The best tennis player in the world, Novak Đoković, who arrived in Visoko today, went on a tour of the Bosnian pyramids. He is accompanied by his wife Jelena and children Tara and Stefan.
We remind you that Đoković landed at the Sarajevo Airport a little over an hour ago, from where he immediately headed to Visoko.
According to the reporters of the Avaz portal which are currently on the spot, Đoković is in the good mood, and with his family and professor Osmanagić and his wife Sabina, set out on a tour of Ravne Park.
A trip to the Pyramid of the Sun is also planned.

He was welcomed there by Semir and Sabina Osmanagić.
This is the third visit of the Serbian tennis player in Visoko, hosted by Semir Osmanagić, the founder of the "Archaeological Park - Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun" Foundation.

We remind you that Đoković landed at the Sarajevo Airport a little over an hour ago, from where he immediately headed to Visoko

"Avaz" on the spot: Novak Đoković, accompanied by his wife and children, went on a tour of the pyramids

In al-Thawra hospital in the disputed Yemeni city of Taiz, a nurse with no face mask or protective gear inoculates the few people who have shown interest in the COVID-19 vaccine.

She picks an AstraZeneca (AZN.L) vial from a cooler box, warms it with her hands and invokes the name of god before injecting the shot into a man's left arm.
Yemen has received 360,000 doses from the global COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme, yet many Yemenis seem reluctant to get inoculated on religious grounds, due to distrust of the vaccine, or because of the dangers of war. read more
-We have received 70,000 doses in Taiz and we started the vaccination campaign on April 21- Rajeh al-Maliki, head of Yemen's health ministry in Taiz.
-We can fairly say that there is very little interest ... we have distributed around 500 shots since we started, it is less than we expected- Maliki said.
There has been a dramatic spike in infections in Yemen this year, straining a health system already battered by war, economic collapse and a shortfall in aid funding.

The Iranian-aligned Houthi movement, which controls most of northern Yemen and parts of Taiz, has been battling the Saudi-backed government since 2014. Tens of thousands have been killed and millions rely on aid to survive.

Maliki and other doctors said many Yemenis, including medical staff, believe the vaccine would break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Checkpoints and snipers in the heavily militarised city make it impossible for many residents to reach hospitals, they said.
People living in Houthi-controlled neighbourhoods have to travel around 50 km (30 miles) to avoid front lines and reach the main government-controlled hospital.
-I got infected by coronavirus, I took natural herbs and spices that our ancestors used. I was well again- said Ali Abdou, a 55-year-old Taiz resident.
-We work very hard with our bodies and it gives us strong immunity, one of us dies only when his time has come. Those rare diseases only affect the rich and we are not among them- Abdou said.
Mohammed Muthana, another resident, said he will wait until officials and doctors take the vaccine before he can trust it.
In al-Thawra hospital, doctor Sarah Damaj has been trying to convince Yemenis the vaccine is safe and does not break the fast.
-People are afraid because there is a lot of misinformation out there, especially on social media- she said.

Many Yemenis, including medical staff, believe the vaccine would break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan

A man receives the AstraZeneca vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at a medical center in Taiz, Yemen April 23, 2021.

