cricket THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT markets

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 / JUMADA AL AWWAL 12, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17572 16 PAGES 150 FILS

Gulf summit on; Riyadh tasks invites

‘Bond key’
RIYADH, Dec 26,
(Agencies): Saudi Ara-
bia’s King Salman bin
Abdulaziz has assigned
the Gulf Cooperation
Council’s (GCC) chief
to compile an invitation
list for Arab Gulf lead-
ers to attend upcoming
talks due next month,
the bloc said on Satur-
day.
“I am honored to have
conveyed an invitation from
King Salman to UAE Presi-
dent Sheikh Khalifa bin
Zayed Al-Nahyan to attend
the 41st Gulf Summit in
Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab
Expatriates of various nationalities visited recreation spots in large numbers on Christmas Day which fell on Friday. People can be seen wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
Riyadh on January 5,” Dr.
Nayef Al-Hajraf said in a
statement.
UAE Prime Minister and
Opinion America to open ‘consulate’ Vice President Sheikh Mo-
hammad bin Rashid Al-Mak-
toum has also been invited to
the talks, he added, thanking
Between Parliament, Government and the
Banks … the bowl is lost, learn from other
in Morocco’s Western Sahara Arab Gulf leaders for their ef-
forts to keep the bloc’s “uni-
ty” intact.
Dr Al-Hajraf said: “The
WASHINGTON, Dec 26, (AP): The have considerable offshore oil depos-
countries and save the country and people State Department said Thursday the its and mineral resources.
commitment by Gulf leaders
United States will open a consulate in
Western Sahara following President
Donald Trump’s decision to recog-
The US decision to recognize Mo-
roccan sovereignty over Western Sa-
hara has drawn criticism from the UN
PM hailed to hold the summit on an an-
nual basis, and especially in
these exceptional times, is a
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah $2.5 trillion and the second with $1 tril-
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times lion, all of which are debts borrowed by
the government.
By the way, the US federal debt is $25
nize Morocco’s sovereignty over the
disputed region.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
as well as American allies in Africa
and beyond.
African observers have said it
on vaccine testament to the strength of
the GCC, to their belief in
their duty to the people of
MODERN countries came up with a said in a statement that the process of could destabilize the broader region, the Gulf, and their devotion
system that entails separation of powers trillion, and despite that, it did not invoke By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
oil prices or any other difficulties. opening the facility has begun. That already struggling against Islamist to increasing cooperation and
embedded in their constitutions. The goal process involves finding and secur- insurgencies and migrant trafficking. Al-Seyassah Staff and KUNA
In Britain, the government has worked integration among member
was to strike a balance among the com- ing a suitable property for a mission Former US Secretary of State James countries.
ponents of the state, and to prevent one to support the economy by pumping 150 KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: Fol-
billion pounds. The central bank raised before personnel are hired. It was not Baker, who served as UN envoy to Today, as the GCC enters its
authority from overstepping the authority immediately clear when or where it lowing the launch of the na-
its purchases of government bonds to 875 the Western Sahara, has called it “an tional campaign for vaccination fifth decade with a global pan-
of the other. would be open but until then Pompeo astounding retreat from the principles
This is why popular revolutions erupt- billion pounds. It is the same in France, against the Covid-19 pandemic demic in the backdrop, the in-
Germany and Russia where they did not said the US Embassy in Rabat would of international law and diplomacy.” stitution’s mission to facilitate
ed when some parliaments overstepped at the Kuwait Vaccination Cen-
wait for their parliaments’ approval. operate a virtual consulate to serve
and even dominated the executive au- Western Sahara. Also: ter at the Kuwait International trade and economic integration
thorities, as seen during the 17th century As for the Gulf countries, they were Fairgrounds, HH the Amir among member states is more
not late in supporting the economy and Trump announced on Dec 10 that RABAT: Morocco announced it has Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad ex-
in Britain in the so-called “Parliamentary the US would recognize Morocco’s acquired 65 million doses of CO- relevant than at any time in its
Revolution”, which led to a civil war that dropping loans. In Saudi Arabia, the gov- pressed his sincere thanks and history.
ernment allocated 226 billion riyals to claim to Western Sahara as part of a VID-19 vaccines from China’s Sino- appreciation to HH the Prime
ended in the execution of King Charles I. deal for the North African country to pharm and Britain’s AstraZeneca, as The GCC remains focused
Three years later, his son Charles II was support the economy and citizens, and the Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-
UAE allocated a hundred billion dirhams normalize relations with Israel. The the north African kingdom prepares on meeting the ambitions of
exiled, and the ruling dynasty was re- Khaled for launching the cam-
for this purpose. The same is the case in Trump administration has put a priority to launch a COVID-19 vaccination paign and receiving the first the Gulf people, increasing
placed by the Cromwellian England. on securing such deals between Arab program that aims to immunize 80% integration, interconnected-
Likewise, in Czar Russia, one of the Bahrain, which approved a plan to help dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
companies with a package amounting to states and Israel and has thus far con- of the country’s adult population. HH the Amir in a message ness, and trade among mem-
causes of the Communist Revolution in cluded four: the United Arab Emirates, Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb
1917, under the slogan “Peace, Land and about 32 percent of the gross domestic to Al-Khaled said, “This high ber states and the internation-
product, and it mostly includes securing Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. announced the figure at a Cabinet national initiative will have a al community. I am grateful
Bread” and led by the frantic Vladimir Recognizing Western Sahara was meeting Thursday. The government
Lenin and Leon Trotsky, was due to the liquidity for lending and debt deferral. great impact in encouraging to their Majesties and High-
In the Sultanate of Oman, the Cen- a reversal of decades of U.S. policy didn’t indicate whether the vaccines citizens and residents to re- nesses, the leaders of the GCC
fact that Emperor Nicholas II, who was and the move has been heavily criti- were purchased or provided by Co-
preoccupied with his son’s illness, had tral Bank pumped about eight billion ri- ceive the vaccine after it was states, for their tireless efforts
yals and in Qatar, the state allocated the cized, not least by those in Western vax, the global project to provide approved by the world health
failed to resolve some issues of concern Sahara who have fought for indepen- vaccines to developing countries, or to further strengthen Gulf co-
for the people, and was in his complete equivalent of $75 billion to support its authorities.” operation.”
economy. dence and want a referendum on the a combination of both. HH the Amir also thanked
submission to the fake monk Grigori Ras- territory’s future. The former Spanish His ministry said Friday that Mo-
putin. In view of all this, Kuwait was the only the committees in the Council Interconnection
country that was plunged into political colony, with a population estimated rocco has not yet received the vac- of Ministers and the Ministry of
Between the two events, the French at 350,000 to 500,000, is believed to cines. The GCC has held an an-
Revolution was also triggered by the wrangling among the National Assembly, Health for the great efforts they nual meeting of the Supreme
domination of the whims of Marie Antoi- the government and the Central Bank. exerted to launch the vaccination
It did not provide any real aid package, Council to discuss coordina-
nette over the ministers, and King Louis campaign. tion, integration, and intercon-
XVI’s failure to pay attention to the peo- except for a six-month delay in repaying In the same context, HH the
loans, which eventually affected the debt- Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal nection between the member
ple’s demands. States and their citizens in
In Germany, the matter was different, ors negatively because the Central Bank Al-Ahmad sent a similar mes-
and it was the most clear lesson about the issued instructions to banks after the end sage to the Prime Minister. economic development, com-
parliament’s dominance over the execu- of the period. It increases the default of merce, education, and culture.
tive powers. borrowers, in addition to the crippling con- Inspection The GCC’s focus today is
The Nazi party, which won the elec- ditions in the stimulus process. There are The Prime Minister said in on meeting the ambitions of
tions in 1932, exploited democracy to those who boast that the state has not spent a press statement during the the region’s young and digi-
achieve totalitarian rule and entered the a single penny of public money, citing the inspection tour of the vacci- tal population and enabling
country at the time in a world war, from lack of liquidity and low oil prices. nation center at Mishref fair- them to drive the region for-
Nazi starting points. All Gulf countries live on oil and they grounds, “With the help of God ward while remembering their
After these developments, the form and do not have taxes; if taxes existed, the we launch the vaccination cam- shared heritage.
content of the parliaments of democratic citizens would not be able to bear them. paign,” and pointed out that it
In Saudi Arabia, fees on expatriates Below highlights some of
countries changed, and the separation of begins after the arrival of the the key achievements of the
powers became the basis for the develop- and land trade, as well as the UAE are “Pfizer” vaccine in Kuwait
just municipal fees, and the same ap- and will continue for several Gulf Cooperation Council
ment of the state. over the past four decades:
Indeed, the national assemblies of plies to the rest of the Gulf Cooperation months until everyone receives
some countries became two chambers – Council countries. Therefore, any argu- the vaccination. During the in- ■ Establishing the GCC
a Senate and another of Representatives. ment among officials in Kuwait about not spection tour he was accompa- Commercial Arbitration Cen-
This is also in effect in some Arab coun- supporting the national economy, or not nied by the Deputy Prime Min- ter.
tries, as is the case in Britain, France and helping the 120,000 defaulting borrow- Jassim Mohammed, 41,(also inset) who survived the 2007 shootout in ister and Minister of State for ■ Establishing the GCC
Russia after the disintegration of the So- ers, means increasing the impoverish- Baghdad’s Nisoor Square shows where he was injured during an inter- Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh Standardization Organization
viet Union. ment of many families. view with The Associated Press in Baghdad, Iraq on Dec 24, 2020.(AP) and Minister of Health Sheikh (GSO) which prepares, ap-
In other countries, the leaders realized No one is calling for dropping the Dr Basil Al-Sabah. proves, and publishes GCC
loans, but for dropping interests, resched- In a statement to journalists
the matter from the beginning, defined
the nature of each state institution, and
worked to put regulations over it to avoid
uling the principal of the debt to 10, 20
or even 30 years, and with the state guar-
‘US cedes moral highground’ after the launch of the vaccina-
tion campaign, Dr Al-Sabah
products’ standards.
■ Applying equal treatment
to all GCC citizens in the field
antee, because failure to solve this issue said: “The news that the media
overlapping of powers.
Rather, there are countries, either mon-
archy or republic, where the leaders are
means more discontent, and thus entering
the maze of chaos. in pardon pass for murderers reported about new strains did
not reach us from the official
of stock ownership, company
corporation, and elimination
of relevant restrictions across
the ones who handle the needs of the peo- Email: [email protected]
authorities clearly about what
BAGHDAD, Dec 26, (AP): Faris military zones. the virus or its gene is until it is GCC member states.
ple and prevent the parliamentarians from
exploiting such needs. Follow me on: Fadel had just one word to describe Nicholas Slatten was convicted dealt with,” noting that they are ■ Permitting Gulf compa-
the recent pardoning by the Trump of murder, while Paul Slough, Evan waiting for international organi- nies to have branches in GCC
In the United States of America, in light administration of four private secu- Liberty and Dustin Heard were con-
of the COVID-19 pandemic, the govern- zations to notify them. Including states, and receive equal treat-
rity contractors convicted of killing victed of manslaughter in 2014 after concerning the virus found in ment to local companies.
ment imposed on Congress to put in place Iraqi civilians – including his brother a months-long trial in federal court
stimulus legislation twice - the first with [email protected]
– in a public square 13 years ago: in Washington. Each had pleaded in-
Britain, South Africa, Denmark ■ Establishing and operat-
and Australia. ing the GCC Interconnected
Unfair. nocent. Meanwhile, spokesman for the
Fadel’s brother, Osama Abbas, On Tuesday, President Donald Power Grid in 2014.
Ministry of Health, Dr Abdullah ■ Providing intellectual
had been on his way to work that Trump pardoned them. Al-Sanad, affirmed that the min- property protection and pro-
Newswatch fateful day. He had just crossed a
street into Baghdad’s Nisoor Square
“This decision was wrong, it was
unfair,” said Fadel, now 44 years
istry understands all concerns and
inquiries about vaccination. He
motion of innovation and cre-
to do a money transfer – a last min- old. “How can you release those who said, “We do not blame those who ativity through the establish-
ute change in plans that would cost have blood on their hands?” have any concerns, and we are ment of the Patent Office of
NASHVILLE, Tenn: A recreational vehi- Nashvillians have proven time and time the 41-year old electrical engineer Abbas left a wife and four children ready to respond to any inquiries the GCC.
cle parked in the deserted streets of down- again that the spirit of our city cannot be his life. behind. The eldest was in her second or even doubts about the safety of ■ The GCC initiative to
town Nashville exploded early Christmas broken,” Mayor John Cooper said at a At the time, the Blackwater firm year of university and the youngest in the vaccines,” stressing that the resolve the Yemeni crisis in
morning, causing widespread commu- news conference after issuing a curfew for had been contracted to provide secu- the last of primary school at the time ministry is not in a confrontation 2011; the ensuing implemen-
nications outages that took down police the area. rity for U.S. diplomats in Iraq. It was of his death. He was happy with his with any party standing against tation mechanisms to restore
emergency systems and grounded holiday Police believe the blast was intentional four years after the 2003 invasion of life, Fadel recalled. the vaccine, but rather is keen to the legitimacy of the Yemeni
travel at the city’s airport. but don’t yet know a motive or target, and Iraq that ultimately toppled Saddam “He didn’t have much, but he follow the most accurate condi- government and condemn the
Police were responding to a report of Drake noted that officials had not received Hussein. The four men, military vet- didn’t want for anything,” he said. tions and approve the vaccine.
any threats before the explosion.
actions of the Houthi coup.
shots fired Friday when they encountered erans working as contractors for the On that day in September 2007, He pointed out, “The ministry ■ Continued support for the
the RV blaring a recorded warning that The chief said investigators at the scene State Department, opened fire in the Abbas was on his way to work but was offered more than one vac-
a bomb would detonate in 15 minutes, “have found tissue that we believe could crowded traffic circle killing 14 Iraq- decided to cross the road to a money
end of disputed territories be-
cine, but it has approved only the tween the United Arab Emir-
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake be remains, but we’ll have that examined is, including a child, and wounding transfer service. ‘Pfizer’ vaccine now after it has
said. Police evacuated nearby buildings and let you know at that time.” Police over a dozen more. Fadel recalled it was a time when been approved by world health ates and Iran.
and called in the bomb squad. The RV ex- could not say whether it potentially came The shooting of civilians by the the country was still reeling in the authorities, while there are tech- ■ Contributing to the inter-
ploded shortly afterward, Drake said. from someone inside the RV. contractors prompted an interna- aftermath of bloody sectarian street nical committees in the ministry national coalition against ISIS
“This morning’s attack on our com- Three people taken to area hospitals for tional outcry, left a reputational black wars. “We were starting to feel like that review and study the safety and radical terrorist organiza-
munity was intended to create chaos and treatment were in stable condition Friday eye on U.S. operations in Iraq and we could come up for air,” he said. of vaccines, pointing out that tions by funding initiatives that
fear in this season of peace and hope. But evening, Cooper said. (AP) brought into question the govern- Then, the bullets rained down on there are 13 local conditions for confront terrorism and extrem-
ment’s use of private contractors in Nisoor Square. adopting the vaccine. ism.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LOCAL 2

Kuwait fund offers $2.8 mln loan to Palestinian health sector

MoH affirms success of experimental Covid-19 vaccination

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): a press statement. (KIF) in the presence of His High- A big number of elderly people nounced that it has delivered a new sector.
Spokesman of the Kuwaiti Min- “The campaign will commence ness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sa- and health workers have joined the set of medical equipment to the Eu- Abu Awad expressed his grati-
istry of Health Dr Abdullah Al- its work officially on Sunday ac- bah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. campaign in its early hours, and ropean Gaza Hospital by the sup- tude to Kuwait for this aid and
Sanad announced on Thursday the cording to the registered appoint- “We start this campaign upon with the cooperation of the authori- port of Kuwait Fund for Arab Eco- to the support of KFAED and
success of the experimental vacci- ments on the ministry’s website the arrival of the Pfizer vaccine to ties which helped ease the process, nomic Development’s (KFAED) the Islamic Bank for their ef-
nation campaign against the novel using the QR code, and the medical Kuwait, and will continue over the the campaign seeks to defeat this loan of $2.8 million. forts to facilitate the purchase of
coronavirus (Covid-19). staff will have a priority,” he noted. upcoming few months until every- pandemic. The council’s head of board Mo- the medical equipment needed to
“There were no unexpected side The experimental vaccination one in the country is vaccinated,” Meanwhile, the Palestinian Eco- hammad Abu Awad said in a press enable the Palestinian health sec-
effects recorded by those who had campaign began on Thursday at said the Prime Minster in a press nomic Council for Development statement that this loan by KFAED tor to face the novel coronavirus
the first dose,” Dr Al-Sanad said in Kuwait International Fairgrounds statement. and Reconstruction (PECDAR) an- is to support the Palestinian Health (COVID-19).

Equal opportunities for all at

‘Security Sciences Academy’
Interior minister tours academy
By Munif Nayef
Al-Seyassah Staff
KUWAIT CITY, Dec
26: Minister of Interior
Sheikh Thamer Al- KUNA photo
Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali during the inspection tour of the Saad Al-
Ali said admission to Abdullah Academy for Security Sciences.
the Saad Al-Abdullah
Academy for Security
Sciences is based on
equal opportunities for
all and that there is no
impartiality of injus-
tice.
He said the academy spares
no efforts to provide full care
for its children – students
studying at the academy – in
the belief that the develop-
KUNA photo ment of the security apparatus
Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber receiving former defense minister Sheikh Ahmad Mansour. stems from the development
of the human element and
Defense minister receives well-wishers its acquisition of expertise
and skills through continuous
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister and developing the dear homeland tor General of the Kuwait Fire Force training to face all develop-
of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber in all posts he assumes, it added. Lieut. Gen. Khaled Al-Merkad who ments.
Al-Ali on Thursday received former The meeting was attended by congratulated the minister on the Calling the academy, the
defense minister Sheikh Ahmad Chief of the General Staff of the post. During the two gatherings, ‘heart’ of the Interior Ministry,
Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah who Kuwaiti Army Lieut. Gen. Khaled the minister voiced his great thanks he said, students are admitted on
congratulated him on the post and Sabah Al-Sabah and Acting Un- and appreciations to these sincere the lottery in order to achieve the Photo by Mohammad Morsi
wished him success. dersecretary of the Ministry Sheikh sentiments, praying to Allah Al- principle of equal opportunities. Old people in wheelchairs waiting for their turn to get vaccinated.
During the meeting, Sheikh Fahd Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah. mighty to help all serve, develop
Hamad Jaber expressed gratitude The minister also met Gover- and progress Kuwait, under the Pointed
for Sheikh Ahmad Mansour to his nor of Farwaniyah Sheikh Mishaal wise leadership of His Highness He pointed out it is an out- People line up for ‘Pfizer’ shot
good sentiments and sincere wish- Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah who the Amir and Supreme Commander standing scientific and security
es, the Kuwaiti Army’s public rela- congratulated him on gaining the of the Armed Forces Sheikh Nawaf institution that has over the years In the first hours of the campaign a er’ shot after the campaign was de-
tions and moral guidance directo- political leadership’s confidence, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and prepared qualified policemen to large number of the elderly and front- clared open by the HH Prime Minister
rate said in a statement. wishing him success in all duties. His Highness the Crown Prince line workers who combat the COV- Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah at the Kuwait
Sheikh Hamad Jaber wished Ah- In addition, Sheikh Hamad Jaber Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber carry out their responsibilities
mad Mansour success in serving welcomed earlier in the day Direc- Al-Sabah. (KUNA) in applying the law on everyone ID-19 disease made a beeline to the International Fairgrounds, reports Al-
with a single rule and have the vaccination room to receive the ‘Pfiz- Seyassah daily.
ability to deal with the public in a
professional manner.
This came during Minister
Al-Ali’s first inspection tour of
MP queries on Kuwaiti legal advisors
the Ministry of Interior sectors,
which he started with the Saad
Al-Abdullah Academy for Se- ‘Bedoun teachers should get equal
curity Sciences, during which he
was accompanied by a number
of assistant undersecretaries and
salary like GCC, Arab counterparts’
directors-general of various spe- By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh more of the capital; as well as the
cializations. number of expatriates working in local
He was received by the Direc- Arab Times Staff
tor General of Saad Al-Abdullah banks.
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: MP He presented queries to Minister of
Academy for Security Sciences, Marzouq Al-Khalifa submitted a bill
Major-General Nasser Bursli, Health Dr Basel Al-Sabah about the
on making Bedoun teachers in the ministry’s plan to implement the
and a number of senior security Ministry of Education equal with their
officials of the academy. replacement policy. He wants to know
The Minister of Interior con- GCC and Arab counterparts in terms the number of expatriates working in
veyed the greetings and apprecia- of salaries and promotion.
the ministry and number of contracts
tion of the country’s higher polit- He also forwarded queries to Deputy
Prime Minister and State Minister for that the ministry signed with private
ical leadership to the employees companies.
of the education and training sec- Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh about
tor and all leaders and affiliates the information he obtained that no MP Hamad Al-Matar criticized the
of the Saad Al-Abdullah Acad- Kuwaiti legal advisor is assigned in renewal of the contracts of expatriate
emy for Security Sciences, an d ministries and public institutions, engineers in the Ministry of Oil, espe-
listened to a detailed explanation because nationals are allegedly pro- cially those who reached 60 years old;
given by Major General Nasser hibited from occupying this post. asserting this is unacceptable consid-
Brusli, and watched a visual He asked about the reasons behind ering the growing list of Kuwaiti engi-
presentation of the academy’s neers waiting for jobs.
departments and viewed the cur- changing the job title for Kuwaitis
from legal advisor to senior legal MP Abdulaziz Al-Saqaabi submit-
riculum and means of education ted a bill to amend law number 21/
and training. expert and for limiting the legal advi-
sor position to expatriates. He request- 1964 on boycotting Israel. The bill
Minister Al-Ali also visited
the Abdul Latif Al-Thuwaini ed for copies of the relevant decisions, stipulates that individuals or entities
building, where he was briefed the consultant who issued such deci- are prohibited from making commer-
on all the services that are of- sions, his nationality, number of cial or financial deals with individuals
fered there. Kuwaiti senior legal experts and justi- or companies owned by anyone resid-
fications for not appointing them as ing in Israel, the Israelis or those
legal advisors considering this is a working in favor of Israel.
Umm Al-Haiman violation of Article 26 of the The bill is applicable to all compa-
Constitution. nies and brands with direct interests
project wins PFI MP Hassan Jawhar forwarded que- in Israel and those with agencies in
ries to HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Israel. Relations or activities that
int’l prize – MPW Sabah Al-Khalid about the number of contribute to normalizing relations
foreign advisors at the Council of with Israel are forbidden. The penal-
By Muhammad Ghanem ties include imprisonment for three
Ministers, date of their appointment,
Al-Seyassah Staff qualification and age. He inquired to 15 years with hard labor and max-
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: The why these foreign advisors have not imum KD10,000 fine. The bill pro-
Ministry of Public Works an- been replaced with Kuwaitis. hibits travelling to the occupied
nounced the selection of the Pro- He also submitted questions to Palestinian land, while individuals
ject Finance International (PFI) Minister of Finance Khalifa Musaed holding Israeli citizenship are
as winner of the Best Public-Pri- Hamada about the number of expatri- banned from entering Kuwait. Public
vate Partnership Deal award for ate employees in the ministry and sub- and private institutions are absolute-
the year 2020 at the level of the sidiary institutions including compa- ly forbidden from signing agree-
Middle East and Africa (Deal of nies where the State own 25 percent or ments or protocols with Israel.
the Year) of the Thomson Reu-
ters Foundation for the imple-
mentation and expansion of the
Umm Al-Haiman sewage plant. UAE ranks first: MEED index
This comes which comes
within the vision of the Ministry
of Public Works to implement
a program to expand and reha-
Kuwait 4th among GCC countries over
bilitate the sewage system in the
country. ‘recovery’ from coronavirus pandemic
The ministry said in a press KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: With 3.1 Bahrain came in the fifth and sixth
statement the internationally hon- points, Kuwait came fourth among the places among the GCC countries with
ored project includes the construc- Gulf Cooperation Council countries 3 points and 2.9 points respectively,
tion of a new sewage treatment
plant within the boundaries of the
and fifth regionally on the Middle East and in the sixth and seventh places
current Umm Al-Haiman purifica- Economic Digest (MEED) magazine’s regionally. Morocco and Tunisia
tion plant, to treat wastewater with index for economic recovery from the shared the seventh place regionally by
an initial capacity of 500,000 cu- COVID-19 pandemic, reports Al-Anba 2.9 points.
bic meters of on an average daily daily. On the regional level, Egypt has
flow, in addition to the construc- According to the report, the United been witnessing strong economic
tion of lines for sewage treatment Arab Emirates ranked first in the Gulf growth, and it was ranked in the fourth
and treated water from Al-Egaila and in the region by four points, fol- place with 3.2 points. This comes at a
pumping station to the new station, lowed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the time when the economies of the Gulf
an emergency line and a major second and third places by 3.6 points Cooperation Council countries are fac-
electrical transmission station. and 3.5 points respectively. Oman and ing a sharp contraction.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LOCAL 3

