BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Rosner shocks champion INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-10, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 Qatari economy is Gawad to REGION 12 BUSINESS 1-8, 13-16 adjusting to impact 23,377.29 8,165.06 54.47 ARAB WORLD 12 CLASSIFIED 9-13 +28.55 -31.48 +0.32 INTERNATIONAL 13-25 SPORTS 1-8 of blockade: IMF enter quarters +0.12% -0.38% +0.59% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10624 November 1, 2017 Safar 12, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals PM meets Iranian envoy Qatar’s new In brief population QATAR | Reaction Qatar regrets Bahrain’s decision on entry visa for Qatari nationals Qatar’s Permanent Representative policy seeks to the UN Off ice in Geneva HE ambassador Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri expressed Qatar’s regret over Bahrain’s decision to impose entry visa on Qatari citizens, which reveals its persistence in severing ties of kinship between the to reduce Gulf families in contravention of the HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met yesterday with Iranian provisions and principles of the Islamic ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Ali Subhani. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of co-operation between the two religion. In a statement to Qatar News countries and prospects of their development, besides a number of issues of mutual interest. Agency, al-Mansouri said that these unprecedented measures in the Gulf states constitute a flagrant violation imbalance of the agreements and resolutions of the Gulf Co-operation Council. These he Permanent Population Com- nesses were identifi ed in the perform- measures are completely contrary to mittee (PPC) yesterday launched ance and implementation of the PPC to the statements of off icials of the siege Tthe 2017-2022 population policy improve its performance, he said. countries not to harm the Qatari citizen Innovative nutrition plan for Qatar, which seeks to “control the A successful implementation of the when taking any steps in the context of high rate of population growth and re- population policy work programme is this crisis, he added. duce the imbalance in the population concerned with close co-operation be- structure”. tween the committee, the ministries The initiative is being carried out and bodies involved in its implementa- AFRICA | Diplomacy for World Cup workers under the theme of ‘Towards Eff ective tion, as well as the co-operation of min- S Africa president meets Implementation of Qatar’s Population istries with each other in that regard and Qatar’s defence minister “ground-breaking” nutritional “The programme is really impor- might fi nd and then we’ll write a com- Policy, 2017-2022’. working with all partners in the spirit of programme launched by the Su- tant because it’s a further example of prehensive report describing the model The launch came during the com- teamwork, the minister said. South African President Jacob Zuma Apreme Committee for Delivery the SC’s commitment to the health, we have developed, which can be used mittee’s celebration of the 2017 Qatar The new policy is shaping the demo- met in Pretoria yesterday with Qatar’s & Legacy (SC) will help improve the safety, security and dignity of peo- by organisations in Qatar and across Population Day, which was attended graphic profi le of the future of Qatar in Minister of State for Defence Aff airs health of workers engaged in 2022 FIFA ple working and contributing to the the region.” by a number of ministers and offi cials the light of an ambitious development HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. World Cup projects, the SC has said. development of the World Cup,” said Dr Shahrad Taheri, assistant dean representing various organisations agenda for the political developments in Talks during the meeting dealt with In collaboration with Weill Cornell al-Thawadi. for Clinical Investigations at WCM- partnering in the implementation of the Gulf region, which emphasises the the bilateral relations and ways to Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), the SC “It’s an example of the unique and Q, said the project would signifi cantly the policy. They sought to discuss the priority of this agenda, he clarifi ed. enhance co-operation in the defence recently carried out health checks on innovative approaches to matters that boost knowledge of migrant workers’ most eff ective ways to implement the Meanwhile, HE the Minister of Ad- and military fields and open up new 1,000 workers. are pressing globally when it comes health issues. new population policy programme in ministrative Development, Labour and horizons of military co-operation The results will be assessed before to worker welfare. This is also the fi rst “It’s very important to give back to all its aspects, especially with regard to Social Aff airs Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuai- between the two countries. They also recommendations are made to con- project of its type in the GCC.” the workers who are contributing to population rise, labour force and urban mi said the population policy would have discussed the possibility of exchanging