War and doubts slow COVID-19 vaccination in disputed Yemen city

Two Cuban COVID-19 vaccines are in solid progress to be available in summer, Dr. Rolando Perez Rodriguez, director of Science and Innovation at the Cuban Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Group (BioCubaFarma), told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;Boasting one of the highest ratios in the world in terms of doctor density, 8.2 per 1,000 people according to the World Bank, Cuba has stood out as one of the most capable countries in the world to fight the coronavirus pandemic with only 664 reported deaths so far and slightly over 108,000 infections.
The US state of Florida alone, which is a stone’s throw from the Caribbean nation, has registered over 35,000 deaths, according to Maryland's Johns Hopkins University. Overall US infections have surpassed 32.4 million and fatalities have rapidly climbed to over 577,000.
Dr. Rodriguez said Cuba has decided to develop its own vaccine candidates to immunize all of its population, based on the capacities of the national biotech industry. He shared that the "immunization program will cover, stepwise, risk and vulnerable groups, adults, and finally pediatric population."
Two vaccine candidates – Soberana 02 and Abdala – are now in Phase III clinical trials, Rodriguez said, with ''efficacy data expected by June."
-However, positive safety and immunogenicity data from these vaccine candidates have been obtained in previous clinical trials- he added.
He said Cuba plans to complete vaccination of all its people, against all odds, before the end of this year, and drew attention to "a shortage worldwide for available supplies of raw materials and primary packaging material for the pharmaceutical industry."
-This situation is even worse in Cuba due to the economic and financial embargo imposed by USA against our country for several decades, which has been reinforced during the last years, even during the situation of sanitary emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic-' he complained.
In February 1962, US President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba, "in response to certain actions taken by the Cuban Government," and directed the departments of commerce and the treasury to implement the embargo, which controversially remains in place to date.

<h2>Traditional vaccines vs novel ones</h2>

Dr. Rodriguez said traditional vaccine has a proven safety through a long term experience of medical use, but ''vaccines based on novel platform technologies are obtaining good results so far'' and can be developed and introduced in the market in shorter time.

-It is an issue of risk and benefit- said the director at patent-rich BioCubaFarma, a holding company that manages and coordinates national efforts in the biopharma sector to produce medicines and medical equipment, with 34 companies under it and more than 20,000 employees.
With regards to the vaccination of pediatric population, he said they are expecting approval of the Cuban Regulatory Agency to start clinical trials in school age children in order to confirm vaccine candidates' safety before a massive vaccination drive.
Once emergency use authorization of the COVID-19 vaccines is granted, Cuba will quickly immunize all of its population, Rodriguez concluded.

Soberana 02, Abdala in Phase III clinical trials, efficacy data expected by June

The immunization program will cover, stepwise, risk and vulnerable groups, adults, and finally pediatric population

Cuba's 2 COVID-19 vaccines might be ready in summer

German authorities have uncovered one of the largest child porn platforms in the darknet with four people arrested in the case, the Federal Criminal Office (BKA) said on Monday in the southwestern city of Wiesbaden.

Three German men are accused of having operated the “Boystown” platform as administrators.
Meanwhile, another German suspect is said to have been one of the most active users of the portal which had more than 400,000 members and to have posted more than 3,500 posts.
German authorities arrested the suspects in mid-April and they have been in custody since.
Prior to the arrests, investigators from the BKA and the Frankfurt Public Prosecutor's Office searched also seven addresses in three German states -- North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Hamburg.
At the same time, another suspected gang member was arrested in Paraguay following a request by German law enforcement authorities, the BKA said.

4 suspects arrested in connection with case, authorities say

Three German men are accused of having operated the “Boystown” platform as administrators

German police smash child porn ring on darknet

A former French soldier, who has admitted killing an eight-year-old girl in a case that shook the country nearly four years ago, appeared in court Monday on charges he also beat a man to death just a few months before.