Other Voices

Govt & opposition must bury hatchet

for political reforms, smooth running
“THE problem with the legislative and executive au- “It is no secret to anyone that clarity and transpar-
thorities is that no one wants to make a move forward ency in presenting all serious steps to address any
and this is because there is a tendency between them distortions that afflicted political and development
for revenge. The opposition is all out for vengeance work on any governmental, parliamentary and even
and wants to liquidate the government before it even judicial side is the primary way to restore the full
thinks of extending a hand of cooperation,” column- confidence that prevailed in public life in Kuwait in
ist Za’ar Al-Rashidi wrote for Al-Anba daily. the past.
“On the other side, the government refuses to “There should be a press conference or a periodic
budge an inch from its position particularly in the statement in which the government announces what
face of court verdicts that have been issued against has been accomplished in every ministry and every
prominent opposition figures. The opposition be- institution to resolve issues that were pending, or
lieves it will not cooperate with the government (po- persistent problems, or steps towards development.
litically) before the comprehensive amnesty law is “And before that, there should be an initiative
viewed, while the government considers no compro- similar to the National Assembly to inform the peo-
mise can be made on this front without abiding by the ple of what has been accomplished regarding corrup-
KUNA photo full provisions of the previously announced amnesty tion issues, which are the focus of interaction in the
Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah met with the Army leadership. Various issues regarding requirements.” Kuwaiti media and street, because everyone has the
defense and security of the country came under discussion. “Here I will not talk about right to stand on the seriousness of the state’s deal-
the government, which is an ings with corruption cases.
updated version of the previ- “There must be a responsible party entrusted with

Delay in payment of summer ous government, must do. The

same government that rejected
the amendment of the private
sector law even though it will
informing the street of all the achievements that have
been made in the interest of the state and a promis-
ing future based on seriousness in dealing with many
issues that have contributed, unfortunately, to with-
not cost a penny as a result of drawing ‘some and more than that’ of the people’s

semester ‘bonuses’ criticized the amendment requiring the

payment of end-of-service in-
demnity to a Kuwaiti working
in the private sector. Al-Rashidi
confidence in their government.
“It would be a mistake to continue with the same
previous approach if there is a sincere intention to re-
form and start a new phase that knows how to react to
“A government with such any previous or upcoming mistakes and not to leave
Call 135 to report commercial fraud mentality does not make an iota of effort to strike a room for some media and social media to maneuver
compromise formula on any political or popular law. according to its desire and interest.
Here I am talking about the opposition and what it “It pains me and many others that despite the
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: The Chairperson of the Faculty Members Association of Ku- must do.” agreement of all the people of Kuwait that the real
wait University Dr Ibrahim Al-Hammoud criticized the delay in the payment of the ex- “As I mentioned, the opposition either deals with challenges for our future are economic, political and
ceptional summer semester bonuses because the relevant lists were not prepared by the the jurisprudence of reality and the facts on the social challenges, unfortunately we are preoccupied
ground and deals with the government on the basis with marginal issues which have been imposed on us
Deanship of Admission and Registration, insisting that such an excuse is not justified, that it is a government that will reject every politi- by some of what happened in the opening session of
reports Aljarida daily. cal or popular law that the MPs will present, whether the National Assembly a few days ago.
In a press statement, he affirmed that an inquiry is underway to examine the names of the faculty members who they are opposition or pro government. “The entire issue has preoccupied the media,
may be enrolled in semesters but have not taught, according to the university administration’s claim. “The point of government rejection must be in means of communication, bureaus and gatherings
the minds of opposition MPs before taking any step, with reports of quarrels and divisions between those
Dr Al-Hammoud said, whether in the direction of a comprehensive amnesty who like this and those who hate this and between
mp profile getting to know you “This excuse cannot be or otherwise. falsifying a ballot paper and distributing a barcode,
accepted at all. Rather, it “In the previous Assembly, for example, the gov- between childish accusations of loyalty, between the
is a serious accusation of ernment made a smart move in the face of the ad- threats of this team and the transgressions of that
forgery, and this is what vocates of a comprehensive amnesty law and moved team at a time when time and effort was supposed to
the faculty members raise. towards shuffling the cards.
Voting Record Therefore, this argument “The government will repeat the same move again
be consumed in arranging the agenda of the National
Assembly and agreeing on the first drop of water –
cannot be accepted in any in the current parliament and any project of this kind development – with which we would irrigate our
Al-Qattan has no voting record way. regardless of the names or numbers of MPs will fail, country that is hungry for the movement.
as this is his first time to be elect- The real reason is the de- and there is more than one political trick in the gov- “It is enough for what has been lost from our life
ed as member of the Assembly. liberate delay in disbursing ernment’s hands to confront this matter. As I said, it
Ali Abdulrasoul Al-Qattan and the age of our country, and let us start a new
dues for teaching due to the is a trick of shuffling the cards.” year with a new and clean cooperation between all
First Constituency administration’s failure to “The opposition should be patient in present- the state authorities. With a little controversy and ag-
He worked at the Council of obtain a boost to its budget, ing laws of political revenge, and make calculated gravation, and with a lot of seriousness and transpar-
ALI ABDULRASOUL AL-QAT- Ministers, served as consultant for although it had previously moves when presenting popular laws as a first step,
TAN — a Shiite — won ency, we might recover some of the confidence on
planning at the Arab announced that it had ob- then start submitting draft amendments to existing which our life was based decades ago.
3,320 votes in the 2020 League, assistant un- tained the necessary sup- laws such as the audiovisual and electronic publish- But I will not say that I dream because I have con-
parliamentary elections dersecretary in the Pub- port to finance the expenses ing laws at least if the government rejects the popular fidence in a country that has overcome difficult crises
and ranked sixth in his con- lic Authority for Agri- of the exceptional summer laws. as long as you never lose hope in it.”
stituency. culture Affairs and Fish semester, as well as the ad- “Hence, the opposition will have revealed that
He holds a Doctor of the government is against the people, at least legis- * * *
Resources (PAAAFR), ditional hours”. “As soon as the news of the death of Sheikh Nasser
Philosophy Degree in and columnist in Al- Dr Al-Hammoud called latively, and the opposition must present this matter
Educational Administra- with evidence to the public opinion, if the opposition Sabah Al-Ahmad spread I was overwhelmed with
Anba daily. on the university admin- fear and sadness not because of the death because we
tion. He is a lecturer at He contested the istration to disburse the wants to tilt the balance of popularity in its favor.
the Public Authority for “As for rushing towards a comprehensive amnesty all will die, but I felt that the hope, optimism and the
2016 parliamentary financial dues based on beautiful future that the deceased held among us at
Applied Education and elections but he lost as law – which is undoubtedly deserved – and making it
Al-Qattan
the lists it has regarding a top priority, will make the opposition face a second the height of the atmosphere of anxiety and fear that
Training (PAAET). He is he landed on the 17th summer teaching, and then
a member of Kuwait Hu- trauma that it is now indispensable because it will we were feeling on our homeland after the news of
spot in his constituency review the statements and simply fight a battle and will not win it. corruption and its annexes spread he presented im-
man Rights Society. with 1,603 votes. investigate those who have “As I mentioned, prudence is to face the govern- portant files of corruption cases in which big heads
been unfairly awarded the ment with a package of popular laws, reforming pub- stood accused.
bonuses in question. lishing laws, and working to find a way to vote on “He presented a beautiful vision for the future of
❑ ❑ ❑ them regardless of the outcome of the vote. our country and promised that Kuwait will lead in
Vision 2035 among the countries we aspire to be like
KPC has KD198 mln worth shares Call to report fraud: The
Ministry of Commerce
“Among the opposition mistakes, those affiliated
with it, is like a scramble to present similar laws and he offered solutions to the anxiety that swept us
due to the state’s economic situation, and suddenly
without coordination, as if there is a parliamentary
and Industry has asked the
in the national portfolio – report citizens and expatriates to
race to present laws and this is a catastrophic mis-
take.
he left all this and moved next to his Lord.
“Oh God, make him a successor who carries the
report commercial fraud or “The opposition, or what is left of it, must coordi- trust of this wonderful person to complete his vision
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: Ac- in the Oula Fuel Marketing high prices through hotline nate with each other in order to rearrange priorities and achieve a vision that gave us a dose of hope and
cording to reliable sources in the Company is about KD 11.7 mil- number 135, WhatsApp for the benefit of the largest possible segment, and optimism.”
oil sector, Kuwait Petroleum Cor- lion, and the market value of 55135135, Consumer Pro- move away from issues of political revenge. ❑ ❑ ❑
poration (KPC) has an investment the investment in the Soor Fuel tection Center and its web- “Democracy is not an open buffet meaning you
site www.moci.gov.kw, “O, these poor countries and poor people includ-
of KD 198 million in the national Marketing Company is about choose what you like and pick it from the table and ing the MPs who gathered, formed an alliance among
portfolio in the form of local KD 11.9 million. reports Al-Rai daily. put it in your plate. If you lose a round, you must ac-
The ministry affirmed themselves and pledged to be at the heart of the one
shares. This was created based on The sources explained the par- cept and skip the issue and move away from issues of man, one line, one hand system, yet in the end they
that it will take legal meas- political revenge.”
a decision of the Cabinet in 2008 ticipation in the national portfo- ures against any violator refused to disperse. They betrayed each other until
to invest in the Kuwait Stock Ex- lio is carried out according to a and impose the legally ap- Also: some of them came out like the suspects and swore
change with the aim of facing the mechanism agreed upon with the proved maximum penalty “I do not claim to own this idea, but I found some- by God Almighty that they did not betray anyone as
thing important in it, hoping that our current govern- stated in the covenant!” columnist Hussein Al-Rawi
repercussions of the global finan- Kuwait Investment Authority. on anyone who tries to raise
wrote for Al-Rai daily.
cial crisis on the national econo- The percentage of profits made by prices without justification ment will restore people’s confidence and hope in the
coming days, especially after what happened in the “O, representatives, what comes next after the fail-
my and maintaining its stability, KPC from its investments in the as this is a violation of price ure of your alliance? What do some of you want to
control and consumer pro- past,” columnist and former Deputy Director-Gener-
in partnership with other govern- portfolio during the last period is al of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Iqbal Al-Ahmad gain from convulsive rhetoric, threats, promises and
ment agencies, reports Al-Anba tection regulations.
considered good. wrote for Al-Qabas daily. agitation of the masses? Have mercy on the nation
daily. The institution’s participation “In order to be clear, it must be pointed out that and its people. O, members of the barcode, have mer-
KPC has stakes in associate in the portfolio took place after if there is a serious and real desire on the part of the cy on them, may God have mercy on you. Conflicts,
companies in Oula Fuel Market- government to go ahead with the serious work based rivalries, quarrels, enmities and delays are sufficient
a thorough study and after being for us in everything that is in the interest of the coun-
ing Company, with a share of 24 reassured about the mechanisms on overcoming all the mistakes and repercussions of
the past, and then it must adopt the principle of trans- try and the people!
percent, and in Soor Fuel Market- of the portfolio’s work in the mar- parency and clarity with it. “O, our brothers, representatives of the barcode,
ing Company with the same share ket. “The Kuwaiti street, like other peoples, has been join hands with your fellow MPs for the sake of the
percentage. The sources emphasized that affected by the repercussions of corruption and fail- nation and its people who are expecting a lot from
According to a survey car- the national portfolio seeks to ure to deal with it in correct ways based on speed in you. Do not take sides. Do not turn to disputes and
ried out by the daily, the market maintain market stability, indi- applying the law in all fairness, firmness and without discrimination as the Parliament life is wasted with-
value of KPC’s share in the two cating that more than one of the favoritism, which necessitates taking new steps and out any benefit from you to the citizen who put his
initiatives in the public interest, and in order to re- trust in you but you shattered his hopes.”
companies is KD 23.6 million. bodies that make up the portfolio
The value of the shares owned participate in its management. store this confidence little by little. — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli
Dr Ibrahim Al-Hammoud

Burgan oil field

‘Less injection wells’

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: According to a reliable
source in the oil sector, the Kuwait Oil Company
(KOC) has decided to reduce the number of injec-
tion wells from 50 wells to 20 wells in the third
phase of the project to maintain the reservoir pres-
sure of the Burgan oil field, in the contract signed
with Gulf Four Company, which, according to the
company request made by the Central Agency for
Public Tenders (CAPT), is to issue a change order
to cut KD 5.2 million from the contract, reports Al-
Anba daily.
The source explained that CAPT requested the
postponement of the decision until the receipt of
data from KOC regarding the method of calculating
variation orders with deduction.
The “Wara” reservoir project includes the estab-
lishment of a water injection plant and drilling wells,
in addition to a project to modernize the current pro-
duction facilities to absorb the water accompanying
production and maintain the production capacity of
Burgan oil field.
It should be noted that the project to preserve
Wara reservoir in the third phase was awarded in
May 2017 with a value of KD 51.5 million.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LOCAL 4

Kuwait lost HH Amir Sheikh Sabah, ex-ministers, other VIPs in 2020

Sheikh Nasser expired at age 72
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): Kuwait suffered the deputy prime min- ness the Amir, several ex-ministers and leaders; survived by their works and con-
ister and minister of tributions to Kuwait’s development:
heavy loss of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- defense, a far-sight- Deaths
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a number of former ministers ed leader that con- Jan 19: Sa’adoun Al-Jassem, a former Information Ministry undersecretary,
and senior officials throughout the passing year. tributed to Kuwait’s passed away at age 88.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad had experienced Kuwait’s development since development and Jan 28: Former footballer for Qadsiya club and the Kuwaiti national team Mo-
pre-independence times in the 60s till the end of his life, also marked with acted diligently to hammad Al-Masoud passed away at age 75.
his designation by the UN as Leader of Humanitarian Action for his re- uproot corruption. Feb 12: Former chairman of Kuwait Football Association (KFA) and the
nowned contributions to aiding nations in need. Following report Qadisya sports club Abdulaziz Al-Mekhled passed away at age 85.
Within a short period of time after Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad’s demise, Kuwait chronicles the 2020 Feb 13: Former governor of Farwaniya Abdulhameed Haji passed away at age 82.
mourned death of Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a former HH Sheikh Sabah Sheikh Nasser demise of His High- March 29: Theater actor and arts pioneer Suleiman Al-Yaseen passed away at
age 71.
March 30: Former Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
as well as former Islamic Affairs and chairman of the Is-
lamic Charitable Society Yousef Al-Haji passed away at age
97. He was a leading figure in Kuwaiti charity scene.
May 17: Researcher and writer Mohammad Al-Ibrahim
died at the age of 84. He was renowned for contributing to
the establishment of the first Kuwaiti school, Al-Mubarakiya
School.
June 2: Retired Major General Salem Al-Srour passed
away. He was 74. He would be remembered as a hero of
the Kuwaiti resistance against the Iraqi occupation and com-
mander of the famous Al-Josoor battle.
June 12: The Adviser at the Amiri Diwan and the former
finance minister, Abdulrahman Al-Atiqi, passed away at the
age of 92.
June 12: The eminent media personnel Faisal Al-Ginaee
passed away. He was 70. He was deemed the pillar of the
Arab and Kuwaiti press.
June 16: The former minister of transports Habib Johar
Hayat died at the end of 86.
June 17: The former deputy chairman of Kuwait News
Agency and the honorary chairman of Kuwaiti Journalists
Association Ahmad Bahbahani died at the age of 79.
Sept 29: The Amiri Diwan mourned death of His High-
ness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,
renowned for his great givings, achievements and good
deeds throughout his life, capped with his designation by
the former UN secretary general Ban ki-Moon as Leader of
Humanitarian Action.
Oct 24: The former undersecretary of social affairs Abdul-
rahman Al-Mazroui passed way. He was 83.
Dec 4: Former Minister of Water and Electricity and busi-
nessman Abdulaziz Al-Shayee passed away at age 49. He
was a well-known figure who contributed to the develop-
ment of Kuwait in several sectors.
Dec 20: The Amiri Diwan mourns the death of former
first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh
Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at age 72 .
Crown Prince
The Crown Prince position saw an integral shift during
2020 with the ascension of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-
Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to power after the passing away
of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-
Jaber Al-Sabah.
The following are the major activities and events carried
out by the Crown Prince:
Feb 10: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf
Al-Ahmad, representing His Highness the Amir, patronized
the 2019 awards for the Kuwait Foundation for Scientific
Advancement (KFAS).
Oct 8: His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah took the oath before the National Assembly. In his
statement after swearing-in, Sheikh Mishal pledged to be a
solid supporter and sincere adviser to His Highness the Amir
and a faithful citizen to attain Kuwait’s prosperity, sponsor
national interests and unity of the people.
Oct 13: His Highness the Crown Prince received the
chairman and Secretary General of Kuwait Red Crescent
Society, and commended KRCS’s noble contributions to al-
leviate suffering of ill-fated people and spreading awareness
about importance of volunteering.
Oct 19: His Highness the Crown Prince, while receiving
board members of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and In-
dustry, called for boosting integration between public and
private sector to contribute to sustainable development.
Nov 3: His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad underlined
importance of direct investment to transfer knowledge and
technology, and achieve economic sustainability, create jobs
and diversify income to honor New Kuwait 2035 Vision.
Nov 15: His Highness the Crown Prince received Egyp-
tian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri and reiterated deep-
rooted relations with Cairo.
Nov 18: His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad called
for further promotion of role of Kuwait stock market to eco-
nomic development.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LOCAL 5

