JAMADA ALAWWAL 2, 1442 AH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

16 Pages Max 24º Min 14º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18311 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Biden joins battle for Senate Saudi cuts spending as budget Pandemic keeps German to host 2030 Asian 6 as top Republican accepts win 8 deficit soars due to pandemic 13 model trains chugging along 16 Games, Riyadh 2034 edition

MP files amendment to end secret voting for speakership Lawmakers file law for general amnesty for political activists

By B Izzak Ghanem’s only rival MP Bader Al-Humaidi changed their mind. Three other ballots were invalid. MP KUWAIT: Opposition MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari Marzouq Al-Khalifa said the outcome of the speak- yesterday filed amendments to the National er’s election was disappointing, adding that those Assembly internal charter to end secret voting for who changed their mind will be exposed during vot- the speaker and other office bearers, apparently in a ing on crucial laws and issues. bid to make MPs comply with their pledges. During MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri charged “foul play” in the Assembly’s opening session on Tuesday, incum- the election, and said the Cabinet’s support for bent speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem was re-elected Ghanem calls for non-cooperation with the govern- with a comfortable majority, although over 40 MPs ment. MP Mubarak Al-Hajraf said he will demand out of the 50 elected members had pledged publicly the formation of an investigation committee next not to vote for him. week into allegations of violations into the election The same thing happened in 2016, when Ghanem of the speaker. was elected with an overwhelming majority, But new MP Fayez Al-Jamhour said that the elec- although at least 28 MPs had said they would not tion of the speaker “is behind us and the Assembly vote for him. Kandari proposed changes to two arti- should look forward”. He said lawmakers have not cles in the internal charter, which stipulate secret come to trigger crises or for confrontation with the ballots for the election of the speaker, his deputy, government, but for cooperation to approve essential secretary and supervisor of the Assembly. laws. Jamhour said a bloc of MPs will be formed to Kandari said in the request that public voting for propose new legislation and call for the cancellation the speaker’s post is the right way for a transparent of others, and called on Ghanem to understand the beginning of the new Assembly, adding that the message that as many as 28 MPs did not vote for him. people have the full right to know how the lawmak- Meanwhile, five opposition lawmakers filed a ers they elected have voted. The outcome of the draft law calling for a general amnesty for political speaker’s election was shocking to a number of activists convicted over cases related to freedom of opposition lawmakers, some of whom cried betrayal speech. The law was rejected by the previous KUWAIT: Opposition MPs react after the re-election of incumbent speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem during the and said they will ask for an investigation. Assembly, but opposition lawmakers believe that National Assembly’s inaugural session on Tuesday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Opposition MP Bader Al-Dahoum said at least their number has increased and they are capable of eight MPs who publicly pledged to vote for forcing it through.

News in brief Record German deaths, US Bitcoin above $20,000 for first time cases; Europe tightens curbs : Leading virtual currency bitcoin yesterday traded above $20,000 for the first time : Several European coun- States both started their programs, following a sustained run higher in recent weeks. tries tightened restrictions yesterday, using a vaccine developed in the EU Just 12 years old, bitcoin reached a record-high as set a record for daily by Pfizer and BioNTech. The World $20,398.50 before pulling back to $20,145, which deaths and the broke Health Organization’s European wing was still an intra-day gain of nearly four percent. its own daily high for infection num- yesterday warned of a resurgence of It has seen a meteoric rise since March, when it bers. The tougher measures came as the virus on the continent early next stood at $5,000, spurred by online payments EU countries agreed to rollout vacci- year, urging special precautions over giant PayPal, saying it would enable account nations on the same day. “To get to the holiday season. “It may feel awk- holders to use cryptocurrency. A number of cen- the end of the pandemic, we will ward to wear masks and practice tral banks have meanwhile responded to the rise need up to 70 percent of the popula- physical distancing when around of cryptocurrencies and the dwindling global use tion vaccinated,” European Com- friends and family, but doing so con- of cash by announcing plans for bank-backed mission chief Ursula von der Leyen tributes significantly to ensuring that BOGOTA: Smoke comes out of a mannequin’s mouth to show how viruses can digital units. — AFP told MEPs. everyone remains safe and healthy,” spread in the air during a campaign to raise awareness for the prevention of the Pressure has been mounting on the the health agency said. novel coronavirus on Tuesday. — AFP bloc since Britain and the United Continued on Page 2 Pakistan approves anti-rape laws

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has approved the chemi- Al-Sadu, couscous cal castration of rapists as part of sweeping new Baghdad booze legislation sparked by outcry over the gang rape of a mother on a motorway. Under the new laws, listed as intangible special courts will be established to try cases of attacks: Turf war rape and sexual abuse against women and chil- world heritage dren, which must be completed within four or vice squads? months. They also create the country’s first nation- : UNESCO has placed Kuwait and Saudi al sex offenders register, establish anti-rape cells Arabia’s traditional Al-Sadu weaving on the world’s BAGHDAD: Escalating attacks on the Iraqi across the country for conducting initial investiga- intangible cultural heritage list, a Kuwaiti diplomat capital’s few liquor stores have terrified shop- tions and medical examinations within six hours of said yesterday. The achievement comes partly due owners who fear hardline Islamists are flexing filing a police complaint - while abolishing an inva- to the efforts of the National Council for Culture, their muscle against alcohol consumption. But sive medical examination known as the two-finger Arts and Letter’s Department of Antiquities and there may be a bigger story behind the virginity test for rape victims. — AFP Museums, Kuwait’s representative to UNESCO Baghdad booze bombings, as some suspect turf Adam Al-Mulla told KUNA. A woman makes a traditional Sadu weaving. wars for control of the lucrative niche trade in It becomes the second cultural practice to be the Muslim majority country. added to the list for Kuwait after date palm pro- event, is at once ordinary and special,” their joint Over the past two months, at least 14 alcohol Lab-grown meat to make debut duction and related cultural activities. Al-Sadu is a presentation argued. “Ordinary because of the fre- shops across the city have been firebombed in conventional textile hand woven by Bedouin quency of its use in a family setting, and special the middle of the night or just before dawn, with : Lab-grown chicken meat will women, using natural fibers found in their environ- because of the unifying and propitiatory role it three simultaneous attacks in different districts make its debut at a Singapore restaurant in a culi- ment and characterized by embroidery in geomet- plays at convivial community occasions at which Monday night alone. Most businesses are run by nary first this weekend after the company behind rical shapes. In Kuwait, the Al-Sadu Weaving Co- food is shared.” Christians or Yazidis, minorities who for decades the product announced its inaugural sale yester- operative Society was launched in 1978 to pre- Bland by itself, couscous is served with meat or have been granted the licenses required to sell alcohol in broadly conservative Iraq. day. US start-up Eat Just said earlier this month serve, document and promote this rich and diverse fish, spicy stews, chickpeas and vegetables in a Andre, an Iraqi Christian, said his shop was that its product had been approved for sale in the textile heritage. mouth-watering variety of dishes. Moroccan firebombed a few weeks ago by two people on city-state as an ingredient in chicken nuggets after Meanwhile, couscous, the Berber dish beloved restaurant owner Hicham Hazzoum was among the a motorcycle just before dawn, according to Singapore became the first country to allow meat across northern Africa’s Maghreb region and couscous connoisseurs who applauded UNESCO’s the store’s security camera footage. He said it created without slaughtering any animals to be honor. “I think we are the only Arab countries to beyond, also joined the UN list of the world’s intan- had cost him thousands of dollars to replace sold. Yesterday, the company said it had made its have a high regard for this dish,” he said. “It is gible cultural heritage. The countries that submitted the lost merchandise and repair the shop. first commercial sale of the product to 1880, a impossible not to eat it every Friday. Moroccans are the listing to UNESCO - , , “These groups want the last of the Christians restaurant in Robertson Quay, a posh riverside and Mauritania - may have their differences, but crazy about couscous and even children love it. It entertainment center. — AFP to leave the country. their common love of the grain staple runs deep. shows that the couscous flame will never go out.” Continued on Page 2 “Couscous, present at every social or cultural Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Local New traffic amendment allows Kuwaitis to work as driving trainers Opportunity for retired and unemployed citizens, ministry official says

By Nawara Fattahova cies are tied to their companies. “So if a driving instructor is caught by police providing training, KUWAIT: A new amendment to the traffic law and his residency is on a different institution other 81/1976 was recently issued by ministry decree no. than the driving school, he will be sanctioned,” 1067/2020 and published in the Kuwait Al-Youm Kandari said. official gazette. The amendment included new Kuwaiti trainers also have to undergo annual med- changes related to driving ical checkups. “Non- schools and instructors. Kuwaiti trainers working at The amendment allows driving schools have to Kuwaitis to become driving undergo medical tests every trainers after obtaining a ‘Temporary’ two years or during their license and fulfilling certain license renewal, so it’s not conditions. “One of the permit to train mentioned in this amend- conditions is that they ment. The medical checkup should work full-time for family members is essential, as trainers may this job. This addition to pose a danger to trainees in the law was made for case of emergencies such retired or unemployed as hypoglycemia or others,” Kuwaitis to benefit from stressed Kandari.The direc- this opportunity,” Brig Gen Tawheed Al-Kandari, tor general of the traffic department is authorized to The amendment also allows issuing a temporary tions for training, such as having a vehicle with two Director General of Relations and Security Media at withdraw the training license in case of violation of driving training permit to Kuwaitis who wish to train steering wheels if they want to drive on roads. But if the Ministry of Interior, told Kuwait Times. any of the conditions. “There should be serious rea- a family member. “This temporary permit is not lim- they are only training in a yard, then it’s OK. The This condition was not mentioned for non- sons for withdrawing the license, such as ophthalmo- ited to a certain timeframe, but to one person of the trainer should also have a valid driving license Kuwait trainers, as they are already employees of logical problems, committing accidents repeatedly, family. So the trainer can’t train other members with issued at least five years earlier,” concluded driving schools and their work permits and residen- and so on,” he explained. this permit. Also, the trainer should meet the condi- Kandari.

Embassy in celebrates Kuwaiti officers’ graduation

ROME: Kuwait’s embassy in Rome hosted yester- day a ceremony to celebrate the graduation of four Kuwaiti officers from the Italian Marine Academy to join the Kuwaiti Army. During the ceremony attend- ed by Kuwait Ambassador to Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah, the four officers swore an oath of loyalty and redemption before the military attache in Italy Brigadier General Engineer Muhammad Al-Fadhli, who read an Amiri Decree and appointed them to KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah is seen dur- the rank of lieutenant in the Kuwaiti naval force, the ing the tour. — KUNA photos embassy said in a statement. The Ambassador congratulated the officers on Khaled Al-Jarallah, visited yesterday the Consular their success in acquiring their knowledge from one Foreign Minister Affairs Department. During the visit, Sheikh Ahmad of the oldest naval academies in the world, praising said that the consular department represents the them for being a good example for Kuwaiti youth in direct link between the foreign ministry and citizens, dedication and ambition, wishing them the best in ROME: A Kuwaiti Army officer is decorated during a visits Consular praising its cadres’ efforts, especially during the last their military and professional career. ceremony at Kuwait’s embassy in Italy. — KUNA period in light of the outbreak of COVID-19. He stressed the importance of scholarships at Affairs Department Furthermore, he praised all the facilities provided prestigious universities and institutes such as the Academy in Livorno, with other colleagues from by the department, calling on those in charge to Livorno Academy, for their contribution to refining Italy, Europe and a number of countries around the KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr take the initiative to develop work, especially with scientific and practical skills. The four officers suc- world. The Academy was established in 1881, and Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, accompa- regard to digital transformation and the use of mod- cessfully completed a four-year specialized course was rebuilt upon the end of World War II after nied by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador ern technologies. — KUNA in marine military science at the Italian Naval being completely destroyed. — KUNA

Administration on Tuesday issued an upbeat brief- immigrant backgrounds all identify with this ele- Record German ing about Moderna ahead of a meeting of experts Al-Sadu, couscous ment,” it gushed. “The ethos of couscous is the on whether to grant it emergency approval. The expression of community life.” deaths, US cases... United States has already started using the Pfizer- Couscous is prepared from wheat or barley, and BioNTech vaccine and on Tuesday the FDA also listed as intangible... sometimes from maize, millet or sorghum, which is Continued from Page 1 approved the country’s first rapid at-home test for Continued from Page 1 ground into semolina. This is rolled into pellets COVID-19. which are sieved and later soaked and repeatedly Germany, which dealt with its firstwave relatively The United States remains the hardest-hit Across the region, couscous - also known as steamed. “Women, in particular, play a fundamental smoothly, closed non-essential shops and schools nation, setting a record for new daily infections seksu, kusksi and kseksu - is as elementary as rice role in the preparation and consumption of the dish, yesterday as its daily death toll soared to 952. The on Tuesday with more than 248,000 cases. The or noodles are to Asian cuisine, the staple without and in practicing and preserving the related sym- country has struggled to contain a surge in recent Washington National Cathedral rang its bells 300 which no meal is complete. Arabic dictionaries have bolic value systems,” said the paper. months and has joined calls for the European times Tuesday in memory of the more than documented “kuskusi” since the 19th century, The girls learn not only the techniques, but also Union’s health regulator to approve the Pfizer- 300,000 people who have lost their lives to though it is known to be far older. The regional “the songs, gestures, characteristic oral expressions BioNTech vaccine “before Christmas”. coronavirus. pride in couscous found full expression in the coun- and ritual organization” that go along with the is also looking to stock up on the Pfizer In California, officials ordered 5,000 extra body tries’ joint nomination for the “knowledge, knowhow process. Algerian chef Rabah Ourrad said about vaccine with one company agreeing to buy 100 mil- bags as Los Angeles was left with fewer than 100 and practices pertaining to the production and con- making his couscous dishes: “I didn’t learn this in a lion doses subject to local approval - the country is available intensive care beds for a county of 10 mil- sumption of couscous”. cooking school. It’s decades of observing the moth- mixing its vaccination strategy between locally lion people. “I don’t want... to scare folks,” said “Women and men, young and old, sedentary and er, the sisters and all North African women who are developed drugs and imported ones. Britain’s gov- Governor Gavin Newsom. “But this is a deadly dis- nomadic, from rural or urban communities or from experts in this.” — Agencies ernment said yesterday it had delivered the first jabs ease, and we need to be mindful of where we are.” to 137,000 people, but high infection numbers still President-elect Joe Biden has said he will be vacci- forced London to join large parts of under nated in public. attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad, attacking a tough restrictions yesterday. Worldwide, more than 73.4 million infections and Baghdad booze TV station broadcasting cheerful music during a Pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality sites over 1.6 million deaths have been recorded so far. religious holiday and setting the offices of a Kurdish will close, as will theatres and other entertainment But with wealthy nations reserving more than half of party alight. While the groups claim to have no for- venues. “The hospitality business needs this week, next year’s potential doses, there are fears the attacks: Turf war... mal political link, those protesting or storming and it’s devastating. It is devastatingly awful,” said poorer parts of the world will be left behind. Even if Continued from Page 1 establishment have carried the flag of the Hashed Lesley Lewis, owner of The French House, a London the drug makers all produce effective, safe vaccines al-Shaabi, a state-sponsored network of armed pub. “But if this is what it takes to save lives, that’s and meet their maximum global manufacturing tar- They’re targeting us,” Andre told AFP, as his groups, many of which have close ties to . what we have to do.” , , and gets, a study published yesterday by Johns Hopkins brother stacked new bottles of whisky on restored Others say it’s money, not morality, that is behind the have all tightened their coronavirus University warned that “at least a fifth of the world’s shelves. He blamed security forces for negligence, the recent spate of attacks on liquor stores. For restrictions and ’s prime minister expressed population would not have access” until 2022. saying a police patrol that had been deployed near- years, their owners have paid protection fees to alarm at rising infection numbers there. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said yesterday by left its post for hours, which gave the attackers a armed Islamist groups to guarantee they can keep Hopes for an end to the pandemic have been he would be the first person in the country to be window of opportunity. “Why doesn’t the govern- selling. “The top dogs of these groups don’t get boosted by positive assessments of the Moderna vaccinated for COVID-19, and said the jabs would ment arrest them?” Andre asked angrily, saying he involved in the extortion but smaller figures are COVID-19 vaccine. The US Food and Drug be free for everyone. — AFP had even provided authorities with the license plate individually extracting protection money,” said a number of the attacking vehicle from their CCTV senior member of one such group. He even accused footage. The attackers had “time to place the explo- state security forces of being involved, asking for sives, take pictures before and after and publish thousands of dollars a month to protect a shop. them on Facebook”, he said. “You really can’t pur- Some Christian and Yazidi shop-owners pointed sue these guys?” to new competition from Muslim businessmen seek- Another business owner, speaking on condition ing a stake in the spirits market without legal licens- of anonymity in fear of reprisal attacks, said it was es. Those newer establishments, the minority store- an attempt to crush the shrinking community of owners pointed out to AFP, had not been targeted Iraqi secularists. “We are all that’s left of a liberal by bomb attacks. Iraqi federal police and even army lifestyle. There are attempts to kill this ancient side troops have deployed in force along the main of Baghdad - if they win, Baghdad will have lost its streets hosting the liquor stores, including the river- liberal side,” he said. side road of Abu Nuwas. In recent weeks, an array of Islamist groups Their presence is meant to reassure shop-owners, have ramped up their rhetoric against Baghdad’s but they have also been shutting stores, nightclubs liquor stores and other establishments that they and massage parlors that don’t have operating licens- insist are violating religious edicts against drinking es. At least 91 unlicensed alcohol shops and night- and other trades considered sinful. One such group, clubs have been shut in the last two months, a state- “Rubu Allah” or “God’s gang,” claimed responsibili- ment by Iraq’s intelligence agencies said. Businessmen ty for raiding a massage parlor in the heart of in the neighborhood fear the wave of attacks could Baghdad and physically assaulting the women take Baghdad back to bloodier days, when multiple inside. Another group calling itself “Ahl al-Qura” or roadside bombs would rock the capital each day. “I “The Village People”, said it had bombed an under- live in a state of constant fear,” said Saad Mohammad, ground nightclub. who operates a grocery store near several liquor : A man wearing a facemask walks in front of light sculptures of polar bears set up for the upcoming Despite being formed earlier this year, these shops. “Every minute, I think that there will be an New Year and Christmas holidays yesterday. confirmed 26,509 new COVID-19 cases yesterday. — AFP groups are already well-known for claiming rocket explosion that will destroy everything.” —AFP Established 1961 3 Local Thursday, December 17, 2020 Kuwait’s Amir receives calls from Saudi King, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf receives state officials at Bayan Palace

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. —Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- counterpart, who congratulated him on holding Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received on Tuesday a the first regular session of the 16th legislative phone call from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz term of the National Assembly and the formation Al-Saud. During the call, the Saudi King congratu- of the government, wishing them success to lated His Highness the Amir on holding the first achieve the aspirations of Kuwaiti people. The regular session of the 16th legislative term of the sisterly and historical relations between the two National Assembly, and the formation of the gov- countries were reviewed during the call. Prince ernment. King Salman lauded His Highness the Mohammad wished His Highness the Crown Amir’s speech, wishing the new government suc- Prince everlasting well-being and Kuwait cess to achieve the aspirations of the Kuwaiti peo- progress and prosperity, under the wise leader- ple, under the wise leadership of His Highness the ship of His Highness the Amir. Meanwhile, His Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Highness the Crown Prince expressed his great His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Saudi gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for his call and Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime Minister leader touched upon the sisterly and historical dis- sincere sentiments. His Highness the Crown Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. tinguished ties between the two countries, looking Prince wished Prince Mohammad good health forward to further progress and development of and further progress, growth and these relations. Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir prosperity, under the wise leadership of King expressed great gratitude to Saudi King Salman Salman bin Abdulaziz. bin Abdulaziz for his call and sincere sentiments Prince Mohammad bin Salman also phoned which embodied the bonds of deep-rooted and Kuwait’s new Deputy Prime Minister and Defense historical relations between the two countries and Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, their nations. His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah congratulating him on earning the trust of the Almighty to bestow everlasting wellness on Saudi political leadership and being named to his new King and wished Saudi Arabia further progress post. Furthermore, he expressed eagerness to and prosperity under the King’s wise leadership. boost cooperation with Kuwait in the military His Highness the Amir also received a phone field, wishing Sheikh Hamad success in carrying call from Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime out his duties. Sheikh Hamad thanked Prince His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- Minister and Defense Minister Prince Mohammad Mohammad on the call, wishing him good health Jaber Al-Sabah meets Deputy Prime Minister and Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. During the call, and Saudi Arabia further progress under the wise Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh. Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem. the Saudi Crown Prince congratulated His leadership of King Salman. Highness the Amir on holding the first regular ses- In other news, His Highness the Amir received sion of the 16th legislative term of the National at Bayan Palace yesterday His Highness the Assembly, and the formation of the government. Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal, in addition to Prince Mohammad bin Salman wished Kuwait and National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, its people everlasting progress and prosperity, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- under the wise leadership of His Highness the Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince. Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir voiced his great Sabah. His Highness the Amir also received gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for his call and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for sincere sentiments. His Highness the Amir wished Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh. Separately, His the Saudi Crown Prince good health and Saudi Highness the Crown Prince received Speaker Arabia further progress and prosperity, under the Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- wise leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Mohammad, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad In the meantime, His Highness the Crown Khaled and minister Saleh at Bayan Palace yes- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Prime Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Deputy Prime Minister and Prince received a telephone call from his Saudi terday. Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh.

