MUHARRAM 3, 1443 AH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021

16 Pages Max 49º Min 31º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18503 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Kuwait churches eager to Gold rush ends for smugglers as Hip-hop dream thrives Post-Olympics, spotlight 3 return to normal activities 7 foreign troops leave Afghanistan 11 in India’s largest slum 14 shifts to Qatar World Cup

MPs blame mismanagement by govt for record budget deficit

Lawmaker wants answers for sharp drop in Kuwait’s per capita income

By B Izzak with average oil production of 2.5 mil- lion barrels per day, the ministry said. KUWAIT: Lawmakers yesterday MP Ahmad Al-Azemi said posting blamed what they charged as govern- the largest budget deficit is not ment mismanagement for a record strange if the government’s misman- budget deficit posted in the past fiscal agement is taken into account. “There year, while an opposition MP claimed is nothing strange in Kuwait posting the deficit was not real. The finance the biggest budget deficit in its histo- ministry announced at the weekend ry under the government’s misman- that Kuwait had posted a record agement and escaping from account- budget deficit of KD 10.8 billion - the ability,” Azemi said on Twitter. He highest ever actual shortfall in said the country has been posting Kuwait’s history - in the 2020/2021 deficits for years and no real meas- fiscal year which ended March 31. ures had been taken to contain this The ministry said in a statement trend, adding that the simplest solu- that revenues dropped to KD 10.5 bil- tions are “to stop foreign aid, reduce lion, while expenditures increased to astronomical spending by ministries KD 21.3 billion. Kuwait has been post- and reclaim public funds from thieves ing budget deficits since the and corrupt people”. 2015/2016 fiscal year due to a sharp MP Osama Al-Munawer however fall in oil prices and as a result of a cut insisted that the deficit is not real and in production to boost prices. only on paper, because the govern- Oil revenue slumped 42.8 percent ment does not include all of the coun- in 2020-21 to KD 8.8 billion, while try’s revenues. He said if the govern- other revenue fell 6.5 percent to KD ment includes all state revenues and 1.7 billion, the ministry said. Wages not only those from oil, there will be and subsides accounted for 73 per- no shortfall. As per law, Kuwait does cent of total expenditure, while capital not include returns from its foreign and infrastructure expenditure assets in the annual budget, instead accounted for 9 percent. The average adding them to the original assets, Kuwaiti crude selling price for the fis- currently estimated at $700 billion. KUWAIT: Friends look at the Milky Way galaxy rising in the night sky in the Salmi desert late Monday. - Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat cal year reached $42.36 per barrel, Continued on Page 2

Qatar-backed club. Messi’s father Jorge, who is also News in brief Messi arrives in his agent, earlier confirmed the inevitable as he arrived at Barcelona’s El Prat airport to board a 7 dead in Algeria wildfires Paris to complete flight to France. Asked by reporters if his son would sign for the French club, he replied: “Yes”. ALGIERS: Wildfires fanned by blistering tem- PSG are set to unveil Messi at a press confer- peratures and tinder-dry conditions have killed move to PSG ence at their Parc des Princes stadium today. He is at least seven people in Algeria, the interior expected to sign an initial two-year deal, and the minister said yesterday, adding the fires had PARIS: Lionel Messi landed in Paris yesterday with completion of his move will close a whirlwind few criminal origins. Fires were reported in multiple the 34-year-old Argentinian superstar set to sign a days following the announcement last Thursday that locations in 14 districts, 10 of them around Tizi deal with Paris Saint-Germain following his depar- he would leave Barcelona, the club he has repre- Ouzou, one of the most populous cities in the ture from boyhood club Barcelona. Messi arrived at sented for the entirety of his 17-year professional Kabylie region. — AFP Le Bourget airport to the north of the French capital career. around 3:30 pm and was greeted by hundreds of PSG’s move for Messi had been an open secret PSG supporters who had gathered hoping to catch for days, although reports in Spain on Monday night Sydney hits new COVID record a glimpse of their new signing. talked of a “final offer” by Barcelona to try to keep Messi, who waved to the crowds while sporting a the player. Instead, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner PARIS: Argentinian football player Lionel Messi SYDNEY: Sydney posted a new record of Paris t-shirt, was then expected to undergo a med- will join a PSG attack already featuring Neymar waves to supporters after he landed yesterday at COVID-19 infections yesterday as the city strug- ical before his signing could be made official by the Continued on Page 2 Le Bourget airport. —AFP gles to control an outbreak that is sending other Australian regions into lockdown. New South Wales state announced 356 new cases, a fresh record for a Delta-variant outbreak that began in Lebanese now mid-June and continues to grow. — AFP Cuomo resigns queue up for New Google safety features after claims of cooking gas WASHINGTON: Google yesterday unveiled a harassment series of online safety measures for children including a private setting for videos uploaded BEIRUT: Lebanese lined up in long queues yester- NEW YORK: New by teens and safeguard for ads shown to users day to stock up on cooking gas following warnings York Governor under 18. Google’s “safe search” will now be the of imminent shortages, as an economic crisis eats Andrew Cuomo, facing default setting for users under 18. On YouTube, away at supplies of basic imports. Lebanon, grap- possible impeachment content from 13- to 17-year-olds will be private pling with an economic crisis branded by the World over sexual harass- ment claims from 11 by default. Google will also turn off location Bank as one of the planet’s worse since the mid-19th SIDON: Lebanese wait to fill their gas cylinders in women and mounting history for all users under 18 globally. — AFP century, has been hit in recent months by a wave of shortages of basic items from medicine to fuel. this southern city yesterday amidst a deepening pressure to quit from economic crisis. — AFP fellow Democrats, Liquefied petroleum gas, usually sold in canisters Andrew Cuomo Moroccan sets himself alight and used widely in homes and businesses for cook- announced his resig- ing and heating, had been readily available in the dealers warn that if official supplies run dry, prices nation yesterday. It CASABLANCA: A young Moroccan has died market. But importers warned it would soon join the could shoot up by more than a third. Foreign curren- was a stunning reversal of fortune for the 63- after setting himself on fire in protest after list of scarce goods, prompting a countrywide panic. cy reserves are rapidly depleting, forcing the coun- year-old Cuomo, who just a year ago earned officials seized his cart in a town near “Our current stock will last one week,” said Farid try to scale-down imports to shore up the little mon- praise for his handling of the COVID-19 pandem- Casablanca, his brother told AFP on Monday. Zeynoun, who heads a syndicate of petroleum gas ey it has left. ic before being engulfed in the harassment allega- Yassine Lekhmidi, 25, an unlicensed taxi driver, distributors. “After which, if no solution is found, gas Zeynoun said that a vessel carrying 5,000 tons of tions and claims that he covered up the scale of died of his injuries in hospital in the North used in homes will be sold on the black market.” liquefied petroleum docked in Lebanese waters 17 deaths in nursing homes. African country’s economic capital on Zeynoun blamed the crisis on a delay by the cen- days ago, but is awaiting approval by the authorities “I think that given the circumstances, the best Saturday after self-immolating on July 28, tral bank in opening credit lines to fund imports. Gas to unload its cargo. way I can help now is if I step aside and let Continued on Page 2 Ahmed Lekhmidi said. — AFP is subsidized by the government with a set price, but Continued on Page 2 2 Established 1961 Local Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Amir receives Crown Prince, senior officials

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

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sabah meets ministers of defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, meets Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad meets Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of State interior Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and foreign affairs Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah. for Nazaha Enhancement Abdullah Yousef Al-Roumi. Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of and ministers Sheikh Hamad and Roumi. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune over forest fire Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, as Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mishal received victims. In the cable, His Highness the Amir prayed Palace yesterday His Highness the Crown Prince well as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet to Almighty Allah to bestow mercy upon the dead Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His and Minister of State for Nazaha (Integrity) Affairs Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad and wished speedy recovery for the injured, hop- Highness the Amir also received at Bayan Palace Enhancement Abdullah Yousef Al-Roumi. Al-Sabah and Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali ing for the friendly country to overcome such a National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al- Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. natural disaster. His Highness the Crown Prince Ghanem. He also hosted His Highness the Prime received at Bayan Palace yesterday Speaker In other news, His Highness the Amir also sent a and His Highness the Prime Minister sent similar Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, cable of condolences yesterday to Algerian cables. — KUNA

meeting our gas needs,” said Walid Al-Hayek, the Lebanese now head of a gas distribution company, according to NNA. Hayek also blamed the crisis on a central bank delay in opening credit lines. queue up for... In the southern city of Sidon, people flocked to a local gas supplier to refill their canisters. “Is there Continued from Page 1 anything more humiliating than this?” asked Mohammad Ali Hasan, one of those in the queue, The official National News Agency reported waiting for hours under the scorching sun. “We use “unprecedented” demand for gas in the northern gas... to cook for our children... we will soon wait in Akkar district. “Importing companies have stopped line for water”. — AFP

been offended by his actions. “I have been too familiar Cuomo resigns with people,” said Cuomo, who was once touted as a potential Democratic presidential candidate. “I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I after claims of... have done it all my life. In my mind I’ve never crossed the line with anyone,” he said. “But I didn’t realize the extent to Continued from Page 1 which the line has been redrawn. There are generational and cultural shifts that I just didn’t fully appreciate. And I government get back to government,” Cuomo said in should have. No excuses. I thought a hug and putting my a live televised address. “My resignation will be effective arm around a staff person while taking a picture was in 14 days.” Cuomo, who will hand over the reins to friendly, but she found it to be too forward,” Cuomo said. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat, “I kissed a woman on the cheek at a wedding and thought denied the accusations of sexual harassment outlined in a I was being nice, but she felt that it was too aggressive.” report released last week by the office of New York Cuomo, whose father Mario also served as governor Attorney General Letitia James. of New York, was elected governor in 2010 and easily “The report said I sexually harassed 11 women,” won reelection in the heavily Democratic state in 2014 Cuomo said. “That was the headline people heard and and 2018. Cuomo described himself as a “New Yorker, saw. The reaction was outrage. It should have been. born and bred” and a “fighter” and said his “instinct is to However, it was also false.” But he said he wanted to fight through this controversy because I truly believe it is “deeply, deeply” apologize to any women who may have politically motivated.” — AFP

afford what is expected to be a deal worth Ä35 million Messi arrives in ($41 million) a year. “It will be difficult to see him in anoth- er shirt than that of Barca,” Messi’s old Barcelona team- mate Andres Iniesta, now playing in Japan, told AFP in an Paris to complete... interview yesterday. “As a player he just transcended everything. I’ve not seen a player like him - and I don’t Continued from Page 1 think I ever will. You look at what he did and for so long...” Messi, who flew in to Paris with his wife and three chil- and Kylian Mbappe. PSG see Messi as the missing dren, is now preparing for a new life in Paris and in Ligue piece in their jigsaw as they chase the Champions League, 1. His arrival makes PSG even more obvious favorites to the trophy they want more than anything else. “Back reclaim a French title they missed out on last season to together,” Neymar, who played with Messi at Barcelona Lille. Some in Ligue 1 have mixed feelings about the before moving to PSG in 2017, posted on Twitter. impending arrival of arguably the greatest player of all Barcelona are still coming to terms with the departure time. “It’s extraordinary for Ligue 1,” said Metz coach of their greatest ever player, who said goodbye to his club Frederic Antonetti. “But for a purist like me, Messi should of two decades at a tearful news conference on Sunday. have finished his career at Barcelona.” Despite offering to cut his salary by half to seal a new This summer PSG have already added veteran Spanish five-year contract with Barcelona, the deal foundered on defender Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid and Italy goal- Spanish league salary cap rules. Barcelona, carrying debts keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the star of Euro 2020. of Ä1.2 billion ($1.41 billion), are unable to register new They have also signed Liverpool midfielder Georginio signings because of their financial predicament. Wijnaldum, snatching the Dutchman from under the noses With Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City having ruled of Barcelona, and spent 60 million euros on Inter Milan themselves out, PSG were about the only club who could right-back Achraf Hakimi. — AFP

income dropped from $49,578 in 2007 to $32,702 MPs blame in 2019, a decline of 34 percent. He asked the min- ister if the reports were true and demanded to know the reasons for such a slide in personal mismanagemen... income. Local media reported yesterday that the eco- Continued from Page 1 nomic committee of the Cabinet is considering a number of measures to reduce spending to reduce Meanwhile, MP Muhalhal Al-Mudhaf asked the budget deficit. Al-Rai Arabic daily quoted Finance Minister Khalifa Hamada why Kuwait’s per informed sources as saying the committee is con- capita income dropped sharply in the past decade. sidering raising the prices of petrol and electricity He said according to international reports, includ- and reducing other subsidies in a bid to save ing a report by the World Bank, Kuwait’s per capita around KD 2 billion. Established 1961 3 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Local Kuwait churches, like mosques, eager to return to normal activities

By Ben Garcia Ministry of Awqaf regarding changes,” said Mariam Abdullah, Executive Secretary of the National KUWAIT: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Evangelical Church in Kuwait. “Until the new memo Affairs has officially requested the Ministry of is issued, we will continue following the old rules,” Health to allow a return to normal activities in said Abdullah. “We are operating with the permis- mosques, including allowing worshippers to be at sion and license of the Ministry of Awqaf, so any closer proximity to each other while performing changes in our operations must come from them,” prayers. Mosques have been allowed to resume ser- she said. mons and lessons, but are still adhering to social Churches reopened to worshippers in July 2020 distancing guidelines during congregation prayers. after several months of closure due to the pandemic. Churches in Kuwait are also eager to resume “Since last year, we are operating at 30 percent normal worship services. There are approximately capacity and chairs are arranged more than a meter 3.1 million foreign residents living in Kuwait, and apart. We continue to strictly implement this dis- according to the Public Authority for Civil tancing. Worshippers under 15 years of age are not Information, around 26 percent of them are allowed to come to the church. They can worship at Christians. There are eight officially registered and home since we have virtual worship services,” licensed churches in the country: National Abdullah said. Evangelical Church of Kuwait, Roman Catholic, “We are waiting for new instructions promulgat- Greek Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian ed by the Ministry of Awqaf. We will strictly submit Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Anglican and The to their wise decision,” she added. Abdullah said Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. hand sanitizing and wearing masks is still a must, “We have not changed the protocols because we and those exposed to COVID-19 can only attend haven’t received any new memo as yet from the after 14 days of quarantine. KUWAIT: The National Evangelical Church of Kuwait.

Kuwait Dive Team cooperates with UNEP One out of three for cleaner waters COVID survivors suffers KUWAIT: Kuwait Dive Team of the Environmental mental health problems Voluntary Foundation continuing cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme - KUWAIT: After the World Health Organization Regional Office for West Asia, as part of the (WHO) said the effect of the coronavirus on International Clean Seas Campaign. The coopera- psychological and mental health will be long- tion is aimed, at the local level, at protecting and term, specialists spoke about the effects the rehabilitating the marine environment, lifting waste pandemic caused on those who suffered from from coastal areas, coral reefs and improving status lockdowns, curfews and isolation of areas. The of the sea creatures’ habitat, affirmed Walid Al- specialists who were quoted in an Al-Qabas Fadhel, the head of Kuwait Dive Team, an affiliate of Arabic daily report yesterday said one out of the foundation. three among those who recovered faced various Fadhel said that the dive team has recently sub- psychological problems, and some had deformi- mitted a full report about its accomplished tasks ties of the central nervous system (CNS), adding since 2020 to the UN environmental program that psychological consultations online doubled bureau in Bahrain. The team delivered the report in during the pandemic. line with an accord worked out between the two Psychologist and clinical psychology profes- parties in 2018 that stipulates safeguarding and sor at Kuwait University Dr Nayef Al-Mutawa restoring the Kuwaiti marine environmental, coastal said during the curfews last year, one out of five regions and promoting voluntary work to achieve KUWAIT: Members of the Kuwait Dive Team lift fishing nets during a cleaning campaign in this persons around the world were affected by men- these objectives. Officials at the UN office have archive photo. tal problems, while one out of three persons who praised the Kuwaiti divers’ commitment to imple- recovered from the coronavirus faced continued menting the agreement, their efforts for safeguarding nervous and psychological problems. the Kuwaiti shores, cleaning the beaches, the island 177 tons, from various locations at the sea, in addi- ated with international organizations for conserving Psychology consultant, founder and medical and installing buoys, Fadhel said, also noting that the tion to removing 100 tons of neglected fishing nets the beaches, has engaged in a special course with director of MindWell Center, and associate pro- team had carried out up to 100 environmental and and other harmful materials from more than 20 loca- personnel of the Environment Protection Authority fessor at the College of Medicine at University of voluntary missions since start of 2021. tions in the waters. Moreover, they have installed 76 (EPA) training on the Coralwatch Program of the Toronto Dr Mohammad Al-Swaidan said recov- The Kuwait Divers Team, since inking the coordi- buoys marking locations of underwater coral reefs. Austrian University Queensland for regular inspec- ered patients suffer from memory difficulties and nation accord with the UN bureau, has carried out a Kuwait largely depends on the sea for economic, liv- tion of the coral reefs. Fadhel added that the divers loss of concentration for one to three months. chain of diverse missions for clearing plastic waste, ing and tourist purposes, Fadhel has affirmed, under- had been involved for the eighth consecutive year in Kuwait’s Dr Kazem Abul said psychological abandoned nets, sunken boats and other environ- scoring the great need to preserve the marine envi- the mobile campaign for beaches’ clean-up however shocks affect mental health and may cause mentally harmful objects. The divers have lifted and ronment and the natural biodiversity. he noted that it had been partially snagged due to depression, apprehension and insomnia. He said removed 16 abandoned boats and ships, weighing Furthermore, the Kuwaiti divers team has cooper- outbreak of the coronavirus. —KUNA the individual may become isolated from the fami- ly or society, which might increase the risk of psychological symptoms such as obsession. Kuwait races to vaccinate population against COVID-19 Filipina maid in Kuwait saved after posting Facebook appeal KUWAIT: It did not take the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) long to act in coordination with the interior ministry after a Filipina domestic helper appealed on Facebook to rescue her from her employer, who allegedly mistreated her. The helper claimed the work she was forced to do vio- lated rules and regulations. Concerned officials of the labor protection sec- tor went to the location and arrested the sponsor, Al-Qabas Arabic daily reported yesterday, quot- ing official sources. They also transferred the maid to the domestic helper shelter in Jleeb Al- Shuyoukh. The sources said the interior ministry started interrogating the bedoon sponsor, in addi- tion to questioning the helper over her claims, to get all details. Concerned authorities will continue investi- gations and will give the helper all her rights, the source said. She will then be given the option to leave the country. They said Kuwait is keen on safeguarding workers’ rights and pre- KUWAIT: Health Ministry members pose for a group photo at the Kuwait Vaccination Center in Mishref. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat vent their abuse. Meanwhile, the Philippine labor counselor at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait Nasser Mustafa KUWAIT: Kuwait races to vaccinate its population against lauded the quick response by Kuwait authorities COVID-19 as the health ministry revved up its inoculation over the helper’s appeal. He said the police capacity to reach around 100,000 a day. The ministry had response was rapid, thanking them for their announced that vaccination witnessed a high turnout from both action. He said the embassy is following up the citizens and residents during the Hijri New Year holiday in all case and plans to visit the helper at the shelter. centers across the country. “The continuation of the vaccina- tion pace has positive impacts on the indicators of the pandem- ic situation evaluation,” Ministry of Health’s spokesman Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said in a press statement. This helps achiev- ing the desired goals in order to reach herd immunity and return to normal life, he added. The centers providing vaccination are Kuwait Vaccination Center in Mishref, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Causeway’s center and others in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Tadhamon Sports Club, in addition to several hospitals, Dr Sanad noted. He commended the public’s cooperation and their continued abidance by pre- cautionary measures, thanking medical teams and staff, and volunteers for their efforts during the holiday. Kuwait’s daily coronavirus cases had increased by 519 to 403,868 on Monday as deaths increased by three to 2,372, the health ministry announced. The number of people hospitalized with the virus stood at 620 by Monday, including 236 in intensive care units, Dr Sanad said, revealing that another 8,312 were receiving reg- KUWAIT: Firemen put out a fire that gutted three ular treatment. Total recoveries reached 393,184 as of Monday yachts in Messilah yesterday, Kuwait Fire Force said, Civil Defense members pose for a group photo at the Kuwait Vaccination Center in Mishref. as 834 fresh recoveries were announced on that day. —KUNA noting that no injuries were reported. 4 Established 1961 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Local