Major foreign policy events

Kuwaiti Defense & Interior Major events connected with

personnel’s tasks in 2020
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): Ku-
waiti defense and interior personnel were
ant General rank.
Oct 26: The electoral department of the
the National Assembly in ’20
very much active throughout the passing Ministry of Interior declared the start of
year; primarily involved in logistics of nomination for membership in the National Major events regarding the Cabinet
combating the novel coronavirus (COV- Assembly’s 16th legislative term. Registra-
ID-19) and clamping down on smugglers. tion would proceed until November 4.
Following are highlights of record activi- Nov 4: The Ministry of Interior declared KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26,
ties by the defense and interior personnel in aborting a plot to smuggle into the country (KUNA): The National
2020: 270 kilograms of narcotic pills “shabo.” Assembly saw several
Nov 12: The MoI opened the center for
Defense and Interior Ministries traffic transactions for citizens of special laws approved and inter-
Feb 12: Kuwait Fire Service Directorate needs. pellations against mem-
(KFSD) announced the death of six people Nov 23: Kuwait held a funeral for seven bers of the Cabinet.
and the injury of three others in a landslide martyrs who had sacrificed their souls dur- The 15th legislative term con-
at Mutla housing project. ing the flagrant Iraqi aggression in 1990,
Feb 27: The Interior Ministry suspended cluded this year, paving the way
after their remains, were handed over and
the use of Civil ID Cards temporarily as their identity was verified. to the 2020 election and the open-
part of the efforts to counter COVID-19. Dec 2: Deputy Prime Minister and Minis- ing of the 16th legislative term.
March 7: A fire in Sabah Al-Ahmad ter of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh Those are the major events and
residential area killed eight children. indicated that over 417 companies were re- happenings in parliament this year:
March 15: The Ministry of Defense con- ferred to court due to violations of residency Jan 7: National Assembly re-
verted a camp in Sabhan area to a field hos- laws for workers and other mishaps. fused the lifting of immunity of
KUNA photo
pital for COVID-19 quarantine. Dec 17: The Kuwaiti Army announced MP Riyadh Al-Adsani on the HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives HH the Prime Minister and new ministers to perform
April 2: The Directorate General of Civil the arrival of the first batch of H225M Cara- backdrop of electronic media case. their constitutional rights.
Defense revealed that 25,000 persons vol- cal helicopters into Ali Al-Salem Air Base. Jan 22: National Assembly ap-
unteered to join efforts against the novel The order included 30 aircrafts. proved a memorandum between monthly pensions from 25 percent Aug 19: The parliament ap- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah as
coronavirus. Dec 17: The Interior Ministry foiled the Kuwait and Saudi Arabia concern- to 15 percent. proved a bill stipulating that em- Crown Prince.
April 8: The Ministry of Defense de- smuggling of two million amphetamine ing the neutral zone and nearby June 17: The National Assem- ployees in the private sector are Oct 8: National Assembly
clared that a Kuwaiti military plane board- pills, arms, and liquor into the country. submerged area. bly approved a bill allowing indi- entitled for end of service com- Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem
ing medical supplies arrived from China. ❑ ❑ ❑ Jan 30: Minister of Social Af- viduals and companies to solicit pensation based on the full salary. declared the conclusion of the Na-
April 11: Kuwait Army declared a plane fairs Dr. Ghadeer Al-Aseeri sub- Aug 19: The National Assembly tional Assembly’s fourth regular
of the Indian Air Force arrived with medical Kuwait continued in 2020 to maintain its permits online.
strong foreign policy initiatives based on
mitted resignation after MP Dr. June 17: The National Assem- passed a law regarding domestic session of the 15th legislative term
teams and equipment onboard. Adel Al-Dhamki grilling motion. violence. and said the parliament would re-
April 19: The Ministry of Defense de- defending the rights and interest of the Arab bly agreed to modify some provi-
and Islamic nations. Feb 18: Finance Minister sions of the commercial and civil Oct 7: The National Assembly convene on October 20.
clared the arrival of a Jordanian military Mubarak Al-Sheetan and Minister blessed a bill for protecting com- Oct 20: The National Assembly
plane with medical teams and equipment The country also continued the role as a lawsuits’ law for setting up a sys-
onboard. humanitarian center and supported peace of Electricity and Water Moham- tem where judges and public pros- petition, in tandem with rapid de- endorsed a bill amending the law
April 26: The Ministry of Defense de- worldwide. mad Busheri swore constitutional ecution personnel can be indicted. velopments in this respect, glob- of special needs’ citizens, stipulat-
clared a Jordanian aircraft boarding medics The following are the most important oath at the National Assembly. June 17: The National Assem- ally and regionally. ing continuous care for this seg-
and medical devices arrived in the country. foreign policy events and steps, which Ku- Feb 19: The National Assembly bly approved a bill amending some Oct 7: The National Assembly ment and those caring for them
May 3: The Ministry of Defense declared wait undertook in 2020: approved a draft law connected provisions of criminal proceed- approved a bill with respect to as well as securing all comfort ac-
a military aircraft that flew from China ar- Feb 10: UN renewed its trust in Chair- with monetary policy, the Central ings allowing petitions against fi- practicing medicine, back-up pro- commodations in an equal manner
rived with medical equipment on its board. man of Kuwait’s International Islamic Bank of Kuwait (CBK), and the nal verdicts in some cases. fessions, patients’ rights and health with other members of society.
May 11: The Ministry of Interior de- Charity Organization (IICO) and Amiri banking jobs. The draft aimed at June 17: The parliament nodded
facilities, with aim of promoting Oct 20: The National Assem-
clared arresting a person with one million Diwan advisor Dr. Abdullah Al-Matouq as forming a supreme overseeing au- the level of the medical services. bly approved a bill for regulating
a special advisor for the Secretary-General thority on a legal level. bills to amend the decree-into-law Oct 7: National Assembly the demographic status, tackling
pills of the addictive drug Captagon in his regarding commercial and civil
possession. for a new period of four years. June 16: Finance Minister Bar- Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim defects, specifying proportions of
May 11: The Ministry of Defense de- Feb 20: Kuwait opened a military coor- rak Al-Sheetan was grilled accord- lawsuits in relation to digital ad- declared voting on a “non-coopera- persons of various countries that
clared that a Kuwaiti military plane coming dination office in India to bolster defense ing to a motion filed by MP Riad vertisements. tion” motion submitted by ten MPs are allowed to be present in the
from China arrived with a cargo of medical cooperation. Al-Adsani on June 4. The interpel- Aug 5: The National Assembly against His Highness the Prime country in a manner that would
supplies on its board. March 5: Kuwait donated USD three lation ended without recommen- approved a law stipulating stricter Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled not overburden economic, social,
May 12: The border Al-Nuwaiseeb bor- million to China to help in the efforts com- dations or proposals. safety precautions against fires. Al-Hamad Al-Sabah would not be and services sectors.
der checkpoint witnessed the passing back bating the spread of COVID-19. June 16: Minister of Education Aug 5: The parliament blessed held during a parliamentary session Oct 20: National Assembly
of the first returning Kuwaitis from Saudi March 13: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and Higher Education Dr. Saud bills for property rents protecting after these legislators withdrew it. Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim
Arabia. handed the United Nations a copy of the Al-Harbi was grilled according to tenants’ rights against evacuation. Oct 7: The National Assembly wrapped up the fifth follow-up
July 2: The Ministry of Interior declared agreement on the neutral zone and sub- a motion submitted by MP Faisal Aug 5: The National Assem- approved a bill specifying finan- regular session of the 15th legisla-
finding a fugitive dead at his house in Sabah merge nearby between the two countries. bly approved bills concerning the
March 17: Kuwait donated USD four Al-Kandari on May 13. The inter- cial allocations for the “Head of tive term.
Al-Salem district. The wanted committed right to have access to information State” and referred it to the Cabi- Nov 4: Nomination for parlia-
suicide inside the home. million to support the World Health Organi- pellation concluded with a number
of recommendations. to boost transparency and integrity net. It stipulated that these allot- mentary elections for the 16th leg-
Oct 16: Huge fire erupted at the one mil- zation’s (WHO) efforts against COVID-19. in economic and administrative
lion square meters’ Al-Shagaya tires dump- March 25: Minister of Foreign Affairs June 17: The National Assem- ments would be projected in the islative term (Umma 2020) closed
ing site. Firefighters put out the blazes that Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- bly agreed to delay payment of transactions. state budget, along with specify- with tally of candidates standing at
raged within a 25,000 square meter part of Sabah launched the first phase of Kuwaitis due installments of defaulters fund Aug 12: The National Assembly ing terms for payments to mem- 395, including 362 males and 33
the place. No casualties were inflicted. repatriation from abroad amid the corona- for six months as of the first due renewed confidence in Finance bers of the ruling family, ways of females. Registration for the can-
Oct 12: An Amiri Decree appointed virus crisis. payment in April 2020. Minister Barrak Al-Sheetan with their specification and disburse- didates kicked off on October 26.
Lieutenant General Khaled Saleh Al-Sabah May 29: The European Union declared June 17: The National Assem- 32 votes in favor in the interpel- ment, in line with an Amiri Order. Dec 5: Polling stations opened
as Kuwait Army Chief of Staff and Major that Kuwait donated USD 100 million for bly agreed to amend the law of lation spearheaded by MP Riad Oct 8: The National Assembly for 567,694 eligible voters to
General Fahad Al-Nasser as Deputy Chief international efforts aimed at producing a the Public Institution for Social Al-Adsani. Ten MPs proposed no unanimously declared allegiance elected 50 MPs for the 16th legis-
of Staff and promoting him to the Lieuten- vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Security (PIFSS) to lower retirees’ confidence. to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf lative term of parliament.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LOCAL 6

Country braved pandemic with scheduled sports games

Kuwait shut public parks, witnessed games amid covid outbreak 2020
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): March 13: Minister of Information tournament began at Sabah Al-Ahmad by 6-4 to win the tournament, which Sports (PAS) suspended all sports Al-Nasr after a five-month halt due to
Kuwait shut public parks as one of a and Minister of State for Youth Affairs shooting complex with the participa- began on February second with the activities in the country due to the the novel coronavirus.
chain of measures against COVID-19 Mohammad Al-Jabri ordered the clo- tion of 30 countries. participation of six Arab teams. spread of coronavirus. Aug 31: Kuwait Club crowned
and braved the pandemic with sched- sure of public parks until further notice Feb 5: Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Feb 15: Jockey Ali Al-Kharafi won Aug 10: GCC Winter Games champion of the national premier soc-
uled sports games in 2020. to prevent the spread of COVID-19. international tennis complex was inau- His Highness the Amir’s grand eques- Steering Committee elected without cer tournament beating Salmiya 4-1.
Following are some of the key gurated. The facility houses 18 indoor trian tournament. The event – which contestation the State of Kuwait to Sept 1: The Kuwaiti mixed hand-
media and sports events witnessed in Sports and outdoor courts and a 300-room began on February 13 – saw the par- host its headquarters and selected the ball tournament resumed competitions
Kuwait during the passing year: Jan 7: Kuwait sports club beat hotel. It is the biggest tennis facility in ticipation of 600 jockeys. head of the Kuwaiti Winter Games after a six-month stoppage due to
Al-Arabi 3-2 in a penalty shootout, the Middle East region at an area of Feb 16: Kuwait sports club was Club, Fhaid Al-Ajmi, to chair the com- COVID-19.
Media and Cultural Affairs becoming the winner of the Crown 70,000 square meters. crowned as champion of the 58th mittee for a second four-year term. Sept 3: Kuwait Club crowned
Feb 5: Kuwait News Agency Prince Football championship. Feb 8: Kuwait’s stars squad won Basketball league after beating Kazma Aug 15: The Kuwaiti soccer pre- champion of the national premier soc-
(KUNA) and Djibouti news agency Jan 14: His Highness the Amir’s the Arab Ice-Hockey tournament held 80 to 78 points. mier league resumed competitions cer games for the 16th time, beating
signed a cooperation deal. ninth grand international shooting in Kuwait. They beat an Emirati team March 23: The Public Authority for with a match between Kuwait and Al-Shabab 5-1.

Kuwaiti photographers honored, ‘Extraordinary measures’

Kuwait adopted distance

KRCS achieves more during 2020 learning in covid shadow
Highlights of accomplishments chronicled KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA):
Kuwait along with many countries
competition organized by the Deputy
UAE President, Prime Minister and
adopted digital teaching in shadow of Dubai Governor Sheikh Mohammad
outbreak of the novel coronavirus and bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, intended to
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, took other extraordinary measures to encourage reading Arabic.
(KUNA): Kuwaiti pho- cope with the virus in 2020. Oct 29: Kuwait University declared
tographers won awards Following is record of the Kuwaiti acceptance of Kuwaiti students and chil-
education authorities’ tasks in light of dren of Kuwaiti mothers for the aca-
for distinguished pictures pandemic outbreak in 2020: demic year 2020-2021 at a rate of 7,566
in photography contests Education and Scientific Research male and female students for the first
and Kuwait Red Crescent Feb 26: The Ministry of Education semester, 480 students for the second
suspended studying at public and pri- semester, with an increase of 2,345 stu-
Society added to its long vate schools and universities in Kuwait dents as compared to the enrolled in the
record of humanitarian as a measure to counter the spread of past year.
achievements in 2020. coronavirus. Nov 24: The Ministry of Education
Following are highlights of March 19: The Ministry of declared that Kuwait won four prizes of
such accomplishments, also Education said studying for the twelfth Hamdan bin Rashed Al-Maktoum com-
grade will resume on August eighth and petition for distinguished teaching, in
chronicling awards won by the the rest of the grades on October fourth. its 22nd session.
Kuwaiti inventor Jenan March 19: The Ministry of Education Nov 29: The Ministry of Education
Al-Shehab in the passing year: declared that universities would resume declared that 450,000 and 73,000 teach-
Kuwaiti Achievements operations on August ninth. ers would use the application Office
March 30: The Ministry of Education 365 for virtual learning.
Feb 16: The Central Blood approved a proposal to graduate final- Nov 30: Kuwait Foundation for
Bank of Kuwait was recognized year medical students to help the efforts Advancement of Sciences published an
by the American Association of to counter the spread of COVID-19. Arabic scientific encyclopedia about
Blood Banks (AABB), the first May 3: Kuwait Foundation for the moon.
Arab body to win this recogni- Advancement of Sciences declared Dec 2: Minister of Education and
tion. arrival of breathing apparatuses and Higher Education Dr. Saud Al-Harbi
June 7: The Kuwaiti photog- protective gear from China. said in a ministerial event that his min-
rapher Talal Al-Rabah won the July 16: Minister of Education and istry prepared 500 sites and connected
Higher Education Dr. Saud Al-Harbi 250 schools via fiber optics to boost
top photography award of declared concluding the scholastic year online services for the ministry.
Hamdan bin Mohammad (2019-2020) and delaying unstudied Dec 2: Minister of Education and
Al-Maktoum for his shot “the chapters of the curriculum to 2020- Higher Education Dr. Saud Al-Harbi
North Pole King”. 2021. said in a ministerial event that the new
July 7: KFAED Director- KUNA photo Aug 25: Minister of Education and school year required 1,243-recorded
General Abdulatif Al-Hamad Kuwaiti photographer Talal Al-Rabah won the top photography award of Hamdan bin Mohammad Higher Education Dr. Saud Al-Harbi classes and the activation of 457,222
and the Kuwaiti astronomer Al-Maktoum for his shot ‘the North Pole King’. decided that studies would be online in students, 73,721 teachers, 29,902
Saleh Al-Ojairi won KFAS the first semester of the scholastic year schools administrators’ online
Award for their contributions (2020-2021) accounts.
donated medical equipment to struction in Al-Mutlaa. tered four sites in Kuwait includ- Sept 23: Kuwait Institute for Statistics had shown there were over
locally, regionally, and interna- Azerbaijan. Nov 25: Kuwait won the ing Kuwait Towers, Sheikh
tionally. Scientific Research (KISR) declared 316,000 active students’ accounts and
Aug 29: The Kuwaiti engineer Arab League’s government Abdullah Al-Jaber castle, earning a patent from the US Patent and over seven million virtual classes
July 26: Kuwait Red Crescent Jenan Al-Shehab won two distinctiveness award and Boubyan Island, and Mubarak Trademark Office for its invention that viewed for 292,362 hours by pupils.
Society distributed Eid clothes awards and the gold medal at Kuwait Municipality Director- Al-Khabir marine reserve in the measures dust impact on solar cells. The daily average of messages in online
to 5,000 limited-income fami- Toronto inventions exhibition General was awarded as the top initial list of 44 Islamic cultural Oct 3: The Ministry of Higher classes had reached 844,904.
lies. Education declared acceptance of 2,848 Dec 5: The Public Authority for
Aug 4: Kuwait Red Crescent for inventing electromagnetic municipal chief in the Arab sites in six countries.
students in scholarships’ plan for the Applied Education and Training
Society launched a donation cells for wireless power trans- world. Dec 16: UNESCO included new academic year (2020-2021). (PAAET) accepted 15,323 students
campaign to aid Lebanon in mission to charge electronic Dec 4: Member of the teach- Kuwait Al-Sadu weaving in its Oct 4: The Ministry of Education during the 2020-21 semester.
aftermath of the Beirut port devices. ing staff at the Public Authority list of Intangible Heritage. launched the 2020-2021 scholastic year Dec 7: Kuwait Scientific Center’s
blast. Sept 7: Kuwait Red Crescent for Applied Education and Dec 16: UN Environment virtually for all levels. Falcon-9 rocket was launched from the
Aug 6: Kuwait Red Crescent Society opened a field hospital Training (PAAET) Dr Salah Programme (UNEP) announced Oct 10: General Secretariat of Kennedy Space Center in the United
Society dispatched a planeload in Hadramot, Yemen. Al-Ali won the gold medal for that Kuwaiti engineer Fatmah Private Universities declared accep- States, carrying with it an experiment
Sept 10: Kuwait Red Crescent the patent office candidates of Al-Zalzalah won the champions tance of 6,045 students in scholarships’ designed by Kuwaiti students to be
of relief supplies to Lebanon in scheme for 2020-2021. delivered to the astronauts on
aftermath of the Beirut port Society sent a convoy of relief the GCC at the Seoul of the earth award for 2020. The
Oct 28: The Ministry of Education International Space Station (ISS).
bombing. supplies to Lebanon following International Invention Fair list of winners included seven declared Alyaa Al-Ajmi from Umm Dec 13: The Ministry of Higher
Aug 15: The Kuwaiti photog- the explosion that ripped through (SIIF) 2020 for a device that other individuals. Al-Haiman School for Girls won the Education allowed the completion of
rapher Majed Al-Zuabi won the Beirut port. avoids the sudden death of chil- Dec 17: Kuwaiti engineer top award of the “Arabic Reading the 2020-21 semester for scholarship
Grand Award in the internation- Nov 24: Minister of Public dren during sleep. Jenan Al-Shehab won several Challenge” competition (2019-2020) in students outside of Kuwait according to
al birds photographing competi- Works Rana Al-Fares declared Dec 11: Islamic Educational, accolades at Taiwan’s Kaohsiung its fifth edition. regulations set up by their universities
tion. the start of receiving citizens’ Scientific and Cultural International Invention and It was the largest Arabic language abroad.
Aug 19: Kuwait Alms House request online for houses’ con- Organization (IESCO) regis- Design EXPO (KIDE) 2020.
3 tankers received
Kuwait sent 1st oil shipment
from divided zone since 5 yrs
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): News from the Kuwaiti
oil sector loomed high in the media realm in the passing year
with diverse significant happenings such as taking delivery
of three giant tankers and recording first crude shipment
from divided zone for the first time since five years ago.
Following are some of the key news from the Kuwait oil
sector in the passing year:
Energy
Jan 2: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) announced
that the price of Kuwaiti oil reached USD 66.1 per barrel in
the first day of the year.
Jan 5: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and Qatar
Petroleum signed a long-term agreement for liquefied gas.
As per the agreement, Qatar will provide Kuwait with
around three million tons of liquefied natural gas for a
period of 15 years.
Jan 6: KPC said that the price of Kuwaiti oil reached its
highest number in during the year, hitting USD 69.9 per bar-
rel.
Jan 14: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)
exported the first batch of low sulfur diesel fuel to interna-
tional markets.
Feb 24: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) initiated its heavy
crude oil project north of the country, its biggest endeavor to
date.
March 10: Kuwait Oil Tankers Company (KOTC) offi-
cially received the giant “Um Ruwaisat” liquefied gas
tanker. This expanded the company’s fleet to 28 tankers.
March 31: Kuwait Oil Tankers Company (KOTIC)
received from South Korea “Al-Yamama”, a petroleum
products vessel. The company expanded its fleet to 29 tank-
ers.
April 5: First shipment of Al-Khafji crude oil extracted
from the divided zone between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
was shipped after a five-year stoppage.
April 21: KPC said that the price of Kuwaiti oil went
down to its lowest price at USD 13.2 per barrel.
April 28: Kuwait Oil Tankers Company (KOTC) received
the Shegardiah oil tanker from a South Korean manufacturer
Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.
May 22: Kuwait Oil Company declared the first shipment
of high-quality coal was exported via Al-Ahmadi refinery.
June 10: Oil Minister and Acting Minister of Electricity
and Water Dr Khaled Al-Fadel ordered cessation of employ-
ing non-Kuwaitis in Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and
lowering number of contracts with expatriates.
June 16: Kuwait Oil Company accomplished the acid
gases plant project at Al-Ahmadi refinery.
June 18: Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration
Company (KUFPEC) declared the first extraction of the oil
from a well in the Gulf of Suez.
Nov 11: Kuwait Aviation Fueling Company (KAFCO)
won the top rank for the 2020 distinctiveness for managing
human resources; held annually in Dubai as part of the con-
ference and exhibition on human resources.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

