Friday 31 July 2020

10 Dhul-Hijja - 1441

2 Riyals

www.thepeninsula.qa

Volume 25 | Number 8335

Wishing you a warm and blessed Eid

Amir exchanges Eid Al Adha greetings with Arab, Islamic leadersQNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged greetings, in telephone conversations yesterday, with a number of leaders of Arab countries, on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged greetings, in a telephone conversations yesterday, with H H Deputy Amir and Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.

H H the Amir exchanged greetings with H E President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, H M King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, and HE President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also exchanged greetings with H E President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Hassan Rouhani on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha, in a telephone conversation His Highness held yesterday afternoon.

H H the Amir exchanged greetings with H M King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, H E President of the Republic of Iraq Dr. Barham

Salih, H E President of the Republic of Tunisia, Kais Saied, H E President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, and H E President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also exchanged cables of greetings with Their Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses leaders of Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.

Meanwhile, H H the Amir received cables of congratulations on this occasion from a number of leaders of friendly countries.

Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged cables of greetings with Their Highnesses and

Excellencies crown princes and vice-presidents of Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani exchanged cables of congratulations with Their Excellencies prime ministers of Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani also exchanged greetings, in a telephone conversation yesterday, with H H Prime Minister of State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.

Amir to perform Eid Al Adha prayer at Al Wajba praying areaQNA — DOHA

The Amiri Diwan announced that Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will perform the blessed Eid Al Adha prayer along with a group of loyal citizens at Al Wajba praying area today.

The Amiri Diwan wished that this blessed occasion be full of goodness and blessings for Qatar, Arab and Islamic nations.

QNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a cable from H E the Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha, conveying his greetings and greetings of members of the Shura Council on this blessed occasion. H H the Amir responded with a reply cable of thanks.

Qatar’s GDP in Q1 2020 reaches QR167.33bnQNA — DOHA

The Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) said the prelim-inary estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices (2018=100) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 is estimated at QR 167.33bn, which represents an increase of 0.9 percent compared to the revised estimate of Q1 of 2019 and a decrease of 1.4 percent compared to Q4 of 2019 which stood at QR169.64bn.

The quarterly GDP at current prices in Q1 of 2020 is estimated at QR 153.77bn. This represents a decrease of 5.5 percent compared to the revised estimate of Q1 of 2019placed at QR 162.71bn.

When compared to previous quarter (Q4 of 2019) revised estimate of QR159.65bn, a

decrease of 3.7 percent is recorded.

The nominal Gross Value

Added (GVA) estimate of Mining and Quarrying activities is esti-mated at QR 51.84 billion in Q1 2020, which shows a decrease of 15.5 percent over the revised estimate of Q1 2019 placed at QR 61.37 billion. Compared to the previous quarter (Q4 of 2019) revised estimate, there has been a decrease of 5.4 percent in the GVA of this sector.

The real GVA of these activ-ities is estimated at QR 64.18bn in Q1 2020, virtually unchanged compared to the revised estimate of Q1 2019 (QR 64.18 bn). Compared to Q4 2019 revised estimate, an increase of 2.9 percent in the real GVA of this sector is also recorded.

The nominal GVA estimate

of Non-Mining and Quarrying activities is estimated at QR 101.93bn in Q1 2020,which shows an increase of 0.6 percent over the revised estimate of Q1 2019 (QR 101.34 billion). Compared to the pre-vious quarter (Q4 of 2019) revised estimate, a decrease of 2.8 percent has been recorded.

The real GVA of these activ-ities totaled QR 103.15bn in Q1 2020, which shows an increase of 1.4 percent over the revised estimate of the corresponding quarter Q1 2019 (QR 101.72bn). However, compared to Q4 2019 revised estimate, the real GVA of Non-Mining and Quarrying activities has decreased by 3.8 percent

Awqaf Ministry prepares 401 mosques, grounds for Eid prayersQNA — DOHA

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair announced that the Eid Al Adha prayers will take place today in the 401 mosques and praying areas that have been prepared for this purpose.

The Ministry said that the mosques and praying areas were distributed geographically to be close to all regions of the country and facilitate the per-formance of Eid Al Adha prayers for everyone. The ministry was also keen on preparing mosques and praying areas for Eid Al Adha prayer, through hygiene teams, who are working con-tinuously to prepare mosques for worshipers. The prayer will take place at 5:15 am, quarter of an hour after sunrise.

NMoQ to launch two crowd-sourced virtual exhibitions next monthRAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA

Though its doors are is still closed amid the pandemic, National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) offers museum-goers fresh ways to enjoy its new exhibitions with the much anticipated launch of two community-driven digital exhi-bitions next month.

To be accessible via NMoQ’s website, “Qatar’s Culinary Journey” and “Habitats &

Shelters” feature themes that are explored in the National Museum’s permanent galleries and include crowd-sourced material.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NMoQ invited its digital audiences to contribute towards developing the content of each, providing a platform for sharing creative responses during these challenging times.

As intangible heritage is a vital theme explored across NMoQ’s permanent galleries,

the first digital exhibition it will launch is “Qatar’s Culinary Journey.” To start this Eid Al Adha, the exhibition highlights traditional and personal inter-pretations of Qatari cuisine. For this exhibition, the museum asked its digital audiences to share two to three photographs while preparing a Qatari inspired dish or drink, a photo showcasing the final result, a recipe card, and a short statement explaining where/how/why they learnt to make

this dish.It will be followed by “Hab-

itats & Shelters” set to launch during the first half of August. Inspired by NMoQ’s “Qatar’s Natural Environments” and “Life in Al Barr (Desert)” per-manent galleries, this virtual exhibition explores how plants, animals, and humans alike find shelter in the most extraor-dinary places and ways during challenging times, such as extreme or unusual weather conditions, natural disasters

and even pandemics. In addition, NMoQ earlier

announced it will launched two more digital exhibitions namely “NMoQ Creates Together” and “Mal Lawal Home Edition.”

“NMoQ Creates Together” features the community’s artistic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its related lifestyle shifts. NMoQ has asked people to submit various art forms such as drawings, painting, sculptures, photography and video. This

exhibition targets ages six through 18 and will be cele-brated during children’s month in November.

“Mal Lawal Home Edition,” on the other hand, will be the first virtual version of the biennial exhibition which was first presented at the QM Gallery ALRIWAQ in 2012. In its third edition, Mal Lawal, which pro-vides a public platform to share personal collections, is slated to be held at the NMoQ in December.

Animal slaughter only at abattoirs: MMESIDI MOHAMED THE PENINSULA

To ensure the safety of meat in the presence of veterinary doctors at abattoirs, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has urged residents to get their animals slaughtered only at abattoirs not at home.

“Abattoirs have all the important services such as a vet-erinary examination service that is supervised by specialists in addition to halls equipped with highest standards of health and general hygiene to ensure

healthy conditions and if the meat fit to human consumption or not,” said the Ministry on its website.

In order to avoid waiting at abattoirs, a number of people during Eid days, prefer to slaughter their sheep at homes ignoring the safety of meat.

The Ministry provides veter-inarians at abattoirs who examine all sheep before and after slaughter which ensures that slaughtered animals are free of diseases. The veterinarians are increased at all these abat-toirs to meet people needs

during Eid Al Adha days.For slaughtered animals

which found unfit for human consumption, the Ministry said: “Slaughtered animals which found unfit for human con-sumption will be destroyed. We also advise people to transport meat in a healthy way that takes into account the health condi-tions to ensure its safety, espe-cially in such hot conditions.”

The abattoirs are equipped according to the required health specifications and use tools that are well sterilized periodically. �P2

Amir receives greetings from Speaker of Shura Council on the occasion of Eid

Amir sends congratulations to Morocco KingQNA — DOHA

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to H M King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco on the occasion of the anniversary of his accession to the throne.

The preliminary estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices (2018=100) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 is estimated at QR167.33bn, which repre-sents an increase of 0.9 percent compared to the revised estimate of Q1 of 2019.

QR167.33bn

The Ministry provides veterinarians at abattoirs who examine all sheep before and after slaughter which ensures that slaughtered animals are free of diseases.

wishes its readers a joyousThe Peninsula

02 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020HOME

FAJR SUNRISE 03.36 am 05.00 am

W A L R U WA I S : 33o↗ 40o W A L K H O R : 31o↗ 38o W D U K H A N : 32o↗ 41o W WA K R A H : 31o↗ 37o W M E S A I E E D 31o↗ 37o W A B U S A M R A 32o↗ 4 4o

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

HIGH TIDE 14:33 – 23:53 LOW TIDE 06:58– 21:22

Hazy at places at first becomes hot daytime with some clouds and relatively humid by night.

Minimum Maximum35oC 41oC

ZUHRMAGHRIB

11.40 am06.22 pm

ASR ISHA

03.07 pm07.52 pm

QF has played a pivotal role in developing and protecting Qatari cultural heritageTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar Foundation’s recent collaboration with TED provides a platform for intel-lectual exchange in its original and immaculate form, said Abdullatif Al Jasmi (pictured), Director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums.

It also provides an oppor-tunity to introduce ideas - and their roots - which are often lost when they are transferred or shared away from their original source, he said speaking about the recent launch of TEDinArabic.

“Preserving the Arabic lan-guage includes preserving the intangible moral aspect that is achieved by the use of Arabic. Arabic language has, in the past, been associated with a number of practices and social occa-sions during which songs were chanted and stories were told, and the linguistic content has become historically synon-ymous with those practices which reflect the Arab identity across vast geographical loca-tions,” said Al Jasmi.

“That intangible element of heritage would not have enough representation unless it is shared in its original form, which can be achieved through global partnerships that

provide a fertile platform for exchanging ideas, such as the partnership that has been created TEDinArabic,” he added.

While, speaking about the role of language in intellectual exchange, and the importance of this exchange being carried out in a person’s native lan-guage, Al Jasmi said that what is unique about a person’s native language is that there is a close moral connection between that language and the person’s national identity.

“Communication through a ‘mother tongue’ gives the first realization of belonging to something that extends beyond the direct family setting. Belonging to something bigger. The connection then grows beyond language and extends to include intellect, culture, customs and traditions and

eventually connects us to our past and helps us identify our roots, preserve our heritage, and convey an image of it to the world,” he said.

“Thus, this attachment to a ‘mother tongue’ supports our relationship with our identity and roots and brings an impetus for intellectual participation, enabling commonality between persons through which infor-mation and ideas are freely exchanged,” he added.

He also said that, in this digital age, and with increasing moves toward globalization, it became easy to share large amounts of intellectual or lit-erary content rapidly through digital media. Although this is an important benefit of the digital age, transference of content has often resulted in the dilution of texts and the loss of content - or even the loss of an aesthetic aspect of it. There is a commonly-used term: “lost in translation” being that when intellectual content is trans-ferred from its original version, part of its artistic, intellectual, and literary meaning being lost.

“No matter how advanced translation is, a part of it will always go missing, and it was that has led the Orientalists to learn the Arabic language,” said Al Jasmi.

QF partner Texas A&M at Qatar to lead $3.2m project on cybersecurity for the smart gridTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

An international research collaboration between academia and industry led by Texas A&M University at Qatar has received a $3.2m grant from the Qatar National Research Foundation (QNRF) for a cluster project for smart grid cybersecurity infra-structure in Qatar, with the ultimate goal of providing more safer, more reliable energy supply for the country.

Led by Dr. Haitham Abu-Rub, pro-fessor in Texas A&M at Qatar’s Electrical and Engineering Program and managing director of the TEES Smart Grid Center extension in Qatar, the interdisciplinary team includes researchers from Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni-versity, the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, and the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation, KAHRAMAA. International collaborators include faculty from Texas A&M’s main campus in College Station, Texas (USA) and Kansas State University (USA). Addi-tional support will come from further support form KAHRAMAA, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Qatar Mobility Innovations Center and some companies in industry in the United States (AllCell and Typhoon HIL).

The project, NPRP12C-0814-190012 “Multi-layer Cybersecurity and Situa-tional Awareness to Enhance Resiliency in Qatar’s Power Grid,” was awarded as part of QNRF’s National Priorities Research Program-Cluster track for a duration of four years. The Cluster track aims to develop solutions to real-world challenges in Qatar that produce

tangible societal and economic impact. Through this Cluster program, QNRF supports multi-institutional and inter-disciplinary research to solve significant and complex problems that need an unconventional approach.

Abu-Rub said that the outcomes of this cluster project will help to create a cyber-physical security infrastructure for Qatar’s smart grid while addressing the challenges associated with cyber-physical security and situational awareness of Qatar’s power grid. In short, and in addition to the huge educational benefits, the research will help protect Qatar’s smart grid and critical infrastructures from cyberattacks, damage and energy dis-ruption, thereby ensuring the energy security of Qatar’s critical infrastructure.

The collaborators said that resi-dential, commercial, institutional and

industrial sectors throughout Qatar will benefit from this research. All these sectors need an electric energy supply with improved reliability and enhanced resiliency from Qatar’s power grid. Various stakeholders will gain huge ben-efits from the acquired knowledge, skill and transfer technologies that will be created during the project. This project can result in a significant impact on Qatar’s national electric grid security and economic savings.

Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, Kah-ramaa President said, “As Qatar’s electric grid keeps expanding and transforming to smart grid, the probability of cyber-attack increases day by day. Creating a cyber-physical security smart grid infra-structure is a top priority for Qatar and surely worldwide. Kahramaa has always had active collaboration with Texas A&M

at Qatar and other local universities and research centers. Being a strategic partner in the Smart Grid Center at Texas A&M at Qatar provides a significant opportunity in supporting and partnering in such collaborative research.”

Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie, QNRF Exec-utive Director, said, “I extend my sincere congratulations to the awarded team. The proposed research has exceptional merit and the potential to significantly advance the current body of knowledge in cyberse-curity and energy. In turn, the findings will position Qatar as an international leader in terms of innovation in these critical areas. I also foresee the research outcomes leading to meaningful IP opportunities and con-tributing to economic development and diversification in Qatar.”

Dr. Saif Al Kuwari, principal inves-tigator from Hamad Bin Khalifa Uni-versity, said, “This project will create unique opportunities on different level. Academically, it will facilitate interdis-ciplinary research collaboration. Prac-tically, it will innovate solutions for real-world problems and connect academia with industry. Nationally, it is addressing genuine local challenges related to smart grid cybersecurity infrastructure”

Texas A&M at Qatar dean Dr. César Octavio Malavé said such an interdisci-plinary and multidisciplinary research col-laboration is at the heart of the branch campus’s vision to be an essential resource to Qatar. “Part of our mission is to gen-erate new knowledge and intellectual capital through innovative research and collaborative partnerships that yield sus-tainable impact,” Malavé said.

QU academic elected to European Society of Clinical PharmacyTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Qatar University’s (QU) Manager of Academic Quality Assurance at Vice-President for Medical and Health Sciences Office and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice at the QU College of Pharmacy, Dr. Derek Stewart (pictured), has been elected to serve as a member of the General Committee of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy.

The European Society of Clinical Pharmacy is an inter-national leader in advancing quality and innovation in clinical pharmacy education, practice and research. The mission of the organization is to promote, support, implement and advance education, practice and research in clinical pharmacy in order to optimize outcomes for patients.

The membership of the Society is global and growing within the Middle East. The General Committee is the stra-tegic planning and decision making committee of the society with members elected by the Society’s members. Prior to joining the General Committee. Commenting on his achievement Dr. Derek said: “I am delighted to have been elected by the members to this committee. This pro-vides opportunities to showcase the contribution of Qatar University on the global pharmacy and to influence clinical pharmacy practice, education and research.”

Dr. Stewart was the Chair of the Research Committee for three years. He joined Qatar University in April 2019 from Scotland where he was Pro-fessor of Pharmacy Practice at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. He is a highly acclaimed international researcher and academic, having published almost 200 research and education papers, and has collaborated with indi-viduals at Qatar University and Hamad Medical Corporation for over ten years.

MoPH: 307 new COVID-19 cases, 286 recoveriesTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yesterday announced the registration of 307 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. Another 286 people have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recovered cases in Qatar to 107,135.

The Ministry also announced two new deaths of people both aged 63 years who were receiving the 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 suc-ceeded in flattening the curve and limiting the spread of the virus. The number of daily new cases and hospital admissions has gradually declined over the past few weeks.

Qatar has one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates in the world, as a result of young popu-lation, proactive testing to identify cases early, expanding hospital capacity, especially intensive care to ensure all patients receive the medical care they need, and pro-tecting the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

Sidra Medicine offers parental advice for children living with type 1 diabetes

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Sidra Medicine hosted its first webinar recently for parents with children with Type 1 Diabetes, offering guidance regarding their care during COVID-19. Hosted by Prof. Goran Petrovski, Senor Attending Physician and moderated by Judith Campbell, Nurse Practi-tioner from Sidra Medicine’s Diabetes Clinic, the session focused on diabetes management processes for parents and teenagers especially during the current pandemic.

Dr. Goral Petrovski (pic-tured), Senior Attending Phy-sician at Sidra Medicine said: “The pandemic is a global chal-lenge as it has impacted the healthcare sector including sup-plies for medication, support services and technology pathways worldwide. This has a multiplier effect that cascades across the healthcare spectrum as patient families are too scared to regularly follow up on doctors’ visits or maintain a regular routine for their children.”

“While people with Type 1 diabetes, who are controlling their glucose levels (if their glucose control is in satisfied range) are not considered high risk for contracting COVID-19, it is still critical to apply the same level of diligence with regular hand washing; wearing

masks and maintaining social and physical distancing. For those living with diabetes par-ticularly children and teen-agers, the mental and physical impact on them is concerning. Long periods of staying at home has meant that many of them are experiencing glucose dete-rioration due to reduced exercise and increased stress,” continued Prof. Petrovski.

The Diabetes Clinic at Sidra Medicine recommends parents caring for children with dia-betes should, continue with a normal schedule of medicine for their children, keep their child well hydrated ensuring they are drinking plenty of water and also ensure they are eating a balanced diet, encourage their child to maintain regular physical activity even if staying at home or indoors, make a list of active medicines and doses and stock up on necessary items, including supplements and vitamins. We recommend that they include alcohol swabs, extra hand sanitizers, ketone strips, glucagon, etc.

Katara creates joy throughout the Eid daysTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

To celebrate Eid Al Adha, the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara will provide from today distinguished celebrations that meet the precautionary measures adopted by the country to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The celebrations will con-tinue for four days and include the distribution of Katara’s gift, which will be distributed

among people while they are at their vehicles from 5 pm until 9 pm throughout the days of Eid. This is to keep everyone safe and also to make children happy on this occasion.

Katara also pays tribute to medical staff and will launch a mural under the title “Katara thanks the medical teams in Qatar”. The mural length is 50 meters and will be at the main entrance from the south gate, with the par-

ticipation of 12 artists.Katara will also provide

virtual fireworks on its website. This is in addition to the Eid competition, which is to choose the most beautiful costume for children on the holiday by sending a photo or video of the participating child. Katara has also allocated prizes to the five winners from each competition, whether for the photo or video.

Among the conditions of this competition is that the

Katara will provide virtual fireworks on its website during Eid Al Adha.

image or video should be of high quality and that the winning materials will be

owned by the Katara and they are entitled to use them for any purpose.

Led by Dr. Haitham Abu-Rub, professor in Texas A&M at Qatar’s Electrical and Engineering Program and managing director of the TEES Smart Grid Center extension in Qatar, the interdisciplinary team includes researchers from Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, and the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation, Kahramaa.

Ministry: Animal slaughter only at abattoirsFROM PAGE 1

There are specialized workers who have health certificates proving that they are free from infectious diseases, said the Ministry.

Slaughtering at homes causes health problems and also creates many other problems like spreading of unpleasant

odors when people throw the remains outside.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) recently has published a list of guidelines for residents to follow during the Eid. The Ministry has asked people to avoid going to the slaughterhouse during the rush hours, follow

the slaughterhouse instructions and guidelines, and avoid taking children under 12 years, also to avoid hand-shaking and touching surfaces and equipment among others.