News in brief Amir expresses sorrow over Eswatini PM’s death

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent, Wednesday, a cable of condolences to King of Eswatini Mswati III on the death of Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables. —KUNA

Arab parliament congratulates speaker

CAIRO: President of the Arab Parliament (AP) Adel Al-Assoumi on Tuesday congrat- ulated Marzouq Al-Ghanem on being re- elected as Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly. In a statement, Assoumi lauded the confidence Ghanem gained from the Kuwaiti lawmakers, wishing him success to serve the Kuwaiti people. Assoumi affirmed keenness of the AP on enhancing and cementing the cooperation and coordina- tion ties with the Kuwaiti parliament as well as developing them to the highest levels so as to serve the Arab world’s issues and achieve the aspirations of its nations. He wished the Kuwaiti people everlasting security, safety, progress and prosperity, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. —KUNA

Kuwait oil price drops

KUWAIT: Kuwait oil dropped 38 cents dur- ing Tuesday’s transactions to close at $49.81 per barrel (pb), Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said yesterday. Benchmark Brent however rose 47 cents to $50.76 pb and the West Texas Intermediate gained 63 cents to $47.62 pb. —KUNA 4 Established 1961 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Local

Photo of the Day Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwait’s trade surplus with down : Kuwait’s trade surplus with Japan fell 21.9 percent from a year earlier to JPY 22.2 billion ($214 million) in November, down for the 8th month due to weak exports, government data showed yester- day. However, Kuwait stayed in black ink with Japan for 12 years and 10 months, as exports still offset KUWAIT: A night view of Kuwait City’s skyline. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat imports in value, the Finance Ministry said in a pre- liminary report. Overall Kuwaiti exports to Japan went down 20.0 percent year-on-year to JPY 38.0 throughout 2020. Despite the unprecedented circum- porting and giving back to the Kuwaiti community.” billion ($367 million) for the eighth straight month stc receives 6 stances witnessed locally and worldwide due to the In relation to stc’s CSR agenda, Jasem said, “In line of decline. Imports from Japan shrank 17.1 percent novel Coronavirus outbreak, stc continued to imple- with our CSR strategy, we focused, in our various to JPY 15.9 billion ($153 million), down for the 7th ment and adapt its effective CSR agenda.” activities, on the diversity and breadth of what we month. Middle East’s trade surplus with Japan also awards during The Company highlighted that the honorable offer to the community. Our goal was to blend innova- tumbled 59.1 percent to JPY 199.9 billion ($1.9 bil- recognition was accepted by Danah Al-Jasem, tion in all that we do by collaborating with creative lion) last month, with Japan-bound exports from the Arab Media Forum General Manager of Corporate Communications at agencies. Having said that, we are keen to continue region 45.9 percent from a year earlier. stc, on behalf of the company. The award also served supporting our society, as well as various sectors, Crude oil, refined products, liquefied natural gas KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications Company - as a token of appreciation for the innovative and cre- such as healthcare, sports, technology, and education, (LNG) and other natural resources, which account- stc, a world-class digital leader providing innovative ative ideas implemented through the company’s CSR in addition to implementing our internal initiatives that ed for 93.2 percent of the region’s total exports to services and platforms to customers, enabling the program, which included a range of sponsorship and engage the stc family.” In her concluding statement, Japan, decreased 47.6 percent. digital transformation in Kuwait, announced that it community-based initiatives. Jasem extended her gratitude to the Arab Media In her role, Jasem said, “Accepting the awards this Forum organizers, with a special thanks to Madhi Al- The region’s overall imports from Japan went received 6 awards during the 8th edition of the year felt unlike the previous years since this recogni- Khamees, General Secretary of the Ara Media Forum. down 15.8 percent, due to declining sales for auto- Kuwait Creativity Award 2020 forum. The awards were presented by the Arab Media Forum in appreci- tion was the first of its kind under our new identity, stc launched several community-based initiatives mobiles, manufactured items and electric machin- ation of stc’s unique TVC productions, creative stc, following our rebranding exercise. The awards and awareness campaigns during 2020. These includ- ery. The world’s third-biggest economy posted a advertising concepts, as well as other initiatives intro- come as a testament to the dedication and hard work ed joining the people of Kuwait in welcoming the holy global surplus of JPY 366.8 billion ($3.5 billion) in duced while implementing its effective CSR agenda. placed forth by stc throughout the year, in addition to month, sponsoring the Kuwaiti Football Association in November, marking the fifth straight month of black The company released a statement indicating that the steps taken to implement the digital transforma- its various activities, supporting the Kuwaiti ink. Exports dropped 4.2 percent from the year the honoring was officially announced during the cer- tion strategy and enhance the range of innovative Association for Learning Differences (KALD), and before, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to emony held by the forum’s organizing committee. Held offerings to both individual and corporate cus- launching 5G LIVEBUS, a safe and innovative bus batter overseas demand, especially for mineral under the patronage of Secretary-General of the tomers.” supported by super-fast 5G connectivity. The fuels, steel and vehicles. Imports fell 11.1 percent on League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, creative Jasem added, “During 2020, we were keen to Company also released several TVCs throughout the falling energy bills, mainly crude oil, LNG and coal. individuals, sponsors, participants, and volunteers enhance our leadership role in the local market by year that were recognized during the forum, which China remained Japan’s biggest trade partner, fol- were honored, with stc amongst the top of the list. offering an array of new-to-market and pioneering included a TVC introducing stc’s new brand identity, lowed by the US. The trade data are measured on a stc added, “These recognitions come in apprecia- telecom services, leveraging the strong infrastructure “Her Love is Known” produced by Doors Production customs-cleared basis before adjustment for sea- tion of the various initiatives and continuous support and wide coverage of stc’s 5G network. Throughout in celebration of Kuwait’s national day, and “Ramadan sonal factors. —KUNA stc has projected towards the Kuwaiti community this time, we did not overlook our vital role of sup- Lives On” produced by Wunderman Thompson.

Taiba Hospital featured in Celebration of Victory Day of Bangladesh int’l COVID-19 response ictory Day is celebrated on December 16 to commemorate the victory of allied recognition program Vforces over Pakistani forces in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In 1971, Bangladesh fought against Pakistan to become an independent country, which resulted in the seces- sion of East Pakistan from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and established the sovereign nation called Bangladesh. On March 7, 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, gave a speech at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka to a gathering of over one mil- lion people. It was delivered during a period of escalating tensions between East Pakistan and lectures, receptions and fireworks displays. the powerful political and military establishment Victory Day in Bangladesh is a joyous cele- of West Pakistan. bration in which popular culture plays a great KUWAIT: Taiba Hospital was recognized at the In the speech, Bangabandhu proclaimed: “This role. TV and radio stations broadcast special Kuwait lists International Hospital Federation Beyond the Call time the struggle is for our freedom. This time the programs and patriotic songs. The main streets of Duty for COVID-19 Program for its response struggle is for our independence.” The speech are decorated with national flags. Different politi- action plan along with over 100 hospitals from 27 inspired the Bengali people to prepare for a war cal parties and socioeconomic organizations 261 new COVID countries. Taiba Hospital received the recognition of independence amid widespread reports of undertake programs to mark the day in a befitting badge after a thorough review of an international armed mobilisation by West Pakistan. On October manner, including the paying of respects at Jatiyo review committee consisting of 16 industry experts 30, 2017, UNESCO added the speech in the Smriti Soudho, the national memorial at Savar in cases, no deaths from the healthcare industry. Memory of the World Register as a documentary Dhaka District. KUWAIT: Kuwait listed 261 new coronavirus infec- Recognized hospitals of the International heritage. The day’s highlight is the national holiday tions yesterday, which raised the total number of Hospital Federation Beyond the Call of Duty for On the night of March 25, 1971 the Pakistan parade on Dhaka’s National Parade Ground, cases to 146,971, while no deaths were recorded COVID-19 Program are featured in an extensive Armed Forces launched Operation Searchlight in hosted by the Bangladesh Armed Forces and over the past 24 hours as the death toll remained international media campaign honoring hospitals the capital of East Pakistan. Tanks rolled out on involves personnel from paramilitary forces such unchanged at 913, the health ministry said. The and health service providers worldwide in their the streets of Dhaka.The troops massacred stu- as the Bangladesh Police, Border Guard number of people hospitalized with the virus stood fight against COVID-19. dents and intellectuals in Dhaka University, as Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jail and Bangladesh yesterday at 3,149, with 54 of them in intensive care well as many civilians in other parts of the city. It Ansar and also freedom fighters. The parade is units, according to ministry spokesman Dr Abdullah reviewed by the President of Bangladesh in his Taiba Hospital procedures included the following: set major cities ablaze and crushed resistance Al-Sanad, who revealed that 6,633 swab tests were l from the police and the East Pakistan Rifles capacity as Commander in Chief. Triage and examination using pathological iden- conducted over the same period, bringing the total tification of cases, signs and symptoms, temper- (EPR). Kuwait recognized Bangladesh on November up to 1,196,920. The ministry had earlier reported Just before his arrest on the night of March 25, 4, 1973. Since then, the two friendly countries ature measurement at all hospital entrances. that 310 patients had recovered from the virus with- l 1971 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent a message about have been maintaining excellent bilateral rela- Separating suspected cases from other patients in a 24-hour span, raising total recoveries to and preventing them from being together in attacks on EPR and police barracks in Dhaka, and tions in the field of trade and economic coopera- 142,909. Dr Sanad urged the public to abide by declared the independence of Bangladesh. This tion, export and import, education and cultural waiting rooms. health precautions, mainly following social distanc- l message was broadcast from Swadhin Bangla cooperation, labour market and defence cooper- Provide isolation rooms to isolate suspected ing rules, which he said is instrumental to halting the patients. Betar Kendro (Independent Bangla Radio Centre) ation. We deeply acknowledge the contribution spread of the virus. —KUNA on March 26, 1971, and was widely reported in of Kuwait in the natural calamities and making l Commit to personal protective equipment and newspapers all around the world. socioeconomic development in Bangladesh hand hygiene. The war pitted East Pakistan and later through Kuwait Fund and hosting around l Continuous sterilization and cleaning throughout against West Pakistan, and lasted for a duration 350,000 migrant workers. the hospital in line with international standards. of nine months. The war was one of the most vio- Similarly, whenever situation demanded, IHF Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lavater lent wars of the 20th century; it witnessed large- Bangladesh stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our said the outstanding work in response to the pan- scale atrocities, the exodus of 10 million refugees time-tested friend Kuwait. Participation of demic is transforming the future of healthcare. and the killing of 3 million people by the Pakistani Bangladesh Army as a part of coalition forces “One of our motivations in creating this recogni- armed forces. After nine months of bloody war, during liberation of Kuwait in 1990, presence of tion program is to highlight the diversity and Bangladesh was liberated on December 16, 1971. Bangladesh Military Contingent since 1991, send- agility of the hospital industry in responding to The celebration of Victory Day has been taking ing of a 100-man emergency medical team dur- the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced place since 1972. The Bangladesh Liberation War ing this COVID-19 period are worth mentioning. hospitals to develop, implement and adopt new became a topic of great importance in cinema, lit- On this joyous Victory Day, we convey our ways to operate and many of these changes have erature, history lessons at school, the mass media, best regards and gratitude to His Highness the accelerated positive transformation in the deliv- and the arts in Bangladesh. The ritual of the cele- Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, The multilingual forum of Indian poets and writ- ery of care.” bration gradually obtained a distinctive character His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- ers residing in Kuwait held a meet up recently via The International Hospital Federation Beyond with a number of similar elements: Military parade Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the beautiful peo- Zoom to bid farewell to members Madhulika the Call of Duty for COVID-19 Program is spon- by the Bangladesh Armed Forces at the National ple of Kuwait. May Bangladesh and Kuwait Mohta and S Qamar Minto, who are leaving sored by the Ashikaga - Nikken Group and the Parade Ground, ceremonial meetings, speeches, friendship live long. —Embassy of Bangladesh Kuwait for good. International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). International THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 Rohingya man reunites with ‘dead’ family Terror, then safety: How a boy survived abduction Page 6 Page 7

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets the family of slain Iranian top general Qasem Soleimani yesterday. — AFP Rouhani: Iran ‘very happy’ Trump leaving

Khamenei says US ‘enmities’ towards Iran will not end with Trump TEHRAN: President Hassan Rouhani said yester- and Washington soared during Trump’s presidency heavy penalties in the US courts. ited to Trump’s America and will not end just day that Iran was “very happy” over the looming as his administration sought to bring and the Since Biden’s victory, Rouhani’s government has because he has left office,” Khamenei added, departure from office of US counterpart Donald Gulf Arab states closer together with a hard line repeatedly signaled its openness to the incoming addressing the family of Soleimani. “Do not trust Trump, who led a campaign of “maximum pres- against Iran. US administration, although Iran’s supreme leader the enemy, this is my explicit advice.” sure” against the Islamic republic. President-elect In 2018, Trump pulled Washington out of a land- has cautioned against hopes of an opening with the Tensions between Tehran and Washington Joe Biden, who defeated Trump at the ballot box in mark nuclear deal with Tehran and reimposed pun- West. Rouhani said the outcome of the US election soared during Trump’s presidency, especially November, has signaled a willingness to return to ishing unilateral sanctions. This January, Trump showed the American people’s desire for a “law- after 2018, when he pulled Washington out of a diplomacy with Iran after four tense years under ordered an air strike near Baghdad airport which abiding” president and called on the Biden admin- landmark nuclear deal and reimposed punishing the outgoing president. killed senior Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and istration to live up to the expectation. “If it wants to unilateral sanctions. Khamenei has on previous “Some say you are overexcited by the advent of drew retaliatory Iranian strikes targeting US troops be on the correct path, it’s there, and if it wants the occasions cautioned against hopes of an opening Mr Biden. No, we are not, but we are very happy to in Iraq. Trump “creates obstacles for us purchasing wrong one, it’s also there,” he said. with the West. Khamenei underlined that if sanc- see Trump leave,” he said in televised comments at (COVID-19) vaccines, (that is) how much this per- Later yesterday, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah tions “can be lifted, we should not delay it for a cabinet meeting. “Thank God, these are his final son is bereft of all ethical and human principles,” Ali Khamenei said US “enmities” towards Iran will even an hour.” days,” Rouhani added, calling Trump a “tyrant”, Rouhani said. not cease with the looming departure from office of But he warned: “Do not rely on (others’) promis- “the most unruly, lawless president” and a “terrorist Iran is the Middle Eastern country hardest-hit Trump. He reiterated his position that Iran should es to solve the people’s problems (and) do not for- and murderer”. by the coronavirus pandemic with 52,670 deaths bolster itself to “nullify” sanctions imposed by the get enmities. I will support the country’s authorities The Electoral College confirmed Biden as the from more than 1.1 million cases, according to offi- Trump administration, but should “not delay” in the on the condition that they remain true to the next US president on Monday even as the incum- cial figures. Vaccines and other humanitarian goods event they can be lifted. nation’s goals.” Khamenei’s meeting with the slain bent continues to refuse to accept defeat. The for- are supposed to be exempt from US sanctions but “You witnessed what Trump’s America and general’s family was his first public engagement mal handover of power will take place on Jan 20 in practice few if any banks are willing to risk pro- Obama’s America did to you,” he was quoted as since an official close to his office moved to when Biden is sworn in. Tensions between Tehran cessing Iranian transactions for fear of incurring saying on his official website. “Enmities are not lim- rumors about his health last week. — AFP

