribune News Network population in response to the Office of the United Nations Qatar continues to combat day and is expected to increase including those held in prisons, Doha COVID-19. High Commissioner for Hu- coronavirus and has one of the further in the coming weeks, the statement concluded.

Dr Marwa Qaraqe, lead princi- pal investigator, and her team members Dr Gabriele Oligeri, co-principal investigator, and HIA adopts thermal screening 94% of cases in Qatar Dr Saif al Kuwari, co-principal Investigator, all assistant pro- fessors at the Information and helmets to fight coronavirus show mild symptoms Computing Technology Divi- sion of the College of Science Continued from page 1  port, through floor markings, the safety of its employees by Continued from page 1  and efficient healthcare sys- and Engineering (CSE), have signage and distance seating. emphasising the use of masks tem that diagnoses and treats recently received a substantial Dr Marwa Qaraqe This helmet uses multiple All HIA retail and food and gloves and using a face In contrast, she said, Qatar patients early to reduce com- three-year grant from the North advanced technologies such as and beverage outlets will en- mask detection system which witnessed very few deaths plications associated with the Atlantic Treaty Organization’s partners, and engage in a mu- infrared thermal imaging, arti- courage cashless transactions utilises artificial intelligence among patients with COV- disease, she noted. (NATO) Emerging Security tually rewarding endeavor.” ficial intelligence and AR (aug- through cards and is consider- and computer vision technolo- ID-19, and 94 percent of cas- Dr Kuwari said despite Challenges Division. The project is in partnership mented reality) display. It can gies to automatically detect if es in Qatar show mild symp- our focus on COVID-19, pa- The grant, estimated at with Barzan Holdings and will also enable implementation of everyone is wearing masks. toms or no symptoms at all, tients suffering from other 390,000 Euros, will propose also benefit from the contri- mobile deployment-based con- The airport will continue to The airport will continue and 5 percent require hospi- cases were not ignored, as lightweight security mecha- butions of partner universi- trol scenarios, he said. maintain 1.5-metre social cleaning and disinfecting all talization and only 1 percent the healthcare sector quickly nisms tailored to the Internet ties in NATO member states, HIA has invested in dis- distancing across all pas- high contact areas every 10-15 enter intensive care units. transformed the way of pro- of Things ( IoT) networks, tak- Portugal and affiliated states, infectant robots, which are minutes, while making sure Factors contributing to viding healthcare services, as ing into account physical-layer and Jordan. It will seek to find fully autonomous mobile de- senger touch points around everyone has access to hand the low death rate include there is a set of virtual ser- security approaches. The pro- remedies for challenges posed vices emitting concentrated the airport, through floor sanitisers. the high proportion of young vices that are provided to pa- ject takes into account IoT’s by conventional distributed UV-C light, which are known markings, signage and dis- HIA has always been at population in Qatar, the tients from their homes in a many applications in security nodes in IoT networks. to be effective in eliminating tance seating the forefront of technological proactive screening and test manner that guarantees their and military operations. The focus areas of CSE in- majority of infectious micro- transformation at airports, with programme, and an effective comfort and safety. Commenting on the grant, clude sustainable development, organisms. Robots are being ing introducing online or in- an aim to enhance passenger Dr Marwa said, “The achieve- information and computing deployed in vulnerable high app purchases in the future. experience and improve opera- ment of this award is a clear technologies, and engineering passenger flow areas to reduce HIA has also invested in tional excellence. HIA’s smart testimony of the CSE’s re- management and decision- the spread of pathogens. ultraviolet disinfection tunnels airport vision places passen- search potential, which is making. It offers 13 degrees at All passengers will be pro- that will be used to disinfect all gers at the heart of its strategy. WWRC launches online being recognised by an im- the forefront of national, re- vided with hand sanitisers checked-in passenger luggage The airport has been investing portant global alliance. The gional and global needs. readily available at key loca- (departing, arriving and trans- in cutting edge technologies, grant will help us develop our The growing body of alum- tions. The airport will contin- ferring). The airport will also automation and self-service, to courses on pregnancy national and international re- ni of the College continues to ue to maintain 1.5-metre social conduct regular disinfection of provide a safe and smooth ex- search capacity, deepen our contribute to local and interna- distancing across all passenger all baggage trolleys and tubs. perience for passengers fueled QNA an educational session pre- footprint as we work with our tional scientific fields. touch points around the air- The five-star airport is keen on with choice and flexibility. doha sented to mothers after two weeks of birth that focused HAMAD Medical Corpora- on the postpartum period tion’s (HMC) Women’s Well- and provided support to new ness and Research Center mothers. QA, AA partnership begins with domestic US codeshare (WWRC) has launched edu- Dr Hilal al Rifai, medical cational courses via the In- director of the WWRC, said Tribune News Network “This codeshare is just the first step tic network as we continue to focus ternet on pregnancy and that although some measures Doha in renewing our long-term strategic on the wellbeing of our customers, childbirth. had been taken to move pa- partnership with American Airlines. team members and the communities This comes as part of its tients away from medical fa- Qatar Airways (QA) has announced The rollout of this domestic code- we serve during this uncertain time. efforts to continue prena- cilities, such as a programme that the first stage of the strategic part- share demonstrates our airlines are This is just the beginning of a strong tal education services while of virtual educational courses nership with American Airlines (AA) confident about the future and dur- partnership and we have a very bright maintaining measures taken on pregnancy and childbirth, has begun with Qatar Airways placing ing this difficult time we continue to future ahead of us.” to prevent the spread of the some services could only be its code on American Airlines’ domes- focus on how we can enhance the cus- Further expansion of the strategic COVID-19 in Qatar, the most provided through the actual tic flights, strengthening connectivity tomer experience for our millions of partnership will include Qatar Air- important of which is social presence of patients in the and creating hundreds of new travel passengers. ways placing its code on American’s distancing. hospital, stressing that the options for passengers. The codeshare “As two of the strongest airlines international flights to North, Central This initiative has been centre takes all precautions will be rolled out in phases over the in the world, I have no doubt that we and South America and Europe, and created by the patient edu- to guard against exposure to next few weeks, and once completed, will overcome the current challenge American Airlines placing its code on cation team and their fam- the coronavirus (COVID-19) will see Qatar Airways’ code placed on via Chicago (ORD) and Dallas (DFW) and be well positioned to continue Qatar Airways flights between the US ily members at the centre. infection. over 1,000 of American Airlines’ do- to 200 cities, including Miami (MIA), providing our passengers the reli- and Qatar and beyond to a range of The lectures are presented in He noted that the Wom- mestic flights connecting with Qatar Houston (IAH), Atlanta (ATL), De- able, safe and award-winning service destinations in the Middle-East, Af- both Arabic and English to en’s Wellness and Research Airway’s 10 US gateways. troit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul that they have come to trust from us.” rica and Asia. groups of 10 to 15 pregnant Center receives more than Flight tickets are already avail- (MSP), Seattle (SEA) and San Fran- American Airlines Senior Vice- Both airlines will also continue ex- women who share the same 300 new births per week able for sale, with the first codeshare cisco (SFO). Additional cities, includ- President of Network Strategy Vasu ploring the opportunity for American conditions of pregnancy. and the specialised teams in flights having started on May 17 2020. ing destinations in Central America Raja said, “We are pleased that we’ve Airlines to operate flights between the The topics of the lectures the departments of fetuses, The first phases of the codeshare and the Caribbean will be added, sub- reached this important milestone US and Qatar, along with a number included prenatal, childbirth gynaecology and obstetrics will see Qatar Airways’ passengers ject to government approvals. with Qatar Airways. We look for- of joint commercial and operational and postpartum, including provide health care services able to book travel on American Air- Qatar Airways Chief Commercial ward to welcoming Qatar Airways initiatives to further strengthen this care for the newborns. The to hundreds of women in the lines’ extensive domestic connections Officer Simon Talling-Smith said, passengers throughout our domes- renewed partnership. programme also included centre’s internal clinics. Nation Wednesday, May 20, 2020 03 China cautioned MoPH designates Muaither’s Al Salam the world against Complex a COVID-19 quarantine centre COVID-19 on time, says ambassador Volunteers at the quarantine facility see serving patients as a religious and national duty Ashraf Siddiqui Tribune News Network at Al Salam Quarantine Fa- from its citizens’. With this doha Doha cility, said: “Al Salam Quar- in mind, I call upon all those antine Facility has a number who can give a hand to reg- THE People’s Republic of Chi- The Ministry of Public of patients and our role is to ister through the Voluntary na was the first to caution the Health (MoPH) has desig- serve them and the medical Work webpage. Indeed, it world against the COVID-19 nated Al Salam Complex in staff by providing logisti- is an invaluable experience pandemic, the Chinese Am- Muaither as a quarantine cal support, following up on that will benefit the volun- bassador to Qatar HE Zhou facility for the treatment of teer in his future and daily Jian has said. COVID-19 cases. The volunteers embody the life.” Talking to Qatar Tribune, The complex is managed principle of cohesion Volunteer Dana al Yafie the ambassador said that by a group of young volun- said, “My role is to help the China approached the World teers, who work day and between members of soci- medical staff in Al Salam Health Organisation (WHO) night for Qatar serving the ety and official entities in Quarantine Facility. The and also invited its team to patients, wearing their face fighting the spread of medical staff cannot handle visit Wuhan, the centre of masks and gloves to protect COVID-19 everything. Our role is to re- COVID-19 in Hubei province. Chinese Ambassador to Qatar themselves and those around lief them from the so many Subsequently, on January 1, HE Zhou Jian them, as soldiers in the ser- and assessing service provid- burdens they are shoulder- 2020, the WHO set up the In- vice of the country and the The complex is managed by a group of young volunteers. ing companies and submit- ing. We provide logistical cident Management Support ends playing table tennis and people. ting recommendations to support, which enriched my Team (IMST) at the levels of reading books, which are both The volunteers embody Commenting on his du- “Different duties are as- the MoPH. We work here for personal experiences in deal- headquarter, region and coun- his hobbies. “We all should get the principle of cohesion ties, Nayef Zamil al Shahra- signed to volunteers based nearly 16 hours on interval ing with doctors and working try to deal with the outbreak of used to the new norm of life,” between members of society ni, recruitment officer at the on their specialisation. Vol- system basis.” under pressure. COVID-19 on an urgent basis. he noted. and official entities in fight- National Campaign: ‘For Qa- unteers are divided into Hassan al Katheeri de- “I also learned the pre- Describing the timeline ing the spread of COVID-19. tar’, who works in Al Salam two tracks: administrative scribed volunteering as a ventive measures, which I of events further, the ambas- He said that as a diplomat, Since the launch of the Complex, said: “Our role as or medical. They have been religious, patriotic and hu- proudly conveyed to my fam- sador said the WHO reported he has cancelled several ex- National Campaign: ‘For volunteers is to ensure the trained through visual com- manitarian duty. ily and friends. From this on January 4 through its social ternal activities and meetings Qatar’, more than 35,000 deployment and supervision munication technology on Katheeri said, “During place, I advise everyone, es- media account that “there was of the embassy while most of volunteers, men and women, of volunteers in the facilities methods of prevention of the this crisis, we are driven by pecially girls, to participate a cluster of pneumonia cases the embassy staff work from from various specialties have run by MoPH. We examine coronavirus and methods the statement of our leader in the National Campaign with no deaths in Wuhan”. It home, strictly abiding by Qa- registered for the drive. the role of the volunteer in of wearing face masks and the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim and not be hesitant about published its first report on tar’s COVID-19 prevention The tasks include admin- these facilities from an ad- gloves, in addition to prepar- bin Hamad al Thani before this experience, which will the outbreak on its website on measures, and following social istrative and medical affairs ministrative or medical point ing them psychologically.” the Shura Council saying, enrich their personal and January 5. Thailand was the distancing. and training of volunteers. of view. Naji al Amiri, volunteer ‘Qatar deserves the best professional experiences. first country outside China to The envoy said that the report its first COVID-19 case cooperation between Qatar on January 13. and China to fight the pan- Sharing China’s experi- demic has brought people of ence of handling the pan- the two countries even closer. demic successfully, Jian said He said he was keeping in QC provides food assistance to university students in Sudan self-quarantine is the most touch with officials from the Tribune News Network a Fasting Person” is one of effective way of keeping one- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doha the very important projects self protected from the virus. Ministry of Public Health and of Qatar Charity to benefit “Let’s believe in science rather the Ministry of Commerce Some 5,000 international the needy, such as orphans, than rumours. Stay home, stay and Industry as well as many students and students at the people with special needs healthy and remain optimis- other departments of Qatar International University of and students. This Charity tic.” Government through phone Africa in Sudan benefited of Ramadan, Qatar, targeted He said boredom is natu- to discuss enhancing coop- from the food aid provided 24,475 beneficiaries at a cost ral during self-quarantine eration. by Qatar Charity as part of its of 660,793 Qatari riyals. and one should devise ways Meanwhile, he urged Chi- ‘Feed a Fasting Person’ pro- Kermash has revealed to overcome it. He said that nese community members ject. that some 172,234 people besides working, he does jog- and other residents of Qatar to Students living in univer- have benefited from the ging, watches Chinese com- strictly follow the guidelines of sity residence due to the clo- “Feed a Fasting Person” pro- edies and calls his family eve- the government to keep the vi- sure of airports caused by the ject implemented by the Qa- ryday to keep himself in good rus at bay, including washing coronavirus outbreak have and donors from the State them meet their food needs, Hussein Karmash, direc- tar Charity office in Sudan spirits. hands, putting on masks, and expressed appreciation and of Qatar for providing them especially in the face of chal- tor of Qatar Charity ‘s office at a cost of 2,390,432 Qatari He added that he also avoid going out unless neces- gratitude to the benefactors with food baskets that help lenging current situations. in Sudan, , said thatt “Feed Riyals over the last five years. meditates and spends week- sary. 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At SBR, Ali Ahmed, general manager of bound package with us more mem- the global pandemic has caused & Spa have left no stone unturned the least in-service excellence and we are looking after guests with Simaisma, a Murwab Resort, said: orable; to make every moment over the past few months world- in preparing the resort villas and leaving our guests with indelible care and providing them with all “We are looking forward to wel- spent with us during this time a wide, we endeavour to focus on the guest areas in order to provide a #RCMemories.” safety measures.” coming our guests back to Sima- chance to rekindle old memories positives that are imminent. Kata- warm welcome and the highest Ahmad al Abdalla, EAM at Sea- Sami Aawar, general manager isma Resort which offers exclusive and to create new, unforgettable ra Hospitality curates the ultimate possible service standards to meet line Beach, a Murwab resort said: of Movenpick Hotel Doha, said: villas and chalets with beautiful ones.” ‘Rebound package’ for our valued our guests’ expectations. As safety “Sealine Beach Resort welcomes “The current pandemic has given views and complete privacy.” 04 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Middle East / Africa 2,000-year-old underground complex Iran reports over 2,100 new virus cases AFP spokesman Kianoush Jahan- chistan and Kermanshah. found by Jerusalem’s Western Wall Tehran pour. On Tuesday, he said 62 The southwestern prov- fatalities in the past 24 hours DPA mans in the year 70 AD. statement. At the site, excava- Iran on Tuesday reported ince of Khuzestan was still had taken the overall death Jerusalem The structure was complete- tors found clay cooking vessels, no new coronavirus deaths in classified as “red” -- the high- toll in the country’s outbreak ly covered by a mosaic floor of a the remnants of oil lamps, a nearly a third of its provinces est level on the country’s col- to 7,199. Excavations near the West- public structure built at the end stone mug that is unique to Jew- for 24 hours but said there our-coded risk scale, he said. Another 2,111 new infec- ern Wall in Jerusalem have of the Byzantine period 1,400 ish sites from the Second Tem- were more than another 2,100 But the situation was “sta- tions were confirmed over the uncovered an underground years ago. Researchers described ple period, and a fragment from cases of infection nationwide. ble” in most other provinces, same period, he said, raising complex that was carved out of the discovery as “a unique find- a stone basin used to hold water The virus spread rapidly to Jahanpour told a televised the total caseload to 124,603. bedrock some 2,000 years ago, ing,” saying it’s still not clear that is thought to be linked to all 31 of Iran’s provinces soon news conference. More than 97,170 of those the Israel Antiquities Authority what the complex was used for. Jewish practices of ritual purity. after the country’s first cases -- Khuzestan was currently hospitalised with the virus said on Tuesday. “The question is, why were The Western Wall is one of two deaths in the holy city of the only province still classi- had recovered and been dis- The complex, composed such efforts and resources in- the retaining walls of the de- Archaeologists work at an exca- Qom -- were announced three fied as red, he added. charged, he added. of several rooms and an open vested in hewing rooms under- stroyed Second Temple and is vation at a subterranean system months ago. The official had warned in Experts both at home and courtyard, is believed to have ground in the hard bedrock?” considered the most holy site in hewn in the bedrock beneath a “Ten provinces have re- previous days of a deteriorat- abroad have voiced scepticism been used by Jerusalem resi- said Barak Monnickendam- Judaism. It lies at the foot of the 1400-year-old building near the ported zero deaths in the past ing situation in the provinces about Iran’s official figures, dents before the destruction of Givon and Tehila Sadiel, the Temple Mount, which is holy Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old 24 hours and six others only of Lorestan, North Khorasan, saying the real toll could be the Second Temple by the Ro- directors of the excavation, in a for Muslims. City, on Tuesday. (AFP) one,” said health ministry Kerman, Sistan and Balu- much higher.