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News in brief

Shamal Al-Zour earns $19m

KUWAIT: Shamal Al-Zour Al-Oula Power and Water Company has reaped KD 6.4 million ($19.2 million) worth of net profits in H1 2021 compared to KD 5.9 million ($17.7) earnings in the first half of 2020.The company said in a statement posted on Boursa Kuwait yesterday that the dividend per share stood at 5.84 fils in the first half of 2021 against 5.44 fils in in the first half of 2020. It attributed the rise of prof- its largely to decline of the financing costs. The company, established in 2013, was listed at the local bourse in 2020. Its capital amounts to KD 110 million ($330 million). The company has built, operated and maintained the northern Al- Zour power station (the first phase). —KUNA

Resolving Yemen’s crisis

RIYADH: Secretary General of the Gulf KUWAIT: This picture taken on August 9, 2021 shows dates prepared for harvest on a palm tree in Kuwait. The date harvest season began earlier this week in the Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr Nayef Al- country. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh Hajraf stressed on the importance of main- taining the international community’s efforts to continue resolving the Yemeni crisis as statement to the press. In a similar statement, Barjas commenced by the Saudi ceasefire initiative. UNICEF praises Kuwait’s role in improving said that KRCS carries out a number of activities The Council’s statement on Monday noted aimed at helping children affected by natural disas- the remarks came during a telephone conver- ters and armed conflicts, referring to Yemen, sation between Hajraf and UN Security children conditions on all levels Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Council’s Special Envoy Hans Grunberg, Rohingya children and other countries. KRCS where he assured this crisis should reach a KUWAIT: Representative of the United Nations Both sides discussed a number of mutual proj- organizes many activities for refugees, displaced Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Al-Tayyib Adam praised ects in Yemen and the Gulf region, and ways to political solution as advised by the GCC, children that supports and provide education, health yesterday the role of Kuwait in improving the condi- enhance them, referring to the importance of the National Dialogue Conference, and UN and housing, Barjas added. She reviewed KRCS tion of children within the humanitarian and develop- educational, medical, and health support for the Resolution 2216. On Friday, the UN appointed humanitarian projects and work plans inside and ment fields. This came during a meeting held with Yemeni children. They also reviewed cooperation outside Kuwait on all levels, expressing her happi- Swedish diplomat Hans Grunberg as the new Secretary General of the Board of Directors of Kuwait between the UNICEF and KRCS, in the humanitari- UN Special Envoy for Yemen. —KUNA ness of the visit of the UN representative to KRCS’s Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Maha Al-Barjas. an and rescue fields in all countries, Adam said in a headquarters. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Members of the Shiite community in Kuwait began this week attending sermons at Hussainiyas around the country marking Ashura day, which falls on the tenth day of the lunar month of Muharram. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh International WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 China cases rise as Delta variant Ethiopia PM urges civilians to join armed forces as war rages Page 6 challenges Beijing Page 7

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan: In this picture taken on Monday, Taleban fighters stand along a road in this northern city that was captured by the Taleban over the weekend. —AFP Taleban eye full control of north Afghanistan Another city falls to insurgents as thousands of residents flee

KABUL: The Taleban seized another Afghan provincial is now in Qatar to try and convince the Taleban to are so exhausted,” added Farid, an evacuee from in power from 1996-2001 for introducing a harsh inter- capital yesterday - the seventh in less than a week - as accept a ceasefire. Envoys from hosts Qatar, Britain, Kunduz who did not want to be further identified. pretation of Islamic rule that barred girls from educa- tens of thousands of people fled their homes in the China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, the United Nations, and The UN’s International Organization for Migration tion and women from work. Crimes were punished by north for the relative safety of Kabul and other centers. European Union were also due to discuss the situation said yesterday that more than 359,000 people have public floggings or executions, while a host of activi- A provincial lawmaker told AFP the insurgents had in Afghanistan, a source told AFP. But even with a new been displaced by fighting this year alone. “We urge all ties - from playing music to non-religious TV - were taken Farah city, capital of the same-named province in round of talks in the works, Pentagon spokesman John parties to the conflict and neighboring countries to do also banned. Following the capture of Aibak on western Afghanistan, while a Taleban spokesman post- Kirby said it was down to the Afghan government and everything they can to ensure that border crossing- Monday, the insurgents have now overrun five provin- ed pictures of fighters walking casually past the gates its forces to turn the tide, and there was “not much” the points remain open, and humanitarian workers are able cial capitals in the north. They have also taken Zaranj, of the police headquarters and governor’s office. United States could do to help. to access vulnerable populations in the border areas,” the capital of Nimroz province, in the southwest. Shahla Abubar, a member of Farah’s provincial the agency said in a statement. Yesterday, the Taleban reiterated they were closing council, said local security forces retreated towards an Brutal treatment in on Mazar-i-Sharif - a linchpin for the government’s army base outside the city. Five of the other provincial The Taleban have appeared largely indifferent to ‘Atrocious situation’ control of the north - after capturing Sheberghan to its capitals to have fallen since Friday are in the country’s peace overtures, and seem intent on a military victory In the northern city of Kunduz that was captured by west, and Kunduz and Taloqan to its east. But Fawad north with the insurgents setting their sights on Mazar- to crown a return to power after their ouster 20 years the Taleban over the weekend, residents said shops Aman, spokesman for the ministry of defense, said i-Sharif, the region’s biggest city. Its fall would signal ago in the wake of the September 11 attacks. As fight- had begun to reopen in the center as the insurgents Afghan forces had the upper hand there. the total collapse of government control in the tradi- ing raged, thousands of people were on the move focused their attention on government forces who had The Indian consulate in Mazar, however, called on tionally anti-Taleban north. inside the country, with families fleeing newly captured retreated to the airport. “People are opening their its nationals to board a “special flight” scheduled for Government forces are also battling the hardline Taleban cities with tales of brutal treatment at the shops and businesses, but you can still see fear in their later in the day. From Geneva, the UN warned the war Islamists in Kandahar and Helmand, the southern hands of the insurgents. eyes,” said shopkeeper Habibullah. Another resident, was unleashing another humanitarian crisis. “Unless all Pashto-speaking provinces from where the Taleban “The Taleban are beating and looting,” said Rahima, living close to the airport, reported days of heavy parties return to the negotiating table and reach a draw their strength. The United States - due to com- now camped out with hundreds of families at a park in fighting. “The Taleban are hiding in people’s houses in peaceful settlement, the already atrocious situation for plete a troop withdrawal at the end of the month and the capital, Kabul, after fleeing Sheberghan province. the area and government forces are bombing them,” so many Afghans will become much worse,” said UN end its longest war - has all but left the battlefield. “If there is a young girl or a widow in a family, they said Haseeb, who only gave his first name. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle However, Washington’s special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad forcibly take them. We fled to protect our honor.” “We The Taleban earned notoriety during their first stint Bachelet. —AFP Greeks battle to protect town from Prince Andrew ferocious blaze sued in NY court NEW YORK: Queen AVGARIA, Greece: Volunteers and firefighters Elizabeth II’s second worked round-the-clock yesterday, often without son, Prince Andrew, masks or helmets, in a desperate bid to stop a violent was sued in a New blaze from reaching a town on Greece’s Evia island, York court on Monday one of hundreds of fires that have raged through the for alleged sexual country. Nearly 900 firefighters, reinforced overnight abuse of a woman who with fresh arrivals from abroad, were deployed on the says she was “lent out” country’s second largest island as major towns and for underage sex by resorts remained under threat from a fire that has late US financier been burning for eight days. Jeffrey Epstein. The fil- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis apologized to the ing at the US district nation, saying more than 580 fires had broken out in court in Manhattan recent days around the country, exposing Greece to a said Virginia Giuffre “natural fury without precedent”. Unprecedented weath- was the plaintiff in the er disasters bulked up by climate change have swept the case against the defen- world this summer, with a landmark UN assessment dant, named as “Prince Prince Andrew published Monday warning the world is warming even Local youths and volunteers gather in an open field and wait to support firefighters during a wildfire near the village of Kamatriades near Istiaia on Evia island on Monday. —AFP Andrew, Duke of York”. faster than forecasted. Hundreds of homes have been lost Giuffre alleged in the filing that she “was regularly in Evia, greater Athens, the Peloponnese and other parts abused by Epstein and was lent out by Epstein to oth- of Greece in wildfires that have been raging almost with- Often wearing just a t-shirt, the locals battled the in her sixties shouted, refusing to leave as helicopters er powerful men for sexual purposes. “One such pow- out pause since late July, as the region suffers through an erful man... was the Defendant, Prince Andrew.” intense heatwave. The fires have claimed three lives in flames on several fronts, one of which raged out of flew ahead. On the streets of the village, dozens of control. The Evia force includes hundreds of firefight- residents pointed angrily at a Slovakian firefighting According to the complaint, Giuffre said Andrew sexu- Greece, while blazes in neighboring Turkey have killed ally abused her at the London home of socialite eight. Several people have been injured, some critically. ers from Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. They were truck. “Look, they’re doing all the work. Where are reinforced on Tuesday with units from Cyprus, ours? We beg them to come and no one comes,” said Ghislaine Maxwell more than 20 years ago, when she was under 18. Andrew, 61, has vehemently denied ‘Where to go?’ Slovakia and Poland, the civil protection authority Dimitri. In the village of Avgaria, many locals have said. The rugged island is popular with holidaymakers turned out to help the professionals. “If we don’t claims he had sex with Giuffre, and said he has no rec- Yesterday, much of the attention was focused on ollection of meeting her, but the allegations threaten to keeping the fire out of Evia’s northern hub of Istiaia, and many Greeks have summer homes in Evia. Some come, who will?” asked Yiannis, a burly youth in his 3,000 people were evacuated by sea this past week 20s. “My aunt’s house burnt down, that of my grand- damage the British royal family. A spokesman for which has 7,000 residents who had yet to evacuate. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the law- Firefighters and volunteers had been engaged as the flames neared. father almost did too.” The fire has also wrought hav- Authorities ordered the evacuation of Asiminio, a oc on the island’s agricultural economy that included suit and a public relations company representing overnight in “hand-to-hand combat, fighting heart Andrew e-mailed a “no comment” response to AFP and soul” to erect fire breaks outside villages neigh- coastal village near Istiaia also threatened by flames resin, olives, figs and honey, leaving many local pro- yesterday. “Where do you want us to go?” a woman ducers despondent.—AFP yesterday. The allegations have dogged the British boring Istiaia, Mayor Yiannis Kontzias said. monarchy for years. The centuries-old institution was also rocked in March by a US television interview in March involving geographically diverse country risks fighting rolling towards the accord’s goals was “critically insufficient”. the 95-year-old Queen’s grandson, Prince Harry, and Disaster-struck disasters if it does not forcefully confront climate Ankara argues the agreement unfairly classes Turkey his wife, Meghan. The couple, who moved to California change, which is warming sea temperatures in regions as “developed” rather than “developing”, which would last year, raised allegations of racism and bullying in such as the Mediterranean. A landmark UN report this give it access to funding. But experts say Turkey is Britain’s most famous family, prompting denials from Turkey faces toll week warned that global warming is occurring far making the mistake of failing to see critical issues such the palace and promises of an inquiry. faster than forecast. as food security and intensifying drought as linked. Andrew, a divorced father of two and former Royal of climate change The issue is turning increasingly political, with polls “I don’t see Turkey having any comprehensive and Navy helicopter pilot who flew in the 1982 Falklands showing it registering highly with up to seven million holistic climate change policy that addresses every- War against Argentina, was forced to step back from members of Generation Z who will be able to vote in thing in an interconnected way,” said water and climate ANKARA: From flash floods to forest fires, drought frontline royal duties in late 2019. That followed a furor the next election, slated for 2023. Experts and environ- policy researcher Gokce Sencan. “You cannot separate to “sea snot”, Turkey is bearing the brunt of increas- at a rare television interview he gave to the BBC, in mentally-conscious politicians put ratifying the 2015 food security issues from energy security issues, and ingly frequent disasters blamed on climate change, which he defended his friendship with Epstein, a multi- Paris Agreement adopted by 196 countries on top of food prices from the issue of drought.” putting pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan million-dollar hedge fund manager. Andrew - who as a Turkey’s to-do list. Fossil fuels made up 83 percent of Turkey’s ener- to act. Wildfires that have killed eight people since young man was considered one of Britain’s most eligi- Turkey is one of only six nations, including Iraq and gy supply in 2019. The International Energy Agency late July across southern coastal regions, ravaging ble bachelors and was dubbed “Randy Andy” in the Libya, yet to formally approve the accord. “This is the this year praised Ankara’s efforts to diversify its forests and turning villages to ash, followed the tabloid press - later issued a statement in which he first step. We must become a part of the global fight energy mix, with “impressive” renewable energy growth of a slimy mucus in the Sea of Marmara that said he “unequivocally” regretted his “ill-judged asso- against climate change,” said Greens of Turkey Party growth. But environmentalists raise concern over destroyed marine life. ciation” with Epstein. But he has made few public spokeswoman Emine Ozkan. “There is no time to lose.” Turkey’s reliance on polluting coal, since Ankara has Deadly floods in the northeast followed an arid spell appearances since, although joined other senior royals ‘No comprehensive policy’ plans to expand domestic coal power capacity that dried up dams, endangering water supplies. for the funeral of his father, Prince Philip, Duke of Climate Action Tracker, a think tank that evaluates despite targeting a greenhouse gas emissions cut of Sinkholes caused by water mismanagement are Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle in April. —AFP national emissions reduction plans, said Turkey’s effort up to 21 percent by 2030. —AFP encroaching on farmers’ homes. Experts warn the vast, 6 Established 1961 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 International Ethiopia PM urges civilians to join armed forces as war rages

12 killed in attack in Afar region l UN regains access to Tigray refugee camps

ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy The incident occurred on August 5 in Galicoma Ahmed issued a call yesterday for all eligible town, said Dr Abubeker Mahammud, medical civilians to join the armed forces as fighting raged director of the Dubti Referral Hospital, where vic- in multiple regions of Africa’s second most popu- tims were being treated. “Twelve dead bodies lous nation. “Now is the right time for all capable arrived at the hospital,” Abubeker told AFP. “The Ethiopians who are of age to join the Defense total number of injured victims is more than 46, Forces, Special Forces and militias and show your almost around 50. Almost 75 percent of them had patriotism,” Abiy’s office said in a statement bullet injuries.” released less than two months after he declared a Survivors told hospital officials they were shot unilateral ceasefire against Tigrayan rebels. by fighters from the TPLF, Abubeker said. Two Abiy sent troops into Ethiopia’s northernmost officials with Afar’s regional government put the Tigray region last November to topple the Tigray death toll in Galicoma at more than 200, but that People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the regional rul- figure could not be independently verified. Ayish ing party which dominated national politics for Yasin, head of Afar’s bureau for women and chil- nearly three decades until 2018. The move came in dren, told AFP yesterday that “200 bodies of response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps, civilians have been recovered so far, while more said Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. than 48 are still missing.” Although Abiy promised a swift victory, the Ayish, who visited Galicoma Monday, said war took a stunning turn in June when Tigrayan many of the victims were killed by artillery fire forces recaptured the regional capital Mekele and and buried immediately. “Out of the 200 bodies the Ethiopian army largely withdrew. Abiy also recovered, 107 are children - 48 girls and 59 declared a unilateral ceasefire, saying it would boys,” she said. “The victims are civilians who facilitate aid access to a region where 400,000 had no role in the conflict.” people are facing famine-like conditions, accord- The head of the UN children’s agency ing to the UN. Since then the TPLF has pushed UNICEF, Henrietta Fore, said Monday she was east into neighboring Afar and south into the “extremely alarmed by the reported killing of Amhara region. over 200 people, including more than 100 chil- ADDIS ABABA: A protester waves the Ethiopian flag during a rally against pro-TPLF forces and to support Last week its forces seized the Amhara town of dren, in attacks on displaced families” in Afar. Ethiopia’s armed forces on Aug 8, 2021. —AFP Lalibela, home to 12th-century rock-hewn UNICEF officials in New York and in Addis churches that are a UNESCO World Heritage Ababa said they could not provide more informa- Site. Yesterday, the government’s patience tion than what was in Fore’s statement. may have occurred.” reporters in Geneva that access to the Mai Aini appeared to have run out, with its statement Aid agencies have struggled to get urgently and Adi Harush camps continues to be “limited by ordering security forces “to halt the destruction UNHCR regains access needed humanitarian supplies to cut-off popula- a complex and fluid security situation”. “Basic of the treasonous and terrorist TPLF organization Ethiopian officials have seized on the deaths in tions in Tigray as the violence has worsened. services such as healthcare remain unavailable, and the machinations of foreign hands once and Galicoma as proof of the TPLF’s disregard for the Yesterday, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said it and clean drinking water is running out,” he for all”. worsening humanitarian situation in Tigray. But had regained access to two Eritrean refugee added, reiterating a call to ease the passage of TPLF spokesman Getachew Reda said on Twitter camps in Tigray for the first time since July 13, humanitarian convoys. The TPLF has repeatedly Civilians shot, killed late Monday that government troops “launched warning of the dire conditions facing the 23,000 said that it does not have designs on holding ter- Earlier yesterday, a medical official in Afar told an offensive on August 5 against our forces in people living there. ritory in Amhara and Afar and is instead focused AFP that 12 people were killed and dozens Galicoma”. He said the TPLF would “work with Although aid deliveries resumed on August 5, on facilitating aid access and preventing pro- wounded in a recent attack on displaced civilians. relevant bodies to investigate any incident that UNHCR spokesman Boris Cheshirkov told government forces from regrouping. —AFP