military procurement agency. Its president Ismail Erdogan calls US Demir and three other executives were also barred from travel or holding assets in the US. The State Department said the sanctions “are not intended to Iran nuclear deal sanctions ‘attack undermine the military capabilities or combat readi- ness of Turkey... but rather to impose costs on on sovereignty’ Russia in response to its wide range of malign parties try to activities”. ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip defuse tensions Erdogan yesterday called US sanctions against ‘Sanctions trigger’ Ankara over its purchase of a Russian missile But in his first public comments about the sanc- defense system an “open attack” on the NATO tions, Erdogan called them unjust. He repeated : The remaining parties to the falter- member state’s sovereignty. The United States made Turkey’s claim that Washington would not sell the ing 2015 Iran nuclear accord met yesterday good on months of threats to punish Turkey for US equivalent to the S-400, the Patriot, to Ankara. after Tehran announced plans for a new breach buying the S-400 system under a 2017 law known US officials say Turkey was offered the system, but of the deal, and as uncertainty reigns ahead of as CAATSA, which aims to limit Russia’s military that negotiations broke down after Ankara demand- ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan US President-elect Joe Biden’s January inaugu- influence and punish it for its behavior abroad. ed to also obtain proprietary production and oper- speaks during a televised address yesterday. —AFP ration. The meeting of the so-called “joint com- The sanctions were lighter than feared, but ations data about the Patriots. “The more Turkey mission” includes China, France, Russia, Iran, Erdogan noted that they had never before been grows, the more Turkey inches closer to its goals, “To make our defense industry independent, we will Germany and Britain and is chaired by senior used against a fellow member of NATO. “Sanctions the more it stands up for its sovereign rights, the work twice as hard, we will accelerate our defense EU foreign affairs official Helga Schmid. are imposed on our country, a NATO member. more it is subjected to attacks,” Erdogan said. industry agency’s projects, we will give more sup- The meeting is being held virtually because What kind of an alliance is this?” Erdogan asked “Because we met our needs somewhere else, they port to our defense-related companies,” he said. of the coronavirus pandemic. The 2015 deal, during a televised speech in Ankara. “This decision pulled the sanctions trigger.” The sanctions are the latest thorn in US-Turkey known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of is an open attack on our sovereignty,” he added. Washington says the S-400 system would put relations, with the NATO allies at loggerheads over Action (JCPOA), has disintegrated steadily Washington had already punished Ankara in July by the security of US military technology and person- Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean Sea. But since US President Donald Trump withdrew barring it from developing parts for and acquiring nel at risk, as well as providing funds to the Russian with a month before the swearing in of President- from it in 2018 and went on to impose crippling America’s next-generation F-35 fighter jets. defense industry. Erdogan said Turkey offered to elect Joe Biden, who once described Erdogan as an economic sanctions on Iran. This week’s punitive measures included a ban on resolve the issue through diplomacy and would now “autocrat”, Ankara’s language has generally soft- Tehran has retaliated by progressively all US export licenses and loan credits for Turkey’s redouble its efforts to developing its own arsenal. ened towards Washington. — AFP abandoning limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the deal, most recently planning to install advanced centrifuges at Iran’s main (IDEA), 61 percent of countries had by the end of Lanka, where the government “accelerated its nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz. Last week Freedom: Another November 2020 implemented measures to curb authoritarian agenda... stepping up efforts to con- France, Germany and Britain - collectively COVID-19 “that were concerning from a democracy trol independent reporting and unfavorable speech known as the “E3” - condemned the plan as casualty of COVID and human rights perspective”. “These violated by ordering the arrest of anyone who criticizes or “deeply worrying”. democratic standards because they were either dis- contradicts the official line on the coronavirus.” Meanwhile, the assassination last month of PARIS: Measures imposed by governments to fight proportionate, illegal, indefinite or unnecessary in “We’ve seen in the last few months the President prominent Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen the COVID-19 pandemic have squeezed civil liber- relation to the health threat,” it said in a report. (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) consolidating power,” Fakhrizadeh has heightened tension in the ties worldwide, with authoritarian regimes seeking IDEA said that while such troubling developments Bhavani Fonseka, senior researcher at the private region, with Iran blaming the killing on Israel. In to exploit the restrictions as a way to shore up their were less common in democracies they were “still Centre for Policy Alternatives think-tank in the wake of Fakhrizadeh’s death, Iranian MPs sometimes shaky control on fast-changing societies, quite widespread”. Colombo, told AFP decrying a “weakening of passed a bill calling for further expansion to rights groups say. Demonstrations have been out- checks and balances”. In China, where the virus first Iran’s nuclear program and an end to inspec- lawed, elections postponed, and activists subject to ‘Cover for violations’ emerged but has now largely been held in check, tions of nuclear facilities by the UN watchdog even greater repression in a health emergency the UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet has also the authorities have adopted extremely coercive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). political impact of which will still be felt when the warned that while many states had adopted justifi- measures, with strict lockdowns of very large areas, The Iranian foreign ministry said it did not pandemic is over. able and temporary measures “there have also been massive screening and surveillance by drones. agree with the bill and President Hassan In in west Africa, the government has deeply worrying cases where governments appear In , where President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is Rouhani has suggested he will not sign it into banned all demonstrations until further notice, citing to be using COVID-19 as a cover for human rights accused by activists of leading an authoritarian law. Rouhani has defied criticism from Iran’s the fight against COVID. in central Europe violations”. Paris-based press freedom group regime that has locked up tens of thousands of ultra-conservatives to state his determination is under a state of emergency until February. In Reporters Without Borders said in a report on 2020 opponents, the pandemic was a chance to further to seize the “opportunity” presented by the Nigeria, a crackdown on protests against restric- that emergency measures adopted to tackle the squeeze liberties. The pandemic “merely offered change of US president in January. tions left several dead. Bolivia postponed its general pandemic “visibly contributed to a news and infor- the president a new guise within which to pass and Rouhani has said Iran is ready to come back elections for several months. In France, citizens had mation lockdown” and resulted in journalists being enact oppressive legislation that either further into compliance with the deal as soon as other to fill out a form before being allowed to leave their detained and sometimes jailed. entrenches preexisting practices already or intro- parties fulfill their commitments. President- homes during two lockdowns that lasted over three According to US NGO Freedom House, “the duces new, harsher conditions upon ordinary citi- elect Biden has said he is willing to return to months in total. condition of democracy and human rights has zens,” researcher Hafsa Halawa said in a joint the deal but has revealed little else about forth- According to the -based International grown worse in 80 countries” since the pandemic report by the US Atlantic Council and Italian ISPI coming US strategy on the question. — AFP Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance began. As an example of global trends it cited Sri think tanks. — AFP 6 Established 1961 International Thursday, December 17, 2020 Biden joins battle for Senate as top Republican accepts win Russian, Brazilian, Mexican leader congratulate president-elect

ATLANTA: President-elect Joe Biden threw his Biden told reporters before flying to that weight behind the Democratic battle for control of he had a “good” phone conversation with the US Senate on Tuesday, as his White House win McConnell, a longtime Senate colleague. was finally acknowledged by top Republicans and “I told him that while we disagree on a lot of holdout foreign leaders. Biden flew into Georgia-a things, there are things we can work together on,” southern state he won in an upset against President Biden said. The Electoral College confirmation trig- Donald Trump-to host a rally for two Democratic gered an acknowledgement of Biden’s win from candidates in runoff races that will determine the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said he was Senate’s balance of power. “ready for collaboration” with the Democrat. “Honk for your next United States senators Jon Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and ’s Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock,” Biden told the Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador-who had both crowd at the drive-in event in as he urged waited until now to recognize the president-elect- voters to turn out in force on January 5. also sent their congratulations. “Send me these two men, and we will control the Senate!” One day after the Electoral College Turn the page affirmed Biden’s victory, attention shifted to the Trump, in unprecedented fashion, has yet to looming Senate battle-and to the shape of the acknowledge his defeat in the chaotic election that incoming administration, as Biden also announced will see him exit the White House after a single he had nominated Pete Buttigieg, a former mayor four-year term. In the wake of McConnell’s mes- and presidential rival, as secretary of transportation. sage to the president-elect Tuesday, Trump sug- Buttigieg would be the first openly gay person gested he would continue to fight the results and confirmed by the Senate to a presidential cabinet aired unproven claims that November’s poll was post-in line with Biden’s pledge to usher in the “rigged”. most diverse cabinet ever when he takes office on “Too soon to give up,” he said in a second tweet. WILMINGTON, Delaware: US President-elect Joe Biden waves as he arrives at Newcastle Airport in Wilmington, January 20. And while Trump still refuses to con- “Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People Delaware on Tuesday. — AFP cede-continuing to tweet baseless allegations of are angry!” But Biden urged the divided country to mass fraud that have been rejected in dozens of “turn the page” as he welcomed the Electoral lawsuits-top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell College vote on Monday, saying US democracy COVID-19 deaths above 300,000. While critical Although the door has all but shut on his efforts finally broke his silence with a message to the pres- proved “resilient” against Trump’s “abuse of power.” winter months lie ahead, a bright spot has emerged to overturn the vote results, Trump has remained ident: it’s over. He praised voters for casting ballots in record with health care workers receiving the first doses defiant. In a threatening move against Republican “The Electoral College has spoken. So today I numbers despite fears of COVID-19 and “enor- of the coronavirus vaccine distributed in the nation. leaders in Georgia, where he has made baseless want to congratulate President-elect Joe Biden,” mous political pressure, verbal abuse and even And with top infectious disease expert Anthony claims of massive voter fraud, he retweeted a pro- McConnell said on the Senate floor, adding threats of physical violence.” Fauci recommending Biden and Harris quickly take Trump lawyer who posted a picture of Georgia’s Americans can also “take pride” that they will have The White House transition is occurring with the the vaccine, the president-elect said they would governor and secretary of state, saying “they will their first female vice president in Kamala Harris. coronavirus pandemic surging, pushing US receive the shot in public view. soon be going to jail.” — AFP

year-old bought a jet-ski and set off last Friday to News in brief Lovesick Scot jailed make the 40-kilometre (25-mile) sea-crossing by stealth.He had never ridden a jet-ski before and 27,000 artefacts seized in France for breaching COVID expected the journey to take around 40 minutes, prosecutors told a court in Douglas, the island’s main PARIS: French authorities have seized a “price- rules on jet-ski odyssey town, according to the BBC. less” haul of over 27,000 archaeological artefacts But the journey across the choppy waters-which ranging from Bronze Age bracelets to Roman LONDON: A lovesick Scottish man who bought a have an average December temperature of around coins that had been secretly amassed by a single jet-ski so he could evade lockdown measures to visit eight degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) person in the east of the country, customs said his girlfriend in the Isle of Man has been jailed for according to Ireland’s meteorological service-took yesterday. The seizure of the 27,400 objects was breaching coronavirus restrictions, reports said. over four hours. He then had to walk 24 kilometers the result of a year-long investigation conducted Dale McLaughlan from Ayrshire in southern (15 miles) to his girlfriend’s home. by French customs, Belgian authorities and the met his girlfriend while working as a roofer On Sunday he was arrested by police after they French culture ministry. The hoarder, who has not on the island in the Irish Sea in September, the BBC found out he had arrived illegally and visited night- been named and now faces a criminal probe, had reported Tuesday. Coronavirus restrictions on the clubs with his girlfriend. Deputy High Bailiff built up the collection for personal and trading tax haven-famous for the annual Tourist Trophy Christopher Arrowsmith said McLaughlan had made purposes, the French customs service said. He motorcycle race-mean non-residents currently a “deliberate and intentional attempt to circumnavi- A photo posted on the internet of McLaughlan arriving in had amassed the collection himself using metal require special permission to land on the island. gate” the border restrictions, and jailed him for four Ramsey harbor, Isle of Man, after a four-hour trip by jet detectors as well as what appears to be a deep But after returning to Scotland when his contract weeks, the BBC said. McLaughlan’s defense lawyer ski across the chilly and choppy Irish Sea, before walk- archaeological knowledge. — AFP ended, McLaughlan was denied permission to re- said he had suffered from depression at not being ing 24 kilometers to see his girlfriend. enter the island, the BBC said. Undeterred, the 28- able to see his partner. — AFP EU okays more sanctions

BRUSSELS: EU ambassadors agreed yesterday Terror, then safety: How a boy further economic sanctions on Belarus over its brutal crackdown on opposition protesters, tar- survived Nigeria abduction geting 29 individuals and seven firms or organi- zations, diplomats said. The measures, to be for- ANKARA, Nigeria: Gunmen arrived communities by killing and abducting malized with the publication of the list today, will late Friday at his school in Kankara, people for ransom. But on Tuesday, be the third round of sanctions the European northwestern Nigeria, just as he and Boko Haram, the dreaded group that bloc has imposed on the regime of Belarus his classmates were about to go to kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko, bed. Their first thought was that the Chibok in 2014, claimed responsibility. his son, and more than 50 Belarus officials are men were vigilantes-civilians who The abduction took place hun- already under EU sanctions. — AFP take on a policing role-”so, we were dreds of miles (kilometers) away from not scared,” the 18-year-old told AFP. Boko Haram’s stronghold in northeast But then, heavy firing started. “We Nigeria, sparking fears of a massive EU members to start vaccine jabs became terrified. Some of us ran to advance in the jihadists’ decade-long the perimeter fence trying to escape, insurgency. : The EU’s 27 member countries aim while others hid inside.” “They kept Lanky and soft-spoken, Ahmad to start COVID-19 vaccinations on “the same shouting we should come back, that explained how the students were KANKARA: Parents wait outside the government science secondary school where gun- day” in a sign of unity, European Commission they were in the school to rescue us. rounded up under a tree, split into men abducted students in Kankara, in northwestern Katsina state, Nigeria. — AFP chief Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday. Her And most of us came back.” three groups and led through the for- statement to the European Parliament came as In an operation that left the coun- est. “We had no footwear,” he said, his he recalled. But then came a stroke of number of missing students remains pressure mounted on the bloc to catch up with try reeling, hundreds of students were feet swathed in black socks after they luck. He and a friend were able to hide unclear — 320 or 333, according to the United States and Britain, which have already rounded up that day at the all-boys became riddled with thorns. The behind a bush. They waited for com- two accounts by officials, while locals started inoculating people with a vaccine made Government Science secondary teenager said the group trekked for plete silence to prevail before they in Kankara put it at more than 500. by Pfizer and BioNTech. “To get to the end of school and taken away. The disap- hours, heading towards neighboring retraced their steps back home to Among parents of missing students, the pandemic, we will need up to 70 percent of pearance was initially blamed on so- Zamfara state. safety. The government has not imme- many said they had long feared an the population vaccinated. This is a huge task, a called bandits-criminal groups in the “They flogged us with tree branch- diately reacted to Boko Haram claim attack, given the grip on the region by big task. So let’s start as soon as possible with region who for years have terrorized es and the flat side of their machetes,” or confirmed its authenticity, and the criminal gangs. — AFP the vaccination together, as 27, with a start at the same day,” von der Leyen told MEPs. —AFP Orban himself urged gay people to “leave our Hostile climate has children alone” in October. Only weeks later, Jozsef Szajer, a co-founder of Orban’s ruling Fidesz party Russia frees jailed activist LGBT Hungarians and the main author of Hungary’s rewritten 2012 constitution, resigned as an MEP after Belgian MOSCOW: A Russian opposition activist who police caught him fleeing from a gay orgy in was jailed for repeatedly violating protest laws eyeing emigration Brussels that breached lockdown rules. “I’m not sur- during mass anti-Kremlin demonstrations last prised that there are gays in Fidesz,” said Pongracz. year was released from detention yesterday. : As Hungary intensifies its crackdown “That makes it all the more disturbing how they talk Konstantin Kotov, an activist and computer pro- on gay rights, including an effective ban on same-sex about LGBT people.” grammer, was convicted in September last year adoption, some LGBT Hungarians are close to quit- under a 2014 law that introduced stiffer sen- ting the country while others have already left. Polarization tences for anyone caught taking part in unsanc- “It motivates me to leave, that I may not be able to “The LGBT community has become a scapegoat,” tioned demonstrations more than twice in six have the life with my partner that we dream about, to said Marcell Lenart, a 39-year-old freelance transla- months. “I’m delighted that my detention is over,” maybe have family in the future,” Barbara Pongracz, a tor, who says attitudes on the street have “polarized” he said. “We need to continue working on pro- 31-year-old recruitment consultant, told AFP. recently. “If I hold hands with my partner in public tecting human rights in Russia, one way or “I am just fed up with this negative environment,” people now either demonstrate their progressiveness A woman takes part in an LGBT Pride Parade in Budapest another,” he said. — AFP said Pongracz, who also DJs at LGBT events. Prime or they are openly homophobic,” Lenart said. “But we Minister Viktor Orban has enacted a socially conser- just want to be left alone,” he said. vative policy agenda in recent years, shaping Hungary Faced with the raft of legislation, especially the ban change the gender listed on legal documents. Ban on ‘conversion therapy’ sought into what he calls a bastion against liberal ideologies. on same-sex parenting and the recent dissolution of Previously a spokesperson for the “Drop 33” cam- On Tuesday, parliament passed a constitutional an equality authority that handled workplace and paign that opposed the legislation, she moved to LONDON: More than 300 religious leaders amendment declaring that “the mother is a woman, housing discrimination cases, Lenart has also consid- Berlin in August, where she works as an engineering from 35 countries yesterday called for a ban on the father is a man” as the government doubles down ered leaving Hungary. “I’m not thinking of adopting manager. “conversion therapies” which attempt to change on traditional definitions of family and marriage. right now, but if that changed soon it is upsetting that “I feel more calm here, before moving I started an individual’s sexual orientation or gender iden- Another new law says that only married couples basically I cannot do that here,” he said. developing psychological issues,” she told AFP. tity. The call for an end to the practice, often can adopt children, practically excluding LGBT Ordog says the new law puts trans people at risk of done in the name of a religious faith, was issued Hungarians as gay marriage is not permitted in Harassment getting harassed in situations when they must show in a statement by the British Ozanne Foundation Hungary. The legislative wave this year has been Ivett Ordog, 40, made her decision to emigrate their identity papers, forcing them to come out as before a London conference. — AFP accompanied by rising anti-gay sentiment in the shortly after another law was passed in May that trans for example when collecting a package at the media, sometimes voiced by senior politicians. reversed regulations allowing transgender citizens to post office or accessing public services. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Thursday, December 17, 2020 Rohingya man narrates his incredible reunion with ‘dead wife and daughter’ In-depth probes reveals shocking human trafficking of the Rohingya