News Syrian govt in brief Eight Afghan soldiers orders asset Lesotho prime minister formally announces resignation seizure of Maseru Lesotho’s embattled Prime Minister Thomas Thabane al-Assad’s on Tuesday formally announced his retirement during a public die fighting off Taliban broadcast. tycoon cousin “The right time to retire ... has finally arrived,” he said in statement broadcast on national television and radio. DPA Thabane did not mention the ongoing investigation into Damascus the murder of his first wife,L ipolelo, which has led to repeated attack on key city calls for his resignation. The Syrian government or- The investigation was opened in January. His present wife dered on Tuesday the sei- Maesaiah has been charged with murder and attempted mur- AFP zure of the assets of Rami der and is currently out on bail. Kunduz Makhlouf, a cousin of Presi- Thabane also appeared in court in February in connection dent Bashar al-Assad and a with the murder, but was not charged. Eight Afghan soldiers were notorious business tycoon, ac- Police said at the time of his court appearance that the killed on Tuesday while re- cording to a document issued couple would be charged alongside his wife because they had pelling a fierceT aliban attack by the Finance Ministry on a common purpose. Thabane made no mention of this in his on Kunduz, a strategic city in Tuesday. resignation speech, but thanked his wife and family for their on- northern Afghanistan that had Makhlouf, a co-owner going support. He also said he would back his successor. (DPA) briefly fallen to the militants of Syrian telecommunications twice in the past, officials said. company Syriatel, has been Taliban fighters attacked known for his links to al-As- South Sudan’s vice president tests several government posts sad’s government but in re- positive for the novel coronavirus on the outskirts of the city at cent weeks a rift has emerged around 1:00 am, a defence between the two sides. Juba South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar has tested ministry statement said, trig- The document said “the positive for the novel coronavirus, his spokesman said on gering heavy fighting. precautionary seizure” is to Tuesday. “With the support of air secure and guarantee payment Four other ministers also tested positive for the virus, force their attack was repelled,” by Syriatel to the Telecom- including Machar’s wife Angelina Teny who is also the East Af- it said, adding the fighting last- munications Regulatory Au- rican nation’s defence minister, press secretary James Gatdet ed for several hours. thority. The government also Dak told dpa. Defence Minister Assadul- ordered the seizure of assets Several of Machar’s bodyguards were also confirmed to lah Khalid, who visited Kun- belong to Makhlouf’s wife and have contracted the virus, he added. duz later on Tuesday, said Afghan security forces sit in a Humvee vehicle amid ongoing fighting between Taliban militants and Afghan children. Machar and his wife were currently in quarantine at their the Taliban had “suffered big security forces in Kunduz on Tuesday. (AFP) Another decision by the home in the South Sudanese capital Juba, according to Gatdet. losses”. cabinet banned Makhlouf South Sudan has so far reported 285 coronavirus cases “Unfortunately, we have The latest violence follows is seen as a serious escalation. killed at least seven Afghan in- from signing any deals with and six deaths, according to the African Centres for Disease also lost eight brave soldiers,” a declaration by President The insurgents managed to telligence personnel with a car the public sector for five years. Control and Prevention. (DPA) he told reporters. briefly capture anA fghan army bomb in the eastern province On Monday, the Ministry Three civilians were also Ashraf Ghani last week to post during Tuesday’s fighting of Ghazni. of Communications accused killed and 55 others wounded resume offensive strikes but it was quickly retaken by Officials say the assaults Makhlouf of trying to evade in the overall violence that against the insurgents security forces, army spokes- are part of the Taliban’s unde- replaying his company’s debts. rocked the city, Kunduz pro- following a string of brutal man Hadi Jamal told AFP. clared spring offensive. Makhlouf, appealed to al- vincial health director Ehsan- attacks. The defence ministry said “Parties have committed Assad late last month in a vid- Region must help to fight ullah Afzali said. 40 Taliban fighters were killed to finding a peaceful solution eo posted on his Facebook An air strike also hit and and 50 others wounded in the and should protect the lives of page to give his business time Mozambique jihadists partially damaged a clinic in ic,” Afzali told AFP. Kunduz assault. all Afghans and not jeopardise to pay overdue taxes in order the nearby district of Chardara Both the Taliban and Af- Afghan officials and the people’s hope for an end to to avoid collapse. AFP Community (SADC) to support but there were no reports of ghan forces have clashed re- Taliban frequently exaggerate the war,” said Deborah Lyons, The telecommunications Harare the Mozambique government. casualties, he added. peatedly in rural areas in re- claims of casualties. the UN Secretary-General’s authority is demanding Syri- Zimbabwean President “Taliban wounded fighters cent months, but an attempt to The latest attack on the city Special Representative for Af- atel pay more than 180 million Botswana, Zambia and Emmerson Mnangagwa urged were also treated in that clin- enter a city as large as Kunduz came a day after the Taliban ghanistan. dollars. Zimbabwe on Tuesday called the region to “stand shoulder- on Southern African countries to-shoulder” and join forces to help Mozambique fend off against the jihadists killing an escalating jihadist insurgen- scores of civilians and destroy- cy in a remote northern region ing private and state property. Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem of the country. The terrorist threat had Rocket hits near US embassy to reopen after Eid holiday Meeting in Harare, the “assumed greater proportions” presidents of the three nations in the past decade and was now DPA be released at a later point, condemned the “armed attacks “becoming increasingly com- in Baghdad: security sources Jerusalem said the Waqf Department in and acts of sabotage perpetrat- plex”, he said. charge of the mosque. The site ed by the terrorists and armed The Mozambican army and AFP dozen similar attacks against Baghdad. The Al-Aqsa mosque, the in Jerusalem is known to Mus- groups”. police -- recently supported Baghdad American interests in Iraq But the US and Iraq have third-holiest site in Islam, will lims as al-Harem al-Sharif and A shadowy Islamist group by private military companies since October that the US has hoped to reset the relationship reopen to worshippers after to Jews as the Temple Mount. has terrorised remote com- in the region -- have failed to One rocket hit near the US blamed on Iran-backed fac- since Prime Minister Mustafa the end of Ramadan celebra- The compound houses al- munities in Mozambique’s bring order to the gas-rich area. embassy in Baghdad early tions among Iraq’s security al-Kadhemi took the helm ear- tions next week, authorities Aqsa mosque and the Dome of Muslim-majority north since Last week, Zimbabwe’s de- Tuesday morning, security forces. lier this month, with bilateral announced on Tuesday. the Rock and is worshipped by 2017, killing more than 1,100 fence minister denied rumours sources told AFP, the first to The volleys of rockets, talks planned for June. The Islamic authority in Muslims as the site from where people, according to the Armed that Zimbabwean soldiers had land in the high-security zone which have killed US, British The negotiations are ex- charge of the mosque said that Prophet Mohammed ascended Conflict Location & Event Data been deployed in Mozambique in weeks. and Iraqi armed personnel, pected to set a framework for after consulting with medi- to heaven. It also houses the Project (ACLED). to help fight the jihadists. The blast could be heard have severely strained ties the presence of US troops, cal professionals, it decided to remnants of the Jewish Bibli- The jihadists have grown “The deployment allega- across the Iraqi capital and between Baghdad and Wash- which deployed to Iraq in reopen the site after Eid al-Fitr cal Temple and as such it the bolder over the past two tions are not only outright triggered security sirens at the ington. 2014 to lead a coalition fight- ends, reported the Palestin- holiest site in Judaism. months, stepping up attacks falsehoods but malicious,” US embassy compound but Tensions reached boil- ing back the Islamic State ian news agency Wafa. The The site usually attracts and venturing into towns as said Defence Minister Oppah did not cause casualties, the ing point in January when group. mosque has been closed for hundreds of thousands of wor- part of a declared campaign to Muchinguri-Kashiri. The un- sources confirmed. the US killed Iranian general But the forces are a thorn two months, in an extremely shippers during Ramadan. Eid establish an Islamist caliphate. rest has forced some 200,000 There was no immediate Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi in the side of Iran and its allies rare measure taken to prevent al-Fitr, which marks the end of In a statement, the heads people to flee their homes and claim of responsibility. commander Abu Mahdi al- in Iraq, which have insisted the spread of the coronavirus. the fasting month of Ramadan, of state urged members of the stoked concern among energy It follows more than two Muhandis in a drone strike on they leave the country. More details on procedures is due to start on Sunday and Southern African Development giants operating in the region. regarding reopening would last for three days.

Libya’s eastern-based forces pull out of parts of embattled Tripoli Deadly attack on military base DPA residential areas ahead of this tured two strategic cities west of Tripoli weekend’s Muslim festival of Tripoli from Haftar’s forces. in Niger’s Diffa region Eid al-Fitr, al-Mesmari added. Violence between the two Libyan forces led by military On Monday, forces aligned sides has been raging in recent AFP assailants made off with proper- the Nigerian border, has been strongman Khalifa Haftar said with Libya’s UN-backed Gov- weeks despite repeated interna- Niamey ty, “and some men were killed.” repeatedly attacked. on Tuesday they had withdrawn ernment of National Accord tional calls for a humanitarian A local elected official con- The region of the poor Sa- from some embattled areas of (GNA) took control of the al- truce in Libya to focus on the A military outpost in Niger’s firmed the attack by “gunmen, hel country borders Nigeria, the the capital Tripoli a day after los- Watiya airbase from rival LNA fight against the coronavirus. Diffa region that has long been probably Boko Haram fighters”, birthplace of Boko Haram. ing control of a key military base. forces. Libya has been in turmoil a target of jihadist fighters came adding that they left “many It shelters some 300,000 Spokesman for Haftar’s self- The base, near Tripoli, was since the 2011 overthrow of dic- under major attack overnight, dead”. refugees from Nigeria as well styled Libyan National Army a main stronghold of Haftar’s tator Moamer Gaddafi and has local sources said Tuesday, with The Blabrine base is some as internally displaced people, (LNA) Ahmed al-Mesmari said forces in their year-long offen- become a battleground for rival an unknown number of troops 20 kilometres (12 miles) north- according to UN figures.I n Oc- in a televised speech that the sive to seize Tripoli from the proxy forces. killed. east of Diffa town in the remote tober last year, 12 Niger troops LNA had “repositioned and re- GNA. The oil-rich country has two The attack on the Blabrine southeastern region near Lake were killed at Blabrine, according distributed troops in the battle The capture of the base is competing administrations: the base took place Monday at Chad, where the borders of to the defence ministry. Several A file photo shows loyalists to fronts in Tripoli.” the latest in a string of setbacks GNA in Tripoli and the Haftar- around 11 pm, according to Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Ni- violent clashes have pitted the Khalifa Haftar escorting prisoners The LNA had also with- for Haftar. allied government based in the Mara Mamadou, a civil society geria converge. army against Islamist fighters in into a vehicle in Benghazi. (AFP) drawn from some crowded The GNA had in April recap- eastern city of Tobruk. official in Diffa, adding that the Diffa, a city of 200,000 near the region since the start of May. Asia / World Wednesday, May 20, 2020 05

Seven soldiers, civilian killed in Key Kashmir rebel leader killed by India forces Pakistan attacks AFP shootout in the city’s centre for to rubble during the battle and Most mobile voice and in- forces in the southern Kashmir Srinagar two years. 10 others were severely dam- ternet services were cut across valley during a two-day gun DPA Explosions and gunshots aged, residents told AFP. the city as the fighting kicked battle. Islamabad Two Kashmir militants in- echoed through the densely Junaid Ahmed Sehrai, off and have yet to be restored. Counterinsurgency op- cluding a key rebel leader were populated neighbourhood, a commander of the largest Locals poured onto the erations in Kashmir have been Six paratroopers were killed killed by Indian government with streets largely empty as Kashmiri militant group Hiz- streets as news of the killings stepped up during the corona- when a roadside bomb hit forces during a 12-hour gun a result of a coronavirus lock- bul Mujahideen and the son spread to hurl stones at In- virus lockdown, while rebels a Pakistani military vehicle battle in the restive region’s down that has kept most resi- of a top separatist leader, was dian forces, who fired tear gas have continued to attack gov- while on patrol in the restive capital on Tuesday, authorities dents to their homes. killed in the clash, police said and shotgun pellets to disperse ernment forces. south-western province of said. Paramilitary troops and in a statement. them. No injuries were reported. Unlike in the past, authori- Protesters throw stones at Indian Balochistan, officials said on Such clashes are a common police exchanged fire with mil- Another Hizbul Mujahideen The deaths came two weeks ties now bury slain militants far government forces following a Tuesday. occurrence in the disputed ter- itants after cordoning off part member was also killed and after Hizbul Mujahideen chief away from their homes in un- gun battle between militants and The overnight bombing ritory but rare in Srinagar, of the area. four Indian police officers were Riyaz Naikoo and a close aide populated frontier areas to stop government forces in Srinagar on targeted the military in the and the siege marked the first Five homes were reduced wounded, the statement said. were killed by government large funerals from being held. Tuesday. (AFP) Bolan area of the province, which has seen surge in vio- lence orchestrated by nation- alist rebels fighting to liberate News the region from Pakistan. At least four paramilitary in brief troops were wounded in the Bangladesh, India conduct mass bombing. It came a week after India’s coronavirus a similar attack in the same caseload climbs region which also led to fatali- above 100,000 as ties, an official statement said. lockdown eased Military helicopters airlift- evacuation as major cyclone nears ed the wounded soldiers and New Delhi India’s coro- bodies to the provincial capital DPA and warned fishermen to stay navirus caseload climbed of Quetta, local administration New Delhi stay off the coasts. above 100,000 on Tuesday chief Murad Kasi said. Amphan hits India as the day after the country In a separate bombing Authorities in India and lockdown restrictions remain further relaxed a nationwide in the north-western region Bangladesh evacuated hun- in place to stem the spread lockdown in a bid to revive on the Afghan border, a sol- dreds of thousands of people of coronavirus, presenting the economy. dier was killed and a civilian on Tuesday as a powerful cy- a “dual challenge,” said SN India has now recorded died in a retaliatory firing by clone over the Bay of Bengal Pradhan, head of the National 3,163 virus-related deaths, troops. moved towards the countries’ Disaster Response Force. of which 134 were reported Balochistan is Pakistan’s coastal areas. Forty teams or 2,000 in the last 24 hours, data largest but most volatile prov- Cyclone Amphan is fore- NDRF staff had been deployed released by the Health ince that borders with both cast to make landfall between to deal with the emergency sit- Ministry showed. More Afghanistan and Iran and is West Bengal and Bangladesh uation, Pradhan said, adding than 39,000 patients have being targeted by Islamist mil- on Wednesday afternoon. Amphan is a “second disaster recovered. itants, sectarian groups and Meteorologists are warn- coming amid the COVID-19 India’s worst affected ar- sub-nationalist rebels. ing of large-scale damage from pandemic” that needed con- eas include the key financial strong winds, tidal waves, tinuous monitoring. hub of Mumbai, the capital heavy rains and flooding, in- Footage on television New Delhi and the southern cluding in the densely popu- channels showed police and state of Tamil Nadu and Biggest Philippine lated city of Kolkata. disaster management officials western state of Gujarat. On landfall, the “very se- urging locals to evacuate ar- India’s nationwide lock- broadcaster vere” cyclone could reach A handout photo shows residents being evacuted in Dhalchar village on the island of Bhola on Tuesday as eas, while urging them to wear down, the world’s largest, speeds of between 155 and 160 Cyclone Amphan barrels towards Bangladesh’s coast. (AFP) masks and ensure physical entered a fourth phase of fears layoffs if kilometres per hour (kph) with distancing in shelters. NDRF easing on Monday. gusts of up to 185 kph, accord- distance between people in made all necessary precau- IMD said. officials said they were wear- Local markets and small shutdown lasts ing to Indian Meteorological light of the outbreak of the tionary arrangements. Low-lying coastal areas ing protective gear and said businesses reopened and DPA Department (IMD) head Mru- novel coronavirus. In Odisha, more than and offshore islands may ex- masks and sanitizers were be- industrial and construction Manila tyunjay Mohapatra. School and government 30,000 people were evacu- perience water surge of up to 3 ing supplied to the evacuees. activities resumed across In Bangladesh, 12,000 buildings would also be used ated, according to the state’s metres above the normal tide. Cyclones often form over many regions. (DPA) The Philippines’ largest broad- centres had been opened to to temporarily accommodate disaster control room. Up to The storm is likely to cause the Bay of Bengal between cast network may be forced to shelter 2.2 million people as the evacuees. 100,000 could be moved by extensive damage to stand- April and November, bringing Singapore lay off workers by August if it is Amphan was only 665 kilome- In India’s West Bengal, Wednesday morning. ing crops, plantations and or- widespread destruction and apologises for not able to resume operations tres away from the southern around 300,000 people were With speeds of up to 240 chards, uproot trees and top- flooding toI ndian and Bangla- virus text soon, the company’s president Payra maritime port, State evacuated to relief shelters kph, Amphan was classed as a ple power and communication deshi coastal areas. and CEO said Tuesday. Minister for Disaster Manage- from three coastal districts, super cyclone, only the second lines, it said. In 1999, a super cyclone message error ABS-CBN Corporation, ment Enamur Rahman said. state chief minister Mamata to form in the region in two Authorities in Odisha and hit Odisha, claiming 10,000 Singapore Singapore has which has been a repeated tar- The large numbers of shel- Banerjee said adding authori- decades, before it started los- West Bengal had already sus- lives and leaving 15 million apologised to more than get of criticism by President ters was to ensure sufficient ties were on high alert and had ing intensity on Tuesday, the pended rail and road traffic homeless. 350 people who contracted Rodrigo Duterte, was shut COVID-19 for accidentally down by the National Tel- sending them a text mes- ecommunications Commis- sage saying they had tested sion (NTC) on May 5 because positive again, the health Congress had not renewed its ministry said. franchise that expired the day Australia ‘disappointed’ Hong Kong extends gathering A technical glitch led to before. the message being sent out Carlo Katigbak, president by China barley tariffs ban to Tiananmen anniversary at the weekend, the ministry and CEO of ABS-CBN, told a said late Monday, adding Senate hearing into its fran- AFP Agriculture Minister David Lit- AFP “We have always been that no confidential informa- chise renewal that the com- Sydney tleproud said in response. Hong Kong extending the measure on a tion was revealed. pany has committed to “not “This is something that we 14-day basis. Our general con- A follow-up message take away any jobs for three Australia is “disappointed” will strongly reject, the prem- Hong Kong on Tuesday ex- sideration is mainly on public was sent to the 357 people months” despite the difficult China has imposed massive ise that the Australian barley tended anti-virus measures health,” health minister So- affected pointing out the economic situation amid the tariffs on its barley and will farmer is subsidised in any way, limiting public gatherings un- phia Chan told reporters. mistake and “to apologise coronavirus outbreak in the consider taking the dispute to shape or form,” he said. til June 4, a move that means Organisers said they now for any inconvenience and country. the World Trade Organisation, “We will now work through an annual vigil marking the expected authorities to refuse anxiety caused”, it said in a But Katigbak noted that the country’s agriculture minis- the determination by Chinese Tiananmen crackdown will permission for the annual statement. ABS-CBN was losing up to ter said Tuesday. officials, calmly and methodical- likely not take place for the vigil, which is usually held in “We have since re- $700,000 in advertising rev- But officials played down ly, and reserve our right to go to first time in 30 years. Victoria Park. viewed our processes to enues daily due to the closure, fears Canberra was headed for the World Trade Organisation The candlelight vigil usu- “We believe the chance is ensure that a similar error endangering the jobs of 11,000 a trade war with its biggest ex- to get the independent umpire ally attracts huge crowds and very slim for our application to will not recur,” the ministry employees. “I’m afraid if we port market, saying there would to make that determination.” is the only place on Chinese be approved,” Lee Cheuk-yan, added. cannot go back on air soon, by be no “tit-for-tat” response to China accounts for more soil where such a major com- Pro-democracy protesters gesture chairman of the Hong Kong Singapore initially man- August we may already have to the Chinese action. than 50 percent of Australia’s memoration of the anniver- the slogan ‘five demands and not Alliance in Support of Patri- aged to keep its outbreak in consider beginning a retrench- Beijing on Monday an- barley exports, making it the sary is still allowed. one less’ during a vigil outside otic Democratic Movements check but has been hit hard ment process,” he added. nounced 80.5 percent tariffs country’s largest barley market. Last year’s gathering was the Pacific Place shopping mall in China, told AFP. by a second wave of infec- ABS-CBN has filed a peti- on Australian barley after find- It comes days after Bei- especially large and came just recently. (AFP) “If the candlelight vigil is tions, mostly among migrant tion with the Supreme Court ing Australian subsidies and jing suspended imports from a week before seven months banned, it’s going to be a sym- workers from crowded to immediately allow it to re- dumping had “substantially four major Australian beef of pro-democracy protests set to end the tradition this bolic moment as we have been dormitories. sume operations, but the tribu- damaged domestic industry”. suppliers, amid a diplomatic and clashes exploded onto the year, after authorities said doing it for three decades,” he The city-state has report- nal on Tuesday did not grant a The tariffs are due to last tiff between the two countries city’s streets, sparked initially they would extend social dis- added. ed 28,794 cases, including restraining order and instead five years. over Canberra’s push to probe by a plan to allow extraditions tancing rules banning more Lee said he expected Hong 22 deaths. Nearly 10,000 directed the NTC to respond to “To say that I’m disap- the origins of the coronavirus to the authoritarian mainland. than eight people gathering in Kongers might light candles in have recovered. (AFP) the motion within 10 days. pointed is an understatement,” pandemic. But the coronavirus looks public. their local parks instead.

