The Life News Australia. Dec 1, 2020

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Vol. 03 Issue 43 Dec. 01, 2020

Worldwide Coronavirus Cases Cross 62.84 Million, Death Toll at 1,464,200

Biden names his picks for top economic advisers TL Bureau, Wilmington D.C.

President-elect Joe Biden named his choices for several top economic positions on Monday, including former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as nominee for Treasury Secretary and three other women, setting the stage for a more diverse White House, Reuters reported.

Biden named leading members of an economic team that will have to combat the crushing blows to workers and businesses from the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 266,000 people in the United States in nine months.

Yellen, 74, chaired the U.S. central bank from 2014 to 2018 and had served as the chair of President Bill Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Biden said he would nominate Wally Adeyemo as Yellen’s deputy.

And Biden said he would nominate Neera Tanden to head the Office of Management and Budget.

Biden selected Cecelia Rouse, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, to chair the Council of Economic Advisers.

Amazon deforestation in Brazil on the top

TL Bureau and Sources, Manaus City

New Immigration rules in UK from Jan 1, as Brexit TL Bureau, London

Deforestation of the Amazon in Brazil flooded to a 12-year high in 2020, authorities with the country’s space office said.

Inpe, the Brazilian space establishment, detailed Monday that fundamental information demonstrated 4,281 square miles of rainforest was wrecked between August 2019 and July, an expansion of 9.5% from a year earlier and the most rainforest demolished since 2008.

The office said that the number delivered Monday is relied upon to be higher in its last report to be distributed in the primary portion of 2021.

VP Hamilton Mourao said some 30% of the deforestation happened ashore not assigned for one or the other preservation or private use, accusing the rainforest’s decimation for those taking area.

Paul Moutinho, a senior scientist at Inpe, said if no move is made to control this “unlawful attack” the public legacy, all things considered, will be obliterated.

“Public woods must be protected as they are principal to keep up the atmosphere and water equilibrium of the Amazon,” Moutinho said in an articulation.

“It is dire that deforestation there be halted and that these territories be secured.”

The occupation and the deforestation is being driven by land hypothesis by those

attempting to benefit from land gets, the space office stated, calling for more severe approaches to be set up to forestall this training for exacerbating.

“With speculation and arranging, it is conceivable to end deforestation in the Amazon,” said Inpe Executive Direction Andre Guimaraes.

Notwithstanding, researchers and moderate see the expansion in deforestation an aftereffect of the arrangements of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has energized agribusiness and mining inside the rainforest and diminished the strength of the country’s ecological security offices.

Carlos Rittl, a Brazilian preservationist at Germany’s Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, said in the two years of Bolsonaro’s administration, he has transformed the nation into “the world’s top timberland destroyer” and “a worldwide ecological untouchable.”

explanation that Plenkovic was re-tried for the infection on Monday at the suggestion of disease transmission experts, and the outcomes returned positive.

“He is at present inclination well, and the leader keeps on playing out his exercises and duties from

home and will adhere to all the directions of specialists and disease transmission experts,” the assertion said. Plenkovic was at that point in self-disconnection at the sets of his PCPs as his significant other had tried positive for the infection days sooner.

“The movement of Amazon annihilation expanded 47.1% under Bolsonaro,” tweeted Rittl. “The counter ecological plan of President Bolsonaro is conveying its most exceedingly terrible anticipated outcomes for the locale.”

The Observation do Clima said the number’s delivered

by Inpe were not a shock and mirror Bolsonaro’s arrangement “to obliterate the limit of the Brazilian state and administrative bodies to deal with our woodlands and battle wrongdoing in the Amazon.”

“This first rate pulverization venture will cost Brazil beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Marcio Astrini, the chief secretary of the observatory. “We are losing economic accords, transforming our delicate force in a real sense into smoke and expanding our worldwide detachment when the world is entering a basic realignment comparable to battling the atmosphere emergency.”

New movement rules will be “straightforward and adaptable”, clergymen have guaranteed, as the UK’s focuses based post-Brexit framework gets ready to go live.

From Tuesday every single outside public, including from the European Union, who need to work in the UK from 1 January should apply online for a visa.

Those looking for a gifted laborer visa will require a proposition for employment, to be capable in English and procure at any rate £25,600.

Free development from and to the EU will reach a conclusion on 31 December.

EU residents previously living in the UK by 31 December and their families don’t need to experience the new framework however rather can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, and have until 30 June 2021 to do as such.

In the event that they are fruitful, they will have the option to stay in the UK and guarantee similar advantages as UK residents on the off chance that they become jobless.

Irish residents don’t have to apply to the plan and won’t expect authorization to go to the UK, as the UK and Ireland are both piece of a Common Travel Area.

Croatian PM tests COVID-19 positive

TL Bureau, Zagreb

Andrej Plenkovic, the PM of Croatia, has tried positive for the Covid, turning into the latest head of state to become sick to the pandemic. The public authority of Croatia said Monday in an

Government representative Marko Milic had tweeted on Saturday that Plenkovic was selfconfining for 10 days following his significant other’s test outcomes.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the chief general of the World Health Organization, tweeted the

executive his all the best.

“Sorry to learn that you tried positive for COVID-19, my companion Andrej Plenkovic, executive of Croatia,” he said in an early Tuesday proclamation.

“I wish you a quick recuperation.

Take great consideration.”

2

T

he Trump organization on Monday focused on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by authorizing a Chinese innovation organization it blames for supporting the troubled system’s endeavors to sabotage majority rule government in the South American nation.

The U.S. Depository and the State Department reported the United States has assigned the Beijingclaimed China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation, known as CEIEC, which they said helps the Maduro system by limiting Internet administration and directing computerized reconnaissance and digital tasks against political rivals.

“The ill-conceived Maduro system’s dependence on substances like CEIEC to propel its tyrant plan further delineates the system’s prioritization of control over fair qualities and cycles,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a proclamation. “The United States won’t spare a moment to target anybody assisting with smothering the majority rule will of the Venezuelan public and others around the globe.”

The Treasury said undemocratic governments utilize Chinese-traded advances, for example, those created by CEIEC, to stifle political contradiction and Maduro has been using CEIEC’s administrations since 2017.

It has furnished Venezuela with programming, preparing and specialized ability, including sending

Sanctions on Chinese firms focusing on Venezuelan specialists to state-run media communications supplier Venezuelan National Telephone Company who made a popularized variant of China’s “Fire Firewall” that is utilized to keep up exacting restriction, the Treasury said.

The State Department said this instrument is utilized

by Venezuela to obstruct online free papers and addresses by resistance individuals.“The Maduro system has consistently shown its eagerness to stifle its residents’ popularity based rights, threaten them from communicating their political perspectives or overpower their voices utilizing innovation empowered methods, as buttressed by CEIEC,” the Treasury said in a delivery.

The United States has been endorsing the communist country for over 10 years, yet the exertion has been increased under the Trump organization, which has been looking to expel Maduro following his 2018 re-appointment being announced ill-conceived.

Approximately 160 Venezuelans or Venezuelan-associated people just as its state oil organization, government

and national bank have been authorized under the Trump organization’s two-year exertion, yet Maduro keeps on sticking to control with the help of China, Russia and Cuba, authorities have said. The Trump organization has likewise driven an alliance of in excess of 55 nations in sponsorship resistance pioneer and break President Juan Guaido’s entitlement to the nation’s steerage.

Venezuela has shrugged off the United States’ activities, portraying them as criminal and proof that will be utilized against it in worldwide preliminary.

Jorge Arreaza, Venezuela’s unfamiliar pastor, portrayed the approvals against CEIEC on Monday as “coercive measures” utilized to

editorial

disturb endeavors in front of parliamentary races on Dec. 6. Venezuela “won’t be scared,” he said in an explanation, depicting the authorizations as “endeavors to make nervousness and assault the working of the general population.”

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cautioned in a proclamation that the races in Venezuela, including forthcoming parliamentary votes, will nor be free nor reasonable because of “Maduro’s edgy endeavors to control the majority rule measure.” The Treasury said it has allowed organizations 45 days to slow down associations with CEIEC, which has 200 auxiliaries and workplaces around the world. The authorizations freeze all property and in interests in property of CEIEC in the United States and squares U.S. residents from working with the Chinese organization.

“We remain with interval President Guaido and the Venezuelan individuals who have battled for quite a long time to reestablish popular government and freedom to Venezuela,” he said.

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3 Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Meets with His Bahraini Counterpart TL Bureau, Kuwait

Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah met here today with Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif AlZayani. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.

UAE Vice President Meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs TL Bureau, Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, met today with Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

During the meeting, they discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations.