LOCAL/MIDEAST 7

Overall trade volume between China and Arab countries hits $115 billion in H1 of 2020

Sino-Arab relations a ‘paradigm of south-south cooperation’: China

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): demic, China and Arab countries
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokes- have stood together and worked
person Wang Wenbin said the Sino-
Arab relations continued to grow in
hand in hand to provide each other
with supplies, share experience and
Japan hails Kuwait’s efforts to solve Gulf bloc dispute
2020 and became a model of state-to- cooperate on vaccine research and
TOKYO, Dec 26, (KUNA): Japa- positive movements such as a will lead to the solution of the is- dle East are extremely important
state relations. application. nese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu statement issued by the Kuwaiti sue,” Motegi told a press confer- for Japan, which depends on the
Responding with distinct stability “On issues bearing on core in- Motegi on Friday hailed Kuwait’s government that a final agree- ence. Middle East for about 90 percent
to the global challenges and uncer- terests and major concerns, the two efforts to solve the Qatari diplo- ment has been reached to solve Motegi said there are reports of its crude oil imports, and for
tainties brought about by the coro- sides have given each other firm and matic issue, expressing hope for the Qatari issue. that the Qatar diplomatic issue will
improved relations among the The Japanese government be taken up at the coming GCC that reason, I think it is desirable
navirus pandemic, the China-Arab strong support and jointly safeguard-
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) highly appreciates the efforts of summit. that relations among the Gulf
relations have become “a paradigm ed multilateralism and international
states. Kuwait and other related coun- “Regarding energy security, countries will be improved,” the
of south-south cooperation,” he af- equity and justice, Wang noted.
“We are aware that there are tries, and hopes that these efforts peace and stability in the Mid- minister said.
firmed. Despite the severe impact of the
Whang made the comments in re- pandemic and the overall downturn
ply to a question from China’s CCTV in the global economy, China-Arab top trading partner of Arab countries. velopment in a progressive manner. summit, announced the decision to jointly pursue Belt and Road coop-
during his regular presser on Friday. cooperation for mutual benefit and China imported 130 million tons Besides, the two sides have held jointly build a China-Arab commu- eration.
Chinese “President Xi Jinping has win-win progress has been stead- of crude oil from Arab countries, in-depth exchange of experience nity with a shared future for a new “We will launch more livelihood
held nearly 10 phone calls and ex- ily advanced, and the Belt and Road which accounts for half of China’s in state governance and constantly era, and identified a road map to real- projects, strengthen the foundation
changed nearly 20 letters with Arab cooperation has continued to make total crude oil imports over the same enriched China-Arab relations,” he ize this vision, he recalled. for China-Arab friendship, strive to
heads of state this year, providing progress. period. went on. Looking ahead to the year 2021, build a China-Arab community with
strategic guidance for the develop- In the first half of 2020, the over- “China and Arab states have At the ninth ministerial meeting of China is ready to work with the a shared future, and make greater
ment of China-Arab relations,” he all trade volume between China and advanced resumption of work and the China-Arab States Cooperation Arab side to strengthen high-level contribution to the building of a com-
pointed out. Arab countries reached 115 billion production, cooperation in the me- Forum held in July 2020, the two exchanges, steadily advance resump- munity with a shared future for man-
In the face of the unexpected epi- US dollars, making China a steady dia sector, as well as reform and de- sides agreed to hold a China-Arab tion of work and production and kind,” the spokesperson added.

Rebels kill woman Kuwait MoH put most resources at

Saudi TV: Houthi sea mine
hits cargo ship in Red Sea disposal in battle against COVID-19
CAIRO, Dec 26, (AP): A sea to the south. The war in the
mine planted by Yemen’s Houthi Arab world’s poorest country Public kept abreast of medical developments
rebels struck a cargo ship in the has killed more than 112,000
southern Red Sea on Friday, people, including thousands of
Saudi Arabia’s state-owned tele- civilians. The conflict has also KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26,
vision channel reported, without resulted in the world’s worst (KUNA): Kuwait Minis-
providing further details. humanitarian crisis. try of Health put bulk of
Al-Ekhbariya quoted the Sau- Also:
di-led coalition, which has been its resources at disposal of
fighting Iran-backed Houthis in SANAA: A 25-year-old woman combating the novel coro-
Yemen since 2015. The coali- was beaten to death in front of navirus (COVID-19), kept
tion did not identify the vessel or her two children by Houthi re-
bels in Yemen’s Ibb province, a public abreast of daily
elaborate on the attack. The US
Navy’s 5th Fleet, which patrols family member said Friday. casualty tolls while MoH
the Mideast, did not respond Houthi militia members raided led medical frontline team
to a request for comment. The the house of Ahlam al-Ashary in facing the virus spillover
United Kingdom Marine Trade late Thursday looking for her
husband, the family member during the year.
Operations, an information ex- Following are highlights of the
change overseen by the British said. When they did not find him
they kicked al-Ashary and beat MoH activities namely in fighting
Royal Navy in the region, did the pandemic in 2020:
not immediately acknowledge her with sticks and the backs of
the incident. their pistols until she died, said Health Care
The report follows a series of the relative, who refused to be
Feb 9: The Abdulrazzaq Al-Zalzala
assaults targeting Saudi energy named for fear of reprisals. The health center was opened in Dasmas
infrastructure that has spurred militants were searching for al- area. The KD-one-million facility in-
Ashary’s husband for his alleged KUNA photo
concerns about ship safety in the cludes eight various-specialty clinics. Undated photo shows KRCS sending a plane-load of humanitarian supplies and medical equipment for the Leba-
Red Sea, a crucial transit zone ties to rival forces loyal to the Feb 16: The Ministry of Health nese people.
for global shipping and energy UN-recognized government, the opened a blood transfusion facility in
relative said. Al-Ahmadi medical area. The five-sto-
supplies that largely had avoided
the chaos of regional tensions The attack took place in a ru- ry facility cost around KD seven mil- Relief assistance sent locally and abroad
involving the US and Iran last ral area in Houthi-controlled Ibb lion and was built on an area of 14,000
province, where most inhabit- square meters.
year.
Earlier this month, the Saudi- ants have resisted Houthi rule.
Photos of al-Ashari’s children
Feb 24: The Health Ministry an-
nounced the first cases of COVID-19
Kuwait earmarks millions worth of aid in 2020
led coalition in Yemen said that infections of three individuals return- KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, (KUNA): May 22: Kuwait Red Crescent So- Dec 14: KRCS sent 40-tons worth
it had recently detected and hugging her coffin have circu- Kuwait earmarked millions of dollars ciety equipped 115 apartments for of humanitarian assistance to Sudan to
lated on social media outlets and ing from Iran.
destroyed 171 sea mines dis- March 5: The Health Ministry an- worth of aid for the needy at the local medical personnel at Jaber Al-Ahmad help the country cope with floods and
patched into Red Sea waters by anti-Houthi Yemeni news web- nounced the first recovery of COV- and external levels in 2020. district. heavy rain.
the Houthi rebels. Houthi mili- sites. ID-19 patient in Kuwait. Following are some of the recorded July 26: KRCS distributed clothes
The Associated Press reached March 11: The Health Ministry relief assistance provided by Kuwait to for 5,000 families during Eid holidays. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic
tary officials have not comment-
ed on the latest allegations. out to four Houthi officials but erected a facility in Mishref’s exhibi- those in need locally and abroad in the Aug 4: KRCS launched a donation Development
all declined to comment. tions ground to screen COVID-19 for passing year: campaign for the Lebanese people fol- Feb 14: Kuwait Fund for Arab Eco-
Danger The conflict in Yemen erupted in the expatriate community. lowing Beirut Port’s devastating explo- nomic Development (KFAED) signed
Any mining of the Red Sea is in 2014 when Iran-backed Shi- March 20: Chinese medical sup- Humanitarian Assistance sion. a USD-five-million loan to fund a road
a danger not only to Saudi Ara- ite rebels, known as Houthis, plies arrived in Kuwait help the coun- Jan 22: Kuwait Red Crescent Soci- Aug 6: KRSC sent plane-load of hu- project in Cameroon.
bia but to the rest of the world. overran the country’s northern try face the COVID-19 pandemic. ety (KRCS) delivered aid to the floods manitarian supplies and medical equip- March 24: Kuwait Fund for Arab
Mines can enter the water and parts and the capital Sanaa, forc- March 23: The Health Ministry and heavy rain-devastated Djibouti. ment for the Lebanese people. Economic Development (KFAED)
then be carried away by the cur- ing the UN recognized govern- announced the arrival of DNA-based Feb 20: Kuwait relief aid society Aug 19: Kuwait Zakat House do- provided a USD-30-million grant to
rents, which change by the sea- ment to flee to the south. Since COVID-19 screening tools, the first of signed a $1.33-million agreement with nated medical equipment for kidney support the Kuwaiti government efforts
son. 2015, Houthis have been fight- its kind in the region. the United Nations High Commission- patients in Azerbaijan. against the coronavirus.
Less than two weeks ago, an ing a Saudi-led and US-backed April 4: The Ministry of Health de- er for Refugees (UNHCR) to aid refu- Sept 7: KRCS opened a field hospi- Nov 15: KFAED signed with
clared recording the first coronavirus gees in Yemen and Iraq. tal in Hadhramawt, Yemen. UNICEF a grant accord worth KD
explosion struck an oil tanker off military coalition that seeks case. He was an Indian resident, aged 46.
Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jid- to reinstate the government of May 5: The Kuwaiti Relief Society Sept 10: KRCS sent a convoy of six 1.2 million ($four million) for efforts
April 8: Kuwait Central Blood delivered $600,000 to the UN Human trucks loaded with food and medical against the novel coronavirus at refu-
dah, resulting in the shutdown President Abdel Rabbo Ma- Bank began preparing anti-COVID
of the most important shipping sour Hadi. Settlement Program – the Gulf chapter. supplies for Lebanon. gees’ sites in Syria.
immunity plasma.
point for the kingdom. The The war in the Arab world’s April 19: The Ministry of Health
Saudis blamed the explosion poorest country has killed more inaugurated “Shlonak” website for re- ing the number reached on May 16. pened during a ceremony organized by in the country. The operation was con-
on a bomb-laden boat like the than 112,000 people, includ- turnees to observe those subjected to June 1: MoH announced the recov- the World Health Organization. ducted for a female citizen in her 60s at
remote-controlled ones used by ing thousands of civilians. The lockdown and mingling. ery of 1,513 people from COVID-19, Nov 23: A Kuwaiti medical team at Al-Dabbous Center of Al-Adan Hospital.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels. conflict has also resulted in the May 16: MoH announced the death the highest number in the year. the Chest Diseases Hospital conducted Dec 10: Dasman diabetes center, a
Since 2015, Saudi Arabia world’s worst humanitarian crisis. of 11 people due to COVID-19, the Aug 7: The Ministry of Health dis- cardiac catheterization for a 40-year Kuwait Foundation for the Advance-
has led a US-backed military Muammar al-Iryani, infor- highest number in the year. patched a planeload of medical supplies patient, using technology employed for ment of Science (KFAS)-affiliate, won
coalition against the Houthis, mation minister in the UN-rec- May 17: The MoH inaugurated to Lebanon to help the country in the af- the first time in the whole Middle East. the Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashed Al-
who overran most of Yemen’s ognized government, criticized rapid examination for COVID-19 at termath of the Beirut port bombing. Nov 24: The Ministry of Health de- Maktoum’s prize of medical science.
Al-Jazeera airways offices. Nov 13: The Danish Dr Gunhild Wal- clared that the first shipment of vacci- Dec 10: The MoH launched the
northern parts, including the the attack Friday as “an outra- May 19: MoH announced the infec- demar took the late Amir Sheikh Sabah nations against the novel coronavirus online registration for the COVID-19
capital Sanaa the previous geous terror crime” that attests tion of 1,073 people with COVID-19, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for (COVID-19) would arrive in the coun- vaccine campaign.
year. That forced the UN rec- to “the barbarism of Houthi mi- the highest number in the year. research in Health Care for the Elderly try by the year-end. Dec 13: The MoH issued license to
ognized government to flee litias.” May 30: MoH announced the death for her researches in the treatment of Nov 25: A Kuwaiti medical team con- use the (Pfizer/Biontech) COVID-19
of 11 people due to COVID-19, repeat- Alzheimer’s patients. Her honoring hap- ducted liver implanting for the first time vaccine.

Negative PCR
test results for
Turkey travel
ANKARA, Dec 26,
(KUNA): Minister of
Health Fahrettin Koca
said Friday that travel-
ers to Turkey would be
required to submit PCR
test results proving they
were free of coronavirus
(COVID-19).
All international passen-
gers arriving by air starting
from December 28, and all
travellers arriving by air,
land, and sea routes starting
from December 30 need to
submit negative PCR test
results obtained within the
last 72 hours before their
departure.
“Otherwise, they will
not be allowed to enter the
country,” Anadolu Agency
(AA) quoted the minister
as saying in a tweet.
Turkey follows the most
up-to-date scientific devel-
opments and takes neces-
sary measures to maintain
control over the Covid-19
pandemic, which continues
to threaten the world.
The new measures were
needed for international
arrivals in Turkey due to
the rise in the number of
infection cases all over the
world, he explained.

Social Media Pakistan 0345-6738217

 Montenegro’s indebted state airline ceases operations
Montenegro Airlines ceased The company that operated pro-Western leadership, said foreign airports. But the gov-
its operations on Saturday a small fleet of Embraer 195 the company’s management ernment added that it plans
after the small country’s new and Fokker 100s and flew to suffered from “numerous omis- to form a “completely new”
In this file photo, Montenegro government refused to con- many European capitals is es- sions and shortcomings,” add- airline in the months to come.
Airlines stewardesses walk tinue financing the indebted timated to have accumulated ing that monthly salaries to The airline, which carried
to a plane on the tarmac at national carrier. over 150 million of euros in over 350 employees were last about 10 million passengers
Golubovci airport, near Pod- The airline which was debt which grew further with paid in September. over the past two and a half
gorica, Montenegro. (AP) formed 25 years ago has the collapse of the summer The government said it decades, said the govern-
apologized to its passengers tourist season because of the will immediately stop fund- ment’s “decision to shut
for the sudden termination of coronavirus pandemic. ing the losses, adding that down our company will have
all flights and thanked them Montenegro’s new con- the airline’s debt is such that a negative impact on the
for “the years of trust, travel servative government, which it faced the “possibility of entire aviation sector in the
and friendship.” last month took over from a confiscation of aircraft” on country.” (AP)

Market Movements 25-12-2020

Business
Change Closing pts Change Closing pts
AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries +24.86 6,917.49 JAPAN - Nikkei -11.74 26,656.61
GERMANY - DAX +169.12 13,587.23 FRANCE - CAC 40 -5.58 5,522.01
EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +4.02 3,543.28
S. KOREA - KRX 100 +109.33 6,067.97
PHILIPPINES - PSEi +1.99 7,204.38
INDIA - Sensex +529.36 46,973.54
PAKISTAN - KSE 100 +329.07 43,416.77

Kuwait’s economic ‘indices’ Crude price at $50 pb is a

comforting number for all
By Kamel Al-Harami that is a must from the oil producing

largely positive during 2020

governments.
Independent Oil Analyst The reality of the oil market glob-
INDEED, a price level of $50 per ally is that it is full of oil. Any level
barrel is a comforting number for above $50 per barrel will be like
all. Any level above that will be the happy hour for all oil-producing
a cause for fierce speculations countries from the traditional oils to
and more headache for OPEC and shale, sand and heavy oils. The spare
Recurrent bonds’ issuance by CBK soothes COVID impact OPEC-Plus.
Today’s fundamentals are not
oil capacity could easily exceed ten
million barrels from the existing
comforting producers. The arrival of Iranian and
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, sure was taken to curb the coronavirus due installments of clients of the De- issuing bonds and tawarruq bonds for the oil- Venezuelan oils from the beginning
spread. faulters and Family Support Fund. worth KD 290 million (USD 957 mil- producing of next year will cause a fall in the
(KUNA): Various eco- March 12: Boursa Kuwait - the July 13: The Central Bank of Ku- lion) for three months with a 1,250 countries, as oil prices and havoc in the global oil
nomic indices showed Ku- stock market - halted operations as part wait (CBK) declared issuing bonds percent proceed. there is sur- market. It will force OPEC-Plus to
of the nationwide coronavirus counter- and tawarruq bonds, worth KD 240 Sept. 21: The central bank issued plus oil in the face more headaches related to vol-
wait in the safe zone with global market. ume distribution with internal and
measures. million (USD 792 million), for three bonds and tawarruq bonds valued at
respect of repercussions of March 24: Kuwait’s bank union months with a projected proceed of KD 200 million (USD 660 million) Any improve- external politics.
the novel coronavirus on announced that local banks would 1,250 percent. for three months with a 1,250 percent ments in the Iran and Venezuela will be join-
suspend the collection of loans for July 26: Boursa Kuwait - the stock proceed. oil prices can ing OPEC again with handsome vol-
the economic sector, amid cause internal ume and talking from strength with-
citizens and small to medium size en- exchange - said that liquidity regis- Sept 28: The central bank issued
recurrent bonds’ issuance terprises due to coronavirus. tered its lowest rate, hitting KD 9.9 bonds and tawarruq bonds valued KD
fights between out any serious volume constraints.
the producers This will lead to some internal
by the Central Bank of Ku- March 27: Standard and Poor’s million (USD 34.6 million). This was 240 million (USD 792 million) for six who are push- Al-Harami politics and even some breakdown
wait in the passing 2020. (S&P) lower the credit rating for Ku- attributed to natural profit gaining op- months with 1.375 percent returns. ing for maximum improvements on within the origination or even with
wait from (AA) to (AA-), but the out- erations. Oct. 26: The Central Bank of Ku- the volume produced in order to take the threat of leaving OPEC. Cer-
Following are some of the key look remained stable. July 29: Kuwait Ports Authority de- wait declared issuance of bonds and advantage of the improved oil pric- tainly, next year will be a difficult
economic news highlights at the March 30: Moody’s maintained a clared reaping KD 50.1 million (USD tawarruq bonds worth KD 200 million es, which will be short lived. This is one for OPEC, but it could result in a
economic and financial levels in credit rating of Kuwait at (Aa2). 161 million) for the 2019-2029 fiscal (USD 660 million). because an improvement in the oil comfortable level for oil consumers
2020: April 2: The Central Bank of Kuwait year. Nov 2: The CBK issued bonds and level is the wish of all. globally.
Economy (CBK) took a package of oversight Aug 13: The finance ministry de- tawarruq bonds worth KD 240 million We are in agreement regarding Oil sector will be facing new chal-
measures warranted by repercussions clared a KD 5.6 billion deficit (USD (USD 792 million). the need of countries dependent to- lenges next year. It needs greater
Jan 5: Boursa Kuwait - the stock ex- of the novel coronavirus; decreasing 18.4 billion) actual deficit in the fiscal Nov 4: Kuwait Direct Investment tally on oil income to support their management and experienced poli-
change - said that liquidity of trades in solvency requirements by 2.5 percent, year that ended on March 31, with a 68 Promotion Authority (KDIPA) dis- economies, to avoid short-term and tics to manage.
the first session of the year reached KD liquidity criteria, forecast risks for percent rise on annual basis and lower closed in a report luring, during the fis- long-term borrowing. They are con- However, oil at today’s $50-level
71.4 million (USD 235.6 million). small and medium enterprises from 75 by 31.8 percent of the budget projected cal year (2019-2020), KD 115.8 mil- tinuing to depend on oil without is good for all. Let us not rock the
Jan 15: The Central Bank of Kuwait percent to 25 percent and hiking maxi- deficit. lion (USD 378 million) worth of direct thinking of the long term impacts, boat ... leave it float ... because any
(CBK) joined the Bank for Interna- mum funding from 90 to 100 percent. Aug 22: The Governor of the Central investments. and depriving their own population disturbance could lead to disaster in
tional Settlements (BIS), becoming the April 6: Kuwait Chamber of Indus- Bank declared that the gross domestic Nov 9: The Central Bank of Ku- of being creative, and not feeling the the presence of spare volume avail-
63rd member of the Switzerland-based try and Commerce Board elected with- product (GDP) grew by 0.4 percent in wait issued bonds and tawarruq bonds pinch or hardships like others in be- able in the market.
institute. ing creative to find alternative sourc- ❑ ❑ ❑
out contestation Mohammad Jassem 2019 reaching KD 39.4 billion (USD worth KD 160 million (USD 528 mil- es of income besides oil or making
Jan 22: Central Statistical Bureau Al-Sagr as chairman. 130 billion), against KD 39.2 billion lion).
said that inflation in Kuwait reached hard and difficult choices, something Email: [email protected]
April 7: Fitch Rating maintains Ku- (USD 129.3 billion) in 2018. Continued on Page 9
1.5 percent in 2019 when compared to wait’s sovereign credit rating for 2020 Sept 3: Kuwait General Adminis-
2018. at AA, portraying the state steady and tration of Customs (KGAC) declared
Feb 10: The Arab-British Chamber solid credit status. posting KD 363.44 million (USD 1.1
of Commerce (ABCC) chose Chair- April 7: Central Statistical Bureau billion) in the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
man of the Kuwait Chamber of Com- said that inflation reached its lowest Sept 7: Governor of the Central
merce and Industry (KCCI) Ali Al- rate by 1.67 percent per month in the Bank Mohammad Al-Hashel declared
Ghanim as an honorary head. first 10 months ending last February of cutting the discount rate three times,
March 8: The Central Bank of Ku- 2020. dropping to the record level of 1.5 per-
wait (CBK) announced the formation April 20: The Central Bank of Ku- cent for the fiscal year (2019-2020).
of a banks-backed KD 10-million fi- wait issued conventional bonds and Sept 12: Kuwait Credit Bank de-
nancial fund to help the government’s tawarruq bonds worth KD 240 million. clared reaping net profits worth KD
fight against COVID-19. May 30: The Ministry of Commerce 72.5 million (USD 239 million) in the
March 11: Kuwait’s banks’ union added 14 food items to the list of sub- fiscal year (2019-2020), increasing by
suspended work at banks nationwide, sidized commodities. KD 12.9 million (USD 42.5 million)
allowing one branch for each bank to July 12: Minister of Finance Barrak for the abovementioned financial year.
operate throughout Kuwait. The mea- Al-Sheetan ordered delay of collecting Sept 14: The central bank declared