Japan’s renewed claims on disputed Beijing says Trump ‘shirking responsibility’ to WHO islets invites S Korea protest AFP manent a temporary freeze on pressure Trump has blamed DPA In Seoul, South Korea’s Beijing funding from the US. the WHO for not doing enough Tokyo Foreign Ministry summoned a China in response accused to combat its initial spread. Japanese diplomat on Tuesday Beijing on Tuesday accused Trump of trying to “smear “The only way forward for Japan claimed its sovereignty to lodge a protest over Tokyo’s Donald Trump of smearing China” and “shirk responsibil- the World Health Organization over South Korean-adminis- renewed claims on the islets in China and shirking American ity and bargain over its interna- is if it can actually demonstrate tered islets in an annual for- the report, Yonhap News agen- responsibilities to the World tional obligations to the WHO”, independence from China,” eign policy report on Tuesday, cy reported. Health Organization, after the foreign ministry spokesman Trump’s letter read. prompting a protest from South Korean foreign min- US president threatened to pull Zhao Lijian said at a regular China urges the US to “stop Seoul. istry official Kim JungH an met out of the UN health body. press briefing Tuesday. shifting the blame” and instead In its Diplomatic Bluebook the Japanese diplomat to urge The American leader has “The US leader’s open let- focus on containing the virus, 2020, the Foreign Ministry de- Tokyo to retract the claims, ac- been locked in a bitter war of ter you mentioned is full of Zhao said at a regular press scribes South Korea as an “im- cording to Yonhap. words with Beijing, alleging it hints, ‘perhaps’, and ‘maybes’, conference. portant neighbour” of Japan. Last year, Prime Minis- covered up the initial outbreak and tries to use specious meth- A photo shows a researcher at Peking University’s Beijing Advanced Governments including the However, it says that rela- ter Shinzo Abe’s government in central China late last year ods to mislead the public, and Innovation Center for Genomics conducting tests at their laboratory in US and Australia had previ- tions between the two coun- abruptly imposed restrictions before the disease spread glob- achieve the goals of smearing Beijing. (AFP) ously called for an investigation tries remain in a “severe situ- on South Korea-bound ship- ally, causing economic devasta- China’s anti-virus efforts, and into the origins of the virus. ation” amid a territorial spat ments of materials used in tion and claiming lives across shirk responsibility for the has picked the wrong target.” economies. But Zhao said Tuesday that and differing views on wartime semiconductors and smart- the planet. United States’ own insufficient More than 317,000 people Zhao added the US was at- the draft motion currently un- history. phone production. Trump on Monday called response,” Zhao said. have died of COVID-19 out of tempting to deflect from its der discussion at the World The pair of islets called Japan also revoked South the WHO a “puppet of China” “The US tries to use China as nearly 4.8 million infections own “insufficient prevention Health Assembly is “completely Takeshima in Japan, which lie Korea’s status as a preferential before tweeting a letter he had an issue to shirk responsibility worldwide, and governments and control” against the virus. different from the so-called midway between the two coun- trading partner. The decision sent to the organisation’s chief and bargain over its internation- are scrambling to contain the With more fatalities and ‘independent international in- tries, are also known as Dokdo prompted Seoul to downgrade Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye- al obligations to the WHO. This virus while seeking ways to cases in the United States than quiry’ into the pandemic previ- in South Korea. Tokyo’s trade status. sus threatening to make per- is a miscalculation and the US resuscitate their hammered any other country by far, under- ously mentioned by Australia”. 06 Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

Why Churches, For Now, Should Remain Closed Betting Against Qatar’s Energy Even under social distancing rules and facial coverings, the closeness and traditions of a religious service can Sector Ignores A Lot Of History make it riskier than a trip to the store Qatar proves it is far more resilient than other major READER emailed us a question that gious service can make it riskier than a trip people have been asking: Under Illinois’ to the store. LNG producers amid the current global crisis A shutdown order, why is it OK to go to the That’s the situation today. It doesn’t mean grocery store or Walmart, but it’s not OK to churches should remain closed in two weeks go to church? or two months. Cases of infection statewide Roudi Baroudi virtual twin of it at Ras Laffan – hub of “Both are big buildings that have a lot of and diligence on social distancing may well Doha Qatar’s gas industry. people in them. What’s the science behind justify a slow reopening of religious services The company also continues to con- this? Maybe if there was more reporting on sooner. Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Chicago OME of the latest punditry has it solidate its access to existing markets the ‘why,’ folks would understand and per- Archdiocese, for example, recently unveiled a that Qatar’s economy is teetering in Europe and Asia, and to increase haps follow the guidelines,” the reader wrote. phased approach to restarting Mass. The first on the brink of disaster because its capacity to supply those markets. We’ll give it a shot: While we don’t have step would allow for small gatherings for bap- of the COVID-19 crisis, which has It has recently signed long-term con- all the answers, we support Chicago May- tisms, funerals and weddings. been steadily eroding demand tracts at terminal facilities serving key or Lori Lightfoot’s decision to hold off on Rather than openly defy stay-home or- forS the country’s most important ex- LNG markets, including Montoir-de- church services for now. One reason? Les- ders, Cupich worked with Illinois Governor port, natural gas. Obviously the situa- Bretagne, France (3 million tons per an- sons learned from the Mount Vernon, Wash- JB Pritzker’s office and health officials to tion is less than ideal, but much of the num [MTA] until 2035), and Zeebrugge, ington, choir outbreak earlier this year where establish guidelines. He also rightly empha- doom and gloom stems from a failure Belgium (100% of regasification capac- 53 choir members became sick and two died. sized to parishioners that restrictions due to to appreciate just how well prepared the ity until 2044). In addition, QP sub- One symptomatic person attended a rehears- public health should not be equated with re- country is for all manner of obstacles. sidiaries hold stakes in major terminals al and likely sickened the rest. A published strictions on religious liberty. Journalists and other observers like the United Kingdom’s South Hook Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Churches that hold services of any type have watched the market for crude oil (67.5%) and Italy’s offshore Adriatic report on the outbreak determined that the in defiance of state and city orders could face collapse to the point where prices for facility (23%). In April, it signed a $3 act of singing — vocal cords that push drop- fines, Mayor Lightfoot said on Monday. But some futures contracts recently went billion contract to book a Chinese ship- lets into the air — caused the coronavirus to anything beyond that, which would divert into negative territory – i.e. producers builder for the construction of new LNG spread more than it would in other spaces, city and police resources to punish violators, in some parts of North America actu- carriers, some 100 of which it expects to such as a grocery store. Unless there’s an out- would be an overreach of government. Civil ally had to pay customers to take oil off need in the coming few years. break of singing at your local supermarket. disobedience should not be met with an ag- their hands. This, in turn, is causing a All the while, QP has continued to Which we doubt. gressive police response. slew of US and Canadian oil companies, rack up agreements with both new and Some religious services also involve It’s understandable that faith-based citi- especially smaller ones, to stop extract- bility in a burgeoning global gas market, existing customers, including LNG sales handshaking, breaking of bread, shared holy zens facing this pandemic feel particularly ing crude, and many are going bank- maintaining safe and reliable supplies to Kuwait and Vietnam; naphta deals water, Bible school and preaching, all within frustrated and vulnerable, separated from rupt. Similar pressures are expected to that have allowed customers around the with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation, the confines of a church — not all buildings the very moorings that keep them steady arise for gas producers, these folks ar- world to grow their economies. Shell, Thailand Chemicals, and Vietnam; are spacious — for an hour or longer. Even and hopeful. But there are specific health gue, and since Qatar is the world’s lead- Furthermore, QP has not remained condensate feedstock sales to ExxonMo- under social distancing rules and facial cov- reasons behind the limitations. They won’t ing producer and exporter of liquefied a one-trick pony. Instead, it and its bil in Singapore; and liquefied petrole- erings, the closeness and traditions of a reli- last forever. natural gas (LNG), it will face the big- subsidiaries have diversified with gusto um gas contracts with China’s Oriental gest problems. – and not just in the usual sense of pro- Energy and Wanhua Chemicals. (Tribune News Service) Thus far the consequences for LNG ducing petrochemicals, aluminum, and And all this is not to mention QP’s have been less dramatic than those for fertilisers on their home turf. Rather, massive undertaking to expand LNG crude oil, but nor can they be ignored, the company has reached far beyond output from 77 MTA to more than 110 Other Views especially for developing countries Qatar, the GCC countries, and even the MTA. In fact, when the COVID crisis whose economies are heavily depend- broader Middle East and North Africa hit, the company’s response was to take ent on constant flows of gas revenues region to make acquisitions around the advantage of lower prices for construc- from exports. globe. Acting alone or in concert with tion materials by increasing capacity to However, Qatar has to be consid- major partners like Britain’s Shell, a whopping 126 MTA by 2027. Michael Bloomberg’s Vanity Run ered far more resilient than other ma- France’s Total, Italy’s ENI, and the It should be noted that QP has man- jor LNG producers. For one thing, it USA’s Chevron and ExxonMobil, the aged all of these feats while its home has much deeper pockets that give it past couple of years have seen QP take country has been fending off a Saudi- NE day the now defunct presidential Bloomberg got half of them — 175. considerable wherewithal to withstand up or renew stakes in exploration, pro- led blockade. Qatar’s public and private campaign of former New York City By the time the mayor’s campaign got even a prolonged period of lower gas duction, and/or processing assets in sectors alike have demonstrated world- OMayor Michael Bloomberg will be to Super Tuesday in Pago Pago, he had revenues. For another, Qatar’s energy at least a dozen countries, including class resilience since the blockade was nothing more than a piece of political trivia spent more than half a billion dollars of interests go far beyond the extraction of Argentina, Brazil, Cyprus, Congo Braz- imposed in 2017, so there is no reason for future generations to ponder. his own money. its gas resources for export, allowing di- zaville, Guyana, Ivory Coast. Kenya, to believe they will shrink before this Late to launch and quick to crash, the Bloomberg dispatched seven full-time versification of revenues and therefore Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Na- new challenge. On the contrary, Qatar Bloomberg campaign won exactly one pri- staff members to American Samoa to hit dilution of negative impacts. mibia, Oman, South Africa, and even is – and will remain – a trusted source mary election and piled up just five del- the beaches, spread the gospel and secure a One of the drivers of its success has the United Arab Emirates. of stabilisation in global markets. egates to the Democratic National Con- win. He himself never made it to the island, been government-owned Qatar Petrole- Perhaps the biggest triumph has The current crisis could well require vention this summer. The only primary but obviously his seven staffers made quite um (QP), one of the strongest and most been in the United States, where QP’s Qatar to make uncomfortable decisions, Bloomberg won was not one of our 50 an impression. influential companies on the planet. QP activities have included partnering with but its long-term trajectory – to keep states but one of our most-distant and ob- One other fact about Bloomberg’s ex- reached its current lofty status by, first, ExxonMobil (Qatar’s single largest for- expanding its role as a force for good scure territories, American Samoa. pensive victory in American Samoa: If he making its bet on LNG at precisely the eign investor) for a $10 billion project in energy circles by providing win-win The island is located in the middle of had taken everything he spent on his presi- right time in history, just as the envi- to build a two-train LNG export facility. scenarios – is unlikely to be affected. the Pacific Ocean, somewhere between Ha- dential campaign and instead handed it ronmental concerns associated with QP has also teamed with Chevron Phil- waii and New Zealand. It’s roughly the land over to the 175 Samoans who voted for him, oil made natural gas a more palatable lips Chemical, a joint venture between (Roudi Baroudi is a size of Washington, and it’s home to about each one of them would have become an in- choice and the world’s energy mix start- Chevron and Phillips 66, to develop four-decade veteran of the 55,000 people. stant millionaire, with plenty to spare. Or, ed transitioning to a higher proportion what could be the world’s largest ethane energy industry who currently Of those 55,000 American Samoans, he could have built a really nice hospital of renewables and other alternative cracker and derivatives units on the US serves as CEO of Energy and only 351 voted in the Democratic primary. somewhere for coronavirus victims. technologies. Second, Qatar then used Gulf Coast. QP will have a 49% stake in Environment Holding, an its role as the world’s most important the $8 billion complex, and Chevron independent consultancy (Tribune News Service) LNG exporter to become a force for sta- Phillips Chemical has agreed to build based in Doha)

Rights In The Time Of COVID-19 An understanding of the relevant legal framework in Qatar will enable all to appreciate state action and its relationship to the individual

Dr Susan L Karamanian focus on each person’s duty to remain Qatar is a party, the International Cov- by unknown scientific and societal vari- Doha largely removed from another? enant on Economic, Social and Cultural ables. The environment of uncertainty The rights framework, however, is Rights (ICESCR). Under Article 12(1) makes it difficult to draw clear lines in HE rules that govern members of a still an appropriate approach and one of the ICESCR, the state recognises “the every instance. Coupled with that is the society are in a state of flux due to from which we should not run. right of everyone to the enjoyment of the fact that legal scholars and philosophers TCOVID-19. Just four short months An understanding of the relevant le- highest attainable standard of physical have spent lifetimes examining how to ago, we probably could not have imag- gal framework in Qatar will enable all to and mental health.” Due to its resourc- define and address the balance between ined a society defined by closed stores, appreciate state action and its relation- es and planning, Qatar has been at the individual rights and societal demands. social distancing, and mask-wearing. ship to the individual. Under the Con- forefront of ensuring access to health- How the many freedoms and duties in- Yet states around the world have re- stitution of Qatar, the state has the au- care to address COVID-19 ailments. teract during a pandemic may be one of quired these measures, and even more, thority to secure the country. Article 5 A rights-based focus may begin with the most interesting and challenging le- of individuals. requires the State of Qatar to “preserve” the understanding of the state’s obliga- gal issues of our time, or at least over the An overarching issue as to each its “security and stability.” Article 19 tion to provide medical care to and se- coming few years. measure is the role of the individual in requires the state to “maintain the pil- cure a safe environment for each person Dr Susan L Karamanian is society when the existence of the society lars of the society and ensure security.” within the state. Yet it involves more. Dean of the College of Law at or the survival of its citizenry is at stake. These provisions, for the most part, fo- The critical issue is, as one would ex- Hamad Bin Khalifa University In these circumstances, how are we to cus more on overall territorial security. pect, the means to such security. Other (HBKU) think about individual rights, such as Yet, COVID-19 knows no bounds and is rights under the Constitution as well as the right to gather or engage in work? akin to the unseen enemy. those under a second major UN human (This article is submitted on A rights-based focus may seem particu- More on point is Article 23, which rights treaty to which Qatar is a party, behalf of the author by the HBKU larly selfish when healthcare workers, requires that the state “foster public the International Covenant on Civil Communications Directorate. The first responders, and food providers are health,” provide means to prevent “dis- and Political Rights (ICCPR), could and views expressed are the author’s performing essential services at risk to eases and epidemics” and provide for Such an obligation is consistent with a likely will come into play. own and do not necessarily reflect their own lives. Instead, should we not their cure “in accordance with the law.” major United Nations treaty to which Today’s situation is dynamic, affected the University’s official stance)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. Europe / Americas Wednesday, May 20, 2020 07 US tops 90,000 coronavirus Trump reveals he is taking hydroxychloroquine deaths, 1.5 million cases AFP cause I think it’s good. I’ve taurant industry. press secretary. AFP to the statistical website Worl- Washington heard a lot of good stories.” “I’m taking it, hydroxychlo- Trump said his use of the Washington dometer. Trump has shown interest roquine, right now, yeah. A medicine was approved by the New York state accounts US President Donald Trump for weeks in promoting the use couple of weeks ago, I started White House physician, Sean The United States surpassed for nearly a third of US deaths, on Monday made the surpris- of hydroxychloroquine, even if taking it,” he said. Conley. However, Trump in- 90,000 deaths from the novel with more than 28,300 linked ing revelation that he is tak- some doctors think it does not Trump has often played sisted that he, not the doctor, coronavirus and 1.5 million to COVID-19, according to ing hydroxychloroquine, an work for coronavirus patients down the dangers of coronavi- took the first step. confirmed cases, according Johns Hopkins. anti-malaria drug that his own and US government regulators rus, including last week when “I asked him, ‘what do you to a running tally from Johns The state officially records government experts say is not warn it has “not been shown he said it threatened only a think?’ He said, ‘if you’d like it.’ Hopkins University. about 22,700 deaths but this suitable for fighting the novel to be safe.” Trump’s latest re- small number of people. He I said ‘yeah, I’d like it.’” Conley The Baltimore-based mon- does not include those that coronavirus. marks came out of the blue, im- also pointedly refuses to wear later issued a statement saying itor registered 10,000 deaths were probably linked to the vi- Trump, noting that he has mediately grabbing headlines a mask, despite federal recom- that he had agreed to Trump us- in just one week. rus, where there was no official tested negative for the virus and on a day when US deaths from mendations to do so and the ing the anti-viral drug “after nu- The US has the world’s confirmation. shows no symptoms, said he’d COVID-19 topped 90,000 peo- US President Donald Trump fact that most of his staff have merous discussions” between highest number of deaths and By June 6, the US could been taking the drug as a pre- ple -- almost a third of the total taken to covering their faces in them about the pros and cons. infections but several coun- reach around 112,000 deaths, ventative measure “for about a world toll. line workers -- many, many are public. “We concluded the poten- tries -- including Belgium, according to an average of 20 week and a half.” “I take a pill “You’d be surprised at how taking it. I happen to be taking A personal valet to Trump tial benefit from treatment Spain, Britain, Italy and Swe- epidemiological models ana- every day,” he said, adding that many people are taking it, es- it,” he let slip to reporters at- has tested positive for the coro- outweighed the relative risk,” den -- have recorded more fa- lysed by the University of Mas- he combines this with zinc. pecially the front-line workers, tending a White House meeting navirus, as has Katie Miller, Conley said in a statement is- tal cases per capita, according sachusetts. Asked why, he said: “Be- before you catch it. The front- devoted to the struggling res- Vice President Mike Pence’s sued by the White House.