LHOKSEUMAWE, : Weeks after a Months later, and against all odds, Shah was funeral for the wife and daughter he thought had reunited with Majuma and their six-year-old died at sea trying to reach him, Nemah Shah was daughter Fatima, living together in their new home- stunned when he saw online images of them emerg- a makeshift cubicle in former school buildings in ing from a refugee boat in Indonesia. Lhokseumawe that Indonesian authorities have What followed was an incredible reunion story turned into a camp for the refugees. retold during an in-depth investigation into human trafficking of the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim Never see her again minority group driven out of . As he was Rohingya have for decades endured persecution still grieving the loss of his family, Shah said he was in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are not astonished to see his wife and daughter among a recognized as citizens, and smuggling routes out by boatload of 100 Rohingya refugees who landed land and sea have long existed. Shah said he fled near the Indonesian town of Lhokseumawe in June. Myanmar six years ago, ending up in relatively “When I recognized my wife and daughter,” Shah affluent and Muslim-majority Malaysia. said, referring to the online images, “it was the hap- He left behind Majuma and his then infant daugh- piest day of my life.” ter. They too soon escaped Myanmar, but only Video and photos taken of the landing by inter- across the border into neighbouring Bangladesh national media, including AFP, showed Shah’s wife where they joined a million Rohingya living in dire and daughter among those getting out of a rickety conditions in refugee camps. boat pulled to shore by concerned locals. After years of saving tiny amounts that Shah was Shah was in Malaysia, where at least 100,000 able to send back to Bangladesh, Majuma was able Rohingya migrant Nemah Shah (left) with his six-year-old daughter Nosmin Fatimah and his wife Majuma Rohingya people live as refugees, working as a to pay people smugglers for a spot on a boat to (right) after being reunited at a temporary shelter in Lhokseumawe in Aceh province. —AFP laborer in the construction industry earning the Malaysia. But while traffickers promise their pas- equivalent of $500 a month. The arrival of the boat sengers will make the roughly 4,000-kilometre was huge news in the Rohingya community there (2,500-mile) journey to Malaysia in a week, the did not hear from them for months, he gave up hope family is reliant on handouts and unable to travel-a and Shah, 24, watched the footage online. reality can be months at sea, without even making it and held a funeral ceremony. far cry from the hoped-for life in Malaysia. Through the Rohingya network, Shah was even- there-or worse. More than 200 are believed to have “I told myself I would never get married again “Sometimes it upsets me because I had freedom tually able to connect with his wife, Majuma, by died at sea this year, according to the UN’s refugee and always remember them,” he said. in Malaysia. I could work,” Shah said. But reuniting mobile phone. The call lasted just a few minutes. It agency, with starvation, illness, dehydration and Inside the Lhokseumawe refugee camp, hun- with his wife and daughter trumped all else. “By the was enough for Shah to promptly quit his job and beatings by the smugglers among the reasons. dreds of Rohingya anxiously wait for news about grace of God, I found them here at the camp and start making plans to get to Indonesia. Majuma and Fatima left in February. But after Shah their future. Like the others, the newly reunited we’re now reunited.” —AFP Rohingya women News in brief face odyssey HK civil servants make loyalty oaths HONG KONG: Hong Kong civil servants swore of misery a new pledge of allegiance to the government yesterday in the first ceremony overseen by the KUTUPALONG, Bangladesh: Stay in a squalid city’s leader to enforce greater loyalty in the refugee camp-hopeless, starving, and made to feel governing class after last year’s huge democra- a burden-or leave, risking death, rape, human traf- cy protests. Chief executive Carrie Lam stood ficking and months at sea to reach a husband before a group of senior officials at a closed- you’ve never met. This is the bleak choice many door ceremony for the pledge, which all the Rohingya women, already scarred from fleeing vio- finance hub’s 180,000 civil servants will be lent persecution in Myanmar, are now facing. expected to make in the coming weeks. Those As conditions deteriorate in increasingly over- taking the oath promise to uphold Hong Kong’s crowded Bangladeshi refugee camps, desperate mini-constitution and “bear allegiance” to the parents are marrying off their daughters to city and its government. A government Rohingya men thousands of kilometers (miles) away spokesperson said the oath-taking would in Malaysia. Wed by phone or video apps, the girls “strengthen the public’s confidence in political- have little say in such unions and rely on occasional appointed officials”. calls to build a relationship with their new partners In this file photo, Rohingya women wait in line to have their fingerprints taken as they go through identification procedures by as they begin treacherous journeys to reach them. Indonesian police at the immigration detention center in Lhokseumawe in Indonesia’s North Aceh Regency. — AFP “My parents kept asking me to find a way to reach Malaysia-living with them, I was just an extra mouth stateless and cannot travel abroad legally, forced to camps, families have little income and struggle to Fosun to buy 100m BioNTech doses to feed,” explained Jannat Ara, talking about her put their faith in husbands they don’t know and the afford the traditional dowries required. A Chinese pharmaceutical compa- marriage to Nur Alam, a Rohingya man who lives in people smugglers paid to transport them. Virtual weddings and international betrothals BEIJING: . Her clandestine route took her via rickshaw to can seem an ideal solution. At just 18, Somuda ny said yesterday it had agreed to buy at She has seven other siblings, and the family had port, and from a small boat to a packed, dilapidated Begum was regarded as getting “too old” for mar- least 100 million doses of the coronavirus to share and survive on twice-monthly 25-kilogram trawler. But Malaysia denied it entry and “after riage by relatives, and while proposals came from vaccine from German company BioNTech, (55-pound) rations of rice. Ara has never met the floating at sea for two months and seeing many some families within the camp, they all demanded “a subject to Beijing approving its use. China has man she married via phonecall from the refugee people die, we returned to the place where we lot of money”. “My parents couldn’t fix my mar- been rapidly developing its own Covid-19 camp but, after mounting pressure from relatives to started,” the 20-year-old told AFP from the riage as my old father barely had any money to pay vaccine candidates and ramping up produc- seek him out, decided to leave. Bangladeshi camps. Arranged marriages are part of for a wedding. So he thought it would be better to tion facilities, but local firms have also been She is one of the thousands of Rohingya, who are Rohingya custom, but in the Bangladeshi refugee send me to Malaysia instead,” she said. —AFP partnering with foreign developers to supply the world’s most populous country. Fosun Pharmaceutical Group said its sub- “I asked him why he didn’t get killed in the war sidiary had entered into an agreement with Careless talk costs so that he wouldn’t have met my mother and given the German firm aimed at ensuring “an ade- birth to us.” Lee, who defected to the South in 2010 quate supply” of vaccines in China, adding it lives: A North and now lives in Seoul, told AFP that her father’s will make an initial payment of 125 million longing to return to his South Korean home town of euros ($152 million) before year-end for 50 Pohang proved his undoing. million doses. — AFP Korean execution He regularly sang its praises to her and her sib- SEOUL: As a teenager in North Korea, Lee Soon- lings, telling them that they would be welcomed keum bitterly resented her prisoner-of-war father there as “the children of a hero” when the peninsula implementing migration rules as his status meant she would have to toil in coal was reunified. But her brother-also assigned to mines like him. Years later, she says she was forced work in the mine-repeated his boasts at a drinking WASHINGTON: The US Department of to watch him and her brother executed by firing session with workmates, one of whom reported Homeland Security said Tuesday that El squad. them to authorities. One evening six months later, Salvador has begun implementing an immi- After the Korean War ended in 1953, North security personnel arrived at the family home and gration scheme that allows people seeking Korea kept tens of thousands of the South’s cap- dragged away Lee’s brother. A few weeks later they asylum at the US border to be transferred tured troops, putting them to work in its mines and returned for her father. North Korean defector Lee Soon-keum, daughter of a instead to that dangerous Central American South Korean POW, says she bitterly resented her father construction sites. Escapees and activists say their She heard nothing more, until one day guards nation. The controversial measure known as descendants have inherited their fate, condemned to took her-without explanation-to a patch of waste- for being a Southern prisoner of war because she would have to toil in coal mines like him. — AFP the Asylum Cooperative Agreement (ACA) labor digging coal-a major earner for Pyongyang land by a bridge where a crowd had been assem- helps establish a “regional approach to until sanctions blocked exports. Growing up in bled. A jeep arrived carrying the two men, who migration” while also offering “protection to Kyonghung in the country’s far northwest, Lee knew looked weak and as if they had been beaten. “My dead. Lee’s mind has blocked out the moment when those migrants who are victims of persecu- from an early age that-like almost all POW daugh- brother had shrunk like a child and my father had they were killed, but she locked eyes with her father tion,” said Acting Secretary of Homeland ters-she would be sent to the mines for seven years dried up like a twig,” Lee said. An official in the last seconds of his life, and breaks down at Security Chad Wolf. The measure affects after she left school. denounced them as traitors before they were tied to the memory. “As my father stared at me,” she said, “certain migrants requesting asylum or similar “When I was 13, I found out that my father was a two posts set up in the earth. “it seemed like he was telling me to go back to his humanitarian protection at the US border,” POW and I really resented him for it,” she said. Teams of three executioners shot both of them hometown.” —AFP who then “will be transferred to El Salvador to seek protection in El Salvador,” according their best to board-up windows and storefronts, to a DHS statement. — AFP Fijians told to seek while others lugged bags filled with vital provisions through already flooded streets. National Disaster shelter as super Management Office director Vasiti Soko urged any- US sets new 24-hour record infections one who doubted their home’s structural integrity to prioritize survival over protecting their property WASHINGTON: The US set a new daily cyclone closes in and escape right away. record of COVID-19 cases Tuesday, with more “If you need to move to an evacuation center, we than 248,000 infections registered in the past are pleading that you move before it gets dark,” 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University virus SUVA: Fijians living in the path of an approaching monitor reported. In the same period, 2,706 super cyclone were told to hunker down at home or Soko said. “If you know that your house cannot sur- vive strong winds, let alone the cat five cyclone that new deaths were recorded, according to data flee to emergency shelters immediately yesterday, compiled by AFP based on information as authorities warned the storm has the potential to is on the way, please take yourselves, your children and your valuables to the evacuation centre.” released by the university. Coronavirus infec- uproot buildings and cause mass destruction. tions have increased dramatically over the Soko said Cyclone Yasa was likely to have a The Fiji Meteorological Service said Cyclone past month in the United States-new daily larger impact than Cyclone Harold in April this year, Yasa had intensified to a top-of-the-scale cases have been recorded at or above the another Category Five storm that gouged a trail of Fijians living in the path of an approaching super Category Five storm, with devastating gusts of up 200,000 mark in 10 of the past 13 days. The destruction across the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, cyclone were told to hunker down at home or flee to to 280 kilometers per hour (174 miles per hour). It number of hospitalized COVID patients — Fiji and Tonga. emergency shelters immediately yesterday. was on track to hit Fiji late today and the National 113,000 — is also at its highest level since the Disaster Management Office said around two- Category Five cyclones were once rare but have beginning of the pandemic in March, accord- thirds of the island nation’s population of 900,000 become more common in recent years, with Fijian the eye (of Cyclone Yasa) and the area that’s of ing to data from the US Department of Health concern-it’s not just part of Fiji like Harold, it’s the are in its path. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama among those and Human Services. —AFP In the capital Suva yesterday, residents tried blaming the trend on climate change. “We can see whole of Fiji,” Soko said. — AFP Established 1961 Business THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 Saudi cuts spending as 2020 deficit soars Deficit to hit $79bn as kingdom reels from low oil prices and pandemic RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday projected its 2020 in the Arab world-will grow by 3.2 percent next year, Arabia’s cash cow-posted a 44.6 percent slump in prof- budget deficit will soar to around $79 billion, as the largely recovering from a projected 3.7 percent con- its for the third quarter, as the coronavirus pandemic world’s top crude exporter reels from low oil prices and traction this year, the budget statement said. weighs heavily on the global demand for crude oil. a coronavirus-led economic downturn. Passing its The International Monetary Fund expects the king- Saudi Arabia needs a crude price of about $80 a barrel budget for 2021, the kingdom also announced it was dom’s economy to shrink by 5.4 percent this year. Saudi to balance its budget, economic experts say, higher than slashing government spending in a bid to reduce the Arabia has failed to balance its books since the oil price the current price of around $50. shortfall during the year ahead, as it faces an eighth rout of 2014, prompting the petro-state to borrow A drop in state revenues is expected to hinder consecutive annual deficit. heavily and draw from its reserves to plug the shortfall. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Saudi Arabia expects to post a deficit of 298 billion The fiscal plans passed on Tuesday indicate a hard road “Vision 2030” reform program to overhaul the king- riyals ($79 billion) this year, or 12 percent of GDP, but to recovery for the kingdom-before the pandemic, it dom’s energy-reliant economy. The austerity measures expects it to fall next year to 141 billion riyals ($37.6 bil- had bullishly predicted that the annual budget would be so far announced are expected to only partially rein in lion), or 4.9 percent of GDP, the finance ministry said in balanced by 2023. Saudi central bank reserves are the yawning budget deficit. its budget statement. The latest projection for the 2020 expected to drop to 280 billion riyals ($74.6 billion) In July, Saudi Arabia tripled its value added tax deficit dwarfs the $50 billion that the kingdom had orig- next year from a projected 346 billion riyals ($92 billion) (VAT) to 15 percent, an unpopular measure that has inally forecast going into this year, and the estimated this year, the finance ministry said. weighed on household income, pushed up inflation and $35 billion recorded in 2019. “The (economic) crisis has hit consumer spending. But the government has been been managed with great care and effectiveness, which Belt tightening careful not to cut public jobs and salaries amid already led to the mitigation of the negative effects on the Saudi The kingdom is tightening its belt and pressing high youth unemployment. Nearly two-thirds of all economy,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead with austerity measures amid low oil prices. Saudis are employed by the government, and the public was quoted as saying by state media. Saudi Arabia plans to spend 990 billion riyals ($263.91 sector wage bill accounts for roughly half of all govern- RIYADH: A handout picture provided by the Saudi Press “2020 was a difficult year for the whole world due to billion) in 2021, according to the budget statement, a ment expenditure. In recent years, the petro-state has Agency (SPA) on Tuesday shows Saudi Arabia’s King the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, but the king- drop of about seven percent compared to this year. Oil pushed other aggressive campaigns to diversify its Salman bin Abdulaziz giving a speech after signing the dom’s economy has proven its ability to withstand its income generates more than two-thirds of Saudi public income, hiking fees on expatriate workers and raising 2021 state budget during a virtual cabinet meeting in the impact.” The kingdom projects its economy-the largest revenues. In November, energy giant Aramco-Saudi fuel and electricity prices. — AFP capital Riyadh. — AFP

close to the talks confirmed that “we’ve made some EU, UK narrow gaps progress, but we are still very far apart in key areas”. Separately, ambassadors from EU member states ‘No-deal’ Brexit approved a contingency plan to keep road and air traffic on post-Brexit trade moving between Britain and the continent in the event of a “no deal”. will force up but no deal yet This would allow trucks and planes to operate for an additional six months after January 1 — but only if prices: BMW Britain agrees reciprocal terms. They also backed a plan BRUSSELS: British and EU negotiators were closing in to authorize fishing to continue-again on a reciprocal yesterday on a deal to oversee fair competition in a basis-until the end of 2021, but London has already said FRANKFURT: A no-deal Brexit will make BMW and post-Brexit trade deal, but remained deeply divided over it will assume full sovereignty over its waters on January Mini cars in Britain and Europe more expensive, the SYDNEY: Trade Minister Simon denounced fishing. As intense talks continued in Brussels, European 1. The European Parliament is now expected to approve German automaker’s finance chief warned yesterday. If Beijing’s 80 percent surcharge on Australian barley ship- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said “the these plans on Friday. Britain and the European Union do not reach a post- ments as “not underpinned by facts and evidence”, and next days are going to be decisive”. Many supposed Brexit trade agreement, a 10-percent customs tax suggested further WTO action could be in the pipeline. deadlines have already been missed, the EU chief admit- would be applied to cars crossing the Channel, costing ted. But, with two weeks until Britain leaves the EU sin- BMW hundreds of millions of euros, Nicolas Peter said gle market, time is finally running out. in a conference call. In London, all eyes were on parliament’s lower House “The only way to mitigate some of that is to raise takes of Commons, which will have to decide when to meet to prices,” he said. “Minis in Europe and BMWs in Britain vote through any trade agreement reached by EU nego- will become more expensive.” China to WTO as tiator Michel Barnier and UK counterpart David Frost. BMW produces cars for export into the UK from Britain left the European Union on January 31 and, if no the EU, while it assembles some Mini models for trade deal is agreed before the end of the year, EU-UK European customers at its plant in Oxford. Britain is trade war deepens trade will revert to bare-bones World Trade BMW’s fourth largest market, Peter said, and a no-deal Organization rules. would cost the car maker a “mid three-digit million SYDNEY: Australia called yesterday for the World In practice, this will mean a return to tariffs and quo- amount”. Trade Organization to investigate Chinese tariffs on bar- tas that will disrupt commerce and supply chains and Higher prices would lead to lower sales, he added, ley imports, turning to an “independent umpire” to adju- drive up prices, a fate both sides say they want to avoid. “which is why we are still hoping that a reasonable Anti-Brexiteer activist Steve Bray (right) holds placards and dicate one of several bitter politically tinged disputes But trade talks have stumbled over how to ensure fair solution will be found”. European Commission competition between EU and UK businesses once displays a banner as he stands on Whitehall in central President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said between the two nations. Trade Minister Simon London yesterday. — AFP Birmingham denounced Beijing’s 80 percent surcharge London is free to diverge over time from Brussels’ regu- “the next days are going to be decisive”, adding that on Australian barley shipments as “not underpinned by lations. And there is a bitter dispute over fishing, which there remained a “narrow path to an agreement” on facts and evidence”, and suggested further WTO action represents a tiny part of the economy but has taken on Von der Leyen said that Barnier and Frost had made post-Brexit trade. The UK, which officially left the EU could be in the pipeline. totemic political significance for several member states, progress towards resolving rules for state aid to busi- on January 31, will abandon the single market and cus- “We have continued to raise our concerns with China and which the EU has linked to the broader trade deal. nesses and that questions over how the deal will be gov- toms union on December 31. on numerous occasions,” Birmingham said, lamenting Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists that when Britain erned “are largely being resolved”. Without a trade agreement, its business with the that efforts to reach a negotiated settlement had failed. leaves the EU single market at the end of the year it will She said Britain had agreed not to undercut the labor, EU will be governed solely by World Trade “We now believe that calling in the independent umpire resume full control over access to its waters. Some EU social and environmental standards it already upholds Organization (WTO) rules. A solution may not arrive is the most appropriate course of action to resolve this member states-led by France and the Netherlands-are under EU law. “That’s a big step forward,” she said. Now, before Christmas, the BMW finance chief said. But he dispute,” he added, admitting the process of arbitration holding out to preserve quotas for their crews in UK however, the two sides must agree a mechanism to allow said he was still hoping a deal will be agreed “before and appeals could take years. waters and a long-term arrangement to provide stability. them to respond if standards diverge after Brexit. the clock strikes midnight”. The Brexit fallout is Australia’s barley exports to China had been worth Addressing the European Parliament, Von der Leyen Britain insists that it must be able to make its own already making itself felt. Last week, Japanese carmak- around $1 billion a year before a recent drought, used said: “The good news is that we have found a way for- laws in future and not necessarily follow new EU regula- er Honda was forced to announce a production break most notably used in brewing. It is the first time Australia ward on most issues.” She added that she and Barnier tions. Brussels therefore wants a mechanism to impose at its British plant in Swindon because of a lack of has taken legal action against China at the WTO over can now see a “narrow path to an agreement”. penalties if this leaves EU firms at a disadvantage. On spare parts, blocked by congestion at British ports as what commentators have dubbed “shadow trade war” fishing, von der Leyen warned “the discussion is still very a result of Brexit preparations. between Beijing and . Very difficult difficult”. “We do not question the UK sovereignty on Even without an agreement, Peter expects logistics On Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an “But this is now a case of us being so close, and yet its own waters, but we asked for predictability and sta- flows to stabilize quickly-possibly after “a few weeks” informal ban on Australia’s multibillion-dollar coal being so far away from each other, because two issues bility for our fishermen and our fisherwomen,” she said. of turbulence. BMW added that it was “prepared” for exports, if confirmed officially, “would obviously be in still remain outstanding, you know them: a level playing “And in all honesty, I sometimes feel that we will not be all outcomes and “does not foresee any interruption” breach of WTO rules”. Beijing has rolled out a series of field and the fisheries,” von der Leyen said. A UK official able to resolve this question.” — AFP in production at the beginning of January. — AFP economic sanctions against Australian products, as diplomatic relations with Canberra have reached their lowest ebb since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Many in Canberra believe the sanctions are Russian economy punishment for Australia pushing back against Bejing’s influence, rejecting Chinese investment in sensitive areas hit hard despite and publicly calling for an investigation into the origins of coronavirus. Each trade dispute has been billed as a shunning lockdown technical issue, and in the case of barley China argues that Australian farmers produce the grain with govern- ment subsidies and sell it below cost, so should be sub- MOSCOW: As the second wave of the coronavirus ject to anti-dumping duties. Industry body pandemic pummeled Russia over recent months, the GrainGrowers Australia welcomed the move to the WTO Kremlin stopped short of bringing back a nationwide and said Chinese tariffs could cost the sector around lockdown in an effort to save the economy. $1.9 billion over the next five years in lost exports. Authorities in Moscow may have expected a rising Experts say Beijing has been considering restricting virus toll as a result, but the move has not saved it from Australian barley imports since 2018 owing to worries facing down an economic crisis it tried to avoid. “These that China-which produces only around 20 percent of aren’t jokes. Unemployment is rising, wages are falling, what it needs of the crop-is overly dependent on basic goods are becoming more expensive by magni- imports. tudes,” President Vladimir Putin said during a cabinet meeting last week. The magnitudes he was referring to Escalation are stark. Between January and November the price of Australia had until now shied away from taking the sugar jumped by 70 percent. The cost of sunflower oil MOSCOW: Cars slowly move in a traffic jam in Moscow. Authorities in Moscow have eased lockdown restrictions to disputes to the -based organization, fearing res- rose by 24 percent and pasta by 10 percent. After help the businesses, but the move has not saved it from facing down an economic crisis it tried to avoid. — AFP olution could take years, open Australia up to retaliatory months of rising inflation-the effects of which have been claims and worsen relations further. At least 13 Australian compounded by the pandemic-Putin instructed ministers Putin’s price control as a “political” move. He explained On top of rising prices, unemployment has jumped sectors have been subjected to Chinese tariffs or some to introduce emergency measures to cap prices. that staple foods are at record high prices globally, mak- from 4.7 percent in March-just before a strict stay-at- form of disruption, including beef, coal, copper, cotton, “It’s unacceptable,” he told them during the meeting. ing the problem not just a Russian one. Puint’s cabinet home regime was introduced-to 6.3 percent in October. lobsters, sugar, timber, tourism, universities, wine, wheat With economic and social discontent a growing weak meeting was a piece of “theatre”, said Andrei Movchan, While Russians increasingly found themselves out of and wool. point for Putin after two decades in power, analysts said a nonresident scholar in the Economic Policy Program at work, their real disposable incomes fell by 4.3 percent But Birmingham said: “We have a series of different the move may be cost-effective way to placate the pub- the Carnegie Moscow Center. between January and September-when the second wave actions that China has taken during the course of the year lic ahead of the holidays. He explained that prices had fallen in previous surged. In the second quarter of the year, the number of and each come with slightly different criteria for how you years and were now stabilizing to their “normal infla- Russians living below the poverty line increased by 1.3 might respond at the WTO.” The tensions have called into Political ‘theatre’ tion curve”. But that may not matter to a Russian million compared to the first quarter, according to feder- question Australia’s highly successful economic model- “Money is becoming scarce. Life is getting more dif- president who has to defend a mixed record on the al statistics agency Rosstat. By October, nearly 20 mil- based on supplying the raw materials for China’s break- ficult,” said Igor Nikolayev, director of the FBK Grant economy and health at his annual press lion people were living in poverty, Labour and Social neck emergence as a modern economy.—AFP Thornton Institute of Strategic Analysis, who described conference today. Protection Minister Andrei Kotyakov has said.—AFP Established 1961 9 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Business Gig economy workers say they can no longer survive Meager earnings from jobs leave workers increasingly vulnerable

PARIS: Whether in Paris, Kuala Lumpur or California, gig economy workers fear they can no longer survive on Rise of rural meager earnings from jobs that leave them increasingly vulnerable. The term “gig” stretches back a century to jazz musicians who used it to refer to a one-off show but telework in Spain hit now the “gig economy” involves millions of people in all sorts of jobs, from Uber drivers to Deliveroo delivery by digital divide teams.