Nordahl Lelandais, 38, was brought from prison to the courthouse in Chambery, a town in the French Alps where the victim, another soldier, was last seen after leaving a nightclub.
He has admitted to killing Corporal Arthur Noyer in the early hours of April 12, 2017, after picking him up as he hitchhiked.
Lelandais has also confessed to killing eight-year-old Maelys de Araujo in August 2017, in a case that horrified France and which is set to go to trial next year.
He has insisted both deaths were accidental but his confessions prompted the reopening of investigations into dozens of other killings to see if he was linked to these unsolved cases. 
More than 100 journalists watched as he entered under heavy police escort, wearing a face mask and a dark cap pulled low over his eyes.
Lelandais told police that a fight broke out with Noyer after they stopped at a parking spot, which he claims Noyer started, but Lelandais said he did not intend to kill him.
But prosecutors say he later put the victim's unconscious body in the trunk of his car and drove it some 20 kilometres (12 miles) away before dumping it on the side of a road.
They have charged him with voluntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Investigators only linked Lelandais to Noyer's death after he was arrested over the murder of Maelys, who vanished in the early hours of August 27, 2017, while attending a wedding near Chambery with her parents.
Police searched for months for the girl before arresting Lelandais, who was also a guest at the wedding, and he finally led them to her remains in February 2018 after traces of her blood were found in his car.
The two cases sparked fears that Lelandais could be involved in dozens of other unsolved disappearances in the region, and reopened several cases after reviewing his background and movements over several years.
Despite three years of inquiries, however, and psychiatric exams that have revealed signs of Lelandais's "pathological lying," no evidence has emerged to link Lelandais to other cases.
The trial over Noyer's killing is set to run until May 12, while his trial over Maelys's death is expected next year.

Nordahl Lelandais, 38, was brought from prison to the courthouse in Chambery, a town in the French Alps where the victim, another soldier, was last seen after leaving a nightclub

Nordahl Lelandais (L) arrives escorted by French prison administration (administration penitentiaire) officers at the courthouse of the French Alps city of Chambery on May 3, 2021, on the first day of his trial for the murder of French army Corporal Arthur Noyer in 2017.

Frenchman accused of child's murder goes on trial for second killing

Pakistan has closed land crossings with Iran and Afghanistan for travellers and slashed international flights as the government warned of a "critical" few weeks ahead in the battle against COVID-19.

The border restrictions were announced Sunday as the country prepared to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which usually sees the mass movement of people between cities and villages as well as the return of migrant workers and overseas Pakistanis for celebrations.
Pakistani officials have anxiously watched the coronavirus crisis unfolding in neighbouring India.
The Civil Aviation Authority said Saturday that from Wednesday, 80 percent of flights would be suspended for two weeks, mainly from the Middle East, until mid-May when the Eid holidays are over.
Foot crossings with Iran and Afghanistan would also be sealed, the country's coronavirus task force said, adding that trade would be exempt.
Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new cases a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions.
Impoverished Pakistan is struggling to contain a third wave of infections, with more than 800,000 cases and 18,000 deaths declared.
Only a small fraction of its 220 million population has been vaccinated.
Planning minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak, said the next two weeks are "critical", as health authorities rushed to increase intensive care capacity.
Last year, Pakistan saw a spike in cases following Ramadan and Eid. 
Mosques have remained open throughout the month of Ramadan, with few adhering to social distancing guidelines during huge nightly gatherings of worshippers.
Private gatherings, shops and restaurants have faced tight restrictions, with the army mobilised to help enforce rules.
The government has also announced a ban on travel between provinces for more than a week over Eid and imposed closures on hotels and tourist spots.

The border restrictions were announced Sunday as the country prepared to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr

Pakistani soldiers stand guard as UN military observers pass by near the de facto border between India and Pakistan, on April 26, 2021.

Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has extended the custody of Hasan Dupovac and Zijad Mutap, suspected of organized crime and aiding and abetting the perpetrator in the "Dženan Memić" case, for the next two months.
The Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H requested that their detention be extended for three months because the investigation was extended to more people and because they are waiting for the expertise of the seized mobile phones.
Detention was proposed because of the danger that their release could obstruct the investigation, conceal evidence and influence witnesses or accomplices, as well as due to the special circumstances of the criminal offense due to which the stay of the suspects at large would cause disturbance to the citizens and the public.

The Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina has requested that their detention be extended by three months because the investigation has been extended to more people and because forensic examinations of confiscated mobile phones are pending

Detail from yesterday's session in the Court of B&H

"Dženan Memić" case: Mutap and Dupovac will stay in custody for another two months

The United States supports the key role of the High Representative in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the civilian aspect of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the US Embassy in B&amp;H told for "Avaz".
They added that Bosnia and Herzegovina must meet the specific criteria established by the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) in order to end international supervision.