Canada, US border closure WHO faces virus probe extended until June 21: Trudeau AFP sion of the border closure was Ottawa “important ... to keep people in both of our countries safe.” The Canada-US border will The prime minister also left remain closed to all non- open the possibility of further after Trump ultimatum essential travel for another extensions, saying: “We will month, until June 21, to fight continue to watch carefully Russia denounces US attempts to ‘break’ WHO the spread of the coronavi- what’s happening elsewhere in The US president rus, Canadian Prime Minister the world and around us as we threatens to quit MOSCOW Russia on Tuesday denounced President Donald Justin Trudeau announced on make decisions on next steps.” Trump’s threat to pull the United States out of the World Health Tuesday. Some Can$2.4 billion (US$1.7 the UN agency and Organization over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The world’s longest in- billion) worth of goods and “Yes, there are opportunities to improve it... and we are ternational frontier at 8,900 more than 400,000 people a permanent freeze ready -- as before -- to play an active role in this work,” deputy kilometers (5,500 miles) was crossed the border each day on on US funding to foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by news closed to travellers on March average, prior to the pandemic. agency Interfax. 21, but trade in goods has con- Since its closing in March, the health body “But we are against breaking everything that is there for the tinued. the number of travellers cross- sake of one state’s political or geopolitical preferences, I mean Trudeau at his daily brief- ing from one country to the AFP the United States or even a group of states with the United ing said this second exten- other has fallen to a trickle. Geneva States at its helm,” Ryabkov told reporters after a meeting with lawmakers of the ruling United Russia party. World Health Organiza- “We are against politicising everything that is linked to the tion member states agreed on COVID-19 spread,” Ryabkov was quoted as saying by state news Tuesday to launch an inves- agency RIA Novosti. Spain govt seeks 2-week tigation into its coronavirus “The WHO cannot become a puck that is passed back and response, after US President forth.” extension of lockdown Donald Trump threatened to Trump has accused the WHO of botching the global coronavi- AFP capacity to restrict movement quit the UN agency and brand- rus response and of being a “puppet of China”. Madrid and the ongoing sacrifice that ed it a “puppet of China”. He has been locked in a bitter spat with Beijing, alleging it everyone has made will have Trump has been locked in World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghe- covered up the initial outbreak in central China late last year Spain’s government on Tues- served for nothing,” govern- a bitter spat with Beijing, al- breyesus at the closing session of the World Health Assembly virtual before the disease spread across the planet. (AFP) day said it would seek parlia- ment spokeswoman Maria Je- leging it covered up the initial meeting from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, on Monday. (AFP) ment’s approval to extend the sus Montero said. COVID-19 outbreak in central state of emergency by another The lockdown was first China late last year before the Trump of trying to “smear” ple have died of COVID-19 biggest contributor. bility and bargain over its in- fortnight, until June 7, even as imposed on March 14 and it disease unleashed death and China and shirking American out of over 4.8 million in- As he launched his latest ternational obligations to the the number of new coronavi- has since been renewed four economic devastation across responsibilities to the WHO. fections worldwide since its attack, Trump also dropped a WHO. This is a miscalcula- rus cases keeps falling. times, despite growing criti- the planet. With the row threatening emergence, and governments bombshell saying he was tak- tion and the US has picked the The current state of emer- cism of Sanchez over his man- Under pressure at home in the global response to the pan- are scrambling to contain the ing hydroxychloroquine, an wrong target,” foreign min- gency is set to expire on May agement of the crisis, notably the United States, which has demic, WHO countries adopt- virus while seeking ways to re- anti-malaria drug that his own istry spokesman Zhao Lijian 23 and Prime Minister Pedro from his rightwing opponents far more deaths and cases than ed a resolution calling for an suscitate their economies. government’s experts have said. Sanchez had initially said he who did not support the last any other country, Trump has “impartial, independent and Trump turned the screws said is not suitable for fighting The EU also backed the would seek an extension of extension two weeks ago. also targeted the WHO with comprehensive evaluation” on the WHO on Monday -- the coronavirus. WHO, putting Brussels once around a month. The government has also accusations that it failed to do of the international response first in a press conference and “I take a pill every day,” again in opposition to Wash- But the government re- not ruled out a further exten- enough to combat the initial and the measures taken by the then in a letter to the head of said the president, adding that ington when it comes to duced the request to two sion, having shown itself in spread of the disease. agency. the organisation -- giving it he is using it because he has Trump’s treatment of interna- weeks to secure the support of favour of continuing until the “They’re a puppet of Chi- Both the United States and 30 days to show “substantive “heard a lot of good stories”. tional organisations. the centre-right Ciudadanos rollback of the lockdown re- na, they’re China-centric to China voted for the resolution improvements” that demon- Beijing has furiously de- “This is the time for soli- party, thereby guaranteeing it strictions is completed at the put it nicer,” he said at the tabled by the European Union strated its “independence” nied the US allegations that it darity, not the time for finger would pass during Wednes- end of June. White House on Monday, be- at the WHO’s annual assem- from Beijing. played down the threat, and pointing or for undermining day’s vote in the 350-seat “Limiting mobility, which fore threatening to make per- bly, despite earlier fears that The letter to Tedros Adha- hit back at Washington on multilateral cooperation,” EU chamber where Sanchez’s coa- is a fundamental right, can manent a temporary freeze on the tensions might make a full nom Ghebreyesus threatened Tuesday. foreign affairs spokeswoman lition is in a minority. only be achieved like this,” US funding to the body. consensus impossible. to permanently freeze US “The US tries to use China Virginie Battu-Henriksson told “If there is no state of said Health Minister Salvador Beijing, in turn, accused More than 318,000 peo- funding. The US is by far the as an issue to shirk responsi- reporters. emergency, we won’t have the Illa. Brazil jumps to third in UK virus toll over 41,000, with 10,000 care homes deaths COVID-19 cases worldwide AFP deaths after positive tests, and “It was the best thing to do London on Tuesday stood at 35,341, up with the tests that we had. We AFP could be 15 times higher or 545 on the day before. could not have people in hos- Sao Paulo more. Britain’s official coronavi- The ONS figures show pital with Covid symptoms not The giant South American rus death toll is at least 41,000 a sharp fall in coronavirus knowing whether or not they Brazil has the third-highest country of 210 million people with almost 10,000 dead in deaths in the week up to May had Covid,” she said. number of novel coronavirus is torn by a political battle over care homes in England and 8, reinforcing ministers’ claims Health Secretary Matt cases in the world, accord- how to respond to the virus. Wales alone, according to a that Britain is past the peak. Hancock earlier told parlia- ing to official figures released Far-right President Jair statistical update released on Deaths in care homes ment he was encouraged that on Monday, a troubling surge Bolsonaro compares the virus Tuesday. fell at a slower rate than the care home deaths were falling. for a country struggling to re- to a “little flu,” condemns the Some 41,020 deaths where population at large, and the A total of 62 percent of spond to the pandemic. “hysteria” surrounding it and COVID-19 was mentioned on total number of deaths in care care homes in England had no With 254,220 confirmed is urging the country to get the death certificate were reg- homes in England and Wales reported cases of COVID-19 at cases, Brazil has now sur- back to work to stop an eco- istered across the UK by May now stands at 9,975. all, he added. passed Britain, Spain and nomic crash. 8, according to the Office for Prime Minister Boris Just over a quarter (27 per- Italy in the past 72 hours on State and local authorities, National Statistics (ONS). Johnson’s government has A sign advising passengers to wear face mask is pictured on a plat- cent) of all deaths in England the list of total infections, however, are largely calling on With hundreds of deaths come under intense criticism form at Waterloo Train station in central London on Monday. (AFP) from the virus were in such and is behind only the United citizens to stay home and prac- still being reported each day, it for its handling of the out- places, compared with a Euro- States (1.5 million) and Russia tice social distancing -- backed means the current toll, already break, notably for the time it ited number of laboratories. residents untested. pean average of about half, he (290,000). by the Supreme Court, which the highest in Europe and sec- took to introduce widespread “From it followed the de- At the government’s daily told MPs. Brazil has registered gave them the final say in the ond only to the United States testing. cision on March 12 to cease media briefing, England’s “We will not rest from do- 16,792 COVID-19 deaths, the matter. in the global rankings, is likely A cross-party parliamenta- testing in the community and deputy chief scientific adviser, ing whatever is humanly pos- sixth-highest toll in the world. Bolsonaro is now seeking to be even higher. ry committee on Tuesday criti- retreat to testing principally Angela McLean, admitted that sible to protect our care homes But experts say under- his third health minister since The government’s offi- cised the decision to initially within hospitals,” it said, limited capacity had driven from this appalling virus,” he testing means the real figures the pandemic began. cial rolling tally only records concentrate testing in a lim- warning this left care home strategy on testing. said. Sanofi bosses promise Macron: COVID-19 vaccine should be for all DPA and chief executive Paul Hud- firmed in Tuesday’s meeting in conjunction with the US Paris son after Hudson last week said ● Sanofi has two vaccines “that the group shares France’s government, and says it hopes that the US would get priority under development, one approach about universal ac- to get them approved between The bosses of French phar- access if the firm succeeded in of them in conjunction cess to the vaccine, with the the middle and second half of maceutical giant Sanofi have developing a vaccine. with the US government, aim of making it a global public next year. promised President Emmanuel The Sanofi boss argued that and says it hopes to get good,” the source said. Macron and German Chan- Macron they share his goal of the US had a right to the big- them approved between Sanofi also confirmed its cellor Angela Merkel on Mon- making any COVID-19 vac- gest pre-order because it was the middle and second commitment to its presence day called for the European cine available to everybody, a investing in work on the vac- half of next year and industrial production Union to step up its capacities source in the Elysee Palace said cine, and that Europe needed in France, according to the and funding to develop vac- on Tuesday. to step up its own efforts. said at the time that Macron would only get priority access source. cines and treatment, as part French President Macron called in Sanofi His comments sparked was “indignant.” Sanofi quickly to doses made on its soil. Sanofi has two vaccines un- of a plan to build up “strategic Emmanuel Macron chairperson Serge Weinberg outrage in France. The Elysee back-pedalled, saying the US The Sanofi bosses con- der development, one of them health sovereignty.” European auto market hit by record sales plunge page 10

Wednesday, may 20, 2020

24,206.86 8,802.14 30,196.17 1,746.00 −390.51 pts +37.61pts +167.19 pts Gold +0.78% European stocks market slide on Dow QE sensex profit-taking, despite Asia rallypage 9 Price percentage Price percentage 17.89 Brent 34.72 -0.26% WTI 32.50 +2.14% Silver +2.39% QIB’s Family Shield Takaful policy available on mobile app

ing is delivered. That’s why we are along with a reference number and Family Shield Takaful policy is designed to provide customers continuously investing in updating the policy documents. our mobile application to suit our In addition to the Family Shield financial security during unforeseen circumstances customer’s needs. We are bringing plan, QIB offers three different types the entire banking experience to of Takaful plans on its award-win- Tribune News Network able digitally, offering customers our customers on their mobile while ning QIB Mobile App. Customers Doha the possibility to perform their en- continuously integrating their feed- who have an existing auto Takaful tire daily banking needs through back. Our fully inclusive app offers policy from Beema can easily renew Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) on QIB’s award-winning Mobile App at a marketplace for customers to buy their policy on the App. Tuesday announced that custom- any time, from anywhere, without a suite of third-party products and Customers can also activate ers can now instantly purchase the the need to visit a branch,” the bank services such as Beema’s takaful their Credit Shield Takaful plan Family Shield Takaful product in a said in a statement. plans, which are readily accessible on their preferred card instantly few simple steps through QIB’s Mo- Underwritten by Daman Islamic within just a few steps.” through the App at a nominal fee bile App. Insurance Company (Beema), the Once customers successfully applied monthly to the credit card. Family Shield Takaful policy is Family Shield Takaful product is apply and complete the required Available on customers’ finger- designed to provide both nationals tailor-made to mitigate financial li- simple steps, the policy issuance is tips is also the Travel Takaful plan and residents financial security dur- abilities of the family of the insured, a Family Shield term takaful plan General Manager D Anand said, managed and integrated directly that provides multiple coverages ing unforeseen circumstances. in case of unforeseen events like through the QIB Mobile App and “Mobile Banking is a key channel with Beema’s online system. Upon and benefits to ensure that QIB cus- “QIB continues to make all fi- death or disability. For just QR 75 get takaful coverage for QR250,000. for customers today and is com- completion, customers will receive tomers have complete peace of mind nancial products and services avail- per month, customers can purchase QIB Personal Banking Group pletely changing the way bank- a confirmation email from Beema during their trip. QCB announces Eid Al Fitr holiday QNA country including banks, cur- institutions return to work on Oil gains for fourth day Doha rency exchanges, insurance May 31 (Sunday). companies, finance, invest- The bank said in a Qatar Central Bank (QCB) ment, and financial consult- circular that all financial in- on Tuesday announced that ants will start from May stitutions operating in the the EidAl Fitr holiday for 24 (Sunday) and will end state must fully close all its on signs of output cuts the current year for all fi- on May 28 (Thursday) pro- branches during the vacation nancial institutions in the vided that all financial period. Opec+ has cut its oil exports sharply in the first half of May Agencies Qatar’s stocks market gains London

Oil prices rose for a fourth straight session on Tuesday for second session in row amid signs that producers are cutting output as promised just Satyendra Pathak as demand picks up, stoked by Doha more countries easing out of curbs imposed to counter the Qatar’s stock market coronavirus pandemic. gained for the second day in Brent crude climbed a row on the news that the 25 cents, or 0.7 percent, to National Guarantee Program $35.06 a barrel by 0629 GMT, that provides guarantees to after earlier touching its high- local banks from the Qatar est since April 9. US West Development Bank with in- Texas Intermediate crude was terest-free loans has been ex- up 43 cents, or 1.4 percent, at tended for a full year instead $32.25 a barrel. It rose as high of six months as $33.44 earlier in the ses- The move is expected to sion, hitting its highest since support the private sector that March 16. has been hit by the novel coro- The June WTI contract navirus outbreak. expires today, but there was The government has also little sign of a repeat of the his- directed that the contracting The QSE main index gained 37.61 points, or 0.43 percent, when the toric plunge below zero seen The July WTI contract was in line with the June contract, rising 22 cents a barrel. and construction sector be in- bourse closed trading at 8,802.14 points on Tuesday. a month ago on the eve of the cluded in the beneficiary sec- May contract’s expiry amid ers including Russia, a group parently slashing output as In further support for tors within the same controls (QSE) main index gained Indices of six sectors out of signs that demand for crude known as Opec+, are being they promised for this month, prices, US production is also and conditions. 37.61 points, or 0.43 per- seven ended in the green zone and derived fuels is recovering implemented on the ground. with more voluntary cuts ex- falling, with crude output The National Guarantee cent, when the bourse closed on the day that saw 32 stocks from its nadir. Opec+ has cut its oil ex- pected in June,” said Hiroyuki from seven major shale for- Program aims to support sala- trading at 8,802.14 points on out of 45 traded made gains. The July WTI contract was ports sharply in the first half Kikukawa, general manager of mations expected to fall by a ries and rents of companies in Tuesday. While 11 stocks declined, there in line with the June contract, of May, companies that track research at Nissan Securities. record of 197,000 barrels per the private sector. The QDB will The volume of shares trad- was no change in the remain- rising 22 cents a barrel. shipments said, suggesting a “At the same time, there day in June to 7.822 million manage and issue the guide- ed increased to 147.17 million ing two stocks. The market was boosted strong start in complying with is growing optimism that the barrels per day. That would line for this programme, while from 144.965 million on Mon- Meanwhile, major Mid- earlier by signs that output a new production cut agree- easing of global (coronavirus) be the lowest since August banks operating in the coun- day and the value of shares de- dle East stock markets closed cuts agreed by the Organisa- ment. lockdowns will help boost 2018, according to the US try will grant financing with a creased to QR292.74 million higher on Tuesday, tracking a tion of the Petroleum Export- “Investors’ sentiment has economic activity and fuel de- Energy Information Admin- guarantee from the QDB. from QR310.74 million in the rise in global equities and a re- ing Countries (OPEC) and oth- improved as Opec + are ap- mand,” he said. istration. The Qatar Stock Exchange previous trading session. covery in oil prices.