News in brief Iranian ex-official ‘Extremely serious’ Marburg virus detected in W Africa denies part in COVID crisis in French GENEVA: Guinea confirmed a case of Marburg dis- ease, the World Health Organization said on Monday, the first recorded in West Africa of the lethal virus 1988 executions overseas territories that’s related to Ebola and, like COVID-19, passed from STOCKHOLM: Lawyers for a former Iranian prison PARIS: France’s government yesterday warned of animal hosts to humans. The virus, which is carried by official denied his involvement in the 1988 execution of an “extremely serious” COVID-19 crisis in the bats and has a fatality rate of up to 88 percent, was thousands of political dissidents yesterday on the first country’s overseas territories, especially in the found in samples taken from a patient who died on Aug day of a landmark case in Sweden likely to stoke ten- Caribbean, saying that infection rates had climbed 2 in southern Gueckedou prefecture, the WHO said. sions in the Islamic republic. Hamid Noury, 60, to levels unprecedented on the mainland. After being initially treated at a local clinic and tested appeared relaxed and smiling in Stockholm District Martinique tightened a lockdown and told tourists for malaria, the patient died “in the community”, the Court while his defense counsel Daniel Marcus refuted STOCKHOLM: Supporters of the People’s Mojahedin of to leave while similar measures were also expected WHO said. —AFP the charges including “murder” and “war crimes” dat- Iran Organization protest outside the district court yes- on the nearby French overseas territory of ing from between July 30 and August 16, 1988, when terday on the first day of the trial of an Iranian man for Guadeloupe, a huge blow to the Caribbean islands Noury was assistant to the deputy prosecutor of “war crimes and murder”. —AFP at the height of the summer season. Gohardasht prison in Karaj, near Tehran. While well over half of people in mainland Putin sends reinforcements Earlier Kristina Lindhoff Carleson, for the prosecu- France have now received two vaccination doses, tion, read out the indictment which accused Noury of rates in its overseas territories, from the Caribbean MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the three-day case is expected in April 2022. “intentionally taking the life of a very large number of The allegations were brought to the attention of the to the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, have lagged well officials yesterday to send in reinforcements to fight for- prisoners sympathetic to or belonging to the People’s behind. “The situation is extremely serious,” French est fires that continue to tear through Siberia. Putin Swedish authorities by a group of 30 complainants, as Mujahedin” (MEK). MEK supporters were among sev- well as justice campaigner and former political prison- Overseas Territories Minister Sebastien Lecornu ordered Russia’s emergencies ministry to “increase the eral hundred protesters who gathered outside the told AFP before heading on a crisis visit to the group for extinguishing fires” and “raise the intensity of er Iraj Mesdaghi. After compiling an evidence dossier court carrying photos of the dead and called for justice of “several thousand pages” on Noury. Mesdaghi set French Caribbean, where he was due to be joined the work of aviation” in one of Siberia’s hardest-hit for the estimated 5,000 prisoners killed across Iran, by Health Minister Olivier Veran. regions of Yakutia. The emergencies ministry branch in about luring the former prison official to the Nordic allegedly under the orders of supreme leader Ayatollah country - where he has family members - with the “There are infection rates that have never been Yakutia said yesterday that more than 4,200 people Khomeini in reprisal for attacks carried out by the seen not just in these territories but all of France,” were currently fighting the fires. More than 9,500 tons promise of a luxury cruise. Noury was arrested as he MEK at the end of the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88. stepped onto Swedish soil. he said. “The Delta variant is more contagious and of water had been dropped from the air onto the blazes, The demonstrators urged Swedish and international is hitting a population that is not well-protected” it added. —AFP Sweden’s principle of universal jurisdiction means justice to condemn Iran’s newly inaugurated president that its courts can try a person on serious charges by vaccinations, he added. Authorities on Ebrahim Raisi, also accused by rights groups of such as murder or war crimes regardless of where the Martinique late Monday announced that all non- involvement in the extra-judicial killings. Swedish court alleged offences took place. “This is the first time that essential shops would now be closed, as well as officials believe yesterday’s case is the first of its kind one of the persecutors has been held accountable in hotels and holiday rentals, adding that tourists Navalny allies face fresh charges against someone accused over the killings. A verdict in another country,” Mesdaghi told AFP. should leave. Beaches would also be closed and people can only go within a one-kilometer radius MOSCOW: Two exiled aides of jailed Kremlin critic of their homes. Alexei Navalny were slapped with new criminal structure. Meanwhile thousands of German holidaymak- There are now 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabi- charges for helping to finance organizations that have ers recently returned from Greece after witnessing first- tants on Martinique, while only 22 percent of the recently been labelled “extremist”, Russian investiga- German Greens hand raging forest fires. An alarming UN report said this population have received even a first vaccine dose. tors said yesterday. Russia’s Investigative Committee week that such catastrophes would grow more frequent “These rules are strict and they will be lifted as said yesterday it had launched a criminal case against as global warming is occurring far more quickly than pre- soon as the health situation allows it,” the top offi- Navalny allies Leonid Volkov and Ivan Zhdanov over holding onto viously forecast. cial of Martinique, Stanislas Cazelles, told the “collection of funds and provision of financial serv- The Greens, who have been warning of the dangerous reporters in its main city of Fort-de-France. ices deliberately intended to finance an extremist hope for change impact of fossil fuel emissions since their founding four Guadeloupe is under less rigid restrictions than organization”. The charges carry a maximum penalty of decades ago, have laid out a “climate protection now” Martinique, but Lecornu indicated that he would eight years in jail. —AFP HILDESHEIM, Germany: Rattled by a shaky start to their plan as part of their platform. It includes a proposal to discuss the need to put the island into a fuller lock- campaign, Germany’s Greens are trying to regroup ahead create a “super ministry” for the environment with the down. “We will need to apply braking measures, of next month’s general election with a renewed focus on power to veto government policies deemed potentially there is an urgency,” he said, adding that the island climate protection as floods and fires ravage Europe. The harmful. This year is the first time the Green party, in now had 1,700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. ecologist party’s bid to crown their candidate Annalena ICC prosecutor arrives in Sudan opposition since 2005, has fielded a candidate to lead the Veran had earlier this week made a video plea on Baerbock as Angela Merkel’s successor as chancellor country. In April, its ambition seemed realistic when it social media for medical workers in mainland seemed to falter this summer over a series of gaffes. KHARTOUM: The International Criminal Court’s chief tapped Baerbock, an energetic 40-year-old MP, as their France to show “national solidarity” and volunteer Now hoping to seize on the urgency of the climate prosecutor Karim Khan has arrived in Sudan for a standard bearer. For weeks the party was leading the issue in many voters’ minds, the Greens chose the central to help stretched medical teams on the islands. week of talks including on outstanding arrest warrants polls ahead of Merkel’s conservative CDU-CSU alliance, city of Hildesheim to launch the “hot phase” on the hus- Some 240 volunteers were due to leave yesterday. for genocide in Darfur, state media reported yester- which was hobbled by infighting. But a failure by tings, as it is known in Germany, ahead of the Sept 26 poll. In the Pacific territory of French Polynesia, day. Khan will hold talks on “ways to boost coopera- Baerbock to declare a pay bonus, inaccuracies on her CV “A lot is at stake with this election” after 16 years of Merkel authorities meanwhile announced a curfew from tion” on investigations into the crimes committed dur- and plagiarism allegations did lasting damage to her at the helm, Baerbock told a crowd assembled on the his- 9:00 pm to deal with rising cases. Tensions have ing the devastating civil war in Darfur, the official credibility and shaved several points off their support. toric town square. “It’s about our future,” said Baerbock, been raised after a wedding party at a restaurant SUNA news agency said. The United Nations says Currently the CDU-CSU is leading the Greens by around stressing that the Greens were ready “to shape it”. was attended by hundreds of people - including 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced a 10-point margin, putting their candidate Armin Laschet Western Germany last month experienced devastating top local figures - in defiance of existing rules and in the conflict, which erupted in the vast western in pole position to become Germany’s next chancellor floods that left at least 190 people dead and washedaway without wearing masks. —AFP region in 2003. —AFP after Merkel retires this year. —AFP billions of euros in housing, businesses and public infra-

Hichilema, making his sixth run for the presidency. ects, as living costs soared. 9 die at Russia COVID hospital Zambians to vote Hichilema has already narrowly lost to Lungu twice: In the capital Lusaka, Lungu’s green Patriotic Front In a 2015 by-election after the death of ex-president (PF) party manifestos have dominated billboards lining MOSCOW: Nine coronavirus patients died Monday in Michael Sata and then in general polls the following newly built freeways and overpass bridges. They trum- Russia’s republic of North Ossetia after an oxygen pipe in tense polls as year. Lungu deployed the army following clashes pet “achievements” in construction, agriculture and ruptured at a hospital in the capital Vladikavkaz, between the rival supporters in the run-up to presiden- youth employment. Opposition voters, whose party col- authorities said. “Nine patients with coronavirus died tial and parliamentary polls, a move critics denounced or is red, are keeping a low profile in Lusaka, tradition- due to the lack of oxygen at the Republic Clinical economy struggles as a tactic to intimidate opposition voters. ally a PF stronghold. Hospital of Vladikavkaz,” Russian news agencies cited LUSAKA: Zambians will decide tomorrow whether to Analysts say the result of the closely fought election Some of them even wear green, the ruling party’s the ministry as saying. They also quoted the republic’s re-elect President Edgar Lungu after the country’s will set the tone for investment in the copper-rich south- color, to avoid trouble - known as the “watermelon acting head Sergei Minyaylo as saying “there was a worst economic performance in decades and a crack- ern African nation, where more than half of its 17 million tactic”. “We do not feel that safe...there is so much rupture of the oxygen pipe” and “the oxygen supply down on dissent that has raised fears of unrest in the people live in poverty. Surveys suggest economic hard- intimidation,” said UPND supporter William Njombo, was interrupted”. —AFP southern African country. His main rival, in what polls ship has eroded support for Lungu, accused of borrow- a 42-year-old pastor volunteering at the party’s suggest is a close election race, is 59-year-old Hakainde ing unsustainably to finance flashy infrastructure proj- headquarters. —AFP Established 1961 7 International Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Gold rush ends for smugglers as foreign troops leave Afghanistan Markets now stuffed with cheap goods from China and Southeast Asia PESHAWAR: Once brimming with com- famous for American and NATO goods port of Karachi to be trucked across the bat boots, flak jackets and other war and was crowded with customers,” said country to Afghanistan. Along the way, it paraphernalia, the smugglers’ markets in Mehboob Khan, a shopkeeper at Sitara was common for the occasional shipment Pakistan are being forced to rethink their market in the northwestern frontier city to go missing or arrive in Afghanistan a business model as foreign troops exit of Peshawar. “Now the border is strictly bit lighter. On the other side of the bor- Afghanistan and contraband dries up. closed and those goods can’t reach here, der, goods were similarly looted or lifted The United States is set to wrap up its which has badly affected business.” from the battlefield and taken across to military presence in Afghanistan by the Pakistan’s fencing and sealing of hun- Pakistan. end of this month, the end of a campaign dreds of kilometers of the border in Thanks to the porous border with that saw hundreds of billions spent - recent years, and the rapid departure of Afghanistan, Pakistan has long been a often with little accounting. foreign troops has led to dwindling sup- magnet for smuggled products - from Along the Afghan border after 2001, plies. Instead of night-vision goggles and luxury vehicles to household goods. They smugglers’ markets mushroomed in high-quality ammo vests, the markets are have helped black market businesses Pakistan, offering military gadgets, cloth- now stuffed with cheap goods from thrive in a country with some of the low- ing and luxury goods meant for American China and Southeast Asia. “Those were est tax collection rates in the world. With bases and compounds. It was the latest good days, extremely good days,” said little interference from Pakistani law chapter in a long history of smuggling - Khan as he reminisced about the post- enforcement, the border markets flour- PESHAWAR: In this picture taken on July 14, 2021, people visit the Sitara market in the and foreign invasions - in the area. For 9/11 bonanza for smugglers after US-led ished, but not all were happy. Karkhano area. — AFP centuries, the mountain passes along the forces invaded Afghanistan and toppled In the fiercely conservative northwest present-day Pakistan-Afghanistan bor- the Taleban. “This market used to be - where most women wear burqas and “Last time, we found NATO stuff here... also not helped, leading to frequent bor- der were a lifeline for armies, traders and crowded... Now it’s empty. No public and hardline Islamist groups have long held US Army bags and shoes were available der closures that choked off what little smugglers moving between central Asia no customers.” sway over society - the markets gained here. But now that stuff is not here, just products were still able to make it to and the Indian subcontinent. notoriety for also selling pornography local stuff,” said Muhammad Afan, who Pakistan. “(Customers) aren’t visiting us But in recent years, vendors at the War on the border and knock-off Viagra, drawing fire from travelled six hours by road to visit Sitara anymore,” said Zabihullah, an Afghan bazaars say they have suffered succes- For years, Pakistan served as one of groups such as the Taleban. But that did market. He complained that prices had shopkeeper born in Peshawar. “Earlier, sive blows that have severed the pipeline the logistical nerve centers for the war in little to discourage shoppers - including increased tenfold at most shops. NATO supply lines were ongoing... con- of smuggled goods that flowed freely into Afghanistan. Countless containers filled those who drove for hours to peruse the The Taleban’s sweeping offensives tainer after container. Now, all that has Pakistan for years. “This market was with supplies arrived at the Arabian Sea selection in the bazaars. across Afghanistan in recent months have stopped.” — AFP

HK union disbands as city set News in brief to adopt anti-sanctions law Kim’s sis slams ‘perfidious’ Seoul SEOUL: The influential sister of North Korean HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s largest city two years ago. A sweeping securi- leader Kim Jong Un called Seoul authorities union announced it decided to dis- ty law has criminalized much dissent “perfidious” yesterday over the South’s joint band yesterday citing “huge pressure” while an official campaign has been military exercises with the United States, and as authorities stamp out the city’s launched to purge the city of those demanded Washington withdraw its forces from democracy movement and impose deemed unpatriotic. The PTU was one the peninsula. Kim Yo Jong - a key adviser to political orthodoxy on the finance of the more moderate voices within her brother - condemned South Korea for hold- hub. Founded in 1973, the Professional the democracy movement - often ing “dangerous” joint military drills with the Teachers’ Union (PTU) was the city’s shunned by more radical forces who United States this month, which the North has single largest union with some 95,000 felt it was too soft on the government. long considered rehearsals for invasion. In an members and was a prominent player But it still came under sustained unusually explicit comment from a North in the democracy movement. attack by local and Chinese authori- Korean official - Pyongyang usually restricts “After discussions, the executive ties who believe teachers played a key HONG KONG: Representatives of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union hold a press conference yesterday to announce it has decided to disband. —AFP itself to ambiguous calls for the US to abandon committee unanimously decided to role in motivating Hong Kong’s youth its “hostile policy” - she demanded Washington disband the union,” Fung Wai-wah, to hit the streets in huge numbers two pull out its forces from the peninsula. — AFP PTU president, told reporters, years ago. Last month, multiple ments” into classrooms and campuses. Meanwhile, China’s anti-sanctions describing the decision as “heart- Chinese state media outlets ran arti- Since Beijing imposed its national law will be implemented in some form wrenching”. “The social and political cles criticizing the union as “a malig- security law just over a year ago more in Hong Kong, the city’s leader con- environment has quickly changed in nant tumor that must be removed”. than 30 political and professional firmed yesterday, a move that will add China wants Lithuanian envoy out recent years, we are under huge pres- Hours later, Hong Kong’s education groups have disbanded to avoid legal fresh regulatory pressure on interna- BEIJING: China yesterday demanded Lithuania sure. We can’t find a way to resolve bureau said it was severing ties with risks according to an AFP tally. More tional companies in the finance hub. recall its envoy to Beijing, after Vilnius allowed the crisis we are now facing,” he the union, saying it had become “no than 120 opposition leaders and Beijing’s rubberstamp legislature Taiwan to set up an office under its own name in added. different from a political body”. activists have been arrested by a new passed the law in June in response to a move seen as provocative by the Chinese gov- China has cracked down on its City leader Carrie Lam later national security police unit. Some 60 Western penalties that were imposed ernment. The self-ruled island, which China con- opponents since huge and often vio- accused the union of allowing “anti- have been charged, most of them following crackdowns in Hong Kong siders part of its territory, last month said it was lent democracy protests convulsed the government and anti-Beijing senti- denied bail. and Xinjiang. — AFP setting up a representative office in Vilnius under the name “Taiwan” as opposed to them locally transmitted. Dozens of cases in recent “Taipei”, an act interpreted by Beijing as a China cases rise days have been linked to a COVID-19 testing site in diplomatic insult. An outraged Chinese foreign eastern Yangzhou city. ministry yesterday said it had “demanded the In a sign of the anxiety over even relatively minor Lithuanian Government recall its ambassador to as Delta variant outbreaks, several officials have been issued warnings China” and would also withdraw the Chinese for mishandling mass testing, which city authorities envoy to Lithuania. — AFP challenges Beijing said allowed the virus to spread. Yangzhou city authorities said “a small number of party members BEIJING: China’s coronavirus cases hit a seven- and cadres have yet to perform their duties properly”. Japan apologizes over death month high yesterday, after a cluster at a test site The city of about 4.6 million people has so far conducted five rounds of widespread testing, collect- helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant chal- TOKYO: Japan yesterday apologized for the lenges Beijing’s grip on the pandemic. State media has ing 1.6 million samples in an attempt to stamp out the death of a Sri Lankan woman in immigration described the current outbreak - which has sparked spread. The latest surge started after infections detention and pledged to reform conditions in local lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions - among airport cleaners in neighboring Nanjing city NANTONG, China: This photo taken on Aug 8, 2021 shows a medical worker taking a swab sample for the system. Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa as the most severe since the virus emerged in the sparked a chain of cases across the country. said a report on the March death of 33-year-old central city of Wuhan. Yesterday’s numbers are the highest since January, COVID-19 from an elderly resident at her home in the eastern Jiangsu province. — AFP Wishma Sandamali concluded she received Authorities had brought domestic infections down when the country logged 144 new cases and 126 inadequate treatment as her health deteriorated. to virtually zero, allowing economic activity to domestic infections, mostly in the northern regions. epidemic in Nanjing is gradually being put under con- Sandamali was detained for overstaying her visa rebound albeit with tight border restrictions. But now, Authorities are now working to shore up confidence after seeking police protection, reportedly to cases are rising. Yesterday, Chinese health authorities that the latest resurgence is controllable. “We have suc- trol,” the official Xinhua news agency cited infectious diseases specialist Zhang Wenhong as saying. — AFP escape an abusive relationship. Sandamali’s fam- reported 143 new coronavirus infections - 108 of cessfully contained the epidemic in Guangzhou, and the ily has been in Japan campaigning for informa- tion about her death, and said the government’s Bangladesh begins announcements were not enough. — AFP COVID jabs for Canadian’s death sentence upheld BEIJING: A Chinese court yesterday upheld the Rohingya refugees death sentence passed on a Canadian citizen for drug smuggling - one of a number of legal cases KUTUPALONG, Bangladesh: Bangladesh began to severely damage relations between Ottawa vaccinating yesterday Rohingya refugees living in and Beijing. Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was congested camps as the impoverished South Asian originally sentenced to 15 years in prison in late nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases. 2018, but that was changed to the death penalty Health officials say 2,600 COVID-19 cases and 29 just months after a diplomatic rift exploded deaths have been recorded in the camps housing between Ottawa and Beijing over the detention 850,000 Rohingya but many experts say this is likely of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. A ruling a gross underestimate. The initial inoculation phase BANGKOK: Pro-democracy protesters salute during a car mob protest yesterday calling for the resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha over the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis. — AFP was also expected today in the case of Michael will see around 48,000 refugees aged over 55 get Spavor, the Canadian ambassador said, one of Chinese-made Sinopharm shots in the coming three two Canadians detained by China for espionage days, local health chief Mahbubur Rahman told AFP. Hundreds of protesters wove their way through in the wake of Meng’s arrest in Canada. — AFP At Kutupalong, the largest refugee settlement Police fire rubber Bangkok streets on motorbikes and in cars and by home to more than 600,000 people, Rohingyas early evening there were clashes. A police traffic including many elderly people queued up to get their booth was set ablaze and some demonstrators Cambodia dam destroyed livelihoods shots from health workers in protective suits. “We are bullets, tear gas at threw firecrackers and fireworks at police, who scared of corona. We heard it would be good for us if responded by firing water cannon, rubber bullets PHNOM PENH: A massive Chinese-financed we get vaccinated, that’s why I came here today,” said Bangkok protest and tear gas. Protesters defaced a logo of Sino- dam in Cambodia has “washed away the liveli- 60-year-old grandmother Rahima Khatun. “We need Thai Engineering and Construction - a company hoods” of tens of thousands of villagers while the vaccine to live through the current crisis. It will BANGKOK: Riot police fired rubber bullets and tear with links to Public Health Minister Anutin falling short of promised energy production, save us from the disease everyone is worried about,” gas at protesters in Bangkok yesterday as hundreds Charnvirakul - with pig’s blood. Human Rights Watch said yesterday. The 400- said Mohammad Zafar, an elderly man. rallied for democratic reform and against the govern- They also targeted the logo of King Power, a major megawatt Lower Sesan 2 dam in the kingdom’s Officials said they conducted a massive aware- ment’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. duty free company, over its perceived support for the northeast has sparked controversy since long ness campaign in the camps with volunteers going Demonstrators defied a ban on public gatherings as government. “The authoritarian Prayut Chan-O-Cha before its Dec 2018 launch. Fisheries experts door to door among the flimsy shacks where the Thailand tries to quash its worst virus outbreak so far, government continues to seek, allocate, and distribute had warned that damming the confluence of the refugees live. Shamsud Douza, Bangladesh’s deputy with new cases hovering around the 20,000 mark benefits for the ruling class, allowing people to get Sesan and Srepok rivers - two major tributaries refugee commissioner, told AFP that a vaccination daily. The slow start to the coronavirus vaccination sick and die on their own fate,” student activist Benja of the resource-rich Mekong river - would drive would also begin this week for 18,000 program in Thailand and economic pain from restric- Apan told the rally. Ahead of the protest, police threaten fish stocks crucial to millions living Rohingya controversially relocated to an island in tions and business closures has heaped pressure on warned demonstrators not to jeopardize public health along the Mekong’s floodplains. — AFP the Bay of Bengal. —AFP Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha’s government. by violating coronavirus restrictions. —AFP Established 1961