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

BUSINESS 9

1.1 billion).
Kuwait’s economic
Safety a ‘higher priority’ than Continued from Page 8
Nov 16: The CBK issued bonds and ta-
warruq bonds worth KD 240 million (USD
Dec 1: The Kuwait stock exchange
(Boursa Kuwait) announced the highest
liquidity figure for this year at KD 961.6
million (USD 3.3 billion), attributing the
number to promotion of the bourse to the
MSCI index for emerging markets.

sales for many small retailers

792 million). Dec 2: The Ministry of Commerce said
Nov 30: Kuwait bourse witnessed un- in a statement that it had worked hard to
precedented trades valued at KD 961 mil- improve business atmosphere in Kuwait,
lion (USD 3.3 billion) in the first day of leading to the country to become one of the
trading in stocks of seven companies listed world’s top 10 improvers amongst 190 econ-
in the bourse premier market in the MSCI omies in the World Bank Group’s Doing
Customers urged to limit amount of time they spend in stores indices for emerging markets.
Nov 30: The CBK issued bonds and ta-
Business 2020 study. Kuwait’s ranking in
the Ease of Doing Business jumped from 97
warruq bonds worth KD 360 million (USD in 2019 to 83 in 2020, the study concludes.
NEW YORK, Dec 26,
(AP): Dan Marshall’s toy
store should be crowded
this time of the year with
parents and grandparents
buying gifts and children
trying out games. Instead,
only a handful of customers
are in Mischief Toy Store
at any time, and their visits
are short and efficient.
Yet while the coronavirus out-
break is giving Marshall his most
challenging holiday season in over
20 years in business, his priority is
keeping everyone - customers and
all the workers in his family-run
business - safe. So, he’s encourag-
ing shoppers to buy from the Mis-
chief Toy Store website or order by In this file photo, provided by Dan Marshall, his daughter, Abby, delivers a
phone rather than at the St. Paul, package for curbside pickup outside the Mischief Toy Store in St Paul, Min-
Minnesota, shop. He also arranges nesota. While the coronavirus outbreak is giving Marshall his most challeng-
ing holiday season in over 20 years in business, his priority is keeping every
for virtual shopping trips, where customer and all the workers in his family-run business safe. (AP)
customers can see the store’s mer-
chandise online. Consumers reluctance was reflected sponse is due to the fact parents are wor-
“We are in the weird position of in a 1.1% drop in retail sales in Novem- ried about being in stores, and to their
wanting people to shop, but not wanting ber, according to the Commerce Depart- desire to support small businesses.
them to come into the store,” Marshall ment. “We were worried about upsetting
says. The changes in stores this year can customers, but the response was over-
Retailers are taking extraordinary be dramatic or subtle. In toy stores, usu- whelmingly positive,” she says.
steps this holiday season in hopes of ally children can plow through bins of Store owners are also helping cus-
lessening the spread of the virus. The small toys and pick out what they want. tomers shop more efficiently. At Perch,
steps go beyond limiting the number There’s a cluster of small items at the a gift and home furnishings store in San
of people in a store; besides encourag- checkout counter that parents buy on Francisco, a growing number of custom-
ing online shopping, many owners are impulse, extending the shopping trip a ers are taking advantage of private shop-
setting up appointments before and after bit and adding to the retailer’s bottom ping appointments. Owner Zoel Fages is
hours for private shopping trips. Owners line. Not this year; Marshall, whose rev- reserving the last two hours of each day
ask customers in their stores to limit the enue is likely to be down 30% this year, for appointments and gives shoppers a
amount of time they spend there. Curb- is emphasizing safety over profits. questionnaire to fill out ahead of time so
side pickup, delivery and shipping are “We wanted to expedite that process he can set aside gift suggestions before
standard operating procedure. and keep people moving,” Marshall they arrive.
All this is in addition to state and lo- says. But, he adds, “it’s not how a toy When customers arrive at EcoHome
cal restrictions on how many people can store wants to do business.” Fine Gifts & Home Decor in Atlanta, a
be in a store at a time. Some owners, Emily and John Murray have gone sign welcomes them but also asks them
Marshall included, have decided to set further, deciding last month to close to be considerate because other shop-
a limit even where there are no govern- their baby products store and operate pers would like to enter the store. And
ment orders. He’s allowing 10 people in entirely online even though Michigan is they’re paying attention, staying usually
at once, a third of what he’d expect dur- allowing retailers to remain open. 20 to 30 minutes rather than the hour to
ing the holiday season. “We felt it was the right thing to do,” hour and a-half owner Lawton Hall ex-
Small and independent retailers have Emily Murray says. pects for this time of the year.
been among the hardest-hit businesses The Murrays expected Modern Nat- “I’m pleasantly surprised at how co-
during the pandemic. Not only are they ural Baby to suffer a massive revenue operative people have been,” Hall says.
contending with government restric- drop. Instead, sales have been up 15% The store is currently serving about 15
tions, but many consumers worried from a year go, in part because the Mur- to 20 people at a time, half the usual
about catching the virus don’t want to rays are doing two live videos a day number.
shop in person. The plunge in revenue showcasing their merchandise. Almost They also don’t seem to mind that
has forced more than 8,600 stores to all their customers are opting for curb- some of the usual amenities the store
close this year, according to Coresight side pickup at the store in Ferndale, out- offers, like free coffee, aren’t available.
Research, a market research firm that side Detroit. Many aren’t in the mood to chat with
specializes in retailing. The Murrays believe customers’ re- employees.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

BUSINESS 10

US again protects Citgo assets from Venezuela creditors

The Trump administration ic economic and humanitarian vides between 5% and 10% of mate president in early 2019, In this file photo, a Citgo
extended a measure block- crisis with two men claiming U.S. gasoline. shortly after Maduro claimed refinery is seen in Corpus
ing holders of crisis-torn Ven- the presidency as millions flee. President Nicolás Maduro victory in an election the U.S. Christi, Texas. The Trump
ezuela’s debt from liquidating The protections had been in 2016 put Citgo up as col- and other countries said was administration has ex-
its U.S.-based Citgo refineries set to expire on Jan. 19, a day lateral in an ill-advised debt rigged. tended a measure block-
as payment. before Biden takes office. swap. Bondholders want to Citgo is Venezuela’s most ing holders of crisis-torn
The U.S. Treasury Depart- Venezuela has owned Citgo sell off Citgo as payment after valuable foreign asset, and Venezuela’s debt from
ment put off the possible sale since the 1980s as part of the Venezuela defaulted. Guaidó’s coalition of U.S.- liquidating its U.S.-based
of Houston-based Citgo until state-run oil company PDVSA. Maduro’s government backed lawmakers views the Citgo refineries as pay-
mid-2021. That gives Presi- It has three refineries in Loui- lost control of Citgo after the Houston-based Citgo as a ment. (AP)
dent-elect Joe Biden several siana, Texas and Illinois in ad- Trump administration recog- way to fund the crisis-torn
months to set his policy on dition to a network of pipelines nized opposition leader Juan nation’s recovery - if Maduro
Venezuela, which is in a histor- crisscrossing 23 states. It pro- Guaidó as Venezuela’s legiti- ever leaves power. (AP)

Asia mixed, most markets closed for Xmas

Massachusetts ‘launches’
fund for small businesses
BOSTON, Dec 26, (AP): Help is on those initial funds will be prioritized and
the way for Massachusetts small busi- won’t have to reapply for the new round
nesses struggling during the coronavi- of state funding.
rus pandemic. The $668 million will also be used to
Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday create a new program targeting indus-
announced $668 million in new state tries hit hardest during the pandemic,
funding for restaurants, retailers, and he said.
other small businesses. Among them: restaurants, bars and
The Republican said the state will catering companies; indoor recrea-
begin rolling out assistance to busi- tion and entertainment establishments;
nesses as soon as next week, regard- gyms and fitness centers; photogra-
less of what happens with the federal phers, videographers, and other event-
COVID-19 relief bill recently passed support professionals; personal servic-
by Congress. es and retail.
He said the state effort builds on Baker said the new program will
a program run by the Massachusetts provide grants of up to $75,000 to help
Growth Capital Corporation, which businesses cover employee salaries,
awarded nearly $49 million in grants to rent, utilities and debts. Applications
more than 1,100 small businesses earlier will be accepted starting Dec 31; the
this week. Baker said thousands of ap- winners will be announced in Febru-
plicants that sought but didn’t receive ary.

CPC crude arrives in Taiwan

TAIWAN, Dec 26, (Agencies): At the venture projects in Southeast Asian
end of 2020, a tanker carrying the first countries, and is studying and as-
cargo of crude oil produced from the sessing whether Indonesia, Malaysia,
Chadian Oryx Concession operated by Myanmar and other countries have
CPC Corporation, Taiwan (CPC) ar- suitable oil and gas potential areas
rived in Taiwan, demonstrating CPC’s for further foreign investment. On
expertise and capabilities in managing the other hand, it is also actively con-
the exploration, development and pro- sidering acquiring U.S. shale assets
In this file photo, people wearing face masks walk past a bank’s electronic board showing the Hong Kong share index in Hong Kong. Stocks rose in China duction of oil and gas reserves over- through joint ventures or mergers and
seas. With this milestone achievement, acquisitions.
and were little changed in Japan on Friday with most world markets closed for Christmas holidays. (AP) CPC is announcing its vision to ex-
plore and produce oil and gas globally.
Dollar weakens against Japanese yen The Central Processing Facilities of Nexstar, DISH ink deal
Oryx Concession in Chad, being op-
erated by CPC, with first oil in early NEW YORK, Dec 26, (Agencies):
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell less than Democrats support higher payments for 2020. Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced
TOKYO, Dec 26, (AP): commerce following Brexit, beginning
that it has reached a comprehensive
0.1% to 26,656.61 after the govern- individuals, but that is unlikely to win on New Year’s Day. As Taiwan’s state-owned enterprise
Stocks rose in China and ment reported that retail sales fell 2% support in the Republican-held Senate. The S&P 500 index was up 0.1% as and the largest energy group, CPC is multi-year distribution agreement
were little changed in Ja- from a year earlier in November, while The hope has been that Trump will of 11:30 am ET, led higher by telecom- responsible for ensuring the nation’s with DISH Network. The agreement
consumer prices dropped the most they back away from his veto threat and the munications and technology compa- energy security, supplying oil and gas, restores Nexstar’s 164 local television
pan on Friday with most have in a decade. stimulus package might tide the economy stabilizing prices, and securing the stations across the country and Nex-
nies. The Dow Jones Industrial Aver-
world markets closed for The Shanghai Composite index over until widespread vaccinations can age was up 26 points to 30,148, roughly sustainable development of the nation- star’s wholly-owned cable network,
Christmas holidays. surged 1% to 3,396.56. Shares also rose help the world begin to return to normal. 0.1% as well. The Nasdaq composite al economy and people’s livelihood, as WGN America, to DISH Network’s
The mixed session followed an in Taiwan and in Thailand. Meanwhile the US economy has con- was mostly unchanged. well as promoting economic develop- programming line-up. WGN America
The dollar weakened to 103.54 Japa- tinued to deteriorate under widespread It’s been a relatively quiet week with ment. At the same time, it continues will also launch on DISH’s stream-
advance during Wall Street’s short- nese yen from 103.65 yen late Thursday. coronavirus outbreaks, infections and the holidays. The S&P 500 is on pace to to foster an international outlook. Cur- ing service, Sling TV, in early 2021.
ened Christmas Eve trading as in- The euro rose to $1.2196 from $1.2186. hospitalizations. rently, it has exploration cooperation Financial terms of the agreement were
vestors began the holiday weekend end the week down 0.4%.
On Thursday, the S&P 500 index US stock indexes closed modestly Investors continue to turn their eyes agreements with international oil com- not disclosed.
seemingly untroubled over Presi- gained 0.4% to 3703.06 but ended the higher on Thursday after drifting through to Washington, where Democrats in panies in a total of eight blocks in six The agreement means that more
dent Donald Trump’s threat not week down 0.2%. Relatively safe in- an abbreviated session. The S&P 500 countries, including the United States, than 5 million DISH subscribers will
vestments like utilities and real estate rose 0.4% before trading shut on Wall Congress is expected to try to make
to sign a major economic stimulus alterations to the $900 billion COVID Indonesia, Chad, Niger, Ecuador, and again have access to the highly-rated
were among the biggest gainers, while Street for the Christmas holiday, trim- Australia. Among them, the assets of
package approved by Congress this energy stocks fell. ming its small loss for the week. Markets stimulus bill that President Trump has network and local entertainment,
week. threatened to veto. Trump has asked for Australia, Niger, Chad, and Ecuador sports, and news programming pro-
The Dow Jones Industrial Average will reopen on Monday. The majority of are in production phase.
The economic package remained in rose 0.2% to 30,199.87 and the Nasdaq stocks in the S&P 500 rose, and gains for higher individual payments to Ameri- vided by Nexstar television stations
limbo after Republican lawmakers re- cans, something Democrats seem to Guided by Taiwan’s New South- and by WGN America, home of the
composite rose 0.3%, to 12,804.73. tech companies and others helped over- bound Policy, CPC is also seeking
jected Trump’s demand that the end-of- Investors remain focused on Wash- shadow losses for oil producers. Euro- support but is unlikely to get a vote in country’s only live prime-time nation-
the Republican-held Senate. opportunities for oil and gas joint al newscast, NewsNation.
year spending bill give most Americans ington, where Democrats in Congress pean stock movements were also muted.
$2,000 COVID relief checks – far more are expected to try to amend the $900 The United Kingdom and European
than the $600 members of his own party billion COVID stimulus bill that Presi- Union reached a trade deal to avert what
had agreed to. dent Trump has threatened to veto. could have been chaos for cross-border

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

Will they work?