tractors and catering suppliers to im- Dr Javaid I Sheikh, dean of WCM- the country’s infrastructure,” said Dr growth, according to the offi cial Qatar a positive impact on demographics and military expertise and training courses prove workers’ health, according to a Q, outlined the benefi ts of the pro- Taheri. “Additionally, having a good, News Agency (QNA). reduce its negative consequences. to serve the common interests of report on sc.qa. gramme, saying: “The SC approached healthy workforce will allow them to HE the Minister of Development Plan- Asr Toson, resident representative the two friendly countries, as well as SC secretary-general Hassan al- us and said they really wanted to make perform better at work. ning and Statistics and PPC chairman of the United Nations Population Fund the possibility of investing the Qatari Thawadi said the project highlighted sure that the welfare and health of mi- Hopefully, what we learn from 1,000 Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al-Nabit said (UNFPA)’s sub-regional offi ce for GCC armed forces in the “Denel” group for Qatar’s commitment to protecting grant workers was a major priority for workers will give us a lot of clues as to the population policy focuses on manag- states, said Qatar’s interest in the popu- military manufacturing. Their talks also workers engaged in FIFA World Cup them. We will make very specifi c rec- how to improve things in terms of their ing rapid population growth rates, ad- lation issue as the centre of development touched on the current situation in the projects. ommendations to fi x any issues we nutrition and health.” dressing its repercussions, the implica- and its tools was translated into Qatar’s Gulf region and its impact on all parties tions of the imbalance in the population population policy for 2017-2022. without exception, and the eff orts of structure, and the gradual and steady The population policy developed in the two countries in the fight against 8 killed, many hurt orientation towards a knowledge-based a participatory manner among all gov- terrorism and extremism. economy as affi rmed by Qatar National ernment as well as semi-government in NY ‘terror’ attack Vision 2030 and development strategies, and private institutions concerned, and British social media users leading to the restructuring of the labour in co-operation with UNFPA, was based QATAR | Motoring Several people are dead and numerous market towards more skilled and pro- on a series of specialised studies and Fuel prices go people are injured after a vehicle drove ductive employment. analyses by a number of experts, min- irked at anti-Qatar ad blitz onto a bike path and then hit another Qatar’s population policy for 2017- isterial committees, consultations and up this month car in Manhattan yesterday afternoon, 2022, which was launched after the meetings between partners. Fuel prices will go up in Qatar this the New York Police Department said. approval of the Cabinet at its ordinary The pillars of the new policy covered month, Qatar Petroleum announced ritish social media users have this constantly being promoted on my A driver struck multiple people on the meeting No 21 of 2017, is in line with the a number of important topics, includ- yesterday. QP said the price of complained about propagandist timeline?” while another said: “please bike path and continued driving before second National Development Strategy ing the dynamics of the population 95-octane super gasoline (petrol) will Banti-Qatar advertisements and take this Saudi-sponsored propaganda crashing into another vehicle . 2017-2022 that will be launched soon, and the labour force, orientation to- be QR1.75 a litre in November compared messages on Twitter, according to the off my timeline”. Another user said: “I The driver then got out of the vehicle he stressed, adding that the launch of wards a knowledge economy, educa- with QR1.70 in October. The price of RT UK news channel. wonder whose petrodollars are fund- holding imitation firearms and was shot the second population policy is the re- tion and training, human resources de- premium petrol (91-octane) will go up Behind the propaganda videos are ing this crude propaganda campaign at by the New York police, the NYPD sult of two years of eff orts aimed at a velopment, public health, reproductive to QR1.65 a litre from QR1.60 last month. accounts with names that clearly re- against Qatar?” wrote on Twitter. comprehensive evaluation of the fi rst health, as well as the environment and Diesel will cost Dh10 more at QR1.65 a fl ect their hate-fi lled agenda against Questions have also been raised on According to local media, at least eight policy and reconsidering the goals, ob- sustainable development issues. litre. Fuel prices in Qatar were allowed Qatar, and many ordinary Twitter users Twitter’s policy on hate speech. Given people were killed in the incident. jectives and procedures of population In the past two years, Qatar has played to fluctuate in response to changes in have expressed their displeasure at be- how widely the videos are being pushed Two nearby schools are reportedly on policy, taking into account the econom- a prominent regional role in pushing the global