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 US Democrats unveil massive $3.5 trillion spending blueprint ‘Most consequential’ US social spending plan since the 1930s WASHINGTON: US lawmakers laid Monday includes funding for climate debt ceiling. This could mean another big out a $3.5 trillion budget framework, measures, new investments in infrastruc- battle in Congress to avoid default, as calling it the “most consequential” social ture including items left out of the tar- the Democrats will need Republicans to spending plan since the 1930s, and geted Senate package, residency status raise the borrowing limit, but opposition launching what are expected to be for millions of migrant workers, and two leaders have so far said they are against tough congressional negotiations over years paid tuition at public universities. it. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the programs it covers. The 10-year Senators have until September 15 to Monday issued yet another appeal to budget blueprint pushes Congress submit their amendments. The lawmakers to take action, noting that towards the next step in President Joe Democratic majority in Congress plans “The vast majority of the debt subject to Biden’s ambitious vision for his first term to pass the package through a mecha- the debt limit was accrued prior to the in office, following on the heels of the nism known as “reconciliation” which Administration taking office.” $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, which will allow them to adopt the final text by Congress suspended the debt limit in the Senate was expected to approve lat- a simple majority in the Senate, without 2019, but the two-year suspension er in a vote before the measure is sent votes from Republicans who are fiercely lapsed July 31, resetting the cap at $28 to the House of Representatives. opposed to it. Congress must approve trillion, and forcing Treasury to begin The dollar amount is staggering, the final spending bills by September 30 taking “extraordinary measures” to almost matching the size of Germany’s to prevent a government shutdown, or remain under the ceiling and continue economy in 2020. The budget resolution extend the current year’s budget into the funding government operations. But “will be the most consequential piece of new fiscal year while debate continues. those measures only buy Treasury a few legislation for working people, the elder- But while Senate Democrats are weeks before it runs out of cash. WASHINGTON: Senator Cynthia Lummis listens while Senator Patrick J Toomey speaks ly, the children, the sick and the poor ready to give the green light to the The US national debt and deficit have during a press conference on crypto currency legislation on Capitol Hill as the Senate since FDR (President Franklin Delano budget resolution in a procedural vote soared during the COVID-19 pandemic moves toward a vote on infrastructure funding Monday in Washington, DC. — AFP Roosevelt) and the New Deal of the as early as this week, moderates in the after Washington approved three mas- 1930s,” said independent Senator Bernie party have expressed strong reserva- sive spending bills aimed at lessening the again now by increasing or suspending been a contentious issue in Congress for Sanders, chair of the Budget Committee. tions about the total price tag, which damage from its economic impacts. the debt limit on a bipartisan basis.” the past several years, and a 2011 stand- “It will also put the US in a global means tough negotiations are likely. In recent years, including three times She noted that raising the ceiling on off caused the United States to lose the leadership position to combat climate during the presidency of Donald Trump, borrowing does not authorize new coveted AAA debt rating. Yellen warned change and make our planet healthy and Hitting the debt limit “Democrats and Republicans came spending, but simply allows Treasury to that failing to make debt payments habitable for future generations,” he Crucially, the resolution does not together to do their duty,” Yellen said in finance actions already approved by the “would cause irreparable harm to the US wrote. The spending plan published include an increase in the US federal a statement. “Congress should do so legislature. Raising the debt ceiling has economy.” —AFP

CBK launches two economic Philippine economy awards for 2021 rebounds in Q2 but KUWAIT: Dr Mohammad Y Al- Hashel, Governor of the Central Bank faces ‘speed bumps’ of Kuwait and Chairman of the Board MANILA: The Philippine economy grew in of Directors of the Institute of Dr Mohammad Y Al-Hashel Banking Studies, announced the the second quarter at its fastest pace in more launch of the third round of the than three decades, but an official warned yes- “Kuwaiti Economic Researcher addressing banking and finance terday of “speed bumps” as coronavirus Award,” addressed to Kuwaiti issues. Ultimately, this would cultivate restrictions were tightened to combat surging researchers, and the second round of specialized and highly qualified infections. Gross domestic product expanded the “Kuwaiti Economic Student national cadres in all aspects of the international experts will review and research papers, ensuring that they 11.8 percent on-year, the statistics agency said, Award,” addressed to undergraduate Kuwaiti banking and financial sector. select the best research according to comply with criteria, appointing judg- after five straight quarters of contraction. and graduate students. The awards Dr Al-Hashel added that the suc- academic and scientific criteria. The ing panel, documenting the panel’s The increase-the best since the last three promote scientific research in the cess of the Kuwaiti Economic winner of the Kuwaiti Economic decisions, and announcing the results. months of 1988 — was driven by a rebound in economic and banking fields through Researcher Award in its first and sec- Researcher Award will receive an The governor concluded by noting construction activity and consumer spending. motivating and encouraging national ond rounds, as well as the success of award of KD10,000, while an award that the details of the awards, condi- But it came off a 17 percent slump in the same cadres to enhance their research the Kuwaiti Economic Student Award of KD5,000 will be allocated to the tions for applying, details on means of period last year when the country endured its competence according to high scien- in its first round, is nothing but a Kuwaiti Economic Student Award. submission of research work, and first crippling lockdown that wiped out millions tific standards in banking and finance reflection of the importance of instill- A certificate of merit and a com- dates for receipt of applications are of jobs. fields. The governor noted that these ing a culture of scientific research memorative gift will be presented to published on the website of Kafa’a annual awards offered by the CBK among researchers and students, the winners, and their research papers programs. Those wishing to apply, as and Kuwaiti banks and managed by highlighting the distinguished among would be printed, published and dis- well as others interested, may find the the Kuwait Institute for Banking them and motivating them to develop tributed to serve as a reference for details regarding the 2021 awards and Studies (KIBS) is part of CBK’s and solutions to improve the status of those wishing to benefit from sound submit their application forms starting Kuwaiti banks’ strategic pursuit to banking and financial work in Kuwait. research. The Institute of Banking from August 10, 2021 until October 31, uphold their social responsibility and Dr Al-Hashel explained that a Studies will manage the award proce- 2021 through the website entrench scientific methodology for judges panel comprising local and dures, including receiving the www.kafaakw.org Lee Jae-yong: Paroled leader of S Korea’s biggest business MANILA, Philippines: File photo taken on August 6, 2021 shows a policeman checking SEOUL: The life of soon-to-be- pandemic’s impact on the economy. motorists’ documents as they cross from near- released Samsung chief and South But Lee’s separate trial continues over by Rizal province into Metro Manila. —AFP Korean billionaire Lee Jae-yong epito- alleged stock manipulation that effec- mizes the privileges, power and perils tively eased his path to take control of “The robust performance is driven by more of the super-rich in the world’s 12th- the family conglomerate. than just base effects-it is the result of a better largest economy, a country sometimes “Lee Jae-yong, more than anyone balance between addressing COVID-19 and dubbed the “Republic of Samsung”. else, symbolizes the inequality of the need to restore jobs and incomes of the Best known internationally as one of Korean society,” Song Won-keun, an people,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary the world’s largest smartphone and economics professor at Gyeongsang Karl Chua told a briefing. But Chua warned chipmakers via flagship subsidiary National University, told AFP. “We are hopes for “continuous positive growth” could Samsung Electronics, at home the seeing someone whose capabilities are be erased by the current two-week lockdown wider group pervades every facet of yet to be proven taking control over in the national capital region-which accounts SEOUL: This file photo taken on January 21, 2017 shows a protester carrying a life-and even death-from homebuilding the country’s biggest company, using for a third of the economy-and other areas placard showing an image of Samsung’s then-heir Lee Jae-yong during an anti- to funeral parlors via health care and criminal tactics, just because his father aimed at slowing the spread of the hyper-con- theme parks. was the chairman of the firm.” government protest in Seoul. —AFP tagious Delta variant. Samsung is by far the largest of the “There are speed bumps given the ECQ chaebols, the sprawling family-con- ‘Crown prince’ Harvard. His youngest sister, Yoon- early 2000s-a group of e-commerce (enhanced community quarantine) in Metro trolled conglomerates that drove the Lee was born in 1968, the eldest son hyung, took her own life in her New businesses-was shut down after rack- Manila and other parts of the country,” Chua South’s transformation from war-rav- of Lee Kun-hee, the Samsung York apartment in 2005, at the age of ing up around 20 billion won in losses. said. “The longer we have ECQ then the higher aged ruin to a leading world economy. Electronics chairman who died in 26. Lee’s late father is credited with Nonetheless he was made vice- the risk that we may not achieve our target.” But chaebols are criticized for stifling October 2020 after being hospitalized transforming a once-obscure manufac- chairman of Samsung Electronics in The tightened restrictions, which include a ban innovation and competition, while fam- for years. The chaebols have long been turer of low-quality consumer elec- 2012. And his imprisonment has been on restaurant dining and an eight-hour night- ily feuds and criminal charges-often accused of murky political connec- tronics into a global powerhouse and no barrier to the firm’s performance-it time curfew, are expected to cost the Philippine related to tax evasion or bribery-regu- tions, and analysts say the father’s one of the world’s top smartphone announced a surge of more than 70 economy about $3 billion a week in lost output. larly make headlines. arranged marriage to Hong Ra-hee-a makers. percent in second-quarter profits last The second quarter-which overlapped Lee, 53, is serving a two-and-a- daughter of a former justice minister, He left assets worth an estimated 22 month, with coronavirus-driven work- another lockdown in April-contracted 1.3 per- half-year prison sentence for embez- who has since assembled a world-class trillion won ($19.2 billion) when he died ing from home boosting demand for cent from the first three months of the year, the zlement, bribery and other offences in art collection-cemented Samsung’s rise last year, and one of the world’s largest devices using its memory chips. “So data showed. ING senior economist Nicholas the corruption scandal that brought to behemoth status. inheritance tax bills, but is generally far, he is basically an heir,” said Mapa predicted “a similar setback” in the third down former president Park Geun-hye. Their son, often dubbed the firm’s not seen as having passed on his man- Vladimir Tikhonov, a professor of quarter because of reduced mobility. The num- The justice ministry announced “crown prince”, studied Asian history agement prowess. Lee Jae-yong is now Korean Studies at the University of ber of coronavirus infections in the Philippines Monday he had been paroled and at South Korea’s top Seoul National ranked 188th among the world’s richest Oslo. “He inherited South Korea’s has exceeded 1.6 million-the second-highest would be released later this week, cit- University before studying business at by Forbes, worth $12.3 billion, but his biggest corporation without having caseload in Southeast Asia. — AFP ing concerns over the coronavirus Japan’s elite Keio University and later so-called e-Samsung venture of the done much to improve it.” — AFP Established 1961 9 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Business Pharmaceutical firms rake in billions with COVID jabs Pfizer earns more than its competitors, raking in $10.8bn in H1

PARIS: COVID vaccines have brought billions of dol- BioNTech expects vaccine revenues to reach 15.9 one of the world’s leading vaccines and has been vital in lars to the coffers of pharmaceutical companies. billion euros for the full year, up from a previous esti- the UK’s speedy vaccination drive-which enabled Germany’s BioNTech, maker with partner Pfizer of the mate of 9.8 billion euros. England’s economy to fully reopen this month. But it has pioneering mRNA jab, raised its vaccine revenue fore- not been approved by US drug regulators. cast for 2021 in its latest earnings report on Monday. Moderna the other mRNA champion Johnson & Johson’s vaccine-made by Janssen, its Here are the numbers for the companies that publish US startup Moderna is the only other firm to have Belgian subsidiary-has the advantage of being financial results: produced an authorized mRNA vaccine so far. administered with one shot instead of two like those Messenger RNA technology works by providing human of its rivals. AstraZeneca and J&J do not use mRNA Biggest winners: Pfizer and BioNTech cells with the genetic instructions to make a surface technology. US firm Pfizer and BioNTech got a headstart over protein of the coronavirus, which trains the immune sys- They both made more traditional viral vector vac- rivals as they were the first in the western world to tem to recognize the real virus. cines, which use genetically-engineered version of a announce positive results from clinical trials of their Like BioNTech, the company’s only product in the common-cold causing adenovirus as a “vector” to shut- vaccine last year. They were also first to get authoriza- market is the COVID vaccine. The vaccine requires two tle genetic instructions into human cells. The two com- tion from US and European Union regulators to sell shots taken weeks apart. Moderna reported turnover of panies also vowed to sell their vaccines at cost during their shot. $5.9 billion in the first six months of the year. It expects the pandemic, meaning they would not earn profits from Pfizer has earned more than its competitors, raking in to make $20 billion in revenues thanks to the vaccine them. They are cheaper than the Pfizer/BioNTech and $10.8 billion (9.2 billion euros) in the first half of this this year. Moderna jabs, which reflects in their revenues. year. The US company has raised its outlook for 2021, AstraZeneca’s COVID jab generated $1.2 billion in sales expecting to make $33.5 billion in sales for the full year. AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson trail in the first six months of the year. J&J reported $264 PARIS: This combination of file pictures shows vials of the BioNTech reported yesterday revenues of $7.3 billion British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and US million in sales and expects to make $2.5 billion for the AstraZeneca vaccine, Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Moderna vials and Pfizer BioNtech vaccine. euros in the first half. Unlike its larger partner, the com- firm Johnson & Johnson had their vaccines approved by full year. AstraZeneca has not provided a detailed full- pany’s only product on sale is the coronavirus vaccine. the EU later than their rivals. AstraZeneca’s vaccine is year estimate. — AFP

Enjoy smoother videos with 120Hz Huawei FullView display KUWAIT: Huawei is known for having innovative from the laptop to be mirrored on the tablet and can products and that includes some of the best tablets to function as an input device for signing documents consumers and professionals. With the Huawei and creating illustrations, Extend mode lets the tablet MatePad series, it brought a new level of flagship function as an external secondary display and lastly products that help bring productivity and entertain- Collaboration mode lets users transfer information ment into focus. Enter the new Huawei MatePad 11, a between tablet and PC wirelessly using a simple tablet that brings all of Huawei’s efforts in bringing a drag-and-drop gesture. Top tier wireless connectivi- top-of-the-line consumer tablet fit for students and ty with the independent Bluetooth antenna and Wi-Fi those wanting a portable workplace device that can 6. Of course, a reliable connection is needed for users handle daily tasks. With a gorgeous 120Hz Huawei to stay productive. The Huawei MatePad 11 comes FullView Display, a Super Device experience and with an independent Bluetooth antenna to ensure multiple connectivity options, it’s a tablet that’s both that accessories paired to the tablet stay connected. form and function perfected. Along with that, the Huawei MatePad 11 brings sup- port for Wi-Fi 6 that brings 80 MHz of bandwidth DUBAI: Joy Alukkas receives the award from Laila Mohammed Suhail in the presence of John Paul Alukkas at a function. See smoother visual with the 120Hz Huawei plus a maximum theoretical throughput speed of FullView Display 1.2Gbps. been bestowed with this great honor. As I understand, The Huawei MatePad 11 is the first Huawei tablet Joyalukkas wins there were stringent guidelines in the selection process to feature a 120Hz high refresh rate display. This Write and draw with ease using the and the awardees were selected based on nominations doesn’t just translate to smoother viewing, but also a M-Pencil (2nd Generation) coveted RetailME received, jury scoring and editorial selection,” said Joy more responsive touch control along with low-laten- Featuring a new hexagonal design inspired by Alukkas. According to a note from the award organizers, cy handwriting input. Along with that, users can now wooden pencils, the 2nd generation Huawei M-Pencil the retailers who have won have demonstrated great play games that support high FPS mode that means beautifully designed, weighing just 16g and measur- ICONS award leadership with clear examples of innovation, proven improved visuals and even better feedback when ing 160mm long to deliver a more comfortable grip their legacy and expanded their operations. The aim behind the award function is to let the world know who using the touch controls. and pleasant writing experience. Additionally, the DUBAI: Joyalukkas, the world’s favorite jeweler, was new stylus also features a new high-precision pres- the top retailers in the region are. It is also noted, by the recently awarded the coveted RetailME ICONS award organizers, that a Pioneer is someone who sees potential sure strain gauge that is resistant to temperature as an acknowledgement of their pioneering leadership in changes that may cause the stylus to drift. This pres- builds the courage to lay out the foundation with the grit the business of retail in MENA. Joy Alukkas, Chairman, to explore and push boundaries and Joyalukkas has sure strain gauge also makes the stylus more reliable of Joyalukkas Group, received the award from Laila than ever, capable of responding to 0.4g of force been recognized in this category. Mohammed Suhail, CEO - Alliance and Partnership, “We always strive to provide an unmatched retail within 1ms. With system-level free scribble, users can Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing use the M-Pencil to write on text boxes, notes, and experience to our valued customers and this award rein- in the presence of John Paul Alukkas, Managing forces our commitment. All our retail showrooms are any other text on the Huawei MatePad 11. Using Director, Joyalukkas Jewellery - International Operations advanced algorithms, handwriting is converted into equipped to provide a distinct experience that makes in a glittering function in Dubai. our customers experience our wide range of exquisite readable text that can be recognized by the system According to Joy Alukkas, this is yet another recogni- and lets users use the tablet much like a real note- gold and diamond jewelry leading to an experience that tion for the world’s favorite honor from the region’s lead- transcends normal customer satisfaction. We owe this book. The Huawei M-Pencil also features a ing media that is exclusively dedicated for the retail redesigned touch experience. Touch IC and a wrap- recognition to our valued customers, our business asso- industry. “Awards are a recognition for the efforts we put ciates and the entire team,” Joy pointed out after receiv- around sensor provide 360º invisible touch control in our business and I am happy to note that we have where users can double-tap the barrel to switch ing the award. between brushes. The ‘double tap to switch’ function is also customizable to be used on other functions.