Chinese vaccines
poised to fill gap
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Dec 26, (AP): With rich countries snapping
up supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, some parts of the world
may have to rely on Chinese-developed shots to try to conquer
the outbreak. The question: Will they work?
There is no outward reason to believe they won’t, but China
has a history of vaccine scandals, and its drugmakers have re-
vealed little about their final human trials and the more than 1
million emergency-use inoculations they say have been carried
out inside the country already.
Wealthy nations have reserved about 9 billion of the 12 bil-
lion mostly Western-developed shots expected to be produced
next year, while COVAX, a global effort to ensure equal ac-
cess to COVID-19 vaccines, has fallen short of i ts promised
capacity of 2 billion doses.
For those countries that have not yet
secured a vaccine, China may be the
only solution.
China has six candidates in the last
stage of trials and is one of the few na-
tions that can manufacture vaccine on a
large scale. Government officials have
announced a capacity of 1 billion doses
next year, with President Xi Jinping
vowing China’s vaccines will be a boon
to the world.
The potential use of its vaccine by
Xi millions of people in other countries
gives China an opportunity both to re-
pair the damage to its reputation from an outbreak that escaped
its borders and to show the world it can be a major scientific
player.
Yet past scandals have damaged its own citizens’ trust in its
vaccines, with manufacturing and supply chain problems cast-
ing doubt on whether it can really be a savior.
“A question mark remains over how China can ensure the
delivery of reliable vaccines,” said Joy Zhang, a professor who
studies the ethics of emerging science at the University of Kent
in Britain. She cited China’s “non-transparency over scientific Dr Mher Onanyan takes a short break while waiting for an X-ray of a COVID-19 patient’s lungs at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in the Mission Hills section
data and a troubled history with vaccine delivery.” of Los Angeles, Dec 22. (AP)
Immunization
Bahrain last week became the second country to approve a
Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, joining the United Arab Emir-
ates. Morocco plans to use Chinese vaccines in a mass immu-
Health
nization campaign slated to start this month. Chinese vaccines
are also awaiting approval in Turkey, Indonesia and Brazil,
while testing continues in more than a dozen countries, includ-
ing Russia, Egypt and Mexico. ‘A pandemic Christmas’
In some countries, Chinese vaccines are viewed with sus-
picion. Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly sown
doubt about the effectiveness of Chinese company Sinovac’s
vaccine candidate without citing any evidence, and said Bra-
Services move online, people stay home
zilians won’t be used as “guinea pigs.”
Many experts praise China’s vaccine capabilities. ROME, Dec 26, (AP): Families that Bells rang out around Bethlehem line.
“The studies look to be well done,” said Jamie Triccas, head usually reunite on Christmas over a as the traditional birthplace of Jesus “I have to remember that Christians
of immunology and infectious diseases at the University of hearty, lingering meal celebrated apart celebrated. But the closure of Israel’s have been celebrating Christmas for
Sydney’s medical school, referring to clinical trial results pub- Friday, services shifted online, and gift international airport to foreign tour- hundreds of years in all sorts of cir-
lished in scientific journals. “I wouldn’t be overly concerned exchanges were low-key in one of the ists, along with Palestinian restrictions cumstances,” said the Rev. Elizabeth
about that.” most unusual and subdued holiday sea- banning intercity travel in the areas Marie Melchionna, the church rector.
China has been building up its immunization programs for sons in decades. they administer in the Israeli-occupied “Some of the external appearances are
more than a decade. It has produced successful vaccines on a The coronavirus left almost no one West Bank, kept visitors away. different and yet the essence remains
large scale for its own population, including vaccinations for unaffected. In Beijing, official churches abrupt- the same. What has not changed is that
measles and hepatitis, said Jin Dong-yan, a medical professor Patricia Hager, 60, delivered home- ly canceled Mass after China’s capital essential longing and celebration for
at the University of Hong Kong. made caramel rolls for breakfast to was put on high alert following two love that is born at Christmas.”
“There are no major outbreaks in China for any of these In this Oct 5, 2015, file photo, a black- family and friends in Bismarck, North confirmed COVID-19 cases last week. In Paris, members of Notre Dame
footed ferret looks out of the entrance Dakota, a state that didn’t get hit until Two new asymptomatic cases were re- Cathedral’s choir sang inside the
diseases,” he said. “That means the vaccines are safe and ef- to a prairie dog tunnel after being let
fective.” later in the pandemic but was struck ported Friday. church for the first time since a 2019
loose during a release of 30 of the With economies reeling around the
China has worked with the Gates Foundation and others to animals by the US Fish and Wildlife hard. It seemed every time she opened fire, wearing hard hats and protective
improve manufacturing quality in the past decade. The World her door this holiday season, someone world, it wasn’t a year of lavish gifts. suits against construction conditions.
Service at the Rocky Mountain Arse- Robin Sypniewski of Middlesex Coun-
Health Organization has prequalified five non-COVID-19 Chi- nal National Wildlife Refuge in Com- had left smoked salmon, baskets of Grief prevailed among families of
nese vaccines, which allows U.N. agencies to buy them for nuts or cookies. ty, New Jersey, was furloughed twice more than 1.7 million people world-
merce City, Colo. In the summer of from her job serving school lunches
other countries. 2020, about 120 ferrets at Colorado’s “This year Christmas love is ex- wide killed by the virus and roughly
The companies whose products won prequalification in- National Black-footed Conservation pressed at the door,” she said. “I’m and is now on reduced hours as her 80 million infected.
clude Sinovac and state-owned Sinopharm, both leading de- Center were injected with an experi- glad that people will probably be with husband retires next week as a trash Margarita Reyes, 60, is among four
velopers of COVID-19 vaccines. mental COVID-19 vaccine. The en- us next year with the vaccines. I can collector and her daughter wrestles people in her house to get the virus in
Yet, the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products, a Sinop- dangered animals are feared to be give up anything for that.” with student debt. Calexico, California, near the Mexican
harm subsidiary behind one of the COVID-19 candidates, was highly vulnerable to the disease. (AP) With a child due in February, Song Disappears border. Her 69-year-old husband died
caught up in a vaccine scandal in 2018. Ju-hyeon of Paju, South Korea, near within three weeks, and her 35-year-
Government inspectors found that the company, based in Seoul, said home is the only place she Sypniewski, 58, bought her daugh- old daughter has been on an oxygen
the city where the coronavirus was first detected last year, had feels safe. The government reported ter pajamas, compared to a diamond device for five months. They were too
made hundreds of thousands of ineffective doses of a com- 1,241 new cases Friday, a new daily bracelet last Christmas. Her husband sad to celebrate in any way.
bination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough got a $20 plaque describing his Polish Suzanne Rose of Raleigh, North
record for the country. heritage, compared to a tablet comput-
because of an equipment malfunction. “It doesn’t feel like Christmas any- Carolina, delivered homemade spa-
That same year it was reported that Changsheng Biotechnol- er last year.
way, there’s no carols being played on “The bills have to be paid this month ghetti to the doorstep of her quaran-
ogy Co. falsified data about a rabies vaccine. the streets,” she said. tined daughter, a restaurant manager
In 2016, Chinese media revealed that 2 million doses of and next month. With the reduced
“It’s Christmask,” the Daily Nation hours, it’s tough,” she said. who was exposed to the virus at work.
various vaccines for children had been improperly stored and newspaper declared in Kenya, where In Sao Paulo, Brazil, taxi driver Her son, a firefighter, was also ex-
sold throughout the country for years. a surge in cases led to doctors ending Dennys Abreu, 56, navigated the posed.
Vaccination rates fell after those scandals. a brief strike Christmas Eve. Celebra- vast city overnight to cover the $300 “The air went out of the balloon”
“All of my local Chinese friends, they’re white-collar, tions were muted in the East African monthly payment on his car, which he without her children at Christmas, she
they’re well off, and none of them will buy medicine made in Suga Johnson hub as a curfew prevented overnight said. A video chat was no substitute
bought after losing a construction job.
China. That’s just the way it is,” said Ray Yip, former country church vigils. An estimated 14 million Brazilians are for watching movies in the same room
director of the Gates Foundation in China. He said he is one Pope Francis delivered his Christ- jobless. with them and her husband.
of the few who don’t mind buying Chinese-made pharmaceu-
ticals.
Environment mas blessing from inside the Vatican,
breaking with his traditional speech
“All I can do is to work as much as Border closures and bottlenecks
foiled some plans. Thousands of driv-
I can, get by and hope this damn virus
China revised its laws in 2017 and 2019 to tighten manage- from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basil- disappears next year,” he said. ers were stranded in their trucks at
ment of vaccine storage and step up inspections and penalties ica to tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Meanwhile, church services shifted the English port of Dover, lacking the
for faulty vaccines. Japan adopts green growth plan: Square. Tourism in Italy has virtually coronavirus tests that France demands
Japan aims to eliminate gasoline-powered online. The Catholic Archdiocese of
The country’s major COVID-19 vaccine developers have vanished and the government’s coro- Los Angeles celebrated five Masses amid rising concern about a new, ap-
published some scientific findings in peer-reviewed scientific vehicles in about 15 years, the govern-
ment said Friday in a plan to achieve navirus restrictions for the holidays at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the parently more contagious, virus vari-
journals. But international experts questioned how China re- foiled any plans by locals to flock to Angels, with attendance capped at 130 ant. The British army and French fire-
cruited volunteers and what kind of tracking there was for pos- Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s ambi-
tious pledge to go carbon free by 2050 the square. people, compared to a pre-pandemic fighters were brought in to help speed
sible side effects. Chinese companies and government officials Citing a cause for optimism, Francis capacity of about 3,000. All were up the testing and free food was dis-
and generate nearly $2 trillion growth in
haven’t released details. green business and investment. said the development of COVID-19 livestreamed. tributed.
Effectiveness The “green growth strategy” urges vaccines shines “lights of hope” on the The Chapel of the Cross in Chapel With Colombia closing its borders to
utilities to bolster renewables and hydro- world. In a passionate appeal to lead- Hill, North Carolina, had five services prevent the virus from spreading, Ven-
Now, after the release of data on the effectiveness of the gen while calling for auto industries to go ers, businesses and international or- but in-person attendance was capped at ezuelan migrants couldn’t go home for
Western-made vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, carbon free by the mid-2030s. ganizations, he said they must ensure 25 people, compared to as many 2,000 the holidays. Yakelin Tamaure, a nurse
experts are waiting to see the Chinese results. Regulators in Suga, in a policy speech in October, that the most vulnerable and needy in before the pandemic. A Christmas Eve who left economically-wracked Vene-
the UAE, where a Sinopharm vaccine was tested, have said pledged to achieve net zero carbon emis- the pandemic be first in line to receive pageant that is normally performed in zuela two years ago, wanted to visit her
it appeared 86% effective based on interim clinical trial data. sions in 30 years. As the world faces an the vaccine. person was recorded and shown on- mother, who is nursing a broken foot.
On Thursday, Turkey’s government announced that Sinovac is environmental challenge, green invest-
91.25% effective from interim data. ment is an opportunity for growth not a
Sinopharm did not respond to a request for comment about burden, he said.
the vaccine’s efficacy data. Sinovac and CanSino, another Chi- The strategy, which provides a road- said that the removal of melted reactor Tokyo Electric Power Co had planned to by the massive earthquake and tsunami on
nese vaccine company, did not respond to interview requests. map to achieving the goals in different fuel planned to start in 2021 will have to start removing a first batch of melted de- March, 11, 2011. The start of the melted
For some people in countries where the pandemic shows no sectors, projected 30-50% increase in be postponed by about one year due to the bris from the Unit 2 reactor at Fukushima debris removal will now be delayed until
signs of easing, a vaccine’s nation of origin doesn’t matter. electricity demand and called for a push to worsening coronavirus pandemic. Dai-ichi sometime next year, marking the late 2022, officials said.
triple renewables in the country’s energy The economy and industry ministry and 10th anniversary of the disaster triggered The worsening virus situation in Brit-
“I intend to take it, the first one that comes, if it goes right,” ain has caused delays with a robotic arm
mix to about 50-60% from the current lev-
said Daniel Alves Santos, a cook at a Rio de Janeiro restaurant. el, while also maximizing use of nuclear being jointly developed in that country by
“And I hope God helps.” power as a stable, clean source of energy. Veolia Nuclear Solutions and Mitsubishi
Also: But it was unclear if Suga has the po- Heavy Industries. UK’s prime minister is
litical heft to overcome vested interests Boris Johnson.
BANGKOK: Thailand’s government is confident it can contain in weaning resource-poor Japan from its Necessary testing has been delayed.
a major coronavirus resurgence without a national lockdown, reliance on imported oil and gas. And the shipment of the robotic arm,
instead relying on provincial controls as the outbreak mainly The strategy identified 14 industries, initially planned for January, is now ex-
among migrant seafood workers continued to spread. such as offshore wind, hydrogen and fuel pected around April, said Shuji Okuda, a
“I can assure that the government will do its best,” Prime ammonia as well as autos and rechargea- trade ministry official in charge of the nu-
Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said in a live televised address ble batteries and roadmap for each sector. clear facilities development. The overall
after a meeting of the government’s COVID-19 coordinating The strategy shows an installation target decommissioning of the nuclear plant is
center. “The Public Health Ministry confirms to me that it is for offshore wind power of up to 45 giga- still expected to take 30 to 40 years.
controllable if everyone gives cooperation.” watts by 2040. Removal of the 800 tons of nuclear fuel
Thailand generally has been seen as successful in combating Under the strategy, the government is in the three reactors that melted, fell from
the coronavirus due partly to its well-regarded public health also to provide tax incentives and other the cores and hardened at the bottom of
infrastructure and people’s adherence to mask-wearing and support to encourage investment into their primary containment vessels is by
other protocols. green technology, and projected an an- far the toughest challenge of the decom-
nual growth of 90 trillion yen ($870 bil- missioning process.
But cases have jumped significantly since an outbreak was lion) by 2030 and 190 trillion yen ($1.8
detected last week among migrants from Myanmar working at TEPCO has made progress in gathering
trillion) by 2050.
a seafood market in Samut Sakorn, a province near the capital The government will offer tax incen- information about conditions in the reac-
Bangkok. Millions of low-wage jobs in Thailand are filled by tives and other financial support to com- tors. A small telescopic robot that went
workers from less affluent neighboring countries, especially panies, such as a 2 trillion yen ($19 bil- inside Unit 2 showed that small pieces
Myanmar. lion) green fund. (AP) of debris can come off and be lifted out.
Since Sunday, more than 1,000 migrant workers have tested An assessment at Unit 3 was hampered
❑ ❑ ❑ by high radiation and water levels in its
positive for the virus, along with Thais working or living near A worker inspects syringes of a vaccine for COVID-19 produced by Sinovac at
the seafood market, which supplies much of the country. Fuel removal at Fukushima delayed: its factory in Beijing on Sept 24, 2020. With rich countries snapping up supplies primary containment vessel, and a robotic
Japan’s government and the operator of of COVID-19 vaccines, some parts of the world may have to rely on Chinese- survey at Unit 1 was unsuccessful due to
the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant has developed shots to conquer the outbreak. The question: Will they work? (AP) extremely high radiation levels. (AP)

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 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

Film

Filmmakers get freedom to share Sudan’s stories with the world

A Sudan in transition presents first-ever film for Oscars

CAIRO, Dec 26, (AP): Nearly two Abu Alala says his team tackled
years after the overthrow of auto- obstacles in making the film, thrown
crat Omar al-Bashir, Sudan is tak- up by the same conservative mi-
ing steps to rejoin the international lieu that it depicts. He blames the
community from which it was long environment created by al-Bashir,
shunned. That includes its film in- who came to power in an Islamist-
dustry. backed military coup in 1989. Under
For the first time in its history, his rule, limited personal freedoms
Sudan has a submission for the meant art was viewed with suspicion
Academy Awards. Produced by a by many.
consortium of European and Egyp- One major challenge, he said, was
tian companies but with a Sudanese that local residents at the initial film-
director and cast, “You Will Die at ing location objected to their pres-
Twenty” will compete in the Best ence. The crew was forced to move,
International Feature Film category. but they persevered.
The story follows a young man “We believed that it should be
whose death at the age of 20 is done under any circumstances,” Abu
prophesied not long after his birth, Alala said. He says that it was lucky
casting a shadow over his forma- that the film’s production period co-
tive years, and parallels the burdens incided with the cultural watershed
placed on a generation of Sudan’s moment of the uprising. The previ-
young people. ous government wouldn’t have been
Based on a short story by Suda- a proponent of his work.
nese novelist Hammour Ziyada, crit- The movie has also been met with
ics say it demonstrates that the coun- commendations from inside the re-
try’s cultural scene is reawakening This photo provided by Pyramide Films, shows a scene from the film ‘You Will Die at Twenty.’ For the first time, Sudan has a contender for the Oscars. (AP)
gion.
after decades of oppression. “It is a very real and local film
The film was produced amid mass ited artists’ freedoms. blessing. As a sheikh gives his bless- his early demise. He is haunted by the titute, opens Muzamil’s eyes to the that makes the audience feel all of
demonstrations against al-Bashir, The film’s submission was an- ing, a man in traditional clothing prophecy — even other children name outside world. Through their discus- its details whenever and whoever
who was toppled by the military in nounced in November by the coun- performs a meditative dance, sud- him “the son of death.” sions, he starts to doubt the prophecy they are,” wrote Egyptian film critic
April 2019 after ruling the country try’s ministry of culture, a month denly stopping after 20 turns, falling Despite that, Muzamil proves to that has governed his life so far and Tarik el-Shenawy.
for nearly 30 years. before the second anniversary of the to the ground — a bad omen. be an inquisitive boy full of life. His torn his family apart. The film is only the eighth to be
“It was an adventure,” filmmaker start of the uprising. The frightened mother appeals to mother allows him to go to study As he turns 19, Muzamil takes it made inside Sudan. Abu Alala says
Amjad Abu Alala told The Associ- the Sheikh to give an explanation. the Quran. He receives praise for upon himself to decide what it means that its selection shows Sudan has
It follows a narrative written by
ated Press. “There were protests in countless stories that remain untold.
the streets that had grown to a revo- Ziyada in the early 2000s that chron- But he says, “God’s command is his memorization and recitation of to be alive, even as death beckons. “There wasn’t a film industry ex-
lution by the beginning of filming.” icles the life of a child in 1960s in inevitable.” At this point, the crowd verses. Then comes a turning point. The film has received positive re- isting in Sudan — only individual
Sudan’s uprising erupted in late a remote village, located between understands this is a prophecy pre- A cinematographer, Suliman, re- views from international critics. It attempts ... Sudan’s rulers — com-
2018, and as the number of people the Blue and White Nile rivers. The dicting the child will die at 20. turns to the village after years work- premiered at the 2019 Venice Inter- munists or Islamists — were not
in the streets swelled, many of them inhabitants are largely guided by Stunned and frustrated, the father ing abroad. Muzamil, who is by now national Film Festival’s parallel sec- interested in cinema. They just were
young, the military stepped in and ancient Sufi beliefs and traditions, a leaves his wife and son, named Mu- working as an assistant to the vil- tion, Venice Days. It won the Lion of interested in having artists on their
toppled the Islamist president. Since mystical strain of Islam. zamil, to face their fate alone. lage shopkeeper, gets to know him the Future for Best First Feature — sides,” he said.
then, the country has embarked on a The film starts when a mother, Muzamil grows up under the watch- through delivering him alcohol, a the first Sudanese film to do so. Since Now, he hopes that he and other
fragile transition to democracy, end- Sakina, takes her newborn boy to a ful eye of his overprotective mother, social taboo. then, it has won at least two dozen filmmakers will have the freedom to
ing years of theocratic rule that lim- Sufi ceremony at a nearby shrine as a who wears black in anticipation of Suliman, who lives with a pros- awards at film festivals worldwide. share Sudan’s stories with the world.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Film

‘My most difficult film’

Ang Lee looks back

on ‘Crouching Tiger’
By Jake Coyle

I“Crouching
t’s physically impossible to get to the forest fight
scene that hovers atop slender bamboo trees in
Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and not say out
loud “Whoa.”
Twenty years later, the exhilarating grace of Ang
Lee’s martial-arts masterwork is just as breathtak-
ing. The way figures glide across the water. The ex-
traordinary lightness of it. Its craft and choreography
are only further evidence of a mantra uttered in the
film: “A sword by itself rules nothing. It only comes
alive in skilled hands.”
Take that scene, where Chow Yun-fat and Zhang
Ziyi clash in a dance across
bamboo stalks. Asked what
he remembers about shooting
it, Lee doesn’t hesitate: The
sweating. Not from heat but
from the stress of suspending
a few of Asia’s biggest movie
stars high in the air, held aloft
by cranes over a valley.
“You use very heavy
ways to imitate lightness,”
said Lee, speaking by
Lee phone from Taiwan during
a recent trip from his home
in New York. “Each actor hanging up there, you
need 30 people down on the ground mimicking
how the bamboo swings in the wind. I probably
did about a third of what I wanted to do. The
way you dream about a movie, it’s very difficult
to make real.”
December 8 marked the 20th anniversary of the
release of “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon,” an oc-
casion being celebrated with a new limited-edition
4K UHD Blu-ray. It remains a movie unlike any Singer Jhene Aiko poses for a portrait, Dec 7, in Los Angeles. (AP)
other. An international co-production filmed in Chi-
na and shot in Mandarin, it still ranks, easily, as the

Music
most successful non-English language film ever in
the US. The $17-million movie grossed $128.1 mil-
lion in North America.
Arguably more than any other film, “Crouching
Tiger Hidden Dragon” opened mainstream Ameri-
can moviegoers not just to a new genre known pre-
dominantly in Asia — the wuxia tradition — but to
subtitled films in general. It set another record with Singer releases her pain, happiness thru songwriting
10 Academy Awards nominations, a mark since
equaled by “Roma” and “Parasite.” “Crouching Ti-
ger” took home four Oscars.
History
Via freestyling, Aiko finds her voice
Did Lee feel that when Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” NEW YORK, Dec 26, (AP): Jhené with relatable and direct lyrics about gressive R&B album, while Aiko’s
became the first non-English language best-picture Aiko is rapping on the phone. love and life and everything in be- soulful collaboration with John Leg-
winner in February that he had helped pave the way? When the R&B darling recalls the tween it. end, “Lightning & Thunder,” is nomi-
“Yeah, I did,” says Lee, laughing. “I wouldn’t say This cover image released by Island first song she ever wrote - a rap when “It’s never just, ‘Girl I love your nated for best R&B performance.
it happened because of me. But as people paved the Records shows ‘Spell My Name,’ by she was about 5 or 6 - she spits out the music.’ It’s always a story that’s su- While Aiko is used to writing her
way for me, I paved the way for that movie. And Toni Braxton. The album was named lyrics like it’s her latest hit. per personal and we end up crying to- lyrics and thoughts down - she admits
that movie paved the way for future moviemakers one of the top 10 of the year by the “It’s the J, the really funky one. gether because it’s always very deep,” “I’m a great texter, I’ll send a whole
and goers. We’re a community. We’re all part of a Associated Press. (AP) I could wrap you up in every single Aiko - whose sound is a mix of neo- email really breaking down (how I
history.” way/Can I play? Yes I can, you could soul, hip-hop and ambient R&B - said feel), a whole essay about how I feel”
“Crouching Tiger” is poised between worlds. see me like every single day/Come on, of her conversations with her fans. - her latest album features her free-
Its elegantly choreographed action scenes have the don’t you want to play? If you be like “They would always mention, ‘This styling more than her past projects.
meter of poetry. Its conflicts between duty and free- me, you would be.” helped me get through a really tough In front of her computer and a micro-
dom, master and disciple take on soulful dimensions At the time, the early ‘90s, Aiko time. I feel like this healed me.’ Or phone, she would just sing or rap what
- particularly in scenes with the film’s antagonist: was obsessed with the debut rap single even, ‘When I put it on, my baby goes was on her mind, regardless if a beat
the rebellious Jen Yu (Zhang), a commanding figure from Raven-Symoné, “That’s What to sleep.’ This is the lane. This is a part was playing or not.
of feminist fury and empowerment who at the time Little Girls Are Made Of,” which was of my purpose.” “Those are when I’m just in a very
drew comparisons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. written and produced by Missy Elliott. fluid (mood). I’m having a stream of
“I wasn’t old enough to know how Platinum consciousness. Sometimes I feel like I
Twenty years later, she still feels like a brilliant out-
to spell things correctly,” 32-year-old Aiko especially hit new heights black out and it just happens,” she said.
lier in a male-dominated genre. with “Chilombo,” her gold-selling
The film is a fusion of East and West, of Asian Aiko recalled, saying she also drew “If you were angry at that time, if you
inspiration from Dr. Dre and Snoop third album that’s launched four plat- were in love at that time - that’s how
film history and Hollywood, of action movie and art inum hits. The album, one of the rare
Simmons West Dogg. “My mom helped me write it you felt ... create and let it go and keep
house. Lee and writer-producer James Schamus - down.” R&B projects to stream extremely creating.”
who together adapted Jane Austen in 1995 - took to It’s no surprise that Aiko remembers well during a time where young “Chilombo” was released on March
referring to it as ”‘Sense and Sensibility’ with mar- the lyrics she crafted as a child - song- rappers have dominated the scene, 6 just before the coronavirus pandemic
tial arts.” Over five months of prep and a five-month Variety writing is not only important because scored three Grammy nominations, put the world on pause. Aiko had a tour
shoot across China, Lee agonized over the delicate it’s part of her job as a singer and per- including the coveted prize - album planned but things changed - some-
balance of “Crouching Tiger.” former, it’s a big part of how she lives of the year - pitting Aiko against acts thing she didn’t really mind.
“Halfway through our difficulties, I remember LOS ANGELES: Leslie West, an iconic her life and expresses her thoughts and like Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Post “That was like a sigh of relief for
thinking this is a B-movie, supposedly. I’m fighting guitarist-vocalist who was behind several feelings. Malone. me. Of course, the whole situation was
the genre, trying to make a great movie,” Lee says. ‘70s rock anthems including “Mississippi “Whenever I’m going through “It feels great. I thought that (‘Chi-
Queen” with the popular band Mountain, chaotic ... (but) when you have a child
“I didn’t have experience in martial arts. It’s a very anything really, whether it be some- lombo’) was some of my best work,” and they’re right in front of you, that’s
special skill and cinematic sense, which I learned has died. He was 75.
His spokesman Steve Karas said thing painful or something that’s Aiko said. “Whether my work gets literally your main focus and you’re
from the Hong Kong crew — the choreographer making me happy, I’m inspired to recognized by award shows or not, it’s not worried about anything else but
Yuen Wo-ping and the cinematographer Peter Pau. I West died Wednesday in Palm Coast,
Florida. Karas said West died from write,” she admitted. “Even when I still an accomplishment to even com- that child. For me, I was like, ‘OK, that
learned so much about moviemaking. Not just about cardiac arrest after being rushed to the was younger, I’ve always felt a need plete a full album and to write a full al- means I get to be here with her,’” Aiko
action, but about the essence of the medium.” hospital. to share my feelings. I would write bum. I don’t put too much pressure on said, adding that her daughter was near
Project West battled with health issues in the little poems and leave them around; myself to win awards or do numbers graduation at the time.
past few years. In 2011, his lower right little diary entries and I would just or beat out whoever for how much air- Aiko also didn’t mind traveling less
Every project tends to become all-consuming for leg was amputated in a life-saving opera- sort of leave it open. I don’t like time I get on the radio. All the things, to promote her album.
Lee, the protean director of “Life of Pi,” “Brokeback tion related to his diabetes. things to fester inside of me. I like to like award shows, selling, going plati- “That was the part that I was having
Mountain” and “The Ice Storm.” “Sometimes it feels Rockers like Gene Simmons and just get it out and share it.” num - they’re all added bonuses. I try anxiety about. The fact that it did stop
like every movie is a lifetime,” he says, chuckling. Slash showed support for West on social Aiko’s healthy practice of releasing not to let it go to my head. The main definitely calmed me down,” she said.
But he considers “Crouching Tiger” his most diffi- media a day before his death when it reason I make music is because I love
was clear he was in dire condition. Paul her pain and happiness through song- “I don’t want to burn myself out. I’m
cult film. Not just for the technical challenges but writing has become her art: It’s how it, and it’s not really about the awards. in this thing for the long run. I’m going
because of the pressure he put on himself to capture Stanley called West a “gentle man and
guitar hero” on Twitter. she’s crafted songs over the years that But it is nice to see.” to be in my 80’s singing these songs
the cinema of his youth. West began his music career in the has helped her become an R&B star, “Chilombo” is also up for best pro- and writing poems.”
“It was the toughest movie and the toughest part mid-60s with The Vagrants with his
of my life. Making a film in China in 1998, 1999 brother Larry West Weinstein, who
was pretty impossible. Usually in martial arts films, played bass. The band known as a blue- NEW YORK: A Delta flight out of New an emergency slide, an airline spokesper- on Monday as the jet was on a runway
you just focus on fighting scenes,” Lee says. “I still eyed soul group had a minor hit with “I York City was halted after a Florida son and authorities has said. leaving for a flight from LaGuardia Air-
wanted good fighting scenes. I also wanted a good Can’t Make a Friend” and covered Otis couple traveling with a Great Dane The incident involving Antonio port to Atlanta, said the spokesperson,
art department, historical look, acting. I was just too Redding’s “Respect” in 1967. puppy fled the aircraft with the pet using Murdock and Brianna Greco occurred Morgan Durrant.
greedy. It was kind of my childhood fantasy. I joke West stepped out on his own with a Witnesses reported seeing a panicky
that it’s a childhood fantasy and midlife crisis all solo career, releasing the 1969 album Murdock force open a cabin door and
clenched together.” “Mountain,” which was produced by jump out using the emergency chute
That’s also what Lee ascribes the film’s success Felix Pappalardi. West and Pappalardi leading to the runway. He was quickly
ended up starting the hard rock band followed by Greco with the puppy in
to: its sense of childlike wonderment. Mountain, which was named after West’s
“What I think people respond to is the innocence,” tow.
debut solo album. Murdock, 31, and Greco, 27, of Lake
Lee says. “Putting yourself in an unknown situation, In 1969, Mountain performed an 11- Worth, Florida, were taken into custody
somehow you have a better chance to find that inno- song set at Woodstock before the Grate- on charges including criminal mischief
cence. It’s the reason we go to the theater.” ful Dead. A year later, the band released and trespassing, among others.
In recent years, Lee has remade himself as a their biggest hit “Mississippi Queen,” Murdock was released without bail at
digital convert, in pursuit of a new kind of cinema which appeared on numerous movie an arraignment on Tuesday, while Greco
— “which I have not found,” he adds, laughing and TV soundtracks along with video was released on a desk appearance ticket.
— that includes high frame rate, 3-D and other games including Guitar Hero. The song The dog, who The New York Post re-
innovations that he believes are the future of film. was covered by several artists such as ported was named Rain, was turned over
While some of the results have been fascinating, Ozzy Osbourne, W.A.S.P. and Bachman- to an animal shelter.
Turner Overdrive. Outside court, Murdock said he was
his forays into digital — 2019’s “Gemini Man,” Mountain’s song “Long Red” became having a panic attack, the New York Post
2016’s “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” — popular among multiple hip-hop artists reported.
haven’t been received well. Lee says he’s still including Jay-Z, Kanye West and Nas, “I asked them three or four times to
brooding, still curious. who sampled the single. “Theme From let me off,” he said. “They said they
“I don’t want to give up just yet,” Lee says. An Imaginary Western” was another of were stopping the plane and they never
“The movie gods have been very great to me. As the band’s notable songs. stopped the plane, and I got to the point
long as I can, I’ll do my service — whether digi- During a Mountain hiatus, West where I was just feeling dizzy. I didn’t
tally or if someday I go back to making something formed the group West, Bruce and Laing even know there was a slot to go down
on a flat screen. But I think the way I view things along with Cream bassist Jack Bruce the slide. I just thought it was a regular
has changed, and I have to be honest with that. and Mountain drummer Corky Laing. door.”
West appeared in films such as “Fam- Opera singer Marianne Cornetti, dressed as Mrs. Santa Claus, stands on the A message was left with an attorney
At the end of the day, honesty is very important. ily Honor” and “Money Pit.” He was a
You might get blamed for it, you might fail, but top level of a parking garage and delivers presents and a song to children at for Murdock.
regular guest on the Howard Stern Show. nearby UMPC Western Psychiatric Hospital in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh, Passenger Brian Plummer told The
a part of you has to keep honest and fresh. I just The musician was inducted into the Long Dec 22. Cornetti, an internationally recognized opera singer and artistic director New York Times that before the couple
hope the whole career is like a never-ending film Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. of the Pittsburgh Festival Opera, organized a toy donation for child and adoles- exited the plane, the pair had changed
school.” (AP) (Agencies) cent inpatients at the hospital. Her goal, she said, was to bring a bit of light and seats several times on a flight that wasn’t
❑ ❑ ❑ Christmas spirit to the kids. (AP) full. (AP)