Jordan Condemns Afghanistan Terrorist Attack

TL Bureau, Amman Jordan denounced today the terrorist attack that struck an army base in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, killing and injuring scores of people. In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates voiced Jordan’s solidarity with the Afghan people and government in the face of terrorism and blind violence that target Afghanistan’s security and stability. The ministry expressed Jordan’s firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism which know no religion or race.

world

Eurogroup statement on Greece of 30 November 2020

TL Bureau , Brussels

The Eurogroup discussed Greece’s progress with reform implementation and its macroeconomic outlook, on the basis of the eighth enhanced surveillance report published on 18 November.

As in the rest of the European Union, the pandemic has had substantial social and economic consequences in Greece. The Commission’s Autumn forecast shows a strong contraction in economic activity and rising unemployment in 2020, though a partial recovery is projected for 2021. We commend the Greek authorities for the large set of timely, targeted and temporary support measures taken to date to cushion the effect of the pandemic on businesses, workers and the healthcare sector.

We welcome the progress made with reform implementation in these difficult circumstances,

in particular the adoption of the major reform of the Greek insolvency framework, which is expected to contribute to resolving the key challenges in the financial sector. Other areas in which good progress has been achieved include public administration, the energy sector, public revenue and social welfare. At the same time, the authorities have taken steps to address delays with key reforms due to the pandemic and most notably reforms in the healthcare sector.

The increased uncertainty entailed by the pandemic continues to underscore the need to tackle decisively the existing mediumterm risks and challenges identified in the enhanced surveillance report. We therefore call on Greece to maintain and where necessary strengthen reform efforts to further support the economic recovery, improve the resilience of the economy and to underpin the

WFP Delegation Reviews Progress of “My Skills My Livelihood” Project to Support Families of Orphans in Marib, Yemen

TL Bureau, Marib

A delegation from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has been briefed on the progress of the second “My Skills My Livelihood” Project to support families of orphans in Marib Governorate, Yemen, being funded by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).

The delegation has also been briefed on the project’s activities, the implementation plan and the criteria

for selecting the beneficiaries, as well as the impressions of the beneficiaries. The delegation expressed its admiration for the training services being provided

by KSrelief to support families of orphans. “My Skills My Livelihood” Project aims to create economic opportunities for orphans and their families by training 500 beneficiaries in eight professional fields. The project will be concluded by providing resources and equipment needed for establishing small projects.

commitment to improve longterm potential growth. In this context, we furthermore highlight the importance of using the funds available under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to maximum effect by implementing an ambitious pro-growth reform agenda. We also call on the Greek authorities to address remaining vulnerabilities in the financial sector, to continue implementing reforms in the area of public administration and public revenue administration and to proceed with the arrears clearance plan.

We welcome the commitment

by Greece to adopt as soon as possible secondary legislation for the insolvency reform and to implement the necessary IT system to ensure an effective enforcement of all collateral when the new insolvency rules enter into force. This will continue to be monitored in the context of enhanced surveillance.

Against this background, the Eurogroup welcomes the assessment by the European institutions that taking into account the adverse circumstances caused by the pandemic, Greece has taken the necessary actions to achieve its specific reform commitments, and that the necessary conditions are in place to confirm the release of the fourth tranche of policycontingent debt measures. Subject to the completion of national procedures, the Eurogroup Working Group and the Board of Directors of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) are expected to approve the transfer of SMP-ANFA income equivalent amounts and the reduction to zero of the step-up interest margin on certain EFSF loans, which are worth EUR 767 million in total. We look forward to the ninth enhanced surveillance report, which is expected to be published in February 2021.

Egypt denounces two terrorist attacks in Afghanistan

TL Bureau, Cairo

Egypt denounced the two terrorist attacks which targeted an Afghan army base in Ghazna province in eastern Afghanistan and a motorcade of a governmental official in Zabel province, resulting in the killing and injury of dozens of army forces personnel and civilians. In a statement today, the foreign

ministry of Egypt confirmed its stance and solidarity with Afghanistan in this painful circumstances to combat the phenomenon of terror, violence and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, expressing sincere condolence to the government and people and families of the victims of the two terrorist operations and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

President Charles Michel on the high-level video Transnational access to electronic evidence for criminal cases: conference with the G5 Sahel

trends and latest developments within the EU and beyond TL Bureau, The Hague

Europol, Eurojust and the European Judicial Network publish today the second annual edition of the SIRIUS EU Digital Evidence Situation Report.

The report outlines the status of EU authorities in retrieving electronic data held by foreignbased online service providers (OSPs) in 2019. Cross-border access to digital information is paramount to an ever-increasing number of investigations, ranging from economic crimes and drug trafficking to terrorism, cybercrime and child sexual exploitation. In one case mentioned in the report, law enforcement officers were able to find an abducted child after requesting GPS data from a social media platform. This report encompasses extensive information gathered from over 325 surveyed officials of EU

Member States’ law enforcement and judicial authorities, together with relevant input coming from a dozen major OSPs and reference to national legislation. Increased relevance of electronic evidence in criminal investigations The volume of cross-border requests submitted by EU authorities to OSPs increased significantly in 2019 with a large majority of them issued

by Germany (37.7% of requests), France (17.9%) and the UK (16.4%). Requests to access electronic data doubled in Poland and nearly tripled in Finland. Furthermore, emergency disclosure requests increased by nearly half in one year.

Datasets needed and challenges in retrieving them In order to better inform authorities and advance future investigations and prosecutions, the report focuses on the most important

types of data in criminal cases.

However, the acquisition of basic information on users (such as IP addresses used at registration, email addresses or phone numbers) suffers specific challenges. These relate for example to the length of the procedures in place, the very limited amount of time in which data is available and the fact that companies have different standards when cooperating with authorities.

Criminal activity arising from online gaming platforms In the last two years, EU authorities have observed an increase in the relevance of online gaming platforms in criminal cases.

Cybercriminals can use online games to steal and sell data, to groom minors or as an avenue for money laundering, for example. In 2019, a third of law enforcement authorities requested the disclosure of data to foreign-based online game companies at least once.

TL Bureau, Strasbourg

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, current Chair of the G5 Sahel, cochaired the high-level video conference on 30 November 2020. The Secretary General of the United Nations and the African Union Commission Chairperson also participated.

The video conference is a follow-up to the one held on 28 April 2020.

Participants took stock of the implementation of the commitments adopted on that occasion, on the fight against terrorism, in strengthening security and defence capabilities in the G5 Sahel countries, in restoring state presence and

basic services in fragile areas throughout the territory, and in increasing development efforts.The video conference also addressed the issue of COVID-related debt relief, in particular following the European Council’s commitment at its 15-16 October 2020 meeting to further international debt relief for African countries within the relevant multilateral frameworks.

During the video conference, President Michel said: “Debt relief is part of the response to the COVID-19 crisis. I have referred the matter to the members of the European Council, which has committed itself to advancing, in a coordinated manner in the relevant multilateral fora, international efforts to relieve the debt of African countries”.

4

world

Bahrain Condemns Massacre Perpetrated

by Terrorist Houthis in Yemen TL Bureau, Manama

The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned the bloody massacre carried out by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia in the Al-Durayhimi District in the brotherly Republic of Yemen, which led to the killing and wounding of dozens of innocent people, most of whom were women and children, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The Foreign Ministry affirmed that this terrorist crime, which

contradicts all religious and humanitarian principles, demonstrates the persistence of the terrorist Houthi militia to continue violence and terrorism and obstruct all efforts aimed at reaching a lasting peace and a political solution that preserves the unity and stability of the Republic of Yemen. It expresses the condolences of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the families of the victims and the brotherly Yemeni people, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

UAE announces 1,107 new COVID-19 cases, 714 recoveries, and 2 deaths

TL Bureau, Abu Dhabi

The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, announced that it conducted 87,514 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP announced 1,107 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 168,860.

According to the Ministry, the

Resolutions to reduce emissions from air traffic and maritime and inland waterway transport sent out for comments TL Bureau, Helsinki

The two resolutions consolidate the Government’s shared view on the means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air traffic and maritime and inland waterway transport. They also outline Finland’s priorities for exerting influence internationally and targets for reducing emissions.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments by 15 January 2021.

The resolutions are based on the drafting of the roadmap for fossil-free transport, which was the first national analysis of emission reduction possibilities and their effects, covering a wide range of transport modes, including air traffic and maritime and inland waterway transport.

infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care.

MoHAP also announced 2 deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 572. The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery, calling on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.

MoHAP also noted an additional 714 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 154,899.

Operation In Our Sites takes down 21 910 websites selling counterfeit goods TL Bureau, The Hague

As part of the international operation ‘In Our Sites’ (IOS) XI, law enforcement authorities from 26 EU Member States and third parties have seized together with Europol and the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre over 21 910 domain names offering counterfeit and pirated items over the internet. More than €2.5 million worth of such products have been seized, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals and pirated films, illegal television streaming, music, software and other bogus products.