Widam Food Company announced that people can contact the company through Widam app and use e-payment

mode to get their slaughtered animals delivery.

The company has also equipped eight abattoirs for slaughtered animals in various areas of the country in cooper-ation with the competent authorities to meet all needs while adhering to all health procedures.

03FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 HOME

04 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020HOME

NCCHT marks World Day Against Trafficking in PersonsQNA — DOHA

The National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT) celebrated on Wednesday the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which takes place on July 30 of each year.

Commenting on the occasion, Minister of Adminis-trative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs H E Youssef bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhro, who is also the chairman of the committee, said that celebrating the day comes in line with the UN General Assembly’s decision in December of 2013.

He highlighted that the State of Qatar spares no effort in supporting the efforts of the international community in protecting the rights of women, children, workers, and all seg-ments of society.

His Excellency also said that the State of Qatar is on the right track and remains

committed to the measures it took in that field, adding that the country did not settle for that, but has placed an ambi-tious plan to create a safe working environment, stressing that an expat worker enjoys all rights that guarantee him a decent job and safe living in the State of Qatar.

The committee’s cele-bration this year was different due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It pub-lished statements from its members on its website, their social media accounts, and on the websites of embassies in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Interna-tional Labor Organization which joined the State of Qatar

in the celebration. Assistant CEO for the Com-

munication and Development Sector at Qatar Charity Mohammed Rashid Al Kaabi said that the organisation’s humanitarian supports the efforts of the public and private sector that target workers inside the State of Qatar in terms of providing medical and social care among other services.

He praised the partnership with the National Committee for Combating Human Traf-ficking in the humanitarian field with a focus on providing social protection to workers, which is a contribution towards realising Qatar National Vision 2030.

Three-lane closure in one direction on parts of Omar Al Mokhtar Street and Al Bidda StreetTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced the closure of three lanes in one direction of Omar Al Mokhtar Street and Al Bidda Street for 1.5km starting from Towers Intersection towards Lekhwair

Intersection while keeping one lane open for traffic.

In coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic, this change will be imple-mented from tomorrow (August 1) for a period of 1 week to enable completion of infrastructure works, as part

of the upgrading works on some streets in West Bay Area project.

During this time, road users of Omar Al Mokhtar Street and Al Biddaa Street will be required to use Al Corniche Street as an alternative route to reach their destinations.

Sri Lankan envoy praises QC re-employment platformTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Kohularangan Ratnasingam, Charge d’Affairs at the Embassy of Sri Lanka to Qatar has praised the Qatar Chamber’s (QC) recently launched initi-ative called ‘Labour Re-employment Platform in the Private Sector.’ He has emphasized that there are many Sri Lankans laid-off labour due to COVID-19 and would benefit from this platform and get new contracts.

This came during a meeting hosted by the Chamber on yes-terday in the presence of the Commercial Attaché at the Sri Lankan embassy in Doha.

Ratnasingam said that the objective of his visit to the Qatar Chamber is to further get acquainted with the platform and learn how Sri Lankans can benefit from it.

Assistant Director General for Government Relations and Committees Affairs Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansouri said that the platform would contribute to helping companies to get skilled labour form the laid-off labour in Qatar due to the repercussions of COVID-19.

He also noted that the platform is easy to use, pointing out that companies in which Sri Lankans are working could login to the platform and reg-ister their data.

Companies that are willing to make new hires will thus be able to enter, identify the available candidates and choose the ones they deem most suitable according to the available jobs.

The meeting touched on the possibility to organise a business visit for Qatari busi-nessmen to Sri Lanka to learn about available opportunities when COVID-19 ends.

QF expert warns against negative effects of increased screen time during pandemicTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

With the excessive use of elec-tronics during the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increased reliance on the Internet for work, school, and social communi-cation, many concerns have emerged on the impact of tech-nology on a child’s mental and physical well-being.

An observation made by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) school’s crisis and well-being team on the impact of technology on the brain and body noted that there has been an increase in screen usage among students due to distance learning, social interaction, elec-tronic games, social media, and other factors.

Dr. Tracy Hardister (pic-tured), Director at The Learning Center (TLC), part of QF’s Pre-University Education, highlights the recent global data that indi-cates a majority of children between the ages of 6 and 12 in

the US are spending at least 50 percent more time in front of screens each day during the pan-demic. “Since there is no specific statistic for Qatar, given the current situation, I assume it is a similar amount — of increased time,” Dr. Hardister said.

As children are still devel-oping, the frequent exposure to technology changes the wiring of their brains. “When children are exposed to technology at high rates, their brain gets used to

quickly processing multiple sources of information, which stimulate connections between brain cells, creating new neural pathways between different parts of their brains,” Dr. Hardister explains.

And it is not only children who are affected by the excessive use of technology, the mental and physical health of adults can also be severely impaired.

“Excess amounts of screen time impact our neurological functioning, causing our bodies to experience increased stress that activates the fight or flight response – a response that is only intended to ensure our survival in a crisis, and which leads to the production of a hormone called cortisol, or the stress hormone. The release of this hormone results in hyperarousal, and causes an increase in blood pressure, reduces concentration, impairs memory functioning, and contributes to poor

self-regulation of our moods. This poor self-regulation includes irri-tability, decreased frustration tol-erance, and anger,” the doctor explains.

Increased levels of tech-nology use can also have a sig-nificant effect on children’s sleep. It is imperative to ensure that children get adequate sleep that is not less than 12 hours for those aged 12 and below, during this stressful period.

“Using a family media plan can help find balance between electronics and the rest of daily life, which will help with sleep patterns. Parents should turn off electronics two hours before bed and set a good example by engaging in healthy activities, such as physical exercise, face-to-face family time, cooking, and having their own tech-nology breaks,” Dr. Hardister said.

Shifting to distance learning, QF’s school’s crisis and

well-being team recognised the importance of supporting the social and emotional well-being of not just students, but of parents, teachers, and staff as well.

However, Dr. Hardister high-lights that although it is important for parents to be empathic and flexible to support their children during this unprecedented time, shifting to an “anything goes” or “laissez faire” approach to parenting will not serve their children well during this pan-demic. “Children and adolescents need the adults in their lives to reassure them that we will get through this together”.

According to experts, the ideal time to spend in front of a screen, irrespective of the pan-demic, should not exceed two hours for children and adoles-cents – a challenge for parents as children feel that technology is their only way to communicate with the outside world.

Many parents of QF students were able to develop, and facil-itate a variety of fun, engaging, and playful activities for their children such as arts and craft, cooking, painting, puzzles, board games, and reading – activities that encourage children to be creative, playful, and engage in movement.

But with the easing of restric-tions, and allowing families to go to beaches and parks, some children may prefer to stay at home to not get away from their screens.

“In this case, children may need encouragement from parents to go out to play, and have fun and exercise,” Dr. Har-dister suggests. “I encourage parents to make the beach enticing by including some fun beach toys and water floaties. Parents are encouraged to engage in outdoor activities, such as evening family walks or bike rides.”

Kohularangan Ratnasingam emphasised that there are many Sri Lankans laid-off labour due to COVID-19 and would benefit from this platform and get new contracts.

H E Youssef bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhro said that the State of Qatar spares no effort in supporting the efforts of the international community in protecting the rights of women, children, workers, and all segments of society.

Qatari artist’s works on show at Katara virtual exhibition

Eighteen of the latest paintings by Qatari artist Jawaher Al Mannai are on show at a virtual exhibition launched by the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara on its official website recently.

Titled “Trace,” the exhibition showcases Al Mannai’s abstract paintings, most of which were inspired by carvings found in archaelogical sites north of Qatar, which are traces that tell of how people in the country lived in the remote past.

“The subject of my paintings was inspired by the trace that a person leaves and through which we learn about it, as civilisations were known through monu-ments and sculptures that had been found,” said the artist.

“Indeed man shall return to dust from which he was created, leaving behind his trace that we see today, as the trace of civ-ilisation living through generations. Books, inventions, creations of different types rep-resent beautiful human traces that immor-talize his soul,” she added.

Al Mannai is a visual artist who focuses on creating abstract paintings through experimentation with different materials, mediums and symbols. She has loved and practised art from her early age. She aims to show Qatari women’s creativity reflecting on day-to-day social norms as she believes that art is a way of life.

“Trace” is the seventh virtual exhibition presented by Katara. It follows “The

Unreachable Mirage” featuring 20 paintings by another Qatari artist Masoud Al Bulushi which combine realism and abstraction and depict portraits of women wearing tradi-tional face covering which is the batoola.

Previously, Katara also launched virtual exhibitions including “Heritage” featuring works by Hassan Bu Jassoum reflecting important aspects of Qatari culture and her-itage, “Patches” by Syrian contemporary artist Hadi Qasous showcasing 16 paintings in which he integrates calligraphy into stunning colours and shapes, and “Culture Collision” by Hassan Taleb Alsalat which displays 14 interesting artworks that place famous cartoon characters in a the Gulf

setting in which familiar objects in the region are depicted in the paintings.

Katara’s ongoing virtual exhibitions also include “The Result” by Fatima Al Nuaimi which displays 19 acrylic on canvas works which reflect both unanticipated and foreseen results combined in one artwork and “Al Taybeen” by Ali Dasmal Al Kuwari which focuses on 17 realist paintings depicting tra-ditional objects and Qatari architecture.

With a number of exciting features, these exhibitions, which can be accessed via Katara’s website until end of the year, make it possible for people to see artworks up close anytime as if they were visiting Katara’s galleries in person.

Qatari artist Jawaher Al Mannai displays some of her latest abstract paintings in “Trace”, a virtual exhibition launched on Katara website.

RAYNALD C RIVERATHE PENINSULA

Mall of Qatar welcomes Eid Al Adha with creative shopping & dining experienceTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Mall of Qatar (MoQ) welcomes Eid Al Adha in a fascinating way offering visitors beautiful ambiance to enjoy memorable Eid moments, a creative shopping experience and variety of dine-in options in its restaurants and cafes.

Restaurants and cafes in the Mall receive diners with limited capacity and safety standards that secure protection, including social distancing among tables, as well as staff following best health measures. MoQ installed

dressed mannequins in the res-taurants and cafes to ensure safe distance creatively.

The mall’s facade is magnif-icently lit façade reflecting the joy of the occasion and adding to the unique shopping expe-rience in different sectors, including fashion, perfumes, accessories, cosmetics, body shops, and more.

Emile Sarkis, General Manager of MoQ, said: “Mall of Qatar is not only a mall for shopping, but it is also a desti-nation where guests can spend the most joyful times, thanks to

the wide range of shopping options we have, whether for Eid preparations or Eid days. Restaurants and cafes are ready now for dine-in and serving guests for takeaway or dine ins. And I take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Qatar and wish them happy and safe shopping experience with the precautionary measures we have taken.”

“In light of the current sit-uation, Mall of Qatar is thrilled to offer guests memorable moments and chances to win valuable prizes. For us, our

guests remain our top priority, and we work hard to be creative with our initiatives and pro-grams to help them overcome these difficult times, give them a space to breathe in their favourite destination, the Nation’s Mall”.

Starting on Wednesday until this Sunday MoQ opens its doors from 10am until 12 midnight, while F&B outlets close at 1am.

MoQ urges visitors to follow the instructions at the entrances, to ensure the safety and health of visitors, employees, and tenants.

05FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 ISLAM

Eid Al Adha: Following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim

AISHA STACEY

The twelfth month of the Islamic calendar is called Dhul Hijjah. It is the month

that contains one of the greatest pillars of Islam – Haj or the major pilgrimage. It also contains one of only two Islamic reoccurring festivals, Eid Al Adha.

These two special occa-sions, the Haj and Eid Al Adha, are inextricably linked by one special man, Prophet Ibrahim, (peace be upon him) known in Jewish and Christian traditions as Prophet Abraham.

Making the pilgrimage is often called following in the foot-steps of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). This is due to the fact that the rituals involved in the pilgrimage replicate many of the events in Prophet Ibrahim’s life. Eid al Adha commemorates a specific trial in the life of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). He was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael), peace be upon him.

Eid Al Adha occurs on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the day on which most of the Haj rites have been preformed and the pilgrims slaughter an animal to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) obedience to God.

Surely was an example, obe-dient to God, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous". (Quran 16:120-121)

The Story of SacrificeIn a divinely inspired dream,

Prohet Ibrahim (PBUH)saw himself sacrificing his son Ishmael. All members of Ibra-him’s family demonstrated com-plete trust in God, therefore Prohet Ibrahim (PBUH) revealed the dream to Ishmael. He readily agreed that his father must carry out the command of God.

Together they went to the place of sacrifice and offered Ishmael’s life to God. Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his beloved son. At this point Satan tempted Prohet Ibrahim (PBUH) trying to make him disobey God, but Ibrahim resisted and drove the Satan away.

Prohet Ibrahim (PBUH) looked down at his son for what he believed was the last time but as the blade came close to Ishmael’s neck God stayed his hand and revealed that there was no need for Ibrahim to con-tinue. His sacrifice had already been fulfilled.

Giving up something big for the sake of God, such as the life of your child, must seem like a huge and unimaginable sacrifice. Today even going without something small, such as a cup of coffee, to donate the money to charity seems like a large sacrifice.

Try to imagine how Prohet Ibrahim (PBUH) must have felt as he held the blade above his child’s neck. In the last moment

he was relieved of his duty to follow God’s commands.

Having complete trust in Allah, knowing with certainty that Allah knows and wants what is best for us is often dif-ficult, but it should not be.

"...And whosoever fears God and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine...." (Quran 65:2-3)

God replaced Ishmael with a sheep and it is for this reason that Muslims sacrifice an animal on the celebration of Eid Al Adha; however, Eid is more than a cel-ebration, it is a reminder. We are reminded of our own submission to the will of God.

Those Muslims who are not making the pilgrimage and who can afford it sacrifice an animal in remembrance of Prohet Ibra-him's (PBUH) test.

"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you...." (Quran 22:37)

The act of animal sacrifice is often misunderstood. God has no need for the blood or the meat; in fact God has no need for any of our acts of worship.

However, for our own benefit God commands us to turn to Him and obey Him. God

looks for our piety, our goodness and our charity. The animal sacrificed is usually a sheep, a goat or a cow.

Distributing the meat from the sacrifice of Eid Al Adha strengthens many of our efforts to please God with our piety. Usually, a portion is eaten by the immediate family and relatives, a portion is given away to friends and neighbours and a portion is donated to the poor.

The act symbolises our will-ingness to give up our bounties to strengthen ties of kinship and friendship and our enthusiasm to give up things that are of benefit to us in order to help those who are in need. In the sacrifice we recognize that all blessings come from God.

Eid Al Adha commences on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. For those who are not at the pilgrimage, it begins with an extra early morning prayer per-formed in congregation, called the Eid prayer. It is a time of cel-ebration, a time to visit family and friends and thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. It demands contact with relatives, kindness to family and neighbors, and empathy and compassion for the poor.

Above all, Eid Al Adha reminds us that Allah is the greatest and that He is the source of all bounties. Through the good times and the trying times Allah is the source of all comfort and all peace, and sub-mission to Him brings the greatest benefits of all.

Source: Islamreligion.com

Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Muslims will be celebrating Eid Al Adha today. The annual festival falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month

of the Muslim lunar calendar.Eid Al Adha is the second major Muslim festival after Eid

Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.As the coronavirus pandemic rages, many Muslim-majority

countries have announced restrictions on public gatherings.

Origins Muslims believe the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be

upon him, was tested by Allah who commanded him to sac-rifice his first-born son, Ismail (Ishmail). Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) was prepared to submit to the command, but God stayed his hand. Instead, he was told to sacrifice an animal, likely a lamb or sheep. The Torah and the Old Testament both recount a similar version of this story.

End of HajThe event also marks the end of Haj, a five-day pilgrimage

all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims are obliged to undertake once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage intended to cleanse the soul of sins and instil a sense of e q u a l i t y a n d brotherhood.

Some 2.5 million pil-grims from around the world flock annually to the cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia as part of the ritual. This year, however, Saudi Arabia announced it would hold a “very limited” Haj because of the coronavirus pan-demic, with only about 10,000 people living in the kingdom allowed to take part in the pilgrimage.

This year, mosques will limit the number of attendees, and large congregations will be banned in many countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Sacrificing animalThe occasion is marked by the sacrifice of an animal that

Muslims can eat — a goat, sheep, cow or camel — by those who can afford to do so. In many parts of the Muslim world, special livestock markets are set up for people to buy an animal for the Eid sacrifice. This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, numerous apps and websites have appeared in countries such as India and Bangladesh, where animals will be sold online to limit exposure to the virus.

The animal sacrifice comes with an element of charity, as the person paying for the sacrifice is required to distribute part of it to others. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided among three groups: The person sacrificing it and their immediate family, extended family and friends, and those in need.

Some Muslims will pay the value of an animal to one of a number of Muslim charities around the world that collect funds for remote animal sacrifices, distributing the meat to under-privileged groups - including refugees, the elderly and disabled people.

Eid prayerDuring the morning of Eid Al Adha, a special prayer called

Salat Al Eid is recited in honour of the festival, after the Fajr and ahead of the Dhuhr prayer.

In Qatar, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has released a list of 401 mosques and prayer grounds for Eid Al Adha Prayer. This list which include name, number and the location of mosques and prayer ground, which will hold Eid Al Adha prayer is available on the social media handle of the Ministry.

“We would like to remind the worshipers to adhere strictly to all preventive and precautionary measures for prayers in mosques,” the Ministry has tweeted. The Ministry also said that it is allowed for senior citizens and people with chronic dis-eases to keep praying at homes.

Source: Al Jazeera & The Peninsula

How the festival of sacrifice is celebrated

The event also marks the end of Haj, a five-day pilgrimage all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims are obliged to undertake once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage intended to cleanse the soul of sins and instil a sense of equality and brotherhood.

Eid Al Adha commemorates a specific trial in the life of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). He was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael), peace be upon him.

How to attain humility in prayersABU HAMID AL GHAZALI

Allah says in the Quran: ‘And perform the Prayer in remem-brance of Me.’ (20:14)

‘Do not be one of those who are neglectful.’( 7:205)

‘Do not approach the Prayer when you are intoxicated, until you know what you are saying.’ (4:43)

Some say that ‘intoxicated’ means inebriated by many anxieties, while others say it means drunk on the love of this world According to Wahb, the meaning is obviously a caution against worldly attachment, since the words ‘until you know what you are saying’ explain the underlying reason. Many are those who pray without having drunk wine, yet do not know what they are saying in their Prayers!

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘If a man performs two cycles of Prayer without the distraction of any worldly thought, all his previous sins will be forgiven.’ (Bukhari/Muslim)

‘Prayer is nothing but submis-siveness, humility, supplication, sighing and remorse, holding out your hands and saying: “O God! O God!” Otherwise it is fruitless.’ (Tirmidi/Nasai)

In the earlier scriptures, we find these words attributed to God, Glorified is He: ‘I do not accept the Prayers of everyone who prays. I accept the Prayers of none but those who are humble before My Majesty, who are not arrogant towards My servants, and who feed the poor and hungry for My sake.’

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: ‘Ritual Prayer was made oblig-atory, Pilgrimage and circumambu-lation were ordained, and the rites of sacrifice were instituted, all for the purpose of ensuring remembrance of God, Exalted is He. If your heart is devoid of awe and reverence for the One Remembered, who is the aim and the goal, what is your remembrance worth?’ (Abu Daud/Tirmidi)

This advice was given to someone by the Prophet (PBUH): ‘When you pray, pray like a person who is saying farewell,’ (Ibn Maja/Hakim/Baihaqi) i.e. saying farewell to himself, to his pas-sions and to his life, before setting off on the journey to his Lord.