<h2>The 5 + 2 criteria are complementary to B&H's path to the European Union</h2>

- The 5 + 2 criteria are complementary to B&amp;H's path to the European Union. Now is the time to focus again on meeting the set criteria. The transition of leadership is a normal part of the functioning of any institution and any future transition will be carried out in accordance with the conditions prescribed by law. A potential change in OHR leadership should not affect the mandate of the institution itself. Its purpose and goals remain the same - this includes 5 + 2 - they said.

They stressed that as a member of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, the United States would support the candidacy of Christian Schmidt.

- The real job facing all leaders of this country, at all levels of government, is to initiate a serious dialogue and implement reforms necessary to achieve B&amp;H's significant steps on the EU path, and ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for all citizens - they concluded.

The transition of the leadership is a normal part of the functioning of any institution and any future transition will be carried out in accordance with the legally prescribed conditions, the US Embassy in B&H said

The United States will support Christian Schmidt as a candidate for High Representative in B&H

Fahrudin Solak, director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration (FCPA), who was preventively suspended from his duty immediately after the "Respirators" affair appeared in public, continues to receive full pay.

The decision on the suspension from May 11th last year, signed by Prime Minister Fadil Novalić, who is also like Solak accused for the purchase of 100 respirators at a price of 10.5 million KM, then stated that Solak would receive a regular salary.
This remained the same, almost a year since the suspension because the decision is still in effect.
This information was confirmed today for "Avaz" from FCPA, and as it was explained to us, according to the Civil Service Act, Solak is entitled to a full salary.
- In accordance with the provisions of the Law on Civil Service in the Federation of B&amp;H and the Decision of the Government of the Federation of B&amp;H, it is defined that the suspended director Fahrudin Solak receives the full amount of salary during the preventive suspension - said Sanita Alagić, Assistant Director Sector for Accounting and Finance procurement and storage.

This means that the accused Solak, who is charged with damaging the B&amp;H budget for all this time, still, if he does not work, receives almost 3,000 KM salary per month.
Namely, the salary of the directors of the federal administrations during this, but also in the past years, without a hot meal, contributions, past work and other compensations, amounted to more than 2,000 KM. With all fees, that amount ranges up to 2,500, or up to 3,000 KM, depending on the length of service.
These data proves that Solak, although suspended and accused of one of the biggest corruption scandals in the country, has so far "earned" more than 40,000 KM.

The administrative commission of the Government, we remind you, rejected last year the request of Solak, who asked for financial compensation for the injury after falling from the motorcycle. Namely, Solak demanded help from the budget, which does not have the character of a salary for the injury he got after falling from a motorcycle in April last year. He requested about 1,870 KM.

The decision on the suspension of May 11 last year, signed by Prime Minister Fadil Novalić, who is also like Solak accused, stated that he would receive a regular salary

Signed by Novalić: Fahrudin Solak, although accused, receives full director's salary for a year

Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ankica Gudeljević said today that the COVAX mechanism has announced that the first contingent of COVID-19 vaccines is expected on Tuesday.
 
-The first delivery should arrive in B&amp;H on Tuesday, and for other deliveries we have the dates of May 7, 9 and 15. It is difficult to say in advance and with certainty because everything depends on the organization of transport- Gudeljević added.
As for the so-called covid passports, Gudeljević said that B&amp;H had asked the EU for a draft proposal and the necessary information about the document, which they plan to introduce, if there is harmonization within the EU, so that B&amp;H can prepare in a timely manner.
-According to previous information, the passport should be a kind of ID card, which would contain, via a chip or bar code, information about the person, whether a person was infected with coronavirus, whether he/she was vaccinated and when, or whether he/she has a PCR or antigen test for coronavirus- added Gudeljević.

