THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 www.thepeninsula.qa25 RABIA II - 1442 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 8467

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2 RIYALS

Congratulations to the winners of the International Anti-

Corruption Excellence Award in this edition, which comes

while the world is living in exceptional circumstances due

to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope that the efforts of our

international community will continue to consolidate the

values of integrity and the rule of law. I also thank the

brothers in Tunisia for hosting the award ceremony.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receiving the credentials of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar, H E Hamid Reza Dehghani, at Amiri Diwan yesterday.

Amir receives credentials of six new ambassadorsQNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received at the Amiri Diwan office yesterday morning the credentials of six new ambassadors to the State of Qatar.

H H the Amir received the credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal H E Antonio Jose Alves de Carvalho, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran H E Hamid Reza Dehghani, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia H E Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti H E Jean-Marie Francois Jr. Guill-laume, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia H E Shaban Jashari and Ambas-sador of the Dominican Republic H E Giorgis Bhasa Hazem.

H H the Amir welcomed the new Ambassadors, wishing them success in their missions

and the relations between the State of Qatar and their respective countries further progress and prosperity.

For their part, Their Excel-lencies the Ambassadors con-veyed to H H the Amir greetings of their countries’ leaders and wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Qatari people. Their Excellencies the Ambas-sadors were accorded earlier official reception ceremonies at the Amiri Diwan.

Winners of Founder's Sword Festival honouredPresident of Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, yesterday honoured the winners of the H H Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Arabian Camel Racing Festival, known as the Founder’s Sword Festival, at the Al Shahaniya camel race track. Hama, owned by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad bin Khalid Al Thani, and Amal, owned by Nasser bin Abdullah Al Misnad, won the two top races at the event. The Founder’s Sword Festival is one of the richest camel races held annually in Qatar.

Winners of Sheikh Tamim award honoured in TunisiaQNA — TUNIS

The honouring ceremony for the winners of the 5th edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award took place in Tunis yesterday, in cooperation with the United Nations.

Winners of the Award this year are Dr. Adam Graycar (Aus-tralia) and Dr. Michael Levi (United Kingdom) in the Aca-demic Research and Education category; the non-governmental organisation ONG Tolotsoa (Madagascar) and the Center for the Study of Democracy (Bul-garia) in the Youth Creativity and Engagement category; Riad Kobaissi (Lebanon) and Instituto Observatorio Politico e Socio-ambiental (Brazil) in the Inno-vation category; and Perdana Leadership Foundation (Malaysia) in the Outstanding Achievement category.

The honouring ceremony was attended by UN Special Advocate on the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center (ROLACC), H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri; President of the National Anti-Corruption Authority (INLUCC) of Tunisia H E Judge Imed Boukhris; UN Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security

Institutions Alexandre Zouev; GCC representative of the UN Office against Drugs and Crime, Judge Dr. Hatem Ali; members of the Award’s Supreme Com-mittee; the Advisory Board for selecting its winners; and a number of international guests interested in the Award.

In a videotaped speech, President of the Republic of H E Tunisia Kais Said extended thanks to the organisers for the

efforts they had exerted in organising this event, looking forward to new ideas and new means to combat corruption.

The Tunisian President said that the phenomenon of cor-ruption is still affecting the insti-tutions of states and societies in many regions around the world, and continues to be more wide-spread over days, adding that corruption has prevailed in many countries, and

the networks of corruption are linked to each other in many parts of the world.

The President noted that the causes of the spread of cor-ruption include the unfair distribution of wealth and the absence of justice and fairness, adding that fighting corruption would only be realised through a prompt and inde-pendent judiciary, without which no one can impose respect for the law.

President of the Republic of Rwanda H E Paul Kagame, in a videotaped speech, praised the role of the Amir H H Sheikh

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the valuable partnership with the UN which paved the way for this award. �P5

Cabinet approves

draft law on

mortgaging

movable property QNA — DOHA

The Cabinet which met yesterday with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani in the chair approved a draft law on mort-gaging movable property to allow companies and indi-viduals to obtain bank loans guaranteed by their movable property.

Following the Cabinet meeting, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said that the cabinet approved a draft law on mortgaging movable property and agreed to refer it to the Shura Council.

The project aims to allow companies and individuals to obtain bank loans guaranteed by their movable property.

This would help lower the cost of loans by finding guar-antees for banks that lowers the risk of default, and sup-ports small and medium enter-prises in making a bigger con-tribution to the national economy. Some of the draft law’s provisions include estab-lishing an electronic record at the Qatar Central Securities Depository, mentioning the required documents for estab-lishing the electronic record, and the rights of the borrowers and lenders.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet listened to the explanation provided by H E Minister of Public Health on the latest developments to limit the spread of the corona-virus (COVID-19). The Cabinet affirmed the continuation of work with regard to the pre-cautionary measures that have been taken in order to combat the pandemic.

The Cabinet also approved taking the necessary measures to ratify a contribution agreement between the gov-ernment of the State of Qatar and the United Nations repre-sented in the Office of Counter-Terrorism to support the International Hub on Behavioural Insights to Counter Terrorism.

The Cabinet also approved a draft cooperation agreement in the legal field between the Ministry of Justice in the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in the Republic of Mali.

UN Special Advocate on the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center, H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, and others unveiling the monument of the 5th edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Tunis.

Ambassadors of Iran, Indonesia, Portugal, Haiti, North Macedonia, and Dominican Republic presented their credentials to the Amir.

MME plans to recycle 40 milliontonnes of construction wastesSANAULLAH ATAULLAH THE PENINSULA

In line with efforts to achieve national sustainability and environmental protection goals, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) has conducted research to recycle about 40 million tonnes of construction wastes at Rawdat Rashed landfill. The wastes would be transformed into materials suitable for use in the infrastructure development of roads and buildings.

“Based on the research work, Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC) will launch a project soon in cooperation with local contractors to start recycling the said construction

wastes,” said Head of Scientific Research Team at MME, Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari.

Al Kuwari spoke to the media on the sideline of a workshop on uses of recycled construction wastes at the head-quarters of the Environmental Sector of MME yesterday. “The project will help cut the import of stones to Qatar by over 50 percent,” said Al Kuwari.

The workshop was attended by the CEO of IRD, Dr. Khalid Hasan; CEO of QPMC, Eng Essa Mohamed Ali Kaldari; Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Thani from QNRF and representatives from Ashghal, and contracting companies.

He said the Scientific Research Team at MME had

implemented the research work in partnership with Qatar Uni-versity and Infrastructure Research & Development (IRD) at the cost of QR3m, funded by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF).

“The research paper was published in four science mag-azines which lauded the research work. Many con-tractors have been qualified, and contracts have been signed. The project is expected to begin soon,” added Al Kuwari.

He noted that as per the plan, the Rawdat Rashed landfill, which will stockpile construction wastes within nine-square kilometres, will be turned into green land with trees after five years. �P5

Winners include Dr. Adam Graycar

(Australia) and Dr. Michael Levi (United

Kingdom) in the Academic Research and

Education category.

Madagascar-based ONG Tolotsoa and

Bulgaria’s Center for the Study of Democracy

win in the Youth Creativity and Engagement

category.

Sport | 10

QLM is in

excellent

financial

condition:

Chairman

Qatar 2022

will be

special both

on and off the

pitch

Business | 01

02 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020HOME

Amir receives credentials of Indonesia, Portugal Ambassadors

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receiving the credentials of Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia to Qatar, H E Ridwan Hassan (left), and Ambassador of Republic of Portugal to Qatar, H E Antonio Jose Alves de Carvalho, at the Amiri Diwan, yesterday.

Qatari-UK Squadron of Typhoon fightersto carry out Epic Skies exerciseQNA — DOHA

Typhoon fighter jets of the Number 12 Squadron arrived yesterday in Qatar to carry out exercise Epic Skies. Pilots of the UK Royal Air Force and the pilots of the Amiri Air Force will fly the Typhoon jets as one squadron for the first time in Qatar, in a bid to strengthen bilateral ties.

The pilots in the joint squadron will fly

and maintain the jets side by side. Number 12 Squadron was formed in 2018 as the first joint squadron of the Royal Air Force since World War II. Officer Commanding Number 12 Squadron Wing Commander Chris Wright said that they have made sig-nificant progress since carrying out the Epic Skies exercise last year.

For his part, Deputy Officer Com-manding Number 12 Squadron Air

Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Al Ghanem said that exercise Epic Skies was unique this year. He added that the exercise promotes stability in the Middle-East given it is a pri-ority of the United Kingdom and the State of Qatar. He also said that the joint exercise of the Number 12 Squadron will provide the State of Qatar with high capabilities in dealing with the joint security challenges the two countries face.

Czech Republic welcomes Shura Council polls announcement

QNA — PRAGUE

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic H E Michaela Marksova welcomed the announcement of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to hold elec-tions for the Shura Council in October next year, describing it as an “important step”.

This came during a meeting between Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Acting Charge d’affaires of the Qatari Embassy in the Czech Republic Shafi Nuwaimi Al Hajri. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual concern.

Qatar, Vietnam sign MoU for cooperation in the field of youth

QNA — HANOI

The State of Qatar and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the two countries in the

field of youth. The MoU was signed for the Qatari side by Qatar’s Ambassador to Vietnam H E Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, and for the Vietnamese side by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs H E Tran Anh Tuan.

MoPH reports 173 recoveries, 150 new virus cases THE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday announced the registration of 150 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. Among them 66 were travellers returning from abroad.

Also, 173 people have recovered from

the virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 137,881. The Ministry also announced death of a 78 years old person due to COVID-19 , who was receiving necessary medical care.

All new cases have been introduced to isolation and are receiving necessary healthcare according to their health status.

The Ministry further said that measures to tackle COVID-19 in Qatar have succeeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus. Qatar’s proactive and extensive testing of suspected cases has enabled the Ministry to identify a high number of positive cases in the community.

03THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 HOME

Speaker of Shura Council meets with Ambassadors of Moldova, CubaQNA — DOHA

Speaker of Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud met yesterday with Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Qatar H E Victor Tvircun.

During the meeting, they

reviewed the bilateral cooper-ation relations between the two countries in the parliamentary field and ways to enhance and develop them.

The Speaker of Shura Council also met with Ambas-sador of the Republic of Cuba to the State of Qatar, H E Emilio Caballero Rodriguez on the

occasion of ending his tenure in the country.

The Speaker of Shura Council wished the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba success in his future assignments and the parliamentary relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity.

The Speaker of Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, meets with Ambassador of Republic of Cuba to Qatar, H E Emilio Caballero Rodriguez, yesterday.

Al Mahmoud highlights role of parliamentarians in combating corruptionQNA — DOHA

Speaker of the Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, the Chairman of Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), stressed yesterday on the important role parliamentarians can play in combatting corruption.

This came in the HE the speaker’s statement marking the International Anti-Corruption Day, which is held this year under the theme of “Recover with Integrity.”

He said that the role of par-liamentarians is required even more today than it was at any other time, if countries want to recover with integrity. He said that the theme of this year’s cel-ebration cannot be realized without the role parliamentarians play. He added that parliament play an important role in ensuring accountability and transparency of government policies. He added that parliamentary oversight is crucial in protecting public property from corruption.

The Speaker of the Shura Council said that the 7th GOPAC Global Conference, which was held in Doha, ratified the Doha

Declaration to reiterate the com-mitment to facilitating the enhancement of parliamentary integrity. The declaration said that the legislative and regulatory authorities can play a critical role in combatting corruption.

Al Mahmoud called on all parliamentarians around the world to continue fighting for integrity in their work and ensure that aid is reaching those who deserve it. He also called for strict regulation of potential COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure they reach vulnerable and remote areas.

The statement reiterated GOPAC’s commitment to the role played by parliaments in pro-tection against corruption by encouraging regulation and leg-islation that fights corruption.

Belgian parliament

welcomes Shura

Council elections

announcement

QNA — BRUSSELS

The Chamber of Represent-atives of Belgium welcomed Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s announcement to hold elec-tions for the Shura Council in October next year.

Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium H E Eliane Tillieux considered this as an important step on the road to achieving democracy, she expressed her confidence in the continuation of the State of Qatar on its democratic path.

This came during a meeting between Speaker of the Chamber of Repre-sentatives of Belgium with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Belgium H E Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooper-ation relations, the latest preparations for the State of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, and issues of joint interest.

QFFD and USAID sign MoU to establish partnershipTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Qatar Fund for Devel-opment (QFFD) & the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to establish a strategic part-nership in the field of Interna-tional Development and Humanitarian Assistance.

The MoU aims to establish a partnership between QFFD and USAID and foster collab-oration that supports sus-tainable development in third

world countries. In addition, the MoU further enhances the strategic relationship between the State of Qatar and the USA.

The Deputy Director General for Planning of the Qatar Fund for Development, Ali Abdulla Al Dabbagh, and Chief Assistant to the Acting Deputy Administrator Max Primorac at USAID signed the MoU.

The ceremony that was held virtually attended by Qatar Ambassador to US, H E Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani and US Charge d’Affaires in Qatar, Greta C. Holtz.

The MoU will be the starting point for exploring new mechanisms for cooperation in the international devel-opment field through working together with USAID on new projects, which will contribute

to changing the lives of the beneficiaries for the better, giving hope and promoting peace and justice through sus-tainable and inclusive devel-opment in less developed countries.

QFFD is always seeking to establish new and strategic partnerships and explore inno-vative ways to provide inno-vative and sustainable foreign assistance, as the Fund was able to deliver relief aid and development assistance to more than 100 countries around the world.

Deputy Director-General for Planning of Qatar Fund for Development, Ali Abdulla Al Dabbagh with US Charge d’Affaires in Qatar, Greta C Holtz.

The ceremony, held virtually,

was attended by Qatar’s

Ambassador in US, H E Sheikh

Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani

and US Charge d’Affaires in

Qatar, Greta C. Holtz.

Al Mahmoud called on

all parliamentarians

around the world to

continue fighting for

integrity in their work

and ensure that aid is

reaching those who

deserve it.

04 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020HOME

Shura Council takes part in parliamentary meeting

QNA — DOHA

Shura Council participated in a parliamentary meeting entitled Challenges and Opportunities in Parlia-mentary Monitoring and Evaluation, held by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in coop-eration with the Ugandan Parliament, through video conferencing .

Discussions during the meeting focused on studying the issue of monitoring and evaluation in the parlia-mentary context, the reasons for parliaments monitoring their performance, and the challenges they face during the process of evaluating and monitoring parliamentary work.

The Shura Council was represented at the meeting by Shura Council Member H E Ismail bin Mohammed Al Emadi.

Shura Council to attend Arab Parliament meetings

QNA — CAIRO

The Shura Council will participate in the second session of the first session of the first ordinary term of the third legislative chapter of the Arab Parliament, which began yesterday and to continue until the December 12 in Cairo.

The meetings of the Com-mittees of the Arab Par-liament will be held today and tomorrow, while the plenary session will be held on Saturday morning.

The Shura Council is rep-resented at these meetings by H E Yousef bin Rashid Al Khater and H E Dr. Aisha bint Yousef Al Mannai, a member of the Arab Parliament.

111 referred to prosecution for not wearing masksQNA — DOHA

The designated authorities yesterday referred 111 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places

where they are mandatory.The measure is in line with

the cabinet decision, decree law No. 17 of 1990 on infectious dis-eases, and the precautionary measures in the country to

contain the spread of the coro-navirus. The authorities called on the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

QDF launches first Loro Piana airportboutique in the Middle East at HIA THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has announced the opening of the first Loro Piana airport boutique in the Middle East at the award-winning Hamad International Airport (HIA).

Adding to an outstanding portfolio of luxury brands available for travellers shopping at QDF, the new boutique offers an impressive selection of ready-to-wear items and acces-sories crafted in Italy from the world’s finest and rarest raw materials.

The official opening of the Loro Piana boutique was cele-brated at a ribbon cutting cer-emony. The event was attended by VIP guests and officiated by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer, Engr Badr Al Meer and Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations, Thabet Musleh.

Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar, H E Alessandro Prunas, and Italian Embassy First Secretary, Filippo Perzolla, were welcomed as guest of honour. Passengers travelling through the state-of-the-art HIA can visit the Loro Piana boutique to discover the unique savoir-faire of the Italian house and the story of its exceptional natural fibres.

The new store provides a sophisticated atmosphere, reflecting the brand’s high-quality materials, manufac-turing techniques, aesthetics, comfort and performing gar-ments. Some of the bestselling pieces available at the boutique

include the brand’s Pouch L19 bag, the Summer Walk, the Summer Charm and Open Walk shoes, which are highly popular worldwide and amongst the Qatari market. The Loro Piana boutique at HIA also features its one-of-a-kind collection crafted from The Gift of Kings®, a rare and precious wool that was originally destined for the elite members of the royal fam-ilies of France, Great Britain and the Netherlands.

Customers are also welcome to shop for must-have winter holiday pieces, such as the brand’s Storm System® col-lection, which includes ver-satile, comfortable and weath-erproof outerwear that are warm yet light and flexible,

suitable for confronting any weather and climate with style.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is an honour to welcome this fine Italian fashion house to Hamad Inter-national Airport as its first airport boutique in the Middle East. Much like Qatar Airways, Loro Piana is a brand synon-ymous with exceptional quality and service and as such, I am confident that our partnership will be a very long and suc-cessful one.”