In its eleventh edition, this joint international operation was facilitated by Eurojustand INTERPOL. Tackling the website domains selling counterfeit commodities, or involved with online piracy, has become a growing concern for all law enforcement bodies due to the versatility of the criminals, who can easily make large profits and deleting their internet tracks in a very short period of time.

Results of the seizures in brief 22 614 cosmetic products 22 042 accessories for mobile phones 69 657 perfume bottles 8 929 clothing articles 7 480 detergent boxes

Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

TL Bureau, Ottawa

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.

“The anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth is an important day for Sikh Canadians. It celebrates his life and his teachings of unity, equality, selflessness, and service.

“This year, as we continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic, those teachings have never been more important. Whether it is supporting a local charity, being there for neighbours, or helping those who are more

vulnerable, Sikh Canadians continue to show selfless service.

“This year will look different as we follow public health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe, but the Sikh values of compassion and inclusion will remain strong. These values, which form the core principles of Sikhism, are also important for all Canadians.

“Today is an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions that Canada’s Sikh community – one of the largest and most dynamic Sikh populations in the world – makes to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive Canada.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I offer our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, here in Canada and around the world.”

4 800 boxes of condoms Participating countries Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong- China, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Moldova, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America Making the internet a safer place for consumers ‘In Our Sites’ (IOS), launched in 2014, is the continuation of a recurrent joint global operation that has increased significantly yearon-year. The operation is the result of the comprehensive approach which Europol follows with the aim of making the internet a safer place for consumers, by getting even more countries and private sector partners to participate in this

operation and providing referrals.

Europol, in cooperation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), continues to enhance such efforts by successfully supporting many high-priority investigations related to online crimes, providing training related to online investigations, and organising conferences such as the annual Intellectual Property Crime Conference.

To raise awareness of this growing threat, Europol’s Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition IPC3 has developed the Don’t F***(ake) Up prevention campaign. The campaign aims to inform citizens of the risks of buying fake products online and give advice to help identify illicit websites selling counterfeit goods, as well as other means used by counterfeiters, such as fake social media accounts and fake apps.

Issuance calendar for Confederation bonds and money market debt register claims in 2021

TL Bureau, Bern

The Federal Finance Administration (FFA) plans to issue bonds with a face value of CHF 6.5 billion in 2021. Taking account of bonds maturing, the volume of bonds outstanding will increase by CHF 2.4 billion.

The volume of outstanding money market debt register claims will rise by approximately CHF 4

billion and will be kept within a range of CHF 12 billion to CHF 18 billion. However, the Confederation’s funding requirements for the coming year are still subject to great uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bond auctions take place monthly, except in August, while money market debt register claims are auctioned on a weekly basis.

FSO - 4.8% of children in compulsory schooling receive reinforced learning support for special educational needs

TL Bureau, Neuchâtel

2.4% of pupils in mainstream classes in compulsory education received reinforced learning support for special educational needs. 1.4% were in a special class and 1.8% in a special school class.

Boys were twice as likely

as girls to receive specialised teaching support. 90% of special schools are in urban communes or intermediate communes. These are some of the results of the special education statistics 2018/2019 compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

5

Prime Minister’s Press Conference on falsified image of an Australian soldier threatening

TL Bureau, Canberra

In a Press Conference virtually held

by Prime Minister of Australia, clarified all questions on an image and post made by official Chinese Government Twitter account.

Prime Minister: The post made today, the repugnant post made today, of an image, a falsified image, of an Australian soldier threatening a young child with a knife. A post made on an official Chinese Government Twitter account, posted by the Director Deputy General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Lijian Zhao, is truly repugnant. It is deeply offensive to every Australian, every Australian who has served in that uniform, every Australian who serves in that uniform today, everyone who has pulled on that uniform and served with Australians overseas from whatever nation, that they have done that. It is utterly outrageous and it cannot be justified on any basis whatsoever.

The Chinese Government should be totally ashamed of this post. It diminishes them in the world’s eyes. I

want to make a couple of points about this. Australia is seeking an apology from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the Chinese Government, for this outrageous post. We are also seeking its removal immediately and have also contacted Twitter to take it down immediately. It is a false image and a terrible slur on our great defence forces and the men and women who have served in that uniform for over 100 years. There are undoubtedly tensions that exist between China and Australia. But this is not how you deal with them.

Australia has patiently sought to seek to address the tensions that exist in our relationship in a mature way, in a responsible way, by seeking engagement at both leader and ministerial level to ensure that we can openly discuss what are clear sources of tension in this relationship. Points that Australia feels strongly about, in terms of our own sovereignty and our own independence. The way to deal with those is by engaging directly in discussion and dialogue between ministers and leaders. And despite this

terribly offensive post today, I would ask again and call on China to reengage in that dialogue. This is how countries must deal with each other to ensure that we can deal with any issues in our relationship, consistent with our national interests and respect for each other’s sovereignty, not engaging in this sort of deplorable behaviour. I would hope that this rather awful event hopefully may lead to the type of reset where this dialogue can be restarted, without condition. That we can sit down and start talking sensibly about these issues because this type of behaviour is not on. Now, it’s not just about Australia, countries around the world are watching this, they are seeing how Australia is seeking to resolve these issues and they are seeing these responses. This impacts not just on the relationship here, but with so many other sovereign nations not only in our own region, but likeminded countries around the world, who have expressed similar sentiments to Australia about many issues. And so it is important that these things end

and the dialogue starts. Finally and most importantly, I am extremely proud of all Australians who pull a uniform on for Australia. I am proud of their service. I am proud of their dedication. I am proud of their loyalty to this country and it’s values. And those values determine how we deal with difficult issues as a country and difficult issues as those that have arisen in the Inspector General’s report on the ADF. It is a fact that Australia’s transparent and honest way of dealing with this issue is a credit to this nation. And it is a credit to all those who serve this nation in uniform. Where there are alleged events that have taken place that require action, well we have set up the honest and transparent processes for that to take place.

That is what a free, democratic, liberal country does. Few countries around the world, I suppose, would have dealt with this in the way that we have. I would hope there’d be many. But in a liberal democracy, this is how you deal with issues such as this.

Daman Singh was the chief guest.

Guest of Honours was Angela Owen repressing lord Mayor of, Brisbane, Shyam Das. President FICQ. Dr Anil Dalsania from HSS

representing Lord Mayor of Brisbane awarded Certificate of appreciation to Dr Ajay Malik & Dr Parveen Malik, Mr Yashpal, Mr Ravinder, Mr Naveen Malik, Paras Ram Punj and some other respective personalities at this moment. A lot of colourful as well as Dance performances were made on this day.

The main motive of this yajna and Ms Archana Singh, Hon. is to follow and abide by the Consul of India in Brisbane and principles of Swami Dayanand some other respective persons and to promote the Hindu were also present there. Ms Angela Vedic philosophy and to work Owen Councillor of Brisbane, accordingly.

Arya Samaaj of Queensland in Australia organised a Gayatri Maha Yajna

TL Correspondent, Brisbane

Today Arya Samaaj of Queensland organised a Maha Yajna at Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland venue here in Brisbane city of Queensland. More than 200 participants attended this Yajna and got blessings.

Hon. President of Arya Pratinidhi Dr Sukhvir Singh and Trustee Sh. Sukarm Pal Singh welcomes the personalities and guests on this occasion. On this Occasion, some renowned personalities were present here. Prof. Sarva

australia

New Check-In System For Businesses Across Victoria TL Bureau, Melbourne

Victorian business owners across the state can now access a free QR Code Service which will help make things easy as we continue our economic recovery.

The Victorian Government’s QR Code Service can be used by businesses and venues to keep records of visitors to help us stay safe and stay open.

It’s as simple as registering your business, downloading and printing a poster with the Victorian Government QR Code and displaying it prominently in your business. Businesses or venues with multiple outlets or spaces can register for multiple QR codes.

Visitors simply need to scan the QR code using their smartphone camera. For those with up-to-date smartphone software, a pop-up will appear asking for a first name and contact number.

For other users, they will be directed to download the Service Victoria mobile App from the Apple or Google Play app stores to complete the check-in. A unique six letter code entered on a web site will be on each QR code poster, for visitors to check-in also.

For businesses or venues that are currently using an existing market-led QR code solution, the Government is working with the sector to develop an Application Programming Interface to allow these systems to link directly into DHHS Contact Tracing systems when check-in data is required.

Victorian businesses and venues can now go to coronavirus.vic.gov. au/qrcode to register and be sent their unique QR code to display for visitors to scan and check-in.

NT first in Australia Holy Shrek! Brisbane to host first 100% to welcome back capacity musical in Australia international students TL Bureau, Brisbane

TL Bureau, Darwin

The Territory Labor Government is once again leading the nation on the COVID-19 rebound by being the first jurisdiction to welcome back international students. Sixty three international students from Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong will today arrive in Darwin to recommence their studies at Charles Darwin University.