Again God Almighty reminds us in the Quran: ‘O Man, you labor towards your Lord laboriously, and you shall meet Him.’(84:6)

‘Be aware of God, for it is God who teaches you.’ (2:282)

‘Be aware of God, and know that you are going to meet Him.’ (2:223)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reminds us: ‘If a man’s Prayer does not deter him from indecency and mis-chief, he gains nothing from God but remoteness.’ (Tabarani)

Since Prayer is intimate com-munion, how can it go with heed-lessness? Bakr ibn Abdullah said:

‘O believers, if you wish to enter the presence of your Lord without per-mission, and to speak with Him without an interpreter, you have only to enter!’

When someone asked him how this

could be he said: ‘You do your ablution correctly and enter your prayer-niche ... There you are! You have entered your Lord’s presence without permission and may now speak to Him without an interpreter.’

Said Aisha, may God be pleased with her: ‘Allah's Messenger would talk to us and we to him, but when it was time for Prayer it seemed as though he did not know us, nor we him.’ (Azdi - mursal) This was because they were completely in awe of God the most Great and Glorious.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘God has no regard for a Prayer in which a man’s heart is not present as well as his body.’

It is related that Al Hasan noticed a man playing with pebbles as he prayed: ‘O God, marry me to the maidens of Par-adise!.’ Al Hasan said ‘A poor suitor you are. You propose to the maidens of Par-adise while playing with pebbles!’

Someone asked Khalaf ibn Ayyub (Islamic scholar and poet from Al-Andalus 1013/1081 CE):

‘Don’t the flies bother you so much during your Prayer that you have to chase them away?’

He replied: ‘I do not make a habit of anything that would spoil my Prayer.’

When asked how he had acquired such patience, he said: ‘I have heard that culprits patiently endure the Sul-tan’s whip, because this gives them a reputation for being “able to take it.” They boast of their patient endur ance. Here am I, standing before my Lord in

Prayer. Am I going to budge for a fly?’ It is related of Muslim ibn Yasar

that, when he wanted to pray, he would say to his family: ‘You may talk, for I shall not hear you’.

It is said that he was praying one day in the Great Mosque of Basra, when a corner of the building collapsed. This attracted a crowd, but he was quite unaware of what had happened until he had finished his Prayer.

Whenever the time of Prayer approached, Ali ibn Abi Talib, may God be pleased with him and ennoble his countenance, used to quake and change colour. They asked him:

‘What is the matter with you, Com-mander of the Believers?’

To this he would reply: ‘The time has come for a trust which God offered to the heavens and the earth and the moun-tains, but they refused to carry it; they were wary of it, but I have taken it on.’

It is said of Al Husayn ibn Ali that he used to turn pale when he made his ablution. When his family asked him what came over him during his ablution, he would say: ‘Do you realise before Whom I wish to stand in Prayer?’

According to Ibn Abbas, may God be pleased with him and his father, the Prophet David, God bless him and give him peace, used to say in his intimate Prayers: ‘My God, who inhabits Your House? And from whom do you accept the Prayer?’ Then God told him by inspiration:

‘David, he who inhabits My House, and he whose Prayer I accept, is none

but he who is humble before My Majesty, spends his days in remem-brance of Me and keeps his passions in check for My sake, giving food to the hungry and shelter to the stranger and treating the afflicted with compassion. His light shines in the sky like the sun. If he invokes Me, I am at his service. If he asks of Me, I grant his request. In the midst of ignorance, I give him dis-cernment; in heedlessness, remem-brance, in darkness, light. He stands out among ordinary people as Paradise towers over earthly gardens, its rivers inexhaustible and its fruits not subject to decay.’

Abu Hamid Al Ghazali (450-505 AH / 1058-1111 AD) Also known as Imam Ghazzali is a prominent Muslim jurist and theologian of the 12th Century. He wrote on a wide range of topics including jurisprudence, the-ology, mysticism and philosophy.

www.islamcity.org

In an environment with increasing distractions how do we make our prayers more beneficial for our selves? Following is an excerpt from “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship”, a compilation of Imam Ghazali’s works that can inspire us to develop humility and become closer to God through prayer.

06 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA

New coronavirus wave dampens Eid Al Adha festivities in IranANATOLIA — TEHRAN

For Ali Reza, the excitement of waiting for Eid Al Adha festiv-ities was always so palpable that his friends had coined a moniker for him: Qurbani, meaning “sacrifice” in the Persian language.

Since early childhood, the idea of offering animals as a sacrifice on Eid Al Adha fasci-nated him.

The inquisitive teenager also enjoyed shopping and vis-iting his friends and family, an important fixture on the Islamic lunar calendar linked to this pillar of the Islamic faith.

This year, however, Reza can neither tag along with his father to buy cattle from the livestock market for sacrifice nor can he visit friends and rel-atives to offer customary eid greetings.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought normal life to a grinding halt in almost all parts of the world, forcing Muslims to cancel or scale down celebrations.

In Iran, one of the first countries in the region to report cases of the virus in February, plans to observe the annual Muslim festival with traditional fanfare have been shelved.

President Hassan Rouhani urged people last week to exercise restraint in observing festivities in the wake of a new surge in infections, calling for full adherence to health protocols.

There has been an alarming spike in cases in recent weeks, dampening the festive spirit. The number of cases has reached 298,909 while the death toll jumped to 16,343.

The resurgence of the pan-demic in Iran after a significant drop in infections in June created alarm, forcing author-ities to reimpose stringent restrictions.

Wearing of masks and adherence to health protocols have been made mandatory after single-day deaths spi-ralled. All this has sullied the spirit of people ahead of the important festival.

“Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and Nowruz are the festivals we always look forward to,” Amin Sadheghi, a Tehran-based engineer, said. “But this pan-demic has thrown life out of gear.” Sadheghi, who moved out of his parents’ house in west Tehran following his marriage eight years ago, has always made it a point to spend all Eids with his parents and siblings.

“But, this year things are different. Both my parents have had symptoms of the virus and required home quarantine,” he said. “Eid festivities can wait,

we are praying for their full recovery.”

While celebrations for some have turned into gloom and dis-tress due to patients at home or at the workplace, for others, restrictions imposed following the surge in new cases have stifled the mood.

“What is Eid if we cannot shop for new clothes, take fam-ilies out for lunch or dinner, visit mosque for prayers, offer animal sacrifice,” Mohammad Nazari, an entrepreneur from Mashhad, which was recently put in the high-risk “red cat-egory.” For Reza, Eid Al Adha is incomplete without offering an animal sacrifice.

“It somehow still does not sink that circumstances have forced us to abandon the most beautiful part of eid festivity,” he said. “It is sad indeed but at the moment we have a bigger fight on our hands.” Authorities have banned the slaughter of livestock on Eid as part of measures to contain the spread of virus.

The government designated certain places in Tehran where livestock can be purchased and also slaughter houses where the animals can be slaughtered with adherence to health protocols.

Eid Al Adha comes at a time when people in Iran are facing severe economic hardships. Crippling economic sanctions and the pandemic have dealt a double blow to the country’s fragile economy.

In recent weeks and months, Iran’s currency has sharply nosedived, consistently losing value against the dollar, resulting in exorbitant price spikes and simmering discontent.

In Makkah, a fortunate few pray for a pandemic-free worldREUTERS — RIYADH

In years before the coronavirus, some three million white-clad pilgrims from across the world flocked to Islam’s holiest sites to attend Haj under Saudi Arabia’s blistering sun.

With the pandemic making large gatherings impossible, only a few thousand pilgrims —Saudis and foreign residents — are gathering this year on Mount Mercy on the plains of Arafat for the most important ritual. They share a common plea.

“Everyone will be praying for this pandemic to end, and for all the people of the world to see better months to come after all the suffering caused by coronavirus,” said Ammar Khaled, a 29-year-old Indian pilgrim who is an IT profes-sional in Jeddah.

For the first time in modern

history Saudi has dramatically reduced the number of pilgrims to ensure social distancing measures are adhered to.

The Haj minister said in June the number of pilgrims would be limited to around 1,000, but no official number has been given for those per-forming the rituals this week. Some local media cited a figure of some 10,000.

Saudi healthcare and security professionals, on the frontlines of the battle against the disease, make up about 30 percent of the total, with the remainder coming from 160 nationalities residing in the Kingdom.

Mask-wearing pilgrims circled the Ka’aba in small groups of 50 people, each keeping a safe distance apart and accompanied by a health professional monitoring their movements.

Unlike past years when they lunged towards the Ka’aba, pil-grims are not allowed to touch the Ka’aba.

Workers sanitised the structure, rubbing Oud perfume, the popular Arab sweet and woody scent, on its walls and carrying incense as they moved around the premises of the Grand Mosque.

Crowds of millions of pil-grims from around the world could be a hotbed for virus transmission, and in the past some worshippers have returned to their countries with respiratory and other diseases.

With joy and tears, pilgrims spent the day on Mount Arafat raising hands in prayer to atone for their sins, their lips moving behind face masks.

At sunset, the pilgrims moved to the plain of Muzdalifa.

Tunisia Speaker scrapes throughconfidence voteREUTERS — TUNIS

Tunisia’s parliament Speaker narrowly survived a confi-dence vote yesterday, but his slim margin of victory may only deepen the country’s political divisions after the resignation of the prime minister.

Some 97 members of par-liament voted against Rached Ghannouchi, veteran leader of the moderate Islamist Ennahda party, falling short of the 109 needed to oust him.

However, with Ennahda and the conservative Karama party boycotting the vote to show their opposition to the motion, only 16 MPs gave him formal support.

Ghannouchi’s narrow margin of victory may indicate that Ennahda will now face fiercer opposition in par-liament from parties that voted against him, potentially com-plicating efforts to agree on a new government.

The vote comes two weeks after Tunisia’s government col-lapsed less than five months into its term following corruption allegations against the prime minister, which he denied.

Both the confidence vote in Ghannouchi and the col-lapse of the short-lived gov-ernment stem from an election last year that produced a deeply fragmented parliament in which Ennahda, as the biggest party, won only a quarter of the seats.

WHO Africa concerned over relaxing lockdown measuresANATOLIA — YAOUNDE

The regional office of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Africa warned yesterday that easing measures against the novel coronavirus in many countries risked a resurgence in infections.

In a press briefing, WHO regional director Matshidiso Moeti urged African countries to step up coronavirus testing.

“As we adjust together to this new normal, I ask that gov-ernments, partners and

communities remember that none of us are safe until we are all safe,” Moeti said.

Cautioning that the pandemic was accelerating on a continental scale, she noted that five coun-tries accounted for nearly 75 percent of all cases in Africa.

According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than three out of four of all the reported cases and deaths on the continent were reported in South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Sudan.

“We have a situation that is very diverse,” Moeti said. “Africa is not one country, it is 54. And the dynamics are dif-ferent in every county.” She said that confirmed case numbers have risen as countries increased and more actively pursued testing efforts, while also obtaining more testing materials.

Moeti said that the fight against other diseases and con-ditions had now been disadvan-taged as people were afraid to seek treatment at health facil-

ities due to the risks of con-tracting the coronavirus.

“This is why we expect a certain number of people to have died due to this lack of assistance. We need to make sure people know that health services are available for them,” she added.

In recent weeks, several health officials across Africa have urged citizens to resume hospital checkups and vaccina-tions despite fears of con-tracting the coronavirus.

“In the end, we may see

more damage as a result of other illnesses and conditions than we will because of COVID-19, and countries need to do both.” The number of coronavirus cases in Africa sur-passed 890,000, with 18,884 deaths and 540,872 recoveries, according to Africa CDC.

“Coming up to the first million of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the African continent, countries have averted what could have been a much worse decision by taking some very courageous decisions,” Moeti said.

Israel arrests Palestinians at Al Aqsa MosqueIsraeli forces arrest six Palestinians as hundreds of Jewish settlers forced their way into flashpoint Al Aqsa Mosque complex in East Jerusalem’s Old City, yesterday.

Israel charges man who fled Gaza by swimmingAFP — JERUSALEM

An Israeli court yesterday charged with “serious security offences” a Gazan who swam to Israel a month ago after falling out with Hamas, the domestic security agency said.

Izz Al Din Hussein, a 24-year-old resident of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, was

formerly a member of the group’s air defence wing, Shin Bet said in a statement.

Hussein, the Shin Bet said, later fell out with the Pales-tinian coastal territory’s Hamas rulers and also had “personal problems with his family” and fled by swimming to nearby Israel on June 28.

An Israeli military statement said he was captured by the

navy immediately after entering Israeli waters and handed to the Shin Bet for questioning.

The security service said Hussein’s interrogation pro-duced “a great deal of intelli-g e n c e a b o u t t h e organisation”.

Earlier this month, Hamas blocked two Saudi-owned news networks, Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, from operating in Gaza

over allegations of false reporting.

It concerned a report alleging that Hamas had arrested several of its members for collaborating with Israel.

Al Arabiya also reported on Hussein’s escape by sea.

Hamas yesterday did not immediately respond a request for comment on the Hussein case.

Yemeni Nobel winner accuses Saudis of backing separatistsANATOLIA — ISTANBUL

Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman accused Saudi Arabia of supporting the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen amid a recent agreement between the Yemeni government and STC to accel-erate the implementation of the Riyadh agreement.

“Everything was expected. The Secretary of the Saudi Ambassador, [Yemeni Prime Minister] Maeen Abdulmalik was assigned to form the government of (President) Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and his advisers, against his will,” Karman said Wednesday on Twitter.

On Wednesday, Hadi ordered the country’s premier, Maeen Abdulmalik, to form a new cabinet in accordance with the Riyadh agreement signed with the UAE-backed Southern Tran-sition Council (STC), acceding to a Saudi proposal to its expedite.

Warning that if the military and security terms of the Riyadh agreement remained unimplemented, this would lead to more violence, Karman said: “We have always said that Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) is the problem, not the solution.” She accused Saudi Arabia of being

the “maker and engineer of all this great ruin in Yemen,”

The Riyadh agreement was signed between the gov-ernment and STC in November following a month of fighting and included 29 terms to address political, social, eco-nomic and security situations in Yemen’s southern provinces. Both parties, however, blamed each other for not abiding by the agreement.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday presented a resolution to implement the stalled Riyadh Agreement, according to the Saudi state news agency.

In response, Yemen’s sepa-ratist STC announced that it gave up its three-month self-rule in the southern provinces, with STC spokesman Nizar Haitham later said on Twitter that it accepted Saudi Arabia’s proposal.

Later on Wednesday, Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who currently resides in Saudi Arabia, appointed a governor and chief of police in Aden, the tem-porary capital.

Violence had previously flared between STC and gov-ernment forces since the group declared self-rule in Aden and other southern provinces in April.

The resurgence of the pandemic in Iran forced authorities to reimpose stringent restrictions. Wearing of masks and adherence to health protocols have been made mandatory after single-day deaths spiralled. All this has sullied the spirit of people ahead of the important festival.

Pilgrims praying on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Al Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of the holy city of Makkah, during the climax of the Haj amid the COVID-19 pandemic, yesterday.

07FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 ASIA

Australia marks deadliest day of virus epidemicAFP — MELBOURNE

Australia yesterday reported a record number of new corona-virus infections and its dead-liest day of the epidemic so far following a spike in cases at elderly-care homes.

Days after authorities expressed hope that a Mel-bourne lockdown now in its third week was bringing per-sistent outbreaks under control, the surge is a potent warning that initial success in managing coronavirus can quickly unravel.

Thirteen deaths and 723 positive test results were recorded in Victoria State alone, well beyond the previous nationwide high of 549 infec-tions set on Monday.

Premier Daniel Andrews indicated the leap was, in part, linked to a surge in cases at aged-care homes.

Most of those who died were aged in their 70s-90s.

At one of the worst-hit facil-ities, Epping Gardens, an ambu-lance was seen Wednesday taking away the body of one of the deceased residents.

Health workers rolled other masked residents on stretchers to waiting ambulances for

transfer to hospital.Prime Minister Scott Mor-

rison said the steep rise in numbers was “very concerning”.

“They are incredibly dis-tressing and they are the product of a very severe crisis that occurred in a number of these centres,” Morrison said.

The rest of the country remained on high alert, as three new cases were reported in Queensland and several schools in Sydney were shut-tered overnight amid growing fears that the country’s largest city may also be sliding towards an uncontrollable outbreak.

Morrison said although the New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian was right to be “constantly anxious” of the threat, the sources of the infec-tions were being tracked and well-controlled so far.

“That still gives us reason for, I think, encouragement in New South Wales, but not reason for complacency,” he said.

New South Wales reported 18 new cases, roughly in line with previous days.

Melbourne has had thou-sands of new infections since mid-June _ an outbreak initially

blamed on security bungles at hotels where returning inter-national travellers were under mandatory quarantine.

The government has now extended some of Melbourne’s lockdown measures to sur-rounding cities, and deployed disaster-relief teams to elderly-care centres.

Those teams — which usually tackle earthquakes and other disasters overseas —include doctors, nurses, para-medics and logistics experts.

With most other states and territories recording zero or just a handful of new cases for

weeks, police around the country continue to crack down on those flouting travel bans from virus hotspots and other public health orders.

In one incident, three women — two of which have since tested positive for the virus — now face hefty fines and up to five years in prison after allegedly lying to border authorities about travelling from Victoria to Queensland, police said.

Australia has recorded over 16,000 coronavirus cases and 189 deaths in a population of 25 million.

People maintaining social distance as they queue to be tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a pop-up testing centre, as the state of New South Wales grapples with an outbreak of new cases, in Sydney, Australia, yesterday.

India’s fugitive doctor, accused of dozens of murders, arrestedAFP — NEW DELHI

An Indian traditional-medicine doctor jailed for life for murdering truck drivers and feeding their remains to croc-odiles has been caught after jumping parole while on release for good behaviour, Indian police said.

Devendra Kumar Sharma, 62, was arrested by Delhi police in the capital late Tuesday. In January, he failed to return from a weeks-long parole after

serving 16 years behind bars.Sharma was given a life

sentence in 2004 in northern Rajasthan state after being found guilty of several murders between 2002 and 2004, earning him the nickname “Dr Death” in the Indian media.

“(He) was involved in dozens of cases of kidnapping and murder of truck and taxi drivers in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan,” Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Paweriya said in a

statement released yesterday.Police alleged that Sharma

— a practitioner of Indian tra-ditional medicine Ayurveda —first came to the attention of authorities two decades ago over his involvement in an illegal kidney transplant racket between 1994 and 2004.

Sharma, with help from other doctors and middlemen, allegedly arranged at least 125 transplants in an organ traf-ficking racket.

Police also accused him of

being part of a gang that hired taxis and trucks before killing their drivers, robbing them and selling the vehicles.

“They used to dump dead bodies in Hazara canal in Uttar Pradesh state’s Kashganj, which had crocodiles, (and) there was no chance of retrieval of any body,” Paweriya said.

Sharma was later convicted of at least six murders, police said, but Paweriya added that he had admitted to carrying out many more.

“He disclosed to have been (the) mastermind of more than 50 such murders,” the statement said.

“Media reports of that period show that he had com-mitted more than 100 murders of taxi drivers for which cases were registered in Delhi, UP (Uttar Pradesh), Haryana and Rajasthan.”

Sharma told police he jumped parole to move to Delhi and had hoped to start a new life.

HK blocks 12 democrats from election as China security law shadow loomsREUTERS — HONG KONG

Hong Kong yesterday disqual-ified a dozen pro-democracy candidates from running in a key election, citing reasons including collusion with foreign forces and opposition to the new China-imposed national security laws.

It was the most sweeping move yet seen on the city’s electoral freedoms, with even moderate democrats targeted. Some critics including Hong Kong’s last British governor Chris Patten called it an “out-rageous political purge”.

The move comes one month after Communist Party rulers in Beijing announced the national security law that reins in dissent in the semi-auton-omous city. It could also steer China further onto a collision path with the West.

The government said there c o u l d b e m o r e disqualifications.