market from May 2016. The ing ‘bombarded’ with such videos and on news feeds, there is little doubt this lockdown. Police said they had one ic and demographic developments wit- population issues to the forefront of monthly revision in local fuel prices messages, RT UK said. is a paid-for campaign, the report said, person in custody and that there were nessed by Qatar during the past period. development priorities at the level of followed the government’s decision on Referring to the propaganda, one though it’s not clear how much money no “outstanding” suspects but the Throughout the evaluation of the the country and the Arab region, Toson fuel subsidy reforms in Qatar. user asked Twitter Support “why is has been paid. investigation is ongoing. population policy, strengths and weak- added. Page 5 Italian premier’s visit to focus on economic co-operation

By Joey Aguilar Emir to meet Italian PM today last year, a signifi cant increase com- Staff Reporter pared to the previous years. His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet at the Emiri Diwan GULF TIMES “We are proud to promote Italy as today with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who will arrive in Doha on an off icial visit. a favourite destination for the Qatari families. For sure, tourists will be the he visit of Italian Prime Minister The Emir and the Italian prime minister will discuss aspects of co-operation between the EXCLUSIVE Paolo Gentiloni to Qatar today two countries and ways to develop them in various fields. (QNA) most passionate ambassadors of Italy Twill focus on enhancing the eco- once they’re back home.” nomic and commercial co-operation Salzano also aims to increase the between the two countries, Italian am- Middle East region will also be dis- volume in 2016 accounted for nearly tion projects are developed by Italian number of Italian tourists to Qatar bassador Pasquale Salzano has said. cussed. €2bn and the fi rst seven months of this teams,” the envoy said. “More than 50 to further strengthen “the bilateral Plans to establish the fi rst Italian According to Salzano, Qatar and year witnessed an increase by 21%. Italian companies are based in Qatar bonds” between the two countries. school and a school of Italian design Italy built a growing friendship based “This is a further sign of the while preparations for the World Cup “During my fi rst visits to the cul- and fashion in Qatar are also on the ta- on increasing mutual trade, fl ourishing strengthening of our relations. Indus- will involve an increasing number of tural landmarks of the beautiful city of ble, the envoy told Gulf Times. investments and a strong co-operation trial equipment, mechanical tools, fur- contractors.” Doha, I’ve been impressed by the vision “Our prime minister’s visit will fur- on political and security issues. niture, cars, fashion products are the Salzano is also looking forward to of a country looking at the future while ther reinforce our bilateral relations. In Some of the leading Italian compa- most prominent components of our working with the Qatari authorities maintaining its roots and traditions,” he the last three months we welcomed to nies are contributing to the vision of exports to Qatar,” Salzano said. to share best practices on the institu- pointed out. Qatar the visits of three Italian minis- the Qatari leadership for the develop- Some of the leading Italian compa- tional support to the small and medium “This powerful combination is ters: our minister of foreign aff airs in ment of the country while major in- nies are involved in the construction enterprises (SME) sector. He said Italy unique in the Middle East and the Gulf. August, minister of infrastructures and vestments from Qatar are feeding the of the Doha Metro and other major hosts the largest number of SMEs in Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano. Thanks to the daily connections pro- transport in September and minister of key industrial sectors in Italy, he said. projects, he noted. Europe with more than 220,000 com- vided by Qatar Airways with Rome, Mi- defence in October,” Salzano said. “Italy and Qatar share common goals “Highways and roads are being de- panies regularly exporting. The envoy contribute to economic growth. lan, Pisa and Venice, the tourist fl ows in He stressed that common challenges to ensure prosperity and security in the signed and built by Italian profession- described the Italian business model as In tourism, he noted that the number both directions will keep on growing,” to security in the Mediterranean and region.” The two countries’ total trade als, new ambitious urban transforma- an excellent example of how SMEs may of Qatari tourists to Italy grew by 60% the envoy said. Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 QATAR

PM meets UN chief’s humanitarian envoy

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday met UN Secretary-General’s Humanitarian Envoy, Dr Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Muraikhi. The Prime Minister reiterated to the UN envoy Qatar’s commitment to supporting UN’s eff orts in the field of humanitarian aid, particularly in conflict zones. The UN chief’s humanitarian envoy expressed his thanks and appreciation for Qatar’s support to the United Nations in assisting needy countries and its pledge for the Rohingya refugees during the conference that took place in Geneva earlier this month. Italy increases student visas for Qataris by 50%