Loro Piana CEO, Fabio d’Angelantonio, said: “We are thrilled to reinforce the presence of Loro Piana within the region with the addition of the Hamad

International Airport store. This new opening, the first boutique in Qatar, is in fact a consequence of the brand’s growing attention towards the Middle East. Our Qatari customers are long-time, loyal and refined admirers of the brand: Loro Piana is delighted to finally open a store in this country.”

Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Al Meer, said: “We are pleased to welcome the coveted Loro Piana to our luxury retail brand offerings at Hamad Inter-national Airport. As a diverse lifestyle destination of its own, HIA aspires to offer a unique and memorable travel experience for our passengers by integrating

world-class retail offerings such as Loro Piana to our airport experience.”

Qatar Duty Free Vice Pres-ident Operations, Thabet Musleh, said: “Qatar Duty Free is very proud to be the first airport retailer in the Middle East to launch the renowned Italian fashion house, Loro Piana. We are excited to offer all our shopping enthusiasts an exotic collection of fashion items from the world’s foremost cashmere brand. We are com-mitted to continue expanding our extensive selection of high street brands and unique con-cepts available at Hamad Inter-national Airport in the coming years.”

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive H E Akbar Al Baker, Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Engr Badr Al Meer, Qatar Duty Free Vice-President Operations, Thabet Musleh, and VIP guests at the opening.

Embassy of Qatar delivers medical,

preventive aid to Republic of Mali

The Qatari Embassy to the Republic of Mali has delivered medical and preventive assistance provided by Qatar Charity to Mali to fight COVID-19. The aid was delivered by Ambassador of Qatar to Mali, H E Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al Sunaidi, to Minister of Health and Social Affairs of Mali, H E Dr Fanta Siby, in the capital Bamako.

Mandarin Oriental, Doha celebrates QNDTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Mandarin Oriental, Doha cele-brates Qatar National Day (QND) with the inauguration of Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Academy Msheireb students’ art exhibition ‘Our Values Inspire Art’.

The occasion was cele-brated with a ceremonial cake-cutting officiated by Martin Schnider, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Doha with guests of honour, Faisal Al Malki, Director of Project Man-agement at Msheireb Prop-erties, Amal Ameen, CEO and Founder of Triple Trend Design House and Belinda Holland, Director of Qatar Academy Msheireb.

Qatar National Day is cele-brated on December 18. Hosted at the hotel’s Mandarin Lounge, the exhibition ‘Our Values Inspire Art’ features a series of artworks symbolical ly reflecting social and moral values of the Holy Qur'an.

The student artworks reflect artistic interpretations

of social values such as family, friendship, equality, unity, peace and moral values of

honesty, mercy, modesty, responsibility and respect for others.

Qatar Academy Msheireb, part of Qatar Foundation’s pre-university education, will donate the proceeds from each artwork sold to their chosen charity foundation.

For enquiries regarding purchase of the artworks, please contact Triple Trend Design House.

Nasser Al Emadi, a student of Qatar Academy - Msheireb, gifts his art to Mandarin Oriental, Doha in honour of Qatar National Day 2020.

Babyshop launches AW20 with strongfocus on fashionable outerwear THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Babyshop, the Middle East’s premier store for parents and children, brings in the new season with fabulous new great value offers and a range of merchandise that parents and children alike will ‘fall’ in love with.

In the western world, Fall is the season of pumpkins, leaves blanketing the streets and a slight chill in the air inspiring everyone to dust off their boots and layer up with cardigans, jumpers and jackets. Despite not experiencing the seasons in the same way in the Middle East, we can still have some fun by changing up our wardrobe and dressing for cooler climes, a welcome respite from a long hot summer.

Babyshop brings in all the Autumn favourites, including graphic tees, turtle neck and polo shirts, soft fleece jackets, smart gilets, stylish denim, parka and bomber jackets,

guaranteed to have your children looking like little catwalk stars in the making at their park playdates.

Key brands highlighted include Lee Cooper, Iconic, Bossini, Juniors, Giggles and Eligo. The collection also fea-tures many of the most popular characters including Snoopy, Barbie and Hello Kitty as well as favourites from Disney, Warner Brothers and Marvel.

As always at Babyshop, value for money is unmatched anywhere in the region, so a wardrobe changeover for your fashionable family will not break the bank. The girls range starts at QR25 for dresses, and for boys you can pick up a t-shirt for a cool QR19. Key winter statement pieces can be snapped up for as little as QR59 for a fleece jacket, QR69 for a gilet, QR99 for padded jackets, QR69 for a t-shirt and jogger set, QR45 for denim and QR69 for knitwear.

Get ready to fall head over heels, and come browse the new collection in comfort and safety at your nearest Babyshop and Centrepoint stores.

Qatar envoy meetsV-P of NationalOlympic Council

of Singapore

QNA — SINGAPORE

Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Singapore, H E Saoud bin Jassim Al Jufairi, met with Vice-President of the National Olympic Council of Singapore, H E Milan Kwee, and Assistant Secretary-General of the Council, Edmund Lim.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooper-ation relations and issues of common interest.

Ooredoo to be telecom sponsor for VIP Padel tournament THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Ooredoo has announced it would be Exclusive Telecom-munications Sponsor for the upcoming VIP Padel Ladies League Tournament.

Padel – a racquet sport similar to tennis but played on a court with walls — is currently one of Qatar’s most popular sports.

The VIP Padel Ladies Tour-nament would be held from today until December 12 at Marsa Malaz Kempinski.

Players will join either the advanced Gold League or the regular Silver League. 44

players in 22 teams — 10 teams of 2 players in the Gold league and 12 teams of 2 players in the Silver League - will compete in

group stages and a play-off stage, with three teams winning in each league.

Director PR at Ooredoo Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari said: “A key part of our corporate social responsibility strategy, and our commitment to the United Nations Sustainability Goals, is a commitment to sup-porting events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle for the benefit of us. We’re excited to see the rise of this sport in Qatar and delighted to be supporting the tournament to both raise the profile of the sport and allow participants to practice their skills and compete.”

It is an honour to welcome

this fine Italian fashion

house to Hamad

International Airport as its

first airport boutique in

the Middle East. Much like

Qatar Airways, Loro Piana

is a brand synonymous

with exceptional quality

and service and as such, I

am confident that our

partnership will be a very

long and successful one.

H E Akbar Al Baker

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive

Padel – a racquet sport

similar to tennis but

played on a court with

walls — is currently one of

Qatar’s most popular

sports. The VIP Padel

Ladies Tournament would

be held from today until

December 12 at Marsa

Malaz Kempinski.

Hosted at the hotel’s

Mandarin Lounge, the

exhibition ‘Our Values

Inspire Art’ features a series

of artworks symbolically

reflecting social and moral

values of the Holy Qur'an.

05THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 HOME

La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor celebrates QND

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor is planning an irre-sistible line-up of specially crafted experiences to commemorate Qatar National Day 2020. The hotel has established itself as Doha’s go-to-dining destination as well as a landmark for business and leisure travelers.

On the occasion of Qatar National Day 2020, guests will be welcomed all day long with Arabic coffee and dates served by colleagues donning traditional attire to honour the day and showcase the true Qatari hospitality.

A number of activities are also planned to showcase the rich cultural heritage and cuisine of Qatar; Orangery Café Trottoir, the ideal location for a relaxing gathering with an option of an alfresco and indoor seating, will be offering a special ala carte menu featuring Qatari del-icacies from December 11 to 19 including grilled chicken with kabsa, slow cooked lamb shank thareed and seafood salona along with a variety of traditional sweets.

Le Cigalon will be offering

a Traditional Qatar National Day Brunch featuring a wide spread of sumptuous buffet for guests to enjoy a taste of the Qatari cuisine with a selection of local and inter-national delicacies and mouthwatering desserts on December 18 and 19.

La Cigale Traiteur, a gourmet haven offering a rich selection of homemade Arabic and International sweets and pastries, known for its 70 types of chocolates and 180 selections of artisan cheese, will be offering Qatar National Day hampers, perfect for gifts to embrace the feeling of togetherness on this auspicious day.

On this occasion, Aurelio Giraudo, Cluster General Manager - Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Msheireb and La Cigale Hotel, Managed by Accor, said: “We are very proud to cel-ebrate Qatar National Day this year as part of Accor Group. We have a strong commitment to Qatar and we will always be part of this great nation, honoring its values and traditions and contributing to achieving its vision. We are looking forward to welcome our guests to join our celebrations.”

Italian Embassy unveils 'Pop-up' art exhibition

RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA

The Italian Embassy yesterday launched “Pop-up”, a solo exhi-bition featuring 140 conceptual art pieces created by Italian artist Sabrina Puppin to mark Italian Contemporary Art Day.

The Contemporary Art Day, celebrated this year on December 5, is the major annual event promoted by AMACI - Association of Italian Museums of Contemporary Art. In the collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Coop-eration, the Italian Embassies, Consulates and Cultural Insti-tutes abroad have organized from December 5 to 11 exhibi-tions, events and initiatives for the enhancement of contem-porary Italian art and culture.

“We are very lucky because we managed to organize a very nice exhibition with a very good artist who happens to be in Doha. Sabrina lives between Doha, New York and Italy and she happens to be in Doha at the time we celebrate Italian Contemporary Art Day and she was kind enough to participate in this event with some art-works that are absolutely stunning,” said Ambassador of Italy to Qatar, H E Alessadro Prunas while speaking to local media at the exhibition launch.

Running until tomorrow at

Eiwan Al Gassar at The St. Regis Doha, “Pop-up” exhibition can be seen in several perspectives, one is that it is an event pre-sented for a short span of time and another is with the way how the colours seem to pop-up from the paintings exhibited, explained the ambassador.

Prunas said the embassy has plans to present a rich cul-tural programme for 2021 once the COVID-19 situation gets better. Speaking about the inspiration behind her artworks on show, Puppin said: “It is in big part experimentation with media because I experimented on different surfaces with ceramic paint. The other part is coming from my painting on the perception of reality.”

The artist said that for this exhibition she created artworks that don’t represent anything that could be called reality and see how viewers interpret them, a concept that she started years back.

An internationally exhibited artist, Puppin has featured in numerous exhibitions in dif-ferent countries such as USA, Qatar, Russia, Germany, China and India. Her work is held in collections in Argentina, Ecuador, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Qatar, Russia, Swit-zerland, the UK, and the USA. She was selected as artist in res-idence at the Qatar pavilion at the Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy.

Ambassador of Italy to Qatar, H E Alessandro Prunas (right), and Italian artist Sabrina Puppin at the opening of “Pop-up” exhibition organised by the embassy at the Eiwan Al Gassar, St. Regis Hotel in Doha. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA

Qatar participates in meeting on sidelines of WPFC 2020QNA — DOHA

The State of Qatar took part in the High-Level Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the World Press Freedom Conference (WPFC 2020) which is hosted by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).

The State of Qatar was rep-resented at the meeting by

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. In a recorded speech to the meeting, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs reit-erated the commitment of the State of Qatar to promoting and protecting the right to the freedom of expression, and to ensuring a safe environment for free, independent and plu-ralistic media, as well as the safety of journalists, and the accountability for crimes as agreed upon in various United

Nations resolutions and the 2030 Sustainable Devel-opment Goals, especially Article 16.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the State of Qatar is honored to have an effective role in devel-oping the freedom of media, contribute to supporting the changes the world is witnessing in technology and media, and d e f i n e f r e e d o m f o r individuals.

Based on the State of

Qatar’s steadfast bet on the polit ical and societal awareness of the people of the State of Qatar, it has recognized the right of its citizens to know the whole truth, based on Article 48 of the Qatari Consti-tution, which guarantees the freedom of the press, printing and publishing in accordance with the law, he added.

He noted that Qatar’s par-ticipation in the meeting stems from the firm belief of the State of Qatar and its wise leadership

in the importance of freedom of the press and expression, in order to preserve human rights and empower an international community that is responsible and aware of the developments and events that take place in the world, and capable of understanding and supporting the truth.

He noted that the State of Qatar has made distinguished efforts to improve the freedom of expression and protect human rights in all areas,

including hosting the interna-tional conference on “Social Media: Challenges and Ways to Promote Freedoms and Protect Activists”, which was organized by the National Human Rights Committee in 2019, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commis-sioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the European Par-liament, the International Fed-eration of Journalists, and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

Winners of Sheikh Tamim award honoured in TunisiaFROM PAGE 1

The President noted that fighting corruption is a global goal that requires concerted efforts. He added that fighting corruption may have a political cost, but the cost of ignoring it is much greater.

Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) H E Dr. Ghada Waly said corruption was a betrayal of the public trust and a theft of the resources from the people who need them most.

“In the midst of the coro-navirus pandemic, and the worst economic crisis in a century, we need trust in insti-tutions and accountability in public spending more than ever,” Dr. Ghada added.

“We need role models who help enhance integrity and transparency,” she stressed, expressing the grat-itude of the UNODC to the State of Qatar for establishing the Anti-Corruption Excel-lence Award.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions Alexandre Zouev delivered a speech during the awards ceremony, in which he praised the State

of Qatar — the Amir and the Government — and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center in Doha.

He said that corruption is draining resources from gov-ernment budgets, frustrating the results of judicial proce-dures and feeding criminal and extremist networks, noting that corruption is present in all countries and is not limited to fragile states, however, the effect it creates may be more destructive in resource-hungry countries that are still working to develop their good governance system.

He underlined that cor-ruption constitutes an obstacle to lasting peace in conflict-hit societies, therefore combating it becomes more important during the current emergency condition due to the corona-virus pandemic, given the com-petition among community members to obtain personal protective equipment and access to healthcare and vaccinations.

Meanwhile, UN Special Advocate on the Prevention of Corruption and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the R u l e o f L a w a n d

Anti-Corruption Center (ROLACC) H E Dr. Ali bin Fetais Al Marri delivered a speech saying that choosing a country to organise the honouring cer-emony of the Award is not random, rather studied in all respects.

H E said that Tunisia was chosen due to its history in fighting corruption, stressing that Tunisia is capable at the present time, just as it was, to push the Arab world towards more transparency and fighting corruption.

President of the National Anti-Corruption Authority (INLUCC) of Tunisia, H E Judge Imed Boukhris, also delivered a speech noting that Tunisia, which ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption, sees this day as a confirmation of its firm deter-mination to tackle corruption with all available means and capabilities.

He said that corruption is an epidemic that causes social diseases, impedes devel-opment, threatens political sta-bility and social peace, and cul-tivates feelings of inequality among citizens. Therefore, all peoples and organisations have an important role in fighting

corruption in order to safe-g u a r d t h e n a t i o n a l sovereignty.

The monument of the 5th edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Anti-Cor-ruption Excellence Award was also unveiled during the awards ceremony. The monument, which appears in the form of a steel hand and exceeds 12 meters in height, symbolises all countries of the world joining together to fight corruption. It is a group of multiple engi-neering formations that rep-resent all countries joining together in one hand capable of preventing corruption, while the voids represent trans-parency in the work.

The award ceremony of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Anti-Corruption Excel-lence Award marks the culmi-nation of its fifth year of excel-lence and international presence.

The Award is based on the State of Qatar’s belief in the necessity of serious work to combat the scourge of cor-ruption in the world due to its grave danger to the future and progress of nations, the well-being of peoples and the pro-vision of a decent life for them.

MME plans to recycle 40 million

tonnes of construction wastes

FROM PAGE 1

Al Kuwari said that the Scientific Research Team shared its experi-ences during the past ten years since the beginning of the research work in 2010 with the companies during the workshop. He added that the rooms and roads built using the recycled construction waste five years ago under the experiment are still firm.

Speaking about other environmental research projects, Al Kuwari said: “We are

working on a project to recycle sewage sludge into green cement envi-ronment friendly.”

He said that if the project succeeds, it will be a significant achievement in making green cement from pol-luted wastes.

“Sludge is in huge quantity. Only about 40 percent is being used for fertilizers.

The remaining 60 percent are needed to be utilised for other purposes,” said Al Kuwari.

Dr. Mohammed Saif Al Kuwari,Head of Scientific Research Team at MME with other officials during the workshop yesterday. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/ THE PENINSULA

NHRC praises Qatar’s efforts in protecting human rights

QNA — DOHA

The Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Mariam bin Abdullah Al Attiyah praised the efforts of the State of Qatar in protecting the basic rights of citizens and residents during the c o r o n a v i r u s pandemic, particu-larly the right to health and work.

Speaking to mark Human Rights Day, which is celebrated on December 10 every year, she said that this year’s celebration comes at a time when the NHRC is optimistic the world will overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19 soon. Al Attiyah said that the committee’s Human Rights Day celebrations aim to promote this year’s theme to “Recover Better.” She added that the committee was also keen to use the technological advancements to develop work in the humanitarian field and human rights mechanisms.

The Secretary-General also said that Human Rights Day always served as a good occasion to reflect on the state’s achievements in the field of human rights. She high-lighted the legislative reforms undertaken by the State of Qatar to enhance the rights of citizens and residents. She noted that the NHRC welcomed Law No. 17 of 2020 issued by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani setting a minimum wage for workers, as well as decree Law No. 19 of 2020 that amended the provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expats.