A distinctive ID design It comes with a 10.95-inch FullView Display that Much like its other devices, the Huawei MatePad has a 16:10 aspect ratio with an 86% screen-to-body 11 embodies the beauty of symmetry, order and mod- ratio as well as 7nn slim bezels that provides a more ern aesthetics. The tablet perfectly symmetrical start- balanced look. What’s more, the HUAWEI MatePad ing from its sides to its speaker grille and all the way 11 has the T‹V Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker to its camera module. There’s also a micro-curved Free certifications, which attest to its ability to mini- frame that make the device look thinner, making it mize the screen’s impact on the eyes, delivering all- easy to hold on the hand that also provides a com- around eye protection for users. fortable grip. The Huawei MatePad 11 is also an integral part of the Super Device - Smart Office experience as it can Hear more with four speakers provide a seamless connection between compatible Despite the thin and light design, the Huawei NEW YORK: People walk past a Nike store in Midtown New York Monday. Stock markets were mostly higher yesterday as devices like the Huawei MateView and the Huawei MatePad 11 is able to utilize four huge amplitude hopes for the long-term global outlook offset concern about the fast-spreading Delta variant. — AFP MateBook D15. Connecting multiple devices is easier speakers that enable the tablet to output sounds as and more intuitive than ever on the Huawei MatePad loud as 78.6dB. The two speakers on either side of lyst at OANDA trading group. While vaccinations are 11. The Control Panel allows users to simply drag an the tablet are augmented by virtualization algorithms Stocks mostly higher being rolled out, infection rates continue to climb icon representing a device to another to establish a to create a wide soundstage, allowing users to per- around the world, forcing some governments-particu- connection. ceive the difference in distance. Huawei has also been larly China and Australia-to impose fresh lockdowns Users are able to switch between work and per- working closely with Harman Kardon, commissioning as recovery hopes and other containment measures. That has led some sonal through these three devices. Connect the the famed audio brand’s veteran Golden Ears observers to re-evaluate the outlook for growth. Huawei MatePad 11 to the Huawei MateView and acoustic engineers to calibrate and optimize the offset virus, Fed woes However, at the same time, the US recovery appears to watch favorite movies and then connect the Huawei audio output of the Huawei MatePad 11. be on track, with the economy adding more than 1.8 mil- MateBook D15 to the monitor via a wired connection lion jobs in June and July and some of the world’s top NEW YORK: European and Asian stock markets to see the PC’s desktop on a larger perspective. A Final verdict companies reporting healthy earnings. mostly rose yesterday as hopes for the long-term global connected keyboard and mouse on the Huawei In a nutshell, the Huawei MatePad 11 ticks all the With inflation hitting multi-year highs, the Fed is outlook offset concern about the fast-spreading Delta MateView will also allow users to control both the boxes when looking for the best 11-inch tablet: some coming under pressure to rein in prices by tapering the variant and expectations that the Federal Reserve will tablet and keyboard without the need to manually of the best visuals on its 120Hz display, a superb ultra-loose monetary policies put in place at the start of soon begin withdrawing its vast financial support. Oil turn on a switch. The Huawei MatePad 11 supports Smart Office - Super Device experience, excellent the pandemic, with observers betting on a rise in interest prices recovered from heavy losses on Monday that had the new tablet-PC Multi-screen Collaboration. Not connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Harman Kardon-tuned rates in late 2022. “Investors should understand that a been attributed to fears about the impact on demand of only does it break down barriers between different speakers. This easily makes it one of the best tablets potential strength in inflation may force the Fed to speed new coronavirus lockdowns. devices, but it allows for an interconnected experi- that users can buy at the moment. up its timeline for tapering its massive bond purchases, The dollar hit a four-month high against the euro on which have helped stimulate the US economy since the ence and create a Super Device for themselves. Meta Description: The Huawei MatePad 11 brings expectations of tighter monetary policy from the Fed. “A It brings three modes that users can utilize for super smooth visual with the 120Hz Huawei FullView onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Naeem Aslam, stronger dollar theme is starting to emerge given the market analyst at Avatrade. “These unprecedented stim- improved productivity: Mirror mode allows content Display and an innovative Super Device experience. recovery story in the US and that might be a short-term ulus measures aided in the uptick of liquidity, allowing drag for crude prices”, said Edward Moya, market ana- stock markets to reach new highs.”—AFP

The top US diplomat’s speech reflects what President Advanced Fabrication Lab. “Nothing would put to rest States remained “the most powerful country and econo- Blinken urges Joe Biden’s administration calls a “foreign policy for the faster their specious argument about America’s best my in the world,” pointing to its long history of inven- middle class” with a focus on competitiveness at home days being behind us than if the United States made tions and how international students remain drawn to US and abroad and a winding down of costly military com- serious investments in our domestic renewal right now,” universities. investment at home mitments. Blinken toured an engineering laboratory at the he said. Blinken cited a World Economic Forum study “We want always to be the place that represents University of Maryland on the outskirts of Washington that the United States ranks 13th in infrastructure and opportunity, possibility, achievement. Investing in our to compete with China where noisy 3D printers churned out prototypes for new said that China was spending three times as much and domestic renewal now means that we can continue to be products. also investing more in research and development. that beacon to the world,” Blinken said. “The Chinese and Russian governments, among oth- Blinken described China-identified by the Biden Blinken’s remarks come before the US Senate is WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Antony Blinken said ers, are making the argument in public and in private that administration as the pre-eminent long-term challenge expected to approve a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, a Monday that the United States needed to invest more at the United States is in decline so it’s better to cast your of the United States-as a “rising power” but said that major priority for Biden that will build bridges, roads and home to compete with rivals led by China, casting lot with their authoritarian visions for the world than challenges on competitiveness came from multiple coun- an electric car network while improving drinking water “domestic renewal” as key to foreign policy. with our democratic one,” Blinken said at the university’s tries. The top US diplomat nonetheless said the United and high-speed internet across the country. —AFP 10 Business Wednesday, August 11, 2021 KIPCO announces a net profit of KD 11.6 million for H1 of 2021 ‘Market remains challenging: Al-Ayyar KUWAIT: KIPCO - the Kuwait Projects investments amounting to KD 56 million ($ Chairman (Executive), said: “In our 2021 Company (Holding) - has announced a 186 million). The company also reported a Shafafiyah Investors’ Forum, we highlight- net profit of KD 11.6 million ($ 38.5 mil- 6 per cent rise in its total operating profit ed our guarded approach while the lion) for the second quarter of 2021 (the during the first half of 2021, at KD 68.4 COVID-19 virus continues to take differ- three months ended June 30, 2021). This million ($ 227 million) from KD 64.4 million ent parts of the world in waves. We believe Mezzan Holding represents a 160 per cent increase com- ($ 214 million) reported for the same peri- that the market will remain challenging in pared to a loss of the KD 19.6 million ($ od in 2020. the near future. Despite this, our core reports H1 2021 65.1 million) reported for the same peri- KIPCO’s consolidated assets for the companies, namely the financial services od of 2020. first six months of the year stood at KD 10 sector, have fared well this quarter, and we For the first six months of 2021, the billion ($ 33.2 billion), compared to KD hope that the business environment at financial results company recorded a net profit of KD 3.2 10.4 billion ($ 34.5 billion) reported at large improves in order to support our KUWAIT: Mezzan Holding KSC, one of the million ($ 10.6 million). This comes after year-end 2020. efforts to bring our portfolio back up to Faisal Al-Ayyar largest manufacturers and distributors of food, taking provisions for credit losses and for Faisal Al-Ayyar, KIPCO’s Vice pre-COVID levels.” beverage, FMCG, and pharmaceutical products in the Gulf, announced the company’s financial Akram Hashim, Head of Segments, Consumer results for the first half ending 30 June 2021. CBK announces NBK provides its Banking Group, Consumer Banking Group at H1 2021 financial highlights: National Bank of Kuwait said: “Rewarding our • Revenue: KD 134 million, down 0.2% customers is a key pillar of NBK’s strategy, as we • Operating profit: KD 10 million, down 11.9% winners of Al-Najma customers with • EBITDA: KD 14.3 million, down 9% are always keen to launch exquisite campaigns all • Net profit to parent company shareholders: year round, in line with customers’ expectations account campaign discounts at Eureka KD 7.2 million, down 10.9% and modern lifestyle needs.” Mezzan Holding Executive Vice Chairman “We promise our customers more of the KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait conducted KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) is Mohammad Jassim Al Wazzan, said: “A healthy exceptional offers and rewards that give them a the weekly draws on Al-Najma Account and Salary keen to provide its customers with the best serv- recovery is well on the way in the region and banking experience matching their lifestyle and Transfer campaign on Tuesday August 10, 2021. The ices, rewards and exceptional offers all year across sectors. In the UAE, we saw revenue with the best conditions and prefer- draws were conducted in the presence of Ministry round, according to their different growth of 19.6 percent, and in Saudi we saw 9.9 ential benefits,” he added, asking them of Commerce and Industry representative lifestyles and segments. In this con- percent growth in the first half. On a group con- to stay tuned for the upcoming August Abdulaziz Ashkanani. text, the bank provides exclusive solidated basis our net earnings came below last The results of the draws were as follows: monthly offers, in partnership with offer. Hashim indicated that NBK year’s, which were exceptional due to the pan- 1- Al-Najma weekly account - the prize of Eureka for Thahabi, Privilege and Credit Cards provide exclusive bene- demic, and above 2019’s net earnings. KD 5,000 went to the winner Shahid Naved Bajwa Private Banking Customers. fits and offers to cardholders, in line Mezzan Holding CEO, Garrett Walsh, com- Abdelhameed Bajwa These monthly offers that are pro- with customers’ interests, which the mented: “As expected, 2021 sees a return to nor- 2- Salary account campaign - the prize of up vided for a limited time are available bank identifies through constant com- mal trading patterns as society recovers from the to KD 1,000 went to the winner Naser Bader Al- for NBK customers when making munication with them, as part of its COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to see our Salman purchases on Eureka website or app endeavors to provide top-notch bank- progress, despite the pandemic’s setbacks, on our The bank stated that the salary campaign is using eligible NBK Visa Credit Cards, ing products and services and enrich key strategic investments and expect to finish the aimed at customers who transfer their salaries of including NBK Visa Infinite Privilege their banking experience. year in line with our projections. The second Mohammed Akram KD 500 or more to the bank, especially Kuwaiti Credit Card, NBK Visa Infinite Credit NBK Visa Credit Cards give the quarter of 2021 shows significant progress against Hashim employees and residents working in the govern- Card, NBK-Kuwait Airways (Oasis best payment experience for the con- our 2019 base and we look forward to continuing ment, oil sectors and companies listed with the Club) Visa Infinite Credit Card, and venience they provide to customers, to build on this momentum”. Bank as well as retirees, and take advantage of the NBK-Kuwait Airways (Oasis Club) in addition to the various benefits H1 2021 financial performance review: benefits of this campaign and get an instant cash Visa Signature Credit Card. when using their cards for shopping, including Food Business Line gift from KD 250 to KD 500 or an interest-free The discounts that lasted for three days last NBK Rewards Program, NBK Miles Program, Total revenue for the food business line loan for a period of up to 5 years and up to KD July included the following select of products: up Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty. reached KD 85.2 million, a decrease of 5.2 percent 25,000, Kuwaiti pensioner, along with expatriate to 15 percent discount on Apple iPhone 12 Pro, 15 Additionally, NBK Visa Credit Cards provide a compared with the same period in 2020. The food customers who transfer their debt to the Bank will percent discount on Apple AirPods Pro and iPad unique lifestyle, and eligibility for exceptional business line accounted for 63.6 percent of group receive an instant cash gift of 1 percent from their 10.2”, in addition to 10 percent discount on JBL campaigns all over the year, which are well- revenue. The business line comprises the following transferred debt. Bluetooth speakers. On this occasion, Mohammed received and popular among customers. three divisions: Manufacturing and distribution The Bank stated that Al-Najma Account prizes (generating 47.2 percent of group revenue), cater- are distinguished by the highest cash prize and ing (generating 11.3 percent of group revenue), diversity of prizes throughout the year clarifying In addition to the daily draw, Burgan Bank and services (generating 5.1 percent of group rev- that the account offers weekly prize of KD 5,000, enue). also offers a quarterly draw with more chances monthly prize of KD 20,000 and a semi-annual Burgan Bank • Manufacturing and distribution: H1 2021 rev- to win higher rewards, offering the chance to one prize of KD 500,000 in addition to the largest enue increased by 2.3 percent. lucky customer to win KD 125,000 every three prize - linked bank account payout of KD • Catering: H1 2021 revenue decreased by 20.7 announces winners months. The Yawmi Account offers daily and 1,500,000. percent. quarterly draws, wherein the quarterly draw Al-Najma Account can be opened by depositing • Services: H1 2021 revenue decreased by 23.1 requires customers to maintain a minimum KD 200, and customer should maintain a minimum of Yawmi draw percent. amount of KD 500 in their account for two amount of KD 500 to be eligible to enter all draws • Non-food business line: Burgan Bank announced yesterday months prior to the draw date. Additionally, on Al-Najma Account prizes. As for the chances of KUWAIT: Revenue reached KD 48.8 million, an increase the names of the daily draw winners of its Yawmi every KD 10 in the account will entitle customers winning, the more balance a customer maintains in of 10 percent compared with the same period in account draw, each taking home a cash-prize of to one chance of winning. If the account balance Al-Najma Account, the more chances the account 2020. The non-food business line accounted for KD 5,000. is KD 500 and above, the account holder will be holder will get to win, the account also offers addi- 36.4 percent of Group Revenue. The business qualified for both the quarterly and daily draws. tional benefits like the ATM card, a credit card The lucky winners are: lines comprises the following divisions: FMCG 1. Naser Abdulaziz Al-Awadhi Burgan Bank encourages everyone to open a against customer’s account and all CBK banking and Pharmaceuticals business division (generat- 2. Andrew Saleem Samaan Yawmi account and/or increase their deposit to services that customer can enjoy. The Bank ing 34.3 percent of Group Revenue) and 3. Abbas Ahmad Al-Haddad maximize their chances of becoming a winner. revealed that Al-Najma account is available to Industrials (generating 2 percent of group rev- 4. Bader Mansour Al-Qattan The higher the level of the deposit, the higher the everyone, and anyone can open Al-Najma account enue). 5. Paul Valiya Devassy likelihood to win. through CBK mobile application in simple steps • FMCG and pharmaceuticals: H1 2021 rev- from anywhere and at any time. enue increased by 8.8 percent. • Industrials: H1 2021 revenue increased by 33.8 percent. 10 weeks. Every week, case our appreciation towards their continued Regional business highlights in H1 2021: 5 winners will be service. This raffle serves as an opportunity for stc KD 50,000 raffle • In Kuwait: H1 2021 revenue was stable with selected to win a prize stc to give back to its loyal customers for select- a growth of 0.02 percent. of KD 1,000 each ing stc as their preferred telecom provider, while for new, existing • In UAE: H1 2021 revenue increased by 19.6 starting from 29 July offering the latest devices at competitive prices. percent due to the expansion in distribution until 7 October. To take Satisfying our customers is one of the primary activities. stc customers part in the raffle, stc objectives and pillars of our business model, and • In Qatar: H1 2021 revenue decreased by 10.1 confirmed that eligible we aim to continuously enhance customer satis- KUWAIT: Kuwait Telecommunications Company percent impacted by the decline in the catering customers will auto- faction, while simultaneously building long-stand- business line. - stc, a world-class digital leader providing inno- matically be registered ing relationship with our diverse customer base.” vative services and platforms to customers, • In KSA: H1 2021 revenue increased by 9.9 in the draw. Eligibility Atoui added, “Throughout its years of opera- percent as Mezzan continues to expand its prod- enabling the digital transformation in Kuwait, requirements include Amer Atoui tion, stc has developed a deep understanding of announced the launch of a raffle draw with a total uct mix. new or existing cus- its customers’ needs and aims to leverage those • In Afghanistan: H1 2021 revenue decreased prize of KD 50,000 for customers subscribing to tomers that have findings to launch initiatives that reflect both loy- by 72.5 percent due to the departure of U.S new commitment plans, renewing their current renewed or added a device to their plans from alty and trust. Our goal through launching the troops from the country. plans with a new device, or adding a new device 29 July till 7 October 2021. raffle was to primarily focus on customer-centric • In Jordan: H1 2021 revenue increased by to their current plans through zeed. Commenting on the raffle, engineer Amer concepts that elevate the customer journey with 22.6 percent due to improving Mezzan’s logis- stc highlighted in a statement that the raffle Atoui, Chief Consumer Officer of stc, said, “At stc, stc, and we will continue to introduce innovative tics operations as well as adding new products will have a total prize pool of KD 50,000 dis- we strive to enrich the experience of our valued ways that showcase the value that we uphold to in the country. tributed to 50 lucky winners over the course of customers through various initiatives that show- our loyal customers.”

tection against cyberthreats to immunity from them. form only those functions that minimize the possibility of bugs and vulnerabilities From cybersecurity were defined during the devel- and to narrow the attack surface. When existing security solutions are not enough opment. As a result, security becomes an integral feature of In certain areas such as corporate protection, cur- the system. In practice, this means that if, for example, to cyber immunity: rent solutions are very effective. But the problem is that How is this achieved? there is an attempt to remotely connect to any com- there are some systems on which anti-malware solu- To make a system cyber ponent of the advanced driver-assistance system, How to achieve it tions cannot be installed, such as small boxes of IoT immune, it should be devel- which is responsible for the autopilot in the car, then gateways or electronic control units in a connected car. oped according to a specific nothing will happen. No third party application will By Amir Kanaan Meanwhile, the use of connected devices and the methodology and with the Amir Kanaan be able to take control of the system, because the IoT is gaining pace and forecast to grow by 25 per- right components. affected component will remain isolated and will not KUWAIT: At the dawn of computer security in the cent between 2019 and 2027. And in the case of criti- Firstly, a security goal of the be able to allow other parts to be compromised. late 1980s, antivirus software emerged as a response cal infrastructures or smart cities, digitalization, the system should be clearly defined - for example, to to the first malware. Since then, the industry has been use of cloud, or digital twins demand extra cyberse- enable confidentiality and integrity of data trans- Why now? playing catch-up, and the challenge for cyber-defense curity measures to avoid critical consequences. The ferred from a device to a cloud. It should be stated Since 2002, we have been hatching the idea of an solutions has been to recognize new malware and recent example from the Colonial Pipeline once again that the system meets this goal in any use case. For approach that would make IT systems secure-by- techniques as quickly as possible and offer the showed how painful they could be. example, if someone builds a house in an earthquake- design. During this time, we have developed appropriate protection. The force of action is equal to Another problem is that these risks are not really prone area, they must consider earthquake protection KasperskyOS, an operating system that enables the the force of reaction. assessable in advance. So, in addition to the tradition- measures at the design stage. Secondly, all system requirements described above. We have also been During more than 30 years of this game, the stakes al means of protection, a new approach is needed components, such as applications and drivers, must exploring its application in various fields and starting have changed significantly. Today, cybersecurity, data when security is a property of the connected device, be isolated from each other so that if one component to develop the first products. protection and countering advanced APT attacks are system, or security solution itself. is compromised, it won’t access another. Just like sep- Immunity became a cherished word in 2020-21 becoming a priority at the highest government level, arating apples, oranges and peaches into different due to the pandemic. By chance, also in 2020, our and corporations are spending almost a third of their What is cyber immunity? baskets: If the fruits in one basket start to grow concept of Cyber Immunity based on KasperskyOS, IT budget on protecting against cyberthreats. Cyber Immunity’s goal is to enable a scenario moldy, it will not affect another basket. was finally embodied in the first product, announced As in many industries, cybersecurity may also - where attacks cannot affect a system’s functions. The Thirdly, communication between components must in April 2021. This is an IoT gateway that allows cus- sooner or later - experience an evolutionary leap that Cyber Immune system is based on the principle that be controlled, with only the specified type of commu- tomers to securely collect telemetry from connected could change the nature of the game. Perhaps this everything that is not allowed is prohibited. This nication allowed. The kernel of such an immune sys- industrial equipment and transfer it to the cloud for moment has already come: The transition from pro- means that the components of the system can per- tem should be as compact as possible, in order to processing in business applications. Established 1961 11