By Joey Aguilar said that Italy also off ers of cultural events, concerts, that the Mena region will be Staff Reporter courses in archaeology, his- exhibitions and cooking the focus of their promo- tory, music, political sci- shows across Qatar. tional activity through the ence, and fashion and de- “We are working with re- programme “Italia, Culture, he Italian embassy in sign. nowned chefs to bring them Mediterraneo”. It is a pro- Doha has increased “Our ambition would be to Qatar during the week, to gramme of cultural and sci- Tby 50% the number to establish a school of Ital- have cooking lessons and entifi c initiatives and events of student visas for Qataris ian design and fashion here special dinners in a network aimed at promoting cultural aimed at supporting the in Doha,” Salzano said, add- of partner restaurants,” he co-operation as a tool of country’s vision to invest ing that such move will fur- said. dialogue and mutual under- in education and human ther strengthen the bilateral The embassy wants to standing among people. development, it was an- co-operation between the present the idea of “Vivere Italy is also taking part nounced. two countries in the fi eld of all’italiana”, the Italian way for the fi rst time in the Heya “Italy off ers the most education and culture and to a healthy lifestyle: eating Fashion Show, starting on qualifi ed academic options arts. well, keeping fi t and staying November 3. The embassy for the young Qatari talents He also lauded Qatar’s healthy. will bring Italian stylists and 927 university courses eff orts in hosting what he “We will do this through and fashion designers to the entirely taught in English, described as “impressive dedicated seminars and event, not only to exhibit ranging from engineering number of cultural events” workshop with world re- their products, but to take to economics, from archi- regularly, thanks to its mul- nowned experts coming part in workshops and fash- tecture to medicine, and ticultural community. from Italy who will present ion shows. from law to humanitarian According Salzano, prep- and discuss in interactive “This is to further en- studies,” Italian ambassador arations are underway for sessions the benefi ts of an hance the potential co- Pasquale Salzano told Gulf the “Italian Week” in Qatar healthy lifestyle,” the envoy operation between Italian Times. from November 20 to 26, said. fashion and local designers,” In addition, the envoy which will feature a series In 2018, he pointed out Salzano added.

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 QATAR Minister meets Lankan PM Ministry of economy, customs authority sign accord on IPR

QNA Doha

he Ministry of Econ- omy and Commerce Tand General Authori- Sri Lankan Prime Minister and Minister of National Policies and Economic Aff airs ty of Customs (GAC) yester- Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday met HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce, day signed a memorandum Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, and the delegation of understanding (MoU) in accompanying him, on the sidelines of the meeting of the Qatari-Sri Lankan joint the fi eld of trademarks and committee on economic, commercial and technical co-operation, in Colombo. The protection of intellectual meeting reviewed aspects of co-operation, particularly in the fields of economy, property rights (IPR). commerce and investment, and means of developing them. The volume of trade The MoU aims to spread exchange between Qatar and Sri Lanka amounted to QR223mn in 2016. Nearly the culture of protecting 210 Sri Lankan companies operate in Qatar with a joint Qatari-Sri Lankan capital of intellectual property rights, around QR45.5mn. develop customs services electronically, and con- tribute to supporting the national economy by com- Military Police holds graduation ceremony bating illegal commercial practices. The Military Police command celebrated Mohamed al-Mannai, commander of the The MoU was signed by Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Aff airs at the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Yahya bin Saeed al-Nuaimi, and yesterday the graduation of the 86th Military Police School, delivered a speech in Assistant Undersecretary GAC Assistant Chairman Ahmed bin Issa al-Muhannadi, exchange documents after signing the MoU yesterday. newcomers’ foundational course for a which he highlighted the prominent role the for Commercial Aff airs at number of its recruits under the theme school plays in raising the eff iciency of the the Ministry of Economy graphical indications. The ministry’s keenness to fol- The MoU includes ing programs in the fi eld of “Military Police Duties in Peace and War.” military police recruits and providing them and Commerce, Yahya bin Ministry also has a database low global standards in the achieving an electronic link protection of intellectual The ceremony was held under the with theoretical and practical knowledge Saeed al-Nuaimi, and