Al Attiyah said that the State of Qatar proved its commitment to enhancing human rights with the series of legislation reforms it ratified, which comes in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

DOHA TODAY06 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020

Waste management particularly when it comes to the fashion industry is a major obstacle confronting every country in the world including Qatar.

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‘Unwasted’ creatively addresses waste management challengeRAYNALD C RIVERATHE PENINSULA

Think about this: 7,000 liters of water, which an average person drinks in over six years, is needed to produce one pair of jeans.

The world consumes about 80 billion new pieces of clothing every year, which is 400 percent more 20 years ago.

To make the situation worse, textile production is considered a major source of greenhouse gas emissions globally amounting to 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, which is more than the carbon footprint of international flights and shipping combined.

Altogether, these pose a gar-gantuan challenge to the world faced with environmental crises of climate change, air pollution and waste management, among others.

As the average person keeps clothes for half as long as they did at the turn of the century and with just less than 20 percent of dis-carded garments being reused or recycled, majority of these gar-ments end up in landfills. It is esti-mated that every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of textiles is land filled, making textile waste management a top environmental concern in the world.

Waste management particu-larly when it comes to the fashion industry is a major obstacle con-fronting every country in the world including Qatar.

In response to this, a group of

like-minded environmentally con-scious individuals in Qatar has pio-neered a fresh environmental ini-tiative embodied in an event simply dubbed “Unwasted.” With its unique concept, interesting fea-tures and relevant cause, the three-week long event recently launched at M7 at Msheireb Downtown Doha demands attention and requires utmost support from everyone.

The “Unwasted” team com-prising Aldana Al Mesnad, event curator, art director and host; Jawaher Al Ahmed, event manager and host; Reem Al Sehlawi, waste-led design and environmental advisory; and Sara Al Mesnad, content editor and operations lead; put their energy into organising this event with more awareness-raising activities expected in the future.

Speaking to local media at the event launch, Sara Al Mesnad stressed “Unwasted” was born as a local response to global environ-mental crisis which many people take for granted. The goal, she said, is to promote awareness and spark conversation on this urgent issue.

As a major element of the project, more than 20 local designers, which according to Al Mesnad “have been working really hard to transform traditional man-ufacturing production processes and design to a new way of thinking where we want to eliminate waste completely.”

The problem on textile waste does not only lie on the discarded old clothing in landfills but begins from the offset of the production

cycle, before the garments even make it to the retailer. The designers involved in the initiative have up-cycled offcuts, dead stock, vintage garments, overstock, product samples or fabric swatches.

Al Mesnad noted that the designers did not only eliminate waste but also used waste from previous collections to recreate everything sold in the retail area.

“The designers have completely transformed their process and their method of working with not only sustainable fabrics but also eco production making sure they don’t create more waste in what they have created here. So everything

they have created here is using old wastes without generating new waste,” she said.

“Unwasted” also has an F&B offering, and for this, the organizers have worked with local cafes “to ask them to rethink their packaging to make sure it is biodegradable, to start considering composting, to make sure that any water waste is

not gone away,” she explained.Since raising awareness is a

main aim of the initiative, a major component of the project is a series of workshops and film screenings which are held in partnership with a number of institutions such as Qatar Foundation with its Qatar Reads campaign and Doha Film Institute.

As visual art is a potent tool to convey an important message, the event contains this element in the form of an installation which depicts a massive quantity of dis-carded clothing and textile shaped like a collection of landfills. The exhibition, Al Mesnad said, is an artistic interpretation of the problem of waste meant to shock the viewer and create a reaction.

Everything used at the venue including furniture have been reused and recycled.

“We repurposed all the mate-rials to make sure we don’t pur-chase anything new for this event. That is one of our biggest successes - to make sure we do a lot with what we have,” she said, adding the goal was to prolong the life-cycle of everything.

“Unwasted” is the first event in Doha to have received eco event level 2 award from Qatar Green Building Council, and the goal is to reach level 3 at the end of the event, said Al Mesnad. The award, which has three levels, “recognises initiatives that support environ-mentally considerable, conscious thinking,” she added.

As global population reaches

PICS: RAYNALD C RIVERA/THE PENINSULA

more than eight billion in the coming decade, the fashion industry is projected to further expand to meet the growing demand, and if the production methods, demographic and consumption patterns continue, global apparel consumption is projected to increase by 63 percent to 102 million tonnes by 2030.

Al Mesnad explained the initiative is not the end or a solution, but a start of the journey to mitigate the problem, ensuring a step is taken in the right direction and inspiring the kind of change and the kind of reward that comes with that change to see that progress can be made. “What we want to do is create more pop-ups and more events to make sure we address the problem across different industries,” she said.

Teachers complete hands-on robotics training at CNA-QTHE PENINSULA - DOHA

A group of Science, Technology, Engi-neering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers from public schools across Qatar were honoured at a certificate awards ceremony at the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar (CNA-Q), recently.

The certificate awards ceremony recognised the efforts of teachers from around the country after completing 30 hours of intensive training and instruction in the use of robotics pro-gramming for classroom settings. Each of the teachers had successfully par-ticipated in 10 three-hour training ses-sions delivered at CNA-Q.

This training is provided in part-nership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, who have been instrumental in ensuring that teachers participate. The free training for teachers that CNA-Q has provided for many years, ensures that the education system in Qatar is both current and capable of developing competence in this area, so supporting the future needs of our progressive and inno-vative society.

CNA-Q acting president, Dr. Salem Al Naemi said, “close collaboration brings us together with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in the framework of teachers’ compe-tencies development in the country, so as to provide them with the needed skills and knowledge in fields of Robotics to facilitate the educational process in classrooms and ensure this knowledge devilry to school students”.

He added, “CNA-Q is one of the leading institutions in the area of robotics development and awareness-rising in this important field due to its significance in the direction of stu-dent’s attention towards areas of science technology, engineering and mathematics.

This teacher training program began in 2011 and since that time has hosted nearly 800 training sessions; over 1000 teachers have attended at least one of these sessions; and nearly 400 teachers have completed the full training program. The Robotics training and its resultant delivery in schools is vital in developing students’ interest in STEM subjects.

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) joined a virtual awareness seminar regarding the Juvenile Police Department functions and services, arranged by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

The webinar was conducted through Zoom video con-ferencing. A total of 50 students and 50 members of teaching staff, vice principals of girls wing, boys wing, and headmis-tress of Kindergarten attended the session.

The webinar was conducted in two live sessions, the first part was for the students and second part was delivered for the teachers. PISQ made all the necessary arrangements for the faculty and students at school premises to attend the webinar during school hours with ease. The event facili-tators for the live sessions were Captain Shaheen Rashid Aldosari and Faisal Hudawi.

The main objective of the session was to introduce the Juvenile Police Department sections and its functioning in dealing with juvenile cases among the children of 7-16 years of age and create awareness about cybercrimes against the same age group children.

The MOI officials stressed upon the significance to be cautious while using social media and also advised the stu-dents to be careful and watchful while in the public places.

Students were advised to be vigilant while using social media platforms, not to interact with the strangers, not to respond to unknown messages, not to share personal infor-mation, family photos and location on social media.

Teachers were asked to make students aware of all these aspects and if they are unable to deal cases of crimes of children, they can report to Juvenile Police Department for phycological counseling of such students so that others are not deviated.

The principal and faculty of PISQ thanked MOI officials for organising such a beneficial Webinar which would help teachers and parents to make youth responsible citizens in the future.

PISQ students learn about Juvenile Police Department

PISQ students participating in an awareness seminar on Juvenile Police Department.

STEM teachers from public schools during the recently held certificate awards ceremony at CNA-Q.

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, will be launching an innovative new course – ‘Fabrication of Sound’ – in January 2021, for the Spring semester.

The course, which is open for cross-registration for stu-dents from other Education City universities, will explore the acoustic qualities of various materials, allowing learners to experiment and design their own creative audio-based works using materials both within and outside of a studio setting.

“Fabrication of Sound” will be led by VCUarts Qatar faculty members Simone Muscolino, Director, Art Foundation, and Ryan Browning, Associate Pro-fessor, Art Foundation, along with VCUarts Qatar’s new Inno-vative Media Studio (IMS) director, Joshua Rodenberg.

In addition to the aforemen-tioned VCUarts Qatar faculty, students attending this class will benefit from the experience of visiting Paris-based artist Tarek Atoui.

Atoui, a world-renowned composer and sound designer, will interact with the class on

several occasions during the semester and visit Doha towards the end of March 2021, to run a week-long workshop where he will compose the stu-dents’ work into a performative sound installation.

Explaining the details of the new course, Muscolino said that the elective was designed for students with varying degrees of experience in sound design, irrespective of their university specializations.

“While there will be consid-erable support from faculty for students who lack prior knowledge or experience in sound design, the course also

caters to students who already possess a basic understanding,

and who want to explore the technological side of the cur-riculum more deeply,” he said.

And Browning added, “The course is interdisciplinary and will offer instruction in several areas such as sound, design, material, electronics, and so on. We will be using technology-based hardware, including motors and sensors that allow some interactivity with the object.

“The programme will be beneficial for students who want to learn how to build things with their hands, those interested in 3D design and sculpture, and those keen to

explore interactive technology that has applications in emerging media trends.”

From a technical per-spective, sound design is the process of creating audio tracks for a variety of plat-forms such as, but not limited to, film, television and radio production, video games, theatre, and live perform-ances. Sound designers regu-larly edit or ‘mix’ previously composed or recorded audio and create sounds from scratch, using audio pro-duction tools such as spe-cialized software and synthesizers.

07THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 DOHA TODAY

THROUGH THE LENS

The course, which is open

for cross-registration for

students from other

Education City universities,

will explore the acoustic

qualities of various

materials, allowing learners

to experiment and design

their own creative audio-

based works using

materials both within and

outside a studio.

VCUarts Qatar to launch innovative sound design course next semester

Renowned Paris-based artist and sound designer Tarek Atoui will be a visiting instructor on the new sound design course.

Shantiniketan Indian School celebrates Pink Day

THE PENINSULA – DOHA

Pre-Primary Section of Shan-tiniketan Indian School cele-brated Pink Day recently to acquaint the students with the colour ‘Pink’ concept.

The students dressed in shiny pink and adorable shoes, which added colour to the event. The young ones looked smart in their pink outfits radiating love, beauty and kindness. Pink colour filled the air with care, com-passion and love amidst the c u r r e n t C O V I D - 1 9 pandemic.

Students in physical and

virtual classrooms were excited to learn that pink colour could be obtained by mixing red and white.

They also participated in a variety of hands-on activ-ities related to the identifi-cation of pink. They also made pink-coloured paper crowns during the cut and paste activity.

The kids also engaged in finger-printing, free-hand drawing, flower making, cherry blossom craft, and col-ouring. The teachers guided the students to display their creativity and develop an aes-thetic sense of pink colour.

Students of Shantiniketan Indian School celebrating Pink Day.

DPS-MIS students mark QNDTHE PENINSULA – DOHA

The nursery students of DPS-MIS celebrated Qatar National Day recently via a virtual platform. The young patriots were taken through a brief history of Qatar and Qatar National Day celebrations.

DPS-MIS believes children must gain knowledge of the past, culture, and traditions of the country they live in and nurture curious minds into being a part of a glorious history and growth of a peace-loving country like Qatar.

The children were shown a video of the National Day parade and some of the other festivities that are held on that day. The virtual tour had a befitting close – the grandeur of fireworks that occur on the Qatar National Day at Katara and Corniche.

To engage the little ones in the celebrations, the Nursery teachers planned an exciting activity. The children were sent an activity sheet of the Qatar National Flag as a heart shape, saying ‘I Love Qatar,’ which was creatively filled in with the Qatari flag colours in glitter.

The children were all dressed in their most pleasing best traditional Qatari attire/colours and excitedly dis-played their piece of art

TRAQ holds annual TraQuest quiz competition virtuallyTHE PENINSULA – DOHA

The annual TraQuest, a flagship quiz programme for Indian students across Qatar, was virtually held recently.

The event is organised by the Thiruvananthapuram Dis-trict Residents Association Qatar (TRAQ) - a socio-cultural platform of residents in Qatar from Thiruvananthapuram, in Kerala, India, which functions under the aegis of the Indian Embassy in Qatar.

The event has achieved immense popularity over the years and has been well received by Qatar’s Indian diaspora.

The Quiz was open to the

high school students of Indian Schools in Qatar. Eight schools participated in the programme, namely MES Ideal Indian School, Loyola Inter-national School, Shantiniketan Indian School, Bhavan’s Indian School, Birla Public School, DPS Modern Indian School, and Doha Modern Indian School.

Birla Public School, repre-sented by Jineshwar Kamal-kumar Nariani and Trivikram Sunil, bagged the Ever-Rolling trophy.

The first runner-up was Ideal Indian School, repre-sented by Fadi Mohammed and Aman Hashim. The second runner-up was Shantiniketan

Indian School, represented by Haleem Ahmed and Shourya Pratap Bisht.

A prize distribution cer-emony was held at Integrated Indian Community Centre (IICC) Doha, attended by the winners, guests of honour, sponsors, and the event organisers. PN Baburajan, President of ICBF, was the chief guest.

The Ever-Rolling trophy of the TraQuest 2020 was pre-sented to the winners by the TRAQ President J Rahu-mathulla, individual winners trophy by Vinod Nair and the ICC Vice President, while Manzoor Moideen awarded winners certificates.

Winners and organisers of the TraQuest Quiz Competition pose for a photo during the award ceremony at the Integrated Indian Community Centre.

There’s a lot of excitement in Qatar’s vibrant art scene with the ongoing Qatar Museums Jedariart public art initiative in which 17 Qatar-based artists breathe life into walls at 10 different locations across the city. With their variety of subjects and styles, the colourful eye-catching murals that begin to adorn urban spaces in Doha reaffirm the vital role public art plays in inspiring creativity and sparking debate on relevant issues.PICS: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA

08 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020VIEWS

CHAIRMANDR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

editorinchief@pen.com.qa

ACTING MANAGING EDITORMOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED

m.salim@pen.com.qa

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITORMOHAMMED OSMAN ALI osman@pen.com.qa

EDITORIAL

QATAR’S economy is on the path of sustained eco-nomic recovery that shows its economic resilience. Many indicators and figures released recently have shown that the economic activity in the country is on upward trajectory.

According to the recent Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey data Qatar’s non-energy private sector economy continued to expand towards the end of 2020. The rates of expansion in business activity, backlogs and employment all accelerated during the month, while new business registered another marked increase and the 12-month outlook for output remained positive.

The PMI rose to 52.5 in November, from 51.5 in October, to signal an improvement in operating condi-tions in the non-energy private sector. The latest reading was the seventh-highest on record since the series began in April 2017, compared with a long-run average of 49.6.

The rise in the headline figure in November reflected stronger positive contributions from the output and employment indicators. Output rose at the fastest rate since August, while the rate of job creation was the strongest since January 2019 that marks a return to pre-pandemic trends.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the State of Qatar is the only country in the region that was on track to achieve a budget surplus in 2020.

Last month, S&P Global Ratings had affirmed Qatar’s sovereign credit rating at AA-/Stable/A-1+, with a stable outlook. The stable outlook indicates that despite a sharp economic contraction and low hydrocarbon prices, the rating agency expects Qatar’s credit profile to remain resilient, supported by its wealthy economy and strong government and external net asset positions.

Despite the sharp COVID-19-induced decline in eco-nomic activity and low hydrocarbon prices, income levels in Qatar remain among the highest of rated sov-ereigns, supporting its strong credit profile.

Despite low oil prices, S&P expects Qatar would continue to generate surpluses in its budgetary accounts on the general government level.

The government plans to increase liquefied natural gas production by about 64 percent to 126 million tonnes annually (approximately 3.1 million barrels per day of oil equivalent) from end-2025 through 2027. Sta-tistics issued yesterday by Planning and Statistics Authority revealed that the number of building permits issued by various municipalities in the country reached 762 last November, an increase of 4 percent compared to last October, during which 731 licenses were issued.

Qatar’s strong economy provides protection and support for different economic sectors. The country is expected to witness all round economic growth in medium term driven by prudent policies.

Sustained economic recovery

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Quote of the day

Ethiopia's situation is spiralling out of control

with appalling impact on civilians and urgently

needs outside monitoring.

Michelle Bachelet, UN Human Rights Chief

QNA

The National Day of Qatar is a precious occasion for everyone who lives in it; a day when the people express their feelings of love, pride and gratitude to their leader, the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said the President of the Adminis-trative Control and Trans-parency Authority (ACTA) H E Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad.

It is an opportunity to cele-brate the country’s achieve-ments in all political, eco-nomic, social, human and environmental fields to build a safe, prosperous and developed society; he added, noting that it is a day when all citizens renew their determi-nation to actively contribute to achieving the aspirations of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and the commitment of the State of Qatar to the estab-lished principles and values is reiterated by linking the past and the present and evoking the achievements of the founder of the State.

The President of ACTA to Qatar News Agency that the National Day contributes to deepening the values of loyalty and solidarity with the wise leadership that took upon themselves the responsibility of advancing Qatar and walked with its people on the path of the founder towards pride, dignity, and sovereignty. On this day, the State of Qatar also celebrates its achieve-ments and ability to overcome many challenges thanks to the values it pursues, most notably loyalty and the cohesion of the society components, he added. Qatar upholds the values and principles established by the founder, through various

themes chosen for the ND cel-ebrations over the previous years, he added, noting that these themes are the prin-ciples and values on which the people of Qatar are brought up, and which are passed down from one generation to another.