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

SPORTS 14

Zlatan factor transforming Milan on and off the pitch

Juventus’ dominance challenged by resurgence of Milan clubs

MILAN, Dec 26, (AP): Like 2020 in have two children but here I have 25
general, it’s been a strange year for and they need me,” Ibrahimović said

Buffalo downs Marshall

Serie A. in a recent interview, when asked if he
For the first time since 2009, both had thought of going to his native Swe-
Milan clubs are at the top of the Ital- den when he was injured.
ian league standings heading into the Ibrahimović has also instilled a
winter break. never-give-up mentality in his team-
Inter Milan went on to win the title mates and that was clearly evident on
that season, with city rival AC Milan Wednesday when Theo Hernández
claiming it the following campaign. scored in stoppage time to secure a 3-2

17-10 in Camellia Bowl

Neither of them has won it since, in win over Lazio and ensure Milan head-
a nine-year domination of Serie A by ed into the winter break above Inter.
Juventus, but Milan ends the year one While ending the year top of the ta-
point ahead of second-place Inter. ble might only be symbolic, its impor-
Juventus uncharacteristically finds tance to the players was clearly shown
itself in sixth, trailing Milan by 10 by their wild celebrations.
points - albeit having played a match It matters as much to their fans as
less. around 500 of them welcomed the
Milan can’t quite claim the symbol- team bus to the stadium, letting off
ic title of “Winter Champion,” how- flares and chanting their support, with
ever, as that goes to the team top of spectators still banned from stadiums
Serie A at the halfway stage. With the in Italy because of the pandemic.
season having started later than usual - Things are not going to plan at Ju-
because of the ef- ventus for new coach Andrea Pirlo.
fects of the coro- Pirlo was tasked with turning Juven-
navirus pandemic tus into a more attractive side and end-
on the last cam- ing the club’s quarter-century wait for
paign - only 14 Champions League success, despite it
of the 19 rounds being his very first coaching position.
making up the But the Bianconeri are faltering in
first half of the Serie A, which it has dominated for the
season have been previous nine seasons.
played. Under the 41-year-old Pirlo, Juven-
The Serie A tus is having one of its worst starts
season will re- since 2010 and is 11 points worse off
sume on Jan. 3. Zlatan than it was after 13 matches last season
Here’s what we’ve learned so far: under predecessor Maurizio Sarri.
What a difference a year makes.
Milan has collected 34 points from
its first 14 league matches, exactly SOCCER
double the number it had at the same
stage last year. Juventus’ problem is drawing
It is also the only unbeaten team matches it would have previously won.
across Europe’s top five leagues, with Pirlo’s side has already drawn six of its
10 wins and four draws and is within matches - more than it has in any of the
touching distance of a record. last eight seasons apart from 2014-15
Milan is only the second side in Juventus also appears to have become
those five leagues to have scored at too dependent on Cristiano Ronaldo and
least two goals in more than 15 suc- struggles when its star forward has an un-
cessive matches reaching back to last usually sub-par performance.
season. The Rossoneri have done so in Ronaldo and his teammates ended
16 and are closing in on Barcelona’s the year with what Juventus captain
record of 18, set in 1948. Leonardo Bonucci said was the team’s
The key difference between this worst performance of the season as it
year and last is that Milan now has for- lost 3-0 at home to relegation-threat-
ward Zlatan Ibrahimović. ened Fiorentina.
The team was 12th when Ibrahimović That was the first time an Italian team
returned to the club in January, eight had won by at least three goals at Juve’s
years after his departure - and that of oth- stadium, which it moved into in 2011
ers - sparked a spiral of decline. Much of Juve’s - and potentially Pir-
Ibrahimović has helped transform lo’s - fate could be decided next month Buffalo wide receiver Antonio Nunn (1) comes up a yard short of the goal line during the Camellia Bowl NCAA college football game against Marshall on
the club not only with his goals on the when it travels to San Siro twice in the Dec. 25, 2020, in Montgomery, Ala. The play helped to set up the winning touchdown. (AP)
field but also his leadership qualities space of 11 days for key league match-
off it. es against Milan and Inter. The team
The 39-year-old Ibrahimović has
played less than half his team’s match-
likeliest to deny Milan the Serie A title
appears to be its bitter rival, Inter.
Marks stars for Bulls against one of nation’s top run defenses
es this season as he has been sidelined Inter has regularly finished in the top
with the coronavirus and injuries. He four in Serie A over the past few seasons, MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Dec 26, the last three weeks,” Marshall coach Doc Holli- sive player of the year Tavante Beckett and
has nevertheless managed to score 10 while Milan has not finished higher than
(AP): Kevin Marks looked like a su- day said. starting right tackle Josh Ball opted out of the
goals in his six league matches. fifth in the league since 2013. The matchup between the nation’s top rushing game. Beckett was one of three defensive start-
Ibrahimović has also helped coach Inter has quietly continued racking per sub early, stalled against a stingy team and the No. 2 run defense lost some of its ers missing.
Stefano Pioli bring out the best in Mi- up the wins and is on a streak of seven defense and then delivered the deci- luster even before kickoff. It was the first NCAA bowl game played on
lan’s young players. So youthful is successive league victories. Patterson, who had 1,072 yards and 19 touch- Christmas Day since 2003.
Milan’s squad that this season it has Inter finished last season just a point sive blow.
downs in six games, didn’t dress out after sus- Marshall: The offense went nowhere early but
fielded the two youngest starting line- behind Juventus in what was the Bian- Marks scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with taining a right knee injury in the Mid-American the defense withstood early scoring threats to keep
ups in Serie A since at least 2004-05 coneri’s smallest margin of victory this 1:09 left after a clock-eating drive and Buffalo Conference Championship Game. He served as a the game tight. Punter Robert Lefevre helped out
when statistics supplier Opta started decade. Coach Antonio Conte started made a final defensive stop to beat Marshall 17- cheerleader on the sideline. with fourth-quarter punts of 59 and 61 yards.
collecting that data. Juve’s unprecedented era of domi- 10 in the Camellia Bowl on Friday.
“Pioli told me that there (Sweden) I nance and could be the man to end it. “We thought it would be best for his future,” Buffalo: Got zip out of two impressive drives to
Subbing for the national leader in rushing yards James Patterson, Buffalo’s linebacker and Jar- open the game. Alex McNulty missed a 34-yard
per game, Jaret Patterson, Marks carried 35 time et’s brother, said of the prolific runner’s deci- field goal – falling to 0 of 3 on the season - and
for 138 yards for the Bulls (6-1) against one of the sion not to play. “That’s all that went into it. then the Bulls failed on a fourth-down try from the
nation’s top run defenses. Nothing else.” Marshall 25. ... McNulty made a 25-yarder in the
Buffalo milked more than six minutes off second quarter.
the clock on the final 13-play, 88-yard drive. Leipold gave receiver Jovany Ruiz a scholar-
Quarterback Kyle Vantrease took a knee on FOOTBALL ship the night before the game, and Ruiz respond-
first down and coach Lance Leipold even con- ed with seven catches for 61 yards. “It looked like
sidered calling for a second one for a team that Marks had 23 carries for 117 yards by half- a pretty good move,” the coach said.
had only made its first field goal of the season time, though he was mostly shut down in the sec- Holliday wasn’t interested in discussing his own
in the first half. ond half by a defense giving up just 88.9 rushing future with a contract that expires on June 30. “I
“Obviously. we needed every second we could yards a game coming in. Marks said he found out haven’t even thought about it,” he said. “I’m try-
get there toward the end,” Leipold said. he would be starting “at the end of the week.” He ing to go see my family for a little bit. You know
Grant Wells then took Marshall (7-3), which wasn’t surprised yards were hard to come by. what I mean?”
had rallied from a 10-0 deficit, to the Buffalo 20 “It was all about patience,” he said. “With a Marshall: Wells returns after earning Confer-
with no timeouts. Kadofi Wright’s sack helped good defense like that you have to take what they ence USA freshman of the year honors to lead
force a fourth-and-11 and Eric Black added his give you.” the offense. Most of the starting defenders re-
second sack to end the threat. The Thundering Herd still held Buffalo to 155 turn but Beckett was one of the program’s top
Both teams lost their conference championship rushing yards, half of its own average. pass rushers.
games. Marshall tied it on Shane Ciucci’s 21-yard Buffalo: Patterson and Vantrease are only ju-
Buffalo improved to 2-3 in bowls, also beating field goal with 8:48 left in the third quarter, niors so Buffalo could get them back for another
AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, (left), celebrates with his teammate AC Mi-
Charlotte in the 2019 Bahamas Bowl. The Thun- and that’s where the score stood until Marks’ season. But three offensive line starters and three
lan’s Ante Rebic, his goal against Lazio during a Serie A soccer match dering Herd dropped their final three games after a touchdown. starting receivers are seniors and so is defensive
between AC Milan and Lazio, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on 7-0 start and No. 15 ranking. Like Buffalo, Marshall wasn’t at full strength. end Malcolm Koonce, a two-time All-MAC selec-
Dec 23. (AP) “We just didn’t make enough plays offensively Leading rusher Brenden Knox, C-USA defen- tion.