Critics said the move sought to curb the ascendancy of a young, more defiant generation of democrats after an over-whelming win in last year’s lower-level district council elections.

“Clearly, #Beijing shows a total disregard for the will of the #Hongkongers, tramples upon the city’s last pillar of vanishing autonomy and attempts to keep #HK’s legis-lature under its firm grip,” Wong tweeted.

Chances for a historic majority in the Legislative Council, or mini-parliament, for the opposition camp will take a further blow if the gov-ernment decides to postpone the Sept. 6 vote, as expected, amid the coronavirus

pandemic.Hong Kong has disqualified

candidates before but not on this scale. The disqualification of Civic Party candidates signals Beijing is becoming less tolerant of even moderate democrats, who have for decades been a vocal opposition in the legislature.

“The government is con-structing a CCP (Chinese Com-munist Party) assembly in Legco to eliminate most of the opposition voices,” Nathan Law, a pro-democracy activist and former lawmaker who was kicked out of the legislature, said on Twitter.

Law fled Hong Kong for Britain earlier this month.

The Civic Party said its existence is not confined to the legislature, often referred to as Legco, and it will continue to work for its values.

Three held in Dhaka police station blast, IS link ruled outAP — DHAKA

Bangladeshi police said they arrested three suspects in the bombing of a Dhaka police station and denied a claim of responsibility by the IS militant group, saying the attackers were motivated by criminal intent.

Five people, including four police, were injured when a bomb hidden inside a weight machine-like object went off inside the Pallabi police station on Wednesday morning. The IS group claimed credit for the blast in a statement the same day.

Three suspected hitmen were arrested on Wednesday along with two loaded firearms and another weight machine-like object, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Krishna Pada Roy.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner for Counterterrorism

and Transnational Crime Saiful Islam denied any links between the IS group and the blast.

“IS made this kind of false claim in the past, too. This is also part of that process,” he said.

“As per the information available so far, criminal intentions were behind the blast and we’re investigating the incident.”

The IS has claimed similar attacks on police in the past. Authorities do not publicly reveal the results of their investigations.

On July 1, 2016, five militants took hostages and opened fire in a Dhaka cafe, killing more than 20 people, mostly foreigners.

Seven members of a banned mil-itant group were sentenced to death for the attack last year. The gov-ernment had also rejected the IS claim of responsibility.

Virus infections in Bangladesh near 235,000 amid Eid holiday spike fear

ANATOLIA — DHAKA

The number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Bang-ladesh is now close to 235,000, while the death toll is almost at 3,100, health officials said yesterday.

A total of 2,695 more COVID-19 cases were recorded over the past 24 hours, raising the overall count to 234,889, Health Ministry official Nasima Sultana said at a daily briefing.

The positive cases were among 12,937 samples tested across the country, meaning the current infection rate stands at 20.83 percent, she said.

The death toll in the South Asian country increased by 48 to reach 3,083, with the mor-tality rate now at 1.31 percent.

At least 2,668 more recov-eries over the past day took the total to 132,960, raising the recovery rate to 56.61%, according to the official.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque led calls for caution in Bangladesh ahead of the holidays for the Muslim fes-tival of Eid Al Adha.

Speaking in the capital Dhaka, he said the country’s COVID-19 infection and mor-tality rates have been decreasing over recent days, but the trend could be reversed due to increased social inter-actions on the annual holiday.

His comments came as inter-city travel is peaking across Bangladesh, with Muslims gearing up to mark the first of the three-day fes-tival on August 1.

Exit points of Dhaka have been particularly crowded as the government has allowed the capital’s large migrant labor force to head to their hometowns for the holidays.

The National Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 has opposed the government’s decision and urged people to avoid leaving the larger cities.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said although the New South Wales Premier was right to be “constantly anxious” of the threat, the sources of the infections were being tracked and well-controlled so far.

Myanmar may postpone election in Rakhine stateREUTERS — NAYPYITAW

Myanmar will postpone elections in parts of war-torn Rakhine state if the military declares them unsafe, a senior election official said yesterday, prompting a backlash from ethnic parties with strong support in the region.

“It is necessary to have peace and stability to hold elections,” said Union Election Commission chair Hla Thein, adding that the army-controlled min-istries of defence and home affairs would soon determine whether the region was stable.

“If they cannot give that recom-mendation, we will not do it,” he told Reuters in an interview in the capital, Naypyitaw.

Military spokesmen did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

The nation goes to the polls on Nov.ember 8 in what analysts see as an important test of the transition away from direct military rule, but

preparations have been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic and esca-lating ethnic conflict.

Longtime opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party took power in 2016 after a landslide election win that ended half a century of army rule, though the military retains significant powers.

While Suu Kyi remains wildly popular among the country’s majority Bamar Buddhist population, analysts say support for her party has waned among minority communities.

The Rakhine ethnic party, Arakan National Party (ANP), had a strong showing in the 2015 polls but was denied major roles in the local admin-istration, fuelling resentment against the NLD government.

The region has since been engulfed by war between government troops and ethnic Rakhine rebels seeking greater autonomy.

“If there is no one to represent a

constituency, people will suffer more,” Maung Hla Kyaw, a Rakhine lawmaker, said.

“If the election is postponed with the excuse of security, people will lose trust in the whole democratic system,” he said.

Polls cancelled in 2015 in several areas affected by ethnic conflict were never held.

The minority Rohingya popu-lation was stripped of voting rights ahead of the 2015 election after the temporary documents many held were nullified. More than 730,000 fled to neighbouring Bangladesh after a mil-itary crackdown in 2017, but several hundred thousand remain.

Asked about the Rohingya, Hla Thein, the Union Election Commission chair, said only people who were above 18 and held citizenship would be able to vote.

“If one is not in line with these facts, we will not include them in the voters’ list,” he said.

Work of artPeople wearing face masks walk past “Voyage of the Moon” (Resting Moon) by artist Yoshitomo Nara during the media preview of “STARS: Six Contemporary Artists from Japan to the World” at Mori Art Museum, in Tokyo, yesterday.

However, stemming the spread of the coronavirus is particularly difficult in Palestine due to Israel’s military occupation and the resulting apartheid and economic devastation.

08 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020VIEWS

CHAIRMAN

DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFIeditorinchief@pen.com.qa

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR

MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMEDm.salim@pen.com.qa

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI osman@pen.com.qa

EDITORIAL

TODAY is the first day of Eid Al Adha where Muslims worldwide are celebrating the Eid which is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice amid coronavirus pan-demic that has so far infected around 17 million people worldwide, and brought the total number of people who recovered from the disease in the State of Qatar to 107,135 cases, out of 110,460 of infection cases.

This is the second Eid under COVID-19 restriction and social distancing that preventing people from prayers in large gatherings.

It is a day of pleasure and happiness where people exchange greetings and good wishes including the leaders of Islamic world. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged cables of greetings with Their Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses leaders of Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of this blessed day of Eid Al Adha.

Similar greetings were also exchanged by the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and other officials.

For the State of Qatar as the infection rate is sig-nificantly declined throughout the past weeks, showing increase in recoveries, some of the health restrictions have been accordingly relaxed allowing people to perform Eid prayers in 401 mosques and praying areas that have been prepared by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair for this purpose.

The mosques and praying areas were distributed in different parts of the country and prepared by the Ministry through hygiene teams to fulfill all health requirements and government directions under gradual lifting of restrictions of COVID-19.

For its part, the Ministry of Municipality and Envi-ronment also intensified its operation to clean, wash and disinfect prayer grounds to make it ready for the Eid along cleaning of public parks, beaches and streets.

Same like the previous Eid Al Fitr, people are required to adhere to the precautions measures as the risk of the disease spread still remains there, therefore Khutbah of Eid will be short and greetings also should be given without hugging or shaking hands.

In normal time of Eid people are used to get together with family and friends and sharing meals and have happy times but health restrictions are still applicable everywhere of the world including the State of Qatar therefore people are advised to keep numbers to a minimum and meet outdoors according to the instruction of health authorities.

Celebrating Eid with care

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Quote of the day

Poland would analyse the coronavirus situation and would make decisions on action in the second half of August.

Mateusz Morawiecki, Polish Prime Minister

A Palestinian paramedic disinfects labourers to help contain the coronavirus as they exit an Israeli army checkpoint, in Occupied West Bank.

In recent weeks, some countries around the world managed to slow down the spread of COVID-19 within their borders, and successfully eased their strict lockdown measures. Many others, however, experienced a second wave of infections and are still struggling to reduce the number of new coronavirus cases.

Unfortunately, the occupied Palestinian territories are in the latter group.

After imposing strict measures early on during the first wave of infections, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories appeared to have contained their outbreaks, with each reporting only a few dozen new cases a day in May. But an easing of restrictions has led to a steady uptick in cases since mid-June. This caused panic and confusion while the authorities rushed to come up with more effective methods to get the virus under control. However, stemming the spread of the corona-virus is particularly difficult in Pal-estine due to Israel’s military occu-pation and the resulting apartheid and economic devastation.

The sharp deterioration in coor-dination between Israeli and Pales-tinian officials after Israel threatened to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank has made an already grave situation worse. The Palestinian Authority’s refusal to accept tax revenues from Israel due to its annexation plans meant that the public sector employees did

not receive regular salaries since May, putting more strain on the local economy during the lockdown.

The fractured administrative structure of the occupied West Bank - where Area A is exclusively administered by the PA, Area B is administered by both the PA and Israel; and Area C is administered only by Israel - has made it impos-sible for the Palestinian leadership to impose effective preventative measures. The PA’s inability to fully access Areas B and C, which comprise almost 80 percent of the West Bank, has left it struggling to follow an all-inclusive coronavirus containment strategy.

The recent rise in coronavirus cases in the occupied territories has largely been blamed on the continuation of weddings, funerals and other forms of mass gath-erings as well as Palestinian labourers working in Israel. Rec-ognising that it is powerless to offi-cially impose any virus con-tainment measures in areas under Israeli control, the PA has asked grassroots activists, influential families, clan and tribe leaders to help it raise awareness and prevent large gatherings.

The situation in the West Bank city of Hebron, the area hardest hit by the second wave of infections, provides further proof of the occu-pation’s devastating impact on the PA’s ability to contain the virus. The 1997 Hebron Protocol signed between Israel and the PA divided the city in to two areas: H1 and H2. The H1 is controlled by the PA, but H2 is under Israeli military control.

During the first wave of infec-tions, the PA imposed a strict lockdown in H1, however, Israeli authorities did not follow the same strategy in H2. Thus, while some shops and venues were forcefully shut down, others, sometimes

located on the opposite side of the same street, were allowed to con-tinue with business as usual. This caused a lot of confusion and frus-tration for residents of the city and exacerbated the spread of virus.

Furthermore, on July 21, at a time when the Palestinian Ministry of Health recorded daily increases averaging 400 cases across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with 80 percent of active cases being recorded in Hebron, the Israeli authorities demolished a COVID-19 quarantine and testing centre in the city. Another testing centre in the Jerusalem neigh-bourhood of Silwan was raided and shut down by the authorities in mid-April. And as the Pales-tinian population was put under another strict lockdown in July, Israeli forces continued to conduct nightly raids on Palestinian areas, disregarding the severity of the crisis. Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem and other Palestinian cities were raided multiple times throughout the month, with scores of Pales-tinian being arbitrarily arrested.

Most of the fears Palestinians had when the pandemic began in March were realised over the past few weeks. The virus had spread, uncon-trolled, in heavily populated cities and towns. It had also hit vulnerable and overcrowded refugee camps all over the West Bank, where social distancing is not possible.

Palestinians in the occupied territories are aware that their capabilities in the health sector pale in comparison to those of more developed nations who had been devastated by the pandemic. This is why they fear the worst could be still to come.

The author is a Jerusalemite, holds an MA in International Relations and Politics from the University of Dundee.

JAPAN NEWS - YOMIURI

The spread of novel corona-virus infections is further widening across the nation. It is urgent to put vaccines, which are key to stemming the epidemic, to practical use.

More than 20 clinical trials of vaccines are being con-ducted around the world, and their development is in the final stage. A vaccine developed by major British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca PLC and Oxford University and another by U.S. biotechnology firm Moderna Inc. have entered the final stage of their clinical tests.

In Japan, a team led by start-up AnGes Inc. has also begun clinical trials and is aiming to put its vaccine to practical use next spring or later. The new method, which uses artificially synthesized DNA, is designed to help healthy people develop immunity within their bodies

and prevent infections. It is expected that the vaccine’s development will be sped up.

As the efficacy and safety of vaccines must be carefully eval-uated, it usually takes several years to put them to practical use. It is hoped that the gov-ernment will expedite the approval process as much as possible and approve the vac-cines faster than usual, while giving consideration to safety.

There are huge costs involved in the development of vaccines, and in many cases they end in failure before they can be put to practical use. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies find it difficult to get started in actively developing vaccines. Even if they succeed, there is a possibility that the spread of an infectious disease will have been brought under control by then, which makes them hesitate to go ahead.

And even after a vaccine’s development is complete, there

is a fear that countries will try to take control of them for their exclusive use because the quantity of vaccines produced initially is limited. It is not easy to secure enough for all the people.

The government should financially support pharmaceu-tical companies that adopt new technologies and prepare and improve production lines. If a system is introduced to purchase a certain number of vaccines as a national stockpile, more com-panies could start mass pro-duction at an early stage.

In 2009, when a new strain of influenza broke out, the gov-ernment decided on a policy to prioritize vaccinating not only medical workers but also pregnant women and children, who are at a higher risk of infection. This time also, it is important to consider the fact that elderly people are more likely to develop serious infec-tions with the coronavirus, and

discuss who will be prioritized for vaccinations in advance.

As more people get vacci-nated, major side effects could become clear. In order to put vaccines to practical use as soon as possible, it is necessary to discuss with pharmaceutical companies how to deal with possible serious side effects.

In other countries, there is a strong awareness that vaccines are of great importance for national security. In addition to supporting domestic com-panies, it is hoped that the Jap-anese government will make efforts to promote import negotiations with foreign coun-tries to secure sufficient doses.

It is also important to expedite efforts to develop and approve therapeutic drugs in parallel, on the assumption that not only could there be a shortage in the supply of vac-cines, but also that the pre-ventive effects of vaccines could be insufficient.

The occupation has left Palestinians unable to control the virus

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09FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 OPINION

The Arctic summer of 2020 is one that’s been marked by raging fires in the Far North, with smoke extending more than 1,000 miles downwind, along with alarming new temper-ature records and ice melt. While rapid Arctic climate change is not exactly news - the region is warming at about three times the rate of the rest of the world, the manifestations of this phenomena are increasing in severity, scope and societal conse-quences.

This week, for example, with

blazes raging across Siberia, smoke smothered the skies all the way into portions of Alaska. In Svalbard, a Norwegian Arctic archipelago that’s seen staggering warming rates in recent years, all-time temperature records were set, turning already receding glaciers into mush, covered by so much turquoise meltwater that it was visible from space.

The Svalbard Archipelago is one of the fastest warming places on Earth, with sea ice and glaciers on the decline. In Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the northernmost inhabited settlement with more than 1,000 residents, saw temperatures soar to 71.1 degrees (21.7 Celsius) on July 25, setting an all-time record high for this location. Longyearbyen had a string of four days that exceeded 68 degrees (20 Celsius), a feat only seen once before, in 1979.

At the same location, the over-night low temperature failed to fall below 62.2 degrees (16.8 Celsius) on the 25th, setting an all-time record for the warmest low temperature.

The average high and low tem-peratures at this time of year in Longyearbyen are 49 (9.4 Celsius) and 41 degrees (5 Celsius)

The ice cap in Svalbard has the highest surface mass loss of any Arctic ice sheet so far this summer, and hit a new record for surface snow and ice melt on July 25, when temperatures spiked, according to Xavier Fettweiss, a scientist at the University of Liege, Belgium.

While Siberia’s extreme temper-atures, including a likely all-time Arctic temperature record of 100.4 degrees (38 Celsius) recorded in June in Verkhoyansk, which lies above the Arctic Circle, has received the most attention, it’s the wildfires there that are having ripple effects far beyond this region. These fires have

continued on their relentless pace since June.

Each day, smoke, containing planet-warming greenhouse gases, has poured into the air, while on the ground flames have been destabi-lizing permafrost by burning away protective vegetation above the per-manently frozen soil. This, too, adds to climate change, since it frees up carbon and methane.

On many days during July, a milky sheen of smoke thick enough to obscure the ground was visible on satellite imagery extending across an expanse that would cover much of the Lower 48 states. The most severe fires have been accompanied by towering smoke plumes, known as pyro cumulonimbus clouds, or pyroCb’s.

Arctic wildfire carbon emissions, driven primarily by Siberian fires, hit a record level in July, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Moni-toring Service, a European Union science agency based in Reading, England. Such data stretches back 18 years, with an increase in Arctic fire emissions seen during that period.

Between July 1 and July 23, the estimated July total carbon emis-sions from fires in the Siberian Arctic amount to 100 megatonnes of carbon dioxide, said Mark Par-rington, a senior scientist with the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service in Reading, England, via email. Parrington said this is on top of the 59 megatonnes of carbon dioxide emitted from Arctic Circle fires in June.

“The large cluster of fires in well within the Siberian Arctic Circle has been burning with high intensity (higher than the highest daily total calculated for the region in 2019) for several days and look set to con-tinue,” Parrington said on July 24, a

prediction that has turned out to be true.

Via Twitter on July 29, Parrington said: “July 2020 has witnessed esca-lation in Arctic fires previously unseen” in data gathered by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service, which goes back 18 years. Satellite-estimated wildfire carbon emissions, Parrington said, are running at twice the amount seen during the previous record Arctic fire season set just last year.

Smoke from these fires, including ash and carbon monoxide, spread across the Chukchi Sea as far as Alaska.

Siberia has been record warm for the entire calendar year so far. The Siberian fires and in particular, the prolonged heat, has already been directly tied to human-caused climate change.

In a rapid analysis, researchers found that the prolonged January-to-June heat in northern Siberia was made at least 600 times as likely by human-caused climate change. This led them to conclude such an event would be nearly impossible in the absence of global warming.

In addition, other parts of the Arctic are reeling from climate change-related effects, along with transient weather features.

Meanwhile, the extreme temper-atures in the Scandinavian Arctic and Siberia has spilled over to northern Canada now too. On July 25, a tem-perature of 71.4 was recorded in Eureka, Nunavut, located in the Canadian Arctic at 80 degrees north latitude. According to Mika Ran-tanen, a researcher at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, that may be the highest temperature on record so far north.

In an example of how extreme weather events can interact with long-term climate change-related trends, a strong low pressure area spun up early this week over the Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska, poten-tially hastening sea ice melt. The low is reminiscent of a powerful storm that churned the sea ice cover during the summer melt season of 2012. That storm helped to accelerate ice

loss and leading to an all-time record low ice extent.

Despite being of similar intensity, the recent storm is unlikely to have the same effects on the trajectory of the melt season, sea ice experts say. While noting that sea ice extent is currently at record low territory, the storm struck a region full of the thickest ice in the Arctic. Most of the ice loss this summer has come on the Eurasian side of the Arctic, including north of Siberia, where the Northern Sea Route very likely opened at its earliest date on record, a full month earlier than average.

“The key really is the timing of the storm and the thickness of the ice that’s there,” said Julienne Stroeve, a senior scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colo., in an email.

There is a chance the storm could speed up ice melt, but it depends on a number of factors.

“Since storms tend to cause ice divergence, if the storm pushes some of the ice in the Beaufort [Sea] towards [the] Bering Strait then it will likely melt out, as the ocean temperatures there are up to 5 Celsius warmer than average,” Stroeve said.

Walt Meier, an NSIDC colleague of Stroeve’s, noted that the 2012 storm struck later in the melt season and in “a region where the ice cover was already broken up and was fairly disperse (low concentration). So there was a lot of opportunity for the storm to kick up waves and really decimate the ice. This year, the ice in that region is, at least at the moment, looking more formidable. It’s more compacted and likely thicker. So this year’s storm may not have the same impact as in 2012. We shall see.”