Al Misnad pointed out that the authority has put in place coherent work mechanisms to ensure the achievement of its objectives. He explained that ACTA worked on the charter for the Integrity of Public Offi-cials, which was issued by Cabinet Decision No. (18) of 2020, adding that the authority has succeeded in raising awareness of this charter by organizing a number of training courses on introducing it, some of which were through personal attendance, taking into account all the precautionary requirements, and others were virtual, considering the current circumstances.

He stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not hinder the State of Qatar from completing the self-evaluation review of Qatar within the United Nations Convention against Corruption, nor from participating in the self-evalu-ation review of the Republic of Pakistan within the framework of the same

agreement.He added that ACTA is

making great efforts to promote Qatar’s vision in sup-porting the pillars of trans-parency, integrity and com-bating corruption, through many legislative tools such as laws and regulations that work to reduce conflicts of government responsibility interests, and charters that support transparency in man-aging public affairs.

Furthermore, he stressed that the authority has strived to fulfill its international obli-gations under these excep-tional circumstances by par-ticipating in international con-ferences and forums through the participation of experts and specialists in all discus-sions and sessions that take place remotely, the most important of which are the meetings of the bodies respon-sible for protecting integrity and combating corruption in the GCC States; the second conference of the State of Pal-estine, “Policies of integrity, transparency and accounta-bility between theory and practice”; the International Conference on Combating Corruption in South Korea,

and the meetings on drafting the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly at its extraordinary session that will be held in 2021.

COVID-19 is an excep-tional challenge for all coun-tries of the world, he said pointing to the efforts made by the State of Qatar to counter this pandemic through H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s chair-manship of the meeting of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, in which His Highness emphasized the importance of the contribution of all parties to the efforts made by the State to address the pandemic. These efforts have won wide international praise from different coun-tries, he said explaining that to contain virus and limit its spread, the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority has followed all the issued directives, circulated them and obligated its employees to them.

He emphasized that the pandemic was not an obstacle to the continuity of work, as the authority held all its local and international meetings virtually, adding that the pan-demic had generated a new type of complaints associated with this challenge, namely, dealing with the conse-quences of the Corona pan-demic, which did not exist before. Accordingly, the authority carefully followed up all the recommendations issued by international organ-izations on this matter and on strengthening integrity and transparency in times of crises and disasters such as the crisis generated by COVID-19.

QNA

The General Manager of the Regulatory Authority for Char-itable Activities (RACA), Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi, said that the National Day (ND) is a renewal of the pledge and loyalty to the wise leadership, as the commemo-ration of this event by the wise leadership, all state institutions and the masses of citizens is an evidence of the cohesion and unification of Qataris, and it is also a valuable opportunity to inculcate the values of citi-zenship and promote belonging to the homeland in the hearts of new generations.

“The significance of this day lies in the fact that it is a grat-itude to the ancestors who made great sacrifices for the homeland, and a day of loyalty to the wise leadership that is leading the modern devel-opment of Qatar,” Al Dehaimi told Qatar News Agency (QNA). This is a precious day for Qataris because it is an oppor-tunity to introduce the new generations to the meaning of the homeland and belonging, and to instill these values in them he added.

The importance of the ND stems from commemorating the struggle of the ancestors, under the leadership of the founder of the State of Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, who have protected the homeland, repelled aggression, and paved the way for building the state that is now steadily proceeding on the path of progress, devel-opment and prosperity. ND is an opportunity for every citizen to know their role in placing Qatar in a leading position among nations, as

well as for educating the new generations about the history of their country he added.

Al Dehaimi pointed out that the celebration of the ND is an occasion to express joy at the achievements made by the State of Qatar under the lead-ership of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and all the founders and leaders of the State’s march since its establishment.

He stressed that this occasion contributes to strengthening the values of loyalty to the homeland through documenting history and heritage, which is the col-lective memory of our nation, as well as the use of modern technology in working to pre-serve, and make it available for successive generations as a driver and an incentive to achieve goals and hopes.

Al Dehaimi pointed out that celebrating the ND contributes to recalling important achieve-ments in all fields, most impor-tantly addressing and over-coming all challenges, whether resulting from the three-and a half- year unjust blockade or the COVID-19 pandemic.

The General Manager said RACA has launched its strategy in combating money

laundering and terrorist financing in the charitable and humanitarian work sector. In addition, an initiative has been launched to prepare a general strategy for the development of the charitable and humani-tarian sector in Qatar, in coop-eration with the Qatar Fund for Development and Qatari humanitarian charitable organizations, he said pointing that this initiative is based on the goals for which the authority was established. This serve the strategic and devel-opmental orientations of the State of Qatar and is in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which provides a framework for developing and imple-menting national strategies.

He pointed out that the RACA organizes a number of training courses in the areas of financial investigations in the field of combating money laun-dering and terrorist financing; information security and good governance, disclosure and transparency in non-profit organizations. The Authority also launched the Safety for

Sudan campaign which raised a total of QR89m, and the Lebanon In Our Heart cam-paign which raised a total of QR94m, he said adding that RACA also issued a number of guidelines regulating charitable and humanitarian work.

Al Dehaimi stressed that RACA provides a good framework for the governance of the charitable sector by issuing instructions regulating the charitable and humani-tarian work of private chari-table societies and institutions through inspection, supervision and control over the charitable and humanitarian work of private charitable societies, institutions, individuals, and private foundations of public benefit; the authorized col-lection of donations for the aforementioned bodies; the transfer of funds from the aforementioned bodies to outside Qatar; the inspection and control of the financial operations of donations and charitable and humanitarian works; the application of pen-alties and the maintenance of records and statistics on the measures adopted by any of the aforementioned bodies.

The General Manager of RACA affirmed that the authority has succeeded in developing, encouraging and supporting charitable and humanitarian works to reach high levels of efficiency and transparency to improve char-itable and humanitarian work in the State of Qatar.

He stressed that the Authority has continued to con-tinued to organize workshops and training plan remotely, and apply the risk-based approach in light of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACTA President: National Day is a precious occasion for everyone living in Qatar

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RACA General Manager: National Day is renewal of pledge, loyalty

Established in 1996

ACTA is making great

efforts to promote

Qatar’s vision in

supporting the pillars of

transparency, integrity

and combating

corruption, through many

legislative tools such as

laws and regulations .

President of the ACTAH E Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad

The significance of this

day lies in the fact that it is

a gratitude to the

ancestors who made great

sacrifices for the

homeland, and a day of

loyalty to the wise

leadership that is leading

the modern development

of Qatar.

General Manager RACAIbrahim bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi

09NATIONAL DAY

Qatar-Japan cooperation extending beyond energy and infrastructure projects: Envoy QNA — DOHA

The Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, H E Kazuo Sunaga, highlighted the deep bilateral and strategic relations between his country and the State of Qatar currently and over the past years.

Speaking on the occasion of Qatar National Day, the Jap-anese Ambassador said that the year 2021 marks the 50th anni-versary of the bilateral relations which have been characterised by a mutual trust and fruitful cooperation at all times, pointing out that economic exchanges have been the backbone of these relations for more than four decades, but thanks to the strong political will of the two countries, solid foundations for bilateral coop-eration have been established in various fields not only in economy but also in the cul-tural, technical, scientific, defence and security fields.

He said that Qatar and Japan share similar views on international and humanitarian issues, with both countries firmly believing that the inter-national peace and security in the world can not be brought about by force or coercion but through dialogue based on the principles of equality and adherence to the international law.

In terms of the economic

relations, he said the State of Qatar is the 3rd largest supplier of both LNG and oil to Japan, while Japan is also the number one trade partner of Qatar with a trade volume reaching to about $14bn during 2019. Major Japanese companies are con-tributing to Qatar’s vital infra-structure projects such as Doha Metro, Hamad International Airport, and others, he added.

Sunaga explained that the cooperation between Qatar and Japan is extending beyond energy and infrastructure projects to include cooperation in promising projects as joint investment in power plants in third countries and the pro-duction of new types of clean energy, Human Genome Project (HGP) which aims to obtain more accurate and applicable medical treatment for all

humans, the Golden Pass LNG project, Qatar University's support for Islamic studies in Japan, and experimental plant for industrial waste water desalination.

Qatar has channelled sig-nificant efforts into the cultural, sports, education, medical care, and tourism sectors, empha-sising on the knowledge based economy, the thing that has contributed to complete the picture of Qatar as a strong and modern emerging country in the world today, he said, adding that Qatar's active diplomacy to promote better and closer relations with other countries is also highly appreciated. With Japan in particular, Qatar has always shared an excellent and special relations since the establishment of its diplomatic relations, he stressed.

H E explained that the Qatar's response to the COVID-19 crisis was com-mendable in terms of the efforts made not only to curb its neg-ative impacts on its citizens and territory but also to support countries least able to deal with the ordeal.

He emphasised that Qatar was able to take swift and firm public health measures to prevent further spread of the infections in the community.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have been dedi-cating themselves to tackle the pandemic, such as the medical teams, the academic and research partners as well as the law enforcement officers. I would like to express my special thanks to the Qatar Airways that maintained a direct daily flight to Narita/Tokyo and support Japanese nationals around the world to return to their home safely during the most difficult time,” he added.

The ambassador concluded by congratulated the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the honourable people and esteemed government of Qatar on this auspicious occasion, stressing that Qatar has achieved prominence in the Middle East region as well as in the international arena under the leadership of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Panama Ambassador hails close ties with Qatar

QNA — DOHA

Ambassador of the Republic of Panama in Doha, H E Mousa Abdelhae Asvat Kasu (pictured), has hailed the bilateral relations and cooperation between his country and the State of Qatar, which spanned over 18 years, describing them as close and rooted in mutual respect and equality.

“Qatari-Panamanian rela-tions have been greatly strengthened since the two countries signed 7 agreements in various fields as well as 16 other draft agreements, some of which are ready to be signed, the Ambassador said.

Ambassador Mousa noted that the Republic of Panama attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with Qatar in all areas of common interest, pointing out, in related contexts, that Panama is now a high-income country with one of the fastest growth rates in

Latin America during the past decade, which was driven by the expansion of the Panama Canal and large public infrastructure projects.

Speaking in connection with Qatar National Day, he congrat-ulated Qatar,H H the Amir, the government and the people on the occasion of the National Day. He also congratulated Qatar for overcoming the blockade, including its voice in international forums, sup-porting just causes and pro-viding humanitarian aid.

He explained that one of the priorities of the government’s plan under the leadership of H E Laurentino Cortizo Cohen of Panama includes the revitali-sation of the country’s economy, pointing out that this is the reason the “Pro Panama” department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was estab-lished and the law on public contracts was amended, in addition to strengthening alli-ances between the public and private sectors.

The Ambassador called on Qatari companies to participate in investment projects in Panama and benefit from the advantages offered to foreign companies.

Qatar has built the image of a neutral country to mediate in international conflicts, as it follows the approach of dia-logue as solution to regional and global conflicts, he said.

Nepal Ambassador lauds Qatar's efficient response to COVID-19 pandemic QNA — DOHA

Ambassador of Nepal to the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Narad Nath Bharadwaj, has emphasised the cooperation and partnership between the two countries in various fields and their keenness to consolidate and develop them.

The ambassador added, in statements to Qatar News Agency on the occasion of Qatar’s National Day, “Nepal and the State of Qatar have main-tained friendly and cordial rela-tionship ever since the estab-lishment of bilateral relations in 1977. We share common values, principles and commitments based on the Charter of the United Nations. We have always supported each other in

international forums on issues of common concern and have embraced the principles of equality, non-interference, mutual respect and cooperation.”

Bharadwaj pointed out that in recent decades Qatar has wel-comed thousands of Nepali migrant workers giving them a role in Qatar’s phenomenal progress and development while also enabling them to earn and support their families back home.

In return, they have also contributed substantially in the reconstruction and economic transformation of Qatar, he said. The ambassador said there are high potentials for Qatari investment in Nepal’s economy

for the mutual benefit of both countries, especially in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure development and tourism. His Excellency explained that Nepal has prioritised economic devel-opment under the motto of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali,” adding that this aspi-ration can be materialized only with the support and cooper-ation from friendly countries like Qatar.

The ambassador said there are other areas of cooperation between Nepal and Qatar, as agreements and MoUs have been signed on cooperation in agriculture, food security, economy, technology, and tourism. The two sides now need to identify projects of mutual

interest and develop them for the benefit of the two countries

and their people, H E pointed out. Bharadwaj congratulated the State of Qatar and its lead-ership, government and people on National Day, wishing for continued peace, progress and prosperity.

He pointed out that the whole world has continued to bear the brunt of COVID-19 pan-demic throughout the year 2020; however, Qatar has succeeded in handling the situation very effectively with minimum effect to the public health as well as to its economy.

“Effective and evidence-based policies and strong health infrastructure of the country helped mitigate the effects of the pandemic to the lowest possible level. The mortality rate of a

mere 0.15 percent, one of the lowest in the world, is a proof of Qatar’s efficient response to the pandemic” he added.

The Ambassador concluded by saying that Qatar has made tremendous progress in recent times on its developmental path despite geopolitical challenges, adding that its achievements in systematic urbanisation, expanding public amenities, development of road and railway transportation, creation of sports infrastructures, expansion of ports and maritime connectivity, civil aviation and export trade is phenomenal.

“This has brought forth the state of Qatar to global limelight as an economic powerhouse of the Middle East."

Qatar will be the centre of sport for decades to come: Moldova envoyQNA — DOHA

The State of Qatar has managed to acquire a full-fledged international standing and position thanks to the wise leadership of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Victor Tsvirkun.

In a statement on the occasion of Qatar National Day, the Ambassador said the influence and credibility of Qatar has grown so much that Qatar has become a mediator in various regional and international conflicts, most recently the conflict in Afghan-istan. He added that the signing of the Afghan peace agreement in Doha is a recognition by the international community of these contributtions by the State of Qatar.

The Ambassador congratulated the State of Qatar on its National Day, wishing it would continue to develop at such impressive pace and build a stable country where traditions, culture, progress persists in harmony and at its best level. He said, “Throughout the years, the State of Qatar being in size and population similar to my country, has managed to acquire a full-fledged international standing and position, thanks to the wise leadership of the country, namely the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.”

“In addition, I would like to con-gratulate cordially once again the leadership of the State of Qatar which

has achieved the success of being the host of the prestigious football tour-nament World Cup to take place in 2022. On this note, I would like to point out that the Moldovan Football Federation has voted in favour of Qatar as the host state,” he added.

“In the process of preparations for the prestigious football tour-nament that will be hosted by your country, certainly there can be observed the rapid and robust devel-opment the state has gone through in the last years,” he added, pointing out that the new buildings, stadiums and transport infrastructure will offer Qatar the unique position in the

region to be the centre of sport life not only during the World Cup tour-nament but for many decades after.

Furthermore, the Ambassador praised the measures taken by Qatar against the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a model for the fight against the pandemics.

He noted that the public policies adopted by Qatar's leadership have proven fruitful and effective, empha-sising that Qatar maintained one of the lowest mortality rates in the world. This achievement is due to the high quality of medical services and the authorities’ efforts that are focused on early detection and pre-vention of serious cases, he added.

He also expressed appreciation for the 8.5 tonnes of medical aid pro-vided by the State of Qatar to Moldova under the directives of H H the Amir on May 26 to combat coro-navirus, pointing out that it is the first ever humanitarian assistance by an Arab country to the Republic of Moldova.

“On behalf of my President, Gov-ernment and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, I would like to express a lot of thanks and deep rec-ognition to the wise leadership of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Republic of Moldova is fully thankful for the medical assistance delivered by the State of Qatar, and our country will never forget the solidarity of our Qatari friends which helps to save lives," he said.

Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Victor Tsvirkun

Ambassador of Nepal to the State of Qatar, H E Dr. Narad Nath Bharadwaj

Qatar has channelled

significant efforts into the

cultural, sports, education,

medical care, and tourism

sectors, emphasising on the

knowledge based economy, the

thing that has contributed to

complete the picture of Qatar as

a strong and modern emerging

country in the world today.

H E Kazuo Sunaga

Ambassador of Japan

THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020

10 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

The President says Iran is

unable to purchase

COVID-19 vaccines

because banks are

unwilling to process the

transaction for fear of

falling foul of US

sanctions.

Iran ready for full return tonuclear deal complianceAFP — TEHRAN

Iran is ready to return to full compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal with major powers as soon as the other parties honour their commitments, President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday.

The agreement between Iran and major powers has tee-tered on the brink of collapse since outgoing US President Donald Trump pulled out of it in 2018 and reimposed crip-pling unilateral sanctions.

US President-elect Joe Biden has expressed readiness to return to the agreement but over the past 18 months Iran has suspended the implemen-tation of some of its own obli-gations, including key limits to its uranium enrichment programme.

“Just as soon as the 5+1 or 4+1 resume all of their commit-ments, we will resume all of ours,” Rouhani said.

He was referring to the five veto-wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany with whom Iran reached the nuclear deal.

“I’ve said it before — it doesn’t take time, it’s just a question of willing,” he said in comments to his cabinet aired

by state television.Defying criticism from

Iran’s ultra-conservatives, Rouhani reiterated his deter-mination to seize the “oppor-tunity” presented by the change of US president in January.