GAC of protected intellectual fi eld of intellectual prop- between the ministry and property rights as well as patronage of HE the Minister of State for about their duties in peace and war. Assistant Chairman Ahmed property rights. erty rights protection and the authority and enable to exchange information on Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al- Major al-Mannai said the 86th foundational bin Issa al-Muhannadi, at Al-Nuaimi said the MoU providing a comprehensive GAC’s employees to access the registered trademarks Attiyah and in the presence of Military Police course, which began on September 17, the authority’s headquar- complements the national technical electronic system the registered trademarks and the methods of identi- Commander Brigadier General Mohammad lasted six weeks and saw the enrolment of ters. role the Ministry of Econ- of high quality and enable in aim to verify the trade- fying their authenticity. Meshi Al Ahbabi. 20 individuals who successfully completed The GAC implements omy and Commerce and trademark owners. marks of the imported goods The GAC works on pro- During the ceremony, Major Faisal their training. measures at ports to pro- the GAC plays a key role in Al-Muhannadi said the whether they are registered viding the best electronic tect intellectual property supporting the economy MoU comes as part of the and whether or not they are services related to custom rights from piracy in com- and devises all the methods GAC and the ministry’s protected. clearance and the protec- pliance with international and mechanisms that help awareness to the need to The MoU also enables tion of intellectual property conventions and related its protection and develop- co-operate in the areas re- the ministry’s employees to rights for the diff erent sec- legislation, in addition to ment. lated to intellectual property overlook the seized goods’ tors in Qatar as it is an eco- taking the required steps to Al-Nuaimi added that rights protection, and in full cases that involve imitation nomic and security entity combat commercial fraud the MoU is in keeping with belief that joint work will be or forgery of registered and that aims to support the na- and counterfeiting in co- the ministry’s continu- more eff ective. protected trademarks in ad- tional and global economy. ordination with specialised ous eff orts to develop the Al-Muhannadi added dition to pre-coordination The GAC also facilitates entities. protection of intellectual the GAC is keen to take all with regards to meetings, international trade opera- On the other hand, the rights and promoting it and the measures at ports cus- international and regional tions and encourages in- Ministry of Economy and achieving the desired ben- toms to protect intellectual seminars related to the topic vestment through easing Commerce (MEC) specialis- efi t. And the MoU is consid- property rights from piracy of the MoU. the customs procedures and es in applying the legislation ered a continuation to the according to global conven- According to the MoU, reduces commercial fraud, related to the registration ministry’s eff orts to take re- tions and related legislation. the minister will periodi- which requires the electron- and protection of intellec- quired measures to combat It is also keen to take re- cally extend the GAC elec- ic link between the diff erent tual property rights in the commercial fraud and coun- quired measures to fi ght tronically with the data of related governmental enti- country, including trade- terfeiting in co-ordination commercial fraud and coun- registered trademarks, it ties in the country to acti- marks, data, trade names, with specialised entities. terfeit in co-ordination with will also provide the author- vate the electronic services industrial designs and geo- Al-Nuaimi reaffi rmed the specialised entities. ity’s employees with train- in the best way possible. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 5 QATAR New population policy will have ‘positive impact on demographics’

QNA to move towards the desired fu- Doha ture and face the current obsta- cles, HE al-Nuaimi added. The minister said Qatar gives he population policy of great attention to the popula- Qatar 2017-2022, which tion policy strategy due to its Twas launched yesterday, belief that the human factor is a will have a positive impact on cornerstone in the national sus- the demographics and reduce tainable development plans that its negative consequences, HE comply with Qatar National Vi- the Minister of Administrative sion (QNV) 2030, which was the Development, Labour and Social basis on which the population Aff airs, Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- policy of the State was built. Nuaimi, has said. HE al-Nuaimi explained that Speaking during the celebra- one of the fi ve main obstacles tion of Qatar Population Day, that the QNV is dealing with, is HE al-Nuaimi said all the min- balancing between development istries, institutions and entities path and the volume and quality in the country are doing their best to co-ordinate with the HE the Minister of HE the Minister of Development Permanent Population Commit- Administrative Development, Planning and Statistics Dr Saleh