For other deliveries they have the dates of May 7, 9 and 15

Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Ankica Gudeljević

Gudeljević: We expect a contingent of vaccines from Covax mechanism on Tuesday

French cafes, restaurants, cinemas and other cultural venues and businesses that have been closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic will reopen in several stages from May 19, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday.

Museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls will reopen on May 19, along with non-essential shops and outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants, Macron told regional French newspapers in a highly-anticipated announcement.
Cafes and restaurants will have to wait until June 9, however, to be allowed to serve clients indoors, he added.
Macron also gave a timetable for lifting an unpopular night-time curfew which has turned French cities into ghost towns after 7:00 PM.
He said that the curfew would be progressively eased -- to 9:00 pm on May 19 and 11:00 pm on June 9 -- before being fully lifted on June 30.
France is nearing the end of a third national lockdown imposed to try and tame a severe third wave of infections.
A further 324 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number killed by the pandemic to 103,947. 
The number of new cases reported daily has fallen in the past month, from around 40,000 to 27,000 on average over the past week.

Some restrictions have already been relaxed in recent days. 

Primary schools reopened on Monday after a three-week shutdown, with secondary schools to follow suit next week, when restrictions on travel around the country will also be lifted.
But the French had been particularly anxious to know when the cafes and museums, which have been closed since October 30, would reopen.
Macron said it was time to start "resuming our French-style way of life", citing the need for "conviviality", culture and sport. 
But people needed to remain "careful and responsible", he said. 
The centrist president, who is expected to seek re-election next year, drew strong criticism for rejecting calls by medical experts for a third national lockdown in late January when the caseload was already stubbornly high.
Two months later he relented, but the third confinement period has been more relaxed than the previous two.
In the interview with regional media he defended his handling of the health crisis.
-We were enlightened by science and took the decision to prioritise the human aspect above all- he said.
But some health experts had warned against lifting restrictions on gatherings too soon, fearing the gains of recent weeks could be reversed. 
Catherine Hill, an epidemiologist at a Paris clinic, warned that a large-scale lifting of restrictions would be "absolutely unwise", noting that at 5,879, the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care remained higher than at the peak of the second wave in November.
The government is hoping that an accelerated vaccination drive will help keep the virus in check.
But only nine percent of the population have been fully immunised.

Macron also gave a timetable for lifting an unpopular night-time curfew which has turned French cities into ghost towns after 7:00 PM

Cafes and restaurants can serve outdoors from May 19

France to reopen cafes, bars, museums from May

Italy on Thursday tightened the rules on people arriving from coronavirus-hit India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while extending quarantine regulations for Europeans.

A devastating surge in cases of COVID-19 in India prompted Italy on Sunday to ban arrivals from the South Asian nation, although legal residents were allowed home subject to testing and quarantine.
Twenty-three people on a flight that landed in Rome from India late Wednesday tested positive for coronavirus, out of 213 passengers and 10 crew, regional authorities announced.
Under new rules announced Thursday by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, however, only Italian citizens are allowed in from India -- a rule extended to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The regulation also extends to May 15 the rules currently in place for arrivals from European countries, who must have a coronavirus test and self-isolate for five days.
Tests have not yet confirmed if those who tested positive on the Indian flight into Rome's Fiumicino airport Wednesday have the Indian variant of coronavirus, which is feared to be contributing to rapid spread of coronavirus there.
The variant has already been identified in Italy among a dozen other countries.
The daily death toll in India climbed above 3,600 on Thursday, deepening a crisis which has seen hospitals and crematoriums overwhelmed.

The regulation also extends to May 15 the rules currently in place for arrivals from European countries, who must have a coronavirus test and self-isolate for five days

A view of the Alitalia check-in counter at Fiumicino International Airport as talks between Italy and the European Commission over the revamp of Alitalia are due to enter a key phase, in Rome, Italy, April 15, 2021.

Italy tightens travel rules for India, Bangladesh

Bulgaria's foreign ministry said Thursday that it would expel a Russian diplomat, a day after prosecutors said they had established links between six Russian nationals and several past explosions at arms depots.