Parliament, which has been controlled by conservatives since a February election marred by record low turnout, passed a bill last week that threatens the prospects for a thaw in relations with Washington.

The bill, which still has to be signed into law by Rouhani, would relaunch Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 20 percent purity and threaten other future measures that would likely sound the death knell of the nuclear deal.

In a blow to the president, the Guardian Council, which arbitrates disputes between

parliament and the gov-ernment, approved the bill last week.

But in his comments yes-terday, Rouhani appeared to suggest that he would withhold his signature from the bill.

“It is vital that we speak with a single voice,” the pres-ident told ministers.

“People voted for a platform... and they want four years of action,” said Rouhani, who won re-election in 2017 with more than 57 percent of the vote. Rouhani said Iran remained unable to purchase COVID-19 vaccines because banks were unwilling to process the transaction for fear of falling foul of US sanctions.

Iran is the Middle Eastern country hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic with more than 51,000 deaths from nearly 1.1 million cases, according to official figures.

Vaccines and other human-itarian goods are supposed to be exempt from the US sanc-tions but in practice few if any banks are willing to take the chance.

“We want to buy the vaccine... the money is... ready but no bank will handle the transaction,” Rouhani told ministers.

Two small Iraqi oil wells set ablaze in attackAGENCIES — KIRKUK

Two wells in a small oilfield in northern Iraq were set ablaze by explosives in a “terrorist attack” yesterday but overall production from the field was not affected, the Oil Ministry and officials yesterday.

The Oil Ministry gave no further details about the assailants behind the explosive devices that targeted the wells in Khabbaz oilfield, 20 km (12

miles) southwest of Kirkuk.Technical teams isolated

the two burning oil wells and there was no impact on output, two sources from the state-run North Oil Company (NOC), who spoke on condition of ano-nymity, said.

The field produces about 25,000 barrels per day, oil offi-cials said.

The ministry said pro-duction from the two wells that were targeted did not exceed

2,000 bpd. The ministry statement said a fire erupted at the two oil wells after explosive devices were set off half an hour apart, with one going off at 1:30 am (1030 GMT) and the second at 2:00 am (1100 GMT).

Iraq has experienced bouts of unrest ever since the over-throw of Saddam Hussein.

The production has expanded sharply in recent years in the region.

A machinery is seen as oil wells burn inside the Khabbaz oilfield after they were bombed on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq, yesterday.

Syria war deaths

reach 387,000

AFP — BEIRUT

The overall death toll for Syria’s civil war has crept up to 387,000 following the least deadly of 10 years of conflict, a monitor said yesterday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a wide network of sources inside Syria, said the new figure included almost 117,000 civilians, among them more than 22,000 children.

The Observatory’s pre-vious tally was issued in January and stood at more than 380,000.

The fighting, which erupted in 2011 after the brutal repression of anti-government protests, has largely abated this year as a ceasefire held in northwestern Syria and attention turned to containing the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest toll included more than 130,500 pro-gov-ernment fighters, among them foreigners.

More than half of those were Syrian soldiers, while 1,703 were from the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah whose members have been fighting in Syria since 2013.

The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 57,000 rebel fighters. The Observa-tory’s toll does not include some 88,000 people it says died of torture in government-run prisons, nor thousands who were abducted during the conflict and are still missing.

After turning the tide of the war with Russian and Iranian support since 2015, the Syrian government now controls around two-thirds of the country.

Turkey will not

buy Russian

vaccine: Minister

REUTERS — ANKARA

Turkey has ruled out buying the Russian coronavirus vaccine since its development lacked “good practice”, its health minister said in remarks published yesterday, as Ankara steps up efforts to inoculate 50 million citizens by spring.

The Haberturk news website quoted Health Min-ister Fahrettin Koca as saying the Russian vaccine did not meet “good laboratory practice” conditions.

“Russia was not able to fulfil this. Therefore, it was not possible for the WHO and the world to purchase this vaccine. It is not possible for this vaccine to receive a licence from us either. Therefore, it is out of our area of interest,” he said. Koca did not specify which Russian vaccine he was referring to but Turkey has talked about conducting Phase III trials for “Sputnik-V”, the world’s first registered coro-navirus vaccine.

Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a novel corona-virus vaccine, doing so before large-scale trials were com-plete, stirring concern among scientists and doctors about the safety and efficacy of the shot. Turkey, with a population of 83 million, has signed a con-tract to buy 50 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd and expects to begin vaccina-tions this month, prioritising health workers.

New daily coronavirus infections and deaths on Tuesday hit the highest levels since the coronavirus was first detected in Turkey in March.

Koca said Turkey needs more vaccines with the aim of inoculating 50 million people by the end of April, adding that it was working to bring forward the delivery of 25 million doses of vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.

Ethiopia PM makes first foreign trip since start of conflictAFP — NAIROBI

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began a two-day visit to neighbouring Kenya yesterday, his first official trip since launching military operations against the leaders of the dissident Tigray region last month.

As skirmishes continued in the north of Ethiopia and aid agencies decried the lack of humanitarian access, Abiy trav-elled south to the border town of Moyale where he and his Kenyan counterpart, President Uhuru Kenyatta, presided over the inauguration of a new border post promising a bonanza in cross-border trade. “We want to see Moyale becoming the Dubai of this whole region,” Ken-yatta said.

The remote market town lies roughly halfway between the Kenyan and Ethi-opian capitals — which are 1,500km apart — has no airport and a population of fewer than 40,000.

The two heads of state also presided over the ceremonial opening of a 500km stretch of the highway connecting

Nairobi and Addis Ababa.Periodically, cross-border raids and

violence between neighbouring com-munities has depressed trade and uprooted civilians, as Kenyatta acknowledged.

“We must also work together because we cannot establish economic victory if we are consistently having security challenges,” he said.

Soon after Abiy took power in 2018, fighting between ethnic Somalis and Oromos in Moyale killed 21 people, while earlier the same year thousands of Ethi-opians fled into Kenya for safety during another spate of violence, that time involving the Ethiopian military.

Abiy said such clashes were now in the past.

“This artificial border... will be dis-mantled with the new infrastructure... (which) will bring the two families together and tap the potential and opportunities of business and economy,” he said. Abiy made no mention of the crisis in Tigray during his visit to Moyale.

Abiy and Kenyatta also travelled later yesterday to the Kenyan island of Lamu to inspect a new port that is under

construction, also aimed at boosting regional trade.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (right) cut a tape to inaugurate the One-Stop Border Post in Marsabit County, Kenya, yesterday.

Five dead in Ghana election violence as accusations flyAFP — ACCRA

Five people have been killed in election-related violence in Ghana, police said yesterday, casting a shadow over a country hailed for its stable democracy.

The deaths were reported as a flow of results confirmed the tight race for the presidency and Ghana’s neighbours called for a peaceful outcome after the main camps traded barbs.

Since Monday’s ballot, 21 “cases of electoral violence” have been recorded, six of them involving gunshots, the police said, giving a toll of five dead and 17 wounded.

The electoral commission published results from 11 out of the country’s 16 regions, giving outgoing president Nana Akufo-Addo a narrow margin over opposition candidate John Mahama. Earlier, in results out of seven regions, it was Mahama who held a slight advantage.

The commission, which had been expected to give the

results as early as Tuesday, said heavy rains that have pounded some regions had slowed the vote count, and urged the public to be patient.

Polling on Monday was viewed by observers as gen-erally free and fair, but the political climate soured late on

Tuesday, when Mahama accused his rival of showing “credentials that are very undemocratic.” Akufo-Addo, he charged, had harnessed the mil-itary in a bid to sway the outcome.

“You cannot use the military to try and overturn some of the

results in constituencies that we have won. We will resist any attempts to subvert the sov-ereign will of the Ghanaian people,” the 62-year-old former president said.

Mahama made the accusa-tions after rumours circulated on social media that he had conceded defeat.

Hours earlier, the presi-dency had claimed Akufo-Addo was ahead with 52.25 percent of the vote, against Mahama’s 46.44 percent.

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah told a press conference that allegations of intimidation by soldiers were false. He also bluntly rejected Mahama’s claim that his centre-left National Democratic Con-gress (NDC) had won a majority, of 140 seats, in the 275-member parliament.

“No candidates at this stage should undermine the work of the EC (electoral commission), it is irresponsible and it would endanger the peace of this country,” Oppong Nkrumah warned.

Soldiers stand as opposition supporters protest outside Ghana’s Electoral Commission ahead of the official declaration of election results in Accra, Ghana, yesterday.

Police begin hunt after two inmates escape in PretoriaAFP — JOHANNESBURG

South African police were yesterday hunting for two pris-oners who inexplicably escaped in the early hours from a high-security facility in the capital Pretoria, a correctional services spokesman said.

The two on the run escaped before dawn from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre prison, where the likes of par-alympic athlete Oscar Pistorius and apartheid death-squad

leader Eugene de Kock, nick-named “Prime Evil” have been held.

Local media reported that the inmates had escaped by digging a hole in the wall of their cell.

In a statement correctional services spokesman Singa-bakho Nxumalo identified the pair as Thabo Zacharia Muyambo from Mozambique, who is serving a life sentence for 21 counts of various crimes including rape and kidnapping,

alongside Zimbabwean national Johannes Chauke who is serving 20 years for housebreaking offences.

The spokesman declined to comment on the details of the escape from the high-wall facility which has layers of cell bars and boom gates.

But he confirmed to AFP that a hammer had been found inside the cell and a small hole was discovered high up on the wall of the cell.

The Sowetan newspaper

said inmates had confirmed to the publication that the escapees used a sharp object, believed to have been stolen from the prison’s workshop, to dig a hole through the wall of their cell.

Images carried by the pub-lication show a visible hole dug out of a wall said to be that which the inmates used to make their getaway.

According to Nxumalo, authorities “are hot on their heels and these escapees shall

be brought back behind bars.” Meanwhile the department

has launched an internal probe into the mysterious escape.

The gallows at Kgosi Mampuru, known as a site of capital punishment in apartheid South Africa, is the only place in the country where executions took place.

Opened since 1902, the prison has housed former pres-ident Nelson Mandela twice during his incarceration, both times as he was awaiting trial.

11THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 ASIA

Pyongyang slams Seoul’s top diplomat over virus remarksAP — SEOUL

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s influential sister lambasted South Korea’s foreign minister yesterday for questioning Pyongyang’s claim to be coro-navirus free and warned of possible consequences.

South Korean Foreign Min-ister Kang Kyung-wha said over the weekend that it is hard to believe North Korea’s claim that it has had no virus outbreak. She added that the North has not responded to a South Korean offer of cooperation in jointly tackling the pandemic.

Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s sister, responded in a statement carried by state media.

“It can be seen from the

reckless remarks made by her without any consideration of the consequences that she is too eager to further chill the frozen relations between North and South Korea,” Kim said.

“Her real intention is very clear. We will never forget her words and she might have to pay dearly for it,” she said.

The remarks show how sen-sitive North Korea is to what it considers any outside attempt

to tarnish its image as it steps up its efforts to guard against the pandemic and the economic fallout.

Despite its zero-virus case claim, North Korea’s state media have repeatedly said there is a “maximum emer-gency” anti-epidemic campaign in which it has closed its inter-national borders, flown out dip-lomats and isolated residents with suspected symptoms.

North Korea’s border closure with China, its biggest trading partner, is wrecking its already fragile economy. The country has admitted it is facing “multiple crises” due to the pan-demic, a spate of natural dis-asters last summer and per-sistent US-led sanctions imposed over its nuclear program.

Experts have said a major disease outbreak in North Korea could cause a humanitarian dis-aster because of its broken healthcare system.

Kang, the South Korean foreign minister, told a forum in Bahrain on Saturday that the pandemic had “made North Korea more North Korea - that is, more closed, very top-down decision-making process where

there is very little debate on their measures in dealing with COVID-19.” “They still say they do not have any cases, which is hard to believe,” Kang said.

“So, all signs are the regime is very intensely focused on controlling the disease that they say they do not have.” Also this week, Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, the top US official on North Korea, is in Seoul for talks on North Korea and other issues.

In Washington, State Department spokesperson Cale Brown said Biegun met Wednesday with First Vice-Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun and Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon.

Biegun “reaffirmed US

support for inter-Korean coop-eration, and continued US read-iness to engage in meaningful dialogue with (North Korea) in the pursuit of complete denu-clearisation,” Brown said in a statement.

South Korea’s spy agency recently told lawmakers that Kim Jong Un had ordered dip-lomats overseas to refrain from any acts that could provoke Washington because he is worried about President-elect Joe Biden’s expected new approach toward North Korea.

Some observers say North Korea could still do something provocative to try to draw Biden’s attention and create the need to restart stalled nuclear talks in which it could seek concessions.

India: Farmers to step upprotests, reject govt offerREUTERS — NEW DELHI

India’s farmers yesterday rejected the government’s proposal to amend three controversial laws and said they would step up protests seeking withdrawal of these laws which they said would harm their economic interests while helping big food retailers.

Farmers have been dem-onstrating since late last month over reforms enacted in Sep-tember that loosened rules around the sale, pricing and storage of farm produce, that had protected farmers from an unfettered free market for decades.

“The farmers have rejected the government’s proposals,” Darshan Pal, president of Kran-tikari Kisan Union, told reporters after the meeting of over 30 farmers’ unions.

Farmers leaders said they would intensify nationwide protests from Saturday that would include boycott of the leaders of Modi’s ruling party, blocking of national highways and picketing at toll plazas.

Expressing their anger towards some large domestic

corporations and retailers, including Reliance Industries and Adani Enterprises, farmer leaders said they would boycott the products and services of these companies.

There was no immediate comment from both the companies.

The majority of farmers believes the news laws could pave the way for some of India’s leading corporations to enter the Indian agriculture trade, leaders said.

In a separate statement, Adani Group said the company had no role in the direct pur-chase or sale of the farm produce, and was only hired by the government agencies for storage of the produce.

Earlier, Indian government officials looked for ways to tweak new laws liberalising the agricultural sector, after they put off a second day of talks with farmer organisations that have mobilised mass protests.

Small growers, in par-ticular, fear that they will be at the mercy of big business if they are no longer assured of floor prices for staples such as wheat and rice sold at

g o v e r n m e n t - c o n t r o l l e d wholesale markets.

Unhappy with Prime Min-ister Narendra Modi’s liberali-sation, farmers have set up protest camps and blocked roads surrounding the capital New Delhi, and on Tuesday mounted a nationwide strike.

Farmer leaders want the government to retain man-datory government purchases,

and said buyers at private markets should pay the same tax as at state-run markets.

The protests, led by influ-ential farming groups from the grain-producing states of Haryana and Punjab, pose a major challenge to Modi as he seeks to reform the vast agri-culture sector, which makes up nearly 15 percent of India’s $2.9 trillion economy and

employs around half of its 1.3 billion people.

Opposition parties criti-cised the reforms, saying they would benefit big business and be disastrous for the rural economy, and met President Ram Nath Kovind, the coun-try’s ceremonial head of state, urging him to ask the gov-ernment to accept farmers’ demands.

FROM LEFT: Opposition party leaders Rahul Gandhi, D Raja, Sitaram Yechury and Sharad Pawar addressing the media after their meeting with President Ram Nath Kovind seeking repeal of recent agricultural reforms, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi yesterday.

Australia orders

extremism probe

amid push to

tackle far-right

AFP — SYDNEY

Australia yesterday ordered an inquiry into combating violent extremism, after a concerted push for the government to ensure it is equipped to face a growing threat from the far-right.

The country’s powerful parliamentary intelligence and security committee announced it will examine the spread of radical movements and the threat they pose to Australians.

Conservative Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton pre-vented the probe from focusing solely on emerging far-right terror, ordering it to instead broaden its focus to include Islamist groups.

The announcement came a day after a New Zealand inquiry into the massacre of 51 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch by an Australian white supremacist gunman called for sweeping changes to counter-terror ism operations.

Spy agencies had placed an “inappropriate” focus on Islamist extremism before the attack without giving due weight to the threat from right-wing terrorism, the report found.

Australia’s opposition home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally, who pushed for the inquiry, said Canberra already had “a full suite of counter-terrorism tools” in place to meet the threat from radical Islam.

But a review was needed “to determine if they are fit for purpose amid the threat of right-wing extremism”, she said.

In recent years, Australia has seen an increasing threat from the far-right.

Top intelligence officials said in September that white supremacist extremism now accounted for 40 percent of their caseload, up from 15 percent in 2016.

Sri Lanka to

cremate Muslim

victims of virus

despite objections

AFP — COLOMBO

Sri Lanka said yesterday it would cremate the bodies of 19 Muslim coronavirus victims, overriding the families’ objec-tions against the contentious policy.

The island nation has been experiencing a surge in cases since October, with the number of infections increased more than eight-fold since then to over 29,300 and 142 dead.

Coronavirus victims’ bodies are claimed by families and then cremated — a practice for-bidden under Islamic law — under the strict supervision of health authorities.

But families of 19 Muslims killed by the virus have refused to claim the bodies from a morgue in Colombo, triggering the edict by Attorney-General Dappula de Livera.

“Bodies of COVID-19 victims not claimed by fam-ilies can be cremated in terms of quarantine regulations,” De Livera’s spokeswoman said, adding that the bodies would be cremated this week.