International education and training is a significant economic contributor to the Territory and this pilot program will help inform a wider re-entry of international students back to Australia. The students will undergo the mandatory 14

days quarantine at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility before returning to campus.

To support the students through the quarantine government has also invested in a number of initiatives including awarding 31 International Student Wellbeing grants for events and activities for students to get involved in cultural festivals, employability skills training, social networking events, wellbeing workshops and employer meet and greet programs. The Northern Territory Government have commenced working with the international education sector for more international students to return to the Territory and study next year.

Shrek, Fiona and Donkey are coming to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in the first major musical to open to a 100% capacity audience in Australia, without a special exemption required, since the onset of COVID-19.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said Shrek The Musical would boost tourism, local small business and jobs in the arts sector.

“There was lots of disappointment after its postponement earlier this year, so it’s great to be able to welcome Shrek The Musical,” Minister Enoch said.

“It is because of the great work of Queenslanders in responding to COVID-19 that we’ve been able to open up our borders and now Queensland is good to go.

“This is an acclaimed blockbuster Broadway musical which will provide more jobs for artists, arts workers and venue workers while providing an economic boost to Queensland.

“Shrek the Musical’s season at QPAC will deliver 38 performances, and an estimated 3000 shifts for artists and arts workers, it will also mean that audiences of around 50,000 can once again enjoy musical theatre in a full house. “The arts sector has been severely impacted by the pandemic, so to be the first state in Australia to host the first major musical performance at 100% capacity, without a special exemption, is really rewarding.

“Since the start of COVID-19 the Palaszczuk Government has committed nearly $60 million worth of initiatives to support the arts

and cultural sector, this includes the $22.5 million Arts and Cultural Recovery Package,” Ms Enoch said.

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the Centre was delighted to partner with esteemed production company Gordon Frost Organisation (GFO) to present this uplifting hit musical to Queensland for the first time, particularly after the year that has been. “As soon as 100 percent audience capacity was announced, QPAC was determined to revisit the possibility of staging the muchanticipated Shrek the Musical, as our first large scale musical in 2021,” Mr Kotzas said.

“The production was set to come to QPAC in May this year and we know how disappointed fans were when the season was cancelled, so we pulled out all stops to bring this much-loved story to our audiences.

6

Progress on pay equity for DHB staff

TL Bureau, Wellington

Today’s initial agreement between DHBs and the PSA on pay equity for clerical and administration staff is an important step toward better, fairer pay for this crucial and largely female workforce, Health Minister Andrew Little says. If ratified, the agreement between the Public Service Association and the country’s 20 District Health Boards provides for an immediate pay lift of up to $2500 per annum for thousands of women and some men working in the sector. Detailed work in coming months will result in further pay increases for many.

“The Labour Government is actively committed to advancing pay equity – better and fairer pay for workforces largely made up of women,” Andrew Little says.

“The DHB clerical and

NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA

Bill introduced to support workers with 10 days sick leave

TL Bureau, Wellington

administration workforce makes an important contribution to provision of health services to New Zealanders. It’s unacceptable their work has been undervalued for so long simply because it was predominantly performed by women.

“I acknowledge the considerable effort by the PSA and its members and the DHBs to reach the point where we now have a plan to address this unfairness.

I wish the DHB workers covered by this pay equity claim well as they consider this agreement,” Andrew Little said.

Jan Tinetti says pay equity settlements benefit people who have been underpaid due to systemic sex-based discrimination, and those around them. “Achieving pay equity and putting more money in the hands of the lowest paid workers has a significant positive impact on their lives, and is likely

to have flow-on benefits to their whanau and the wider community,” Jan Tinetti says.

Today’s announcement is the latest milestone in the Government’s work toward achieving pay equity such as updating the Equal Pay Act to address the gender pay gap.

This work also includes record pay settlements for a number of female dominated workforces such as the $173m pay settlement for mental health and addiction support workers.

“We still have more to do,” says Jan Tinetti.

“That’s why Labour has pledged to make it easier for women to gain pay equity in their organisation or across their industry through increased transparency on pay rates.

“Secrecy around pay rates has not served women well in getting fair deals,” Jan Tinetti said.

The Government is delivering on a key commitment by introducing a Bill to Parliament to expand sick leave entitlements from five days to ten days a year, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today.

“COVID-19 has shown how important it is to stay at home when people are sick. The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill will mean more workers can stay at home if they’re sick, and more sick leave will help support working parents.

“The Bill also keeps the current maximum entitlement of any unused sick leave at 20 days annually, which will help make it easier for businesses to implement.

“We know businesses benefit too when their staff stay at home when they’re sick – it means bugs don’t spread, leading to fewer absences and increased productivity.

Respondents to the 2015 American Working Conditions Survey who reported working while sick estimated that this reduced their productivity by around 20 per cent on average, and an Australian study has found the healthiest workers

with the flood damage to key recreation experiences in the area they’ve had an extremely difficult year.”

The Milford Track, along with the nearby Routeburn Track were among the 78 tracks damaged when a three -day storm saw one tenth of the region’s average annual rainfall dump on northern Fiordland between 4 - 6 February.

This sparked a major search and rescue operation, damaged 440 km of tracks and wiped out key infrastructure including parts of the Milford Road, while Lake Howden Hut on the Routeburn track was hit by a landslide in the middle of the night.

“Completing repairs and getting this iconic track back up and running has been a priority for DOC to support the local community and show the area is open and welcoming visitors this summer season,” Kiri Allan says. $13.7million was announced in Budget 2020 to go towards

repairing vital conservation and visitor infrastructure destroyed in the February flood.

The Milford Track is a world-renowned feature of Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and is called the “finest walk in the world”.

The track retraces the steps of early explorers from the head of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

Every year demand for a place on the iconic track is high.

This year, when bookings for the summer season opened, it sold out completely within an hour.

“The Milford Track is truly a bucket list experience for people around the world, but it’s by no means the only track Fiordland has to offer,” Kiri Allan says.

“This summer is a great time for Kiwis to connect with their heritage and explore the thousands of incredible nature-based experiences

around Aotearoa and support local communities everywhere.

“Plan ahead, let someone know before you go, check the weather and track conditions and make sure you take the necessary food, water, clothing and equipment and have fun exploring your own backyard.”

Background information From Monday 30 November, the Milford Track is open from end to end – the entire 54km – from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point.

Key repairs to the most damaged sections of the Milford track and bridges have been completed, however some minor repair work is still to be undertaken over the coming months.

Hikers are asked to follow all signs and instructions while on the track. The section between Dumpling Hut and Sandfly Point, in the Arthur Valley, was closed due to the significant damage from the huge storm that passed through the region on 3 February 2020.

are up to three times more productive.

“While around half of all employers provide the current minimum entitlement of five days, many employers offer ten days or more already, and this will mean no change for them. But five days can be easily used up and employees who have used up their sick leave face a choice between working while sick or taking unpaid sick leave, which is not an option for many.

“Currently the Bill would not give all employees additional sick leave on the same day.

Employees will receive their increased entitlement depending on when they started, allowing businesses time to prepare. The Bill also keeps the current maximum entitlement which allows any unused sick leave to be carried over up to 20 days annually.

“As promised, we’ve introduced the Bill before Christmas and it will go through a full Select Committee process. This will ensure everyone can have their say on how we can best implement this important change,” Michael Wood said.

The Bill is expected to pass in mid-2021 with any changes coming into force two months after Royal assent.

The damaged sections of the Milford Track in the Clinton Valley were able to be repaired over the winter. This enabled a partial open of the Milford Track at the start of Great Walks season (Tuesday 27 October) with a start/finish at Glade Wharf. Walkers could go as far as Mackinnon Pass before turning around for their return walk back down the Clinton Valley.

Walkers will be leaving Te Anau Downs Wharf, by boat, heading for Glade Wharf on Monday with two commercial operators – Fiordland Outdoors Company 10.30am & 2pm and Real Journeys with 2pm departures. The first group of walkers will complete their four day/three night Great Walk at Sandfly Point on Thursday 3 December.

Repairs across all damaged tracks is estimated to be a three year programme.

The Routeburn track is currently scheduled to reopen in full from December 7.

Iconic Milford Track officially reopens TL Bureau, Wellington

One of New Zealand’s premier hikes and a cornerstone of the Te Anau community, the Milford Track has officially reopened.

“From today, hikers booked on the popular Great Walk will be able to complete the walk end-to-end for the first time since early February,” Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan says.

“The reopening is a milestone in the flood recovery work taking place in the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring national park areas.

“Having the Milford Track officially reopen for this year’s Great Walk season is testament to the hard work achieved by both the Department of Conservation and the many contractors involved in the rebuild work.