Will traditional offices survive Covid-19 in emerging markets?

services being one of the biggest work and education. Broadly successful outcomes may lead drains on bandwidth. Pre-paid mobile data ser- businesses to consider expanding or The use of video conferenc- vices provide an alternative ing has expanded globally as method of accessing online ser- formalising work from home arrangements business and social interac- vices. tions have moved online which Private telecom operators Tribune News Network ated with an increase in remote is evident from the fact that have contributed to facilitating Doha working. These include lower communications technology remote working and learning overheads for businesses, in- provider Zoom has reported during the pandemic. Limited ICT infrastructure creased autonomy and ingenui- a twenty-fold increase in daily While lags in connectivity can compound the challenges ty on the part of employees, and pandemic continues. which characterise a number of markets had already identi- users, while in some countries are likely to inhibit online work of remote working amid coro- various benefits to the wider One concern is that remote the high-potential economies fied the improvement of ICT voice calls have tripled and the capacity in the short term, the navirus-related social distanc- economy, including a reduction workers collaborate less ef- in OBG’s ‘yellow slice’ portfo- infrastructure as a key prior- use of communications apps shift to remote working has ing and lockdown measures in traffic congestion,” the report ficiently, missing out on both lio. For example, Oman has an ity, in terms of both provi- doubled, the World Economic helped to propel the issue onto in emerging markets, Oxford said. planned and unplanned ‘face average of eight members per sion and cost of service. The Forum (WEF) reported in the global economic stage. In Business Group (OBG) has said Parallel to this, the phe- time’, for which – some argue household, while Algeria and Philippines, for instance, mid-April. an April 2020 report the WEF in its latest report. nomenon of the co-working – digital connectivity is a poor Bahrain each average 5.9, and implemented a number of While such burdens on predicted that the pandemic Nevertheless, the report space could bridge the gap be- substitute. Papua New Guinea stands out plans to address connectivity bandwidth have been offset will “catalyse sustained col- said, broadly successful out- tween office-based and home- Furthermore, possible chal- in the Asia-Pacific region with shortfalls and to lower service to an extent, the report said, laboration between the public comes may lead businesses to based work for companies lenges of home working have 5.3. costs. Google for example reduced and private sectors to increase consider expanding or formal- looking to downsize their use of been accentuated for many A further challenge is the Such efforts notwithstand- automatic YouTube video qual- internet access beyond the cur- ising work from home arrange- traditional office space. workers by school closures and inadequate digital infrastruc- ing, the pandemic has substan- ity universally in mid-March rent crisis”. ments once the effects of the Managing employees re- other lockdown measures. ture seen in some emerging tially increased the burden on and authorities in several econ- The implementation of pandemic have subsided. motely, and ensuring they re- Working from home can economies. networks and servers. Some omies took early steps to help work from home policies has “There are a number of main engaged, may become be particularly problematic in Before Covid-19, authori- of this drag can be attributed ensure citizens could continue shown that many tasks can be potential advantages associ- increasingly complex as the high-density domestic settings, ties in a number of emerging to remote working, with video to access internet services for fulfiled remotely. Economy & Business Wednesday, May 20, 2020 09 Volatile market UK jobless European stocks market slide on claims surge almost 70% on profit-taking, despite Asia rally coronavirus AFP Shares across Europe had rallied on Monday from news of a $542 bn French-German fund London

AFP The number of Britons claim- London ing jobless benefit soared nearly 70 percent in April to Europe’s major stock mar- 2.1 million, as the coronavirus kets mostly retreated on Tues- devastated the labour market, day, partly reversing the previ- official data showed onT ues- ous session’s rally, as traders day. banked profits, digested grim Unemployment claims data and mulled coronavirus surged by a record 856,000 vaccine hopes. from March, the Office for Na- London stocks lost 0.8 tional Statistics said in a state- percent after official data ment. showed a record surge in UK The ONS added that jobless claims during April, the number of unemployed as businesses ravaged by fall- jumped by 50,000 to 1.3 mil- Britain’s Chancellor of the Ex- out from the deadly COVID-19 lion people in the first quarter, chequer Rishi Sunak. (AFP) outbreak laid off workers. compared with a year earlier. In the eurozone, Paris “I certainly won’t be able shed 0.9 percent on news that to protect every job, and every Unemployment claims European auto sales had col- business... there will be more surged by a record lapsed by a record 76.3 per- hardship to come,” finance 856,000 from March, the cent year-on-year in April, minister Rishi Sunak said in Office for National Statistics while Frankfurt squeaked into parliament Tuesday. said in a statement. The positive territory just before Britain imposed a lock- the closing bell. down on March 23 to halt ONS added that the num- “Stock markets in Europe the spread of the virus, and ber of unemployed jumped are in the red as traders’ book launched a furlough jobs re- by 50,000 to 1.3 million some of their profits from yes- tention scheme under which people in the first quarter, terday’s massive gains” that the government is paying the compared with a year were driven on more econo- bulk of wages. earlier. mies opening up and hopes for UK furloughing is support- a vaccine, said market analyst ing eight million jobs at a cost David Madden at CMC Mar- of £11.1 billion ($13.4 billion, “It is not obvious that there kets UK. “Economies around 12.2 billion euros) to the tax- will be an immediate bounce- the global are still being reo- payer, the Treasury said Tues- back” in the economy, Sunak pened, and hopes remain high day. said. for a potential Covid-19 vac- But many workers have “It takes time for people cine, but it seems like the bulls been laid off in recent weeks, to get back to the habits they have decided to take a breath- with companies including had, there are still restrictions er today,” he added. A man looks at an electronic stock quotation board of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo on Monday. (AFP) British Airways preferring to in place.” However, Asian bourses axe thousands of staff despite ONS statistician Jonathan rallied, taking their cue from kets are prepared to see the to the testimony,” said CMC quarter profits. EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.2 the state helping to safeguard Athow said Tuesday’s data also an overnight surge on Wall glass half full at this stage,” Markets UK’s Madden. Walmart’s e-commerce percent at 2,906.42 jobs. showed the number of em- Street, as investors welcomed said Markets.com analyst Neil “The commentary from business surged a stagger- New York - Dow: DOWN 0.1 Chancellor of the Excheq- ployees on company payrolls a further easing of lockdown Wilson. the men in question has had ing 74 percent in the quarter percent at 24,568.92 uer Sunak on Tuesday said had dropped “noticeably, and measures around the world. “A vaccine -- not treatment little impact on the equity ending April 30, with home- Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.5 per- the lockdown was “having a vacancies were sharply down Shares across Europe had -- is key of course to resum- markets. The S&P 500 is es- bound customers opting for cent at 20,433.45 (close) very significant impact on our too, with hospitality” falling by received a shot in the arm ing life as normal. It’s the holy sentially flat on the day, but grocery delivery at home or Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.9 economy. the sharpest amount. on Monday from news of a grail right now and markets keep in mind it rallied over 3 for click-and-pickup options percent at 24,388.13 (close) “We are likely to face a The British unemployment 500-billion-euro ($542-bil- are prepared to take a leap of percent yesterday, so it seems at stores. Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.8 severe recession, the likes of rate meanwhile stood at 3.9 lion) French-German fund faith.” that traders are keen to sit on percent at 2,898.58 (close) which we haven’t seen and of percent in the first quarter, to help the European Union On Tuesday, however, at- the fence today.” Key figures around 1530 GMT Brent North Sea crude: UP 1. course that will have an im- compared with 3.8 percent a economy combat COVID-19 tention in the US was on clues Both the S&P 500 and the London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.8 percent at $35. per barrel pact on unemployment.” year earlier. fallout. about US monetary and fiscal Dow were narrowly lower in percent at 6,002.23 points West Texas Intermediate: UP 2. He added: “The longer Analysts stressed that the New York stocks then policy as US Federal Reserve late morning New York trading (close) percent at $32. per barrel the recession, it is likely the labour market would deterio- soared after US biotech firm Chairman Jerome Powell and as European markets closed, Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.2 per- Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0929 from degree of that scarring will be rate even more sharply in the Moderna reported “positive Treasury Secretary Steven although the tech-heavy Nas- cent at 11,075.29 (close) $1.0913 at 2100 GMT greater.” coming months. interim” results in early test- Mnuchin testified before the daq was pushing higher. Shares Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.9 per- Dollar/yen: UP at 107.96 yen Britain’s lockdown is just Andrew Wishart at re- ing of a vaccine candidate, Senate Banking Committee on in Walmart added 0.6 percent cent at 4,458.16 (close) from 107.34 starting to be eased, while the search group Capital Econom- with some analysts suggesting the government’s response to after the booming demand for Milan - FTSE MIB: DOWN 2.1 Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2243 government has said that un- ics said the UK unemployment that if all goes well it could be the coronavirus. “The mood groceries and essential items percent at 17,034.54 (close) from $1.2194 der the furlough scheme it will rate would hit 6.0 percent in in use by the end of the year. in New York is muted as trad- due to the coronavirus lock- Madrid - IBEX 35: DOWN 2.5 Euro/pound: DOWN at 89.26 continue to pay up to 80 per- the coming months” and could “It’s early days but mar- ers are paying close attention downs lifted Walmart’s first- percent at 6,609.10 (close) pence from 89.50 pence cent of wages until October. reach as high as 9.0 percent. Russia Q1 economic growth slows to 1.6% Australia watchdog suggests AFP Russia’s gross domestic prod- The cental bank said in news boycott of Google, FB Moscow uct expanded 2.1 percent. late March that the corona- The economy was boosted virus outbreak would lead to AFP included bilateral negotiations watched across the world, Aus- Russia’s economic growth by agriculture, industry, trade a substantial decline in eco- Sydney between Australian media or- tralia last month announced slowed to 1.6 percent in the and food services. nomic activity in the next few ganisations and the two tech plans to force major internet first quarter, the statistics Capital Economics consul- months. It sees the country’s Australia’s competition behemoths and collective bar- firms to share advertising rev- agency said Tuesday, before tancy said it expected the sec- GDP dropping by up to six watchdog suggested Tuesday gaining involving all the coun- enues earned from news con- the full impact of the corona- ond quarter figures to show a percent in 2020. that local media could organ- try’s news companies. tent featured in their services. virus and low oil prices made “collapse,” with the economy A nationwide lockdown, ise a “collective boycott” of But acknowledging the While the initial targets of themselves felt. shrinking 13 percent. which was enforced in late Google and Facebook to force global reach and immense pow- the anti-trust move involved a The economy is expected to “The outturn for Q2 will Russian President Vladimir Putin. March and is only beginning the tech giants to pay for news er of Google and Facebook, it range of tech firms, including do much worse in the second be much worse and with the to be gradually relaxed, has they put on their platforms. said an “alternative bargaining Twitter and Verizon Media, quarter to June when the full virus outbreak not under con- 1.3 percent from 2.5 percent battered the Russian econ- The radical idea was framework” could be needed if the ACCC said Tuesday it was effects of a national coronavirus trol and fiscal support limited, in 2018. omy, with entire industries among a series of possible direct negotiations fail. narrowing its focus to Google lockdown become apparent. the risk of a more sluggish eco- Russian President Vladimir grinding to a halt. bargaining tools put forward “A collective boycott, or the and Facebook. “Facebook and The preliminary estimate nomic recovery than we antici- Putin had hoped to revive the But the negative effects of by the Australian Competition threat of a collective boycott, Google were the digital plat- by the Rosstat agency for the pate is rising,” it said. economy with the help of a the crisis were partly offset by and Consumer Commission may encourage each of Google forms currently benefitting first three months of 2020 was Last year, Russia’s econo- hugely ambitious “national an increase in consumption (ACCC) as it considers a man- and Facebook to offer news from a significant imbalance lower than both the economy my, long battered by Western projects” programme launched when many Russians in March datory code of conduct for the media businesses more appro- in bargaining power in their ministry’s forecast of 1.8 per- sanctions and very dependent last year, but low oil prices and rushed to make expensive pur- tech firms. priate remuneration for the use commercial negotiations with cent and the growth rate for on high prices for its energy the coronavirus outbreak have chases in anticipation of rising Other mechanisms laid out of their content,” it said. Australian news media busi- the final quarter of 2019 when exports, saw growth slow to disrupted those plans. inflation. in a 33-page “Concepts Paper” In a process being closely nesses,” it said. Huawei has deployed over 1,500 networks in more than 170 countries past year. serving over 3 billion people industry. The industry as a At the annual event, Huawei was He said, “Over the past worldwide. We also provide whole should work together year, many technologies be- smart devices to 600 mil- to strengthen IPR protection, joined by over 2,000 analysts came unavailable to us. De- lion consumers. US actions safeguard fair competition, spite this, Huawei struggled against Huawei will not only protect unified global stand- Tribune news network er, they discussed how the to survive and is striving to harm Huawei, but also harm ards, and promote a collabo- Doha industry can work together move forward. the experiences of customers rative global supply chain.” to weather the difficult times, “Huawei has long been an and consumers that use Hua- The first Huawei Global Huawei held its 17th an- achieve win-win outcomes, active contributor to the ICT wei’s products and services.” Analyst Summit took place in nual Global Analyst Summit and accelerate the arrival of industry. Since it was found- Guo Ping stated, “To- 2004, and has been held an- in Shenzhen, both onsite and the intelligent world. ed, Huawei has been com- day the world is an inte- nually ever since. This year’s online. At the opening of the mitted to bringing digital to grated collaborative system. summit runs from May 18 to At the event, Huawei event, Huawei’s Rotating more people, homes, and or- The trend of globalization 20, with a series of parallel was joined by over 2,000 Chairman Guo Ping deliv- ganizations, in order to move shouldn’t and will not likely sessions. Attendees include analysts, key opinion leaders, ered a keynote speech titled the world forward. be reversed. Fragmented industry experts from around and media representatives “Huawei: A Year and Be- “In the past 30-plus years, standards and supply chains the world, who discuss and from a range of industries, yond”. Guo Ping started by Huawei has deployed over benefit no one, and further share their insights into in- including telecoms, the In- sharing Huawei’s experience 1,500 networks in more than fragmentation will have a dustry trends, tech trends, Huawei’s Rotating Chairman Guo Ping ternet, and finance.T ogeth- and business results of the 170 countries and regions, severe impact on the entire and global collaboration. 10 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Economy & Business Turkey’s Erdogan searching for ways European auto market hit to save economy AFP ble-digit inflation. by record sales plunge Istanbul This dismal situation led to defeat in local elections Turkey was recovering last year, when Erdogan’s New car registrations in EU markets fell by 76.3% in April as compared to same month a year earlier from its first recession in a ruling AKP party lost both decade when the coronavi- Istanbul and Ankara. AFP rus hit. Now the economy “This is not the kind of Paris is on the brink again, and economic panorama that President Recep Tayyip Er- keeps any leader in power, Europe’s auto market suf- dogan is running out of op- much less Mr Erdogan,” fered a record plunge in April tions. Yesilada said. according to sector data re- With a risk of mass un- Cagaptay noted that leased on Tuesday, and is un- employment, a collapse in “there are no elections likely to make up the loss this tourism and an unstable scheduled until 2023 but his year, an analyst said. currency, “the situation is popularity is slipping and... New car registrations in extremely bad”, said Atilla the 27 European Union mar- Yesilada, an economist at kets fell by 76.3 percent from GlobalSource Partners think the same month a year earli- tank. Erdogan unveiled a er, data published by the Eu- stimulus package in March ropean Automobile Manufac- before the virus hit Turkey turer’s Association showed. hard, infecting more than The numbers for April 150,000 people, but critics Economic represented the first full say the $15 billion plan is month that restrictions to insufficient. woes stem the spread of COV- With the daily death toll The Turkish economy has ID-19 were in place, and “the now falling, Erdogan re- been a concern since the strongest monthly drop since cently announced a gradual 2018 currency crisis, with records began,” an ACEA lifting of restrictions in May growth last year of just 0.9 statement said. and June to spur the world’s percent, unemployment that New car registrations had 19th largest economy. Tur- reached 13.6 percent in already fallen by an annual- key’s annual gross domestic ised 55.1 percent in March, product (GDP) amounts to February, and dogged owing to the impact of the about $770 billion. double-digit inflation coronavirus, the ACEA not- Economists nonetheless ed. forecast a painful second Even when the figures recession, and some say Er- it would be hard to ignore were smoothed out over the dogan will have to seek help calls for early elections if the four months from January from the International Mon- economy tanks”. through April, sales were etary Fund (IMF), an option The government hoped down by more than a third, a he has always rejected. for five percent growth in level there is little chance of File photo of the logos of auto makers Lancia, Fiat, Abarth Jeep and Alfa Romeo in Turin. (AFP) If Erdogan has long been 2020, but the IMF predicts correcting this year. synonymous with prosper- GDP will instead contract by In April, every EU nation by more than one-third, the comparable to the one in will probably need some time Chrysler, Jeep and Alfa Ro- ity for Turks, the economy five percent and unemploy- suffered double-digit losses, data showed. 2008-2009, maybe worse,” before they become car buy- meo suffered the most, with has become his “Achilles ment will rise to 17.2 per- but Italy and Spain were hit In all, 270,682 new regis- said Xavier Mosquet, an auto ers again,” Mosquet forecast, sales that were 87.7 percent heel”, said Soner Cagaptay cent this year. the hardest and posted drops trations were recorded, com- specialist at the Boston Con- adding that a continent-wide lower in April at 10,419 ve- of the Washington Institute Growing market con- of 97.6 percent and 96.5 per- pared with 1.14 million in sulting Group. support scheme would prob- hicles. for Near East Policy. cern is reflected in the cent respectively, the ACEA April 2019. “In Europe we might see ably be needed. BMW, Mitsubishi and One of the main rea- Turkish lira, which has lost said. Outside the EU, British a market drop of 22 percent A breakdown of the ACEA Volvo posted the smallest sons for Erdogan and the around 15 percent of its Denmark and Sweden car sales plunged by 97.3 this year” compared with data showed that in terms drops, but they were all al- ruling AKP party’s continued value against the US dollar fared the best, but their mar- percent. 2019, he told AFP. of manufacturers, the FCA most two-thirds below their electoral success was the eco- since the start of 2020. kets were nonetheless off “We are in a deep crisis, “European consumers group which includes Fiat, level of the previous year. nomic boom that followed the The lira even set a record 2001 financial crisis. Ques- low against the greenback in tions are now being raised early May, reaching 7.24 to over whether the worsening the dollar before rallying economy could affect Er- back. Its declining value is dogan’s ambitions for lead- especially alarming because Cash-strapped Thai Airways to seek restructuring ership in the region, where Turkey’s private sector has Turkey has a major role in contracted a substantial AFP would not provide financial Ukrit. conflicts in Syria and Libya. amount of debt in foreign Bangkok support. Aviation expert Brendan The Turkish economy currencies. In a statement after the Sobie said the troubled car- has been a concern since To spur business ac- Thailand’s cash-strapped announcement, the airline rier has tried restructuring in the 2018 currency crisis, tivity, Erdogan opted for national carrier will look said it “will not be dissolved the past, to no success. with growth last year of just targeted measures against to undergo a restructuring or go into liquidation or be “They’ve had issues with 0.9 percent, unemployment COVID-19, such as lock- through the kingdom’s bank- declared bankrupt”, though government and political that reached 13.6 percent in downs only on weekends or ruptcy court, premier Prayut its union said some 5,000 meddling on a lot of deci- February, and dogged dou- public holidays. Chan-O-Cha said Tuesday, as staff out of its 20,000-strong sions,” said the Singapore- the stricken company is bat- team is expected to be let go. based analyst. tered by the crash in tourism The finance ministry will Allegations of executive caused by the coronavirus. also likely reduce its share- mismanagement, bloated Thai Airways -- which is holder stake, which means bureaucracy, and corruption 51 percent owned by the gov- it would no longer be a state have long plagued the air- ernment -- has long fought to enterprise, said a government line, which has also come un- stay afloat, registering losses spokesperson. der pressure from increased of almost $800 million over Under Thailand’s bank- competition from low-cost the past three years. Thai Airways aircraft are parked on the tarmac at Suvarnabhumi ruptcy laws, a company un- carriers. The government Its troubles come as the Airport in Bangkok recently. (AFP) dergoing rehabilitation will was previously mulling a 54 world aviation sector faces its not have to repay its credi- billion baht bailout for the biggest crisis, with borders said it was set to outpace its plan and we will not let them tors during the process, said airline, which was met with a globally being closed, which assets in 2020. go bankrupt as it will affect lawyer Ukrit Detsiri of Price public outcry. has sent a number of airlines Prayut said instead of al- more than 20,000 lives,” he Sanond, which represents in- Thailand’s economy is ex- either into bankruptcy or lowing the airline to go bank- said in a televised address ternational hotel chains and pected to shrink more than forced them to seek massive rupt, it will ask the insolvency after a cabinet meeting Tues- food and beverage companies. six percent this year as the government help. court’s for a reorganisation day. Thai Airways creditors outbreak shatters the coun- Thai Airways’ debt was that will allow it to set out a “It is the one way that will have to work out a “best try’s crucial tourism industry, People walk in the deserted Istiklal street at Taksim district in 245 billion baht ($7.6 billion) debt restructuring plan. the airline can operate and solution”, which could mean with all flights into the coun- Istanbul recently. (AFP) at the end of last year, accord- “I am letting Thai Airways the staff still have a job,” he debtors can only recover try banned until the end of ing to local media, which also submit into the rehabilitation said, adding the government some of their money, said June. Companies fear protracted slump, surge in bankruptcies: WEF rescue packages could depress Switzerland. The crisis also gives governments a government and corporate fi- Ahead of this year’s con- nances and retard growth for clave in January, when the ‘unique opportunity’ to craft a healthier, years, and also stymie efforts COVID-19 outbreak was still climate-friendly economy: Study to combat climate change, the largely confined to China, the World Economic Forum sur- forum’s annual risk report vey said. showed climate change as the AFP shut down much of the world Some 500 million people biggest concern for companies London economy. risk falling into poverty, un- over the next 10 years. They identified the most doing gains made over recent But it also flagged up anxi- A prolonged global slump and likely fallout as an extended decades, and a “lost genera- ety that health systems around surge in bankruptcies arising downturn, a jump in company tion” of children and young the world were ill-prepared for from the coronavirus pandem- failures allied with industry adults could be at hand. another pandemic. ic are the foremost concerns consolidation, and high youth The crisis has “revealed A second wave of COV- for companies surveyed in a unemployment. the inadequacies of the past”, ID-19 was another concern World Economic Forum re- The findings of the survey, said Saadia Zahidi, managing identified in Tuesday’s report, port on Tuesday. conducted in the first half of director of the WEF. along with the dangers of cy- However, the crisis also April, were consistent with “Not only do we have big- berattacks and data fraud as gives governments a “unique many economists’ forecasts ger government, we also have much corporate activity shifts opportunity” to craft a health- that a rapid “V-shaped” recov- the possibility of bolder gov- People take in the view of the towers and offices at Canary Wharf in London recently.( AFP) online. ier, climate-friendly economy ery is unlikely. ernment,” she told an online Ngaire Woods, dean of as they intervene with huge A different poll on Monday briefing, noting that govern- a chance for governments to group chief risk officer at Zu- “The planet continues the Blavatnik School of Gov- rescue packages, the organisa- said that a majority of some of ments were already attaching build “a more people-centric rich Insurance, which contrib- heating up. And that’s true of ernment at the University of tion said. Europe’s most powerful chief conditions to corporate bail- and planet-centric economy”. uted to the report. a whole range of risk expo- Oxford, also highlighted the Its survey of 347 company executives believe that the outs. - Break with the past -The “The challenge is not to sures.” risk of “economic xenopho- risk managers looked at the recovery will take up to two Those include demands for crisis could prove to be a build back but to rebuild with The WEF organises an an- bia” and outright conflict as biggest concerns for the next years. airlines, for example, to use “structural break” with the old a forward-looking perspec- nual meeting of political and countries trade blame for the 18 months, after the pandemic The debt accrued in the cleaner fuels, she said, flagging economy, agreed Peter Giger, tive,” he said at the briefing. corporate leaders in Davos, outbreak. F1 demands quarantine exemptions for elite sport Page 12 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 MoPH approved protocols aimed at players’ safety will be implemented by QFA and QSL: Hani Ballan