Algorithm slaves VILLALBA DE DUERO, Spain: Tired of ’s Wissem Inal does more than 700 kilometers (450 crowds, Antonio Linaje took advantage of the shift to miles) a week on his scooter, delivering up to 10 takeout telework sparked by the pandemic to move back to meals in the Paris suburbs every evening. “At the the village where he spent his holidays as a child. moment, with the lockdown I end up with 500 euros The 28-year-old political consultant settled in ($600) a month net,” said the 32-year-old who has driven October in a house he inherited from his grandpar- for Deliveroo since 2017 but also takes jobs for Uber Eats ents in Villalba de Duero, a village of around 700 and Stuart. people about 170 kilometers (105 miles) north of the Inal has trouble seeing the “good side” of his job at bustling Spanish capital. “I always dreamed of return- the moment and criticizes calculations by Deliveroo’s The “gig economy” involves millions of people in all sorts of jobs, from Uber drivers to Deliveroo delivery teams. ing home,” he said, stressing that the move was only algorithm that decide how much to offer him for jobs. “A possible thanks to the availability of high-speed fiber delivery that’s worth six euros at noon is worth just three optic internet broadband in the village. euros in the evening. You can’t earn a living with this job, ment that gig work is flexible. “I personally call it on platforms off against each other. Gutekunst’s job accept- But for many Spaniards looking to make a similar unless you’re willing to live like a slave.” demand work... there’s no flexibility-you have to work ance rate for DoorDash was 12 percent that day but he move to the countryside during the pandemic, a lack He recently joined an association of gig delivery driv- when there’s demand. You’re going to work late nights, said it can often be just two percent. “To make decent of good internet access often stands in the way. Just ers that seeks to improve working conditions. “We should long weekends and every single holiday.” money... you really have to juggle, to play with all the over one in four Spaniards-some 13 million people-do be able to defend ourselves,” he maintains. In the spring, she gave up driving for fear of catching offers to make your living.” not have decent internet access, according to Spanish COVID-19 but had to fight for unemployment benefits of trade union UGT. ‘Flexibility’ or ‘on demand’? $450 per week instead of the $167 paid to gig workers. $27 for 14-hour shift in Malaysia This digital divide is the legacy of years of a lack When Erica Mighetto began driving with Lyft three She received a $600 per week supplemental federal ben- Amal Fahmi, 24, keeps his eye glued to his cell phone of investment in Spain’s depopulated interior, which years ago, “I just loved it”, she said. Her grown son had efit that the US introduced as part of its COVID-19 stim- and the Grab delivery app popular in Southeast Asia. He has been emptied out by the flight of young people to left the house and she thought it would be a great move ulus measures but it ran out after four months. is one of many Malaysians who makes a living delivering cities since the 1950s in search of better job opportu- until she found a job in bookkeeping or property man- Mighetto is bitter about a California referendum- food, medication and shopping by motorcycle in Petaling nities. Some parts of Spain have just two people per agement. “I really enjoyed, you know, choosing my own backed by Uber-to overturn a state law that would have Jaya, an affluent suburb of Kuala Lumpur. Before square kilometer-the same density as in Siberia. hours,” she told AFP. “I thought life was good.” forced gig firms to recognize their drivers as employees, COVID-19 hit, he was a driver for Grab in Johor, southern Carmen Rogado, a 36-year-old bank employee, said Mighetto lived in Sacramento but would drive more and pay them minimum wages and benefits. California Malaysia. “I could easily make a comfortable living. But she abandoned her plan to move back to her home than an hour to the San Francisco area on weekends voters approved the measure with 58 percent of the vote. after the virus outbreak, life became tough as many peo- village of Arabayona de Mogica in western Spain because there was more work in the richer towns. She “We shouldn’t be stripping workers of basic labor ple lost their jobs and my income was reduced,” Amal because she could only get slow internet access slept in her car or shelled out $25 for a room. Mighetto protections so people can get cheap rides,” she said. said as he waited outside a department store for his ninth there. was pulling in $60-$80 an hour before expenses in 2017 order of the day. Given the bleak prospects in Johor, he “You want to come back and in the end circum- but a series of rate cuts caused that to fall to $20 at the Juggle the platforms headed to the capital. stances force you to stay in big cities,” she said. beginning of the year and to less than $10 in March. Twenty-seven-year-old Devon Gutekunst delivers for “There were no job opportunities in my home town as The problem is not unique to Spain. Two thirds of She finds the algorithms opaque and pernicious. DoorDash, which just took in almost $3.4 billion in its I lack academic qualifications,” he explained. school-age children worldwide have no internet at “So it knows me personally,” said Mighetto. “And the stock market debut. His smartphone offers him a job — Amal earns a little more than $700 a month if he puts home, according to a UN report published earlier this bonus offers were changed, you know, based on what I $5.50 for a 4.6-mile delivery in 30 minutes. in long hours. That day he reached his daily average of month, even as pandemic-induced school closures was willing to accept.” If friends were getting bonus “That’s the equivalent of $11 an hour, that’s too little,” $27 after a grueling 14 hours. “Look around, there are so have made online access vital to getting educated. offers of $50 for doing 20 rides per week, the algorithm said Gutekunst. “My personal minimum is $18 an hour. I many of us doing delivery. It is getting tough,” he said. The Spanish government has promised an ambi- would offer her $350 — but for 120 rides a week. often make more than that, because I have a strategy.” Amal would prefer a steady job but does not completely tious European Union-funded program to provide To get enough jobs and claim the bonus, drivers Part of it is to be selective and focus on western Los regret the path he has chosen. What motivates me is I am “adequate” internet connectivity to 100 percent of would accept lower fees. “You’re in this like, vicious cycle Angeles and the beach towns of Marina Del Rey and the boss... I can manage my time and most importantly, no Spain’s population by 2025 as part of its efforts to black hole,” said Mighetto. She does not buy the argu- Santa Monica. But mostly it consists of playing different one scolds me,” he laughed. —AFP revive the countryside. —AFP

Opinion

carbon economy (CCE), which in turn, includes bol- Rethinking stering energy efficiency within legacy infrastruc- ture, updating human resources skillsets, and apply- ing the digital tools of the 4th Industrial Revolution energy projects’ (4IR) to help maximize value and relevance. This is an undeniably vast and complex task, but it is our best chance at stabilizing the environmental status quo and economically human-induced elements of cli- By Badar Chaudhry mate change. Improving energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy will address 55 per- constant rush to build as much infrastructure cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and curate as much talent as possible is a detailed the Ellen McArthur Foundation. But by Anarrative that has long pervaded the fossil adopting circular prac- fuel boom. But the energy transition - especially its tices, the world can surprising acceleration this year - is changing that. reduce a significant pro- Now the burgeoning push to find project financing portion of the remaining for new types of greener energy projects and inno- 45 percent. vations, notably renewables, nuclear and liquified The systems-based natural gas (LNG), is raising a very pressing ques- approach of a circular tion. How to avoid a potentially financially crippling carbon economy com- surge in stranded fossil fuel assets, notably coal and bines economic opportu- oil? nity with better environ- mental and societal out- A $900bn red flag comes by addressing the The cost of writing off stranded assets could multitude of facets of the reach $900bn worldwide - or one third of the cur- energy transition - i.e. water scarcity, loss of biodi- rent value of big oil and gas companies - if govern- versity, packaging pollution and more. All parties in ments aggressively tried to meet the limit of 2∞C, all industries must zoom their lower carbon micro- according to the Financial Times’ Lex. Consider the scopes on their supply chains - both linear and financial burden of this figure amid lower oil prices, interconnecting - to redefine environmental efficien- the economic strain of the Covid-19 pandemic, plus cy from production through to the end user. And the cost of the energy transition. Wood Mackenzie back again. Climate finance plays a vital role in this expects a minimum of $30-$40trn of investment is positive disruption, starting with educating stake- needed to put the world on a 2∞C or lower path- holders about what greener finance means and how way. to leverage it. Of course, the potential financial strain will differ Plus, the price tag of this route is far less than region-to-region. For example, oil and gas will that of stranded assets or the catastrophic impacts remain a central part of the Middle East’s energy of unmitigated climate change. Payback margins are basket up to 2050. This is not a failure, but key to increasingly appealing in today’s economic environ- sustaining energy security as the world finds its ment. For example, the Global Commission on greener footing. That the ‘last drop of commercial Adaptation (GCA) calculated that every dollar oil’ will very likely be from a Middle Eastern well invested in building climate resilience could result in reduces the region’s immediate risk of stranded between $2-$10 in net economic benefits. assets, but the risk must still be factored in as the renewable portfolio matures. The combined shares Domino effect of oil and gas as part of the region’s energy mix will Let us not forget that the value of a circular car- fall from 98 percent in 2018 to 61 percent in 2040 bon economy goes far beyond ticking sustainability with a Rapid scenario, 37 percent in a Net Zero sce- boxes in the energy transition. It also directly links nario, and 79 percent in a Business as Usual (BAU) to lower resource scarcity and geopolitical tensions. scenario, according to BP Outlook. The Ecological Threat Register 2020 results show that 141 countries are exposed to at least one eco- Pick your path logical threat between now and 2050. The 19 coun- So, how to mitigate the risk of losing the billions tries with the highest number of threats have a pop- of dollars invested in existing fossil fuel infrastruc- ulation of 2.1bn. This mean a minimum of 20 percent ture, much of it based on multi-decade contracts of the global population by mid-century would be and multi-decade debt packages? One route is to significantly affected. continue business as usual and risk the hyperbole The economic fallout alone of this global ricochet image of stranded assets - a bleak landscape with of disruption - something the world has already wit- rusting infrastructure en masse creaking in the wind nessed with Covid-19 - would be life-changing for - becoming an expensive reality in the next few many more billions of people. We have the solution decades. for reducing the risk of stranded assets via a circular Another route is one of proactivity, which sees carbon economy at our fingertips. Now we just legacy infrastructure getting a reboot to make it need to proactively reach for it. more aligned with the Paris Agreement goals. Note: Badar Chaudhry is senior vice president, unit Broadly speaking, this means embracing a circular manager, Energy Sector, Mashreq Bank 10 Business Thursday, December 17, 2020 Kutayba Alghanim launches bold effort to support next generation of Kuwaiti architects $10,000 for winner of Kutayba Alghanim Architecture Prize

KUWAIT: Kuwait-based multinational corpora- creative industries, in one of the company’s projects in Shuwaikh. employs more than 15,000 people in 30 business- tion Alghanim yesterday announced the launch of including architecture. “Water towers are the perfect starting point for es across 40 countries in the Middle East, North the Kutayba Alghanim Architecture Prize, a new My goal is to shine a this competition, said Alghanim. “They blend Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. competition to support young Kuwaiti architects bright light on that talent. function and form, the practical and the beautiful. Alghanim is a market leader in almost every and designers and advance the country’s innova- I want to encourage more They remind us of our country’s history and tradi- major sector of its operations, which include: tion economy, especially the creative and arts young Kuwaitis to jump tions. But they also remind us to look skyward - to engineering, retail, automotive sales and service, sectors. into the innovation econ- continue, ever upward. This is a message that’s insulation and pre-engineered steel building Named for the company’s executive chairman omy, the industry sectors especially important as we continue to grapple structures, logistics and warehousing, fast moving who conceived the idea, the competition will where creativity and sci- with a global pandemic and economic challenges. consumer goods, food & beverage, office automa- award a $10,000 prize to its winner. The competi- ence come together.” Despite our troubles, the future is bright.” The tion, advertising, insurance, consumer credit and tion is open to Kuwaiti architects and designers Among the best- first round of the competition will open for sub- travel. The company is actively growing its brand under the age of 30, based in Kuwait or abroad, known examples of mod- Sir Kutayba Alghanim missions today, 17 December 2020, until 24 portfolio, with a focus on top-tier global partners. including students. ern architecture in January 2021. Competitors can participate alone Among them: Avis, British Airways, British “Kuwait has an extraordinarily rich history of Kuwait are its water tow- or in teams of up to four members. To find out Petroleum, Cathay Pacific, Daewoo, Honda, Saint- arts, culture and creativity. It’s a legacy for which ers, which dot the country’s landscape. Their icon- more about the award, eligibility and the applica- Gobain and Toshiba. Additionally, Alghanim I feel great pride, and so should every Kuwaiti,” ic status makes them an ideal subject for the inau- tion process, visit competition.alghanim.com. Industries has created a number of successful said Sir Kutayba Alghanim. “But it’s also important gural Kutayba Alghanim Architecture Prize. Alghanim is one of the largest, privately-owned regional businesses, including X-cite (consumer to know that rich tradition lives on today. I am so Competitors are asked to redesign and repurpose companies in the MENA region. Founded at the electronics), and Safat Home (lifestyle and home inspired by the talented young Kuwaitis in the the water tower which was built in 1966, located turn of the century in Kuwait, the company today furniture).

Gulf Bank winner ABK offers travel benefits Al-Azmi claims for Visa Infinite cardholders cash prize worth KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait in advance when their travel plans are (ABK), as part of its ongoing com- confirmed. mitment to elevate the customers’ The program also offers a free 12 times his salary banking experience, yesterday ‘Meet and Assist’ service upon arrival announced the launch of its enhanced and departure through Kuwait KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced the suite of benefits for Visa Infinite International Airport, Terminals 1 and winner of its eleventh monthly Kuwaiti credit cardholders through its strate- 5; and free baggage delivery upon Salary Account draw of the year. This gic partnership with Pearl Assist. arrival to Kuwait International month’s lucky winner, Salem Braidan Rajaa As travel corridors slowly open, Airport, Terminal 1. To enjoy ABK Al-Azmi, will take home a cash prize worth and customers start planning for Pearl Assist services, customers are 12 times his salary. The Kuwaiti Salary trips, ABK Visa Infinite credit card- required to visit https://abk.pearlas- Account draw took place at Gulf Bank’s holders can benefit from two new sist.com, enter their civil ID and Head Office in the presence of a represen- exclusive free services - ‘Family choose the service. tative from the Ministry of Commerce. COVID-19 travel insurance’ and ABK’s Visa Infinite card is pre- Gulf Bank proudly welcomed the win- advance slot booking at the Pearl equipped with free Lounge Access ner, Salem Braidan Rajaa Al-Azmi, at the new customers who transfer their salaries Gulf Bank, or an interest-free loan of up to Lounge in Kuwait International for two persons across 1000+ Bank’s main branch to award him his prize. to Gulf Bank are automatically enrolled in KD 15,000. Customers must have a mini- Airport. The ‘Family COVID-19 travel Airport Lounges worldwide. In addi- During the visit, the winner noted, “The the monthly draws, giving them the chance mum salary of KD 500 and are eligible for insurance’ service provides medical tion, complimentary travel insurance monthly Salary Account draws were to win cash prizes of up to 12 times their the offer following their first salary trans- coverage, expenses for medicine can be availed when purchasing air- among the many reasons that encouraged salary. Customers are also enrolled in a fer to Gulf Bank. abroad, dental emergency care line tickets using the card. Using Tap- me to transfer my salary to Gulf Bank, so I yearly draw of Kuwait’s largest salary Customers can also enjoy additional abroad, coverage on personal acci- n-Go and ABK SecurePay, ABK Visa was very happy to hear that I won this prize, a cash prize of up to 100 times the benefits like a Visa or MasterCard credit dents, and much more. With the new Infinite cardholders can benefit from exciting prize! I encourage everyone to winner’s salary. Gulf Bank’s Salary card free of charge for a year. They can ABK Pearl Assist Service ‘Lounge faster and safer payments while take advantage of the many opportunities, Account also gives new customers the also apply for a loan of up to KD 70,000 Slot Booking’ customers can avoid simultaneously earning up to 6 miles draws, and prizes offered by Gulf Bank.” opportunity to receive either a KD 100 with a repayment period of 15 years, or a the wait by booking their lounge slot per KD 1 spend during their travel. With the 2020 Kuwaiti Salary Offer, cash gift upon transferring their salaries to consumer loan of up to KD 25,000.