tees’ technical offi ce to achieve a Labour and Social Aff airs, Dr Issa Mohamed Salem al-Nabit balance between the population Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi speaking speaking on the occasion of growth and the requirements of on the occasion of Qatar Qatar Population Day sustainable development, which Population Day yesterday. yesterday. in turn guarantees decent life for the residents of Qatar, increases of expatriate workers, revealing HE al-Nuaimi said that their capabilities and expands that rapid population growth is through the national strategy, HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs, Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi and HE the Minister of Development their choices, and increases the mainly due to the continuous the government was able to set Planning and Statistics Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al-Nabit attending an event to mark Qatar Population Day. PICTURES: Anas Khalid participation levels in the devel- increase in the expatriate labour the required plans and pro- opment of the Qatari society. force associated with rapid eco- grammes for the population skilled labour whilst concen- country’s demographics. males and females, the age gap, tion of an environment condu- The minister said the Minis- nomic growth in the State. policy in the State and to prosper trating on national labour. He Addressing a news conference and other things that require cive to creativity, innovation try of Administrative Develop- HE the minister of adminis- the Qatari national to achieve the noted that the population policy, held yesterday on the occasion gradual reform that adjusts the and achievement is a vital issue ment, Labour and Social Aff airs trative development, labour and optimal goals that Qatar aims for which complements the national Qatar Population Day, the min- new demographics. for Qatar which may take some is working on implementing a social aff airs said the State of progress, prosperity and achiev- development strategy, will sup- ister said that the last period was The Minister underlined that time, but the steps taken so far number of initiatives that aim Qatar is witnessing an impor- ing the welfare of the citizen. port national eff orts towards a stage of economic develop- the launch of the new popula- are very important. to develop the national human tant phase in its history refl ected HE the minister said the State is forming the required highly- ment in which Qatar focused on tion policy represents a mile- The minister noted that the re- capacities and give the required in its continuous path towards aware of the size of obstacles that skilled national labour force, in the processing of infrastructure stone in the process of the duction of the steady population importance to the youth, who are achieving comprehensive and face the achievement of the goals addition to attracting the suita- and the construction sector. Permanent Population Com- increase was a great challenge to the state’s pillar and foundation sustainable development, con- and aims of the populations policy ble expatriate labour, protecting The dependence during this mittee, explaining that the overcome in light of the State’s for its future, by providing them fi rmed by the international and and the diffi culty of maintaining their rights and ensuring their stage was on unskilled labour, new policy will be more com- major shift in the path of devel- with the necessary skills, expe- regional reports on human de- high development on one hand, safety, and preserving those with which constituted a high per- prehensive, easier to apply and opment and seeking to achieve rience, motivation and career velopment and the economic and managing population growth, outstanding skills. centage of the labour force in the more relevant to the evolving important development gains that path. This, in turn, guarantees growth rates of the country. maintaining social balance and Meanwhile, HE the Minister country compared to skilled la- development needs, and that require more employment. How- the youth’s effi cient involvement He explained that what Qatar stability and achieving the target of Development Planning and bour, which has produced some the resources and investments ever, the minister said that the in the labour market, increases is witnessing at this time is an composition of labour market on Statistics Dr Saleh Mohamed kind of imbalance in the demo- accumulated in human capi- increase in population has seen a productivity levels, focuses on important demographic turn- the other hand. Salem al-Nabit said that the graphics that the new policy will tal represent the fundamental decreasing rate since the begin- turning into a knowledge-based ing point for the future through The minister said the large population policy of the State of address in the coming period, value of many societies. ning of last year, making it some- society to develop research and a shift towards a knowledge- demand for labour will shift Qatar (2017-2022) gives priority along with other imbalances, in- He added that the accumula- what close to the natural increase innovation as a basic foundation based economy. towards dependency on high- to address the imbalances in the cluding the diff erence between tion of knowledge and the crea- of the population. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 QATAR Minister meets UN delegation Cultural show to mark Korean National Day on November 13