-The Bulgarian foreign ministry declared one more Russian diplomat persona non grata- the ministry said in a statement. 
It urged Russia to "fully cooperate" in its probes aimed at "discovering the perpetrators and bringing them to justice".
The EU member -- which used to boast close ties with Russia -- has expelled seven other Russian diplomats and another Russian embassy staff member since October 2019 over various spying and other accusations.
Bulgarian prosecutors said Wednesday they have established links between six Russian nationals who spent time in Bulgaria and four explosions at arms depots in the EU country between 2011 and 2020.
Moscow, in turn, accused Bulgarian officials of trying to outdo authorities in Prague who allege that Russian secret services were behind an explosion in the Czech Republic in 2014.
The Czech accusations sparked a wave of EU-Russia tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions.
Sofia says the four explosions may be linked to the one in the Czech Republic.
Moscow denies involvement in the 2014 blast.
-Bulgaria wishes to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship on an equal footing with Russia- Thursday's ministry statement said. 
It added that it "insists on effective cooperation from the part of Russia to elucidate the facts related to the incidents on our territory," adding that Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva had already met the Russian ambassador in Sofia.

This happened a day after prosecutors said they had established links between six Russian nationals and several past explosions at arms depots

Bulgarian prosecutors said Wednesday they have established links between six Russian nationals who spent time in Bulgaria and four explosions at arms depots in the EU country between 2011 and 2020.

Bulgaria says it will expel Russian diplomat

Acting on the order of the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, police officers of the State Investigation and Protection Agency - SIPA in cooperation with the Una-Sana Canton police, arrested two suspects in the area of Velika Kladuša, and found more than 20 illegal migrants, including children and minors, who will be handed over to the B&amp;H Service for Foreigners’ Affairs.
 
Persons deprived of liberty are suspected of providing accommodation and further illegal transport to Croatia and other European Union countries to members of the migrant population upon arrival in the USC area.
The persons under investigation are suspected of a criminal offense - organizing a group or association for smuggling migrants, as well as smuggling people.
The acting prosecutor was informed about the activities, and gave instructions to the police officers for further treatment of the suspects and undertaking further investigative actions, the Prosecutor's Office of B&amp;H announced.

They will be handed over to the B&H Service for Foreigners’ Affairs

The persons under investigation are suspected of a criminal offense - organizing a group or association for smuggling migrants, as well as smuggling people

SIPA arrests two people, more than 20 migrants found in the search

Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bosnia and Herzegovina Ji Ping handed over Chinese donation of 50,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines to B&amp;H Minister of Civil Affairs Ankica Gudeljević today.

These are Sinopharm vaccines that China has donated to the people of B&amp;H.
Ambassador Ping stated that China and B&amp;H have a traditional friendship, and that China donated these vaccines hoping it will help B&amp;H in the fight against the coronavirus.
He mentioned that mass vaccination is currently taking place in China, but despite the great demand for vaccines on the domestic market, they decided to give their contribution on a global level. He added that China has fulfilled the promise of the Chinese president that their vaccines will be a global public good.
Ambassador Ping added that Chinese vaccine manufacturers are in contact with relevant institutions in B&amp;H regarding the commercial procurement of vaccines.
-We are convinced that cooperation and solidarity are the only way to win over the virus. China will continue to support B&amp;H in the fight against the pandemic and provide assistance within its capabilities- Ambassador Ping added.
Minister Gudeljević expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that it is a message that B&amp;H is not alone in this situation.
-China has shown from the very beginning of the pandemic that is a true friend and has helped B&amp;H on several occasions- said Gudeljević.

Ambassador Ping stated that they have donated these vaccines hoping it will help B&H in the fight against the coronavirus

Ambassador Ping added that Chinese vaccine manufacturers are in contact with relevant institutions in B&H regarding the commercial procurement of vaccines

China's donation of COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Bosnia and Herzegovina

BioNTech said Thursday that it expected its COVID-19 vaccine, jointly developed with Pfizer, to be available to 12 to 15-year-olds in Europe from June.