Will the five substitutions and co-ordination with the medical au- QSL CEO reveals plans VAR technology be applied? thorities in the country according The QFA will implement the five to a schedule, indicating that work- to complete season substitutions approved by FIFA re- shops will be organised for technical cently and VAR during the matches. and administrative staff and players Tribune News Network regarding the new medical proce- Doha A medical protocol has What are the measures that the dures that have been approved by been approved by the organisation will take during the MoPH. A second medical ex- Hani Taleb Ballan, a member of Ministry of Public matches, from the media point amination will be conducted for all the Executive Committee of Qatar Health, which will be of view? players after 14 days from being in Football Association (QFA) and There’re a number of media pro- the hotel. CEO of Qatar Stars League (QSL), implemented by the cedures that will be followed during gave his takes on the QFA’s deci- QFA and QSL, where the resumption of matches, accord- How about spectator attend- sion to resume domestic football a corona detection ing to co-ordination between the de- ance? activities of the 2019-20 season be- examination will be partments of QFA and QSL, whereby This matter is subject to an as- tween 24th July and 26th August, conducted for all press conferences for clubs before sessment of the situation during the following a circular from the Qatar and after the matches will be can- months of July and August. Accord- Olympic Committee for sports fed- technical and celled and statements will be issued ing to that, an appropriate decision erations to complete the current administrative staff through social media platforms of will be taken that preserves the safety season’s competitions after 20th and players clubs, QFA and QSL. We’ll only have of everyone, hoping at the same time July, taking into account the pre- post-match interviews on the field via that the matches will be held in the cautionary measures and instruc- the host broadcaster and social dis- presence of fans. tions issued by the authorities con- tancing will be maintained between cerned in the country. the broadcaster and players. How will you deal with players This came in response to jour- Photographers will be allowed and people found to be infected nalists’ queries through the media access to a special area in the media by the novel coronavirus? officesof QFA and QSL, where zone, while maintaining the social It’s certain that preventive meas- everyone was informed regarding distance of one-and-a-half metres - ures will be taken immediately by the all measures taken by both enti- between one photographer and the medical authorities and these cases ties about the process of resuming other. Journalists will not be allowed will be dealt with according to the football matches that have been to enter the stadiums where matches medical procedures approved by the suspended since mid-March due to are held, provided that they will cover Ministry of Public Health. the spread of Coronavirus (COV- through broadcasting TV channels. ID-19). Finally, how about the transfer Hani Ballan said the decisions What’re the medical proce- window and player registration were taken based on an integrated dures or protocol that will be for the 2020-21 season? plan developed in consultation followed? The QFA, being the competent with all authorities concerned, be it Member of the Executive Committee of Qatar Football Association (QFA), and CEO of Qatar Stars League (QSL) Hani Taleb Ballan. A medical protocol has been authority, will determine the transfer the QFA, QSL or Ministry of Public approved by the Ministry of Public period for players and registration for Health (MoPH). was then extended till 31st May, Excerpts: livery and Legacy and Ministry of Health, which will be implemented the 2020-21 season, as it will issue a In the beginning, the QSL CEO before the QFA decided to resume Culture and Sports. by the QFA and QSL, where a coro- circular explaining all aspects of the reviewed the decisions taken in activities between 24th July and When’ll the QNB Stars League navirus detection examination will registration process and its dates. line with the directions adopted by 26th August, and the players were resume? Will the league be completed be conducted for all technical and Last but not the least, our thanks the country to combat the spread given vacation from 17th May to The QNB Stars League will be with the relegation system? administrative staff and players on and appreciation go to all those who of coronavirus as it was earlier 7th June, provided that players, completed between 24th July and The QNB Stars League will con- 8th and 9th June, 2020, with mak- are at the forefront of the battle decided to hold matches behind technical and administrative staff 26th August. The QSL will issue tinue to be played in the usual format, ing a coronavirus examination for against coronavirus. I wish everyone closed doors from March 11 be- would undergo coronavirus tests circulars for the dates and stadiums with five rounds remaining.R elega- all match operators from organisers, follows all necessary procedures and fore the football activity was com- on 8th and 9th June, and training of league matches in co-ordination tion will be applicable in line with the referees and others, the appropriate measures in order to tide over this pletely stopped since March 15. It sessions start on 10th June. with Supreme Committee for De- QFA’s regulations only. time for this will be determined in crisis and get back to normal life. Six test positive at Ronaldo back in training at Juventus after two months Premier League clubs AFP pending the final health proto- countries hardest hit by the AFP protocols on safety measures Turin (Italy) col to be agreed with the Italian COVID-19 pandemic with more London were signed off on Monday. government. than 32,000 deaths. The number of positive Cristiano Ronaldo returned Juventus players got back League leaders Juventus are Six positive cases for coro- cases represents just 0.8 per- to training with Juventus in Tu- to individual training on May leading Lazio by one point as navirus have been detected at cent of those tested and is rin on Tuesday after an absence 4, the day Ronaldo returned to they target a ninth consecutive three Premier League clubs consistent with similar wide- of over two months because of Italy after spending lockdown ‘Scudetto’. after players and staff were spread testing conducted by the coronavirus pandemic. in his native Portugal. The Italian Football Fed- tested ahead of a return to other major leagues hoping to The 35-year-old arrived at For the past two weeks, he eration (FIGC) announced on training, England’s top flight complete the season. the Juventus Training Centre has been in quarantine in his Monday that all its competi- said on Tuesday. Germany’s top two divisions in a Jeep with tinted windows villa in Turin. tions, including Serie A, will re- “The Premier League can registered 10 positive cases out around 09:20 (0720 GMT), Ronaldo played in Juventus’ main suspended until June 14. today confirm that, onS un- of 1,724 tests two weeks ago leaving three hours later with a last Serie A game before the sea- Serie A had hoped to return day 17 May and Monday 18 ahead of their return to action smile and thumbs up for wait- son was suspended, a 2-0 win on June 13 but the FIGC has May, 748 players and club staff last weekend. ing photographers. over Inter Milan behind closed pushed back the date in line were tested for COVID-19,” the Five players from Spain’s Ronaldo underwent medi- doors at the Allianz Stadium on with a government decree that league said in a statement. top two divisions tested posi- cal and physical tests before March 8. all sports competitions be sus- “Of these, six have tested tive last week before La Liga’s joining up with his teammates The five-time Ballon d’Or pended until next month. Juventus’ Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo gestures as he leaves positive from three clubs.” return to group training. for the first time in 72 days for winner is the first Juventus for- The FIGC said the choice in his car after attending training at the club’s Continassa ground in No details were released Premier League clubs are individual training, according eign player, among those who was made “pending any fur- Turin on Tuesday. (AFP) over which individuals or clubs aiming for a return to action to media reports. left Italy during the lockdown, ther... decision by the authori- are affected. by the middle of next month, Coach Maurizio Sarri has to return to the team’s Contin- ties”, suggesting the possibility But Italian Prime Minister antees” before the green light “Players or club staff who but face resistence from players been conducting training in assa training centre. of a restart on June 13 might Giuseppe Conte said on Sat- could finally be given for foot- have tested positive will now concerns over their welfare. small groups since Monday, Italy has been one of the still exist. urday he needed “more guar- ball to resume. self-isolate for a period of seven Watford captain Troy days,” added the league’s state- Deeney has said he will not re- ment. turn to training this week due to Brighton have previously fears he could pass the virus on confirmedthree positive cas- to his five-month-old son. Younis Mahmoud to appear on Generation Amazing es among their squad at dif- “I can’t get a haircut un- ferent stages of the pandemic, til mid-July, but I can go and while positive tests for Arse- get in a box with 19 people Sc.qa the tournament and picking up the best proud he is a part of our Generation cluding Xavi Hernández, Cafu, Tim Ca- nal manager Mikel Arteta and and jump for a header,” said Doha player award. He became an ambas- Amazing school programme initiatives. hill, Samuel Eto’o and Hernán Crespo. Chelsea winger Callum Hud- Deeney on the Talk The Talk sador for the SC in 2019, which led to We look forward to hearing about his In addition, health and fitness tips have son-Odoi played a major role podcast. Iraq football legend and Supreme him attending a Generation Amazing inspiring career – which we are been shared by Generation Amazing in the decision to suspend “I don’t know how that Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) activity with local schoolchildren sure will interest our audience.” master coaches Hamad Mohamed and matches on March 13. works. No one could answer ambassador Younis Mahmoud will be at one of the Qatar 2022 train- Generation Amazing’s on- Michael Richardson. There have also Premier League clubs be- the questions, not because they the special guest during this week’s ing sites. line sessions were launched been live discussions about football de- gan returning to training in didn’t want to, but because they Generation Amazing Instagram Live Speaking ahead of in April in order to continue velopment with representatives from small groups on Tuesday after don’t know the information.” stream on Wednesday, May 20, at 8pm Mahmoud’s appearance on @ the programme’s football for partners such as AS Roma, KAS Eupen Doha time (GMT+3). GA4Good, Generation Amaz- development sessions dur- and the International Federation of the The former striker, who collected ing’s Marketing & Communi- ing the ongoing pandemic. Red Cross and Red Crescent. The live 148 international caps and played for cations Director, Moza Al Mo- Broadcast daily via Instagram sessions will take a break over the Eid several clubs in Qatar, will outline how hannadi, said: “We are thrilled Live, the sessions have reached period before resuming on 1 June. he has supported the SC to deliver key to welcome Younis Mahmoud 100,000 viewers over the Generation Amazing is the SC’s core messages during the ongoing COVID-19 to our series. He is an past six weeks. social and human development legacy pandemic. He will also discuss his illus- important and The sessions programme. It has reached half a mil- trious football career, which included legendary figure have featured a lion beneficiaries since being launched spells with top Iraqi side Al Talaba and of Arab foot- variety of spe- in 2010 and aims to reach 1 million five Qatari teams, includingA l Gharafa, ball. Younis is cial guests, in- people by 2022. where he won a host of honours during also an icon of a notable five-year spell. the Asian Cup Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) ambassador On the international front, and Qatar and Iraq football legend Younis Mahmoud will be the special Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker arrives at Melwood in Mahmoud won the AFC Asian Cup with Stars League guest during this week’s Generation Amazing Instagram Live Liverpool, north west England for a training session on Tuesday. (AFP) Iraq in 2007, scoring the most goals in and we are stream on Wednesday, May 20, at 8pm Doha time. 12 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Sports Sheikh Joaan attends Olympic PSG chairman Khelaifi hails Ronaldo’s ‘extraordinary strength of character’ Refuge Foundation meeting Goal.com

In an interview, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Chairman Nasser al Khelaifi has hailed Juven- tus forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s “extraordinary strength of character”. Ronaldo just returned training, having ar- rived back in Turin from Portugal as the Serie A season looks to get back underway. “Year after year, he shows a unique determi- nation, an extraordinary strength of character,” Khelaifi told French magazine France Football. “He remains motivated by this desire to im- prove every day and he always pushes his limits. “I admire this relentless will; he is a great ex- Paris Saint-Germain Chairman Nasser al Khelaifi. ample for all athletes of the future.” The French capital has been suggested as a Monday marks seven years to the day since HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic possible destination for Ronaldo in the past, with David Beckham played the final game of his pro- Committee, participating in the Olympic Refuge Foundation Executive PSG keen to acquire some of football’s biggest fessional career, with a memorable farewell for Office annual meeting via video conferencing on Tuesday. names. PSG at the Parc des Princes. The England legend Perhaps their most significant signing of their spent half a season in Ligue 1 at the tail-end of his QNA tion’s activities during the past modern era was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored career, returning for a final spell in Europe after Doha year and its priorities in the 156 goals in 180 games for the club after joining his time at LA Galaxy. current year. from AC Milan in 2012. According to the Khelaifi, Beckham played a HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad The Foundation had made “Thinking back to all the players who have key role in transforming PSG into the super club al Thani, President of Qatar remarkable progress during joined us since the beginning of our ambition they are today. Olympic Committee (QOC), 2019 and launched many pro- During the meeting, the world, as the Foundation seeks with PSG, I could still highlight the time of Zla- “I must also quote David Beckham. Although participated in the annual grammes to support needy Foundation’s executive office to implement a number of ac- tan Ibrahimovic for his character, his leadership, he was only at PSG for a short time, he had a meeting of the Olympic Refuge groups and played a pivotal highlighted work priorities in tivities and programmes to pro- his charisma and his ability to get things done,” transformative effect on our club. Foundation Executive Office role in coordinating the for- 2020, and the amendments tect young refugees affected by Khelaifi noted. “His investment in training, his concern for on Tuesday via video confer- mation of a sports coalition that must be made amid the the coronavirus crisis, focusing “He was always reliable, and when the situ- applying every detail at every moment, his deter- encing to discuss a number of for refugees prior to the World outbreak of the coronavirus on using sports to encourage ation demanded something from him, he knew mination to succeed, his taste for teamwork and topics, including the Founda- Refugee Forum. pandemic (COVID-19) in the them to adopt healthy lifestyles. how to stand up to the challenges of the moment.” his natural aura were extremely precious assets.”