Almost uniformly, scientists studying Arctic warming emphasise how swiftly changes are occurring throughout the vast region. A new study, published Wednesday in Nature Climate Change, backs that impression up, showing that “major portions” of the region have been warming at a rate of 1.8 degrees (1 Celsius) per decade for the past 40 years, which constitutes an “abrupt climate change event” when viewed in light of paleoclimate records of abrupt glacial episodes in the past.

The study found that even the most dire climate model scenarios tend to underestimate the recent pace and extent of climate change in the Arctic. Co-author Martin Stendel, a research scientist at the Danish Meteorological Agency, wrote “[a]dditional abrupt changes can only be avoided following a low emission scenario,” via a Twitter message.

The author edits and reports on extreme weather and climate science for the Capital Weather Gang.

Wildfires, record warmth and rapidly melting ice: Arctic climate goes further off the rails this summer

In Svalbard, a Norwegian Arctic archipelago that’s seen staggering warming rates in recent years, all-time temperature records were set, turning already receding glaciers into mush, covered by so much turquoise meltwater that it was visible from space.

Surface meltwater (blue) on a glacier in Svalbard, Norway, as seen via the Sentinel-2 satellite.

The deals - including those agreed by the United States, Britain and the European Union with the likes of Pfizer, BioNtech, AstraZeneca and Moderna - are undermining the global drive, experts say.

‘Vaccine nationalism’: Is it every country for itself?

It’s dog eat dog in the world of COVID-19 vaccines.

That’s the fear of global health agencies planning a scheme to bulk-buy and equitably distribute vaccines around the world. They are watching with dismay as some wealthier countries have decided to go it alone, striking deals with drug-makers to secure millions of doses of promising candi-dates for their citizens.

The deals - including those agreed by the United States, Britain and the European Union with the likes of Pfizer, BioNtech, AstraZeneca and Moderna - are undermining the global drive, experts say.

“Everybody doing bilateral deals is not a way to optimize the situation,” said Seth Berkley, chief executive of the GAVI alliance which co-leads the scheme called COVAX designed to secure rapid and fair global access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Pfizer said this week it was in concurrent talks with the EU and several of And in

the latest swoop, Britain announced a deal on Wednesday to secure advanced supplies of potential COVID-19 vaccines from GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi.

This, according to global health charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), will further fuel “the global scramble to hoard vaccines by rich coun-tries” and feed “a dangerous trend of vaccine nationalism”.

The concern is that vaccine supply and allo-cation in this pandemic will echo the last - caused by the H1N1 flu virus in 2009/2010 - when rich nations bought up the available supply of vac-cines, initially leaving poor countries with none.

In that instance, since H1N1 turned out to be a milder disease and the pan-demic ultimately petered out, the impact on infections and deaths from vaccine imbalances was limited.

However COVID-19 is a far greater threat, and leaving swathes of the world’s people vulnerable will not only harm them, but also extend the pandemic and the damage it can cause, health experts say.

“There is a risk that some countries are doing exactly what we feared - which is every man for himself,” said Gayle Smith, former head of

the US Agency for Interna-tional Development and CEO of the One Campaign, a non-profit aimed at ending poverty and preventable disease.

‘I am worried’More than 75 wealthier

countries including Britain have expressed interest in the COVAX financing scheme, which is also co-led by the World Health Organi-zation and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI, joining 90 poorer ones who would be supported through donations.

But the United States, China and Russia are not among countries expressing interest in COVAX, according to GAVI.

And an EU source said last week that the European Commission, which is the bloc’s executive arm and leads EU talks with drug-makers, has advised EU

countries not to buy COVID-19 vaccines via COVAX.

“I am worried,” said Thomas Bollyky, director of the global health program at the Council on Foreign Rela-tions. “What is happening with the handful of nations that are locking up supply of vaccine competes with the multilateral supply deals.

“At the end of the day, vaccine manufacturing is a finite resource. You can expand it, but only so much.”

Experts estimate the world can reasonably hope to have around 2 billion doses of effective COVID-19 vaccines by the end of next year, if several of the leading candidates prove effective in expedited late-stage trials currently underway. COVAX’s aim is to distribute doses for at least 20% of its signed-up countries’ populations.

Another two years?

Berkley of GAVI said, however, that if self-inter-ested countries or regions snapped those up to cover their entire populations - instead of sharing them across nations and protecting the most at-risk people first - the pandemic could not be controlled.

“If you were to try to vaccinate the entire US, (and) the entire EU, for example, with two doses of vaccine - then you’d get to about 1.7 billion doses. And if that is the number of doses that’s available, there’s not a lot left for others.”

If a handful, or even 30 or 40 countries have vaccines, but more than 150 others don’t, “then the epidemic will rage there” Berkley said.

“This virus ... moves around like lightning. So you’ll end up in a situation where you will not be able to go back to normal. You won’t be able to have commerce, tourism, travel, trade, unless you can get the whole pan-demic to be slowed down.”

He and Smith and other health experts said ending the pandemic meant ending it globally.

“It’s the difference from a pandemic (for) another two years as opposed to one year,” Smith added. “The economics and health conse-quences of that are enormous.”

ANDREW FREEDMANTHE WASHINGTON POST

KATE KELLAND AND JULIE STEENHUYSEN REUTERS

Siberia has been record warm for the entire calendar year so far. The Siberian fires and in particular, the prolonged heat, has already been directly tied to human-caused climate change.In a rapid analysis, researchers found that the prolonged January-to-June heat in northern Siberia was made at least 600 times as likely by human-caused climate change.

The concern is that vaccine supply and allocation in this pandemic will echo the last - caused by the H1N1 flu virus in 2009/2010 - when rich nations bought up the available supply of vaccines, initially leaving poor countries with none.

HK row has ‘poisoned’ ties with UK: Chinese envoyAFP — LONDON

Britain’s “interventions” in Hong Kong have “seriously poisoned the atmosphere” of relations with China, Beijing’s ambassador in London warned yesterday.

Liu Xiaoming also accused Western powers and media of spreading “the lies of the century” in their reporting of the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China.

“China has done nothing to weaken the mutual trust, we see the UK as a partner, a friendly country, we want to advance this golden era”, Liu said in an

online press conference.“But unfortunately it’s the

UK side which has done things to undermine the trust,” he added.

Britain’s actions over Hong Kong and criticism of China’s

treatment of the Uighur popu-lation as “egregious human rights abuses” had “seriously poisoned” the relationship, he said.

The two countries have clashed over a new security law in Hong Kong, with Prime Min-ister Boris Johnson offering visas to millions of the city’s residents.

Britain’s last colonial gov-ernor of Hong Kong accused Beijing on Thursday of carrying out “an outrageous political purge” of pro-democracy parties there after a dozen can-didates were disqualified for standing in an upcoming

election.As part of the 1997 handover

of Hong Kong from Britain, China agreed to guarantee Hong Kong certain freedoms — as well as judicial and legislative autonomy — for 50 years in a deal known as “One Country, Two Systems”.

Britain and China have also fallen out over the role of Chinese tech firm Huawei in building Britain’s 5G network, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing earlier this month that its involvement would be phased out over security concerns.

The ambassador claimed

that Donald Trump was tar-geting China due to the upcoming election, and that the US president wanted a new Cold War.

“We have no interest in any Cold War,” he said.

Liu was forced to answer questions over video footage that apparently showed Uighurs being loaded onto trains, during a recent BBC interview.

Rights groups and experts estimate that more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minor-ities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps.

But Liu disputed the figure

as “absurd” and claimed the video showed prisoners being moved by train.

“We hope the British media will disregard their arrogance and prejudice” and report in an “objective and fair manner” over the issue, he said.

He said claims of harsh detention camps were untrue, and compared the centres to similar de-radicalisation pro-grammes in Britain and France.

However, he said China was opposed to a “so-called” inde-pendent investigation, saying it would be used for political purposes.

Philippines, Malaysia ministers spar on Twitter over Sabah claimBLOOMBERG — KUALA LUMPUR

The Philippine foreign minister sparked a diplomatic fight over Twitter by asserting ownership over the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo, reviving a longstanding terri-torial dispute between the Southeast Asian nations.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, on his official Twitter account, said he will summon the Philippine ambassador on Monday in reaction to his Philippine coun-terpart’s July 27 tweet.

Philippine Foreign Sec-retary Teodoro Locsin tweeted that “Sabah is not in Malaysia if you want to have anything to do with the Philippines,” reacting to a US Embassy item describing the area straddling both nations as part of Malaysia.

Sabah is a long-standing, on-and-off flashpoint between

the neighbours, with the most recent flare up in February 2013 when followers of a self-proclaimed sultan of Sulu, sought to claim sovereignty and led to clashes that killed dozens.

The sultans of Sulu once ruled over Sabah and the Sulu is lands in southern Philippines.

The state fell under British control after World War II and joined Malaysia in 1963, shortly after Sulu ceded its sovereignty to the Philippines.

The Sabah state itself is facing its own domestic political upheaval as the oppo-sition party said it has enough majority in state parliament to take over — leading Chief Min-ister Shafie Apdal, who has also been touted as a possible prime minister candidate, to hold a lengthy meeting with the state governor late Wednesday amid talks of a snap state election.

US seeks action after blasphemy suspect shot dead in Pakistan court

REUTERS — PESHAWAR

The United States urged Pakistan yesterday to take action over the killing of an American national in a crowded courtroom as he faced trial for blasphemy.

Tahir Ahmed Naseem was shot multiple times at close range as he appeared in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Wednesday.

“We urge Pakistan to take immediate action and pursue reforms that will prevent such a shameful tragedy from hap-pening again,” the US State Department said in a tweet.

As Naseem’s arraignment began before the judge, a young man in the room pulled out a handgun and shot him in the head, officials and wit-nesses said.

The young man was arrested on the spot.

Yesterday, activists held a protest rally in Peshawar calling for the release of the suspected shooter, saying he had defended his religion.

The aftermath of the killing, captured on video and shared on social media, showed Naseem slumped over in a chair beside the judge’s bench, as other shackled pris-oners, some with bloodied clothes, were taken from the room.

Latif Afridi, who heads the Peshawar High Court Bar Association, questioned how the man managed to get a gun into the court given that all visitors are checked thor-oughly at three different points.

“It is likely someone who can go without being checked, perhaps a police officer or a lawyer, handed the shooter the gun after he entered,” he added.

Most-wanted fugitive in Philippines nabbed AP — MANILA

Philippine police said yesterday they have captured the coun-try’s most-wanted fugitive, a former lawmaker who was convicted years ago of corruption and murdering his wife.

Former Representative Ruben Ecleo Jr (pictured) was arrested with his driver while on his way to play golf in Pam-panga province north of Manila where he had apparently hid for years under a false name, police Maj Gen Debold Sinas said.

“This should be a warning to all. It’s good this one did not fight back despite his arma-ments, you saw he has high-powered firearms,” national police chief Gen Archie Gamboa said at a news con-ference, where Ecleo was presented.

A special anti-graft court ordered Ecleo’s arrest in 2006 in connection with irregular-ities in the construction of a public market and a town hall and the repair of a building in a town on southern Dinagat island where he served as mayor in the early 1990s.

In 2012, a court found Ecleo guilty in the 2002 murder of his

wife at their home in central Cebu city. Investigators at the time said Ecleo strangled his wife in an argument and her body was later found dumped in a ravine.

Sinas said police would try to determine if Ecleo played a role in other past killings in Cebu and if some officials helped him elude arrest.

Ecleo used to head a local religious group which was regarded by some as a cult and has wide following in the south.

In 2013, police and troops, backed by air force assault hel-icopters, tried to arrest Ecleo but clashed with hundreds of his followers in hours of vio-lence in Dinagat that left several followers and a police officer dead.

Eid preparationsA beautician applying henna art on the hands of a customer at a salon ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, yesterday. Eid Al Adha, feast of the sacrifice, marks the end of the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) obedience to Allah.

“China has done nothing to weaken the mutual trust, we see the UK as a partner, a friendly country, we want to advance this golden era”, Liu said in an online press conference.

Former president who brought direct elections to Taiwan dies at 97AP — TAIPEI

Former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui (pictured), who brought direct elections and other democratic changes to the self-governed island despite missile launches and other fierce saber-rattling by China, has died. He was 97.

Taipei Veterans General Hospital said Lee died yes-terday evening after suf-fering from infections, cardiac problems and organ failure since being hospitalised in February.

Lee strove to create a sep-arate, non-Chinese identity for Taiwan, angering not only China, which considers the island part of its territory, but also members of his Nationalist Party who hoped to return vic-

torious to the mainland.Lee later openly endorsed

formal independence for the island but illness in his later years prompted him to largely withdraw from public life.

Physically imposing and charismatic, Lee spanned Tai-wan’s modern history and was

native to the island, unlike many who arrived with Chiang Kai-shek in 1949, at the end of the Chinese civil war.

At times gruff, at times per-sonable, he left little doubt he was the man in charge in almost any setting.

“A leader must be tough and strong enough so he can put an end to disputes and chaotic sit-uations,” he wrote in his autobiography.

In 1971, Lee joined the gov-erning Nationalist Party. He was Taipei mayor, Taiwan province governor and vice-president before succeeding to the pres-idency in 1988.

In his early years as pres-ident, Lee met significant resistance from Nationalist hard-liners who favoured the party’s tradition of mainlander domination and resented Lee’s

native status. He beat back the resistance, largely by giving his detractors important political positions.

In 1990, Lee signaled his support for student demands for direct elections of Taiwan’s president and vice-president and the end of reserving legis-lative seats to represent districts on the Chinese mainland. The following year he oversaw the dismantling of emergency laws put into effect by Chiang Kai-shek’s government, effectively reversing the Nationalists’ long-standing goal of returning to the mainland and removing the Communists from power.

Communist China saw the democratic steps as a direct threat to its claim to Taiwan, and its anger was exacerbated when Lee visited the United States in 1995. To Beijing, Lee’s visit to

Cornell signaled the United States was willing to accord special rec-ognition to the ruler of a “ren-egade” Chinese province.

The US made sure Lee did not meet with high-ranking American officials, including then-President Bill Clinton, but its attempts to dampen Chinese anger were unsuccessful.

China soon began a series of threatening military manoeuvres off the coast of mainland Fujian province that included the firing of missiles just off Taiwan’s coast. More missiles were fired immediately before the March 1996 presi-dential elections, and the U.S. response was to send aircraft carrier battle groups to Tai-wan’s east coast in a show of support. Taiwanese were uncowed and the elections went ahead, with Lee victorious.

Vietnam redeploys tracing system to halt new virus contagionREUTERS — HANOI

Vietnam began mass corona-virus testing in the capital Hanoi, banned gatherings in its economic hub and urged tens of thousands of domestic trav-ellers to report to authorities yesterday, as the country scrambled to contain its first outbreak in 100 days.

Text messages were sent to all cellphones used by the coun-try’s 95 million people urging anyone who visited the popular coastal city of Danang in July to come forward, after a new wave of the virus spread to six cities and provinces in as many days, with 47 positive cases.

Hanoi’s ruling body started the testing of some 21,063 res-idents who recently returned from Danang, a central holiday getaway that has been a big draw for domestic travellers since restrictions were eased.

The southern commercial centre Ho Chi Minh City fol-lowed Hanoi on Thursday in shutting entertainment venues and banning gatherings after two people tested positive among 18,000 residents who were recently in Danang.

The latest response is in line with a centralised quarantine programme and aggressive testing and contact-tracing system that saw Vietnam lauded for keeping its

coronavirus tally to just 464 cases since late January, with no fatalities.

By comparison, neigh-bouring Philippines yesterday reported nearly 4,000 new cases in a single day.

Fourteen new Vietnamese cases were confirmed yes-terday, all but one in Danang or nearby Quang Nam province, home to the old city of Hoi An, another popular tourist site.

A strict lockdown has been

imposed in Danang and pas-senger flights halted for 15 days.

Hanoi moved fast to try to prevent a contagion, setting a deadline of Saturday to test anyone who visited Danang recently.

“We have to use full force to test all 21,063 returnees,” city chairman Nguyen Duc Chung said. “All must be done in three days.”

Danang has been inundated with visitors taking advantage

of promotions to revitalise a tourism sector hurt by border closures and international flight bans designed to keep the virus out. The current wave is traced to Danang, but the source is unclear.

Some experts say Vietnam could be paying for compla-cency after stopping the spread, with normal service quickly resuming, facemasks used less and domestic travel activity surging.

Medical specialists wearing protective suits collect blood sample from a woman who has returned after travelling to Da Nang, at a rapid testing centre for COVID-19 outside Hanoi, yesterday.

10 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020ASIA

UK worries about second virus wave in Europe, more quarantine steps possibleREUTERS — LONDON

British authorities are worried about a second wave of coro-navirus infections in Europe and will not hesitate to bring back more quarantine measures, possibly within the next few days, as they did with Spain.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said COVID-19 was under some measure of control in Britain, but a resurgence in some European countries showed the pandemic was not over.

“It is absolutely vital as a country that we continue to keep our focus and our disci-pline, and that we don’t delude ourselves that somehow we are out of the woods or that is all over, because it isn’t all over,” he said.

Last weekend Britain re-imposed a 14-day quarantine period on people arriving from Spain, a move that caused havoc with the reopening of the continent for tourism in the summer high season.

Health minister Matt

Hancock stopped short of naming other European coun-tries that might end up back on the quarantine list, but cited France as an example of one where infections have lately risen.

“I am worried about a second wave. I think you can see a second wave starting to roll across Europe, and we’ve got to do everything we can to prevent it from reaching these

shores, and to tackle it,” Hancock said during an interview on Sky News.

When asked whether Britons should be prepared for more measures to be announced within the next few days, he said yes.

“The number of cases have gone up sharply in some coun-tries in Europe... France now has more cases than we do, per day, and in Spain we saw the numbers shoot up which is why we had to take the rapid action that we did,” Hancock said on Talk Radio.

France reported almost 1,400 new cases on Wednesday, the highest daily increase in more than a month.

Britain reported 763 new confirmed cases on Wednesday.

Hancock said the authorities were working on possible ways to shorten the quarantine period for people coming from Spain, such as by testing them during the quarantine period.

“But we are not imminently making an announcement on it,” he said in a BBC television

interview.In Britain, the number of

cases had stopped falling and was at best flat, which was a result of increased social contact as lockdown measures have gradually been eased, Hancock said. He urged people to keep following social dis-tancing guidelines.

An analysis from Britain’s statistics office showed on Thursday that the United Kingdom has suffered the

highest rate of excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in a comparison of 21 European countries.

Meanwhile, one of Britain's largest care home providers said the government is unable to meet its promise to regularly test staff and residents in care homes after problems were discovered with coronavirus testing kits.

Earlier this month, the gov-ernment announced that staff will be tested for the virus each

week while residents will receive a test every 28 days. Health minister, Matt Hancock, said at the time this would keep residents and staff safe.

However, Andrew Knight, chief executive of residential services at CareUK, said the government told him that a problem with a test from an unnamed supplier means that it may take five weeks before staff and residents can access regular testing.

NHS staff in uniform holding placards talk before handing a petition with almost 500,000 signatures demanding a pay rise for all NHS staff, amid COVID-19 outbreak, at the entrance to Downing Street in London, yesterday.

Italian Senate opens way for trial of Salvini over migrant ship

AFP — ROME

Italy's Senate voted yesterday to strip far-right chief Matteo Salvini of his parliamentary immunity, paving the way for him to face trial, for a second time, over allegedly illegally detaining migrants at sea.

Salvini, a Senator, now looks set for a potentially career-derailing case on charges that could see him serve up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

The Senate voted 149 to 141 to strip Salvini of his immunity, with one abstention.