The German firm's CEO Ugur Sahin told Der Spiegel weekly that it was "in the final stretches" of preparing its submission for European regulatory approval. 
The evaluation of the trial data "takes four to six weeks on average", he added.
Vaccinating children is seen as a crucial next step toward herd immunity and ending the pandemic.
The prospect of getting older children inoculated before the next school year starts would also relieve the strain on parents who are juggling the demands of homeschooling while keeping up with jobs.
-It's very important to enable children a return to their normal school lives and allow them to meet with family and friends- Sahin told Spiegel.
Separately, German Health Minister Jens Spahn also voiced confidence that teens would be able to get their jabs in coming months.
-During the summer holidays at the latest, we will be able to vaccinate over 12-year-olds once the authorisation is there- he said. 
Germany's 16 states stagger their summer holidays, with the first regions to go on their break from June 21 this year, and the last to end their vacation on September 13.
BioNTech/Pfizer already applied for emergency US authorisation of their jab for 12 to 15-year-olds earlier this month.
Sahin expects to submit a similar request to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) next Wednesday, he told Spiegel.
The move comes after BioNTech and Pfizer in late March announced that phase 3 clinical trials of their vaccine for children aged 12-15 showed it was 100 percent effective in warding off the disease.
Both companies are also racing to get the jab approved for younger children, from six months upwards.
-In July, the first results for five to 12-year-olds could be available, and those for younger children in September- he said.
Ongoing trials so far are "very encouraging", Sahin said, suggesting that "children are very well protected by the vaccine".
The BioNTech/Pfizer shot is based on novel mRNA technology and was the first Covid-19 jab to be approved in the West late last year.

Vaccinating children is seen as a crucial next step toward herd immunity and ending the pandemic

The evaluation of the trial data "takes four to six weeks on average"

"Avaz" on the spot: Novak Đoković, accompanied by his wife and children, went on a tour of the pyramids

War and doubts slow COVID-19 vaccination in disputed Yemen city

Cuba's 2 COVID-19 vaccines might be ready in summer

German police smash child porn ring on darknet

Frenchman accused of child's murder goes on trial for second killing

Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar

"Dženan Memić" case: Mutap and Dupovac will stay in custody for another two months

The United States will support Christian Schmidt as a candidate for High Representative in B&H

Signed by Novalić: Fahrudin Solak, although accused, receives full director's salary for a year

Gudeljević: We expect a contingent of vaccines from Covax mechanism on Tuesday

France to reopen cafes, bars, museums from May

Italy tightens travel rules for India, Bangladesh

Bulgaria says it will expel Russian diplomat

SIPA arrests two people, more than 20 migrants found in the search

China's donation of COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Bosnia and Herzegovina

BioNTech eyes Covid vaccine for 12-15 year olds from June in EU

News

"Avaz" on the spot: Novak Đoković, accompanied by his wife and children, went on a tour of the pyramids

War and doubts slow COVID-19 vaccination in disputed Yemen city

Cuba's 2 COVID-19 vaccines might be ready in summer

German police smash child porn ring on darknet

Frenchman accused of child's murder goes on trial for second killing

Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar

"Dženan Memić" case: Mutap and Dupovac will stay in custody for another two months

The United States will support Christian Schmidt as a candidate for High Representative in B&H

Signed by Novalić: Fahrudin Solak, although accused, receives full director's salary for a year

Gudeljević: We expect a contingent of vaccines from Covax mechanism on Tuesday

France to reopen cafes, bars, museums from May

Italy tightens travel rules for India, Bangladesh

Bulgaria says it will expel Russian diplomat

SIPA arrests two people, more than 20 migrants found in the search

China's donation of COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Bosnia and Herzegovina

BioNTech eyes Covid vaccine for 12-15 year olds from June in EU