Quick read Marseille offer coach Villas-Boas new contract amid doubts over future Germany hope to resume MARSEILLE: Marseille have offered coach Andre Villas-Boas a two-year contract extension, the French club announced on Tuesday, amid wide- spread reports that the Portuguese is set to leave after just one season in charge. A Marseille statement said the club wished to put right “errone- ous” media reports about a new contract offer and confirmed Villas-Boas 3rd-tier football this month -- whose existing deal runs until the end of next season -- had been offered the extension which would tie him to the Velodrome until 2023. It would also carry the option of a further season if they qualify for the Champions League in that campaign. It comes after the 42-year-old led the former European champions to second place behind Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 season which was ended early because of the coronavirus pan- demic. Marseille, who are owned by American tycoon Frank McCourt, are therefore set to feature in the Champions League next season for the first time since 2013/14 The statement said the contract offer showed “the club’s willingness to create stable conditions without which nothing solid can be built for the long term” as well as the “confidence of the club in the qualities of Andre Villas-Boas as a coach”. However, the announcement comes when Villas-Boas has been widely expected to quit in the wake of the departure of Spanish sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, to whom he had tied his future. “I came here, one, due to the size of the club, and, two, for Andoni Zubizarreta. I have already said that my future is intimately linked to his future,” said Villas-Boas in January. (AFP)

Estonia the latest to restart football league TALLINN: Estonia will on Tuesday restart its top-tier football league behind closed doors after easing anti-coronavirus measures, in a move following on the heels of the Faroe Islands and Germany. “On Tuesday evening, the Premium liiga will return after a more than two month long hiatus,” the Estonian Football Association (EFA) said in a statement. The resumption of the Baltic state’s annual football championship comes two days after the government lifted the state of emergency it imposed on March 12 in response to the pandemic. Certain restrictions however remain in force. Open-air sports competitions can only be held without spectators, with the maximum number of participants capped at 100. But starting July, the government will allow open-air events with up to 1,000 spectators. “Be- fore the hiatus caused by the coronavirus crisis, one round of the Premium liiga was held on March 6-8. Its results still apply,” the EFA added. The sec- ond round will begin Tuesday with three matches in the capital Tallinn, in the town of Kuressaare on Estonia’s biggest island Saaremaa and in the central city of Paide. Fans will be able to watch online. (AFP)

Real Madrid, Bayern and Inter Milan to launch European Solidarity Cup MADRID: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan will stage a new competition called the ‘European Solidarity Cup’ in 2021 to raise money Cardboard cut-outs with portraits of Borussia Moenchegladbach’s supporters are seen at the Borussia Park football stadium in Moenchengladbach, Germany, soon after Bundesliga for medical facilities in Italy and Spain. The three clubs will play each other first division returned to action sans fans. (AFP) in a round-robin group, with Inter against Bayern held in Milan, Real facing Inter in Madrid and Bayern hosting Real in Munich. Proceeds from the DPA around the table,” confirmed Initial hopes to resume the restrictions which would make matches away from their home fixtures will be donated to medical facilities in Italy and Spain, two of the Frankfurt DFB president Fritz Keller. third division on May 26 have it impossible. Magdeburg, Halle stadiums to remove one barrier world’s worst-hit countries by the coronavirus pandemic. The aim is “to The Bundesliga and sec- been scrapped. and Carl Zeiss Jena are among to play. send out a message of solidarity and fraternity to the people of Europe”, The German football federa- ond division, organised by the The German Cup, also or- them while Chemnitz have A solution to the season ex- said a statement from Real Madrid. Dates for the tournament have not tion (DFB) intends to resume German football league (DFL), ganised by the DFB, can play three players in quarantine af- tending beyond June 30, when been decided. The timing will “depend on the match calendar and when the men’s third division this resumed behind closed doors the Bayern Munich v Eintra- ter one tested positive for the contracts expire, is also being football can be played in front of fans again”, the clubs said. Bayern will in- month and complete the season last weekend. Games followed cht Frankfurt semi-final next coronavirus. sought. vite 5,000 nurses, carers and doctors to the Allianz Arena for their match despite the coronavirus pan- a strict hygiene protocol agreed month, the Bavarian govern- Those hoping to play on, “We find ourselves in against Real Madrid. “Nurses, carers and doctors in particular are doing demic. with politicians. ment said on Tuesday. The meanwhile, point out those the 80th minute and are 1-0 an outstanding job for society at the moment,” said Bayern chairman Friedrich Curtius, general But the men’s third-tier, other tie between fourth-tier looking to abandon the season down,” said Keller. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “We, the three clubs, want to show these heroes secretary of the DFB, said the along with the women’s Bun- Saarbruecken and Bayer Lev- would benefit from doing so due “But we can still win. We our appreciation, respect and gratitude.” “The great commitment of all date depends on political ap- desliga, has not yet resumed erkusen is not yet confirmed. to their position in the table. will do everything to convince healthcare workers has been essential to allow us to look to the future,” proval. after being suspended two While a majority of clubs in The DFB, at an extraordi- every decision-maker in every said Inter president Steven Zhang. (AFP) “The season should be months ago because of the coro- the third division want to con- nary meeting on Monday, is federal state because we are decided on the pitch and not navirus outbreak. tinue playing, others cite local expected to permit clubs to host for football.”

F1 demands quarantine exemptions for elite sport

AFP time in the 2020 F1 season cupied aircraft and all staff F1 organisers are hoping London with 10 races either cancelled F1 organisers are hoping would be tested making a quar- to start the season with the or postponed. to start the season with antine totally unnecessary. Austrian Grand Prix on July 5 A British Grand Prix would be However, the UK govern- the Austrian Grand Prix on “If all elite sport is to re- behind closed doors, followed “impossible” this year if elite ment’s coronavirus recovery turn to TV then exemptions by a second race at the Red sport is not exempt from 14- strategy document set out an July 5 behind closed must be provided.” Bull Ring a week later. day quarantine restrictions intention to introduce a 14- doors, followed by a Seven of the 10 teams on It was hoped Silverstone when entering the United day quarantine rule for inter- second race at the Red the Formula One grid have could then host two races in Kingdom, Formula One said national arrivals. Bull Ring a week later bases in the UK. the final two weekends in July. on Tuesday. “A 14-day quarantine would British Prime Minister Should quarantine meas- Silverstone is planning to make it impossible to have a Boris Johnson told parlia- ures not be lifted for elite sport host two races behind closed British Grand Prix this year,” an thousands of jobs linked to F1 ment last week that the return then they could also have a ma- doors this summer, subject F1 spokesperson told AFP. and supply chains. of sport on TV would “provide jor impact on the participation Lewis Hamilton celebrates victory at Silverstone in the 2019 British to government approval, to “Additionally it has a ma- “We would be travelling a much-needed boost to na- of British sides in European Grand Prix. (AFP) make up for some of the lost jor impact on literally tens of back to the UK on F1-only oc- tional morale”. football competition. Sports Wednesday, May 20, 2020 13

Quick read Sulaiti keeps top QVA chief Kuwari attends AVA meeting Doha: Qatar Volleyball Associa- communication under the tion President Ali Ghanim al current crisis. and to minimize Kuwari participated the effects of stopping in the Arab Volleyball the activities. The AVA, Association (AVA) in a message sent to spot in QORC Moto meeting, via video con- all affilates, proposed ferencing. The meeting to postpone or cancel discussed future plans some of the champion- He wins the second finals despite two and programmes to ships that were sched- grow the game in view uled in the current term. crashes; Sheikh Soud and Maraghi of the present the The QVA will restart the coronavirus pandemic, men’s league competi- finish in second & third spots again which has stopped all sport- tion in September and hold the ing activities in the world. The last round which was postponed Tribune News Network presidents and representatives due to the Covid-19. The Qatar DOHA of the AVA member associa- Olympic Committee issued a tions stressed on the need for directive to relaunch sports com- Qatar’s former World Su- constant consultation and petitions from July 20. (QNA) perbike racer Saeed al Sulaiti pulled off another victory in the finals of the Qatar On- India delay call on Saliva on ball, neutral line Racing Championship Lanka tour amid umpires set to be Moto to become the only par- travel restrictions axed due to virus ticipant with four triumphs under his belt. The win in Mumbai: The Board of Control London: Cricketers are set to 28:36.710 despite two un- for Cricket in India will wait for be banned from using saliva characteristic crashes raised more clarity on international travel to shine the ball due to the his points tally to 80. Saeed al Sulaiti: The standings restrictions before making a call coronavirus pandemic, following At the Brne Circuit in Brne leader posts another victory. The second finals of the QORC Moto in progress at the Brne Circuit in Brne (Czech Republic) on Tuesday. on the limited-overs tour of Sri recommendations by the Interna- (Czech Republic), the former Lanka in July, a top board official tional Cricket Council. The ICC’s triple QSTK600 winner first the occasions and I was able Results (second finals) tained it till the end, while said. Virat Kohli and his boys are influential cricket committee met grabbed the pole and set the to control the damage. Brne Circuit (15 laps) Boushehri dropped back get scheduled to play three One-Day via conference call on Monday early pace in the race, going “I continued to be on the # Rider Bike Time the sixth spot. Internationals and the same and made the recommendations 1.5 second clear of the chas- top of the standings and am 1 19 Saeed al Sulaiti Ducati 28:36.710 French rider and QSTK number of Twenty20 Internation- after a briefing from the govern- ing pack, headed by Sheikh looking forward to the third 2 20 Sheikh Soud al Thani Ducati +5.187 Trophy champion Jeremy Pa- als in Sri Lanka but the series is ing body’s medical advisory Soud bin Jassim al Thani. and last finals, which may be 3 14 Khalid al Maraghi Honda +14.046 rola enjoyed the track and his under threat due to measures committee. It was unanimously Though not as fast as he hosted at the Losail Interna- 4 17 Mohamad al Zaidan/Kwt Ducati +15.992 rally from ninth spot after be- imposed to battle the coronavirus agreed that the “elevated risk of was in the first finals, Sulaiti tional Circuit. If it happens 5 11 Jeremy Parola Ducati +22.148 ing fourth at a stage was quite pandemic. “Nothing has been transmission” caused by polish- continued to press hard for so, it will be an interesting 6 4 Ali Ahmed Bushehri/ Kwt7 creditable before helping decided as yet, because we are ing the ball using spit meant a comfortable gap. He lost finale,” Sulaiti added. 7 7 Hade Ahmed him get another fifth place. not sure what would be the travel the traditional method must be the control of the bike in the Sheikh Soud displayed 8 2 Abdulla al Qubaisi “I think my early crash cost restrictions then,” BCCI Treasurer shelved for now, though sweat fifth lap first. Sheikh Soud better pace and his second 9 8 Hamad al Sahouti me the fourth spot. I am still Arun Singh Dhumal said. “There is will still be permitted. Addition- was able overtake him but his successive second-place fin- 10 12 Joshua Ilano happy with my performance no clarity about it. So we’ll wait for ally, it was decided to vote for a lead was short-lived as Sulaiti ish after beating Khalid al and the fifth place is good that and accordingly take a call.” suspension to the rule guaran- bounced back to wrest the Maraghi by more than nine QORC Moto standings (after second finals) for me in the championship India has extended a nationwide teeing neutral umpires in Test initiative. seconds takes him to 72 # Rider R1 R2 R3 Pts standings.” lockdown to May 31 while all com- cricket in a bid to minimise travel And then in the penulti- points, eight less than leader 1 19 Saeed al Sulaiti 40 40 0 80 Parola and Zaidan both mercial flights in and out of Sri amid quarantine issues. No mate lap, he was seven sec- Sulaiti. 2 20 Sheikh Soud al Thani 36 36 0 72 have 60 points and but the Lanka remain suspended at least home nation umpire has stood onds clear of second-placed Maraghi was not able to 3 14 Khalid al Maraghi 33 33 0 66 former was accorded the until the end of the month. (AFP) in a Test since 2002. (AFP) Sheikh Soud but suffered an prepare well for this race due 4 11 Jeremy Parola 30 30 0 60 fourth spot as he had a faster uncharactersitic fall. The gap to his final examinations.S till 5 17 Mohamad al Zaidan/Kuwaiti 29 31 0 60 lap in the race, according to was reduced to two plus sec- he was able to focus enough 6 7 Hade Ahmed 31 28 0 59 the QORC rules. USGA scraps qualifying for US Open onds but he quickly picked and earn the third spot. “Re- 7 4 Ali Ahmed Boushehri/Kuwaiti 27 29 0 56 Hade Ahmed, fourth in up his Ducati and accelerated ally, I’m very happy with my 8 2 Abdulla al Qubaisi 28 27 0 55 the first finals, had a disap- NEW YORK: The US Golf Association is cancelling qualifying for the well to win by over five sec- result. I really enjoyed the 9 8 Hamad al Sahouti 25 26 0 51 pointing race. Despite com- US Open, which remains scheduled for Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, onds. battle with my brother from 10 10 Sheikh Jassim Aa Thani 26 24 0 50 ing up as high as sixth, he New York, in September. The major championship was originally Sulaiti commented after Kuwait, Mohamad al Zaidan. 11 12 Joshua Ilano 23 25 0 48 could not withstand the set for June 18-21 at Winged Foot, and postponed as part of the the race: “It was a good race I felt that I won’t do well in 12 16 Sheikh Saoud al Thani 22 23 0 45 pressure and was eventually major revision of the international golf calendar in the face of the once again. The qualifying this race because I was busy 13 21 Yacob Azadi 21 22 0 43 ended in the seventh place. coronavirus pandemic. While the US Open remains on course for was quite tight in a couple of with my final exam. I did not 14 18 Saad al Harqan 24 0 0 24 QSTK600 champion Abdulla September 17-20, the USGA said that the usual local, sectional and sectors, Sheikh Soud matched get enough time to practise al Qubaisi had chances of get- final qualifying would not take place. “As you can imagine, this was me in lap times. I was having and be ready for the race. But said Maraghi. pected, both fought back and ting the fourth place. But he an incredibly difficult decision, as qualifying is a cornerstone of USGA a gut feeling the race would I guess being consistent from Kuwait’s Mohamad challenged for top finishes. lost out on the opportunity championships,” said John Bodenhamer, senior managing director be difficult. It indeed proved the beginning of the race un- al Zaidan and Ali Ahmed But as the race progressed, and got the eighth spot ahead of Championships for the USGA. The governing body said the fields also as I had two falls. Luck- til the end was the key to get- Boushehri gave a good ac- Zaidan managed to move into of Hamad al Sahouti and for the US Open and the US Women’s Open would be filled entirely ily, the gap was big on both ting to the podium again,” count of themselves. As ex- fourth position and main- Joshua Ilano was tenth. through exemptions, with information regarding expanded exemption categories to be made available in the coming weeks. “We take great pride in the fact that many thousands typically enter to pursue their dream of qualifying for a USGA championship and we deeply regret that they will not have that opportunity this year,” Bodenhamer said. Lancashire offers to stage Test cricket during COVID-19 crisis “But this structure provides the best path forward for us to conduct these championships in 2020.” (AFP) AFP in furloughing players during ground, without him the £60 can kickstart a season delayed and officials to be monitored London the COVID-19 crisis, have an- million redevelopment (of the by coronavirus by rescheduling while restricting their access to nounced their highest-ever an- ground) would not have hap- the three-Test series between the outside world. QHA competitions to be completed by August The coronavirus has left the nual turnover of £34 million pened. England and the West Indies “We have made a formal English cricket season in lim- ($41 million). “The board was the driving that was meant to take place in expression of interest to the bo but Lancashire were dealt EBITDA (earnings before force but he was the centre of June, in July. ECB,” said Gidney. “We believe a devastating personal blow interest, tax, depreciation, and that. Australia and Pakistan are we have the capability, the ex- when they lost their chairman, amortization) for the Red Rose “For me a business prob- also scheduled to tour England perience and facilities on site in David Hodgkiss. county in 2019 were £7.6 mil- lem to solve is like any other in the coming months. supporting them put on a bio- Just weeks later the Man- lion, a 10-fold increase since problem such as a recession Old Trafford was originally secure event.” chester-based county have re- 2015 and a record for a first- but when you lose a friend it is due to host the second Test Lancashire are also think- turned record financial results class county. an emotional kick in the gut.” against Pakistan, which was ing big for when cricket can -- a fitting legacy for Hodgkiss, “Excluding minority inter- scheduled to start on August 7. return in earnest -- including who died in late March at the ests and one-off legacies it is Test hosts? Should the current lock- plans to promote themselves in age of 71 after contracting the absolutely a record,” CEO Dan- Gidney said Lancashire, down be relaxed sufficiently to the game’s biggest market. virus. iel Gidney told AFP. “It’s a very with a Hilton hotel on the site allow cricket to go ahead, Tests “David’s legacy is to com- And they have put them- proud day for the club. of their Old Trafford ground, could be played behind closed plete the ground redevelop- selves in the frame to host Tests “A hundred percent it is were still in a position to host doors at “bio-secure” grounds ment, a new stand, another during the English summer. David’s legacy. He was a men- Tests this year. with on-site accommodation hotel and work with the local The Qatar Handball Association has announced that the local handball Lancashire, who chose tor, a friend as well as a boss. The England and Wales such as Old Trafford. authority on a leisure centre,” competitions for the 2019-20 season will be completed by August. not to follow other counties With his construction back- Cricket Board (ECB) hope they That would allow players said Gidney. Players union blasts Cricket Lakers’ LeBron eager to get back to basketball

AFP the water with a made-for-TV The Lakers own the Australia’s cost-cutting steps Los Angeles charity event featuring Rory second-best record in the McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. league behind Eastern Con- Los Angeles Lakers su- The NBA, along with Major ference leaders the Milwau- Agencies ACA’s website. perstar LeBron James said on League Baseball, the National kee Bucks and were already SYDNEY “Now is not the time to di- Monday he’s eager for the NBA Hockey League and Major assured of a spot in the play- minish the game, but instead season to resume, as long as League Soccer are still formu- offs -- which were due to The chairman of Australia’s .... seize the moment and im- the health of players and their lating plans to return, while start in April. professional cricketers’ union prove it.” families won’t be endangered the NFL tries to stay on course Among the uncertainties has lambasted the national CA Chief Executive Kevin amid the COVID-19 pandemic. for an on-schedule season surrounding an NBA return is board’s cost-cutting measures Roberts said last month the James, speaking on the opening in September. whether all of the remaining in response to the new coro- board could suffer a revenue “WRTS: After Party” pro- games of the regular season navirus outbreak, saying they ACA Chairman Greg Dyer hit of hundreds of millions of gramme on the Uninterrupted Safety main concern will be played and whether could have “disastrous” conse- dollars if India were un- multi-media platform, said In this file photo LeBron James “Not only myself and my teams will play in their home quences for the game over the Greg Dyer questioned able to tour in the home he hoped the NBA season re- of the Los Angeles Lakers looks teammates, the Lakers organi- arenas or at sites that will bet- long term. the board’s gloomy summer. sumes sooner rather than later. to pass under pressure from sation, we want to play,” James ter allow the league to limit ac- Cricket Australia furloughed financial outlook, say- However, the tour’s “Definitely not giving up CJ McCollum of the Portland said. “There’s a lot of players cess for safety reasons. about 80 per cent of its staff and ing the game had “yet chances of going ahead on the season,” said James, Trailblazers on January 31, 2020 that I know personally that NBA Commissioner said it had suffered a A$20 mil- to experience a sig- have been boosted by whose Lakers led the Western during their NBA game in Los want to play. And obviously, Adam Silver told players last lion (10.6 million pounds) fall nificant negative rev- Australia’s success in re- Conference when the NBA Angeles. (AFP) we don’t ever want to jeop- week that he expected the in revenue due to COVID-19, enue event.” ducing COVID-19 infec- suspended play on March 11 ardise the health of any of our league to study outbreak and despite the pandemic hitting at “It should be in a tions to a trickle over the after Utah Jazz center Rudy Germany’s Bundesliga players or any of the players’ testing developments for an- the end of the season, according relatively strong finan- past month. Gobert tested positive for the became the first top Europe- families and so on and so on. other two to four weeks be- to rediff.com. cial position, particularly rela- Dyer said cost-cutting at coronavirus. an football league to resume “This is a pandemic that fore making a decision about The board is also pushing tive to the winter sports, and state and grass-roots levels The virus brought global after a two-month hiatus at we have no idea -- we can’t resuming competition. member states to agree cuts to with the benefit of time should would have “disastrous long- sport to a virtual standstill, the weekend. control it,” James said. “We’re James has said he doesn’t their grants and is in talks with emerge with a distinct advan- term consequences on the but as lockdowns aimed at In North America the pop- going to listen to the peo- relish the idea of playing with- players about adjusting pay. tage to other sports who’ve health of the game” and took preventing its spread have be- ular NASCAR stock car series ple that’s been following this out fans in attendance, but he Australian Cricketers’ As- been caught directly in COVID’s aim at CA’s centralised high gun to ease, sport has begun resumed without spectators on pandemic, following the num- said Monday he just wants to sociation (ACA) Chairman crosshairs,” Dyer said on the performance programme. to re-emerge. Sunday and golf stuck a toe in bers, following the data.” be back on court. 14 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick Ibrar Ahmed set to bring out first-ever photo book on Qatar’s skyscrapers