Five were cremated yes-terday, police said.

The policy has been chal-lenged by Muslims, with 12 petitions filed by the minority community and civil society groups in the Supreme Court.

But the top court rejected the petitions last week, without giving reasons why it made that decision.

The Sri Lanka Muslim Council has said a majority of the country’s coronavirus victims were Muslim.

A council spokesman added that members of the community feared seeking medical help if COVID-19 pos-itive, as they did not want to be cremated.

Passengers leave Singapore cruise after COVID-19 scareREUTERS — SINGAPORE

A Royal Caribbean "cruise-to-nowhere" from Singapore began disembarking its nearly 1,700 passengers who were confined to their cabins for more than 16 hours yesterday after a COVID-19 case was detected onboard, forcing the ship back to port.

All passengers aboard the Quantum of the Seas had cleared a mandatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the virus up to three days before the four-day cruise began on Monday.

Authorities said close con-tacts of the COVID-19 patient among the 1,680 guests and 1,148 crew members on board had so far tested negative. The passengers were stuck in their

rooms while contact tracing was being conducted. "I feel relieved, it was obviously a very boring wait," said Isaac Lung, a 16-year-old student, who had taken the cruise with his parents.

The "cruise-to-nowhere" by Royal Caribbean is one of its first sailings since the Miami-based company halted global operations in March due to the pandemic. The sailing in waters off Singapore is open only to Singapore residents and makes no stops.

The coronavirus patient, an 83-year-old male, had reported to the ship's medical centre with diarrhoea and a subsequent onboard test revealed the infection. He was taken to hos-pital yesterday after the ship returned to port.

However, two further tests from the patient have come back negative for COVID-19 infection, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said. Another test will be conducted today to confirm his infection status.

Other guests were awoken with the news of the infection in the early hours. "I was like: 'There it goes, the worst fear has happened'," said passenger Melvin Chew, a 31-year-old business development manager, who said he learned about the infected guest via an announcement on the ship's tannoy in the early hours.

All passengers will undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing before leaving the terminal. The STB said the ship, which returned to Singapore in the

morning, began disembarking all passengers at 7.30pm and will complete the process around midnight. It was also being deep-cleaned.

"I am terribly sorry that the cruise ended a day early and ended this way," the captain told passengers over the tannoy. The crew will rest overnight and take PCR tests in the morning, he added.

Royal Caribbean said it was cancelling its upcoming trip today. The cruises are a part of Aingapore's plans to revive its tourism industry, which has been battered by the pandemic.

Singapore, which has reported just over 58,000 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths, has barely seen any new local cases in recent weeks.

New Zealand marks one year since White Island volcanoAP — WELLINGTON

A woman whose son was killed in a volcanic eruption in New Zealand a year ago said that as she stood crying, wailing and calling out his name on a beach soon afterward, a stranger came up to her and held her.

“To this day, I do not know who that lady was,” said Avey Woods during a televised service held yesterday in the town of Whakatane to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. “I hope she’s listening, because that just shows you what a com-munity we are, and how pow-erful that felt that day.”

Woods’ 40-year-old son Hayden Marshall-Inman was a tour guide and among 22 people killed in the December 9, 2019, eruption on White Island. The island had been a popular tourist destination and 47 people were visiting when superheated steam spewed out from the crater floor. Most of those who survived suffered horrific burns.

Woods said she continues to go to the beach each day to remember her son.

“No-one can tell us how to grieve,” Woods said. “Because we grieve in our own time. And I believe that no-one ever gets over the loss of a loved one. You go through so many emotions. It’s shock, denial, tears, pain, anger, depression.”

Many people now question why tourists were ever allowed to visit the island, especially after experts monitoring seismic activity had raised the volcano’s alert level two weeks before the eruption.

New Zealand authorities last month filed safety violation charges against 10 organisa-tions and three individuals in relation to the eruption. The charges brought by New Zea-land’s WorkSafe agency are separate from an ongoing police investigation that could result in more charges. And families of some of those killed and injured have also filed their own lawsuits.

But Wednesday’s service was a time for those who lost loved ones or who were injured to pay tribute to the heroic rescue efforts by other tourists, who returned to the island in a

boat to pick up the injured, as well as to police and hospital staff. People at the service stood in silence at 2.11pm, the moment the eruption took place.

Lauren and Matt Urey, who

were injured in the eruption while visiting New Zealand on their honeymoon, spoke in a prerecorded video clip from their hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Attendees look on during the one-year anniversary of the volcanic eruption on White Island in Whakatane, New Zealand, yesterday.

“It can be seen from the reckless remarks made by her (South Korean Foreign Minister) without any consideration of the consequences that she is too eager to further chill the frozen relations between North and South Korea,” Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, said.

12 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020ASIA

Making ends meet: Filipinoshit hard by virus lockdownAFP — MANILA

Daniel Auminto lost his job and then his home when the coro-navirus pandemic sent the Philippines into lockdown. Now he and his family live on the street, relying on food handouts to survive.

Charities are struggling to meet the ever-growing demand for food as millions of families go hungry across the country. COVID-19 restrictions have crippled the economy and thrown many out of work.

“I’ve never seen hunger at this level before,” said Jomar Fleras, executive director of Rise Against Hunger in the Philippines, which works with more than 40 partners to feed the poor.

“If you go out there eve-rybody will tell you that they’re more afraid of dying from hunger than dying from COVID. They don’t care about COVID anymore.” The number of people going hungry has reached a record high during the pandemic, according to pollster Social Weather Stations.

Nearly one-third of fam-ilies — or 7.6 million house-holds —did not have enough food to eat at least once in the previous three months, its Sep-tember survey showed.

Among them were 2.2 million families experiencing “severe hunger” — the highest ever. The numbers have been going up since May, two months after the country went into a severe lockdown — reversing a downward trend since 2012.

Virus restrictions have been eased in recent months to allow more businesses to

operate as the government seeks to revive the devastated economy, which is expected to shrink up to 9.5 percent this year. For the country’s legions of poor, the pandemic is just another challenge in their lives — and not even the most serious.

Auminto, 41, spent years sleeping on the streets and eking out a meagre living by selling trash for recycling. His fortunes changed in 2019 when he found stable work as a building painter.

That gave him enough money to rent a room in Manila, which he shared with his wife and their two-year-old daughter, buy food and even save a little towards their dream of opening a small store.

Then Covid-19 hit.“We lost our home, my job.

We even lost our clothes which were stolen from us,” said

Auminto as he sat in a park where the family sleeps on a flattened cardboard box at night.

Before the pandemic “I planned to work and work our way out of poverty. It’s for my family, so I can give them a better life, send my child to school.” Every day they join long queues of mostly homeless people to receive a free meal from an outdoor food pantry.

On some days the family gets two meals from different pantries; other days it is just one. Sometimes they have no food at all.

Five days a week volun-teers at a centre in Manila run by the Roman Catholic order Society of the Divine Word prepare around a thousand meals of chicken, vegetables and rice that are packed into boxes and given to the hungry.

Demand is constantly increasing, said Father Flavie Villanueva, who runs the pro-gramme. “We started doing this in April and began with 250 (people lining up). It increased to 400, and then 600, then 800. Three weeks ago it was 1,000,” Villanueva said.

“The majority are still homeless but there’s a good number who are with homes but are desperate because there are no jobs.”

Hunger was already a major problem in the Philip-pines before the pandemic struck. About 59 million people were “moderately or severely food insecure” between 2017 and 2019 — the highest in Southeast Asia — the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation said in a report.

US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun (left) bumps fists with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday.

US envoy says ties with South Korea will remain strong under BidenREUTERS — SEOUL

A senior US envoy yesterday said the trust and alliance between Washington and Seoul will remain firm regardless of the upcoming change in administrations, South Korea’s foreign ministry said.

The remarks came as the US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, who helped lead unsuccessful efforts to turn US President Donald Trump’s personal outreach to North Korea into progress in denu-clearisation talks, met with South Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun.

Choi asked Biegun to play a bridging role to ensure the achievements the two allies have made together make progress before President-elect Joe Biden

takes office next month.Choi said the two allies have

made significant achievements in the past three years under South Korean President Moon Jae-in, in building peace on the Korean peninsula, cooperation in COVID-19 responses, and relocation of US military instal-lations in South Korea.

Neither side publicly men-tioned an ongoing multi-billion dollar dispute between the two allies over how much Seoul should pay toward maintaining the roughly 28,500 US troops on the peninsula.

Biegun also met with South Korea’s chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon to discuss North Korea’s denuclearisation issues, the US embassy in Seoul said in a Twitter post.

Biegun is also scheduled to meet a number of South Korean officials, including the foreign minister and the minister of unification, who handles rela-tions with North Korea.

The visit may be the last for Biegun in his current role, after Trump lost his bid for re-election to Democratic challenger Biden, who will take office in January.

While Biegun has said he is ready for discussions at any time, North Korea says it won’t return to the negotiating table until the United States drops its hostile policies.

The visit comes as North Korea lashed out at South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha for casting doubt over its claim that there were no coronavirus outbreaks there.

Imran hopes new

airline will force

PIA to become

efficient

INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD

New airline Air Sial will create competition for other Paki-stani airlines, Prime Minister Imran Khan said after he inau-gurated the new airline in Sialkot yesterday.

Air Sial is Pakistan’s third private airline. Its first flight via Airbus A320 landed at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi from the United States last month.

The airline had to delay from June because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on air travel.

The airline’s operations will initially rely on three Airbus A320-200s, which have been leased from AerCap, the world’s largest independent aircraft leasing company, based in Dublin, Ireland.

The premier said he is vis-iting Sialkot to meet its business community.

“The inauguration of Air Sial is just an excuse (for the visit),” the premier said in his address after Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar spoke about the state of Pakistan’s economy.

The premier called Sialkot’s business community the “most vibrant” one in the country. “First you established this (private) airport. No one has done this in such limited resources,” he said.

The Premier said Sialkot is about to become an even bigger export hub of Pakistan. “For this, you need an airline,” he said.

This is just the start, but I have no doubt that you will run this just as well as you’ve run your airport, the premier said, adding that Air Sial will give competition to PIA.

“PIA will see that an airline is being run efficiently, on low funds and giving good service and this will put pressure on it to improve. Other airlines will also feel the pressure to be efficient,” the premier said, adding that Pakistan will benefit.

COVID-19 infections on the rise across PakistanINTERNEWS — KARACHI

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has said the positivity rate of coro-navirus cases has jumped up to 7.78 percent in past 24 hours across Pakistan, local media reported yesterday.

As per the data shared by the NCOC, Karachi recorded the highest ratio of infections with 21.80 percent for second day in a row, while Hyderabad stands at second with 19.3 percent.

Meanwhile, Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Mirpur recorded 13.16 percent ratio, Rawalpindi 13.03 percent, Peshawar 13.2 percent, Abbottabad 11.82 percent, Islamabad 6.28 percent, Muzaffarabad 5.45 percent, Quetta 4.15 percent, Swat 4.23 percent, Faisalabad 3.15 percent,

and Multan 2.1 percent.Sindh has the highest

COVID-19 positivity ratio with 13.01 percent, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 10.6 percent. Balochistan 6.05, and Gilgit Baltistan 3.07 percent.

About 2,498 coronavirus patients under treatment across Pakistan are said to be in critical condition.

Minister for Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar while talking to media warned that COVID-19 cases will continue to rise if health g u i d e l i n e s a r e n o t followed.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan will preside over a meeting of the National Coor-dination Committee (NCC), to be attended by the chief min-isters of all the provinces, to

take stock of the present coro-navirus situation.

District administrations has decided to impose a smart lockdown in several more areas in Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur following an increase in the number of coronavirus cases.

According to notification by the Punjab Primary and Sec-ondary Healthcare Department, 19 areas in Rawalpindi and three in Bahawalpur were be sealed from yesterday, Samaa reported.

During the lockdown, hos-pitals, medical stores and clinics will remain open for 24 hours a day throughout the week, while milk and meat shops will be allowed to operate from 7am to 7pm.

Grocery stores, fruit and vegetable shops, tandoors and

petrol pumps have been allowed to operate from 9am to 7pm throughout the week.

The Lahore district admin-istration enforced a smart lockdown in 55 localities of the city. Controlled entry and exit has been enforced at Lahore’s Data Gunj Baksh Town, Shalimar Town, Samnabad Town, Aziz Bhatti Town and Allama Iqbal Town.

The lockdown will remain in place till December 21. In the last 24 hours, Punjab has reported 613 new cases and 21 deaths. Punjab’s COVID-19 tally has jumped to 124,804 while the death toll has reached 3,242.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Min-ister for Planning and Devel-opment Asad Umar says the number of COVID-19 patients are increasing day by day, as the

second wave of the pandemic is more lethal as compared to first one.

Talking to a private news channel, he said everyone should adopt caring measures to control the contagion from spreading at large scale in the country.

The Minister urged oppo-sition parties to take the virus as a serious threat and avoid holding public gatherings.

He said the opposition parties are intentionally playing with lives of people and pushing them into danger by holding public gatherings.

Asad Umar said the corona-virus vaccine would be available in the country in first quarter of next year and it would be provided to health workers and old citizens on a priority basis.

Millions defy virus fears to vote in Indonesia pollsAFP — JAKARTA

Millions of Indonesians went to the polls yesterday in regional elections held despite warnings of a possible spike in corona-virus infections, as early results suggested the president’s son and son-in-law won public office for the first time.

The archipelago of nearly 270 million — the world’s third-biggest democracy and fourth most-populous nation — delayed the vote originally set for September as it struggled to contain soaring virus cases.

From the capital Jakarta to the holiday island of Bali, polling station staff in full pro-tective gear enforced social dis-tancing and took voter temper-atures before polls closed at 1pm.

Abdul Rahman Wahab, 24, admitted he was nervous about voting on Sulawesi island.

“Health is my priority for sure, but voting is also an important part of our life in a democratic country,” he said.

Islamist parties were looking to score big gains in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation as they ride a tide of rising religious conservatism.

In the second-biggest city Surabaya, poll workers con-tinued a tradition of donning superhero costumes — dressing

as Spiderman and Captain America — to lure some of more than 100 million eligible voters nationwide.

Others were tasked with taking ballot boxes into hos-pitals so that coronavirus patients could vote from their sickbeds.

“All polling stations were disinfected,” said Suprianto, head of a polling station com-mittee in Jakarta’s Ciputat

district, and like many Indone-sians goes by one name.

“We made space as wide as possible to allow for social dis-tancing. Voters were also required to wear masks. If you don’t, then you won’t be allowed in the polling station.” Voter Nur Oktaviani said the precautions had put her at ease.

“I’m not worried,” the 24-year-old said.

“Here, they’re complying

with health protocols.”Hundreds of hopefuls were

vying for 270 positions, including regional governors, district heads and mayors.

Among them was President Joko Widodo’s son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 33, a busi-nessman running for mayor of Solo city in Central Java, where his father, a former furniture seller better known as Jokowi, started in politics.

Bobby Nasution (centre), son-in-law of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, and his wife Kahiyang Ayu (left) cast their votes in Medan yesterday, as Indonesia holds nationwide elections.

Japan libraries

hope UV machine

gives visitors

peace of mind

REUTERS — TOKYO

Libraries in Japan are hoping a machine that sterilises books using ultraviolet light is giving visitors reassurance to take-out publications during the coronavirus pandemic.

Libraries across the country are installing the machine, which takes 30 seconds to sterilise a book using UV light and flutter it pages to clear out dust.

The Narimasu Library in Itabashi, north of Tokyo, has had a machine installed since 2018 but the facility’s manager said that it is now being used three times as much.

Patrons can use the machine, which sits next to the front desk, once they have out a book and then again upon it’s return. However, this is not compulsory.

For many of those in the library yesterday, the machine was as much a novelty as it was a COVID-19 deterrent.

Eriko Isozaki, who comes to the library weekly to borrow children’s books, said the machine entertained her son, who appeared fascinated with the blue ultraviolet light.

“I’ve never seen hunger at this level before,” said Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger in the Philippines adding: “If you go out there everybody will tell you that they’re more afraid of dying from hunger than dying from COVID. They don’t care about COVID anymore.”

13THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 EUROPE

Merkel urges tougher curbsas COVID-19 deaths surgeAFP — BERLIN

Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday demanded tougher curbs to halt coronavirus infec-tions, as the German death toll reached a daily record of nearly 600 people.

Germany has imposed far less stringent shutdown rules than other major European nations after coming through the first wave of the pandemic relatively unscathed.

But Europe’s biggest economy has been severely hit by a second wave with daily new infections more than three times that of the peak in the spring. Daily death tolls have been climbing, reaching a record of 590 on Wednesday.

Merkel said she believed guidelines agreed two weeks ago with the leaders of Ger-many’s 16 states that kept shops open but banned indoor dining were no longer enough.

“When mulled beverage stands are being built, when waffle stands are being built, that’s not compatible with what we had agreed of only take-aways for food and drinks,” she said, in an emotional speech to parliament.

“I am really sorry... but if we’re paying the price of death tolls at 590 people daily then that’s, in my view, not acceptable.”

Pointing to recommenda-tions published yesterday by scientists of the respected Leopoldina Academy, Merkel said she agreed that it was right to close shops and limit social gatherings.