"I am proud to have defended Italy. I would do it again and I will do it again, also because just this July the arrivals are six times those seen in the same period a year ago, with the League party in government," a defiant Salvini told the Senate after the vote.

The head of the anti-immi-grant League party is already set to stand trial in a separate but similar case.

Prosecutors in the Sicilian city of Palermo accuse Salvini of abusing his powers as then-interior minister in August 2019 to illegally prevent more than 80 migrants, rescued in the Medi-terranean, from disembarking from the Open Arms charity ship.

Ministers cannot be tried for actions taken while in office unless their parlia-mentary immunity is revoked by the Senate.

Salvini has insisted the decision to stop the migrants from getting off the ship until a deal was brokered with EU countries to take them in was reached collectively within the government.

That is the same defence Salvini is using for the other trial, in which he is accused of blocking migrants from disem-barking from the Italian "Gre-goretti" coast guard boat last July.

In February, the Senate voted to strip him of his par-liamentary immunity in that case. The preliminary hearing has been postponed thrice due to the coronavirus pandemic, and is now scheduled to take place in Sicily on October 3.

Political analyst Franco Pavoncello said the Senate's go-ahead on the Open Arms trial would "certainly have an impact on Salvini", whose popularity has dropped since the coronavirus pandemic swept through Italy.

Salvini, 47, says Italy's over two-month lockdown hit him and his party hard, as he had to put an end to his frequent rallies up and down the country and his famous beachside selfie sessions.

Suspected mercenaries held in Belarus wrongly accused: RussiaREUTERS — MOSCOW/MINSK

Russia demanded an expla-nation from Belarus yesterday over what it said was Minsk’s wrongful arrest of a group of alleged Russian mercenaries accused of plotting acts of terrorism.

The arrests risk worsening already strained relations between Belarus and traditional ally Russia, which has scaled back economic support after becoming disenchanted with the pace of integration between the two countries.

Belarusian state television broadcast footage on

Wednesday of more than 30 suspected Russian private mil-itary contractors being detained near the capital Minsk. Author-ities said they had received information that over 200 fighters had entered the country to destabilise it before an August 9 presidential election.

A criminal case was opened on Thursday after Belarus said it suspected “the preparation of terrorist acts”. Some of the captured men con-fessed to trying to orchestrate a revolution, and Russia’s ambassador was summoned to explain, officials said.

Belarusian authorities say

they believe the husband of opposition presidential can-didate Svetlana Tikhanouskaya may have ties to the Russian group and have launched a criminal case against him on suspicion of inciting riots, the Belta news agency reported.

Tikhanouskaya told Reuters in an interview that neither she nor Syarhei, her jailed husband, had anything to do with the alleged plot.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow wanted an exhaustive explanation from Belarus about the group detained and hoped their rights would be observed fully.

“We don’t have information about any illegal activity carried out by them,” Peskov said in Moscow.

Dmitry Mezentsev, Russia’s ambassador to Belarus, said the men had been transiting Belarus en route, via Istanbul, to a third unnamed country and were not involved in any way with the domestic affairs of Belarus.

“According to information that has yet to be confirmed, the Russians may be employees of a private security company, which... has been commissioned to guard energy infrastructure and resources abroad but certainly

not in Belarus,” Mezentsev said in a statement.

Footage of the group’s arrest showed they had Sudanese currency with them.

Mezentsev said the group had been forced to extend their short stopover in Belarus because they had missed their original flight.

The Belarusian election campaign has posed the biggest challenge in years to President Alexander Lukashenko, who has allowed little dissent in over a quarter of a century in power in the country of 9.5 million between Russia and European Union member state Poland.

US ex-marine Trevor Reed, charged with attacking police, stands inside a defendants’ cage during his verdict hearing at Moscow’s Golovinsky district court, yesterday.

Russia jails US ex-marine for 9 years over police assaultAFP — MOSCOW

A Russian court yesterday sentenced former US marine Trevor Reed to nine years in prison for assaulting police officers while drunk last year.

His conviction follows the high-profile trial of another former US marine Paul Whelan last month on espionage charges in a case that has fuelled speculation of a prisoner exchange with the US.

Reed, a 29-year-old student and former marine from Texas, allegedly attacked police after attending a party in Moscow.

While being driven to a police station, he purportedly grabbed the arm of a police officer, causing the car they were in to swerve, and elbowed another officer in the abdomen.

Reed appeared wearing a face mask in a cage for

defendants in a courtroom in the Russian capital as the judge read out the guilty verdict, saying the police officers had suffered “mental and physical harm”.

The court ruled that Reed’s “state of intoxication” had played a decisive role in the incident and sentenced him to nine years in a penal colony, according to a reporter in the courtroom.

Reed denounced the verdict as “completely political” and vowed to appeal to the US gov-ernment for political support.

A representative of the US embassy at the hearing declined to comment on the verdict.

The case has caught the attention of US diplomats in Russia and US Ambassador John Sullivan said earlier this year he was following the proceedings along with the trials of other Americans detained in Russia.

French cities tighten virus rules as cases riseAFP — LILLE

Several French cities on Thursday announced new face mask requirements and other measures to contain the coro-navirus as the number of new cases continues to increase after a long lull, officials said.

The government, anxious to avoid a new outbreak but wary of clamping down too hard during the summer holidays, has stepped up guidance on social distancing as officials report new contagion “clusters” daily.

Face masks are already required in all enclosed public spaces nationwide, and in recent days several cities have cracked down on mass gatherings of young people in particular.

In the Nord department adjacent to Belgium, the gov-ernment’s top official said “reinforced measures” would be announced today, possibly

making masks compulsory in public even outdoors, in response to a surge in cases across the border.

The mayor of Saint-Malo, whose walled city on the English Channel has drawn tens of thousands of French tourists who opted to stay in the country for the summer hol-idays, said masks were now mandatory inside the old city and on the ramparts for eve-ryone aged 11 and above.

“Masks are essential pro-tection for limiting the virus’s spread,” Mayor Gilles Lurton said, after health authorities said the Ille-et-Vilaine region had 44 new cases on Wednesday alone.

Starting today, masks will be required in open-air markets in Orleans, central France, and after 9pm (1900 GMT) along the Loire river, where crowds of people have been turning out nightly.

EU imposes sanctions on Russian and Chinese ‘cyber attackers’AFP — BRUSSELS

The European Union imposed its first ever sanctions against alleged cyber attackers yesterday, targeting Russian and Chinese individuals and a specialist unit of Moscow’s GRU military intelligence agency.

An export firm based in North Korea and technology company from Tiajin, China, were also listed.

The member states said measures would be taken against six individuals and three entities involved in various actions, including the attempt to hack into the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

They also included suspects said to be involved in the major cyber assaults known by the nick-names “WannaCry”, “NotPetya” and “Operation Could Hopper”.

The individuals will be banned from travel to the European Union and all the targets will be subject to an asset freeze for any funds in areas under EU jurisdiction.

In addition, the European Council of member states said: “EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed.” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the action had been taken “to better prevent, dis-courage, deter and respond to such malicious behaviour in cyberspace”.

These attacks, he said, rep-resented “an external threat to the European Union or its member states” or had “a sig-nificant effect against third States or international organisations”.

The best known of the tar-geted entities is the Main Centre

for Special Technologies, a unit of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation — better known as the GRU.

This unit, based on Kirova Street in Moscow, is said to have carried out attacks known as NotPetya and EternalPetya in June 2017, hitting EU private companies with ransomware and blocking data.

The sanctions list also accuses GRU agents of carrying out an attack on the Ukrainian power grid in the winters of 2015 and 2016, resulting in parts of it being shut down.

Four alleged Russian GRU agents — two “human intelli-gence support” officers and two “cyber operators” — are also named, for their roles in the April 2018 attempt to penetrate the OPCW agency in The Hague.

“It is absolutely vital as a country that we continue to keep our focus and our discipline, and that we don’t delude ourselves that somehow we are out of the woods or that is all over, because it isn’t all over,” Prime Minister said.

11FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 EUROPE

Trump floats election ‘delay’ amid claims of voting fraudAP — WASHINGTON

President Donald Trump is for the first time floating a “delay” to the November 3 presidential election, as he makes unsub-stantiated allegations that increased mail-in voting will result in fraud.

The dates of presidential elections — the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every fourth year — are enshrined in federal law and would require an act of Con-gress to change. The Consti-tution makes no provisions for a delay to the January 20, 2021 presidential inauguration.

Trump tweeted yesterday: “With Universal Mail-In Voting (not Absentee Voting, which is good), 2020 will be the most INACCURATE & FRAUDULENT Election in history. It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???”

His tweet came on a day of bad economic news — the gov-ernment reported that US economy shrank at a dizzying 32.9 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, by far the worst

quarterly plunge ever, as the coro-navirus outbreak shut down busi-nesses, threw tens of millions out of work and sent unemployment surging to 14.7 percent.

There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through mail-in voting, even in states with all-mail votes. Five states already rely exclusively on mail-in ballots, and they say they have necessary safeguards

in place to ensure that a hostile foreign actor doesn’t disrupt the vote. Election security experts say that all forms of voter fraud are rare, including absentee balloting.

Trump has increasingly sought to cast doubt on Novem-ber’s election and the expected surge in mail-in and absentee voting as a result of the corona-virus pandemic. And Trump has called remote voting options the “biggest risk” to his reelection. His campaign and the Republican Party have sued to combat the practice, which was once a sig-nificant advantage for the GOP.

Trailing in public and private polls, Trump refused in an interview just weeks ago with Fox News to commit to accept the results of the upcoming White House election, recalling a similar threat he made weeks before the 2016 vote.

“I have to see. Look... I have to see,” Trump told moderator Chris Wallace during a wide-ranging interview on “Fox News Sunday.” “No, I’m not going to just say ‘yes.’ I’m not going to say ‘no,’ and I didn’t last time, either.” Last month, Trump told supporters in Arizona that “This

will be, in my opinion, the most corrupt election in the history of our country.” Just months ago, in April, Trump had ruled out the prospect of trying to change the election. “I never even thought

of changing the date of the election,” he said. “Why would I do that? November 3rd. It’s a good number. No, I look forward to that election.” “I’m not thinking about it at all,” he

added. “Not at all.” Attorney General William Barr, speaking to a House committee earlier this week, claimed there was “a high risk” that mail-in voting would lead to “massive” fraud.

US President Donald Trump listens to Gloria Guillen, the mother of slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen who was found dead after disappearing from the army base in Texas, during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, yesterday.

Pompeo insists ‘tide is turning’ on ChinaREUTERS — WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said yesterday the “tide is turning” in US dealings with China, saying there is interna-tional support for American policies, including the step-up of maritime manoeuvres in the South China Sea and opposition to the use of Chinese technology in international 5G networks.

Reflecting rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, Pompeo took a tough line on China in testimony before the Senate Foreign Rela-tions Committee. “We see the Chinese Communist Party for what it is: the center threat of our times,” Pompeo said.

In recent days, Washington and Beijing have each closed one of the other country’s consulates — the United States closing China’s office in Houston and China retaliating by shuttering the US facility in Chengdu — and Pompeo recently announced an end to Hong Kong’s special trading status.

“We closed the consulate in Houston because it was a den of spies,” Pompeo said.

He declined to directly address reports that Russia offered bounties for the killing of US soldiers in Afghanistan. “The proper people have been aware of every threat to our sol-diers on the ground in Afghan-istan,” he said, in response to a

question from Senator Bob Menendez, the top committee Democrat.

Pompeo was testifying pub-licly at Foreign Relations Com-mittee hearing for the first time in 15 months, discussing the State Department’s annual budget request.

President Donald Trump’s administration has tried to slash the State Department budget since it took office, which has been rejected by Congress every year. Democratic lawmakers told the hearing that they would not support steep cuts this year either.

Committee Democrats released a report this week that harshly criticized Pompeo’s

tenure at State, saying he had harmed the department’s ability to conduct diplomacy by leaving jobs open for months, treating career diplomats poorly and promoting a culture of retaliation.

Lawmakers also asked Pompeo about Trump’s abrupt firing in May of Steve Linick, the State Department inspector general, as he investigated arms sales to Saudi Arabia and alle-gations that Pompeo improperly ordered a taxpayer-funded subordinate to handle personal errands.

Pompeo denied wrong-doing, repeating earlier asser-tions that Linick had improperly leaked information.

NASA launches Mars rover to look for signs of ancient lifeAP — CAPE CANAVERAL

The biggest, most sophisticated Mars rover ever built —- a car-size vehicle bristling with cameras, microphones, drills and lasers — blasted off for the red planet Thursday as part of an ambitious, long-range project to bring the first Martian rock samples back to Earth to be analysed for evidence of ancient life.

Nasa’s Perseverance rode a mighty Atlas V rocket into a clear morning sky in the world’s third and final Mars launch of the summer. China and the United Arab Emirates got a head start last week, but all three missions should reach their destination in February after a journey of seven months and 300 million miles.

The plutonium-powered, six-wheeled rover will drill down and collect tiny geo-logical specimens that will be brought home in about 2031 in a sort of interplanetary relay race involving multiple space-craft and countries. The overall cost: more than $8bn.

Nasa’s science mission chief, Thomas Zurbuchen, pro-nounced the launch the start of “humanity’s first round trip to another planet.” “Oh, I loved it, punching a hole in the sky, right? Getting off the cosmic shore of our Earth, wading out there in the cosmic ocean,” he said. “Every time, it gets me.”

In addition to potentially answering one of the most pro-found questions of science, religion and philosophy - Is there or has there ever been life beyond Earth? — the mission will yield lessons that could pave the way for the arrival of astronauts as early as the 2030s.

“There’s a reason we call the robot Perseverance. Because going to Mars is hard,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said just before liftoff. “In this case, it’s harder than ever before because we’re doing it in the midst of a pandemic.”

The US, the only country to safely put a spacecraft on Mars, is seeking its ninth successful landing on the planet, which has proved to be the Bermuda Triangle of space exploration, with more than half of the world’s missions there burning up, crashing or otherwise ending in failure.

China is sending both a rover an orbiter. The UAE, a newcomer to outer space, has an orbiter en route.

It’s the biggest stampede to Mars in spacefaring history. The opportunity to fly between Earth and Mars comes around only once every 26 months when the planets are on the same side of the sun and about as close as they can get.

Launch controllers wore masks and sat spaced apart at the Cape Canaveral control center because of the corona-virus outbreak, which kept hundreds of scientists and other team members away from Perseverance’s liftoff.

About an hour into the flight, controllers applauded, pumped their fists, exchanged air hugs and pantomimed high-fives when the rocket flawlessly broke out of orbit around the Earth and began hurtling toward Mars.

“We have left the building. We are on our way to Mars,” Perseverance’s chief engineer, Adam Steltzner, said from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Labo-ratory in Pasadena, California.

Brazil President’s wife, minister test positive for COVID-19

REUTERS — RIO DE JANEIRO

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s wife and one of his ministers have tested positive for COVID-19, according to an official statement yesterday, as the spread of the novel coronavirus showed no signs of slowing in the country with the world’s second-worst outbreak after the United States.

Just days after her husband said he had overcome the virus with a negative test following weeks in quarantine, Bolsonaro’s wife Michelle has tested pos-itive, the presidential office said in a statement.

“First lady Michelle Bol-sonaro tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. She is in good health and will follow all established protocols,” it said, referring to the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Earlier on Thursday, Bra-zil’s science and technology minister, Marcos Pontes, said his test had come back pos-itive, becoming the fifth min-ister in Bolsonaro’s gov-ernment to be diagnosed with the disease.

Their infections are a pal-pable sign of the scale of the outbreak in Brazil, which set fresh daily records on Wednesday for new COVID-19 cases and related fatalities.

The 69,074 new confirmed cases and 1,595 additional deaths reported by the Health Ministry, pushed the country past 2.5 million infections and 90,000 killed.

Pontes made his announcement on Facebook, saying he was quarantining and working remotely.

“I just tested positive for the new coronavirus,” he said. “I’m well, just a bit of flu symptoms and a headache.”

Medical workers protest in PortlandMedical workers march past the Mark O Hatfield Federal Courthouse to begin a night of protest against racial injustice, police brutality and the deployment of federal troops to US cities in Portland, Oregon. Protests in the US city have continued for more than 60 days.

Florida faces pressure, sees record high virus deathsAP — MIAMI

Florida tallied yesterday a new record high in daily confirmed COVID-19 deaths for the third straight day as the state faces pressure to outline new measures to combat the pandemic.

The Florida Department of Health said 253 more deaths were reported raising the state’s total death toll to 6,586.

The new deaths bring the average reported deaths per day to 154 for the past week, second only to Texas in the resurgence of the outbreak. Florida’s current rate of deaths is about one-fifth of those logged in New York at the height of its outbreak in mid-April.

The head of a congressional coronavirus oversight panel sent letters to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and three other Republ ican governors Wednesday requesting docu-ments to show how their states are fighting the pandemic.

According to the letter, Florida is not following three recommendations outlined in a White House coronavirus task force report by allowing gyms to remain open even in worst-hit Miami and Tampa, per-mitting a larger capacity for indoor dining and not limiting social gatherings. The report hasn’t been made public.

The request by South Carolina Rep James Clyburn, a Democrat, comes days after

White House coronavirus task force leader Dr. Deborah Birx implored leaders to close bars and for residents to wear masks.

The letter also says Florida is only partially complying to three other guidelines by not mandating masks in all counties with rising test posi-tivity singling out Polk County as one that is currently not requiring the use of facial cov-erings. DeSantis has refused to issue a statewide mask mandate.

“Our guidelines have been that physical distancing is important, closed sustained contact is what is the best mechanism for transmitting the virus,” DeSantis said.

3 former presidents mourn John Lewis at funeralAP — ATLANTA

John Lewis was mourned, revered and celebrated as an American hero yesterday at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, a sacred place for many of those who helped to shape civil rights history.

Three former presidents joined in the eulogies after nearly a week of mourning that took him from his birthplace in Alabama to the nation’s capital of Washington to his final resting place in his home of Atlanta.

“He always believed in preaching the Gospel in word and in deed, insisting that hate and fear had to be answered with love and hope,” former President George W Bush said from the pulpit. Lewis died on July 17 at the age of 80.

Former President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi were also in attendance.

Pelosi recalled how Lewis’ body was lying in state at the US Capitol earlier this week, and a double rainbow appeared.

“There was this double rainbow over the casket,” she said. “He was telling us, ‘I’m home in heaven, I’m home in heaven.’ We always knew he worked on the side of angels, and now he is with them.” The arc of Lewis’ legacy of activism was once again tied to Eben-ezer’s former pastor Martin Luther King Jr, whose sermons Lewis discovered while scanning the radio dial as a 15-year-old boy growing up in then-segregated Alabama.

The dates of presidential elections — the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every fourth year — are enshrined in federal law and would require an act of Congress to change. The Constitution makes no provisions for a delay to the January 20, 2021 presidential inauguration.

12 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020AMERICAS

Australia and the US see their first y-o-y drop in LNG exports this year, which means that these countries are relatively exposed to spot prices and have to react to the current low price in the LNG market.

BUSINESSPAGE | 14 PAGE | 14

13FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020

Shell dives to

over $18bn

loss on oil

market

Virus-hit German

economy shrinks

by record 10.1% in

second quarter

Qatar's LNG exports rise despite pandemic: ExpertTHE PENINSULA — DOHA

Despite the decline of spot gas and LNG prices and the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar has had a “remarkable” run in the first half of 2020, an expert from S&P Global Platts, a leader of energy information, analytics, and benchmark prices, said at the 43rd monthly Gas Lecture series of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

At the same event, GECF Secretary-General Yury Sen-tyurin highlighted the signif-icant role of the Asia Pacific region in connecting supply and demand nodes across the gas market. The GECF estimates that gas demand can only reach historic 2019 levels in 2022, given the current situation. Sen-tuyrin also noted that low gas and LNG prices will make LNG a more competitive fuel and support the role of natural gas in achieving the 17 UN Sus-tainable Development Goals. Furthermore, he reaffirmed that the GECF continues to be a platform for knowledge sharing and exchange of information amongst industry stakeholders, and remains a source of unique tools and capabilities to nav-igate new market realities.