inclusion and diversity. LuLu Exchange “The survey results are a testimony to our con- Australia watchdog stant efforts to create a positive work environment, earns ‘Best Employer’ irrespective of nationality, gender or tenure of serv- ice. We intend to keep people at the forefront of our sues Facebook over tag in EY survey growth and plan to roll out several more initiatives pulse of our employees, and we are happy to find to engage our employees better,” added Mr. Shaiju ‘misleading’ VPN app KUWAIT: In an age where employee engagement that the voice of our employees resonates with our Mohandas, General Manager, LuLu Exchange. Australia’s consumer watchdog drives the overall wellbeing of an organization, aspiration to build a support system that lets them LuLu Exchange presently operates 24 branches in SYDNEY: launched legal action against Facebook yesterday, LuLu Exchange - a leading financial services perform to their full capacity,” said Adeeb Ahamed, Kuwait in addition to its digital offering, LuLu alleging the social media giant “misled” thousands provider in Kuwait, has ranked high in an internal MD, LuLu Exchange. Money, and provides remittances, foreign currency of Australians by collecting user data from a free employee engagement survey, conducted by the To make the survey as transparent as possible, exchange and other allied payment services to a VPN service advertised as private. The platform global audit firm Ernst & Young. EY covered aspects of state engagement (how cross-section of society, powered by a robust net- could face a fine if found guilty of deceiving users, The Survey which considered the views of the employees feel), behavioral engagement (how work, reputed partners and high standards of cus- as Australia takes an increasingly assertive stance company’s employees across all branches and employees feel) and performance context (how tomer care. towards powerful US tech titans. departments, revealed a conducive work environ- employees perceive they are enabled). The overall The company is a part of the LuLu Financial The Australian Competition and Consumer ment built on a foundation of engagement and pro- engagement level among employees was at a Group, an ISO 9001:2015 certified global financial Commission (ACCC) has accused Facebook and ductivity. “Through several best practices and remarkable 95 percent, and according to EY, this services enterprise headquartered in . two of its subsidiaries-Facebook Israel and Onavo leadership exercises, LuLu Exchange is committed score places Lulu Exchange Kuwait in the ‘Best The Group operates more than 220 branches across Inc-of misleading people who downloaded its virtu- to developing rounded, proficient teams that can Employer Zone’. In addition, the overall engagement several GCC countries such as Oman, UAE, Kuwait, al private network (VPN) app Onavo Protect, by play a big role in the growth of the organization. score for women employees recorded an astonish- and , as well as in India, Bangladesh, collecting and using their “very detailed and valu- The survey was undertaken to ascertain the true ing 99 percent, highlighting the company’s focus on Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines. able personal activity data”. Records of which apps they accessed and the amount of time they spent using them were among the data allegedly used to support Facebook’s market research. Strong virus The ACCC alleges Facebook and its two partners falsely represented the now-defunct VPN service response helps as keeping user data “private, protected and secret” between February 2016 and October 2017. ’s economy “Consumers often use VPN services because they care about their online privacy, and that is what this Facebook product claimed to offer. In fact, Onavo weather crisis Protect channeled significant volumes of their per- : A strong response to the coronavirus pan- sonal activity data straight back to Facebook,” demic, surging exports and healthy public spending ACCC Chair Rod Sims said. have helped Vietnam buck a global recession in “We believe that the conduct deprived Australian 2020 and fast-track its recovery, with analysts pre- consumers of the opportunity to make an informed dicting it will likely enjoy one of the highest growth choice about the collection and use of their person- rates in the world. al activity data by Facebook and Onavo.” But the pain is not over for some sectors with con- A Facebook spokesperson said the firm had tainment measures and border disruptions hammering cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation and would the country’s tourism industry, and leaving the once- review the court filing. “When people downloaded HANOI: A woman shopping inside a clothing store in Hanoi. A strong response to the coronavirus pandemic, a booming aviation sector limping. While many countries Onavo Protect, we were always clear about the infor- surge in exports and healthy public spending has helped Vietnam buck a global downward economic trend in have suffered from high infection and mortality rates, mation we collect and how it is used,” they said. “We 2020 and fast track its recovery. — AFP Vietnam has recorded fewer than 1,500 coronavirus will... continue to defend our position in response to cases and 35 deaths thanks to mass quarantines, this recent filing.” The ACCC has previously helped expansive contact-tracing and strict controls on move- year in the first nine months, according to the Vietnam of Hue-which is popular with foreign visitors-now draft a law that threatens Facebook and Google with ment, allowing factories to largely stay open and peo- General Customs Administration. Demand for many of resembles a ghost town, with Thua Thien Hue millions of dollars in fines unless they agree to pay ple to swiftly get back to work. the items made in Vietnam-such as home electronics, province’s tourism department saying 80 percent of media outlets when their platforms host news con- “The serious lockdown lasted for less than three office furniture, computers and televisions-soared dur- hotels were closed while 8,000 people had lost tent. In March, the Office of the Australian months, so domestic activity was quickly back to nor- ing the pandemic as people were forced to stay home their jobs. Information Commissioner also began legal action mal by June,” Nguyen Xuan Thanh, a public policy during lockdowns. That has meant that while it will fall “We are suffering heavily from the pandemic,” the against Facebook for allegedly exposing more than lecturer at Fulbright University Vietnam, told AFP. short of its target of 6.8 percent growth this year, the deputy head of the provincial tourism department 300,000 Australians to a data breach by political While many Western countries were imploring citi- economy is expected to expand 2.4 percent, which the Nguyen Van Phuc said. It is a similarly grim story in consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. — AFP zens to stay home mid-year, Vietnamese people were International Monetary Fund said would be among the Hanoi, where hotel owner Nguyen Dinh Toi said sim- able to flock to scenic beaches as the government best in the world. The Fund has forecast a global con- ply that “tourism has died”. tried to give the domestic tourism industry a much- traction of 4.4 percent. “We survived the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory needed shot in the arm. Syndrome) epidemic, the financial storm of 2009- There were grave fears for Vietnam’s export-reliant ‘Tourism has died’ 2010... but now the situation is unbelievable,” said Toi, economy as demand for clothing, footwear and smart- Observers said Vietnam had also benefited from who runs hotels in Hanoi’s old quarter, Halong Bay and phones slumped in some of its biggest markets includ- the US-China trade war as companies such as Apple Sapa. Still, Vietnam’s economy is less exposed than ing the European Union, Japan and . “But it look to shift their supply chains to avoid tariffs. The other tourism-dependent countries in the region such turned out that exports still helped promote growth country’s exports to the United States rose by about as Thailand, where the IMF predicts the economy to this year,” Thanh said. “That’s because Vietnam has a a quarter to $54.7 billion in the first nine months of slump by 7.1 percent this year. very diversified export market-it’s not dependent on the year. However, the absence of foreign travellers The government has also helped cushion the eco- any single export destination.” has dealt a severe blow to the tourism sector. nomic blow by pouring money into infrastructure proj- Shipments to China grew more than 15 percent on- The UNESCO-recognized ancient imperial city ects such as roads and bridges, said Thanh. — AFP 11

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- . Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring.

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our months after his death added. Boseman had secretly battled were just as classical,” he once told shocked the world, trailblazing US through his cancer diagnosis to become Rolling Stone. “It’s just as difficult to do Factor Chadwick Boseman makes the first Black star with his own super- August Wilson, and the stories he’s his heartbreaking, hotly Oscar-tipped hero epic in the record-breaking Marvel telling are just as epic.” Academy voters final film appearance in 1920s blues franchise. 2018’s “Black Panther” was may have begun to take note, awarding drama “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” nominated for best picture at the Oscars Davis an Oscar for Washington’s previ- The “Black Panther” star portrays a and grossed over $1 billion worldwide. ous Wilson adaptation “Fences” (2016). feisty, irreverent horn player struggling Last week, Disney paid tribute to As “Ma Rainey”-who in real life was sup- to make himself heard in a Chicago Boseman by announcing that his iconic ported by a young Louis Armstrong and music world riddled with racism and role as T’Challa will not be recast in the Bessie Smith-Davis dons gold teeth and exploitation, in the August Wilson play sequel. a fat suit as she sashays her hips, adaptation out Friday on Netflix. croons country blues and pours prima- Boseman’s role as the piece’s tragic ‘Sharing his genius’ donna scorn on those around her. She is hero takes on added poignancy by his In his final film, Boseman’s cornet also being tipped for a repeat Oscar bid. death at age 43 this August from colon player Levee has been hired to support But Davis and director George C. cancer-a diagnosis he never publicly Ma Rainey, who has traveled from the Wolfe have little doubt over Boseman’s discussed, or even shared with his co- Deep South to record her hit songs on a credentials to become the third posthu- In this file photo Actor Chadwick Boseman arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards, stars during production. sweltering summer afternoon in a mous acting Oscar winner, after Heath in Hollywood, California. — AFP photos Viola Davis, who plays the real-life cramped back-alley studio. As diva- Ledger (2008’s “The Dark Knight”) and “Mother of the Blues” Ma Rainey, has esque Ma Rainey battles duplicitous “Ma Rainey” is the second of Pulitzer with the world,” said Washington in the Peter Finch (1976’s “Network.”) described her co-star’s role as “one of producers who want to cash in on her Prize-winning Wilson’s 10-play film’s production notes. “I miss him and I “Chadwick is my baby... (he) was just an the greatest-if not the greatest-role for an voice and send her packing, Levee plots “Pittsburgh Cycle” to be adapted by pro- love him. On film we’ll always have him artist,” Davis recently told journalists. African-American actor in history,” distill- his own path to solo musical glory while ducer Denzel Washington, with each and I’ll never forget him.” “Chadwick put his entire being into ing the historic trauma of the Black revealing a childhood ravaged by white chronicling the African-American experi- Levee... Levee demands that because experience. “I’m looking back at how brutality. In a bravura performance, ence in a different 20th-century decade. ‘Every ounce’ of the Herculean scale of the role,” said tired he always seemed,” Davis told The Boseman delivers searing monologues In a quirk of fate, Washington once fund- For Boseman, that course in Oxford Wolfe. “He put every ounce of his heart New York Times about the film shot last that vow to “make the white man respect ed the studies of a group of young Black was a seminal opportunity to study and passion into it.”— AFP year. “Now we know that the role mirrors me” and curse a God who “hates your US actors attending a prestigious British Shakespeare, Beckett and Pinter-but Chadwick’s life... it mirrors the life of Black ass”-interspersed with moments of summer drama program-including a also fostered a desire to propel the every Black person grieving, and espe- impish charisma, foot-shuffling dance then-unknown Boseman. “I’m happy that works of Black playwrights into the same cially the life of a Black man,” she moves and outrageous flirting. I got to be a part of sharing his genius canon. “I always felt like black writers

lives are really extraordinary,” director of programming Kim Yutani told AFP, calling Sundance unveils the project a “huge undertaking.” “Not only is it the 10-year anniversary, pandemic lineup, this is such a significant year,” she added. Also on show will be “In the Earth,” a virus horror film shot in 15 days in August by Redford son’s Ben Wheatley, and documentary “In the Same Breath” which claims to explore the Chinese government’s efforts to “turn pan- final film demic coverups in Wuhan into a triumph for the Communist Party.” Several films also address racism fol- Sharon Osbourne ext month’s Sundance will be the lowing this year’s mass protests against first major festival highlighting police violence, including “Summer of Nmovies made during and about the Soul,” musician Questlove’s first movie coronavirus pandemic, as organizers about the huge, forgotten “Black Tuesday unveiled a lineup featuring the Woodstock” festival that took place in final film by co-founder Robert Redford’s 1969 Harlem. Rebecca Hall’s directorial late son. Due to Covid restrictions, the debut “Passing,” based on a 1929 novella indie film extravaganza will largely leave about two African-American women strug- behind its usual mountain base in the gling with their race and gender identities western US state of Utah, showing pre- in New York, will also appear. Other high- mieres online and at nationwide drive-ins lights among 72 feature films include merican-British TV personali- and arthouse theaters. Nicolas Cage’s supernatural action-horror ty Sharon Osbourne has test- Among them is “Life in a Day 2020,” “Prisoners of the Ghostland,” and cult ed positive for COVID-19, Ridley Scott and Kevin Macdonald’s fol- musical biopic “The Sparks Brothers” A according to her official Twitter. The low-up to their 2011 documentary paint- from Edgar Wright. With the Oscars sub- ing a “global portrait of life on our planet” 68-year-old is currently a host on This combination of file pictures shows (from top left) Hong Kong martial artist and actor missions deadline delayed by coron- using thousands of videos shot and sub- the CBS daytime chat show “The Jackie Chan arriving for the 2019 British Academy Britannia (BAFTA) awards at the avirus, Sundance movies will this year be mitted by members of the public from a Talk” and said on Monday she Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, US actor Harrison Ford arriving for Disney’s “The Call eligible to compete for April’s Academy single day in July. The filmmakers would return home after a brief hos- of the Wild” premiere at El Capitan theatre in Hollywood, California, US actor Sylvester Awards.—AFP received 300,000 submissions, as people pital stay. Co-host Carrie Ann Inaba Stallone arriving for the Los Angeles premiere of the HBO documentary “Very Ralph” at around the world adjusted to their radical- said last week that she had tested the Paley Center in Beverly Hills, US actor Clint Eastwood at the 10th Annual Governors ly transformed life under an unprecedent- positive for the virus. Osbourne will Awards gala hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the the Dolby ed pandemic. “These windows into their self-isolate away from her husband, Theater at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, US actor Danny Trejo rock musician Ozzy Osbourne, who arriving for “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” premiere at the Regal Cinemas LA Live in Los she said had tested negative. Angeles and Austrian-US actor Arnold Schwarzenegger posing during a photo call to pro- Osbourne and her family appeared mote the film “Terminator: Dark Fate” in London. — AFP Robert Redford in the early noughties reality show “The Osbournes”, documenting their turbulent domestic lives. Ozzy was known for his raucous antics onstage, most famously when he ate a bat. But in an inter- view with GQ last month, the 72- year-old said his health conditions- including emphysema-make him especially vulnerable to COVID-19. hile other men of his age are The Austrian returned in “Terminator: Osbourne previously revealed that eyeing up stair lifts, Harrison Dark Fate” last year and may be her granddaughter tested positive WFord is dusting down his bull about to don his loincloth once again in September. — AFP whip to play all-action hero Indiana in the forthcoming epic, “The Legend Jones one more time at 78. He is not of Conan”. Not even three heart oper- the only superannuated male ations in four years-the last in Hollywood star to be pushing the age October-can stop him. “I’m back,” he envelope-and audiences’ ability to quipped after his 2018 surgery, the suspend their disbelief. catchphrase of his “Terminator” cyborg killer. Clint Eastwood, 90 Hollywood may be in strict lock- Danny Trejo, 76 down but it hasn’t stopped Eastwood The “Machete” star with the tough- directing “Cry Macho”, where he stars est face in Tinseltown and the grittiest ecords tumbled across the board in Foreign language first as a tough, washed-up old rodeo rid- backstory to go with it, is making up 2020, from the warming planet to the Trailblazing South Korean boyband Germany’s blackest day er taking a dysfunctional family by the for all those lost years in prison with a Rhumble machine. BTS became the first group to have a for- In what Germany coach Joachim Loew scruff of the neck. Nor was there was plethora of upcoming action roles eign-language song enter the US Billboard said was a “black day”, Spain beat the anything lily-livered about the octoge- including in “Machete Kills in Space”. Hot... chart at number one, in the latest musical four-time World Cup champions 6-0 in the narian drugs smuggler working for a Trejo, a former boxer, was a bit-player Meteorologists recorded a temperature record claimed by the K-pop sensation. Nations League, handing them their worst Mexican cartel he played in his last until he broke through thanks to his of 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees defeat in 89 years. movie, “The Mule” (2018). The tough- cousin Robert Rodriguez who direct- Celsius) in California’s Death Valley in Craziest climb talking former mayor of Carmel was ed him in “Desperado” in 1995, with August-likely the hottest ever measured A 53-year-old British man climbed (and Deepest dive pushing 80 when he made short work roles in “Heat” and “Con Air” soon fol- with modern instruments. descended) the equivalent of the height of Slovenian Alenka Artnik, 39, broke the of gang members in “Gran Torino” in lowing. Look out soon for him in Mount Everest, 8,850 vertical meters, over world freediving record after a dizzying 2008 — “Make my day, punk.” “Renegades”, “The Prey”, “Death Hot... the course of four days using the stairs in descent to 114 metres with a monofin, Rider in the House of Vampires” and Antarctica, home to enough frozen his home to raise money for charity. spending three minutes and 41 seconds Sylvester Stallone, 74 “Zombie Bride”. water to lift global sea levels dozens of underwater. A mere stripling at 74, Stallone is meters, smashed its temperature record Most F1 wins rumored to be limbering up to reprise Jackie Chan, 66 too with a high of 20.75 degrees Celsius In October British driver Ugandan track master his role as a mercenary leader in “The One of the world’s most beloved (69.35 Farenheit) — the first time the conti- overtook Michael Schumacher with a Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei broke the Expendables 4”. The action franchise martial arts heroes is alive and, well, nent has broken the 20C barrier. record-breaking 92nd Formula One victory 10,000m track world record in October he created has been a boon for kicking-coronavirus pandemic be in the Portuguese Grand Prix. with a time of 26 mins 11 seconds. In Hollywood retirement homes, giving damned. As the virus spread early Hot... August, he had shattered the much-vaunt- Bruce Willis, Dolph Lundgren and this year, reports said the Hong Kong Average global temperatures in Accidental achievement ed 5,000m world record that had stood for Jean-Claude Van Damme a late ironic born star who has appeared in more January, April, May, September and The aptly-named Australian Georgie 16 years. — AFP glow to their careers. Sly is soon to than 100 films was under quarantine November were the hottest ever on Rowe broke a world record for indoor row- play a hired gun in “Little America”- after catching the virus. Worried fans record. ing while she was training at home during set at a time when “China owns sent him face masks. Chan took to lockdown. America” — and a supervillain in the Facebook to say he was virus free- Priciest pigeon cartoonishly ultra-violent “The Suicide ”I’m very healthy and safe”-and would A Chinese buyer paid a world record Squad”. Last year’s “Rambo: Last donate the face coverings to people 1.6 million euros ($1.9 million) for a Dutch Blood” saw him go into combat yet who actually needed them. Chan’s female homing pigeon called New Kim again as the monosyllabic Vietnam latest film, a Chinese action adventure who was put up for auction for just 200 vet, though whether Rambo can retire flick entitled “Vanguard,” was sup- euros. gracefully remains to be seen. posed to come out in January of this year, but this was delayed until Longest lockdowns Arnold Schwarzenegger, 73 September because of the pandemic. Half of the planet was locked down in He may be trying to save the planet In this movie Chan plays a UK-based March, just three months after the virus in his day job as crusading environ- accountant forced to finance the work was detected. But the prize for the longest mental campaigner and politician, but of a terror organization.— AFP lockdown goes to Buenos Aires where Arnie can’t quite tear himself away residents were officially confined from Boyband BTS from his swords and cyborgs past. March 20 until November 8 — 234 days. Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Thursday, December 17, 2020