atar-based Paki- one will not achieve the best stani lensman Ibrar Thanks to the nature of his job, which involves extensive travelling, results even if one uses the Ahmed is planning Ahmed is exposed to skylines of different countries. A keen world’s best camera. to bring out the first- Qever photo book on Qatar’s photographer who considers photography as his passion, he never How do you see the transi- skyscrapers. misses a chance to capture a memorable moment whenever he sees one tion of reel cameras into Born and brought up in digital cameras? Kunri, a town in district Umer- The world is changing very kot of Sindh province, Ahmed is fast. Things are unfolding every a biomedical engineer by pro- day. It is good to live in modern fession with 11 years of experi- world with old traditions and ence of working on genetics. A culture but it is not bad to utilise graduate of Mehran Univer- new technology with the old, sity of Engineering and Tech- traditional way of photography. nology, Jamshoro, Pakistan, Nowadays time matters a lot Ahmed moved to Qatar some and technology is saving our five years ago. Thanks to the time. Digital camera is a time- nature of his job, which involves saving device. As I mentioned extensive travelling, Ahmed is earlier camera is just a medium. exposed to skylines of different Mediums might have changed, countries. A keen photographer but the understanding of light who considers photography as and composition rules are still his passion, he never misses a the same. Undoubtedly, tech- chance to capture a memora- nology has greatly helped art- ble moment whenever he sees ists to come up with new ideas. one. He has great admiration Ibrar Ahmed With new gadgets, we can focus for the Doha skyline, which more on creativity. is abundantly reflected in his work. Despite being a cityscape Do you view the constant- photographer, Ahmed also ap- ly free of cost. My last work- ly changing techniques preciates street photography shop was organised recently and technologies such as and renders his support to by Nikon before the corona- high-resolution mobile many charities. Although he virus lockdown. cameras as something en- learnt the art of photography couraging? by himself, Ahmed says You- What would you say to be- In the era of new technol- Tube has been a great platform ginners who want to learn ogy, it is easy to document any- to polish his skills. He was for- photography? thing, anytime. But the draw- tunate to conduct one-to-one They should know what back of new technology is that sessions with international kind of photography they want it has made us lazy. Gone are photographers like Atif Saeed, to do. They should see the work the days when photographers Vineet Vohra, Rohani Tanasal, of best photographers and try used to wait for hours to take Danny Yen Sin Wong and Arif to take one-to-one sessions. a good photo. Now anyone can Kaser. In an interview with They should never stop learn- take a photo and edit it as they Qatar Tribune,Ahmed spoke ing. They should always keep want. Mobile cameras give you about his plans to publish his Ibrar Ahmed (third right) with the participants of Nikon workshop that in mind that they have to learn the option of different features photo book on Qatar’s sky- was organised before the coronavirus lockdown. a lot. This way, they will start in a single device. You can take scrapers and also offered some learning. They should remain a photo and edit it at the same tips to students. Excerpts: the Doha Bank building, a use the proceedings for any positive and they will get posi- times. It is good for photo jour- white building with yellow noble cause. tive vibes from everywhere. nalism but for big prints, it is Why are you planning to light, Burj Qatar looks like a not recommended. publish a photo book on mosque minaret with warm Did you participate in any Do you think Photoshop is Qatar’s skyscrapers? orange light because warm competition? making photography easy What is the difference be- Unfortunately, there is no colors are eyes catching. If No, I have not focused on or damaging the real work? tween a photographer and book on Qatar cityscape. My you are having coffee at the participating in competitions Photoshop or post-pro- a videographer? book will focus only on city- back of Museum of Islamic so far. cessing is everyone’s own Video is a collection of mov- scapes of Qatar. I am sure it will Art park at sunset, you will taste. There is nothing bad if ing photos with some speed. help promote tourism in Qatar. simply fall in love with the Have you ever showcased you are using it sensibly. Eve- Most of the rules of photog- transition nature and build- your art at an exhibition? ryone should have basic un- raphy and videography are How different is the city- ing lights. Similarly, if you My work has been show- derstanding and they should the same. In my opinion, vid- scape photography from look at MIA, Fanar and Qatar cased at different joint exhi- know whether manipulation eography is a bit more difficult normal shooting? National Museum, you will bitions. However, I have not is sensibly completing their than photography because in Cityscape is an artistic notice that these buildings are done any sole exhibition, so far. story or not. Like, for exam- photography you have a static representation of metropolis made on basis of light. Please elaborate on photo ple, putting orange clouds in object while in video that object or urban area while normal walks that you have been con- bright daytime does not make is moving. shooting is capturing im- Do you have plans to bring ducting in Qatar free of cost sense. If anyone is blending, age of any object. One good out a book on any other since 2016. they should explain it to the Do you agree that a pho- thing of Qatar cityscapes is country? Photo walks are basically viewer that this is blended and tographer, like painters that most of the buildings are Yes, I will, especially on her- for helping each other. Mostly, clouds or another part of photo and artists, drives inspira- in grey and yellow colours, itage buildings, to show to world we help beginners in learn- is from another photo. They tion from Nature? which look really good in the how old style and vintage look ing photography and under- should not cheat viewers. Yes, I completely agree. We blue hour (after sunset). The in the modern time of lights. standing how to shoot in light just showcase Nature in our architecture of the buildings changing situations and un- Do you agree that expen- work. in Qatar is also breathtaking. Is photography your pas- derstand compositions. sive cameras and other If you look at Doha cityscape sion only, or you sell pic- equipment are a prereq- Your advice for beginners. from Fanar side, you will find tures as well? Have you ever conducted uisite to achieve good re- They should spend more Sheraton Hotel on your right I do not sell my photos workshops for upcoming sults? money and time on learning side, which is an old building but I gift these to different photographers? Camera is just a medium to the basic rules of photography but its lights make it unique. charity organisations. On I have conducted lots of shoot. If one does not have un- before buying expensive cam- On the other hand, if you see their part, they sell them and workshops, which were most- derstanding of photography, era and lenses. The Last Word Wednesday, May 20, 2020 15 Frontline workers in COVID-19 battle face risk of PTSD: US expert Tribune News Network Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) She said, “It’s even harder for possible. will really insist there is no health Doha in Liberia following the Ebola out- a mental health provider to admit “Building back better is about without mental health, or go back break which struck the country in they have psychological issues or recognising that, while we all have to business as usual with just a few MENTAL health support for those 2014-15. mental health issues, or that they resilience, we can’t drain the tank organizations being focused on it. in the frontline of treating COV- She said, “It demonstrated how are experiencing trauma, or that so much that we’re unable to come I’m optimistic, because we have ID-19 patients will be “critical” both healthcare workers are faced with when they get home they suddenly back better. Resilience isn’t infinite, all now had the experience of fears during and after the pandemic, ac- enormous challenges. The first is break down. and while we can draw on it, we also and worries and concerns, some cording to a health expert who has the risk of contagion; the second is “When you have worked a long need to be restorative. of which could become more seri- seen first-handthe toll that disease whether you have enough supplies and hard shift in the current situ- “In a response, what we know is ous.” can take on a nation. and equipment to keep yourself ation, how do you disengage? It’s that all countries throw money at the Founded by former US Presi- Dr Janice Cooper, senior pro- safe; and then there is the question much harder for healthcare workers issue at the time and, five years later, dent Jimmy Carter and his wife ject adviser, Global Mental Health of how you let go of what you have to come home after work and feel if you haven’t done something about Rosalynn, one of the goals of The at The Carter Center, was among experienced during a shift when you they haven’t done anything to put your healthcare system, you’re just Carter Center is to eradicate and the speakers in a recent online edi- get home, and how you keep your their families at risk.” not that lucky. It’s really important eliminate disease. Speaking about tion of Qatar Foundation’s Educa- family safe. Dr Janice Cooper In the post-pandemic rebuild- to take advantage of the opportunity the shared aims of the organisa- tion City Speaker Series, held in “All of these things are of con- ing stage, Dr Cooper believes that this provides. In Liberia, our build- tion and WISH – Qatar Founda- collaboration with the World Inno- cern to healthcare workers and can workers, if we expect to continue to healthcare systems around he world back-better strategy after Ebola was tion’s global health initiative – Dr vation Summit for Health (WISH), lead to them having extreme anxi- function and to function well.” will have the opportunity to “recog- to deal with immediate needs while Cooper said, “Through being at the which opened up international per- ety, or even trigger PTSD. Many of Dr Cooper believes many health- nise the areas that need more than also not forgetting to build a mental last WISH Summit in 2018, I had spectives on COVID-19’s impact on them feel traumatised. Access to care professionals may find it diffi- just scaffolding”, and among these is health system that could withstand the opportunity to meet some really mental well-being. mental health services and support cult to accept that they are strug- mental health. the next shock. And we did that. wonderful and very diverse groups She has extensive experience during and after the response to a gling to cope mentally with the “You can’t build back better “But as we move forward de- who are working on so many differ- of working with healthcare profes- crisis like this are critical for every- strain that being in the eye of the without focusing on mental health velopmentally, one of the main ent aspects of healthcare, including sionals who suffered from Post- one, but particularly for healthcare COVID-19 storm brings. services”, she said. “I believe it’s im- challenges is whether the world mental health. New law on cards to protect Thousands take part in Ramadan events of QF’s children from abuse, violence Qur’anic Botanic Garden Tribune News Network DIFI’s Annual Family Policy Forum saw experts discuss measures to tackle domestic violence in Qatar Doha Thousands of community members Tribune News Network database that includes all num- participated this year in the Qur’anic Doha bers and statistics concerning Botanic Garden (QBG) Ramadan ac- cases of violence that are re- tivities, which included webinars, Qatar is working toward de- ported in Qatar because this will informative Instagram sessions and veloping a new child protection support researchers in the field of daily competitions. law which will strengthen its ca- family and child studies to pro- Among the activities marking pacity to monitor abuse aimed at duce research that evaluates the Ramadan was the QBG Webinar ad- children, a webinar organised by situation and helps to limit such dressing Qatar’s food security strategy Qatar Foundation’s Doha Inter- cases,” she said. and the continuity of its agricultural national Family Institute (DIFI) Sajeda Attari, Child Protec- production and supply operations in has been told. tion specialist at UNICEF, also the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The institute’s 4th Annual participated in the webinar mod- A second webinar sheds light on the Family Policy Forum, titled ‘Do- erated by Professor Ahmed Aref, many ways that medicinal plants can mestic Violence against Children senior researcher at DIFI. help boost the immune system. in the State of Qatar’, was held on Attari outlined the most im- The webinars brought together the International Day of Families portant measures that she be- panellists from the Ministry of Munici- our specially organised activities dur- and saw speakers highlight inter- lieves Arab countries should take pality and Environment, Qatar Uni- ing the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is national best practices in child to combat domestic violence versity and Qatar Development Bank, truly heartwarming to see this level of protection, how to address gaps against children. among others, and brought together interest in the work of QBG and such in safeguarding the youngest “Obstacles that prevent coun- audiences from over 1,000 partici- widespread appreciation for the team members of society and the most Doha International Family Institute’s 4th Annual Family Policy Forum tries from implementing child pants who were able to engage actively ‘s innovative efforts during this spir- important measures that must be rights laws that have already with panellists through live-stream itual period. taken to address domestic vio- been ratified must be removed. questions. A member of the Qatar Foundation lence against children. It is also necessary to address Every day, nearly 500 people take (QF), QBG houses a botanical garden With participants including any social values and norms that part in the QBG prize competition, displaying the plant species mentioned family policy experts, research- permit violence against children which encourages members of the in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith and ers and decision-makers from work to create safe environments community to answer questions about Sunnah (Sayings & Traditions of the Qatar, the event saw Najat al Ab- that protect children outside verses in the Holy Quran related to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH). dullah, director of the Family Af- the home and strengthening the environment and botany. During Ramadan in 2008, the gar- fairs Department at the Ministry economic situation that families The competition will continue un- den was inaugurated by Her Highness of Administrative Development, face, all of which will help to re- til 22 May. In addition, QBG held in- Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson Labour and Social Affairs, say: duce cases of violence against formative and interactive Instagram of the Qatar Foundation, who planted “We are currently looking into children,” she said. Live sessions outlining various topics the very first tree in the garden, the establishing a new law to protect Attari added that providing of interest related to the garden and Sidra tree, which symbolizes QF. children, which will constitute a hard data and evidence regard- presenting its impressive collection of Further information on QBG’s comprehensive legal framework ing reported cases of violence botanical books and publications. activities can be found on its social for monitoring cases of violence enables countries to “accurately Commenting on this year’s activi- media channels-Instagram: Quranic against children in Qatar. assess the reality”, rather than ties, Fatima al Khulaifi, QBG direc- Botanic Garden; Facebook: Coranic “Once it is completed, ap- focusing only on “exceptional” tor, said: “We were thrilled by the Botanic Garden; and Twitter at proved and issued, it will consti- its partners, to provide an inte- cation methods, consider the cases of violence. enthusiastic response of the public to @QuranicGarden. tute a major achievement in the grated system that supports the child’s personality and adopt a Speakers also included Ha- field of child protection in Qatar.” emotional and mental wellbeing method of containment and ac- nadi al Shafei, head of the Hu- Abdullah highlighted the of children in Qatar. ceptance as an alternative to man Rights Treaties Department role played by various elements Aisha Sultan, a researcher at bullying, all of which contribute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the ministry that con- Doha International Family Insti- to reducing domestic violence,” who addressed the legal dimen- tribute to reducing the threat of tute (DIFI), told the online forum she said, adding that laws and sions of the ratification of human domestic violence against chil- that the role of the family in deal- policies have a role in creating a rights agreements by Qatar and dren, through measures such as ing with domestic violence starts culture and imposing restrictions the Convention on the Rights of Qatar’s Family Law, Social Secu- from the decision to have children that deter acts of violence against the Child; and Bandar al Khalifa, rity Law and Law of People with - a decision that must take into children. legal consultant at the Center for Special Needs. account the family’s psychological She also emphasised the im- Protection and Social Rehabilita- She also emphasised the im- and economic situation - to avoid portance of creating a database tion (AMAN), who spoke about portance of the programmes, any future challenges that may af- documenting reported cases of the need to have “clear mecha- plans and events implemented fect the upbringing of children. violence against children. nisms” to protect children from The competition will continue until 22 May. by the ministry, together with “Parents learn modern edu- “It is necessary to provide a risks. For QF’s GU-Q seniors, foreign service degrees a step to rebuild post-Covid world

Tribune News Network achieving cum laude academic Latin was, “Put yourself out there; don’t Major. The prize-winning econom- Doha honour for a degree in International be afraid to try something new or to ics student was also an editor of The Politics that began with the advice take risks.” For Noor, the risks have Georgetown Gazette. “I’ve always As the pandemic continues to from her father, the former Kuwaiti paid off, and she now has plans to en- loved English!” is her simple expla- change expectations of a once far ambassador to Qatar, to pursue roll in graduate school in the future. nation, a passion that served her more certain future, students from studies in a field that inspired her. International Politics major well as a class teaching assistant and the Class of 2020 at Qatar Founda- Sarah also honed her professional Wesley Chen enrolled at George- tutor in the GU-Q writing center. tion (QF) partner Georgetown Uni- skills through internships at Weill town and quickly worked to set him- The transformative journey of versity in Qatar (GU-Q) are drawing Cornell Medicine, WISE and Qatar self apart, gaining induction into higher education changed the fu- respect and praise for meeting the Foundation. several honour societies and garner- ture of International Politics ma- challenges with unshakable courage Speaking on the role of high- ing a magna cum laude academic jor and Education Above All Youth and resilience, and beginning the er education in a crisis, she said, honour at the end of his studies. As Advocate, Ousman Camara. It also next chapter of their lives with an “Georgetown has prepared us for an undergrad, he wrote an honours changed the futures of 200 boys impressive record of achievement. life.” Joining Sarah at the digital thesis examining the ongoing trade and girls in The Gambia when he The significance of these ef- Tropaia event was Ghanim Mo- dispute between the US and China organised a fundraiser to rebuild forts was captured by Sarah Muteb hamed Alyafei, whose move from GU-Q celebrates academic success of its Class of 2020 at online ‘Tropaia’ event. and pursued an American Bar Foun- his mud brick primary school into al Mutoteh, the 2020 senior class a public school in Doha to the di- dation fellowship, which is only a concrete structure with electric- speaker at ‘Tropaia’, the university’s verse international student body at One of the bright stars shining at academics to earn the distinction of awarded to four recipients annually. ity and running water. He also virtual celebrations of four years GU-Q was a game changer. Tropaia was Noor Rajab al Esmail, summa cum laude, the highest aca- He plans to enrol in law school next, launched a non-profit initiative of academic success. “The fact that Alyafei said, “With five or six who won the Dean’s Medal for hav- demic honour accorded to graduat- but says, “I haven’t ruled out gradu- called Educate A Generation to you’re here today, means that you’ve different perspectives in class, I ing the highest scholastic average. ing seniors. ate school just yet.” scale his efforts across the country grown and survived, and that is learned a lot just from the group Noor was drawn to a BSFS degree Noor also honed her research This year’s International Eco- to change even more. “Georgetown something powerful, beautiful and discussions.” in International Economics because skills through an honours senior the- nomics Outstanding Student Award taught me the importance of giving worth celebrating.” And he did learn, taking part it combined her love for math and sis and credits the mentorship of her was awarded to Nadine El-Dehaibi, back to your community, and fight- Sarah was also an award win- in internships, business competi- science with her love for the liberal professors for pushing her to focus whose achievements include the ing for education as a human right is ner at Tropai, inducted into several tions, and finishing school magna arts. And in the programme, she ex- on the process of creating scholar- highest academic honours, summa how I hope to continue giving back honour societies and recognised for cum laude, with great honour. celled, balancing motherhood and ship. Her advice to new students cum laude, as well as Honours in the to mine.”