“Like many places in Aotearoa, the Te Anau community has been hard-hit by the COVID-19 tourism downturn, and coupled

7 OPEC +opens talks on whether to extend oil cuts or gradually hike output TL Bureau, Dubai/London

OPEC+ members began a meeting on Monday to discuss whether to extend existing oil cuts for three to four months or to increase output gradually from January, as the coronavirus crisis continues to pummel demand for fuel.

Officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and others, a group known as OPEC+, held an initial round of talks on Sunday before formal discussions began to reach a concerted policy for 2021.

OPEC+ is considering extending existing cuts of 7.7 million bpd, about 8% of global demand, into the first months of 2021, OPEC+ sources told Reuters.

BUSINESS

Two-way TransTasman travel plan released

TL Bureau, Canberra

Business organisations from Australia and New Zealand have teamed up to deliver an updated travel bubble plan between the countries in the hopes of uniting people across the Tasman in time for Christmas.

Australian Chamber – Tourism, the Canberra Business Chamber, Canberra Airport, Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Auckland Business Chamber have united to call for twoway quarantine-free travel to commence between Australia and New Zealand by December 21, considering the ongoing successful containment of COVID-19 in Australia. Australian Chamber – Tourism Chair John Hart said a two-way quarantine-free option for Australians was necessary in order to tap into $73M a week in trade and tourism dollars.

“While Kiwis can enter Australia without quarantining, Aussies must

still quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand, so it’s not a functioning bubble at the moment. Aussies aren’t going to want to spend two weeks quarantining upon arrival, and Kiwis are less likely to come here if they face a fortnight-long quarantine on the way back,” Mr Hart said. “We’re proposing a two-way proof of concept flight carrying political and business leaders between Canberra and Wellington in order to get the ball

rolling by Christmas, so families and tourists feel positive about the COVID-safe route. “We can already see the latent demand on both sides of the Tasman to get this bubble up and running properly, particularly in tourism. About 1.3M New Zealanders come to Australia every year, with another 1.8M travelling to other destinations.

If we can win over those 1.8 million travellers and bring them to Australia, it would do wonders

Outdated court system is failing small businesses: Ombudsman

TL Bureau, Canberra

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell is calling for an overhaul of the dispute resolution framework, saying the current court system doesn’t work for small businesses.

Releasing her Access to Justice Report today, Ms Carnell said small businesses urgently need pathways to resolve their disputes quickly and costeffectively.

“Trying to resolve a dispute through the courts is just not a viable option for most small businesses,” Ms Carnell says.

“It’s prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. We know small businesses are more likely to abandon both the dispute and the commercial relationship, than suffer the cost and mental load of taking legal action.

“Our report essentially provides a five point plan to ensure small businesses have access to tailored dispute resolution processes that are less formal, more timely and cost effective.”

The report includes a suite of recommendations as part of the five umbrella findings. These include: Strengthening Unfair Contract Terms protections Promoting alternative dispute resolution Providing access to voluntary, binding arbitration Greater access to tribunal and court determinations for disputes Supporting the wellbeing of small business owners through permanent funding of the Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business program Ms Carnell says small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID crisis and in this time of unprecedented hardship, disputes inevitably arise.

“My office saw commercial lease disputes increase ninefold during the peak of the pandemic, with more than 570 cases in the June quarter alone,” Ms Carnell says.

“We know that statebased small business commissioners’ offices were also inundated with these kinds of disputes.

“Commercial disputes are very common, but they can

be devastating when not handled correctly.

“Clearly, alternative dispute resolution through mediation, conciliation and arbitration is the best way to preserve commercial relationships. Litigation, on the other hand, is a relationship killer.

“When businesses can’t resolve a dispute with the help of experts, we need to have a system in place that allows for an external party to make a determination, without small businesses having to wait for lengthy periods or go bankrupt due to excessive legal fees.

“Our report recommends forming a small business jurisdiction as part of the Federal Circuit Court to hear matters which cannot be heard by current state or territory tribunals. Damages would be capped at $5 million, matters would be aimed to be resolved within 60 days and small businesses could apply for a no adverse costs order so they are not saddled with the other party’s costs.

“Current state tribunals have been found to be effective for small businesses but they are limited in dealing

with cross-border and international disputes. For instance, a Queensland farmer who deals with a NSW processor would not be able to seek a resolution through either state tribunals.

“While the vast majority of disputes are resolved through mediation and conciliation, there also needs to be a cost-effective, timely and binding judicial process for those small businesses that need it.

“Given the enormous pressure small business owners are under as a result of the COVID crisis and the inevitable stress that comes with being involved in a dispute, it is important that our dispute resolution avenues are supportive of participants’ wellbeing.

“Our report recommends mental health measures be integrated into all dispute resolution processes and reviewed regularly to ensure they are meeting the needs of small business owners.

“Ultimately the purpose of this report is to create a framework that supports small businesses and family enterprises in this critical recovery phase.”

for our struggling tourism sector.”

Initial travel bubble plans for a Canberra-Wellington test flight in June were delayed following the second wave of infections in Victoria. Canberra and Wellington remain the first choice for the symbolic two-way flight. Neither have any international carriers currently operating regularly out of the airport, minimising the risk of virus transmission from passengers arriving from other countries.

TIME TO EVEN UP CONDITIONS FOR ALL BUSINESSES TL Bureau, Sydney

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says retailers need to be given a chance to capitalise on Christmas spending with a relaxation of the current restrictions on their premises.

Under the current rules, retailers must adhere to the one person per four square metre rule, unless they are a supermarket or shop that mostly sells food.

“With Christmas shopping in full swing and no community transmissions in NSW for some time, we need to give retailers a break in the lead up to Christmas,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Nola Watson.

“It seems hard to understand that a café can have one person per two square metres, but if you are a clothing retailer or bookshop, your ability to trade is significantly more limited,” Ms Watson said.

“It goes without saying what a difficult year it has been for the retail sector, and here is an opportunity to provide them with some relief, so long as they operate in a COVID Safe way.

“Shopping centres are beginning to become packed again with just three weekends left before Christmas, so any help the NSW Government can give retailers must be done as a matter of urgency.

8

FEATURE

Global malaria gains threatened by access gaps, COVID-19 and funding shortfalls

TL Bureau, Geneva

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries and global health partners to step up the fight against malaria, a preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year. A better targeting of interventions, new tools and increased funding are needed to change the global trajectory of the disease and reach internationallyagreed targets.

According to WHO‘s latest World malaria report, progress against malaria continues to plateau, particularly in high burden countries in Africa. Gaps in access to lifesaving tools are undermining global efforts to curb the disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to set back the fight even further.

“It is time for leaders across Africa – and the world – to rise once again to the challenge of malaria, just as they did when they laid the foundation for the progress made since the beginning of this century,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Through joint action, and a commitment to leaving no one behind, we can achieve our shared vision of a world free of malaria.”

In 2000, African leaders signed the landmark Abuja Declaration pledging to reduce malaria deaths on the continent by 50% over a 10-year period. Robust political commitment, together with innovations in new tools and a steep increase in funding, catalyzed an unprecedented period of success in global malaria control.

According to the report, 1.5 billion malaria cases and 7.6 million deaths have been averted since 2000.

A plateau in progress In 2019, the global tally of malaria cases was 229 million, an annual estimate that has remained virtually unchanged over the last 4 years.

The disease claimed some 409 000 lives in 2019 compared to 411 000 in 2018.

As in past years, the African Region shouldered more than 90% of the overall disease burden. Since

2000, the region has reduced its malaria death toll by 44%, from an estimated 680 000 to 384 000 annually. However, progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in countries with a high burden of the disease.

A funding shortfall at both the international and domestic levels poses a significant threat to future gains. In 2019, total funding reached US $3 billion against a global target of $5.6 billion. Funding shortages have led to critical gaps in access to proven malaria control tools.

COVID-19 an added challenge In 2020, COVID-19 emerged as an additional challenge to the provision of essential health services worldwide. According to the report, most malaria prevention campaigns were able to move forward this year without major delays. Ensuring access to malaria prevention – such as insecticide-treated nets and preventive medicines for children – has supported the COVID-19 response strategy by reducing the number of malaria infections and, in turn, easing the strain on health systems. WHO worked swiftly to provide countries with guidance to adapt their responses and ensure the safe delivery of malaria services during the pandemic.

However, WHO is concerned that even moderate disruptions in access to treatment could lead to a considerable loss of life. The report finds, for example, that a 10% disruption in access to effective antimalarial treatment in subSaharan Africa could lead to 19 000 additional deaths. Disruptions

of 25% and 50% in the region could result in an additional 46 000 and 100 000 deaths, respectively.

“While Africa has shown the world what can be achieved if we stand together to end malaria as a public health threat, progress has stalled,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “COVID-19 threatens to further derail our efforts to overcome malaria, particularly treating people with the disease.