Dexter Wang, Manager for Asia Pacific (APAC) Market Engagement at S&P Global Platts, was speaking at the event entitled ‘The Global LNG

Market: Connecting the Dots’, where he focused on the key themes of LNG supply and demand during Covid-19, changes in LNG contractual norms, and the dynamics of benchmark gas and LNG prices, with a special emphasis on Asia Pacific region. Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of LNG, has a historical partnership with APAC as a reliable LNG supplier to the region. It is also worth mentioning that Qatar is one of the key member countries of the GECF, hosting its permanent Secretariat since its inception in 2008.

“What’s interesting is that we have already seen Australia and the US see their first year-on-year drop in LNG exports this year, which means that these countries are relatively exposed to spot prices and have

to react to the current low price in the LNG market. On the con-trary, Qatar managed to increase its LNG exports for the majority of the first half of this year which is truly remarkable, considering the current low price environment,” noted Wang, whilst explaining the supply side dynamics of the LNG market between the three of the world’s largest exporters.

“Qatar has minimal spot price exposure and the majority of Qatar’s LNG exports is linked

to crude oil price or some other prices that is not directly affected by LNG price,” he added.

Although the definition of what is regarded as “spot” price varies, according to Wang, S&P Global Platts considers “true spot” as anything that trades today and gets delivered within three months, whilst anything below three years is considered a short-term contract and above four years are medium- to long-term contracts. The share of

spot price in the traditionally long-term contract dominated industry has increased in recent years with the International Group of LNG Importers (GIIGNL), one of the GECF peer partners, estimating the spot share to be about 34 percent of total LNG market at the end of 2019.

As a coalition of the world’s leading gas producing nations, the GECF community prides itself as reliable and long-term energy suppliers, a principle

that was reaffirmed by Sentyurin.

He said: “Particularly about gas contracts, at the GECF we do believe in the prospects of long-term contracts due to the important benefits they bring to both the buyer and the seller. In fact, supporting long-term contracts is one of the stated objectives of the GECF member countries and this is stipulated in the 2019 Malabo Declaration, which was the outcome of the 5th GECF Summit in Equatorial Guinea.

“The Declaration notes that the GECF’s member countries “support the fundamental role of long-term gas contracts as well as the gas pricing based on oil indexation, to ensure a stable investment in development of natural gas resources”.

“Therefore, consumers and producers, through holistic dis-cussion, need to agree together on the way contracts should look in the future to protect them from the fluctuations of spot market ,” added Sentyurin.

During the event, Wang’s presentation also discussed the forward curve, a financial derivative traded on a given day for future delivery settled by cash, with particular reference to the Platts Japan Korea Marker (JKM), as he explained the dif-f e r e n c e w i t h o t h e r benchmarks.

Dexter Wang (bottom right), Manager for Asia Pacific (APAC) Market Engagement at S&P Global Platts, with Yury Sentyurin, Secretary-General of the Doha-based Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and other participants at the monthly Gas Lecture series organised by the GECF, recently.

US economy shrinks at record 32.9% pace in second quarterBLOOMBERG

The US economy suffered its sharpest downturn since at least the 1940s in the second quarter, highlighting how the pandemic has ravaged businesses across the country and left millions of Americans out of work.

Gross domestic product shrank 9.5 percent in the second quarter from the first, a drop that equals an annualised pace of 32.9 percent, the Commerce Depart-ment’s initial estimate showed yesterday. That’s the steepest annualised decline in quarterly records dating back to 1947 and compares with analyst estimates for a 34.5 percent contraction. Personal spending, which makes up about two-thirds of GDP, slumped an annualised 34.6 percent, also the most on record.

The figures lay bare the extent of the economic devas-tation that resulted from the gov-ernment-ordered shutdowns and stay-at-home orders designed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that abruptly brought a halt to the

longest-running expansion. While employment, spending and production have improved since reopenings picked up in May and massive federal stimulus reached Americans, a recent surge in infections has tempered the pace of the recovery.

That surge, the result of America’s failure to contain the virus, indicates that the US economy is likely to recover more slowly than places that have done a better job, such as the euro area. And the longer the pandemic lasts without a vaccine, the longer economic output will remain below pre-crisis levels, leaving permanent scars on many businesses and workers.

A separate report yesterday showed the number of Amer-icans filing for unemployment benefits increased for a second straight week. Initial claims through regular state programs rose to 1.43 million in the week ended July 25, up 12,000 from the prior week, the Labor Department said. There were 17

million Americans filing for ongoing benefits through those programs in the period ended July 18, up 867,000 from the prior week.

Stock-index futures remained lower and the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note extended declines after the reports.

While the economic restart has helped put 7.5 million Amer-icans back to work in May and June combined, payrolls are down more than 14.5 million from their pre-pandemic peak. The swift deterioration in the economy and job market explain why the Federal Reserve is keeping its benchmark rate pinned near zero and why it rolled out several emergency lending programs geared toward fostering liquid trading condi-tions in financial markets.

“We have seen some signs in recent weeks that the increase in virus cases, and the renewed measures to control it, are starting to weigh on economic activity,” Fed Chairman Jerome Powell (pictured) said at a news

conference Wednesday after the central bank’s two-day policy meeting. “On balance, it looks like the data are pointing to a slowing in the pace of the recovery,” though it was too soon to say how large, or sustained, this period would be, he said.

With the election only three months away, American voters will have to decide whether to re-elect President Donald Trump to a second term against a backdrop of the virus-induced recession and his response to the health crisis.

The second-quarter con-traction was broad-based, the GDP release showed. Business investment in structures, equipment and intellectual property slumped an annualised 27 percent pace, the steepest slide since 1952, while residential investment dropped at a 38.7 percent rate, the most since 1980.

Oil down nearly 4% as virus surge weighs on demand outlookREUTERS — LONDON

Oil prices fell by around 4 percent yesterday, as surging coronavirus infections around the world threatened to jeop-ardise a recovery in fuel demand just as major oil pro-ducers are set to raise output.

US West Texas Interme-diate (WTI) crude futures were down $1.52, or 3.7 percent, at $39.75 a barrel at 1401 GMT.

The most-active Brent crude contract for October fell $1.35, or 3.1 percent, to $42.74 a barrel, while Sep-tember Brent, which expires today, fell $1.34 to $42.41 a barrel.

Both benchmark contracts had risen on Wednesday after the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported the largest one-week fall in crude stocks since December.

In a sign of the devastating impact of the coronavirus on the United States, the world’s biggest oil consumer, the country’s economy con-tracted at its steepest pace since the Great Depression in the second quarter.

US gross domestic product collapsed at a 32.9 percent annualised rate, the deepest decline in output since the government started keeping records in 1947, the Com-merce Department said yesterday.

Deaths from COVID-19 have now topped 150,000 in the United States, while Brazil, with the world’s second-worst outbreak, set daily records of confirmed cases and deaths. New

infections in Australia hit a record yesterday.

“The recent resurgence of the coronavirus is an ominous sign that the upside is limited in the immediate future,” Tamas Varga of oil brokerage PVM said.

The potential threat to a recovery in oil demand comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Coun-tries (OPEC) and its allies, together known as OPEC+, are set to step up output in August, adding about 1.5 million barrels per day to global supply.

“The easing OPEC+ supply restrictions combined with the return of some US pro-duction may test the resil-ience of market sentiment in the coming weeks,” Stephen Innes (pictured), chief global market strategist at AxiCorp said.

Total and Royal Dutch Shell reported small profits in the second quarter as their oil trading businesses shielded them from the full force of the pandemic-induced demand loss.

Airbus trims A350 output, quarterly loss worse than expectedREUTERS — PARIS

Europe’s Airbus announced a new cut in production of its marquee A350 jet yesterday as it swung to a larger-than-expected second-quarter loss in the face of the global pandemic.

But boosting its shares, which closed up almost 2 percent, the planemaker also said it hoped to avoid consuming cash in the second half of the year after a smaller-than-expected second-quarter outflow of €4.4bn as deliveries tumbled due to the

coronavirus crisis.“We believe it is going to be

a long and slow recovery,” Chief Executive Guillaume Faury told reporters, adding that travel was picking up but more slowly than previously expected.

The crisis has particularly affected demand for wide-body long-haul jets, which are expected to be the slowest to recover once demand returns to normal levels, which Airbus says could take until 2023 or 2025.

Airbus said it had cut wide-body A350 production to five jets a month, after dropping it to six

from 9.5 in April.The move came a day after

US rival Boeing announced further cuts in output of 787 and 777 jets, which compete with the A350 on depressed long-haul networks.

Airbus is shedding up to 15,000 jobs or 11 percent of its workforce to cope with the crisis, which it expects to hold output down by 40 percent for some two years compared with pre-crisis levels.

Spain said it had reached an agreement with Airbus to reduce job losses after a meeting

between Faury and Prime Min-ister Pedro Sanchez Airbus posted an adjusted second-quarter operating loss of €1.226bn ($1.44bn) as revenues slid 55 percent to 8.317bn. Ana-lysts saw a loss of 1.027bn on rev-enues of 8.552bn, according to a company-compiled consensus.

Losses include €900m of balance sheet impairment charges related to the industry’s worst crisis and Airbus warned it could have to take further pro-visions of between 1.2bn and €1.6bn linked to the restructuring.

Virus-hit German economy shrinks by record 10.1% in second quarterAFP - FRANKFURT

The German economy shrank by a record 10.1 percent in the second quarter as coronavirus lockdowns took their toll, official data showed yesterday, but experts say a recovery is already under way.

Federal statistics agency Destatis called the quarter-on-quarter decline in gross domestic product “historic” and far bigger than any slump seen during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Economy Minister Peter Alt-maier had warned earlier this year that the pandemic would push Europe’s top economy into “the worst recession” in its postwar history, ending a decade of growth.

Analysts had expected a slightly smaller contraction of around nine percent for the April-June period.

Destatis said efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak had led to “a massive slump” in exports and imports, although government spending had increased over the period.

The agency also revised its first quarter data, saying German output declined 2.0 percent from January to March instead of the previously announced 2.2 percent.

But the worst pain may already be over.

Yesterday’s data “is nothing more than a look in the rearview mirror”, ING bank economist Carsten Brzeski (pic-tured) said, expecting to see “a strong rebound” in the third quarter.

But the road to recovery would be “uneven” and long, he warned, with government stimulus likely to buoy services and construction at home, while the rebound in manufac-turing will depend heavily on foreign demand and how other nations cope with the virus fallout.

For the whole of 2020, the German government forecasts that GDP will contract by 6.3 percent before expanding by 5.2

percent in 2021.By contrast, the European

Commission expects the econ-omies of France, Italy and Spain to shrink more than 10 percent this year.

Germany has withstood the coronavirus shock better than many of its neighbours so far.

Stable infection rates saw it reopen factories, shops and restaurants from early May, allowing economic activity to pick up earlier than in other European nations.

Germany has also been able to avoid mass layoffs thanks to subsidised shorter-hours schemes, with separate data yesterday showing unemployment held steady at 6.4 percent in July, the

same rate as June.Chancellor Angela Merkel’s

government, criticised in the past for sitting on fat budget surpluses, has gone to unprec-edented lengths to cushion the economic impact from the crisis.

It has ditched its no-new-debt dogma to unleash €130bn in stimulus ($153bn) aimed at spurring investment and con-sumer spending, including through a temporary cut in value-added tax.

It has also rolled out huge rescue packages worth over a trillion euros to shield com-panies and employees, helping the likes of Lufthansa and TUI travel stay afloat and preserve thousands of jobs.

Germany’s bounce-back should also get a boost from the European Union’s €750bn coronavirus recovery plan, Alt-maier has said.

Better-than-expected business and consumer confi-dence surveys recently sug-gested Germans are feeling more optimistic about the future. But concerns have grown over a spike in COVID-19 cases at home and across Europe, partly fuelled by summer travel.

As an export powerhouse,

Germany is highly vulnerable to virus setbacks in other coun-tries that could lead to renewed shutdowns that once again disrupt supply chains and sup-press demand.

In April and May, at the height of the global lockdowns, German exports plummeted around 30 percent year-on-year.

Germany’s mighty indus-trial sector, already hurting from US-China trade tensions and Brexit uncertainty, has been especially hard hit. Car manufacturing alone fell 40 percent year-on-year over the first six months of 2020, reaching a 45-year low.

ING analyst Brzeski said German exports would take time to return to pre-pandemic levels, leaving the country to rely on domestic demand to power its rebound.

KfW chief economist Fritzi Koehler-Geib said the German economy had a “successful” start to the summer, but the ongoing uncertainty and risks linked to the pandemic should see the recovery “soon slow down again”.

“Export-oriented industry in particular must expect a strong headwind in view of the continuing high global infection dynamics,” she said.

Record surge in daily shipping volumes for UPS in 2QAP - WASHINGTON

UPS is reporting a profit of $1.77bn with the pandemic fueling a 21 percent surge in daily shipping volume, the largest quarterly increase ever recorded by the company.

The daily volume of goods shipped to homes, items that last year might have been pur-chased in stores, soared 65 percent.

“Our results were better than we expected, driven in part by the changes in demand that emerged from the pan-demic, including a surge in res-idential volume, COVID-19 related healthcare shipments and strong outbound demand from Asia,” said CEO Carol Tomé (pictured).

With thousands of retail stores ordered closed for safety reasons, the wave of new ship-ments to homes have swamped both UPS and its rival, FedEx. Toilet paper, cans of soup, candy, any type of impulse buy once made in stores, are being bought online and shipped rather than carried out of a store in a bag.

UPS in particular is in position to dominate after after Amazon.com, another company doing immense volume in the pandemic, cut ties with FedEx.

On a per-share basis, the Atlanta company yesterday reported net income of $2.03. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $2.13 per share.

That is $1.09 better than Wall Street had expected, according to a survey by Zacks Investment Research.

The company’s stock rose 12 percent before the opening bell.

The package delivery service posted revenue of $20.46bn, breezing past pro-jections by more than $3bn.

Tourism among worst hit industriesA ‘City Train’, with measures in place to attempt to shield patrons from the coronavirus, carries passengers on a tour through the city centre of Leeuwarden in The Netherlands yesterday. Tourism is one of the industries most affected by the spread of the COVID-19.

Former Chinese top banker pleads guilty to massive graftAFP - BEIJING

A former top banker in China pleaded guilty yesterday to ille-gally receiving over $12m after being caught last year in Pres-ident Xi Jinping’s sweeping campaign against corruption.

Hu Huaibang, former party secretary and chairman of the China Development Bank, had taken advantage of his posi-tions to illegally receive money and goods worth a total of 85.5m yuan ($12.2m) between 2009 and 2019, heard a court in northern Chengde city.

The accusations included using his status, and staff in other countries, to help obtain and increase bank credit lines, set up an auto finance company, and assist with job promotions, reported the state-run People’s Daily.

Hu pleaded guilty at the hearing attended by more than 30 people including national, provincial and municipal

people’s congress representa-tives, the report added. He will be sentenced at a later date.

More than one million offi-cials have been punished in Xi’s crackdown on corruption, though critics say it has also served as a way for him to purge political rivals.

Hu had worked his way up China’s financial sector, moving between regulatory positions and state-owned companies before landing the top job at the Bank of Communications.

In 2013 he became chairman of China Devel-opment Bank and held the position until September 2018.

But his connection to fallen Chinese oil tycoon Ye Jianming, chairman of CEFC China Energy, appeared to have landed him in trouble.

In Hu’s roles at the Bank of Communications and the CDB, he allegedly helped CEFC secure billions in credit lines for its overseas deals.

Shell dives to over $18bn loss on oil marketAFP - LONDON

Anglo-Dutch energy major Royal Dutch Shell posted yesterday a colossal net loss of $18.1bn (€15.4bn) for the second quarter, blaming massive asset write-downs on the coronavirus-hit oil market, and flagged that job cuts are on the way.

The performance, con-trasting sharply with profit after tax of $3bn a year earlier, was sparked by a huge $16.8bn charge on chronic fallout both from COVID-19 and collapsing oil prices.

The vast charge was taken “as a result of revised medium- and long-term price and refining margin outlook assumptions in response to the COVID-19 pan-demic and macroeconomic con-ditions as well as energy market

demand and supply funda-mentals,” Shell said in a results statement.

The dire performance mean-while reflected lower prices for oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas, while it was also adversely impacted by lower refining margins and oil products sales volumes.

Production dipped six percent to 3.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the reporting period, and is forecast to drop further in the third quarter.

“Shell has delivered resilient cash flow in a remarkably chal-lenging environment,” said Chief Executive Ben van Beurden (pic-tured) in yesterday’s statement.

“We continue to focus on safe and reliable operations and our decisive cash preservation

measures will underpin the strengthening of our balance sheet.” And he indicated that job cuts could be on the way in the coming months.

“We will probably see a resizing,” van Beurden told reporters on a conference call when asked about cutbacks.

“We will end up with fewer people. After the summer it’ll be the time to see what comes out in terms of headcount.” Shell had forecast in June that it would face a charge of between $15bn and $22bn in the second quarter, after crude futures had suffered a spectacular crash on COVID-19 fallout, the Saudi-Russia price war and oversupply.

Both Shell and British rival BP, which reports its earnings next week, have opted to book charges in the second quarter on

sustained coronavirus fallout that ravaged the world’s appetite for crude oil.

Shell had already plunged into the red in the first quarter on the oil price crash, which prompted it to cut its shareholder dividend for the first time since the 1940s.

COVID-19 also slammed the brakes on the global economy and savaged oil-intensive indus-tries. The deadly outbreak also sent oil prices off a cliff from March onwards, and even caused them briefly to turn negative in April.

Prices have since rebounded sharply on an easing global crude supply glut and as governments relax lockdowns and businesses slowly reopen.

Crude futures currently stand at about $40 per barrel, which is

still well down on the same stage last year.

BP, which is axing around 10,000 jobs or 15 percent of its global workforce in response to virus turmoil, decided in June to sell its petrochemical business to privately-owned rival Ineos for $5bn to bolster its finances.

Shell has yet to take such drastic action, but announced in March that it will cut operating costs by $3-4bn over 12 months, and reduce its annual spending by one-fifth to $20bn.

Huawei overtakes Samsung as top smartphone seller: ReportAP - LONDON

A technology research firm says Huawei has overtaken Samsung to become the world’s biggest smartphone seller, as its home market in China emerged from the coronavirus pandemic better off than other economies.

Analysts at Canalys said yes-terday that Huawei shipped 55.8 million devices in the second quarter of 2020. While the figure was down 5 percent compared with a year ago, it was a smaller decline than rival Samsung, which saw smartphone sales slide 30 percent to 53.7 million.

Huawei still faces US gov-ernment sanctions restricting its international business, but it has come to dominate its domestic Chinese market, said Canalys, which estimated that the com-pany’s shipments in China rose 8 percent in the April-June period.

Mainland China now accounts for 70 percent of Hua-wei’s total smartphone sales, it said.

“If it wasn’t for COVID-19, it wouldn’t have happened,” Senior Analyst Ben Stanton (pic-tured) said. “Huawei has taken full advantage of the Chinese economic recovery to reignite its smartphone business.”

Credit Suisse revamps trading and investment bank in overhaulBLOOMBERG

Credit Suisse Group said it will merge trading and investment banking and combine its risk and compliance functions in Chief Exec-utive Officer Thomas Gottstein’s first major revamp of the Swiss lender.

The bank will integrate its global markets and investment banking and capital markets units into a single division to be named the global investment bank and also

combine its chief risk and com-pliance officer functions, according to a statement yesterday. The bank said it’s also aiming to save 400m francs ($438m) annually from 2022.

Gottstein is simplifying the bank’s complicated structure spanning New York, London, Zurich and Hong Kong, partially rolling back initiatives begun by his predeccesor.