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Lifestyle Features

Dalida Khalil, Khaled Mansour, Nada Al- Break-in to ‘Al- Shifra’: Shaibani, Ayman Kaissouni, Nesrine Zreik, Aline Watfa, Haifa Bseisso, Hala An OSN original Abdallah, Maram Zbaeda, Mayssa Moghrabi, Amina Moghrabi, and Ghaida star-studded Escape Sulaiman Al-Saeedi. “Al-Shifra is a fantastically clever, engaging show that spreads excitement Room challenge among viewers and fans as they watch and cheer their favorite celebrities in SN keeps the mystery alive as action”, said Darine ElKhatib, Senior Vice some of the region’s biggest stars President -Arabic Services & Original descend on - and break-out from - O Production at OSN. “In just one year, the ‘Al-Shifra’, the celebrity Escape Room response to OSN Originals - a major mile- challenge, on the OSN Streaming App on stone for us -has been phenomenal and September 5th. Get ready to stay on the inspiring. This unscripted game series edge of your seat as your star-team deci- perfectly fits what we are aiming to pher clues and solve mysteries, and col- achieve through our originals. Al-Shifra is laborate and build alliances, racing to testament to our commitment to double make it out of the room before the time is OSN’s investment in original content this In this picture Students warm up during a group class to learn break- In this picture coach Vikram Godakiya (center, red cap) watches students up. In six star-studded episodes, the 24 year, and joins the hugely popular A’adet ing or ‘b-boying’ at a training session on the rooftop of a building in during a group class to learn breaking or ‘b-boying’ at a training session. stars will be assigned the escape chal- Regala and Yalla Neta’asha (Come Dine Dharavi slums in Mumbai. — AFP photos lenge in pairs, and will face unique chal- With Me) under the umbrella of unscripted lenges and puzzles to test their mettle, Arabic content.” planning, and creativity. With a focus on quick responses, cre- ativity, and agility, and surrounded by rich- ly-designed sets, each episode is placed in a unique setting, which adds to the sto- ry and the challenge itself. Challengers set-out to escape from a hospital, a haunted house, a grim zoo, or a disaster- stricken resort. These settings, and an all- new participant list, make each episode a fter India’s largest slum defeated ‘My confidence level was zero’ ding halls as quarantine facilities, and unique experience. the pandemic, some of its young The school opened its doors in 2015, asking residents to stay home. Presenting Al-Shifra are Dubai-based Aresidents pulled out their phones to offering free classes in breakdancing, By the end of June 2020, Dharavi had influencer Sherif Al-Fayed and TV and write, shoot and release a triumphant rap beatboxing and rapping to around 20 stu- recorded just 82 deaths-a fraction of radio host Mohamed Kais, who are also video. “At first we were afraid, what would dents, with digital media start-up Qyuki- Mumbai’s over 4,500 fatalities. Like the joined by Nancy Eskander. And your happen to us? But we stood with the doc- Rateshwar’s employer-and US entertain- slum, the school staff also refused to be favorite stars will not always be on the tors... now it’s your turn”, rapped the ment titan Universal Music Group footing cowed by the virus, switching to online right side of the law. Which of the star- young men in the video. “We Did It”-”Kar the bill. As the project won praise from classes soon after the first wave of infec- duets do you think are best equipped to Dikhaya” in Hindi-showcased new talent musical icons such as Oscar-winning tions hit last year. As the pandemic be successful bandits? “Audience will get and won acclaim from celebrities, but its composer A.R. Rahman it rapidly expand- ground on, Rateshwar realized that the a chance to get closer with the stars we creators’ abiding goal was to fight the stig- ed, with young students like Joshua academy could expand its reach even fur- know and love and we may come away ma dogging this densely-populated corner Joseph-now better known as MC Josh- ther, and broadcast an invitation on with a greater understanding and appreci- of Mumbai. The Dharavi slum is home to using hip-hop to tell their stories. If black Instagram for anyone, anywhere, to join ation of their real selves and their art. We around one million people, many of whom rappers in the United States could shine a their classes. They received 800 respons- are honored to feature such an enviable live in single-room shanties and share light on racism, he reasoned, hip-hop es in the first 24 hours. A year on, the galaxy of stars in one title, and we have communal toilets. could do the same for India’s glaring school hosts 100 students who attend not compromised on the ideation, sets, Its labyrinthine alleys have long been inequality and mistreatment of marginal- every online session-half from Dharavi Participants include Palestinian super and production value, which are all worthy associated with filth and disease despite ized communities. itself-and 300 others who pop in occa- star Mohamad Assaf, Lebanese beauty of this celebrity cohort”, El-Khatib added. its remarkable success in the battle sionally, including from overseas. empress and TV presenter Joelle On 5th of September, Al-Shifra will be against COVID-19, and its residents battle Mardinian, Iraqi singer Shatha Hassoun, available on the OSN Streaming App and constant discrimination. But Ayush Tegar ‘Everyone wants to Lebanese TV host Wissam Breidy, will air on 5th of September at 19:45 KSA Renuka, one of the star students of the become a superstar’ Tunisian top model and actress Rym on OSN Ya Hala Al-Oula and OSN Ya Dharavi Dream Project hip-hop academy, But Rateshwar’s focus remains firmly Saidi, Lebanese model, actor and TV pre- Hala at 20:35 KSA OSN Originals is also told AFP he feels “so proud” of belonging on students from the Mumbai slum, on senter Wissam Hanna, Emirati anchor set to reveal the details of another brand- to the community. “The Dharavi shown on making sure their voices are heard and and actress Mahira Abdel Aziz, Emirati new comedy production, ‘No Activity’, TV channels and the real Dharavi are their future prospects secured. “Obviously Actor, Producer and TV presenter Saoud coming soon to viewers’ screens across very different places,” the 16-year-old everyone wants to become a superstar Al-Kaabi, Lebanese model and media the region. said. Ayush began breakdancing three but... I also try to tell them about alterna- personality Zoya Sakr, Tunisian actress years ago, brushing off his widowed tive careers in the music industry, as Leila Bin Khalifa and other A-list guests mother’s pleas to give up a pursuit she artists’ managers, or jobs in social media,” such as Lojain Omran, Yacoub Shaheen, feared would result in a trip to the hospi- she said. “Most of all, I want them to stand tal. She was not alone. Many parents tall.” For 21-year-old teacher Vikram Gaja were initially reluctant to enrol their chil- Godakiya, who learned breakdancing dren in the school’s free classes, dismiss- Coach Vikram Godakiya (right, red cap) warm from YouTube videos, the school means ing hip-hop as dangerous, a distraction up along with the students during a group much more than a steady paycheck. from homework or simply a waste of time. class. “People have always been unfair to The Dharavi Dream Project’s co- “My confidence level was zero before I Dharavi,” he told AFP, describing how the founder Dolly Rateshwar was determined started to rap,” the 21-year-old told AFP. pandemic had made employers increas- to change their minds. The daughter of a “The school changed my life.” When ingly reluctant to hire slum-dwellers. Hindu priest, Rateshwar was nervous COVID-19 arrived, the rapper’s income When Godakiya started breakdancing in about venturing into the neighborhood, collapsed overnight as Dharavi was put secret nine years ago, he never imagined but the teenagers she met struck a chord under a stringent months-long lockdown. he would be able to do it for a living. with her. “I was raised in a very conserva- Mumbai authorities quickly realized that “Breaking has given my life purpose,” he tive family... I never knew there was a big- the slum held the key to defeating the said. “I want my students to know that ger world out there,” the 38-year-old told pandemic and launched “Mission they can do anything if they give it their AFP. “And I was worried that these kids Dharavi”-aggressively sanitizing commu- 100 percent.” — AFP might lose out on life because they didn’t nal toilets, running daily “fever camps” to know the possibilities open to them.” check for symptoms, repurposing wed-

nce famed for its exceptional Explosive fishing wildlife, Libya’s Farwa island risks In a country awash with weapons, Obecoming just another victim of some find lobbing grenades into the water lawlessness in the war-ravaged North an easy way to fish-a destructive method African nation, activists struggling to save killing everything in the blast zone. “The it warn. An uninhabited 13-kilometre-long fishermen do not respect anything,” (eight mile) sandbar cut off at high tide in Dhane said, blaming boats from the port far western Libya, Farwa appears picture- of Zuwara, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) postcard idyllic, with scattered date palms to the east. “They fish at all times, in an on white sandy beaches and ringed by unregulated way-and they practice fishing the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The with explosives.” International Union for Conservation of Endangered loggerhead turtles are Nature (IUCN) has said Farwa is poten- also being harmed, according to the tially the “most important coastal and activist. “The turtles are sometimes marine site in western Libya, in terms of caught in fishing nets, when they are not its high marine and coastal biodiversity”. killed by fishermen who fear their bites,” But it faces a long list of threats, said said Dhane. The Bado association works Fawzi Dhane from local environmental to protect turtle clutches laid on the beach group Bado, identifying illegal fishing and from predators and from people who pollution as key worries. Climate change come to dig up the eggs. The island, Europe. Today, Farwa has become a pop- gist who has conducted digs on the island, tions set for December. But it has not is also exacerbating the situation, making which lies close to the border with Tunisia, ular spot for Libyan holidaymakers, with discovering Roman-era tools and tombs, changed anything for the island. In the Farwa more vulnerable to the pressures is made up of sand dunes stretching over dozens visiting every weekend. “They calls the pollution from the dilapidated plant meantime, environmental groups have already heaped on its fragile environ- 4.7 square kilometers (1.81 square miles). leave their rubbish behind,” sighed an “environmental disaster”. taken on the task of protecting Farwa, ment. For decades there were few visi- Its lagoon and salt marshes are also Dhane. He also expressed worry that rising while hoping for a return to stability and tors, apart from occasional school trips to home to flamingos. One of the only build- sea levels due to climate change could the rule of law. Dhane said he has “orga- the island. Libya’s former dictator ings is a crumbling lighthouse built in the Chemical pollution swamp the low-lying island. “It risks being nized conferences and awareness cam- Muammar Gadhafi dreamt of building a 1920s under Italian colonial rule. Another threat comes from the nearby swallowed up if measures are not taken to paigns in schools” to try and explain the luxury seaside resort there, complete with Farwa is among the most important Abu Kammash petrochemical factory, which try to contain the sea,” he said. In recent threats the island faces. And in partner- “floating” villas and a golf course. But areas in Libya for many migratory birds, has for years “leaked heavy metals” into the years, oil-rich Libya was split between two ship with international organizations like Gadhafi was ousted and killed in a 2011 according to Tarek Jdeidi from the soil and sea, according to Dhane. While the rival administrations backed by foreign the World Wildlife Fund, “we are trying to NATO-backed uprising, and Libya has University of Tripoli. It is a key staging complex has been abandoned, the impact powers and myriad militias. After a peace educate fishermen”, he added. — AFP struggled to contain violence and political post for those travelling over Africa to rest of the dangerous pollution “is still felt”, he deal last year, an interim unity govern- turmoil ever since. before flying across the Mediterranean to added. Shawky Muammar, an archaeolo- ment was agreed in March ahead of elec-

These pictures show an aerial view of Libya’s Farwa Island, about 170 kilometers west of the capital and close to the border with Tunisia. — AFP photos 12 Established 1961 Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Lifestyle Features

oldplay, Billie Eilish and Ed Nigeria. More locations and artists are push for action at the G20 the following Sheeran are among the stars due to be announced in the coming month and COP26 climate meeting in Cannounced yesterday for a day of weeks. “Across six continents, artists will November. Global Citizen said it urgently concerts across multiple cities on help rally citizens in demanding that gov- wants one billion trees planted, one billion Czech film September 25 to raise awareness about ernments, major corporations, and philan- vaccines delivered to the poorest coun- climate change, poverty and vaccine dis- thropists work together to defend the tries and meals for the 41 million on the tribution. New York, Paris and Lagos are planet and defeat poverty,” NGO Global brink of famine. WHO director-general festival to honor the first cities to be announced for Global Citizen said in a statement. It said it was Tedros Ghebreyesus lent his support to Citizen Live, which will run for 24 hours focusing “on the most urgent, interrelated the campaign, saying in a statement: “We and be screened around the world via TV threats hitting those in poverty the hard- now face a two-track pandemic of haves Michael Caine stations and social media. Joining Eilish est-climate change, vaccine equity, and and have-nots. Over 75 percent of the and Coldplay in New York’s Central Park famine”. more than 4 billion doses administered to are Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, A slew of other artists-including BTS, date have occurred in just 10 countries. nglish actor Michael Caine will Shawn Mendes and Burna Boy, among Lorde, Metallica and The Weeknd-are “We cannot disregard this gross inequity receive the top prize at the post- others. also lending their star power, either or become complacent.”— AFP Eponed Czech film festival in the city Sheeran headlines the French gig, with through live or filmed performances. The of Karlovy Vary starting later this month, Doja Cat, HER and Black Eyed Peas sup- event is designed to coincide with the UN organizers said yesterday. The prolific 88- Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran porting, while Fema Kuti will top the bill in General Assembly in September, and year-old Oscar winner known for his roles in “Alfie” (1966), “Sleuth” (1972) and “The Cider House Rules” (1998) will get the Crystal Globe award for his “outstanding contribution to world cinema”. Hollywood star Johnny Depp, best known for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series, will be among the stars attending the festival. Czech film director Jan Sverak, who won an Oscar for the best international feature film with “Kolya” in 1996, will get the festival president’s award. The 55th edition of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival will take place on August 20-28 after . Kelly, the disgraced R&B super- will be selected-and those chosen will be being postponed from July because of the star who faces a battery of sex the only members of the public to view the COVID-19 pandemic. — AFP Rabuse charges in several US trial in person, a decision the court made states, appeared in court Monday as jury due to the spread of COVID-19. Potential selection began in his federal New York jurors, all of them masked, were not ques- trial. The 54-year-old appeared stoic in a tioned about their vaccination status. navy blue suit as the questioning of jurors Lawyers on both sides along with Judge In summer began in the Brooklyn court, where he Ann Donnelly did not wear masks, though the production who brought the story “to faces charges of racketeering, sexual Kelly at one point did. life at the Broadway Theatre, even for so exploitation of a child, kidnapping, bribery In an unusual step for such a high-pro- brief a time.” Directed by Belgian Ivo van blockbuster ‘Free and forced labor, spanning from 1994 to file case, reporters and other members of Hove, who gave the 1957 musical an 2018. Deveraux Cannick, one of Kelly’s the public must watch from several “over- unprecedented makeover, with a more Guy’, life is but lawyers, was reticent when asked by AFP flow” rooms, on relatively small, grainy diverse cast and dealing with current how he was feeling, smiling and saying: screens. When evidence is presented it is themes such as police violence and rape. “Just another Monday.” unlikely to be viewable by observers from The pandemic was not the show’s only a video game The musician born Robert Sylvester those rooms. obstacle: its original producer, Scott Kelly, currently incarcerated at a Brooklyn Rudin, stepped aside for Horton to take federal prison, has denied all charges. All Sex crime ring he re-imagined version of the popu- the job following allegations of workplace n the face of relentless headlines about prospective jurors will remain anonymous The New York indictment details lurid lar musical “West Side Story” will not harassment. war, disease and apocalyptic climate and be partially sequestered throughout claims that Kelly operated a crime ring reopen on Broadway, its producer And one of the main actors, Amar Ichange, “Stranger Things” maestro the process. Those selected for the trial that systematically recruited and groomed T Ramasar, was embroiled in allegations of said Monday, an indirect victim of the Shawn Levy is offering an “antidote” to the will be escorted to and from court by US young girls to have sex with him, locking COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on New inappropriate behavior dating back to his misery with a story about hope, kindness marshals, which is not abnormal in such them in their rooms at hotels when he York’s theater industry. The revived pro- years in the New York Ballet Troupe. and the very human tendency to tran- high-profile trials. Following jury selection, was on tour, instructing them to wear bag- duction opened in February last year but Theaters on Broadway, which are set to scend the sometimes grim realities of opening statements and testimony are gy clothing when not with him, “to keep was forced to shutter just one month later reopen in September, have announced everyday life. Due for release on Friday, due to begin August 18. It is expected the their heads down” and to call the singer as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in that they will require the audience and all sci-fi action comedy “Free Guy”-about a trial will last at least four weeks. New York “daddy.” Many of the “recruits” were under the city. “It is with great regret that we are production members to be vaccinated. man who realizes he is a character in a is the first state to see Kelly stand trial in 18 years old, say prosecutors, who announcing today that the 2020 The public will still have a chance to see a video game-eschews some of the heavier connection with a raft of state and federal among other disturbing allegations say Broadway revival of West Side Story will new version of “West Side Story” in the philosophical themes around free will seen indictments in four different jurisdictions. Kelly’s “enterprise” facilitated sex without not reopen,” producer Kate Horton said in cinema in December, directed by Steven in the likes of “The Matrix” and “Blade disclosing a sexually transmitted infection a statement. Spielberg. — AFP Runner” in favor of a simple message: you the singer had contracted. “For a variety of reasons, reopening is are in control of your own destiny. The indictment also says part of the not a practical proposition,” she added, ring’s job was to isolate girls and women, thanking the “brilliant, creative artists” in and make them “dependent on Kelly for their financial well-being.” Among the alleged victims listed in the indictment is “Jane Doe #1,” widely believed to be the R&B singer Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash at age 22 in 2001. The prosecution alleges that Kelly paid an Illinois govern- ment employee in 1994 to obtain a fake In this file photo R&B singer R. Kelly leaves the ID to marry an underage girl. Kelly notori- e’s had hits with the likes of sound.” He hopes for some more fran- Leighton Criminal Courts Building following a ously married Aaliyah when she was 15 Madonna, Beyonce and MIA, and cophone collaborations in the future, hearing in Chicago, Illinois. and he was 27, a union that was later spent 20 years relentlessly touring having already worked with Parisian DJ annulled. H the world, but American DJ Diplo says Snake and looking to produce some- ‘Women don’t lie’ Federal judges in New York and the pandemic-enforced break was a thing with Belgian rapper Stromae. On the opening day of jury selection Chicago, where Kelly also faces charges, blessing. “It was probably the best year “C’est cuit” is the latest hit from this the court questioned dozens prospective have denied him bail, citing a flight risk, I’ve had in a long time. I did a lot of surf- year’s album “Music Is The Weapon jurors, dismissing 18. One woman was danger to the community and the ing, spent time with my kids, bought a (Reloaded)”, that also sees Sia, J Balvin, excused because in her pre-selection prospect of witness tampering. Kelly has house-I never had time before,” the 42- Nicki Minaj and Khalid contribute to the questionnaire she said “women don’t lie” faced accusations involving child pornog- year-old DJ told AFP from his home in group’s Trinidadian vibes. Following about suffering rape or abuse. When the raphy, sex with minors, operating a sex Malibu, California. Diplo-real name 2015’s “Peace Is The Mission”, there’s a judge probed her stance, the woman clari- cult and sexual battery for decades. Thomas Wesley Pentz-was often on the clear message to the music that became fied that she thought it was rare that a Despite the slew of unsettling claims and road for 300 days of the year before all the more relevant during the last woman would come forward with a false several out-of-court settlements, the COVID-19 put an end to live shows. “I felt chaotic year in the United States. “It was Ryan Reynolds takes a left turn from abuse allegation. Another woman said singer known for hits like “I Believe I Can like I was dating my tour manager. Every probably the craziest year since 9/11. It his more cynical, wiseguy persona in that as a child she experienced similar Fly,” “Bump ‘N Grind” and “Ignition night, we would eat dinner together and was so bad that I think it made people “Deadpool” to star as a wholesome every- abuse to that detailed in the charges (Remix)” maintained a staunch fan base, go to shows. It got so boring,” he said. wake up a bit,” Diplo said. man-type bank teller who discovers he is against Kelly, also leading the judge to continuing to tour worldwide. The accusa- Coming to a sudden stop-just as he actually a background player in a video dismiss her from jury duty. tions only gained ground in the post- was about to release a new album with game and decides to take charge of his One man was excused because he #MeToo era in 2019, when a new his DJ collective Major Lazer-was not own story. The film feels “like an antidote said he would find it difficult to remain docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” renewed easy, however. “In the beginning, I tried to much of what we’ve been living through, impartial when faced with evidence of focus on the claims. — AFP to keep the energy up like I was still on in that the movie is about hopefulness and sexual activity between members of the the road. I was doing three or four live- the preservation of some innocence in the same sex, which the judge said would be stream shows a week. It kept me sane. midst of a very cynical world,” Levy, direct- exhibited. Twelve jurors and six alternates “But then I started doing things on my ing his 14th feature, said at the recent own-hiking, travelling-and I was able to world premiere in New York. Echoing be calm, content in the silence.” The 1998’s “The Truman Show”, in which Jim pandemic was also a chance to experi- Carrey played the unwitting star of a reality ment, including appearances within TV show, Reynolds similarly inhabits a video game Fortnite and as part of the staged world. virtual reality version of Burning Man last Every morning, his character Guy gets summer. “The president took up so much up, greets his goldfish, burns his mouth “Fortnite was cool, but the audience space in the last couple years. Now with with scorching coffee, unperturbed by the is so much younger. You realise how Joe Biden, we’re back in a normal explosions and the fights taking place quickly the generations change. Maybe place.” However he said there was one around him. His world is a video game one or two million people saw it, but they positive thing to come from Donald and he is one of the minor, disposable only know games, not music. It was a Trump’s administration: the Music characters that would be familiar to play- giant production but I didn’t really feel a Modernisation Act that promises a fairer ers of games like Grand Theft Auto. But connection. “(Burning Man) was more distribution of money from digital stream- when Guy finally takes his destiny into his interesting. There were around 10,000 ing. “It was actually very progressive and own hands, the well-oiled mechanics people with VR headsets. I could make is going to ensure that streaming rev- thought up by the creators of the game them do things with their hands. That enues spread out more,” said Diplo. “I’m goes off the rails. With a playful tone could be something that grows a lot.” lucky. I’ve always owned the masters so honed in his “Night at the Museum” trilogy, I’ve been able to get the highest revenue where skeletons and stuffed animals ‘The queen’ Nakamura streams. Mostly, artists don’t have that come alive at night, Levy deploys a gallery For now, though, the more traditional power. They’re at the mercy of the labels of familiar characters from hit games like world of music drops and touring is and the publishers.” Next up-despite his Fortnite. back, and last week saw the release of reluctance to leave his newly sedate Against a backdrop of a love story, the the video for Major Lazer’s “C’est cuit”, lifestyle-Diplo has a few shows booked narrative also unfolds on the other side of featuring French-Malian star Aya around the US and more on the way. the screen, in the video game publisher’s Nakamura. “She’s very unique,” said “Right now, I don’t want to leave my studio. Alongside Reynolds, the cast Diplo. “The French part of Africa is doing house anymore!” he said, laughing. includes Joe Keery or “Stranger Things” this Caribbean dancehall style that “We’ll see if I get inspired to get back on fame, Jodie Comer, best known for her Attorney Nicole Blank Becker (left) arrives to attend a hearing in the racketeering and sex works very well in America at the the road.”— AFP role in spy thriller Killing Eve, and Taika trafficking case of R. Kelly at Brooklyn federal court in Brooklyn, New York. — AFP photos moment, and she’s the queen of that Waititi as a boss greedy for profits.—AFP Established 1961 13 Sports Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Star of Italy’s medal-winning Olympic squad returns to hero’s welcome ROME: The star of Italy’s Olympic team, Lamont Also on the return flight to Rome from Tokyo were men’s high jump with Qatari Mutaz Barshim. Tamberi Marcell Jacobs, returned home as a national hero on the five members of Italy’s rhythmic gymnastics team waited for Jacobs to run into his arms before the pair Monday after the country’s best performance in the who won bronze, handing Italy her 40th medal. Italy bounced around in joy and disbelief at what they had Games’ history capped an unforgettable summer of broke their medal record with one of the most dra- just achieved — possibly the greatest 10 minutes in sport for the Mediterranean nation. Dozens of fans, matic moments of the track-and-field portion of the the history of Italian sport. family and friends were on hand inside Rome’s Olympics. Their sprinters produced an incredible per- Tamberi’s own success was impressive enough as Fiumicino airport to greet Jacobs — undoubtedly formance to win the 4x100 meter relay for the first it came five years after an ankle ligament tear ruled Italy’s man of the past two weeks after racing to a time in Italy’s history with a national record time of him out of the Rio Olympics when he was in the form surprise win in the men’s 100 meters. 37.50sec. of his life. It was Barshim who helped Tamberi pull his Coming hot on the heels of the football team’s They snatched that race in the final moments as life and career back together, and whose 2019 World memorable triumph at Euro 2020, Italy won 40 unheralded Filippo Tortu managed to reel in Championship victory inspired him to Olympic glory. medals in Tokyo, a new national record which com- Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and dip ahead of the Briton The pair arrived at 2.37m having not hit the bar on fortably beats the previous best hauls of 36 in 1960 at the line. For many Italians that win was another one the way and when they were told they could share and 1932. Italians have delighted in the exploits of in the eye for the UK after their footballers beat the gold the two friends took one look at each other their athletes in Japan, who have provided some of England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. FIUMICINO: Italy’s 100m and 4x100m relay gold medal before launching themselves into a huge embrace, the iconic moments of this year’s Games and won winner Lamont Marcell Jacobs poses with his medals as Tamberi then collapsing to the ground and writhing gold in events in which they are traditionally also- Gold Galore he arrives from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at Rome’s around in joy. rans. That win also gave a second gold to Jacobs, the Fiumicino Airport on Monday. — AFP Italy’s track cyclists also provided a moment of “I would never have imagined such an amazing Texas-born sprinter who performed one of the high drama when they broke their own world record Olympics even in my dreams, to win two gold medals biggest shocks in Olympic history when he stormed to win the men’s team pursuit. Their blistering time of and to be flag bearer at the closing was incredible,” out of athletics obscurity to take gold in a time of European indoor 60m title. 3min 42.032sec was just enough to hold off Denmark, Jacobs told reporters, after hugging his mother and 9.80sec. It was an incredible win for the 26-year-old, Jacobs’ triumph thrilled Italy and came almost who crossed the line in 3:42.198, in an incredible friends awaiting his arrival. whose previous career highlight was this year’s straight after Gianmarco Tamberi shared gold in the neck-and-neck battle. — AFP