Despite the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on African economies, international partners and countries need to do more to ensure that the resources are there to expand malaria programmes which are making such a difference in people’s lives.”

WHO response A key strategy to reignite progress is the “High burden to high impact” (HBHI) response, catalyzed in 2018

by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. The response is led by 11 countries – including 10 in sub-Saharan Africa – that account for approximately 70% of the world’s malaria burden.

Over the last 2 years, HBHI countries have been moving away from a “onesize-fits all” approach to malaria control – opting, instead, for tailored responses based on local data and intelligence. A recent analysis from Nigeria, for example, found that through an optimized mix of interventions, the country could avert tens of millions of additional cases and thousands of additional deaths by the year 2023, compared to a business-as-usual approach.

While it is too early to measure the impact of the HBHI approach, the report finds that deaths in the 11 countries were reduced from 263 000 to 226 000 between 2018 and 2019. India continued to make impressive gains, with reductions in cases and deaths of 18% and 20%, respectively, over the last 2 years. There was, however, a slight increase in the total number of cases among HBHI countries, from an estimated 155 million in 2018 to 156 million in 2019.

Meeting global malaria targets This year’s report highlights key milestones and events that helped shape the global response to the disease in recent decades. Beginning in the 1990s, leaders of malariaaffected countries, scientists and other partners laid the groundwork for a renewed malaria response that contributed to one of the biggest returns on investment in global health.

According to the report, 21 countries eliminated malaria over the last 2 decades; of these, 10 countries were officially certified as malariafree by WHO. In the face of the ongoing threat of antimalarial drug resistance, the 6 countries of the Greater Mekong subregion continue to make major gains towards their goal of malaria elimination by 2030.

But many countries with a high burden of malaria have been losing ground. According to WHO global projections, the 2020 target for reductions in malaria case incidence will be missed by 37% and the mortality reduction target will be missed by 22%.

9

life and real estate

Household Internet access in urban areas twice as high as in rural areas

QANTAS AND JETSTAR ADD FLIGHTS AS WA SETS DATE FOR BORDER Estimates on Internet access in small island developing states and RE-OPENING TL Bureau, Perth landlocked developing countries available for the first time Qantas and Jetstar will operate

TL Bureau, Geneva

While virtually all urban areas in the world are covered by a mobilebroadband network, worrying gaps in connectivity and Internet access persist in rural areas, according to Measuring Digital Development: Facts and figures 2020, a new report launched today by the International Telecommunication Union. This matters even more due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Connectivity gaps in rural areas are particularly pronounced in least developed countries (LDCs), where 17 per cent of the rural population live in areas with no mobile coverage at all, and 19 per cent of the rural population is covered by only a 2G network.

Furthermore, according to 2019 data, globally about 72 per cent of households in urban areas has access to the Internet at home, almost twice as much as in rural areas (38 per cent).

“How much longer can we tolerate the significant gap in household connectivity between urban and rural areas,” said ITU SecretaryGeneral Houlin Zhao. “In the age of COVID-19, where so many are working and studying from home, this edition of Measuring Digital Development: Facts and figures sends the clear message that accelerating infrastructure roll-out is one of the most urgent and defining issues of our time.”

Estimates on small island developing

states (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) available for the first time “This edition of Measuring Digital Development: Facts and figures is released at a challenging time as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on lives, societies and economies around the world,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “For the first time, our research contains estimates of the connectivity status of small island developing states and landlocked developing countries, in addition to least developed countries: this is a very important milestone in

Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See: Mr Chris Trott Mr Chris Trott has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See.

TL Bureau, London Mr Chris Trott has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, in succession to Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE. Mr Trott will take up his appointment in the summer of 2021.

Curriculum vitae Full name: Christopher John Trott Married to: Sunna Trott Children: two Dates Role 2019 – present Juba, Her Majesty’s Ambassador 2016 – 2019 FCO, UK Special Representative for the

Sudans, and Head of Joint Sudans Unit 2016 Honiara, Acting High Commissioner 2011 – 2015 Cape Town, Consul General 2007 – 2011 Dakar, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Senegal,

Mali, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau 2004 – 2006 FCO/DFID, Deputy Head, Policy and Strategy,

Post Conflict Reconstruction Unit 2003 – 2004 FCO, Deputy Head, Human Rights Policy Department 1999 – 2002 Tokyo, First Secretary (Political) 1996 – 1999 Tokyo, First Secretary (Commercial) 1993 – 1996 Rangoon, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul

our efforts to achieve sustainable development for all.”

The research reveals that about a quarter of the population in LDCs and LLDCs, and about 15 per cent of the population in SIDS do not have access to a mobile-broadband network, thus falling short of the Sustainable Development Goals Target 9.c to significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.

Internet use prevalent among youth Not surprisingly, Internet use is

consistently more widespread among young people, irrespective of region or level of development. Whereas just over half of the total global population is using the Internet, the proportion of Internet use increases to almost 70 per cent among young people aged 15-24 years.

In LDCs, 38 per cent of youth are using the Internet, whereas the overall share of people using it, including youth, stands at 19 per cent.

In developed countries, virtually all young persons are using the Internet, while the highest youth/ overall ratio is present in Asia and the Pacific.

more than 65 additional return flights from Perth to Melbourne and Sydney each week following the Western Australian Government’s decision to ease border restrictions.

The extra flights commence from 14 December compare with just nine return flights currently operated by the airlines each week. Qantas flights to Perth from Sydney and Melbourne are increasing from around five per week to almost five times daily.

Both airlines will look to add further flights from 8 December.

The Qantas Club at Perth Airport will reopen in early December, joining the Business Lounge which is already open. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas has introduced a number of initiatives to help customers to book with greater flexibility, including allowing a flight to be moved free of charge, as well as introducing additional health and safety measures through its Fly Well program. Comments from Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce: “New South Wales and Victoria have done such a great job getting the virus under control that it makes complete sense for Western Australia to open the borders to Sydney and Melbourne.

“This is news that many families and tourism operators have been waiting so long to hear, but they don’t want borders shutting again when there is a temporary spike in one state or another.

UN AND PARTNERS RELEASE RECORD HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE PLAN

TL Bureau, Geneva

The shock of COVID-19 has pushed the number of people who need humanitarian assistance worldwide to a record high – up by 40 per cent compared to the same time last year.

If all those who will need humanitarian aid next year lived in one country, it would be the world’s fifth largest nation, with a population of 235 million.

The UN and its partners aim to help 160 million of the most vulnerable people who face hunger, conflict, displacement, and the impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local and global humanitarian organizations stand ready to save lives and livelihoods and respond to the special needs of women and children as well as people with disabilities and mental health needs. They need solidarity and funding from the rest of the world.

AS COVID-19 WREAKS HAVOC

• 235 million people worldwide will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2021 - an increase of 40 per cent in a year.

• UN-coordinated response plans presented today aim to reach 160 million of those most in need of life-saving support. The estimated cost is $35 billion.

• Fifty-six countries affected by humanitarian crises and the fallout of the pandemic are included.

The UN Secretary-General calls on the world to “stand with people in their darkest hour of need”.

The Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) 2021 sets out 34 response plans covering 56 vulnerable countries. It is presented today in Geneva at an event with opening remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock, and the participation of donor representatives and national and

international NGOs. Subsequent presentations will take place on the same day in Berlin, Brussels, London and Washington, D.C. “The humanitarian system again proved its worth in 2020, delivering food, medicines, shelter, education and other essentials to tens of millions of people,” said UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres.

10

SPORTS

Seven From Sunday - Week 12

TL Bureau, New York

A look at seven statistical highlights from games played at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

ET on Sunday, November 29, the 12th week of the 2020 season.

The MINNESOTA VIKINGS overcame an 11-point deficit to defeat Carolina, 28-27, while the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat Arizona, 20-17, on Sunday.

With three games remaining this week, there have been 35 games in which a team has overcome a deficit of at least 10 points to win this season, the most through Week 12 in NFL history.

Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES completed 37 of 49 attempts (75.5 percent) for 462 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions for a 124.7 rating in the Chiefs’ 27-24 win over Tampa Bay. Mahomes is the first player with at least 30 completions and 300 passing yards in four consecutive games in league annals. Mahomes has five career games with at least 400 passing yards and three touchdowns, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (six games) as the only players with at least five such games in their first four seasons in league annals. Mahomes has 15 career games with at least 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN

MARINO (15 games) for the second-most such games by a player in his first four seasons in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (17 games) has more.

Kansas City wide receiver TYREEK HILL had a careerhigh 13 receptions for a career-best 269 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.

Hill had 203 receiving yards in the first quarter and became the third player since 1980 with at least 200 receiving yards in a single quarter, joining QADRY ISMAIL (210 receiving yards in third quarter on December 12, 1999) and LEE EVANS (205 in first quarter on November 19, 2006).