The researchers had called

for all shops other than those selling essential items to close between Christmas Eve and January 10 at the earliest. Employees should also work from home when possible while schools are also kept shut.

The idea is to use the festive period to keep people at home and break the chain of infec-tions. Urging Germans to heed the experts’ call, Merkel said people could not pick and choose when to accept the science.

“What I am very sure about is that one can overturn many things, but not gravity, speed of light and other facts,” said the trained physicist.

“Because the numbers are what they are, we must do something about them.”

With an eye on Christmas when families are expected to gather, Merkel said people have a responsibility to signif-icantly reduce social contact.

“If we have too many con-tacts before Christmas and it ends up being the last Christmas with the grand-parents, then we’d really have failed,” she said.

Merkel’s government has repeatedly said that numbers

need to be brought down to 50 per 100,000 people but the rate is currently 149 per 100,000.

State leaders had agreed a plan to allow social contact restrictions to be eased over Christmas and New Year -- allowing up to 10 adults to meet rather than just five.

However, harder-hit states including Berlin and Thuringia have opted to keep the tougher rules.

Saxony, meanwhile, has

ordered schools, kindergartens and most shops to close from Monday after becoming the country’s virus hotspot.

In the southern region of Bavaria, schools began splitting classes for high school students from Wednesday, requiring half the class to take online lessons.

Bavarians have been urged to only go out for valid reasons including to school, to work or to medical appointments.

But some warned that con-trols should also be carried out

to ensure people keep to the rules.

“We have no personnel to carry out checks. And this thing about leaving Germans to assume their responsibilities, sorry, I’m German myself, but that doesn’t work,” said Munich resident Margarete Becker.

She also felt that the curbs have been half-hearted and piecemeal under the shutdown.

“We can’t just keep taking incremental steps. Do a hard one and stick with it,” she urged.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (left) listens as Alice Weidel, parliamentary group co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party, addresses MPs during a debate at the Bundestag in Berlin, yesterday.

French prosecutors seek prison term for SarkozyAFP — PARIS

Prosecutors in the landmark corruption trial of French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy on Tuesday called for him to be sentenced to a prison term of four years of which he should serve two.

The 65-year-old right-winger, the country’s first modern head of state to appear in the dock, is accused of trying to bribe a judge with a plum retirement job in exchange for inside information on an inquiry into his campaign finances.

Prosecutors asked for the same punishment for Sarkozy’s lawyer and co-defendant, Thierry Herzog, as well as for the judge, Gilbert Azibert.

They also said Herzog should also be disbarred for five years.

“The facts would not have occurred if a former president, as well as a lawyer, had kept in mind the magnitude, the responsibility, and the duties of his office,” prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon told the court.

He said the “devastating effects of this affair strikes at the values of the Republic,” adding that it had “damaged” the judicial institution, the legal pro-fession and the image of the presidency.

Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, had told the court on Monday that he “never committed the slightest act of corruption” and vowed to go “all the way” to clear his name.

The corruption and influence-peddling charges — among several legal cases against him — carry a maximum sen-tence of 10 years and a fine of one million euros ($1.2 million).

Defending himself in court for the first time on Monday Sarkozy said he relished the prospect of getting a fair hearing after being “dragged through the mud for six years”.

“What did I do to deserve this?” asked Sarkozy, who wore a dark suit and a surgical mask, vowing to “go all the way for the truth”. The courtroom was as packed as virus restrictions would permit.

Germany sets date for election determining Merkel successorAP — BERLIN

Germany’s next parliamentary election, which will determine the country’s new leader after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s long rule, will be held on September 26, 2021.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s office said yes-terday that the head of state set the date in line with a recom-mendation from the gov-ernment. It will be post-World War II Germany’s 20th parlia-mentary election Germany holds elections every four years. The lower house of parliament, or Bundestag, elects the chancellor.

That may not happen until well after the election, because the process of putting together a governing coalition can be lengthy.

After the 2017 election, it was nearly six months before Merkel was sworn in for her fourth term - a record.

Merkel has been chancellor since 2005. She said more than two years ago that she wouldn’t seek a fifth term, and has repeatedly made clear that she won’t change her mind.

At present, it’s hard to guess who will succeed her, and much will depend on whom the leading parties

nominate as their candidates for chancellor.

Merkel’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union, part of a conservative bloc that is well ahead in polls thanks in part to positive reviews of her management of the coronavirus pandemic, plans to choose a new leader in January. That person will likely, but not nec-essarily, be nominated to run for chancellor. The centre-left Social Democrats, who pro-vided three of Germany’s eight post-war chancellors, have chosen Finance Minister Olaf Scholz as their candidate.

But the party, now the

junior partner in Merkel’s gov-erning coalition, is currently very weak in polls. Its support is lower than that of the envi-ronmentalist Greens, who are likely to make their first run for the chancellery but have yet to nominate a contender.

Voters will elect at least 598 lawmakers to the Bundestag. The number may be consid-erably higher because of Ger-many’s complex electoral system, which is based on pro-portional representation but also sees voters choose directly elected local representatives. The current Bundestag has 709 members.

France hints at delayingeasing of restrictionsREUTERS — PARIS

France will delay relaxing some COVID-19 lockdown restric-tions if necessary to stave off a third wave of infections, government spokesman Gabriel Attal said yesterday.

France is due to reopen cinemas, theatres and museums and allow citizens to move between regions on December 15, but there are signs it may not meet precon-ditions to enter into the second phase of rolling back the curbs.

“If we consider that... we must modify this second phase (of lifting lockdown measures), then of course we will do it,” Attal told CNews television.

President Emmanuel Macron will discuss the matter with senior ministers on Wednesday. He had originally set a target of 5,000 new infec-tions per day and fewer than 3,000 COVID patients in intensive care before the lockdown could be eased.

The numbers in ICU nationwide hover just above 3,000 but are consistently falling. However, the downward trend in infections has flattened, with the number of confirmed new cases rising to above 13,000 on Tuesday.

H e a l t h o f f i c i a l s acknowledge the 5,000 target is almost certainly beyond reach by December 15.

France unveils draft law to fight radical ‘enemy’AP — PARIS

A draft law aimed at arming France against radicalism was unveiled yesterday, a measure promoted by President Emmanuel Macron to rout out what he calls “separatists” under-mining the nation.

Parliament is expected to open what is likely to be a lively debate on the draft law in the months ahead. The measure, long in the making and refined until days before its presentation, has gone through various name changes and is now known by the

delicate title “Supporting Repub-lican Principles.” Prime Minister Jean Castex said those whose project is to “divide and spread hate and violence” are at the centre of “separatism.” Sepa-ratism is especially dangerous because it “is the manifestation of a conscious, theorised, political-religious project with an ambition to make religious norms predom-inate over the law,” he said at a news conference.

In an interview with the newspaper Le Monde he said the nature of a law is long-term and it would apply to any political

ideology that threatens French values, “even if today it is radical Islam that we try by all means to fight.” Castex and others insist that neither Islam as a religion nor regular Muslims are targeted by the draft law.

Neither is named in the text made up of about 50 articles aimed at enabling better oversight of mosques, associations, public services and schools. The aim is to reduce the space where rad-icals can operate and ensure that French values, including secu-larism, are guaranteed.

Among notable measures is

making school obligatory from age 3 with the ability to opt out in favour of home schooling for special cases only. The measure is aimed at ending so-called clan-destine schools run by fundamen-talists with their own agenda.

Another article encourages mosques to register as places of worship, so as to better identify them. Many of the nation’s more than 2,600 mosques currently operate under rules for associa-tions. Foreign funding for mosques, while not forbidden, would have to be declared if more than 10,000 euros.

UK: Don’t take Pfizervaccine if you haveserious allergiesAP — LONDON

British regulators warned yesterday that people who have a history of serious allergic reactions shouldn’t receive the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as they investigate two adverse reactions that occurred on the first day of the country’s mass vaccination program.

The UK’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is looking into whether the reactions were linked to the vaccine. The two people affected were staff members with the National Health Service who had a history of allergies, and both are recovering. Authorities have not specified what their reactions were.

In the meantime, the regulator has issued the warning for anyone who has had a significant allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food. That includes anyone who has been told to carry an adrenaline shot or others who have had potentially fatal allergic reactions.

“As is common with new vaccines the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vac-cination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday,’’ Professor Stephen Powis, medical director for the NHS in England, said in a statement.

“Both are recovering well.” The medical regulatory agency also said

vaccinations should not be carried out in facilities that don’t have resuscitation

equipment.Pfizer and BioNTech said they were

working with investigators “to better under-stand each case and its causes.’’ Late-stage trials of the vaccine found “no serious safety concerns,” the companies said. More than 42,000 people have received two doses of the shot during those trials.

“In the pivotal phase three clinical trial, this vaccine was generally well tolerated with no serious safety concerns reported by the independent Data Monitoring Com-mittee,” the companies said.

Documents published by the two com-panies showed that people with a history of severe allergic reactions were excluded from the trials, and doctors were advised to look out for such reactions in trial par-ticipants who weren’t previously known to

have severe allergies.Even in non-emergency situations,

health authorities must closely monitor new vaccines and medications because studies in tens of thousands of people can’t detect a rare risk that would affect 1 in 1 million.

Dr. Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, said there is a “very small” chance of an allergic reaction to any vaccine.

The MHRA last week gave emergency authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, making Britain the first country to allow its widespread use.

The UK began its mass vaccination program on Tuesday, offering the shot to people over 80, nursing home staff and some NHS workers. It’s not clear how many people have received the jab so far.

Venice Square under water asdam system fails to activate

AFP — VENICE

Venice’s St Mark’s Square was under water yesterday after a newly installed system of mobile artificial dams failed to activate.

The waters drowned St Mark’s Square — the Renais-sance city’s lowest area at about one metre above sea level — and invaded the famous basilica as many shopkeepers blocked their entrances with wood panels to keep the water out.

A massive flood defence system called MOSE aimed at protecting Venice’s lagoon during high tide was finally installed in October.

The network of water-filled caissons is designed to be raised within 30 minutes to create a barrier capable of resisting a water rise of three metres above normal.

But on Tuesday the system failed to swing into action because the forecast errone-ously predicted a rise of only 1.2 metres above sea level.

A demonstrator holding an anti-COVID-19 vaccine placard takes part in a protest march at the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, east London.

Germany has imposed

far less stringent

shutdown rules than

other major European

nations after coming

through the first wave of

the pandemic relatively

unscathed. But Europe’s

biggest economy has

been severely hit by a

second wave with daily

new infections more than

three times that of the

peak in the spring.

Brussels lights up in blue

Unrest in Guatemala

14 THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020EUROPE / AMERICAS

“We have always been

willing and will always

be willing to establish

relations with

communication,

dialogue and respect

with the government of

the United States,”

Maduro told a press

conference in Caracas.

France investigating rescuecopter crash that killed 5AFP — ALBERTVILLE, FRANCE

French investigators were yesterday probing what caused a mountain rescue helicopter to crash on a training mission in the Alps, leaving five dead and the sole survivor badly hurt.

The helicopter, an Airbus EC135 operated by a private firm, crashed on Tuesday evening around the town of Bonvillard just outside Albertville, one of the main resorts in the French Alps.

The Savoy region prefect Pascal Bolot — the top local official — said among the six people on board only the flying instructor had survived but was badly wounded.

Initial reports said that it was the pilot who survived, but it was not clear if the flying instructor was himself at the controls of the helicopter at the time of the crash or another pilot. Despite difficult weather conditions with fog at the crash site 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) above sea level, he was evacuated to hospital. Bolot said it was the flying instructor himself who had raised the alarm.

He added that an investigation has been opened by the pros-ecutor for Albertville but did not offer any explanation for how the crash happened. Weather conditions were difficult at the time of the accident, with the local gendarmerie saying there was 40 centimetres of snow on the ground.

Portugal immigration chief quits

after fatal beating of traveller

AP — LISBON

Portugal’s immigration chief quit yesterday after an outcry over the death of a Ukrainian man suspected of being tortured by offi-cials before dying in custody at Lisbon airport.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that Cristina Gatões had tendered her resignation, which was accepted with imme-diate effect.

The Ukrainian man tried to enter Portugal without a visa last March and was detained by immigration inspectors. Two days later he was found dead in his holding cell.

The public prosecutor has charged three inspectors with manslaughter.

Gatões said last month that investigations had found that the Ukrainian’s treatment at the airport had led to is death.

“I’m pretty certain that what we are looking at is a case of torture,” she told public broadcaster RTP.

The government says it plans to restructure the immigration service and install panic buttons in airport holding cells.

Maduro says hopeful of dialogue with BidenAFP & REUTERS — CARACAS

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said he hopes to open channels of communication and dialogue with the incoming administration of US President-elect Joe Biden, after years of tension with the Trump White House.

“We have always been willing and will always be willing to establish relations with communication, dialogue and respect with the gov-ernment of the United States,” Maduro told a press conference in Caracas.

“Let’s hope that the new government of Mr Joe Biden is installed, let’s hope that they have time to think and let’s hope that channels of commu-nication and dialogue between Venezuela and the United States are opened.”

The target of US sanctions aiming to force him from

power, Maduro broke off dip-lomatic relations with Wash-ington in January 2019, after President Donald Trump’s administration — along with around 60 other countries —recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s president.

“Donald Trump’s policy on Venezuela failed spectacularly,” said Maduro, who took a total grip on power in weekend

legislative polls boycotted by the opposition and slammed by international powers.

The US dismissed the poll as a “farce” and said it would continue to recognize Guaido as the country’s legitimate president.

Maduro told foreign corre-spondents that he had abruptly switched his voting venue to the main military base in Caracas on Sunday after being informed of a plan to assassinate him.

“We received information from very reliable Colombian intelligence sources, that they were preparing an attack to assassinate me on election day,” said the Venezuelan leader, who has regularly denounced alleged US or Colombian plots to kill him.

Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to overthrow his government to control the Opec nation's vast oil resources.

Maduro said that in early 2017 Delcy Rodriguez— Vene-zuela's current vice-president who was serving as foreign minister at the time — was invited to Trump's inauguration but did not attend because it was "not convenient."

He added that a Trump intermediary later invited him to a meeting with the US pres-ident during the United Nations General Assembly in late 2018. Maduro said he was open to the meeting, but that the US "estab-lishment" prevented the meeting from happening.

Trump said publicly at the time that he would be open to meeting Maduro, but that no such meeting was on his agenda.

The White House and US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro uses a disinfectant spray after a press conference following the ruling Socialist Party’s victory in legislative elections that were boycotted by the opposition, in Caracas on Tuesday.

Brazil likely tobegin vaccinationsearly next year

REUTERS — SAO PAULO

Brazil will “quite likely” begin vaccinations to stem the coro-navirus pandemic in January or February, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello said in an interview with CNN Brasil.

Pazuello said that Brazil had signed a letter of intent to receive 70 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from Pfizer starting in January.

Next-generation aircraft carrier willbe nuclear-powered, says MacronREUTERS — PARIS

France’s next-generation aircraft carrier will be nuclear-powered and replace the national fleet’s flagship warship, the Charles de Gaulle, in 2038, President Emmanuel Macron said.

The 11th carrier-vessel in the French Navy’s history will be built by French defence con-tractor Naval Group and equipped with the new electro-magnetic aircraft launch system developed by US company General Atomics, French officials said.

The carrier will be 300 metres (984 ft) long and have a deadweight of 75,000 tonnes. It will be able to carry up to 30 Rafale fighter jets or the suc-cessor of the Dassault warplane

currently being developed by France, Germany and Spain.

The French military had ini-tially lent towards a ship with conventional propulsion, but together with Macron later opted for a nuclear-powered vessel, despite heavier con-struction costs, for technical and strategic reasons.

“Out strategic future, our status as a great power, lies with the nuclear industry,” Macron said during a visit to a nuclear sector components maker. France is continental Europe’s only nuclear power. Britain is a nuclear power too, though its relationship with the European Union— from trade to security — once it leaves the EU’s orbit on January 1 remains uncertain.

The French state will invest one billion euros during the first development phase that will end in 2025, the Ministry of Armed Forces said. Ministry officials declined to comment on media reports that the vessel could cost more than ¤5bn ($6.05bn).

“Naval Group is very proud to build the largest warship ever built in France”, the company CEO, Pierre Eric Pommelet, said in a statement.

Three other Western air-craft carriers have been com-missioned since the Charles de Gaulle was first deployed, including The US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford and the British Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Eliz-abeth, which cost about £3.1bn ($4.03bn).

The Palace of Culture and Science is lit up in the blue colour of the European Union’s flag ahead of an EU summit in Brussels, in Warsaw, Poland, yesterday.

Trucks remain stuck on a road blocked by indigenous people demanding the resignation of Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei, in Cuatro Caminos, San Cristobal Totonicapan, Guatemala, yesterday. Thousands of indigenous people blocked roads in western Guatemala in another day of demonstrations in demand of President Alejandro Giammattei’s resignation.

Lithuania opens torture probe targeting Belarus officialsAFP — VILINIUS

Lithuania’s prosecutor general yesterday launched a criminal probe against Belarusian regime officials over alleged torture of a pro-democracy activist in the neighbouring country.

EU member Lithuania has played a key role in rallying international support for pro-tests against the disputed

re-election of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Prosecutor Evaldas Pasilis said he applied universal juris-diction laws that allow the pros-ecution of crimes against humanity committed anywhere in the world. “All of us, no matter our citizenship, have the same right to life and dignity,” Pasilis said in a statement.