Cricket bids to return to Olympics in 2028

PARIS: Cricket’s world governing body said on Monday that it intends to push for the sport’s return to the Olympics at the 2028 NEW DELHI: Gold medalist India’s Neeraj Chopra (center) Games in Los Angeles. The International poses for pictures along with his parents at a press con- Cricket Council said it would start prepara- ference in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP tions on an Olympic campaign to point out “the sport’s inclusion in 2028 would mark the end of a 128-year absence.” Cricket has appeared once in the India to mark Olympics, at Paris in 1900, where the Devon TOKYO: (From left) Italy’s Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Lorenzo Patta, Eseosa Desalu and Filippo Tortu celebrate with the and Somerset Wanderers, representing Great Chopra’s Olympic national flag after winning the gold medal in the men’s 4x100m relay final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Britain, beat the only other entrants, a team Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on August 6, 2021. — AFP of British embassy staff appearing as France, feat with special day by 158 runs in a one-innings match. ICC chair Greg Barclay said the Tokyo Games, which years, one that Malago described as “a Dante-esque ended on Sunday, had been an inspiration NEW DELHI: Neeraj Chopra’s historic feat in win- Italy’s citizenship circle”. After Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and that cricket’s large fanbase meant it ning India’s first-ever track-and-field gold at the said Malago’s criticism was valid, far-right leader should be invited to the party. Olympics will be commemorated every year, officials law back in focus Matteo Salvini, head of the populist Lega party, “I would like to congratulate the IOC, said yesterday, as the javelin star spoke of his desire to retorted that the minister would be better served Tokyo 2020, and the people of Japan for inspire future athletes. A medal-starved India reveled controlling the countries’ borders than rekindling “ius staging such an incredible Games in such dif- in Chopra’s stunning achievement in Tokyo, which end- after Olympics wins soli”. In Italy, the far-right has linked the debate over ficult circumstances,” Barclay said in an ICC ed a more than century-long wait for an athletics gold, citizenship with the ongoing migrant crisis, which this statement. “It truly was fantastic to watch with politicians, celebrities and the general public year has seen 31,777 migrants land on the country’s heaping praise on the 23-year-old. The Athletics ROME: Italy’s enthusiasm over its Olympics success, and captured the imagination of the world coasts, more than double that in the same period in Federation of India said August 7 — the date of driven in part by multicultural athletes, has once again and we would love for cricket to be a part of 2020, according to interior ministry figures. Chopra’s triumph — would be dubbed “Javelin Throw reignited debate over its citizenship law and the future Games.” “I think the important thing is that for these kids Day”, with annual state meets for the sport held across bureaucratic hurdles faced by thousands of young “We see the Olympics as a part of crick- we have to think of social inclusion,” Lamorgese told the nation of 1.3 billion people. people. The debate comes on the heels of Italy’s best et’s long-term future. We have more than a La Stampa daily yesterday, noting that the issue went “I feel honored that I could become an inspiration performance in history at the Olympic Games, with beyond Italy’s young athletes. “They have to feel an billion fans globally and almost 90 percent of for Indian athletics and javelin in particular,” the 40 gold medals from a diverse band of athletes from a integral part of society,” she said. them want to see cricket at the Olympics,” farmer’s son from Khandra village just outside capital variety of backgrounds, including the country’s new There are various paths to citizenship in Italy — said Barclay. “Clearly cricket has a strong and New Delhi told reporters yesterday. “I am happy kids star, Texas-born sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs. Jacobs’ citizenship was accorded through his Italian passionate fanbase, particularly in South Asia will get an opportunity to compete in javelin events The debate was sparked anew after the head of mother despite being born in the United States to an where 92 per cent of our fans come from, and hope that we get more medals in athletics.” Italy’s National Olympic Committee, Giovanni American father — but that involving children of two whilst there are also 30 million cricket fans in The new poster boy of Indian sports, with his boy- Malago, complained of the bureaucratic headaches foreign-born parents is the most complicated. Case in the USA,” Barclay said. “The opportunity for ish charm and tousled hair, has come a long way from confronting Italian-born athletes who want to com- point is 17-year-old pole vaulter Great Nnachi, who those fans to see their heroes competing for being teased as an overweight child to throwing 87.58 pete for their country, but lack citizenship. Under its was born in Turin to Nigerian parents, and is already an Olympic medal is tantalizing.” Barclay meters for the gold in the javelin final. Hundreds of fans current path to citizenship, Italy is an outlier in a champion. Having broken records throughout her pointed out that cricket will be returning to had gathered at Delhi’s international airport on Europe, providing rights based on blood ties rather teens, she most recently won a junior title with her Monday to give Chopra a hero’s welcome. than based on where children are born - an idea the Commonwealth Games in 2022 in personal best of 4,01 meters in February. But her Chopra said the enormity of the achievement only known as “ius soli”, or “right of the soil”. Birmingham which will include a women’s records are not recognized by the state, as she is not sunk in when he saw people banging drums and play- Children born in Italy to foreign parents must T20 competition. The sport previously technically Italian, and she cannot compete for Italy ing music as his car left the airport and headed for a await their 18th birthdays before applying for citizen- appeared in the Commonwealth Games in in international competitions. “Despite being a full- party welcoming him back home. “It is a dream of any ship, beginning an arduous process that can take four 1998 in Malaysia, when South Africa won a fledged Italian,—AFP 50-over competition. athlete of the world to win an Olympic medal and there “The sport will feature in the Birmingham is nothing bigger than gold, so the feeling was surreal. 2022 Commonwealth Games next year, which “When I arrived in India the mood was different and shapes as a perfect showcase for what the when I landed, I realized I had done something big for the nation that I am getting this honor.” sport can bring to the Olympics, as well as Chopra’s gold on the final day took India’s medal being a momentous occasion on its own,” the tally to seven, their best-ever Olympic showing. Six ICC statement said. “We know it won’t be podium spots at the 2012 London Games was the easy to secure our inclusion as there are so country’s previous best finish but Indian athletes only many other great sports out there wanting to managed two medals at Rio in 2016. The best athletics do the same. But we feel now is the time to showings before Chopra’s triumph in the modern put our best foot forward and show what a Games was two silver medals won in Paris in 1900 great partnership cricket and the Olympics when India was a British colony. “Slowly but surely our are,” Barclay said. — AFP sports is improving,” Chopra said, adding that the newfound “self-belief” in athletes would lead to more success for his country at future Olympics. —AFP

Pete Bevacqua, chairman of NBC Sports. “The pan- NBC touts demic fundamentally altered virtually every aspect KUWAIT: (From left) Duaij Al-Otaibi, Abdullah Al-Rashidi, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and Ali Al- of these Games, but our team pivoted, and reimag- Masoudi. ined, in the midst of showcasing history-making Olympics viewership performances across 41 sports. Once again, we have seen the unparalleled power that these Games have amid declines on media and our culture.” Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah The website Sports Media Watch meanwhile said viewership as of last week was down 42 percent honors Kuwaiti Olympic medalist WASHINGTON: US broadcaster NBC said from comparable days of the Rio Olympics five Monday its Olympics coverage garnered strong rat- years ago and among the least-watched at any ings on television and streaming despite declines KUWAIT: Sheikh Mubarak Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak be followed by Kuwait’s youth and a motivation for Olympics. Poynter media columnist Tom Jones said from viewership in prior years. The NBCUniversal Al-Sabah said Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Rashidi’s skeet them. the figures were expected to show a decline of as unit said the average television audience for the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is an honor Rashidi thanked Sheikh Mubarak for honoring him many as 10 million US viewers compared with Rio. Tokyo games was 15.1 million. The figure was below for Kuwait and Kuwaitis, and a clear testimony of at the White Palace. He also thanked his late father, “Several factors may have influenced the num- that of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and the Kuwaiti youth’s insistence on having Kuwait’s flag Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, who was bers, including a half-day’s time difference between 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. hoisted high in various arenas. Sheikh Mubarak hon- known for supporting sports and helping athletes. He Tokyo and the United States,” Jones said. “There’s The media group said the Tokyo event was “the ored Rashidi at the White Palace in the presence of again thanked Sheikh Mubarak for backing him also just a general somber vibe because of Covid-19 most streamed Olympics ever” with some six billion President of Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations throughout the Games, adding that what he did is only and the lack of fans.” streaming minutes and 2.9 billion impressions on Duaij Al-Otaibi and Director of Suad Al-Sabah a small part of what Kuwait is presenting to its youth Jones said viewers were drawn to “important NBC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Publishing House Ali Al-Masoudi. in all aspects of life, adding that he will continue to stories, such as American gymnast Simone Biles An estimated 150 million Americans watched NBC’s Sheikh Mubarak said Rashidi’s achievement under keep Kuwait’s name prominent around the world. bringing more attention to the mental wellness of closing ceremony presentation, according to the the Kuwait flag is the best evidence of the Kuwaiti citi- Otaibi said Rashidi’s achievement is highly important, athletes by withdrawing from several events.” NBC company’s citing of ratings. zen’s ability and perseverance to instill their country’s appreciating the role of Sheikh Mubarak in supporting said it delivered some 120 billion minutes of content “There is nothing more powerful in media than name around the world. He said this Olympic win in sports and motivating Kuwait athletes, like his late over its broadcast, cable and digital platforms the 17 straight days of Olympics dominance,” said front of the entire world made Rashidi an example to father Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mubarak. including its Peacock streaming service. — AFP 14 Established 1961 Sports Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Champions League ‘not enough’ for Chelsea under Tuchel’s transformation BELFAST: Chelsea will aim to start the new season Werner last summer was rewarded with as they ended the last with more silverware when Champions League glory. the European champions face Europa League win- Now Lukaku looks set to return for nearly four ners Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup in Belfast times the amount he was sold seven years ago to tonight. Thomas Tuchel’s stunning impact since provide the missing piece of a proven goalscorer. taking charge of the Blues in January has raised The Belgium forward’s move should be completed expectations for Chelsea to challenge in all com- before Chelsea’s Premier League opener against petitions this season, particularly with Romelu Crystal Palace on Saturday, but will not be regis- Lukaku on the verge of returning to Stamford tered in time to face Villarreal. Bridge for a club record fee of £97 million ($135 Instead, Werner and Havertz will be tasked with million). starting their second season in England better than Tuchel’s men beat Manchester City to lift the they did their first. After a slow start, Havertz came Champions League in May, just five months after good on his £71 million price tag with the winning he replaced the sacked Frank Lampard with goal in the Champions League final. The 22-year- Chelsea languishing in ninth in the Premier League. old was also one of few star performers for Victory in Porto was Chelsea’s third over City in Germany at a disappointing Euro 2020. six weeks towards the end of the season. Now “I think we have all a lot of goals this season. they have the longer term goal of dethroning Pep The Champions League title is not enough for us, Guardiola’s side as English champions. we want to win more and that’s our aim for the “We want to win, we want to compete and of season,” said Havertz, who attributed the turn- course we want to be successful,” said Tuchel around in his form to the return of fans to stadi- ahead of his side’s return to competitive action in ums. “With the fans now in the stadium, they give Northern Ireland. “This is in Chelsea’s nature and you a lot of support. I feel very comfortable. I like of course we are up for the challenge. We will try it here, I like the city and I like the club, so all to compete for every title in every competition we good.” A crowd of 13,000 will fill 70 percent of enter but I also think it will be a huge step forward Windsor Park this week. if we can maintain the same quality, attitude and While Chelsea have become accustomed to effort that we showed last season.” lifting trophies on an annual basis in nearly two decades since Abramovich took charge, Villarreal No COVID cash crisis are aiming to back up their first ever piece of sil- LONDON: In this file photo taken on August 21, 2013, Chelsea’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (right) As many of Europe’s traditional giants have verware when they beat Manchester United on vies with Aston Villa’s Dutch defender Ron Vlaar (left) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London. —AFP been squeezed by the economic consequences of penalties in Gdansk. Unai Emery has now won the the coronavirus pandemic, the backing of billion- Europa League four times, but never won the aire Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has again Super Cup after his three previous successes in the world” this season, but is hopeful they suffer tionals who haven’t arrived back until this week. allowed Chelsea to strengthen at a time of crisis. A with Sevilla. a European Championship hangover with a num- Their starting line-up will not be the same as the £220 million spending spree on Edouard Mendy, The former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain ber of key players only just back into pre-season Champions League final,” said Emery. “Hopefully Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz and Timo boss believes Chelsea will become “the best team training. “Chelsea have Italian and English interna- they misfire from the start.” —AFP

lure of playing at the highest level in Europe, allied Grealish relishing to the chance to learn from City boss Pep Guardiola was too good an opportunity to turn down. “It was one of the toughest (decisions) I’ve ever Premier League £100 million tag had to make,” he added on leaving Villa, who he joined at the age of six. “It came down to something fans to be subject to as he targets glory I felt I couldn’t turn down. To play Champions League football, challenge for trophies, play next to MANCHESTER: Jack Grealish said on Monday he people like Kevin de Bruyne and play for the best COVID spot-checks is enjoying the tag of becoming England’s first ever manager in the world.” £100 million ($139 million) player after joining Grealish played a bit-part role as England LONDON: The Premier League has Premier League champions Manchester City from reached their first major tournament final for 55 announced fans will be subject to random Aston Villa. Grealish left his boyhood club last week years at Euro 2020 last month, only to lose on spot-checks of their COVID-19 status in in a transfer that saw him become the most expen- penalties to Italy. The 2022 World Cup is just over a MANCHESTER: Jack Grealish waves to Manchester City the opening weeks of the new season. The sive player in Premier League history, surpassing year away and Grealish admitted his ambitions at international level also played a part in his decision fans outside the Etihad Stadium during his unveiling in 2021-22 campaign kicks off on Friday when Paul Pogba’s move to Manchester United in 2016. Manchester, north-west England on Monday. —AFP newly-promoted Brentford host Arsenal “I actually like it, I think it is a good tag to have,” to move. with national government restrictions on said the 25-year-old as he was unveiled at the “We have so much talent at the national team,” Etihad Stadium. “It means so much to me that the he added. “If I’m performing for Man City week in, ing he refused to return to pre-season training with crowd capacity now eased. club were willing to spend that much on me, it fills week out, I feel like it could set me up to have a Tottenham last week as he tries to force his way out Any limits on attendances are agreed me with confidence. It just shows me how much the brilliant future for the national team and start in of Spurs. with local authorities and the Premier club and the manager value me. I just hope now I these (World Cup) games and the qualifiers.” City are keen for Kane to be Sergio Aguero’s League clubs hope their protocols will can repay this football club by winning as many Grealish will team up with his international col- long-term successor at the Etihad, but the striker ensure a return to full stadiums across the titles as possible and that trophy we all want.” leagues Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, John Stones still has three years left on his Tottenham contract country. That trophy is the Champions League with City and Kyle Walker at City and could end up supplying and the clubs, who face each other on the opening In a statement, the Premier League said still to conquer Europe despite winning five Premier the ammunition for England captain Harry Kane at weekend of the Premier League on Sunday, are not League titles in the past 10 years. Grealish said the club level. Kane issued a statement on Friday deny- yet close to agreeing a fee. —AFP fans going to games should be prepared to show they have been fully vaccinated or have received a negative lateral flow test in the previous 48 hours. NBA Mavericks The UK government has so far refused CONCACAF confirms to introduce a mandatory vaccine passport system, but the English top-flight clubs are agree with Doncic early World Cup 2022 preparing in case that changes in the com- ing months. on five-year deal qualifiers schedule “Initially, in the first few matchdays of WASHINGTON: Slovenian NBA All-Star guard WASHINGTON: Gold Cup champion United States the season, supporters can expect the Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed will open final-round North American qualifying for introduction of random spot-checks for to terms on a five-year contract extension worth the 2022 World Cup on September 2 at El Salvador ticket holders at some grounds as we $207 million, according to multiple US media under a match schedule released on Monday. The establish the required processes so clubs reports Monday. The 22-year-old playmaker is set Confederation of North, Central America and to ink a supermax extension, according to the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and fans are prepared for all match atten- unveiled matches for September and October in the ders to have their COVID-19 status Dallas Morning News and ESPN. “Today is a dream come true,” Doncic told “Octagonal” round-robin tournament to decide 2022 Luka Doncic checked upon arrival, should it become ESPN. “The game of basketball has given me so Qatar World Cup berths. mandatory,” the Premier League statement much and has taken me to so many amazing places. The Americans and Salvadorans are joined in the added. I am humbled and excited to remain in Dallas as first-round pick. eight-team showdown by Canada, Mexico, Costa Fans must also comply with a supporter part of the Mavericks. I am committed to the organ- Doncic averaged 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and Rica, Jamaica, Panama and Honduras. The top three finishers advance to Qatar while the fourth-place code of conduct, which stresses the impor- ization and appreciate the support of my fans.” 8.6 assists a game last season shooting 47.9 percent Doncic, who led Slovenia into the medal games overall from the floor, 35 percent from 3-point squad has a playoff next June to decide another berth. tance of wearing masks in indoor areas, Each team will play 14 matches, seven home and seven at the Tokyo Olympics before a fourth-place finish, range. After winning the 2019 NBA Rookie of the avoiding close contact with people they do away, over windows in September, October and had been playing on the deal he signed after being Year for a 33-49 Mavericks squad, Doncic has November 2021 and January and March 2022. not know and following one-way signs the third overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. Doncic sparked Dallas into the playoffs the past two sea- The US squad, which defeated Mexico 1-0 at Las around stadiums. became the youngest MVP in Euro League history sons, only to lose to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Vegas for the regional Gold Cup crown August 1, will Meanwhile, nine Premier League players first round both times. The Mavericks have not won in 2017-18, when he led Real Madrid to a title open at San Salvador, then return home to face a playoff series since capturing the 2011 NBA Finals, or members of staff were positive for coro- before being selected in the NBA draft by the Canada at Nashville on September 5 and then travel falling six times in the first round and failing to qual- navirus in the latest round of testing. —AFP Atlanta Hawks. He was immediately traded from the to Honduras on September 8. —AFP Hawks to the Mavericks for Trae Young and a future ify four times over the past 10 seasons. —AFP