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020

SPORTS 15

Michigan dominates Nebraska

Trice scores 29, Wisconsin

beats Michigan State 85-76
Clippers hold off Nuggets
EAST LANSING, Mich, Dec 26, 85-76 win over No. 12 Michigan State
(AP): D’Mitrk Trice had to play on the on Friday.
road Christmas Day and still got to Trice’s parents, older brother,
celebrate one of his best games with Travis, and his grandma were among
his family in the house. the dozens of fans in the stands. The
Trice scored a season-high 29 family used to cheer for the Spartans
points, lifting No. 9 Wisconsin to an when his older brother, Travis, played
for Tom Izzo from 2011-15.
“It was just great to see them and for
them to travel up here and us to get the
win on Christmas, it’s a big deal,” he
said. “I was able to have six tickets for
myself and coach Izzo was gracious
enough to give my older brother three
tickets.”
Izzo acknowledged he didn’t recruit
D’Mitrk Trice because he didn’t proj-
ect him to development into one of the
Big Ten’s top players.
“I think we would’ve offered him a
scholarship, I think he would’ve
come,” Izzo said.
Trice is in his fifth year at Wisconsin,
where he steadily improved enough to
become a third-team, All-Big Ten
player last year.
“I’ve known him since he was little
and the way he was grown is a credit
to him,” Izzo said.
The Badgers (8-1, 2-0 Big Ten) won
at the Breslin Center for the first time
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) since 2004 and extended their Big Ten
goes up for a dunk over Maryland winning streak to 10 games, dating to
center Chol Marial (15) during the last season when they shared the con-
first half of an NCAA college bas- ference championship with the
ketball game in West Lafayette, Spartans and Maryland.
Ind, Dec 25. (AP) To celebrate, players poured water
on coach Greg Gard in the locker
room.
Leon hospitalized “Just really proud of the team,”
Gard said. “They doused me with
water, so I had to change my mask. I’ll
Chris signs one-yr deal have to change everything before we
to remain with San Jose jump on the plane.”
SAN JOSE, Calif, Dec 26, (AP): Michigan State (6-2, 0-2) led by
Chris Wondolowski, Major nine points early in the second half
League Soccer’s career scoring before struggling down the stretch at
leader, signed one-year contract both ends of the court. Wisconsin
scored 14 of the last 21 points over the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (23) looks to pass while under pressure from Dallas Mavericks’ James Johnson (16) during the first half of an NBA
to remain with the San Jose basketball game on Dec 25, in Los Angeles. (AP)
Earthquakes. final 4:03 to turn a closely contested
The 37-year-old forward game into a lopsided result. Stephen Curry scored 19 points for
Joey Hauser scored a career-high 27
scored a team-high seven goals
during the 2020 regular season points, but he didn’t get much help Lakers top Mavs NBA Results/Standings Golden State, and rookie James
from his teammates offensively. Aaron Wiseman had 18. Andrew Wiggins
to extend his career record to had 12. Jordan Poole and Brad
166. Henry was the only other Spartan to
“While the pandemic has
score in double figures, but he was 5 of DENVER, Dec 26, (AP): Wanamaker added 11 each.
13 from the field for 12 points and had Kawhi Leonard was hurt Donte DiVincenzo and D.J.
caused so much pain throughout WASHINGTON, Dec 26, (AP): NBA results and standings on Friday.
seven turnovers. Augustin each scored 13 for
the world, it’s also given me an The Badgers, meanwhile, had bal- and the Denver Nuggets Miami 111 New Orleans 98 LA Lakers 138 Dallas 115 Milwaukee. Holiday had 12 and
opportunity to reflect on the Milwaukee 138 Golden State 99 LA Clippers 121 Denver 108
things I value the most,”
ance with four double-digit scorers were mounting a rally like Brooklyn 123 Boston 95 Bobby Portis added 10.
Wondolowski said in a state-
and they combined to score the most they did three months ago. Eastern Conference Western Conference Heat 111, Pelicans 98
points in program history in a win over This time, the Los Angeles Atlantic Division Southwest Division
ment Friday. a ranked team. In Miami, Erik Spoelstra remained
“I was fully committed to Clippers didn’t allow Denver to W L Pct GB W L Pct GB perfect on Christmas, and a record-
Wisconsin’s Aleem Ford scored 13
making 2020 the final year of points while Brad Davison and Micah complete the comeback. Brooklyn 2 0 1.000 - San Antonio 1 0 1.000 - tying show from Duncan Robinson
my career, but I’ve reconsidered Leonard had 21 points before tak- Philadelphia 1 0 1.000 ó New Orleans 1 1 .500 ó helped him stay that way.
Potter each had 11. Boston 1 1 .500 1 Houston 0 0 .000 ó
and can’t wait to join my team- ing an elbow to the face in the fourth Robinson made seven 3-pointers -
mates one more time as we look Michigan 80, Nebraska 69 New York 0 1 .000 1-ó Memphis 0 1 .000 1
quarter, Paul George scored 23 points Toronto 0 1 .000 1-ó Dallas 0 2 .000 1-ó tying the Christmas single-game mark
In Lincolin, Neb, Michigan hadn’t and had nine assists, and Los Angeles - and scored 23 points, helping the
played a game in 12 days and hadn’t beat the Nuggets 121-108 on Friday Southeast Division Northwest Division
SOCCER W L Pct GB W L Pct GB
Heat beat the New Orleans Pelicans
left Ann Arbor all season. The layoff night. 111-98 to start the NBA’s holiday
didn’t deter the No. 19 Wolverines. It was the second straight big win Orlando 1 0 1.000 - Utah 1 0 1.000 -
Atlanta 1 0 1.000 - Minnesota 1 0 1.000 - quintupleheader .
Franz Wagner had 20 points and for LA, which beat the Lakers on Miami 1 1 .500 ó Oklahoma City 0 0 .000 ó Goran Dragic scored 18 points,
to bring an MLS Cup back to Michigan scored 10 straight points Tuesday night. Washington 0 1 .000 1 Denver 0 2 .000 1-ó
San Jose.” early in the second half to pull away Bam Adebayo had 17 and Avery
The Clippers led by 11 with 6:11 Charlotte 0 1 .000 1 Portland 0 1 .000 1 Bradley finished with 12 for Miami,
Wondolowski holds nearly from Nebraska in an 80-69 victory . left Friday night when Serge Ibaka
every MLS scoring record. He was Central Division Pacific Division and Spoelstra improved his Christmas
Michigan (7-0, 2-0 Big Ten) started went up for a rebound and caught the
drafted by the Earthquakes in 2005 slow in its first game since Dec. 13 due W L Pct GB W L Pct GB record as Heat coach to 8-0.
side of his teammate’s face with his Indiana 1 0 1.000 - LA Clippers 2 0 1.000 -
and ranks first in team history in to coronavirus concerns but stunned right elbow. Leonard lay bleeding on “I wasn’t even aware of that,”
Cleveland 1 0 1.000 - Phoenix 1 0 1.000 ó
appearances, starts and minutes. In Nebraska (4-5, 0-2) with the two-min- the court before walking to the locker Milwaukee 1 1 .500 ó Sacramento 1 0 1.000 ó
the last 11 seasons, the Californian ute flurry that began with Isaiah room. Detroit 0 1 .000 1 LA Lakers 1 1 .500 1 BASKETBALL
has been the club’s leading scorer Livers’ 3-pointer. Wagner close it with Leonard was ruled out shortly Chicago 0 1 .000 1 Golden State 0 2 .000 2
every year but 2018. a 25-footer that put the Wolverines up thereafter and was being evaluated
“We’re excited to have 53-41 with 14:38 remaining. postgame, but it did put a scare into Spoelstra said. “Just shows you that
Wondo fighting on our side in Trey Burke had 17 points apiece as second-highest total in NBA history we’ve had some really good teams
2021 and for our fans to enjoy
George. the Mavs started 0-2 with a late fade. through two games to 71 points for
The Clippers didn’t need Leonard here and teams that have had the
the league’s greatest goal scorer BASKETBALL Dallas’ three offensive rebounds the 1987-88 Clippers. Golden State opportunity to play on Christmas.”
for one more season,” general to close out a Nuggets team that upset were fewer than Harrell, who had lost 125-99 at Brooklyn in its season
them in the second round of the Precious Achiuwa and Tyler Herro
manager Jesse Fioranelli said. five. opener. each scored 11 for Miami, which lost
Western Conference semifinals last The Lakers were aggressive and This was the second-most lopsided
❑ ❑ ❑ Nebraska put together an 11-2 run,
season. Jimmy Butler at halftime with right
highlighted by a steal and breakaway accurate from the opening tip, taking score of any Christmas Day game in ankle stiffness.
The man who coached Club dunk by Trey McGowens, and cut the Nikola Jokic finished with 24 a 69-57 halftime lead while hitting NBA history. The Syracuse Nationals
Leon to Mexico’s soccer cham- points, 10 assists and nine rebounds Zion Williamson had 32 points and
Michigan lead to 64-60 on McGowens’ 61.4% of their shots. Doncic went 3 beat the New York Knicks 162-100 14 rebounds in 38 minutes for New
pionship less than two weeks free throws with 6:20 left. for Denver, which has dropped its for 10 in the first half but on Dec. 25, 1960.
ago has been hospitalized with first two games of the season. Jamal Orleans - the rebounds and minutes
The Wolverines countered with a James moved into second place Milwaukee’s only other Christmas both being career highs. Brandon
pneumonia related to COVID- 7-2 spurt, going up 71-62 on Eli Murray added 23 points, 13 coming in home game came during the fran-
19, the club announced . behind Kobe Bryant for the most Ingram finished with 28 points.
Brooks’ fast-break layup with 4:45 the fourth. chise’s inaugural season in 1968. The
The team’s official Twitter The Nuggets rallied from double- points scored on Christmas, passing But the Pelicans shot 40% to
remaining. Nebraska didn’t get closer Oscar Robertson in the third quarter. Bucks were on the road for Christmas
account said in a brief post that than six the rest of the way. digit second-half deficits in Games 5, the last two seasons, losing at Miami’s 51%.
Ignacio Ambriz was “stable, 6 and 7 of the second-round series in James has 383 points in 15 games on Robinson’s seven 3s tied the
Michigan struggled to get on track Christmas, while Bryant had 395 in Philadelphia in 2019 and winning at
under medical observation and from long distance in the first half, hit- September, winning all three and Christmas mark Ingram set last year.
evolving in a favorable manner.” 16 holiday appearances. New York in 2018.
ting just 4 of 17 3-point attempts. wiping out LA’s 3-1 lead to advance Bucks players got a Christmas sur- JJ Redick’s 3-pointer with 7:43 left
Leon defeated Pumas 2-0 on Nebraska led for much of the half to the Western Conference finals. It Bucks 138, Warriors 99 cut Miami’s lead to 91-85 and came
Dec. 13 to win the Apertura prise before the game when they
behind 21 points from Teddy Allen, was a surprising end for a team many In Milwaukee, Khris Middleton received videotaped messages from during a stretch when the Heat went
championship in Mexico’s who finished with a career high 25. thought could beat the Lakers and five minutes without a field goal. But
twice-a-year season system. The scored 31 points and the Milwaukee their families in a move orchestrated
That also changed in the second half advance to the NBA Finals. Bucks routed the Golden State by team officials. the Pelicans got no closer.
team earned 40 points during when Chaundee Brown Jr. started George said he has put that disap- The Heat restored order by scoring
the tournament - just three short Warriors 138-99 to win their first Then they went out and delivered a
guarding the hot Husker. pointment in the past. Christmas Day home game in over dominant performance to bounce 11 of the game’s next 13 points, and
of the short-season record. Livers had 17 points for the “I buried last year, left last year in when Achiuwa - the rookie who had
Ambriz, 55, played as a half a century. back from a season-opening 122-121
Wolverines. Hunter Dickinson had 13 the bubble,” he said. “This is a new Middleton went 10 of 15 overall loss at Boston in which Celtics star strong defensive minutes - forced
defender for several clubs in the points and 15 rebounds, Chaundee season, new team, new goals, new
Mexican league and was capped and 6 for 8 from 3-point range, lead- Jayson Tatum banked in a go-ahead Williamson into a turnover with 3:55
Brown, Jr. had 13 points and Mike everything. I was ready and poised ing a strong performance from deep left, the entire Miami bench rose in
64 times for the national team, Smith had 10 points 3-pointer and Milwaukee’s Giannis
and confident coming into this year, for his team. He totaled 58 points in celebration.
which he captained at the 1994 Dalano Banton had 17 points for Antetokounmpo missed a potential
and I was prepared coming into this his first two games of the season. New Orleans led 17-9 midway
World Cup. Nebraska and McGowens had 15 season.” tying free throw in the final second.
❑ ❑ ❑ Milwaukee was 20 of 37 on 3-point Antetkounmpo had 15 points and through the opening quarter - and got
points. Denver wasn’t able to do it again outscored 52-21 by Miami over the
Dickinson, who turned up on the attempts, while Golden State was 10 13 rebounds against Golden State, but
Sunderland reached an but made a run after trailing by 24 late next 13½ minutes, with the Heat hit-
postgame Zoom press conference in the third quarter. The Nuggets used of 45. the two-time reigning NBA MVP
agreement with Kyril Louis- The Warriors were outscored by 65 shot 4 of 15 from the floor and 7 of 15 ting nine of their 13 first-half 3s in that
Dreyfus, whose family previ- wearing a Santa hat, said he enjoyed an 11-0 run into early in the fourth,
his first college road game. points in their first two games, the from the foul line. span on the way to a 23-point lead.
ously owned French team and two 3-pointers by Murray sliced a
Marseille, to take control of the This is the third consecutive season 98-74 deficit to 106-95 with 7:35 left.
third-tier English club. Michigan has begun 7-0. Last year’s Leonard went out soon after but
Louis-Dreyfus, who is in his Wolverines opened 7-0 before losing Denver never got the deficit under 10.
early 20s, will become chairman to No. 1 Louisville. In 2018-2019,
Michigan started the year 17-0, a Lakers 138, Mavericks 115
of the League One team “early in
the New Year,” subject to approv- school record. In Los Angeles, when LeBron
al from the English Football Purdue 73 ,Maryland 70 James checked the stat sheet as he left
League, Sunderland said. the Staples Center court after his lat-
In West Lafayettete, Ind, Brandon est high-scoring Christmas victory, he
“Documentation relating to Newman scored 17 points, Eric Hunter
the deal has been lodged today realized the Lakers had scored 138
Jr added 16 and Purdue held off points with a mere 22 from him.
with the EFL for their scrutiny, Maryland 73-70 .
and the club recognizes that the Hunter was credited with a basket The NBA champions already look
EFL need to approve all aspects after a goaltending call with 38.4 sec- like they could be even better this
of the transaction and business onds left to give Purdue a 72-70 lead, year. In their second game of the new
plan going forward before any and the teams combined to go 1 for 6 season, even Luka Doncic didn’t
change of control,” the club from the free- stand a chance of keeping up.
said. “Given the time of year, throw line the rest Anthony Davis scored 28 points
that process is not expected to of the way. Hunter and James became the second-leading
conclude until mid-January.” missed two at the Christmas scorer in NBA history dur-
Louis-Dreyfus’ family found- stripe with 1.8 ing the Los Angeles Lakers’ 138-115
ed the Swiss-based Louis- seconds left and victory over the Dallas Mavericks .
Dreyfus group in the 19th cen- Donta Scott did Montrezl Harrell scored 17 of his
tury and owned Marseille for not hit the rim on 22 points in the second half, and
almost 20 years before selling a full-court heave Dennis Schröder had 18 points and
the club in 2016. at the buzzer. six assists in a second strong game for
“Many will be aware of my Jaden Ivey had both new additions to the champs.
family connections to the indus- 11 points and Los Angeles outrebounded Dallas
try and, in acquiring Sunderland Trevion Williams Newman 53-27 and closed out its first win of
AFC, I understand the responsi- added 10 with the season with a dominant fourth
bility that’s placed upon me as eight rebounds for Purdue (7-3, 2-1 quarter.
the custodian of the club’s Big Ten). The Boilermakers won their Doncic had 27 points and seven
future,” Kyril Louis-Dreyfus 50th conference game at home since assists in his first starring role in the
said in a statement. the 2014-15 season – ranking first in NBA’s showcase Christmas evening Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant (7) drives past Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half of an NBA
the Big Ten. game for Dallas. Josh Richardson and basketball game on Dec 25, Boston. Nets won 123 -95. (AP)

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 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 16

Sports
Manchester United’s Bruno
Fernandes scores his side’s
second goal during the
English Premier League soc-
cer match between Leicester
City and Manchester United
at the King Power Stadium in
Leicester, England, on Dec
26.
(AP)

Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com

Villa rout Palace 3-0 despite Mings’ sending-off

Leicester rally twice to draw with Manchester United

LEICESTER, England, Dec 26,
(AP): Leicester came from behind
twice to draw 2-2 against Manchester
United in the Premier League on
Saturday.
Bruno Fernandes looked to be
sending United to their seventh
straight away win when he scored in
the 79th minute, moving onto 10
Kamara 6 TDs tie record, Saints
win 4th straight NFC South title
goals in his first full season in the
league.
If the visitors had held on, they
would have jumped above Leicester
into second, but Jamie Vardy met a
cross from substitute Ayoze Perez
with a shot that was drifting off tar-
get before deflecting into the net off
the outstretched leg of United substi- Vikings eliminated from playoff contention
tute Axel Tuanzebe in the 85th.
“Disappointed we didn’t win
today,” United manager Ole Gunnar NEW ORLEANS, Dec 26,
Solskjaer said, “because we had
loads of big chances and we could’ve (AP): Alvin Kamara
finished it off.” expects a fine for wearing a
Solskjaer was likely referring to pair of Christmas-themed
Marcus Rashford, who squandered shoes that, as it turned out,
two clear-cut chances either side of
his 23rd-minute opener at King would also be worthy of a
Power Stadium. Hall of Fame display.
Fernandes set that goal up by With a red shoe on his right foot
stretching out to flick the ball to and a green one on his left, Kamara
Rashford, who slotted home a low tied an NFL record set in 1929 by
finish. But the Portugal playmak- running for six touchdowns in a
er was at fault for Leicester’s first game. He finished with a career-
equalizer by giving up possession high 155 yards rushing to help
sloppily in his own half, leading
to Harvey Barnes firing home a New Orleans beat the Minnesota
left-footed shot from outside the Vikings 52-33 on Friday and
area. clinch a fourth straight NFC South
“Marcus Rashford had a chance title.
early on,” Leicester manager “It just feels good to have one of
Brendan Rodgers said, “but I thought those days, just for the team,” Kamara
over the first half we were the better said, showering credit on the offensive
team. Bit of luck went against us and line and insisting that he did “the small
Vardy does what he does, he’s a top- part.”
class finisher.
“I thought it was the least we FOOTBALL
deserved.”
United defender Victor Lindelof
came off with a recurrence of a back “I’m not focused on personal, like,
injury midway through the second goals and yards and stuff like that,”
half. Kamara continued. “As long as the
Villa 3, Palace 0 team has success, then personal suc-
Aston Villa belied the sending-off cess will come.”
of Tyrone Mings to beat Crystal And it has come all season for
Kamara, who during training camp
Palace 3-0 with striker Ollie Watkins signed a five-year contract worth up to
playing a part in all of the goals. $75 million. He has since set Saints
Mings was shown a second yellow records for rushing TDs in a season
card in the 45th minute for blocking with 16 and total TDs with 21 (he has
Wilfried Zaha, with whom the five receiving).
defender had clashed to pick up his As for wearing shoes that didn’t New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) carries for his fourth touchdown of the game, in the second half of an NFL football game against
first booking. conform to the NFL’s uniform the Minnesota Vikings in New Orleans, on Dec 25. (AP)
Villa was leading 1-0 at that point, codes, Kamara said, “If they fine
with Bertrand Traore scoring from a me, whatever it is, I’ll just match it Minnesota (6-9) was eliminated Saints coach Sean Payton said it felt Sanders had four catches for 83 fourth quarter to put the game out of
rebound in the fifth minute after and donate to charity. You know, from playoff contention while allow- like a CFL game, with many first- yards, while tight end Jared Cook reach.
Watkins had a shot saved. the Grinch always tries to steal ing the most points by any Vikings down conversions coming before New caught three passes for 82 yards. New Kirk Cousins passed for 283 yards
Instead of sitting back and protect- Christmas.” team since 1963. Orleans even got to third down. The Orleans’ 264 yards rushing were the and three touchdowns for the Vikings,
ing its lead, Villa kept pushing for- Kamara slipped a couple tackle “They just mashed us up front,” Saints might have won by a greater most by a Vikings opponent in who never led and trailed for good
ward in the second half and Kortney attempts and then sprinted into the Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said, margin if not for two interceptions of Zimmer’s seven seasons. after Kamara’s second TD in the first
Hause made it 2-0 in the 66th by clear for a 40-yard touchdown on the calling his defense “the worst one I’ve Drew Brees, one of them on a pass that New Orleans native Irv Smith Jr. quarter.
nodding the ball over the line from game’s opening drive. ever had” as a coach. “We couldn’t deflected off receiver Emmanuel caught a pair of touchdown passes in Kamara equaled a record Nevers set
close range after Watkins had headed He added scoring runs of 1, 5, 6, 7 slow them down. It would be 8-yard Sanders’ hands. the third quarter for the Vikings, the for the Cardinals way back when they
against the crossbar. and 3 yards against a Minnesota defen- gain, 7-yard gain.” Brees completed 19 of 26 throws for second pulling Minnesota to 31-27. called Chicago home.
Anwar El Ghazi completed victory sive front hit hard by injuries, and The Saints (11-4) never punted, and 311 yards in his second game back But the Saints responded with two “It was awesome,” Brees said. “Six
with a brilliant third in the 76th, equaled Hall of Fame fullback Ernie set a record of yards gained in a game from rib and lung injuries that had short touchdown runs by Kamara and touchdowns for a running back is just
smashing home an angled shot off Nevers’ achievement. by a Vikings opponent with 583. sidelined him for four games. one by reserve QB Taysom Hill in the astounding.”
the post after being teed up by the
selfless Watkins.
It was another heavy loss for NFL Standings Tourists 340-6 against South Africa
Palace, which was thrashed 7-0 by
Liverpool last weekend.

SOCCER
WASHINGTON, Dec 26, (AP): NFL standings after Friday’s game.
American Football Conference National Football Conference
Sri Lanka take control of first Test
AFC East NFC East JOHANNESBURG, Dec 26, (AP): South African bowlers.
Villa climbed to sixth place and W L T Pct PF PA W L T Pct PF PA Sri Lanka took early control of the Karunaratne chopped a cut shot
have played a game fewer than most yx-Buffalo 11 3 0 .786 407 340 Washington 6 8 0 .429 302 295 first Test in South Africa with strong onto his own stumps, Mendis hit a
Miami 9 5 0 .643 352 257 Dallas 5 9 0 .357 339 433
teams. New England 6 8 0 .429 289 301 NY Giants 5 9 0 .357 244 311 middle-order performances from pull shot straight up in the air and
Southampton 0, Fulham 0 NY Jets 1 13 0 .071 206 413 Philadelphia 4 9 1 .321 303 361 Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Perera flashed at a ball way wide of
AFC South NFC South Chandimal leading their team to off stump to edge to wicket-keeper
Southampton had two goals disal- W L T Pct PF PA W L T Pct PF PA 340-6 at stumps on the opening day Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s
lowed by VAR in a 0-0 draw at Indianapolis 10 4 0 .714 399 320 x-New Orleans 11 4 0 .733 449 330 of the series on Saturday.
Fulham. new Test captain.
Tennessee 10 4 0 .714 436 361 Tampa Bay 9 5 0 .643 401 321
Houston 4 10 0 .286 315 386 Atlanta 4 10 0 .286 355 353 De Silva made a dashing 79 before Perera’s strike was the first of
Shane Long and Theo Walcott
both looked to have broken the dead- Jacksonville 1 13 0 .071 275 423 Carolina 4 10 0 .286 323 356 he had to retire hurt with what three wickets on the day for Wiaan
lock for the visitors in the second AFC North NFC North appeared to be a left hip injury. Mulder, who was the Proteas’ best
half, only to see their efforts ruled W L T Pct PF PA W L T Pct PF PA Chandimal surpassed that with his 85 bowler with his 3-68.
out for offside on review as
x-Pittsburgh 11 3 0 .786 366 264 yx-Green Bay 11 3 0 .786 434 339 and wicket-keeper Niroshan De Silva’s attacking approach did
Cleveland 10 4 0 .714 368 374 Chicago 7 7 0 .500 315 318 Dickwella chipped in with 49. Their
Southampton slipped to eighth place Baltimore 9 5 0 .643 403 287 Minnesota 6 9 0 .400 393 440 pay off before his flourishing century
in the standings. Cincinnati 3 10 1 .250 271 355 Detroit 5 9 0 .357 335 435 contributions ultimately justified Sri stand with Chandimal was interrupted
Fulham played out their fourth AFC West NFC West Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s by his injury. He hit 11 fours and a six
consecutive draw, doing so in the W L T Pct PF PA W L T Pct PF PA decision to bat first on a SuperSport and his 79 came at a strike rate of 75.
absence of manager Scott Parker yx-Kansas City 13 1 0 .929 435 310 x-Seattle 10 4 0 .714 413 339 Park pitch where fast bowlers – and
Las Vegas 7 7 0 .500 377 421 LA Rams 9 5 0 .643 345 269 especially South African fast bowl-
while he self-isolated after a member Denver 5 9 0 .357 276 395 Arizona 8 6 0 .571 391 329
ers – usually thrive.
CRICKET
of his household tested positive for LA Chargers 5 9 0 .357 327 389 San Francisco 5 9 0 .357 333 352
Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal
the coronavirus. Note: x denotes clinched playoff spot De Silva and Chandimal’s partner-
plays a shot back past the bowler Sri Lanka scored at a brisk four
There were just three shots on tar- y denotes clinched division ship was 131 before it was curtailed on day one of the first cricket Test
get during the game, with possession by injury, and Chandimal and match between South Africa and runs an over in every session of the
also evenly shared between the sides. Dickwella then put on 99, lifting Sri Sri Lanka at Super Sport Park first day as a South African attack
Southampton appeared to have Lanka from early trouble at 54-3 Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa missing strike bowler Kagiso Rabada
taken the lead in the 75th when Ryan
Bertrand’s cross found Long and he Kuwait medal haul hits six before lunch to 296-5 when
Dickwella departed late in the after-
noon.
on Dec 26. (AP)

score,” said Chandimal, who started

– through a hip injury - struggled to
impose themselves.
“I don’t think the guys are happy
slotted the ball past goalkeeper KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26, with her compatriot Mariam
Alphonse Areola, but the striker was (KUNA): Kuwaiti shooters bagged Rzougi trailing in second. De Silva had earlier left the field carefully before cutting free to hit 11 with the performance out there
found to be offside. a cumulative total of six medals as Ali Al-Mutairi clinched the on a medic’s golf cart and had to be fours in his innings. today,” Mulder said. “We didn’t exe-
The same fate befell Walcott after the Arab Gulf shooting champion- bronze medal in the men’s single helped up the stairs to the dressing “The first 30 balls is very impor- cute. We gave them a couple of
scoring from Che Adams’ cross. ship came to a virtual end on division, while the national side rooms. He could still return to the tant but after that you have to score freebies and they got away from us.”
Adams, though, was deemed to be in Saturday, with the national team’s also came in third in the group crease on the second day to further runs. That was my plan and I execut- Both teams are playing their first
an offside position when he made the tally consisting of a single gold, contest in an event that witnessed help his team, but indications are that ed that well. And we as a team put a Test in nearly a year after they had
run in behind. two silvers and a trio of bronzes. strict compliance with health and the injury is more serious and might really good total on the board.” series called off because of the coro-
Fulham stayed in third-to-last The national side’s “impres- safety guidelines, he added. rule him out for the rest of the test. A total somewhere near 400 would navirus pandemic, and Sri Lanka
place. sive” medal tally came amid stiff He went on to dedicate the His injury came as he ran for a quick be a fabulous start for the Sri appeared to have found thier feet
Southampton were without injured competition from some 77 contes- team’s accomplishments to single. Lankans. first. Karunaratne’s team are also
striker Danny Ings, while manager tants, said Obaid Al-Osaimi, the Kuwait’s political leaders, attribut- Despite the disappointment over The tourists played with adventure surely emboldened by the fact that it
Ralph Hasenhuttl said before the team’s secretary, adding that the ing the success to the “overwhelm- de Silva, Sri Lanka’s position in for most of the day. It didn’t pay off became the first Asian team to win a
match that Jannik Vestergaard could sole gold medal went to Hessa ing support” the athletes have Centurion was much better than even early when skipper Karunaratne test series in South Africa when they
miss the next four weeks with a knee Al-Zayed in the women’s division, received at home. its players had hoped for. (22), Kusal Mendis (12) and Kusal shocked everyone to take a two-
problem. “We were thinking of a 280-plus Perera (16) all fell as they went at the match series 2-0 in early 2019.

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