The investigation was

opened after Belarus citizen Maksim Kharoshyn filed a petition with Lithuanian pros-ecutors, claiming he had been tortured while in the custody o f B e l a r u s i a n law-enforcement.

No suspects were named in the Lithuanian probe so far.

Exiled Belarusian oppo-sition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya welcomed the

move and urged other European countries to follow suit.

“We encourage all other countries to follow the initiative of the Lithuanian prosecutor and to start investigating the regime’s crimes against humanity. Not a single case should be forgotten and every case should be investigated,” she said in a telephone interview.

Since the August vote, Belarus has been engulfed by the political crisis, with pro-testers taking to the streets and authorities cracking down on the opposition.

Tikhanovskaya, who claims to have won the presidential vote, and Kharoshyn are among hundreds of Belarusians that Lithuania has granted refuge in recent months.

Grains port workers’ unions inArgentina launch wage strikeREUTERS — BUENOS AIRES

Argentine grains inspectors and oilseeds workers started a new wage strike yesterday, organ-isers said in a joint statement, as stalling contract negotiations threatened to interrupt exports from one of the world’s main bread baskets.

Argentina, a top global sup-plier of corn, soybeans and wheat, is prone to work stoppages as employers are hard pressed to increase wages faster than the country’s high inflation rate. Argentina is the world’s top exporter of soymeal livestock feed,

used to fatten hogs and poultry from Europe to Southeast Asia. “Given the persistent lack of will-ingness on the part of export com-panies to reach a wage contract,” a statement from the country’s oilseed workers federation said, “the struggle continues.”

Gustavo Idigoras, head of Argentina’s CIARA-CEC export companies’ chamber, said the labor organizations were asking for excessive salary increases.

“We are still in conflict,” he said. “We reiterate that we need to reach a mutual agreement but we need the unions to change their request and to accept that

salary increases must be at the same level of inflation during the year,” he said.The URGARA union, representing workers who inspect grains at port, also issued a statement announcing the strike.

“Initially the work stoppage is for 24 hours. We will later evaluate whether to extend it for another 24 hours,” it said.

Argentina’s grains sector has been hit by a spate of strikes and contract stand-offs with unions throughout the pro-duction and export chain. Corn and soy, the country’s main cash crops, are currently being planted.

Denmark charges

Russian citizen

with spying

for MoscowAFP — COPENHAGEN

Danish prosecutors said yesterday they were charging a Russian citizen resident in Denmark with spying for Moscow’s intelligence service, passing on energy technology secrets in particular.

The Danish Prosecution Service said the man, who has been in detention since early July, would be tried at a date to be determined, likely behind closed doors.

“The accused... is sus-pected of having provided information on, among other things, Danish energy tech-nologies for a Russian intel-ligence service for payment,” the Prosecution Service said in a statement.

Russia’s embassy in Denmark said it expected the accused to be cleared of the charges.

“The Russian embassy con-siders the arrest of our com-patriot and charges against him as a mistake and counts on the impartial approach of the Danish justice to this case,” the embassy said in a statement.

Under Danish law, the accused, whose age and occu-pation have not been revealed, faces up to six years in prison.

The Prosecution Service added that it will also seek to have the man expelled from the country.

Keeping a watch

Maintenance at White House

15THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020 AMERICAS

Biden to nominate

former governor

of Iowa for

USDA secretary

REUTERS — WASHINGTON/CHICAGO

US President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (pictured) for agriculture secretary, according to two sources familiar with the decision.

Vilsack, who led the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under former President Barack Obama, has a long rela-tionship with Biden and served as a trusted adviser on rural issues during his campaign.

Vilsack’s return to the USDA is likely to be applauded by Midwestern states that produce the bulk of commodity crops like corn, soybeans and wheat, and prefer him to someone from another region of the country.

His spokeswoman, Regina Black, declined to comment “as an official announcement hasn’t been made.” The Biden transition office did not respond to a requests for comment on the choice.

The Farm Belt was battered by President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and waivers that exempted oil refiners from obligations to use corn-based ethanol. But Mid-western farmers also received an unprecedented amount of direct farm subsidies under Trump even as coronavirus stimulus for millions of other Americans stalled in Congress.

Canada approves Pfizer vaccineAP — TORONTO

Canada’s health regulator yesterday approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, days ahead of possible approval in the United States.

Health Canada posted on it is website that the vaccine made by US drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech is authorised.

The vaccine already has been approved by the United Kingdom and Bahrain and officials have said they expect US approval within days.

“This is a critical milestone,” Dr. Supriya Sharma, chief medical advisor at Health Canada.

“Canadians can have confidence in our rigorous review process, and that the vaccine was only authorized only after a thorough assessment of the evi-dence demonstrated that it met Canada’s strict standards for safety, efficacy and quality.”

Health Canada said terms of the approval require the manufacturer to continue providing information on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine.

Canada is set to receive up to 249,000 doses this month and Canadian

officials expect to administer them within days.

Britain on Tuesday began vaccina-tions with the shot made by Pfizer and BioNTech.

US regulators on Tuesday also released their first scientific evaluation of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine and con-firmed it offers strong protection. Vac-cines are emerging from an all-out worldwide race and are reaching the market less than a year after the virus was even identified - a remarkable sci-entific achievement that shaved years off the usual process.

The encouraging developments come as the coronavirus continues surging across much of the world. The scourge has claimed more than 1.5 million lives, including over 285,000 in the US, the highest toll of any country.

US Food and Drug Administration sci-entists are meeting today, when the agency’s independent advisers will debate if the evidence is strong enough to recommend vaccinating millions of Americans.

“It is encouraging to see that our mRNA vaccine is now authorised in Canada. Following UK and Bahrain, it is the third country to approve use of our vaccine within a week,” said Sean Marett, BioNTech’s chief business and chief commercial officer.

US FDA scientists reanalysed data and found the Pfizer vaccine appears safe and more than 90% effective across patients of different ages, races and underlying health conditions.

Health Canada said the vaccine is for use in people 16 years of age or older, but noted Pfizer-BioNTech are running

further clinical trials on children of all age groups and that could change.

Canada recently amended the con-tract with Pfizer so that it would deliver up to 249,000 doses this month. That will mean about 124,500 of the highest risk Canadians will get vaccinated at first as two doses are required per person a few weeks apart.

Pfizer and BioNTech said it will supply a minimum of 20 million doses to Canada through 2021 and as many as 76 million.

Canada has contracts with six other vaccine makers is currently reviewing three other vaccines including one by Moderna that Canadian health officials said could be approved soon.

The government has said 14 distri-bution centers will be located in large Canadian cities initially. There will be at least one in each province and two each in Canada’s four largest provinces.

“This is phenomenal news for all Canadians as we take the next step toward ending this pandemic. As soon as vaccines arrive on Ontario soil, we will be ready to deliver and administer them,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a tweet.

Pfizer and BioNTech said it will supply a minimum of 20 million doses to Canada through 2021 and as many as 76 million. Canada has contracts with six other vaccine makers is currently reviewing three other vaccines including one by Moderna that Canadian health officials said could be approved soon.

US nears vaccine approval, economic relief as virus rages onREUTERS — WASHINGTON

Economic relief and a vaccine drew nearer to reality yesterday to counter a corona-virus pandemic that has ravaged the US economy and killed 286,487 people with year-end holiday gatherings expected to fuel another surge in infections.

The US House of Repre-sentatives was set to vote on a one-week stopgap funding bill that will buy more time to reach a deal on COVID-19 relief, with a separate aid packages of more than $900 billion on the table.

Help is urgently needed as the United States reported an average of 2,259 deaths and 205,661 new cases each day over the past week, an appalling trend that U.S. health officials warn is likely to accelerate.

Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin said he expected Democrats and Republicans to work out most of the funding bill details on Wednesday.

“You’re going to see 90% of the bill today,” Manchin told CNN.

But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters, “We’re still looking for a way forward.”

He criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for not accepting two Republican offers this week.

Part of the congressional debate involves aid to state and local governments. In addition to millions of job losses in the private sector, state and local governments have laid off nearly 700,000 workers this year, according to US data, equal to 8.4% of the work-force. In the former

manufacturing hub of Schenectady, New York, the city government raised property taxes and trash-col-lection fees while the school board laid off 423 teachers, janitors and other workers, even with only 16% of grade-schoolers found to be profi-cient in math last year.

Construction crew members work on an irrigation system replacement project on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, US, yesterday.

A police officer keeps watch at a crime scene, where two men were found in the trunk of a car shot to death, according to local media, in San Pedro Garza Garcia, on the outskirts of Monterrey, Mexico on Tuesday.

Parents charged after boy shoots, kills younger cousin

AP — MEMPHIS

The parents of a 13-year-old boy who fatally shot his younger cousin while playing with a gun have been charged in the 9-year-old’s death, authorities in Tennessee said.

Latria Johnson, 28, and her boyfriend Lindsey Williams, 27, have been indicted on crimi-nally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment charges, the Shelby County dis-trict attorney’s office said in a news release.

Investigators said the two boys were left alone in an apartment in the Memphis suburb of Cordova on March 13, while their mothers went shopping.

The older boy, who was not named, picked up his father’s loaded.40 caliber handgun in the master bedroom and acci-dentally pulled the trigger, investigators said. Xavier Jackson was killed when a bullet struck him in the face, authorities said.

AP — WASHINGTON

A new poll find only about half of Americans are ready to roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccines even as states prepare to begin months of vaccinations.

The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows about a quarter of US. adults aren’t sure if they want to get vac-cinated when their turn comes. Roughly another quarter say they won’t.

The Food and Drug Administration is poised to decide whether to allow emergency use of two can-didates. Many on the fence have safety concerns and want to see how the initial rollout fares. The coronavirus has killed nearly 290,000 Americans. The US also leads the world with 15.2 million confirmed cases.

About 50% of people will take the new corona-virus vaccine, according to Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey. About 25% of US adults aren’t sure if they want to get vaccinated.

Poll: 50% of Americans ready for vaccine shot

UN rights chief expects US will be ‘much better’ under BidenAP — GENEVA

The U.N human rights chief says she expects the US adminis-tration of President-elect Joe Biden will be “much, much better” when it comes to human rights, and warned of shrinking “democratic space” in Hong Kong - saying her office will be monitoring the rights situation there.

Michelle Bachelet spoke to reporters in Geneva in a catch-all news conference to recap the year and look ahead to 2021.

She cited concerns about the inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and sys-temic racism like that high-lighted by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Bachelet hailed “a series of

promising pledges” by Biden, on issues like increasing the number of refugees resettled in the United States, an end to construction of the wall on the US-Mexico border and “an overhaul of the asylum system.” She said she hoped the US would return to the UN-backed Human Rights Council, from which the Trump administration pulled out amid allegations of anti-Israel bias and an excessive acceptance of governments with dismal human rights records.

“For human rights. I think it (the Biden administration) will be much, much, much better,” said Bachelet, noting that she knew Biden “very well” from his time as U.S. vice president and her tenure

as president of Chile. “I’m really hopeful on that.”

Bachelet also expressed concerns about “the rapidly shrinking civic and democratic space” in Hong Kong since the passage of a national security law in China last year.

She said more people have been arrested and charges with offenses like unauthorized assembly.

“Recent convictions of activists for protests that took place last year risk causing a wider, chilling effect on the exercise of fundamental freedoms,” she said. “We believe that peaceful protest s h o u l d n e v e r b e criminalized.”

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Bachelet added.

Pompeo urges US universities to scrutinise Chinese studentsAFP — ATLANTA

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday urged US universities to scrutinise China’s assistance and students, warning that Beijing was set on stealing innovation.

The outgoing top US dip-lomat, known for his hawkish views on China, made the speech on a visit to Georgia, a state with a growing Asian-American com-munity and which next month holds two elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.

Pompeo said that the United States should welcome Chinese who “genuinely” want to study in the country but pointed to two cases of Chinese students who were charged with spying and other examples of Beijing har-assing its students abroad.

“If we don’t educate

ourselves, if we’re not honest about what’s taking place, we’ll get schooled by Beijing,” Pompeo said in a speech at Georgia Tech.

“The Chinese Communist Party knows it can never match our innovation,” Pompeo said. “That’s why it sends 400,000 students a year to the United States of America.” He renewed calls for US universities to close all Confucius Institutes, the Beijing-funded institutions that offer Chinese-language instruction but are careful to toe to Beijing’s line on politi-cally sensitive topics.

“We need administrators to close Confucius Institutes and investigate what so-called student groups backed by the CCP money are actually up to on their campuses,” Pompeo said. “We cannot allow this tyrannical regime to steal our stuff, to build their military

might, brainwash our people or buy off our institutions to help them cover up these activities.”

In language sure to be wel-comed by his Republican Party’s right wing, Pompeo alleged that China has made inroads on left-leaning univer-sities as they are “rife with anti-Americanism.”

He criticised several uni-versities by name including the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, saying he had hoped to deliver his remarks there but was told by its president, Rafael Reif, that his comments “might insult their ethnic Chinese students and professors.” MIT denied his account, saying it was con-tacted in August about being the venue for the speech by Pompeo and was “honoured to be considered.”

Nepal Ambassador visits The Peninsula

16THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2020

You Ask, officials answer

Baby Development – How does it happen?

Baby development in the first 12 months is amazing. Through warm and responsive interac-tions with caregivers, as well as play, babies learn to commu-nicate, think, move, express emotions and much more. In general, development happens in the same order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. For example, children usually learn to stand, and then they learn to walk. But this development can happen any time between 8 and 18 months.

What are develop-mental mile-stones?

Developmental achievements are called, ‘milestones’. Growth and development milestones are a useful guide for tracking your baby’s development. Developmental milestones are grouped under headings according to the parts of the body they refer to:

(gross motor skills) involve the coordination and control of large muscles, and skills like walking, sitting and running.

(fine motor skills) involve the coordination and control of small muscles, and skills like holding a rattle and picking up crumbs.

near and far, and to understand what you see.

hear, listen to and understand sounds.

the ability to make and under-stand sounds those form words.

Understanding is the ability to learn and interact with others. It includes skills for play and connecting and communicating.

What is Develop-mental Delay?

When young children are slower to develop physical, emotional, social and commu-nication skills than expected is called developmental delay.

Developmental delay can show up in the way children move, communicate, think and learn or behave with others, when more than one of these areas is affected, it might be called global devel-opmental delay.

Developmental delays might be short term or it might be the first sign of a

developmental delays are also called developmental disabilities.

Examples include cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder

Answers provided by: Sathish Chandra Segar, MSc, OT — Clinical Director, QISH, Doha

Learn the Signs, Act Early — Child Development -Part 2

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The Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, Dr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi, received Ambassador of Nepal to Qatar, Dr. Narad Nath Bharadwaj at The Peninsula office yesterday. The Ambassador was briefed about the evolution of the newspaper over the past two decades since its establishment and its mission, vision and role of the newspaper’s website. The Ambassador praised the news coverage of the daily, especially about the Nepalese community. The envoy and the Editor-in-Chief discussed cooperation between the Embassy and the newspaper in promoting the interest of the people of two countries. PIC: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH/THE PENINSULA

Qatar participates in inauguration of

ALECSO associated schools networksQNA — DOHA

-pated in an event held

-

to inaugurate the networks of schools, clubs and scientific

-

-person of the Executive Council

Affairs Department Abdullah Al

Coordinator of Representatives

Addressing the event,

reviewed the directory of net-works of schools, clubs and aca-demic chairs affiliated with the organization, and the goals it includes at the national, regional and global levels, as well as the main axes and priority projects for these networks, the mecha-nisms and conditions for joining them, and the role of Arab national committees in coordi-nation between these networks

the experience and leadership

based on the belief of its wise leadership in the importance of building human resources.

-tance of joining such networks which contributed to opening a global channel for the transfer and dissemination of information and knowledge among students, introducing

the national, Arab and Islamic history and heritage, commu-nicating with international institutions and organizations in the field of education, culture and science, and pro-moting dialogue between stu-dents and their counterparts in other countries in order to support world peace and security.

of points that guarantee the success of these networks, including the good choice of activities, programs and projects to be presented such as issues of Arab youth, envi-ronment, climate, sustainable development, media, and global issues adopted by Arab and international organizations such as scientific projects that work to develop the spirit of innovation and creativity in stu-dents, and issues that work to promote Islamic values, prin-ciples and ideals in the hearts of students.

W ALRUWAIS : 21o → 24o

W ALKHOR : 17o → 25o

W DUKHAN : 19o → 23o

W WAKRAH : 13o → 27o

W MESAIEED : 13o → 27o

W ABUSAMRA : 14o → 24o

Moderate temperature daytime with some clouds, relatively cold by night.

Minimum Maximum18

o

C 27o

C

WEATHER TODAY

LOW TIDE 06:05 – 19:56

HIGH TIDE 02:02 – 11:48

PRAYER TIMINGSPPPPRAYRRRAAAYARA MMMMIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGMMMMMMMMIIINNNNNNGGGNNNNGGIINNNNGNNNNNNNNN

PRAYERTIMINGS

FAJR

SUNRISE

04.46 am 06.08 am

DHUHR 11.27 am

ISHA 06.17 pmMAGHRIB

ASR 02.25 pm04.47 pm