in the stadiums,” said Danyel Reiche, an associate pro- country’s ruler, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- (also) considerable dissent amongst conservatives Post-Olympics, fessor at Georgetown University in Qatar. “Qatar was a Thani, has acknowledged that the pandemic had within the Qatari government and society that the pioneer in developing concepts for sports during the caused “a delay” to some infrastructure projects “but it country has already been forced to change too pandemic and has staged many events.” was a very limited delay”. “Preparations... will all be much.” spotlight shifts to Qatar, the first Middle Eastern host of the World complete in the coming months,” he said of the tourna- Cup, was, along with Rwanda, an Olympics vaccine ment which officials hope will contribute around $20 Rights and wrongs Qatar 2022 World Cup hub for athletes heading to Tokyo. It also hosted the billion to Qatar’s economy. In February, Qatar fiercely denied reports in refugee team. Three of the eight World Cup stadiums, all aircondi- Britain’s Guardian newspaper of excessive worker DOHA: The focus of the sporting world shifts to the tioned despite the tournament having been moved to fatalities, insisting the figure was unreliable but refus- 2022 World Cup in Qatar following the Tokyo Vaccines for fans the cooler winter months, are still under construction. ing to publish the actual number. Some fans and com- Olympics, with lingering questions over COVID safety Qatar has pledged to obtain one million doses of Qatar’s multi-billion-dollar football infrastructure, much mentators fear that Doha may not offer visitors the and human rights. Unlike the Games, which played out COVID vaccine for unvaccinated fans travelling to the of it still untested, will undergo a trial when it hosts the same experience as past tournaments. to a backdrop of surging case numbers in Tokyo and Arabian desert peninsula country. Details of its tourna- Arab Cup from November 30 to December 18. “I’ve been to many DJs on beaches with thousands without spectators to limit viral transmission, organiz- ment jab program have yet to be published, though As well as promises that infrastructure will be of people in Doha already in 2005 and 2006,” said ers of the November 18-December 21, 2022, football 2022 organizers went to Tokyo to observe the precau- ready for the tournament, Qatar has repeatedly given 2022 ambassador and former Netherlands interna- tournament insist it will be played in full stadiums. tions taken during the Games. assurances on its human and labor rights record. In tional Ronald De Boer, who lived in Doha for five Qatar 2022 might be the first truly global sporting “Tokyo has been a qualified success with... little May, secret police arrested a Kenyan security guard years. “Doha will be ready for this amount of fans, they event with fans since coronavirus emerged at the start overall dissent amongst those present about the who had published articles on the plight of migrant can really hold big events. And don’t worry that you of 2020, if the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics goes restrictions in place,” said Simon Chadwick, director workers in the country which is dependent on expat can’t drink a beer.” ahead behind closed doors as an International Olympic of the Eurasian sports center at France’s Emlyon labor. He was charged with receiving money from a While beer will be available in fan zones, restau- Committee official has suggested. Business School. “Qatar would do well to follow and foreign agent prompting an outcry from rights groups. rants and hotels, it is likely that ordinary ticket-holders Such is the commitment of the tiny, super-wealthy fine-tune the processes and procedures that have While campaigners have accused employers of will be unable to drink inside stadiums, with alcohol host emirate to stage a “normal” tournament that Doha been in place during the Olympics. The big difference exploitation, Qatar insists it has done more than any confined to outside areas. A decision has yet to be has pledged to vaccinate travelling fans from countries of course is the presence of spectators.” country in the region to improve the welfare of made officially. Those in premium hospitality suites where the rollout of jabs has been slower. “Whatever With less than 16 months left, the Gulf state is workers. “The speed of change will not be enough to will however be able to access fully-stocked bars happens I expect we’ll have fans, including foreigners, speckled with construction sites and roadworks. The convince some critics,” said Chadwick. “There is within sight of the pitch. —AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Barcelona left to say thanks for the memories as Messi heads for Paris PARIS: There was once the romantic sor to club president Joan Gaspart, writing He leaves Barcelona as their all-time top notion that whenever Lionel Messi finally out his contract offer to the player on a scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances. left Barcelona he would return to napkin because he had no paper to hand. His goal tally is a record for one club. He is Argentina and play for Newell’s Old Boys, He made his La Liga debut aged 17 in La Liga’s top marksman of all time by a the club he supported as a boy. Paris October 2004 in a 1-0 derby win against distance with 474, the man with the most Saint-Germain, a club transformed by the an Espanyol side featuring Mauricio hat-tricks in Spain’s top flight too. A year unfathomable state wealth of Qatar, is a Pochettino, Messi’s fellow Argentine who ago Messi tried to leave Barcelona for free rather less romantic destination for the will now coach him at PSG. Barcelona fans following their 8-2 annihilation by Bayern player Barcelona fans hoped would never had no doubts about what kind of player Munich in the Champions League. He was turn out for anyone else. they had on their hands after La Pulga (The forced to stay after being told an exit At the age of 34, Messi did not want to Flea) scored his first goal for the club. Over clause in his contract had expired. He went leave the Camp Nou, certainly not in the 91,000 were inside the Camp Nou on a on to top score in La Liga with 30 goals. manner he ultimately did. He had agreed a balmy Sunday in May 2005. He won 35 trophies with the Catalans, new five-year deal but the cash-strapped Messi replaced Samuel Eto’o in the the last the Copa del Rey in April. The club Catalans could not afford to make it hap- 88th minute. In the 90th he lifted the ball of Cruyff is also now the club of Messi. pen. PSG can. over the goalkeeper and in from a bril- “We have eternal gratitude to him,” said liant Ronaldinho assist only for the goal club president Joan Laporta. In 2019 Messi The greatest of all? to be unfairly disallowed. Sixty seconds won his record sixth Ballon d’Or in a cere- Messi is arguably the greatest of all later he did the same thing again and this mony in Paris. time, even though he has never won the time it stood. Irreplaceable World Cup and won the last of his four That same month, Messi won his first Barcelona, who famously paid for a year Champions Leagues in 2015. Winning league title, Barcelona’s first in six years. of growth hormone treatment for the that competition is all that matters to The rest is history. He won his first young Messi on his arrival, insisted in the BARCELONA: Workers remove posters featuring Barcelona’s departing Argentinian PSG and their Qatari owners and that is Champions League in 2006. He was just past they had plans for coping with his forward Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona yesterday. — AFP why they are paying Messi a reported 35 19 when he scored his first hat-trick in a departure, whenever it came. But the truth million euros ($41m) a year for the dura- Clasico. After Pep Guardiola took over is their number 10 is irreplaceable — on tion of his contract. as coach in 2008, Barcelona became one the field and off. According to Catalan firm indicated he generated income of 619 defeats, in the 2014 World Cup final and in Barcelona had already ruined them- of the greatest club teams of all time financial firm Diagonal Inversiones, Messi million euros in that time. At 34, Messi still three Copa America finals. But in July he selves to keep Messi, but they knew how with Messi the superstar. In Guardiola’s is worth more than his salary — by a dis- has so much to offer, for his new club and for captained his country to victory over Brazil special a player they had on their hands final season, 2011/12, Messi scored an tance. The father of three — married to his country. in the Copa America final at the Maracana. virtually from the moment he arrived from astonishing 50 league goals. In 2012 he childhood sweetheart Antonella — may Messi won Olympic gold with Argentina Next year the man brought to Paris by his native Rosario aged 13. The story of his scored 91 goals in the calendar year for have earned some 384 million euros in the in 2008 but until last month his internation- Qatari wealth will have perhaps his last signing is legendary, Charly Rexach, advi- club and country. past four years at Barca, but a study by the al career was best known for agonizing shot at World Cup glory, in Qatar. — AFP

vious year’s semi-final, when neither starlet scored. open a tight Champions League semi-final first leg The seven wonders Pep Guardiola’s side took revenge in the 2009 final. with a low shot from outside the box in the 77th Samuel Eto’o had already given Barcelona the lead minute. Two minutes later he put Jerome Boateng Messi’s record-breaking when little Leo added an astonishing second, soaring on his backside, before chipping another World of Messi: His above two much bigger center backs, Nemanja Vidic Cup winner, Manuel Neuer. In added time, Messi club career in numbers and Rio Ferdinand, to head past Edwin van der Sar. set up Neymar for the third. Barcelona beat greatest games Juventus in the final. PARIS: As Paris Saint-Germain yesterday prepared to April 6, 2010: Barcelona v Arsenal welcome Lionel Messi after a record-breaking spell at PARIS: Lionel Messi dazzled from his debut in Barcelona were in trouble against Arsene April 23, 2017: Real Madrid v Barcelona Barcelona, here is a look at some of the key numbers in 2004 and has been regularly brilliant in 778 games Wenger’s Arsenal when they fell behind at home in Bloodied by Real’s Marcelo, Messi still inspired the Argentine’s club career. for Barcelona and 151 for Argentina. AFP Sport picks their Champions League quarter-final second leg to a late fightback as Barcelona won 3-2 at the 6: the number of Ballons d’Or, football’s most presti- out seven of his most radiant displays: trail 3-2 on aggregate. As the Londoners continued Bernabeu late in the Liga campaign. Madrid took gious individual award, won by Messi since the start of his to attack, Messi ran rampant. Starting with a long- an early lead but Messi accelerated past two career (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019), one more April 18, 2007: Barcelona v Getafe range shot before conjuring two more from nothing defenders to level. Ivan Rakitic gave Barcelona the than his perennial rival, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. At 19, Lionel Messi was already well established and ending with a low shot. He would score five lead and Sergio Ramos was sent off for fouling 35: the number of trophies Messi won in a Barcelona in Frank Rijkaard’s team when he evoked memories against Bayer Leverkusen in a 7-1 win in 2012, a year Messi. With five minutes to go Real equalised but, shirt. In detail, he has won four Champions Leagues, 10 of Diego Maradona by dribbling more than half the in which he racked up 91 goals. But the Arsenal maul- two minutes into added time, Messi scored his Spanish championships, seven Copas del Rey, three length of the field to score in the first leg of a Copa ing stands out as his most dazzling Barcelona display. 500th Barcelona goal to secure victory. He cele- European Super Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups and del Rey semi-final. Barca were leading Getafe 1-0 at brated by holding his shirt out to the stunned three Club World Cups. the Camp Nou when, like Maradona against England April 27, 2011: Real Madrid v Barcelona Madrid supporters, his chin raised in a sign of defi- 50: the number of goals scored by Messi in La Liga in in 1986, Messi collected the ball facing his own goal, In his first meeting with Real Madid in Europe, ance. Barcelona moved into first but later faltered the 38 matches of the 2011-2012 season, a record. That near the right touchline and just inside his own half. Messi turned the Champions League semi-final tie as Real took the title. season he scored a total of 73 (another record). Like Maradona, on his way to the ‘Goal of the with two goals in the last 15 minutes, with the home 74.9: Messi’s net salary in millions of euros at Century’, Messi set off. He beat six opponents and side down to 10 men in the first leg at the Bernabeu. July 11, 2021: Brazil v Argentina Barcelona per season, according to Spanish daily El the goalkeeper before rolling the ball into the net. The first was a sharp strike at the near post, the sec- Messi has struggled to duplicate club success Mundo. In Paris, his salary would be around 40m euros, Barca won 5-2 with two goals and an assist from ond was typical Messi brilliance, picking the ball up for his country, reaching one World Cup final and ($46.9m) according to the French press, which would put their No.19, but lost 4-0 in the second leg. near the halfway line and leaving four defenders three Copa America finals and losing them all. This him in the same category as Neymar (36m euros), until trailing before sliding a shot into the goal. Barcelona summer he finally secured an international trophy now the highest paid player in the history of Ligue 1. May 17, 2009: Barcelona v Manchester United went on to beat Manchester United in the final. and he did it against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Angel 474: the number of goals scored by the ‘Pulga’ (flea) in Messi had already won a Champions League Di Maria scored the only goal of the Copa America La Liga in 520 games played with Barcelona (0.91 goals medal and had faced Cristiano Ronaldo twice when May 6, 2015: Barcelona v Bayern Munich final to allow captain Messi to finally lift a trophy in per game), the most in La Liga history ahead of Ronaldo Manchester United eliminated Barcelona in the pre- Facing his former coach Guardiola, Messi broke an Argentine shirt. — AFP (451). 542: the number of victories by Barca in Messi’s 778 appearances (another record) don’t have the inside track but it is a situation want to get out there, train and play then you 6: the number of four-goal games for Barcelona. He Difficult to see Messi people will just have to deal with,” said Iniesta, keep going.” also scored 41 hat-tricks and had one five-goal game. who, like Messi, bade farewell to Barcelona at 34. Iniesta, who has lifted a Japanese Emperor’s 14: the most goals scored in one season in the in another club’s Cup and Super Cup with Kobe, reflected that he Champions League (2011/2012). A record that Ronaldo ‘Transcended everything’ knew his time at Barcelona was up when he broke two years later when he hit 17. “As a player he just transcended everything. moved on. “There comes a moment when you say, 21: the number of consecutive games in which Messi colors, says Iniesta I’ve not seen a player like him-and I don’t think I it’s over,” he said. But he would not say if his own found the net in La Liga in the 2012/2013 season. ever will. You look at what he did and for so latest contract will be his last as a player. 26: the number of goals scored against arch-rivals KOBE: They played together for Barcelona for 14 long...” Iniesta insisted that Barcelona will remain Asked if he might return in some capacity to Real Madrid. years, winning everything the club game has to a force even without their talisman and record Barcelona he would only say “of course it would 28: the minute of his last goal in a Barca shirt, offer on multiple occasions. Both have now left the scorer. “I am confident of that-new faces are be great to go back. I spent many years there. It’s against Celta Vigo on May 16, a home loss that ended Catalan club-but former midfield general Andres coming in who will make their own major contri- my home and I would like to be where one feels the club’s hopes of the title. Iniesta, who joined Japan’s Vissel Kobe three butions,” Iniesta said as fans reeled from the news loved, respected and at ease. But I don’t know 245 million: the number of followers the Argentine star years ago, says it will be hard to see Leo Messi that after 17 seasons Messi was off to sign a what will be my next step. I don’t know if I will be has on Instagram. It is one of the biggest accounts on the play for another team. “It will be difficult to see reported two-year bumper deal with PSG. coach, sporting director or anything like that.” social network, much more than the number who followed him in another shirt than that of Barca,” Iniesta If Messi takes up a mooted option of a third “I’ll only say that if you ask: would I like to PSG (38.6 M) before news of Messi’s arrival boosted their said yesterday as Messi flew to a new adventure year he will be 37 — Iniesta’s age now-and the go back, I’d say ‘yes’ as Barcelona is our home. social media numbers. with Paris Saint-Germain. latter has proved his own longevity by agreeing a Time will tell,” said Iniesta, who made almost 671: The number of goals scored for Barcelona in all “I don’t know if surprise is the right word-Leo further two years Japanese extension. “Every 700 first-team appearances for Barca and 130 competitions. That’s 28 more than Pele scored with Santos between 1956 and 1974. — AFP really has represented Barca for so many years. year it does take it out of you more and things for Spain adding he did intend to obtain a But sometimes circumstances dictate things. I get more complicated but as long as you really coaching license. — AFP Established 1961 Sport

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 Money no obstacle for PSG as they reunite Messi with Neymar

PARIS: The prospect of seeing Lionel Messi team Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi up again with Neymar will have many football fans Donnarumma. around the world salivating. Not all of fans will Wijnaldum was snatched from under the noses rejoice. Many will struggle to come to terms with of...Barcelona. PSG can do it because their Qatari Messi leaving Barcelona. Others would have pre- owners are there to cover the losses and because, ferred to see him go to a club where he really could for now at least, French league rules do not stop have a transformative impact, like Diego Maradona clubs having a wages to income ratio of almost 100 at Napoli. percent, as it was in 2019/20. But modern football is now dominated by a nar- They have also been helped by UEFA’s decision row elite financed by mega-rich owners, state to soften its financial fair play rules to compensate wealth in the case of Qatar-backed Paris Saint- for revenue shortfalls caused by the pandemic, Germain and Abu Dhabi’s Manchester City. Add in meaning assessments of the 2020 and 2021 financial Roman Abramovich’s Champions League winners years would be done together rather than separate- Chelsea and even the likes of Barcelona and Real ly. Clubs are expected to be able to register losses Madrid can’t keep up. over the 30 million-euro limit provided they can It is another bitter blow for Barca, who in 2017 show they were caused by the pandemic. were powerless to stop Neymar going to Paris for a Critics say that FFP is no longer fit for purpose, world record 222 million euros ($264m), setting off and PSG’s rivals would claim signing Messi, allied to the chain of events that led to Messi heading the their other summer spending and the fact they same way. Barca ruined themselves in the transfer already have Neymar and Kylian Mbappe on their market trying to replace Neymar to the extent they books, means the French club are showing a blatant could not keep their greatest ever player due to La disregard for the rules. Liga’s financial fair play rules. The dream front line Relaxing of FFP rules Nevertheless, signing Messi certainly improves PSG are not immune from the financial difficul- their chances of winning the prize they want more ties caused by the pandemic, but they are better than anything, that their Qatari owners have been placed to survive the economic downturn. PSG lost chasing ever since buying the club. In May 2011 124.9 million euros before tax in the 2019/20 season Messi inspired Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona to a 3-1 which was curtailed by the pandemic. win over Manchester United in the Champions LE BOURGET: Argentinian football player Lionel Messi waves to supporters from a window after he landed yes- Last season’s figures are likely to be far worse, League final. A few weeks later Qatar Sports terday at Le Bourget airport, north of Paris, as Paris Saint-Germain looked to complete the 34-year-old signing reportedly around 230 million euros, with PSG Investments bought a controlling stake in PSG. following his departure from Barcelona. — AFP almost entirely deprived of gate receipts as games In August 2017 PSG made Neymar and Mbappe were played behind closed doors while French TV the two most expensive signings in history. Now addressed with the arrivals of Wijnaldum and and Neymar 39. The third man, then, was Luis revenue went off a cliff after the collapse of a they have Messi. “Every coach in the world would Hakimi. A team that missed out on the Ligue 1 title Suarez who added 25 goals. Now the third man is record deal with Mediapro. like to have the best player in the world in their last season but who in the last two campaigns Mbappe. It is over to Pochettino, Messi’s compatri- Yet they have splashed out in the transfer market, team,” admitted manager Mauricio Pochettino. reached a Champions League final and semi-final, ot, to accommodate them all, and Angel di Maria, spending 60 million euros ($71 million) on Inter PSG’s summer recruitment already looked now appear well set to land a first European Cup. and find the right balance to make his a team of Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi and signing several impressive. They were especially crying out for a The model is the Barcelona team of 2014/15 champions as well as a modern-footballing version big-name players who were out of contract in new midfielder and a right-back, needs that were which won the treble with Messi scoring 58 goals of the Harlem Globetrotters.— AFP