The move to once again combine the investment bank and trading business reverses a split

which former CEO Tidjane Thiam had enacted five years ago after a slump in revenue. Global firms have long vacillated on whether it’s best to keep investment-banking and trading units together or run them separately.

Gottstein is working to restore calm after a turbulent phase at the bank marked by a damaging spying scandal under Thiam, market vol-atility caused by the health crisis and a series of deals linked to scandal-hit companies. The bank

worked on transactions linked to Luckin Coffee and Wirecard, while also probing its own supply chain finance funds with links to Masa-yoshi Son’s SoftBank Vision Fund for potential conflicts of interest.

The restructuring marks a victory for global markets and its head Brian Chin, who helped transform the business from a per-ennial underperformer to a key profit contributor. Its fortunes have diverged from that of the advisory business. Longtime head Jim Amine

left earlier this year and was replaced by two-decade veteran David Miller after a run of bad results. Chin will lead the new investment bank and Miller will step down from the executive board.

The bank recently embarked on a wide-ranging assessment of its risk controls, considering cen-tralising risk management proc-esses because they are too frag-mented, often cutting across several business units.

Federal statistics agency Destatis called the quarter-on-quarter decline in gross domestic product “historic” and far bigger than any slump seen during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

14 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020BUSINESS

15FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020 SPORT

Ebraz, Tayf set for battle at Goodwood2019 and 2017 winners to compete in Gr1 P/A Qatar International Stakes 2020

THE PENINSULA – WEST SUSSEX

For a fourth consecutive year, two of the world’s leading Arabian racehorses, Ebraz and Tayf will go head to head in the Qatar International Stakes. They complete a field of nine declared runners for the £200,000 Group 1PA contest, to be run over a mile on the final day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

The race will be the first to be held in front of UK spectators since the onset of Covid19 and promises to be a thrilling contest.

The Arabian Racing Organ-isation (ARO) was delighted when Qatar Racing and Eques-trian Club (QREC) confirmed that the race, the most valuable race in their calendar, would go ahead. It forms the first stage of the Doha Triple Crown, com-prising of three Group 1PA con-tests over a mile, a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half.

The Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend is the second stage and The Amir Sword, highlight of Qatar’s annual February Fes-tival, concludes the challenge, making it a true test across three countries.

To date, Ebraz, the world’s highest rated Arabian, is the only horse to win the Doha Triple Crown which carries a $1m bonus. In what was a truly

historic achievement, following his Goodwood success last year, he put up a strong performance to win in Paris and then claimed a third victory in The Amir Sword this February.

Dual Group 1PA winner Tayf is a worthy opponent, having beaten Ebraz here in 2017 in an epic dual throughout the final furlong and finished runner-up to him here last year, and in this years’ Amir Sword.

Also opposing from France are two progressive five-year-olds, Deryan and Bel’izam. Deryan comes here on the back of a recent Group 1PA success over further, and has three further pattern wins to his name, including one at this distance.

Bel’izam has scored three pattern successes so far and was beaten half a length in November on only his second attempt at the

highest level, also at this trip. This month he denied Ebraz a win on his European reap-pearance, so is clearly going the right way.

The remaining five runners are all UK trained, the largest number of domestic challengers since the race began in 2015. Whilst Storm Troupour and Zayin Angkor Centurion have been found wanting in this before, the most interesting

could be Shaheer, making his UK debut for new connections.

He was Group 1PA placed in France as a juvenile and in another similar event in 2018. The sporting connections of Tijaary and Abiyah Athbah both admit that career bests are required, however they are the youngest and least exposed of the UK runners.

All will be coming here without the benefit of a

preparatory outing and with prize money down to sixth, the competition for the lower places will be strong.

QREC CEO Nasser bin Sherida Al Kaabi commented: “We have all been impacted by this pandemic, but this year’s edition of the race reflects our passion to support Arabian racing under any circumstances. I also would like to thank both ARO and Goodwood for their commitment and hard work.”

Commenting on the event ARO Finance and Commercial Director Genny Haynes said: “We are honoured that a contest of this quality will be our opening race of the season. That two of the leading contenders are renewing their rivalries in this race for a fourth time and are previous winners, underlines the appeal and durability of the breed.

“Though our season has been delayed, we are very grateful for the continued support of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and Goodwood racecourse of UK Arabian racing at this most challenging time. Though our season has been pushed back in the calendar due to the current circumstances, we are all delighted to have the opportunity to showcase our sport on the world’s stage once more.”

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar (left) with Argentinian forward Leandro Paredes during a training session yesterday, ahead of their French League Cup final against Olympique Lyonnais.

PSG target domestictreble while hoping for Mbappe ‘miracle’AFP – PARIS

Paris Saint-Germain can belatedly wrap up another domestic treble on Friday when they face Lyon in the final of the French League Cup, but their build-up to the game has been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe’s ankle injury.

The World Cup-winning superstar was crocked in last Friday’s French Cup final against Saint-Etienne in the first competitive game on French soil since the coronavirus-imposed shutdown in March.

Mbappe was left with a sprained right ankle after a crunching challenge from Saint-Etienne’s Loic Perrin and looks certain to miss the game that really counts for the Qatar-owned club, the Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta on August 12.

On Thursday, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel admitted it would take “a miracle” for the 21-year-old to recover in time for that game in Lisbon.

Angel Di Maria has already been ruled out of that match because of suspension, and asked if there was any hope for Mbappe, Tuchel said: “Yes, always, but it’s going to be tight. Every day counts for us to produce a miracle.”

PSG were handed a third straight Ligue 1 title by virtue of being top of the table when the season was ended in April with 10 rounds of matches unplayed because of the health crisis.

They came out of the long shutdown to win their fifth French Cup in six years by beating Saint-Etienne 1-0 thanks to an early Neymar goal.

That game was played in front of just 2,800 spectators inside the 80,000-seat Stade de France due to restrictions on gath-erings. Friday’s game against Lyon will go ahead in front of a similarly limited number of fans.

Postponed in early April, it will be the last ever final of an unloved competition, albeit one which PSG have also dominated, with five suc-cessive victories -- and eight overall -- before Strasbourg won it last year.

For both teams, it is a last chance to prepare in a competitive environment before resuming their Champions League campaigns.

PSG head to Lisbon for the final stages after their win over Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 in March. Meanwhile, Lyon have to go to Italy on August 7 to face Juventus defending a 1-0 lead from the first leg of their last-16 tie played in February.

Both clubs fear being at a disadvantage given all their Champions League rivals returned to complete their domestic seasons while France opted not to. Juventus and Atalanta play their final games in Serie A this weekend.

However, Tuchel said the final cannot be used to prepare his team to face Atalanta.

“It is not possible to prepare tactically for Atalanta because I don’t know any team that plays the way they do,” said the German.

“The only thing we can prepare is our own mindset.”

“Being without Kylian has a big influence, that’s clear. I hope we can find the solution.”

The game will be played in searing heat, with temperatures in the French capital forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius on Friday.

Lyon are chasing a first piece of sil-verware in eight years and have extra moti-vation to win the trophy.

Having failed to qualify for Europe next season via the league, Rudi Garcia’s team have to beat PSG to secure a place in the qualifying rounds of the Europa League.

If they fall short, they will need to win the Champions League in Lisbon on August 23 to feature in continental competition again next season.

“This is a terrific opportunity to win a trophy,” said Garcia.

“PSG might be a level above us but we have a top-class team too and one that is also in a position to qualify for the

Champions League quarter-finals. There is only pos-

itive pressure on us.”

Brilliant Billings steers England to comfortable ODI win over IrelandREUTERS – SOUTHAMPTON

Sam Billings struck a career-best unbeaten 67 as England overcame a mini-wobble to claim an emphatic six-wicket victory over Ireland in a Cricket World Cup Super League One-Day Interna-tional yesterday.

After being sent into bat, Ireland slipped to 28 for five in a horror start, but recovered to post 172 all out in a first competitive game for four months for many players in their side.

World champions England scored at a good rate in reply but lost four wickets inside the opening 14 overs to give the vis-itors a sniff of victory.

But Billings and captain Eoin Morgan (36 not out), a former Ireland international, put on 96 for the fifth wicket to secure victory with 22.1 overs to spare.

England were without a number of regulars who are pre-paring for the test series against Pakistan next week, but returning

seamer David Willey had Ireland in early trouble as he picked up career-best figures of 5-30 in a fine display of swing bowling.

The visitors’ innings was rescued by South African-born all-rounder Curtis Campher, 21, who was unbeaten on 59 on debut to go with 1-26 with the ball.

He put on 66 for the eighth wicket with Andy McBrine (40) to give Ireland something to defend.

Jason Roy (24) and James Vince (25) both got starts for England in their reply and there was a murmur of excitement in the vis-iting camp when they had their hosts 78 for four.

But the experience of Morgan and clean-hitting of Billings, who struck 11 fours, took the game away from the Irish, who will look for improvement in the second match of three at the same venue tomorrow.

The Super League will be used to determine the eight qualified teams for the next World Cup in India in 2023.

England batsman Sam Billings plays a shot during the first ODI against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl

in Southampton, yesterday.

IRELANDP. Stirling c Morgan b Willey .............................2

G. Delany c Banton b Willey ........................... 22

A. Balbirnie c Bairstow b Willey .......................3

H. Tector b Mahmood ........................................ 0

K. O'Brien c Willey b Rashid ........................... 22

L. Tucker lbw b Willey ....................................... 0

C. Campher not out ......................................... 59

Simi Singh run out (Banton/Bairstow) ........... 0

A. McBrine c Billings b Curran ........................40

B. McCarthy c Vince b Mahmood ......................3

C. Young c Roy b Willey ................................... 11

Extras (b4, lb2, w4) ....................................... 10

Total (all out, 44.4 overs) ................... 172Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Stirling), 2-7 (Balbirnie), 3-28

(Tector), 4-28 (Delany), 5-28 (Tucker), 6-79

(O'Brien), 7-79 (Simi Singh), 8-145 (McBrine), 9-156

(McCarthy), 10-172 (Young)

Bowling: Willey 8.4-2-30-5 (2w); Mahmood 9-1-

36-2 (1w); Rashid 10-3-26-1; Curran 7-0-37-1 (1w);

Moeen 10-0-37-0

ENGLAND (Target: 173)J. Roy lbw b Young ...........................................24

J. Bairstow lbw b McBrine .................................2

J. Vince c Tucker b Young ................................ 25

T. Banton c Tucker b Campher ......................... 11

S. Billings not out ............................................. 67

E. Morgan not out ............................................ 36

Extras (lb6, nb1, w2) ......................................... 9

Total (4 wkts, 27.5 overs) ................... 174Did not bat: Moeen Ali, D Willey, T Curran, A Rashid,

Mahmood

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Bairstow), 2-34 (Roy), 3-59

(Vince), 4-78 (Banton)

Bowling: McCarthy 0.5-0-3-0 (1nb); Stirling 0.1-0-

1-0; Young 8-0-56-2; McBrine 8-0-47-1 (1w); Cam-

pher 5-0-26-1 (1w); Simi Singh 3.5-0-23-0; Delany

2-0-12-0

SCOREBOARD

PCB expects England to ‘do the right thing’

REUTERS – LAHORE

Pakistan’s decision to tour England despite the risks of travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic was not part of a reciprocal agreement but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expects its English counterpart to “do the right thing” in 2022.

Pakistan are the second test team, after West Indies, to tour England this summer. They will play three tests, the first beginning on Wednesday, and three Twenty20 Internationals in bio-secure venues in Man-chester and Southampton.

England last visited Pakistan in 2005 and are slated to return in 2022, but the top teams have so far declined to tour since a 2009 attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said yesterday that the tour of England would stand them in good stead.

“Will that benefit Pakistan cricket in future? Of course it will,” he told a PCB podcast.

After years of staging ‘home’ tests in neutral venues due to security concerns, Pakistan played their first test on home soil since 2009 against Sri Lanka in December last year and have hosted Bangladesh this year.

Khan said the PCB had put the game’s interests ahead of its own.

“We are making decisions not just for what’s good for Pakistan, but what’s right for global cricket. Showing solidarity is absolutely the right thing for us to be doing. West Indies are doing it, we’ve done it.”

Haris cleared for England tourAFP – KARACHI

Twenty20 pace sensation Haris Rauf has been cleared to join Pakistan’s cricket squad in England after twice testing negative for coronavirus, offi-cials said yesterday.

Rauf was ordered into quarantine on June 22 after testing positive for the virus, and despite never showing any symptoms failed four more tests before finally being cleared.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the 26-year-old will join the squad over the weekend. Pakistan start a three-match Test series in Manchester from August 5.

Ebraz (left) and Tayf in action during last year's Qatar International Stakes in this file photo.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Al Rayyan will be eyeing to top the QNB Stars League (QSL) points standings when they face Al Arabi in a much-awaited encounter in Week 19 at the Al Janoub Stadium tomorrow.

Al Rayyan are second in the table with 41 points, two less than leaders Al Duhail.

The victory will take Al Rayyan to top spot in the points table, at least until Al Duhail meet Al Gharafa in their Round 19 clash on Sunday.

Al Rayyan, under Uruguayan Diego Aguirre, are on a high after scoring a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Qatar SC in Week 18, when the tournament resumed after a long break forced by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As far as Al Arabi are con-cerned, their four-match unbeaten run ended last week when they lost 0-1 to Al Gharafa. Despite the defeat, The Dream Team, coached by Icelander Heimir Hallgrimsson, are fifth in the table with 24 points.

They have six wins, draws and defeats each against their name. Their goal difference is +2 (27 goals for and 25 against).

Al Arabi had lost 1-2 to Al Rayyan in the first leg of 2019-20 QNB Stars League.

Meanwhile, Al Sailiya face Al Shahania in Week 19 the same day. The kick-off will be at 18:45 at the Al Sadd Stadium.

Al Sailiya, under Tunisian Sami Trabelsi, stood sixth in the table with 24 points despite being held goalless by Al Wakrah

in Week 18. The Peregrines have seven wins, three draws and eight defeats, and their goal dif-ference is -3, having scored 19 goals and conceded 22.

Al Sailiya have same number of points as fifth-placed Al Arabi, but are placed behind as the latter have a goal difference of +2. Al Sailiya will be keen to finish among the top four and thus qualify for the Qatar Cup and AFC Champions League, like they did last season when they secured a third-place finish, their best-ever performance in the league.

On the other hand, Al

Shahania, coached by Nabil Anwar who recently replaced Spaniard Jose Murcia, punched above their weight last week by defeating Al Ahli 3-1. They are still at the bottom of the table with 13 points (two victories, seven draws and nine defeats) with a goal difference of -18 (20 goals for and 38 against).

Al Shahania will be eager to keep collecting as many points as possible, so they can avoid the ignominy of relegation. Al Sha-hania and Al Sailiya had played out a goalless draw in the first leg of 2019-20 QNB Stars League.

SPORT | 15

Brilliant Billings

steers England to

comfortable ODI

win over Ireland

SPORTPSG target

domestic treble

while hoping for

Mbappe ‘miracle’

SPORT | 15

FRIDAY 31 JULY 2020

Fancy Blue wins G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes THE PENINSULA — WEST SUSSEX

The third day of the 2020 Qatar Goodwood Festival had an eight-race card, including the Gr1 Qatar Nassau Stakes for three-year-old and older fillies and mares over 2,000 metres and the Gr2 Qatar Richmond Stakes for two-year-old colts and geldings over 1,200 metres. The day also saw various Qatari-owned runners in several races.

Fancy Blue lands G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes to give trainer Donnacha O’Brien first winner in the UK.

Fancy Blue was Donnacha O’Brien’s first runner as a trainer in the UK and gave the Irish handler reason to cele-brate as she became his first UK winner in the G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes.

It was a second success at the top level for the daughter of Deep Impact, following her win in the G1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) on July 5.

It was Magic Wand, trained by Aidan, who took the lead, with Frankie Dettori astride, early in the seven runners. She continued to lead until facing a strong challenge from Fancy Blue two furlongs out.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, Fancy Blue took the lead entering the final furlong and then had to see off the strong late challenge of One Voice.

Fancy Blue held on by a neck in front of One Voice, who is trained by Jessica Harrington and was ridden Tom Mar-quand. John Gosden’s trainee Nazeef finished third under Jim Crowley.

O’Brien said: “That was a lovely performance from Fancy Blue. She is unbelievable, and it is massive. It is unbelievable that I get a filly like her in my first year. I was hopeful of a good performance due to the weight she was getting, and this

race fitted in well after her win in the French Oaks."

Repeat Qatar Richmond Stakes success for Cox and Kirby as Supremacy comes out on top Trainer Clive Cox and jockey Adam Kirby landed the G2 Qatar Richmond Stakes a year ago with subsequent G1 Commonwealth Cup hero Golden Horde and the duo were on the mark again with Supremacy in the six-furlong contest for two-year-olds.

A son of Al Shaqab Racing

Stallion Mehmas, winner of this race in 2016, Supremacy broke well from stall two and soon went into the lead.

He continued at the head of affairs and saw off all comers before going away again in the final furlong to score by four lengths from Yazaman, who is trained by William Haggas and was ridden by Tom Marquand.

Al Shaqab Racing’s Lauded made a strong challenge at the final stages of the race to finish

third for trainer Tom Das-combe and jockey Richard Kingscote. This clear-cut victory reflects the high class the progeny of Mehmas’s who will certainly be in high demand soon.

Glamorous Girl makes all in opener to hand Mason and Cox first Goodwood success Glamorous Girl made every yard a winning one when landing the opening Mirabeau En Provence Handicap,

a five-furlong contest for three-year-olds. It was a first Qatar Goodwood Festival win for both Chepstow-based trainer Chris Mason and jockey William Cox.

The winner saw off all chal-lengers to score by a length and a half from Newyorkstateofmind, who is trained by William Muir and was ridden by David Egan. Show Me Show Me, trained by Richard Fahey, finished third under Paddy Mathers.

Qatar Goodwood Festival: Supremacy claims victory

Fancy Blue (left) lands G1 Qatar Nassau Stakes to give trainer Donnacha O’Brien first winner in the UK.

Xavi recovers from virus; Tabata begins training at Al Sadd QNA — DOHA

Al Sadd’s training session on Wednesday witnessed the return of head coach Xavi Hernandez, after his recovery from COVID-19, which he had contracted around 14 days ago.

Al Sadd are preparing for the upcoming QNB Stars League Round 19 clash against Al Ahli on Monday at Al Janoub Stadium.

Also, Al Sadd’s new player Rodrigo Tabata was warmly welcomed for his first training session, after signing a one-season deal with the club.

Tabata underwent special training with the supervision of the fitness

coach to prepare himself to join group training.

“I am happy to join Al Sadd, and I promise eve-ryone that I will give all that I have, and always my best, so that I will be up to the expectations of the man-agement of the club and its fans, who are awaiting a lot from me,” Tabata said.

“I played with most of the players in the Al Sadd team during my time with the club in 2014 and I know them well and they also know my style, and therefore we will not need time to adapt, espe-cially in this period when the team is up against some dif-ficult challenges which require the combined effort of everyone,” Tabata added.

Xavi Hernandez (centre) during Al Sadd's training session on Wednesday. QSL: Al Rayyan target full points

against Al Arabi in crucial game

Supremacy on its way to victory.

FIXTURESTomorrow

Al Rayyan vs Al Arabi 16:30 - At Al Janoub Stadium

Al Sailiya vs Al Shahania 18:45 - At Al Sadd Stadium

SundayAl Khor vs Al Wakrah

16:30 - At Al Janoub StadiumAl Gharafa vs Al Duhail

18:45 - At Al Sadd StadiumMonday

Al Ahli vs Al Sadd 16:30 - At Al Janoub Stadium

Qatar SC vs Umm Salal 18:45 - At Al Sadd Stadium

Al Rayyan players during a training session ahead of match against Al Arabi.