Hill, who had 10 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns in Week 11 of the 2018 season, is the sixth player with two career games of 10 receptions, 200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in NFL history, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers DON HUTSON and JERRY RICE, as well as AMARI COOPER, CHAD JOHNSON and ART POWELL. Tampa Bay quarterback TOM BRADY passed for 345 yards and three touchdowns in Week 12.

Brady, who has 3,300 passing yards this season, has 18 career seasons with at least 3,000 passing yards, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer BRETT FAVRE (18 seasons) for the most in NFL history.

Minnesota quarterback KIRK

COUSINS passed for 307 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions for a 115.7 rating on Sunday.

Cousins has 16 career games with at least 300 passing yards, three touchdown passes and a rating of 115-orhigher, surpassing DREW BREES(15 games) and AARON RODGERS (15) for the most such games by a quarterback in his first nine seasons in NFL history.

Four Minnesota players – wide receivers CHAD BEEBE (seven receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown), JUSTIN JEFFERSON (seven receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns) and BISI JOHNSON (seven receptions for 74 yards) along with tight end KYLE RUDOLPH (seven receptions for 68 yards) – each had at least seven receptions and 60 receiving yards on Sunday.

It marks the second time in NFL history that one team had four receivers each register at least seven receptions and 60 receiving yards in the same game, joining the 2012 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (Week 16).

Carolina rookie safety JEREMY CHINN recorded two fumble-return touchdowns on Sunday. He is the third player in NFL history with multiple fumblereturn touchdowns in a single game, joining AL NESSER (three on October 3, 1920) and FRED EVANS (two on November 28, 1948).

Buffalo quarterback JOSH

New dates released for 2021 WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup in Peru

TL Bureau, Pully

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today announced new dates for the inaugural WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup®. Originally scheduled for 2020, the top international youth softball event will now be played from 28 August to 5 September 2021 in Lima, Peru.

The first edition of the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup had been set to take place this year from 23-30 August, before being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In October, the WBSC rescheduled the event for 27 March

to 4 April 2021.

The elite international youth women’s softball event will be hosted at the Villa Maria del Triunfo Complex, the softball site of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. The 16 teams qualified to battle For the Title of World Champion in this newly reformatted age-category remain as follows: Africa (1): World No. 26 South Africa Americas (5): No. 1 USA, No. 3 Canada, No. 4 Puerto Rico, No. 5 Mexico and No. 19 Peru (host) Asia (3): No. 2 Japan, No. 6 Chinese Taipei and No. 7 China Europe (3): No. 9 Netherlands, No. 10 Italy and No. 12 Czech Republic

Oceania (2): No. 8 Australia and No. 16 New Zealand Wild Cards (2): No. 11 Philippines, No. 48 Colombia Due to the one-year postponement of the tournament, all players who would have been eligible to participate in the 2020 edition of the WBSC global tournament will still be able to play in next year’s youth Softball World Cup. The WBSC, together with the Peruvian Softball Federation and the Peruvian Sports Institute, will continue to monitor the global pandemic situation with the relevant authorities and participating National Teams/ Federations.

ALLEN recorded his 15th career game with both a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in the Bills’ 27-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Allen joins CAM NEWTON (20 games) as the only players with at least 15 games with both a passing and rushing touchdown in their first three seasons in NFL history.

Appearing in his 10th career game, Los Angeles Chargers rookie quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT passed for 316 yards and one touchdown in Week 12.

Herbert has six games with at least 300 passing yards this season, tied with ANDREW LUCK (six games in 2012) for the most such games by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.

Herbert has 3,015 passing yards this season and joins PATRICK MAHOMES(3,185 passing yards) as the only players in league annals with at least 3,000 passing yards in their first 10 career games.

New Orleans quarterback TAYSOM HILL rushed for two touchdowns in the Saints’ 31-3 win at Denver. Hill, who had two rushing touchdowns in his first career start at quarterback in Week 11, is the second player with at least two rushing touchdowns in each of his first two career starts at quarterback in the Super Bowl era, joining ERIC HIPPLE (1981). Tennessee running back DERRICK HENRY rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns

in the Titans’ 45-26 win at Indianapolis. Henry is the fourth player in NFL history with three games with at least 175 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in their first five seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM BROWN (five games) and LADAINIAN TOMLINSON (three), as well as ADRIAN PETERSON (three). Henry has recorded at least 100 rushing yards in eight consecutive road games, tied with CHRIS JOHNSON (eight games from 2009-10) for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS (10 games from 1996-97) has a longer streak. Jacksonville rookie running back JAMES ROBINSON totaled a careerhigh 159 scrimmage yards (128 rushing, 31 receiving) and a rushing touchdown on Sunday against Cleveland.

Robinson has six games with at least 100 scrimmage yards this season, tied with PHILLIP LINDSAY (six games in 2018) for the second-most by an undrafted rookie in the common-draft era. Only CLARK GAINES (seven games in 1976) has more.

Robinson has 1,170 scrimmage yards this season, the third-most by an undrafted rookie in the commondraft era. Only DOMINIC RHODES (1,328 scrimmage yards in 2001) and PHILLIP LINDSAY (1,278 in 2018) have more.

French Frappart to become first female referee to officiate men’s Champions League game TL Bureau, Paris France’s Stephanie Frappart will become the first female official to take charge of a men’s Champions League game when Juventus host Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Frappart, who turns 37 next month, was the first female referee to officiate in a major UEFA competition match when Liverpool played Chelsea, in the Super Cup in Istanbul last year. She also officiated the 2019 Women’s World Cup

final between the United States and Netherlands and became the first female referee to take charge of a French Ligue 1 match when Amiens played Strasbourg in April last year.

She oversaw her first Europa League game in October when Leicester City hosted Zorya Luhansk.

Switzerland’s Nicole Petignat was the first female referee to officiate in UEFA matches when she was put in charge of three UEFA Cup qualifying round games between 2004 and 2009.

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Mazda and Sumitomo agree to transfer shares of MMVO March 2021. At MMVO Mazda currently produces the three models Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda CX-

Dealers Welcome Ombudsman’s Calls To Overhaul Dispute Resolution TL Bureau, Canberra

30, which are sold in Mexico and exported to Europe, North America and other markets.

The peak body representing franchised new car Dealers has welcomed the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s call for an overhaul of the dispute resolution framework.

“This year, the limitations of the court system were laid bare in the automotive industry when more than 150 terminated Holden Dealers saw no pathway for justice and settled with General Motors under duress,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“All of those Dealers were deterred by the prospect of a prohibitively expensive, time-consuming and mentally draining process,” he said.

“The limitations of our dispute resolution architecture was underlined by General Motors Holdens’ flat out refusal to agree to

Small Business Minister Michaelia Cash’s request for them to settle this dispute via arbitration,” he said.

“There is a demonstrated power imbalance between Dealers and the large multinational car manufacturers to which they are franchised. One of the symptoms of this power imbalance is that very few disputes go through a court process,” he said.

“Dealers all over Australia will undoubtedly support the Ombudsman’s recommendation for reforms to the current dispute resolution framework which has frankly failed them repeatedly,” said Mr Voortman.

There are more than 3100 franchised new car dealerships all across Australia. They employ 60,000 people, including many apprentices and generate significant economic activity in every city and country town across the nation.

smartphones, for example when moving around on foot. “We are delighted to be working with a well-known investor such as Bosch, and pleased that our technology can play a valuable part in expanding Bosch’s global eCall service portfolio,” says Erik Goldman, the CEO of Sfara. eCall by smartphone, regardless of age of car or means of transport Smartphone-based eCall means that vehicle manufacturers, auto insurers, and fleet operators can offer a comprehensive accident and breakdown service to their customers – independent of the age of their car or means of transport. A service app for customers’ smartphones is available from the respective provider.

In case of an accident, the app connects the user with the Bosch accident and breakdown network. Accelerometers, GPS and other sensors are embedded

in modern smartphones.

Sfara’s proprietary app-based technology uses sensor fusion to detect accidents and suppress false positives. If an accident is detected, the app automatically triggers an emergency call to a Bosch service location and simultaneously transmits information necessary to get first responders to the scene quickly. An emergency call can also be triggered manually. This connects the user with a member of the service team, who will then contact emergency services, if required. The technology contains optimized crash detection functions that considerably reduce false positives, which are costly to the business and frustrating to end users.

Digital accident and breakdown management The data for rapid assistance in case of an accident or breakdown is collected by Bosch and can be passed on

to vehicle manufacturers, auto insurers, and fleet operators.