ne of only three artefacts ever “It has been like finding a needle in a “Dixon relics”, could have been used in recovered from inside Egypt’s haystack,” Eladany said after discover- the construction of the Great Pyramid OGreat Pyramid has been found in ing the fragment of wood among hun- has come to light following modern tests a misplaced cigar tin in a Scottish univer- dreds of thousands of items. “I’m an on the artefact. Carbon dating results, sity collection, academics revealed yes- archaeologist and have worked on digs delayed by coronavirus restrictions, terday. The fragment of cedar wood, in Egypt but I never imagined it would be placed the wood at somewhere between which has been found to date back here in northeast Scotland that I’d find 3341 and 3094 BC, long before the con- 5,000 years to the building of the pyra- something so important to the heritage of struction of the pyramid. mid at , was first discovered in the my own country.” The fragment-initially This supports the theory the items late 19th century but had been missing measuring five inches or around 13 cen- were left behind by builders rather than for more than 70 years. A record discov- timetres but now in several pieces-was by later explorers. Neil Curtis, head of ered in 2001 appeared to show the frag- A handout picture shows pieces of cedar first discovered in the Great Pyramid’s museums and special collections at the ment-found alongside a ball and a wood originally discovered in 1872 inside the Queen’s Chamber in 1872 by engineer University of , called results bronze hook thought to be used for con- Great Pyramid at Giza. Waynman Dixon. from the carbon dating a “revelation”. struction — had been donated to the It made its way to the Scottish city “This discovery will certainly reignite University of Aberdeen. because of a link between Dixon and a interest in the Dixon relics and how they But the trail ran cold and the ancient chance discovery in its Asia collection. medical doctor named James Grant who can shed light on the Great Pyramid,” he A handout picture shows curatorial assistant artefact disappeared almost without a Knowing that a small cigar tin she found studied in Aberdeen and went to Egypt added. — AFP Abeer Eladany posing with pieces of cedar trace until the end of last year when an there bearing an old Egyptian flag did to treat cholera in the mid-1860s. More wood originally discovered in 1872 inside the assistant curator at the university, Abeer not belong with the other pieces, she evidence that the lost piece of wood, as Great Pyramid at Giza in Egypt. — AFP photos Eladany, originally from Egypt, made a cross-referenced it with other records. well as the other items known as the

n a classroom in ’s capital, stu- he said. “But now I see from the students dents pass over the Soviet-era Cyrillic that they are thinking more about our Ialphabet they grew up with and turn their national values... they want to promote the copybooks sideways to practice the tradi- Mongolian script which has been used by tional, vertical Mongolian script that dates our people for over a thousand years.” back to the empire of Genghis Khan. Mongolia’s government adopted Teacher Batbileg Lkhagvabaatar leads Cyrillic eight decades ago when it was the class, tracing lines of the flowing, dot- ruled by a Soviet-dominated regime, but ted characters on a whiteboard and now it is also backing the revival of the explaining grammar rules to the group of archaic script that had been left as the young men and women and a smattering preserve of the elderly or language spe- of children. They are among a growing cialists. The state broadcaster now number inspired to learn the ancient let- includes captions in both scripts and the ters after protests by their kinsfolk in government has said all official announce- China’s Inner Mongolia region against ments will be written in both Cyrillic and reforms replacing Mongolian with Hudum from 2025. Even the country’s Mandarin as the language of instruction in president-and former sambo schools for core classes. champion-Battulga Khaltmaa has launched his own Hudum lessons on tele- vision to encourage citizens to take up the traditional writing. Mongolians in Mongolia had become “careless about our tradition- Model train enthusiast Gerhard Berndt explains details of his layout in his living room in Berlin. al language”, said Zayabaatar Dalai, head of Mongol Studies at the Mongolian National University. “Inner Mongolians made us under- stand how our native language and script is priceless... we must care for our lan- guage.” But there are challenges ahead, as much of the script uses archaic lan- This photo shows calligrapher Ganzorig guage which is not familiar to modern Gulguu, who earns money by selling his Mongolians, and there have also been calligraphy art work mainly to Inner grammar changes ushered in by the use Mongolia, writing Mongolian scripts at his of Cyrillic alphabet. There is no gender in Model train enthusiast Gerhard Berndt A likeness of East Germany’s longtime Model trains and other vehicles are seen in home. the Hudum script-in contrast to Cyrillic poses with one of his locomotives in his leader Erich Honecker waves to wellwish- model train enthusiast Gerhard Berndt’s grammar-and in Hudum, words and living room. ers from a train in model train enthusiast “train cabinet”. “I was very disappointed to hear what prepositions are written separately, where Gerhard Berndt’s “train cabinet”. happened to the Inner Mongolians,” said Cyrillic merges them together. School stu- Togtokhjargal Battogtokh, 46, one of the dents are currently only required to study students in the Ulaanbaatar classroom. “It the Mongol script for one year, though hurt me too.” “That’s why I want to inspire under the new government plan, text- other people to learn our script.” Critics of books for subjects such as history and lit- Beijing’s language policy in Inner erature must also be converted into the Mongolia-home to an estimated 4.5 million traditional script. ethnic Mongolians-say it mirrors moves in other border areas like Xinjiang and Tibet Into the digital era to assimilate local minorities into the domi- The fresh wave of popularity is also erhard Berndt’s model railway Germany, which has the world’s largest compared to 2019, according to Sieber. nant Han culture. Across the border in giving Hudum a modern facelift, with has been three decades in the model railway system-the Miniatur Maerklin has employed an extra staff Mongolia, whose economy is dependent activists hoping to make it easier to use making, but this year it’s really Wunderland in Hamburg-and whose member to help with an increase in on mineral exports to its giant southern on computers and social media-and to G been full steam ahead for the 72-year- Interior Minister Horst Seehofer is a self- enquiries to its help centre, though it is neighbor, they have touched a nerve. help connect ethnic Mongolians spread old Berliner. The retired carpenter has confessed fan. Market leader Maerklin not predicting a substantial increase in Javkhlan Samand-Mongolia’s most out across Russia, China and Mongolia. had more time on his hands in 2020 saw orders jump 50 percent on-year in earnings since restrictions have also famous country singer-named his most Mongolian tech developers are working because of coronavirus restrictions-and November as Germany entered a sec- forced up production costs. recent concert “Stay Mongolian”, paying to incorporate the vertical script into new he has dedicated it to building up an ond round of restrictions to combat the But Sieber hopes the higher demand tribute to those protesting across the bor- apps, language translators and social intricate small-scale village in his living virus. “We are one of the few industries will continue after the pandemic. “We der in authoritarian China. And when media platforms. room. “This stuff takes time. And I have that have been given a small boost by suspect that those who start now will Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi arrived Ulaanbaatar-based software company used that in this corona situation,” said corona,” company CEO Florian Sieber stay with the hobby for a few years or on a visit in September, more than a hun- Bolorsoft LLC told AFP it is creating a pro- Berndt, who would otherwise be too told AFP. “This is certainly due to the even longer. This is not a hobby that dred protesters wearing traditional gram to turn audio speech files into busy jetting off to railway conventions to fact that many people are staying at you start today and stop tomorrow,” he Mongolian tunics gathered in Mongolian script. Another programmer, spend hours a day working on his hob- home and trying to think of meaningful said. That is certainly true for Berndt, Ulaanbaatar’s main square. “Let’s protect Ulzii-Orshikh Dashkhuu, said he is creat- by. Berndt is one of many Germans who activities they can do at home without who bought a starter kit for 30 the mother tongue,” they shouted. “Let’s ing a social media open platform similar to have turned to model railways and other getting infected,” he said. deutschmarks with his first paycheck protect our blood brothers.” Facebook, where users can learn and analogue toys this year as restrictions to and has never looked back. Today, his download the vertical script. “Today we curb the spread of Covid-19 leave them Hobby for life model with 30 trains, 300 figures and ‘We must care for our language’ communicate with each other in the digital looking for ways to entertain themselves Orders also rose during Germany’s fully functioning miniature street lamps Batbileg started teaching the script- domain,” he told AFP. “If we can transfer and their families at home. first lockdown in March and April, takes up the whole of his living room-but also known as Hudum-for free in our vertical writing into digital platforms, As a result model train sales have though not as sharply since the spring if virus rules are eventually lifted, it can September after he saw coverage of the we will preserve our traditional language surged. Forecasts from the Association is traditionally not a popular time for rail- be winched up to the ceiling to make protests. “We live in a fast-changing era of for the next generation.”— AFP of German Toymakers (BVS) predict way building. Overall, Maerklin is look- space for normal life. — AFP globalization, where people have no time total turnover for the toy industry will be ing at increase in orders of 10 percent to sit and think about the issue of identity,” 3.7 billion euros ($4.5 billion) in 2020, an increase of eight percent on last year. The boost is being driven by board games and puzzles, outdoor toys and construction kits, according to the BVS.

Toy market boom The country’s toy market grew 11 percent, or 172 million euros, on-year in January-October, according to the mar- ket research company npd Group. Germany has the largest toy industry in Europe in terms of both employment and turnover, accounting for a quarter of all people employed in the EU toy industry. Demand for toys has soared with bars, restaurants and leisure facili- ties closed for large parts of the year and social gatherings limited in the country, which has seen more than 1.3 million cases of the virus so far and more than 22,000 deaths. The model railway market in particular has seen a This photo shows teacher Batbileg Lkhagvabaatar (center) teaching traditional boost after years of stagnating sales. Model train enthusiast Gerhard Berndt explains details of his layout in his living room in Mongolian scripts in a school in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. — AFP photos The pastime is especially beloved in Berlin. — AFP photos 14 Established 1961 Sports Thursday, December 17, 2020 Photo of the day Antetokounmpo seals a record deal with Bucks LOS ANGELES: Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo ended speculation about his future on Tuesday after agreeing a new long-term deal reported to be the biggest in NBA history. Antetokounmpo, who would have been able to enter free agency next year, said in a statement on Twitter he had agreed a five-year deal with the Bucks. “This is my home, this is my city,” the 26-year-old two-time NBA MVP said. “I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it.” ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo’s contract extension was worth $228 million. The deal allows an opt out after four years. ESPN reported that the contract was the biggest in NBA history, eclipsing the $206.8 million five-year deal agreed between Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017. The deal will also see Antetokounmpo pocket the highest average annual salary in the NBA over the length of the contract, ESPN reported. Antetokounmpo will earn an average $45.6 mil- lion a year. LeBron James earns $44.5 million a season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The eye-watering contract marks the latest chapter in the rise of Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants and once earned money hawking watches, bags and sunglasses as a street vendor. After taking up as a youth, he was eventually spotted by NBA scouts and drafted with the 15th overall pick by the Bucks in 2013. He made his league debut as an 18-year-old later that year. Antetokounmpo has dominated the NBA in recent seasons, winning the season MVP honors this year as well as the defen- sive player of the year award, averaging 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. However Antetokounmpo’s dominance has Coco Zurita performs at Ritoque, in 2019. —Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com not translated into championship success for the Bucks, who were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by Toronto last year before falling to Miami in the early rounds of this year’s playoffs. —AFP Masked, muted Olympics will still dominate crowded Tokyo organizers, government struggling with increased costs News in brief

PARIS: The rescheduled Tokyo Olympics will be the cen- year, even if the pandemic has not receded. They want This was partly to allow players to compete in Tokyo, Iniesta sidelined for months trepiece of a crammed sporting year in 2021 as sports to welcome foreign spectators and plan to waive quar- although since the playoffs are scheduled to continue administrators who had their calendars wiped away by antine requirements. They plan to require fans to wear until July 22, the day before the Games start, some of the MADRID: Former star Andres Iniesta the coronavirus pandemic try to fill the gaps even as a masks, to refrain from cheering and keep their ticket biggest stars could still miss Tokyo. One event that has broke a bone in his leg while playing for Japanese second wave hits. While the Games will still be called the stubs for contact tracing. Athletes will be asked to not, so far, publicly rethought its plans is the other mar- club Vissel in the Asian Champions League and 2020 Olympics, they have been changed by COVID-19. arrive late and leave early, minimize their time in the quee casualty from the summer’s sporting wipeout: the will be out for four months, his club said yesterday. Tokyo organizers and the Japanese government are Olympic village, refrain from speaking loudly, avoid European football championships. Still called Euro 2020, Iniesta, 36, underwent successful surgery in struggling with increased costs and, despite the growing physical contact and wear masks when not competing they are scheduled to stick to the planned 12-city format Barcelona. The injury occurred in last week’s ACL possibility of vaccination, whether to allow foreign visi- or training. They will be screened on arrival and under- but some member nations have reportedly been urging quarter-final against Suwon. Iniesta said in a state- tors and what safeguards and restrictions will apply to go tests every four to five days. UEFA to put all the matches in one country. ment on Instagram accompanied by a photo of him- spectators and participants. “I think the Games will go off,” World Athletics The significance of the Olympics goes beyond sports. self in a hospital bed that he had broken the “rectus In early December, organizers said the delayed president Sebastian Coe said this month. “What Following on from the diplomatic gestures at the femoris of my right leg”. “After many tests I took the Games will cost at least an extra $2.4 billion as the nobody is clearly across at the moment, is... whether PyeongChang Winter Games in 2018, there is talk of advice of my medical team and we have considered unprecedented peacetime postponement and a raft of we are going to have a stadium populated by good, inviting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the Tokyo that the best option for me was to get surgery and pandemic health measures inflate a budget that was noisy, passionate fans.” The challenge for the organiz- Games and holding a summit with South Korea, China, speed up the recovery. “The surgery has been a suc- already over $13 billion. Enthusiasm appears to have ers is considerable, since the Games bring together the United States and host Japan. Another dominant cess and I am feeling very well.” —AFP waned in Japan. A poll in July showed that just one in four 11,000 athletes from 206 countries, accompanied by at theme in 2020, opposition to racism, threatens to cause people wanted to see the Games held in 2021 - and a least 5,000 officials and coaches, 20,000 media repre- friction in Tokyo. majority backed either further delay or cancellation. sentatives and 60,000 volunteers. In early December, Coe pointedly gave the World Lyon see off Juventus “Whether it’s seen as too much or that we have done Athletics President’s award to Tommie Smith, Peter well to contain the costs, I think it depends on how you Lost time Norman and John Carlos, the three 400m runners who D?CINES-CHARPIEU: Lyon cruised into the last 16 look at it,” said Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto. Meanwhile, other sports, desperate to make up for raised a fist in a black power salute on a medal podium of the women’s Champions League on Tuesday after Organizers have reduced the number of free tickets, lost time are, for the most part, manoeuvering to mini- protest at the 1968 Mexico City Games. “Sadly, their cause beating Juventus 3-0 to claim a 6-2 aggregate victo- scaled down the opening ceremony and made savings on mize overlaps between their revamped schedules and the and what they so bravely stood for has not been consigned ry. The seven-time European champions dominated mascots, banners and meals, but so far have cut just $280 Olympic behemoth. The National Basketball Association, to the history books,” said Coe. Thomas Bach, the head of the second leg in France from start to finish after only million. “It will be simple rather than festive, but I hope it which only finished its coronavirus-hit 2019-20 season the International Olympic Committee, quickly responded squeezing past the Italians 3-2 in the first leg in Turin. will be something moving that encourages people on October 12, agreed with its players union to start the with irritation, saying any gestures opposing racism, such Dzenifer Maroszan gave the holders, who were miss- through the power of sport,” he said. new season on December 22, cut the regular season by as taking a knee, would be against his rules prohibiting ing , and Eugenie The organizers are determined to go ahead next 10 games and end it on May 16. “political and religious marketing” at the Games. —AFP Le Sommer, a two-goal aggregate advantage when she opened the scoring midway through the first half. The tie remained in the balance until two minutes from the end when France forward Kuwait Club win doubled the hosts’ lead on the night. interna- tional Janice Cayman made sure the score reflected fifth Super Cup the balance of play in stoppage time. —AFP By Abdellatif Sharaa India bids to host Asian Cup

KUWAIT: Kuwait Sports Club met Arabi Club on Tuesday : India yesterday joined a five-nation evening to launch the new football season with the Super race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, the continent’s Cup. Kuwait were determined from the onset for an attack as biggest football tournament, as it steps up efforts to they kicked off with the attacking squad - Ahmad Al-Zanki, secure international sporting recognition. Saudi Faisal Zayed, Jumaa Saeed and Akaishi. 10 minutes into the Arabia and Qatar have already officially entered the match, defender Fahad Humoud headed the ball but missed, reached the head of Arabi’s defender Ahmad Al-Saleh who fray and an All India Football Federation (AIFF) then five minutes later, Talal Al-Fadhel shot the ball that was headed it into his own net in the 47th minute. spokesman said the country’s documents would be handled by goalkeeper Suleiman Abdelghafour with difficul- Kuwait players kept attacking after which Faisal Zayed sent to the Asian Football Confederation this week. ty. Akaishi threatened Arabi’s goal in the 20th minute, and tried to double the score in the 63rd minute but his shot Iran and have also said they will bid. later scored in the 30th minute but was disallowed due to missed the goal. Arabi had a chance to equalize in the 92nd India, once called a “sleeping giant” of football by offside. Arabi meanwhile felt the pressure and adopted a minute but forward Juma Aboud squandered the chance fol- former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, has stepped up defensive position though there were some attempts to lowing a corner kick. This is Kuwait’s fifth Super Cup win, its interest in hosting international events in recent move forward and attack. The second half started with a while Qadisiya has six and Arabi (2). The Super Cup match years. It put on the 2017 under-17 men’s World Cup bang as Kuwait’s forwards were in the Arabi’s box and the started in 2008, and is usually between the Amir Cup winner and will host the 2022 women’s Asian Cup and the ball was being tossed between players of both teams, until it and the League winners. 2021 under-17 women’s World Cup. India is also considering a bid for the 2032 Olympics. AIFF presi- dent Praful Patel said the Asian Cup bid would fur- ahead of next Dakar in January. However, if there is extra ther the country’s reputation as an emerging football Al-Attiyah blasts performance to be found the Spaniard will do all he can nation. —AFP to find it. “We still want to make a few minor changes, in order to be as well prepared as possible for the start of over the dunes, the Dakar.” - Carlos Sainz. 13-time Dakar winner Foo Kune banned for 2 years Peterhansel completed the overall podium in Hail after wins Hail Baja 1 fighting back from 10 lost minutes on day one caused by GENEVA: Mauritian player Kate Foo a flat tyre. The Frenchman’s tenacious spirit was in evi- Kune, her country’s flag-carrier at the 2016 Rio KUWAIT: Nasser Al Attiya wasted no time showing his dence as he fought back from this misfortune to finish Olympics, was banned for two years for doping on speed over the dunes as he took a stunning victory at Hail third overall. Wednesday after failing to prove her drink was Baja 1. Qatar’s sand racing specialist demonstrated his “I didn’t push to the max, as I don’t want to take any spiked. Foo Kune, 27, tested positive for a banned competitive edge as he fended off fellow Dakar supremos big risks with the car I will be using at the Dakar.”- steroid last year but she escaped a ban when the Carlos Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel to take the win. StÈphane Peterhansel. Meanwhile, race winner Al- Badminton World Federation’s anti-doping panel Al-Attiyah and French co-driver Mathieu Baumel made Attiyah’s fellow Toyota Hilux driver KubaPrzygonski accepted her explanation that she was the victim their intentions plain from the start line in Hail as they set lost his chance of challenging for a podium position of sabotage. But after a BWF appeal against its the opening day’s fastest time. The duo backed up this after fuel-related issues on stage one. However, the own panel’s decision, the Swiss-based Court of performance on the second day with another stage win, Polish driver and his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk Arbitration for Sport said there was no evidence and ultimately overall victory. came back strongly on stage two to set the fifth fastest of foul play. Foo Kune, the world number 105 in “We believed in our speed and we’re happy to win time of the day. singles, tested positive at last year’s African Hail Baja 1.”- Nasser Al-Attiyah With less than a month to Now the convoy’s attention turns to the Hail Baja 2 Badminton World Championships in Port Harcourt, go until the start of the 2021 , competition at which covers 479 kilometres between December 14 and Nigeria. “The CAS panel found the athlete’s the back-to-back Hail Baja races is intense. Staying on 15. This will be the last competitive distance raced before assertion of intentional spiking during the 2019 Al-Attiyah tail throughout the first Hail Baja were the the gets started on January 2 next year. African Badminton World Championships devoid MINI JCW Buggy crews of Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz Hail Baja 1 overall results - Car race Top 3 - (1) N Al- of supporting evidence,” said a statement from (both ESP) and StÈphane Peterhansel/Edouard Attiyah (QAT)/M Baumel (FRA) Toyota - 6h 14m 27s (2) the court, announcing a two-year ban from Boulanger (both FRA). C Sainz (ESP) / L. Cruz (ESP) MINI JCW Buggy - 6h December 15. —AFP Reigning Dakar car class champion Sainz came home 20m 37s (3) S. Peterhansel (FRA) / E. Boulanger (FRA) in second place and is happy with how his car is running MINI JCW Buggy - 6h 23m 26s. Established 1961 15 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Sports ’s new caretaker coach gets a winning start Gladbach snatch late draw as Stindl claims hat-trick

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund’s new caretaker coach Stindl hat-trick Edin Terzic made a winning start Tuesday after club Union, who host Dortmund on Friday, were captain Marco Reus netted a late winner to seal a held to a 2-2 draw at VfB Stuttgart, whose two- 2-1 victory at Werder Bremen. The 38-year-old metre tall striker Sasa Kalajdzic came off the Terzic replaced Lucien Favre, who was sacked bench to score two late goals. Union were 2-0 up Sunday less than 24 hours after a 5-1 thrashing at with five minutes left thanks to goals by defender home by Stuttgart. “It’s always important to come Marvin Friedrich and Liverpool loanee Taiwo back with a win after such a brutal defeat,” match- Awoniyi. However Kalajdzic scored with a header, winner Reus told Sky. then chested down and fired home, his shot sur- “After a change of coach, the team knows it has viving scrutiny for a from the VAR, to let itself down. “We were up against it and hopefully claim a point. we have got ourselves on the right track.” Terzic has Hertha Berlin remain in mid-table after their a contract for the rest of the season and inspired goalless draw at second-from-bottom Mainz. Dortmund to their first win in four league games Earlier, Borussia Moenchengladbach captain Lars while Bremen now have four straight defeats. “It Stindl completed a hat-trick with an equaliser in was important we showed a reaction,” said Terzic, the fifth minute of added time to snatch a point in who was Slaven Bilic’s assistant coach at West Ham their 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt. Stindl’s late from 2015-17. “We lost a few balls in areas where heroics saved a point at Frankfurt, but Gladbach, we can’t afford to do that, so there are lots of things who have drawn City in the last 16 of to work on.” the Champions League, are winless in their last five Dortmund took the lead in Bremen as Raphael games in all competitions. Guerreiro was fastest to stab home with 14 minutes After Stindl opened the scoring by in a gone after Jadon Sancho had a shot charged down. 14th minute free-kick, Frankfurt roared back with Bremen equalized on 28 minutes when Josh Sargent three unanswered goals including two by pounced on a mistake by Dortmund defender Manuel striker Andre Silva. Leading 3-1, Frankfurt played Akanji and the ball was worked to Kevin Moehwald the last 10 minutes with 10 men after captain David who fired home. Akanji made amends when he won Abraham was sent off for a second booking. With the penalty from which Reus scored at the second 90 minutes almost up, Gladbach won a penalty and attempt 12 minutes from time after Jiri Pavlenka saved Stindl stepped up to convert. Then he netted a last- BREMEN: Bremen’s German midfielder Maximilian Eggestein and Dortmund’s German forward the initial spot-kick. The away win lifts Dortmund to gasp header to seal the draw. The point leaves Youssoufa Moukoko (left) vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football fourth, three points behind league leaders Bayer Gladbach eighth, one place and four points ahead match Werder Bremen v Borussia Dortmund on December 15, 2020. —AFP Leverkusen, who were at yesterday. of Frankfurt. —AFP

£20 million ($27 million). Premier League West Brom have garnered sev- en points from their 13 matches so strugglers West far and have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, Role of heading Brom sack Bilic having conceded 26 goals. Bilic’s relations with the board appeared in football has LONDON: Slaven Bilic became tense from the start of the cam- the first Premier League manager paign with no discussions talking to lose his job this season when he place about extending or renew- to be reexamined was sacked by struggling West ing his contract which was due to Bromwich Albion yesterday. The run out at the end of this season. LONDON: The role of heading in football 52-year-old Croatian’s sacking “West Bromwich Albion have should be “seriously considered” amid con- comes with the side 19th in the today parted company with Head cerns of a link to an increased risk of demen- table but on the back of an Coach Slaven Bilic,” read a club tia, according to the outgoing Professional encouraging 1-1 draw with statement. “Albion would like to Footballers’ Association chief executive Manchester City on Tuesday. Bilic thank Slaven and his coaching Gordon Taylor. Taylor will step down from had been at the club for only 18 staff for their efforts in achieving his role at the end of the season after 40 months but had earned the admi- promotion last season and wishes West Bromwich Albion’s Croatian head coach Slaven Bilic years in charge after criticism of his per- ration of the fans after leading them all well in the future. West Brom to automatic promo- “The club will make no further ceived failure to act to tackle the issue of tion from the Championship last comment at this time.” Former Media reports suggest Allardyce makes him the latest first mana- dementia in the game. season. Although results had been England manager Sam Allardyce will be offered an 18-month con- gerial departure in a Premier Last week a group of former international generally poor this term Bilic had is among the favorites to fill the tract. In a sign that his appoint- League season for six years, rugby players announced they were taking been given little funding to bring vacancy. The 66-year-old’s last ment may be imminent, he has since it took 18 games for Cardiff legal action against the English and Welsh in players in the close season. His managerial post was with cancelled scheduled work with a City to dismiss Neil Warnock in governing bodies over the brain injuries they budget for transfers was limited at Everton, who he left in 2018. radio station. Bilic’s sacking the 2014-15 season. —AFP have suffered. Former England striker Gary Lineker is among those who have called for a complete ban on heading in training at all lev- Promoted Benevento, led by former AC Milan, Improta failed to keep his header down after Pepe els of the game. “We’ve got areas of research. Lazio, Benevento Juventus and Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi, move up Reina had pushed out Giuseppe Di Serio’s shot. to 13th after the draw, six points above the relega- Reina had to be a his best again moments later to We are looking at the number of players who tion zone. Lazio’s star striker Ciro Immobile gave keeper out Improta’s powerful shot. are getting dementia and trying to establish a share spoils in the away side a deserved lead with a superb strike Home hero Schiattarella then ruined his good causal link,” Taylor told Sky Sports. in the 25th minute, last season’s European Golden work in stoppage time when a wild tackle on “That’s why it’s so important that we look Inzaghi derby Shoe winner hooking Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s Joaquin Correa earned a straight red card. Crotone at the treatment of concussion and the num- cross past Lorenzo Montipo. remain bottom of the league after a goalless draw ber of times in training players are heading MILAN: Lazio continued their patchy Serie A form That goal came four minutes after Luis Alberto at Udinese in Tuesday’s early match. They are level with a 1-1 draw at Benevento on Tuesday as the had struck the upright with a low shot as Simone on six points with Genoa and Torino, and three the ball and to seriously consider the role of Inzaghi brothers faced off on the sidelines. Simone Inzaghi looked set to come out on top in the pitch- behind Fiorentina, who host Sassuolo on heading in the game. “I don’t know any foot- Inzaghi’s Lazio qualified for the knockout stages of side sibling rivalry. Benevento pulled level on the Wednesday having not won a league match since baller who regrets his career, but we also have the Champions League for the first time in over two stroke of half-time when Pasquale Schiattarella late October. Yesterday, leaders AC Milan traveled a duty of care and I think it is incumbent on decades midweek but have been wildly inconsistent volleyed home after Lazio failed to clear Gianluca to Genoa, while champions Juventus hosted the authorities that we don’t put off any Caprari’s corner. The hosts were unlucky to not take Atalanta and title chasers Inter Milan and Napoli domestically and sit eighth on 18 points after 12 youngster coming into the game because of matches. all three points when in the final minutes Riccardo faced off at the San Siro. —AFP worries about the future.” England World Cup winners Nobby Stiles and Jack Charlton have both died from dementia earlier this year, MLS teams struggle in CONCACAF while Bobby Charlton has also been diag- nosed with the disease. Champions League exits The FIELD study published last year found footballers were three-and-a-half times more MIAMI: Montreal Impact and New York, the MLS affiliate of Premier York City FC were dumped out of League giants Manchester City. likely to die of neurodegenerative disease the CONCACAF Champions The rout marked a difficult few than age-matched members of the general League quarter-finals on Tuesday days for City, who had only arrived population. In 2002, an inquest recorded a in a blow to Major League in Orlando earlier Tuesday after verdict of death by industrial disease in the Soccer’s hopes of ending a 20- three players tested positive for case of former England striker Jeff Astle year wait for victory in the compe- COVID-19 in the past week. The caused by repeated heading of the ball. Dr tition. New York’s campaign was premier continental competition Willie Stewart, who led the FIELD study, car- snuffed out in clinical fashion by for clubs in North America, Central ried out a new examination on Astle’s brain in Mexican side Tigres UANL, who America and the Caribbean, the 2014 which concluded that the 59-year-old are aiming to finally land the conti- CONCACAF Champions League’s nental crown after three losing final stages are taking place at a had died from chronic traumatic final appearances in 2016, 2017 neutral venue in Orlando, , encephalopathy (CTE). —AFP and 2019. Tigres, runners-up to in order to mitigate risks of dis- ORLANDO: Deybi Flores #20 of CD Olimpia tackles Orji Okwonkwo #18 of last season, cruised to a ruption from the coronavirus. Montreal Impact during the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal 4-0 victory, 5-0 on aggregate, Tigres will now face Olimpia of game at Exploria Stadium on December 15, 2020. —AFP after goals from French striker Honduras in Saturday’s semi-finals. Andre-Pierre Gignac, Leonardo The Central American club were Matches on TV Fernandez, Rafael Carioca and beaten 1-0 by Montreal in Canadian side were given a lifeline finally lifting the Champions Javier Aquino. Tuesday’s early game but on 57 minutes, when German mid- League. The last MLS team to win (Local Timings) Gignac fired Tigres into the advanced on the away goals rule. fielder Amar Sejdic punished a the continental title crown was lead with a superb header in the Olimpia had beaten Impact 2-1 poor clearance by Olimpia defend- Los Angeles Galaxy in 2000. With ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE 30th minute before Uruguayan during the first leg in Montreal in er Carlos Pineda to curl home a Atlanta United trailing 3-0 from Aston Villa v Burnley 21:00 midfielder Fernandez added a March before the pandemic low finish from the edge of the the first leg heading into their beIN Sports HD 1 second with a cheeky backheeled brought sport in North America to area. second leg game against Mexico’s United v Man United 23:00 finish in the 49th minute. Brazilian a standstill. Montreal, coached by But Henry’s side were unable to America, MLS’s last chance of beIN Sports HD 1 veteran Carioca then headed former France, Barcelona and carve out clear chances after that ending the title drought is likely to home Luis Quinones cross on 64 Arsenal star Thierry Henry, strug- as Olimpia held on to reach the rest with Los Angeles FC. Los ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE minutes before Aquino netted five gled to break down a resilient last four. Tuesday’s defeats for Angeles faced Mexico’s Cruz Azul minutes from time to complete the Olimpia side, who defended in AS Roma v Torino22:45 New York and Montreal length- in yesterday’s other quarter-final beIN Sports HD 4 scoring on a grim night for New depth for long periods. The ened the odds on an MLS team game. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Masked, muted Olympics will still Dortmund’s new caretaker Role of heading in football has to be 14dominate crowded 2021 in sports 15 coach gets a winning start 15 reexamined over risk of dementia

Chelsea lose 2-1 at Wolves ‘We are not machines,’ wasteful Man City slip up again

WOLVERHAMPTON: Chelsea’s French striker Olivier Giroud (center) takes a shot at goal during the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton on December 15, 2020. — AFP

WOLVERHAMPTON: Frank Lampard are still a team in transition after a £220 minutes into the second-half as he volleyed sion as there was no contact on the runners-up to Liverpool, City scored 102 believes Chelsea have become complacent million ($294 million) transfer spending Ben Chilwell’s cross towards goal and the Portuguese winger. However, Neto was not league goals, but the stale domination that after the Blues blew a lead to lose 2-1 at spree as two of their big money signings, ball slipped through Rui Patricio’s grasp and to be denied on the counter-attack deep has characterised a lacklustre campaign Wolves and suffer back-to-back Premier Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, again failed just over the line. Going behind awakened into stoppage time as he accelerated past was in evidence all night as they struggled League defeats for the first time during his to sparkle. Lampard’s men remain in fifth, Wolves and Fabio Silva was denied his first Zouma and drove low into the far corner to to break through West Brom’s deep-lying reign in charge. Twice in four days Chelsea three points adrift of Tottenham and Premier League goal since a 40 million euro move Wolves into the top half of the table defense. “We had great years where we have wasted the chance to move top of the Liverpool at the top, ahead of a clash ($47 million £36 million) move from and within three points of the top four. played great football in the past so we set Premier League after losing for the first between the top two at Anfield on by an offside flag. the level high,” said Gundogan. “All over time in 18 matches at Everton on Saturday. Wednesday. Victory was no more than Wolves had not scored in two games Wasteful Man City slip Europe all the big teams are struggling with Lampard himself called into question his Wolves deserved as they bounced back since losing Jimenez to a sickening head Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan blamed a the tight fixtures and it’s not going to be side’s title credentials after a 1-0 loss at from two consecutive defeats since losing knock suffered in a 2-1 win at Arsenal. But congested calendar in a unique season for easier in the next weeks. Goodison Park at the weekend and believes top scorer Raul Jimenez to a fractured skull. Daniel Podence produced a moment of Manchester City’s failure to match the stan- “That’s an explanation why it is not his players may have got carried away with “We reacted well,” said Wolves boss Nuno magic as he twisted and turned inside the dards they have set under Pep Guardiola always as easy as the expectations people their unbeaten run. Espirito Santo. “I think we were always in Chelsea box to find space for a shot and his after a 1-1 draw with West Brom dealt have for us. We are not machines but we “Performance is what gives you results. the game. We were well organized and sec- effort deflected off Reece James and inside another blow to their title challenge. also know when we have not played our We were playing very well, on a long ond-half we played really well.” Edouard Mendy’s near post. Chelsea’s Gundogan appeared to have opened the best game.” City could have moved to unbeaten run and then maybe the lads think record signing Havertz had another night to floodgates on the half hour mark, but within three points of leaders Tottenham ‘we’re playing well’. The minute you think Chelsea disappoint forget. The German international was Ruben Dias’s own goal two minutes before and Liverpool, who met yesterday. Instead you’re playing well, things like this can hap- Other than bursts from Christian Pulisic replaced by Mateo Kovacic, while Tammy half-time proved costly as City’s problems Guardiola’s men edge up to fifth on goal pen,” said a visibly irked Lampard after past the struggling Nelson Semedo, Chelsea Abraham replaced the injured Giroud as in front of goal continued in a goalless sec- difference, still five points off the top. Pedro Neto broke clear to win the game in created precious little from open play. Set- Lampard went in search of a winner. ond-half. City have won just five of their “These games you have to win, we know it, the 95th minute. “If you’re not playing well pieces caused Wolves more problems as Yet, it was Wolves who looked the more opening 12 league games of the season, a so we drop points,” admitted Guardiola. which we weren’t tonight, hang on to the 1- Olivier Giroud headed over when he should likely winners in the closing stages. Neto far cry from the combined 198 points they “It’s not far away the top of the league, but 0. Play, control the game, and don’t allow have hit the target before Kurt Zouma thought he had won a penalty when driving registered in two title-winning campaigns you have to win games. Still we are in early counter attacks like we did.” crashed a header from another corner off past James, but after a VAR review referee under Guardiola in 2017/18 and 2018/19. December and there are a lot of games to There was more evidence that Chelsea the crossbar. Giroud was razor sharp four Stuart Attwell overturned his original deci- Even last season when finishing distant play.”— Agencies

been problems.” “I will be glad to have two games in Benzema fires Real Doha to host 2030 west Asia, to be honest,” added Sheikh Ahmad. Saudi and Qatar are locked in a bitter dispute after an level with Sociedad alliance of countries led by Riyadh cut diplomatic, ; economic and transport ties with Doha in 2017, MADRID: Karim Benzema spared Real Madrid’s accusing it of backing radical Islamists and Iran. blushes on Tuesday with the winning brace which Riyadh 2034 edition shot the reigning champions to a 3-1 win over ‘A national priority’ Athletic Bilbao that draws them level on points with MUSCAT: Doha will host the 2030 Asian Games, the Qatar denies the charges and there has been La Liga Leaders Real Sociedad. Frenchman Benzema Olympic Council of Asia announced yesterday, while progress to reconcile the dispute in recent weeks headed home a cross from Dani Carvajal with 16 min- Riyadh was named as host of the 2034 edition under with all sides praising Kuwaiti-led mediation. Ahead utes remaining to put Real ahead against battling a compromise agreed between the rivals. An execu- of the vote, the OCA’s president said he was seeking Bilbao, who had fought back to level earlier having tive board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia a “win-win” situation for Doha and Riyadh. Doha lost Raul Garcia to two quickfire bookings in opening (OCA) unanimously approved the proposal to name hosted the Asian Games in 2006 while Saudi Arabia minutes. Toni Kroos had given the hosts the lead in the runner-up in the two-horse race for the 2030 has never organized an OCA multi-sport event. Madrid with a thumping strike on the stroke of half- games as 2034 hosts. “I can now announce... that the “Our goal is simple. We want to see more Asian time, but Ander Capa rocked the capital club six min- MADRID: Real Madrid’s French forward Karim city who had the highest vote and will host 2030 is athletes in the future, on future Olympic podiums,” utes after the break when he shot past Thibaut Benzema (left) challenges Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish Doha,” said OCA president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad said Qatar Olympic Committee chief Joaan bin Hamad Courtois at the second time of asking. defender Yeray Alvarez during the Spanish league Al-Sabah. “The second hosting city, for 2034, is bin Khalifa Al-Thani ahead of the vote. “We want that The 32-year-old Benzema had other ideas howev- football match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Riyadh.” to be part of your national sports history, not just ours. er, putting his team in front before making sure of Voting was delayed by hours after technical prob- the points in stoppage time with a clinical finish after Club Bilbao on December 15, 2020. — AFP And we want to support you in the efforts to get lems with the online system, in place to allow some collecting Luka Modric’s pass. Third-placed Madrid there.” Qatar is also participating in the bidding national olympic committees to participate remotely gained their fourth straight win in all competitions Atletico have played two games fewer than their two process for the 2032 summer Olympics. A video show- and are equal on 26 points with Sociedad, who faced title rivals. Barca are nine points back but play one because of the coronavirus pandemic. “I apologize cased Qatar’s raft of sporting and transport infrastruc- troubled Barcelona at the Camp Nou yesterday, and of their two games in hand in the hope of giving for the technical problem we are facing during our ture being prepared ahead of the 2022 football World local rivals Atletico Madrid. Tuesday’s match was the some momentum to what has been a miserable sea- voting,” said Sheikh Ahmad. “Today the difficult Cup that would be repurposed for the 2030 games. game in hand which Real had on Sociedad, while son so far. — AFP things have been solved and the easy things have The games will have a $1.3 billion budget. — AFP