This speeds up the process for all concerned, since the information includes useful accident data such as the location of impact. The report of an accident can also go hand in hand with a first notification of loss (FNOL). Insurers need this information to carry out smooth claims processing. In accordance with GDPR, only the data needed to perform service is transmitted, based on approval given by the user in advance. Bosch Service Solutions plans to extend the eCall service further with its partners and make all steps involved in accident and breakdown management available in digital form to its business customers. These range from the first notification of loss or accident, to repair and towing services and the provision of a replacement vehicle and claims management.

TL Bureau, Fuchu

The Mazda Motor Corporation and the Sumitomo Corporation officially agreed today to Mazda obtaining all the shares Sumitomo owns in Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO). After the formalities regarding the transfer, MMVO will be a production base owned 100 percent

by Mazda by the end of the fiscal year ending in

tech/auto

Bosch to invest in US

Strategic move to expand mobility services, Bosch to acquire minority holding in Sfara eCall and breakdown service to be developed into complete smartphone-based accident-response service, Existing successful partnership to be strengthened TL Bureau, Talitha Strickler Frankfurt am Main / Hoboken, NJ As part of its plans to further expand its mobility service business, Bosch Service Solutions is acquiring a minority stake in the startup Sfara Inc., based in Hoboken, NJ (USA).

The two companies have been working together since 2019.

Set up in 2012, Sfara offers app-based technologies for mobile devices that detect vehicle collisions and other emergencies. The user’s smartphone triggers then an emergency call, such as the Bosch eCall service, to quickly contact first responders. The two companies signed an agreement on the investment of a minority stake on November 25, 2020. It has been agreed that the financial details will not be disclosed.“With this investment in Sfara, we are strengthening collaboration

between our two companies and will continue our joint effort to expand the successful Bosch eCall emergency and breakdown service,” says Henning von Boxberg, President of Bosch Service Solutions.

The automatic emergency call system – eCall for short – is a milestone in vehicle safety.

For newly registered vehicle types, it has been mandatory in the European Union since March 31, 2018. Technology developed by Sfara now makes it possible for drivers to use this digital aide via a smartphone in vehicles without the eCall installed, usually in older vehicles that don’t include the necessary technology. This way, a significantly greater number of road users can benefit from this emergency call system and can automatically get help in the event of an accident.

Thanks to the Sfara technology, users can also access eCall outside the vehicle from their

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Climate Policy Roundtable meets to discuss the Climate Change Act TL Bureau, Helsinki

The Climate Policy Roundtable will hold its fifth meeting on Wednesday 2 December. The main topic of the meeting is the process to reform the Climate Change Act. Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. The Climate Change Act that entered into force in 2015 will be amended and strengthened in such a way that this target will be achieved. Emission reduction targets to 2030 and 2040 that correspond to the path towards carbon neutrality will be included in the Act and the target to 2050 will be updated. The land use sector and a target for strengthening carbon sinks will also be included in the Act. The proposal for the amended Climate Change Act should be ready for consultation in spring 2021.“The fact that the carbon neutrality target to 2035 will be included in the Climate Change Act is a strong signal for climate work in the coming years.

world Asia is the third biggest market for the Peruvian agri-food export industry.

Grapes, cranberries, avocados and mandarins are the top fresh Peruvian products imported by Asia

Peru is the guest country of honor at ‘Asia Fruit Logistica ON 2020’

TL Bureau, Lima

Peru will once again be the Official Partner Country at the virtual edition of the ‘Asia Fruit Logistica ON’ fresh food trade fair, considered to be the most important fair of its kind in Asia, which takes place from 18 to 20 November, according to PROMPERÚ, the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ).

The Peruvian delegation’s challenge will be to reach both the retail industry and the final consumer, and to do so it will roll out a variety of promotional campaigns in conjunction with the sector’s brand names: ‘Super Foods Peru’, ‘Coffees from Peru’

Overseas Security Advisory Council Honors Dublin Chapter

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

The U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), managed by the Diplomatic Security Service, today awarded the 2020 Country Chapter Achievement Award to the Dublin Country Chapter in recognition of its excellent leadership, collaboration, and engagement in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the Dublin Country Chapter rapidly adapted their program of events to include expert-led webinars responding to the safety and security challenges of the virus, while working simultaneously to ensure specific sectors received the

latest information. The steering committee, led by the Public Sector Co-Chair Kevin Gonzalez (Regional Security Officer for the U.S. Embassy) and the private sector Co-Chairs Brian Kirkpatrick (Director of International Security at Elavon Financial Services) and John Murphy (Head of Global Security Operations at Stripe), organized online events with experts from the U.S. Embassy and the private sector to enable the sharing of their experience and expertise on practical measures to ensure the safety of employees and business operations. After opening up its online events to chapters worldwide, OSAC Dublin also became a hub for information for organizations across Europe.

and ‘Pisco, Spirit of Peru’, thus firmly positioning Peruvian products in consumers’ minds.

The planned activities will include showcooking sessions to promote Peruvian gastronomy along with its food sector, and demonstrations of pisco-based cocktails.

In addition, a strategic partnership will be closed between the Singapore firm KOL and the ‘Super Foods Peru’ brand to develop recipes that feature Peruvian foodstuffs, which will be promoted by influencers Fiona Loh and Jamie Yeo to give consumers a closer insight in to Peruvian products, to encourage them to try out new flavors and show them how to make exciting new dishes.

This campaign will be replicated

with all the KOLs: Mr. Tao, Mr. Nhong, Mr. Fahsai Fitness Trainer, Mr. Phatsakorn, Dr. Aut, Mr. Prot, Mr. Boat and Mr. Mike in Thailand, and with KOLs Tan Chia Yong and Clarence Wong in Malaysia. The Peruvian delegation taking part in Asia Fruit Logistica ON will comprise Agrícola Chapi (grapes, asparagus, avocados, pomegranates), POMICA (pomegranates), AGUALIMA (cranberries, tangerines, avocados and asparagus), ASGLOBALFRES (mangos, mandarins, grapes, avocados, ginger and cranberries) and VISON’S PERU (cranberries, avocados, snow peas, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and mangos), the same companies that meet all the phytosanitary

regulations demanded by the Asian nations and boast extensive experience in fresh food markets.

Peru has been taking part in this Asian trade fair for the last ten years, which has enabled it to penetrate this market with a number of products, including grapes, cranberries, avocados, mandarins and pomegranates, among others.

The Peruvian delegation enjoys the support of PROMPERÚ’s trade offices in Asia which work to increase the demand for Peruvian produce by opening up new markets by means of establishing strategic partnerships, signing new export protocols, and implementing tactical promotional campaigns aimed at both retailers and end consumers.

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

colder, this Canadian tradition offers us a heartwarming moment, and brings us together from coast to coast to coast. This year more than ever, we need celebrations like these to remind us that, despite the hardships, we are all united as Canadians.

“This beautiful display also reminds us that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that we will get through this global COVID-19 pandemic, and that we must continue to stand together. Our values of unity and of being there for one another, and our confidence in the future, will allow us to continue working to build an even better Canada.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to be amazed by the virtual show IllumiNATION, which will premiere on the Canadian Heritage website on Thursday, December 17 at 8 p.m. ET. The show will feature a wide range of artistic performances from Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, Moncton, Calgary, Vancouver, Yellowknife, and Old Crow, Yukon. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what unites us on these cold winter days, while respecting health guidelines.

Sophie and I wish you all a happy holiday season.”

Prime Minister on the launch of Christmas Lights Across Canada

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the launch of the 36th edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada, which will run until January 7, 2021: “Tonight, we will mark the beginning of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program, and although we will not be able to come together in person on Parliament Hill this year, Canadians will still be able to marvel at the beauty of the lights.

“At a time of the year when the days are getting shorter and

Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Missile defence training in Latvia Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy TL Bureau, Riga

TL Bureau, Wellington

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today regarding the conflict in Tigray.

Secretary Pompeo took note of the Government of Ethiopia’s November

28 announcement of the end of major military operations, but reiterated the United States’ grave concern regarding ongoing hostilities and the risks the conflict poses. The Secretary called for a complete end to the fighting and constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis. He stressed the willingness of the United States, the African Union envoys and other international partners

to assist in dialogue and reconciliation.

The Secretary underscored the importance of protecting civilians from further harm, including refugees and civilians fleeing the conflict into Sudan, and allowing international humanitarian organizations access to the Tigray region to ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Watch the US Army Europe’s 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command take down aerial targets during exercise Tobruq Arrows along with their NATO Allies Latvia and Lithuania. During the exercise, the US Army used an Avenger air defence system to conduct a live-fire exercise, shooting down drone targets off the Latvian coast. The US soldiers

exercised with units from NATO Allies Latvia and Lithuania. All COVID-19 precautionary measures were taken, including wearing protective gear, to ensure the health and protection of participating armed forces. Tobruq Arrows is a Latvianled, multinational short-range air defence exercise intended to enhance interoperability among NATO forces and increase readiness through the integration of land component air missile defence capabilities.