By Joey Aguilar fi rst time that a b-boy grand another gig titled ‘With You.’ legitimacy,” the embassy said. Staff Reporter slam has been achieved in 40 Spectators will also see the “By holding demonstration years of b-boy history,” the Jinjo Crew performing ‘Tah,’ an performances, regularly and as embassy said. award-winning traditional Ko- a tourism product, we are de- he South Korean embassy In 2014, the group won the rean music, which bagged the termined to making Taekwondo in Doha will organise a ministerial prize from the Min- fi rst place in R16 Korea, one of as the number one contests of Tcultural show dubbed as istry of Culture, Sports and the fi ve major b-boy/urban arts cultural tourism in Korea as well ‘The Rhythm of Korea’ at the Tourism at the Korea Hiphop contests in the world. They won as promoting Taekwondo and Katara – the Cultural Village Award and serves as honorary this contest three years in a row. Korea on the global stage,” the to mark the Korean National ambassador of Bucheon city, By developing street dances embassy added. Day on November 13, it was apart from being a honorary am- and complex contents in various Last year, the embassy announced. bassador for the prevention of genres, the embassy noted that brought countertenor David Internationally renowned child abuse. Jinjo Crew contributed to the Dong Qyu Lee, pianist Sonya and award-winning Korean The programme at the cel- popularisation and development Park and Korean musicians of ‘b-boy (breakdance)’ perform- ebration will also see the of the street dance genre. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra ers Jinjo Crew will come to group performing ‘Invaders,’ Apart from b-boy shows, the to celebrate the Korean National HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali met yesterday with the Doha to provide residents with a “perfectly-synchronised Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demon- Day at Katara. United Nations Alliance of Civilisations delegation, which is currently visiting the country. During unique and entertaining show group dance and the brilliant stration team will also perform According to the embassy, the meeting, they discussed the role of youth in promoting intercultural dialogue and the Alliance of at Katara’s Drama Theatre, movements of Jinjo Crew.” at the event, which is expected these events form part of their Civilisations was and Qatar’s great role in spreading the values of the Alliance. The minister touched Building 16. The group will also engage to attract a large number of eff orts to further strengthen bi- on the eff orts of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, to support cultural diver- “The group is thus far the the audience in some of the spectators. lateral relations between South sity and establish innovative activities and initiatives that contribute to the rapprochement between only one to achieve a sweep- performances such as the ‘Beat “The group is changing the Korea and Qatar in various fi elds, civilisations and people. ing victory in fi ve major world Box + B-Boy,’ which is accom- paradigm of Taekwondo dem- especially in culture, education b-boy contests (as of 2012), the panied by beatboxing; and with onstration while maintaining its and tourism. Commercial Bank goes ‘green’ for Qatar Sustainability Week 2017 ommercial Bank has do in their everyday lives to announced that its reduce their carbon foot- Csocial media channels print, live more sustainably are “going green” in support and contribute to a greener of Qatar Sustainability Week society. Commercial Bank’s 2017 (QSW), which runs until ‘Instagram Stories’ will also November 4. feature a daily poll designed QSW was designed to ac- to engage followers about tively engage Qatar’s public what steps they are taking and private sector organi- to live more sustainably. sations in a wide range of Commercial Bank EGM, sustainability-oriented chief marketing offi cer activities, foster a culture Hussein M Ali al-Abdulla of sustainability among said: “Commercial Bank is residents and visitors, and committed to sustainable promote engagement from development under Qa- members of the community. tar National Vision 2030 To support QSW and and we are proud to sup- raise awareness of this Qa- port Qatar Sustainability tar Green Building Coun- Week 2017 as the leading cil-led initiative among the community-based initia- Qatari community, Com- tive driving sustainability mercial Bank’s four social forward in Qatar. media channels will “go “By raising awareness green” for the duration of through the bank’s social the week. media channels, our aim Each channel’s profi le is is to promote a more sus- changing colour to green tainable, healthy society and will use a new hash- and encourage members of tag #GoGreeenforQATAR the Qatari community to as part of a social media conduct their own green campaign containing great initiatives as part of Qatar tips on what citizens can Sustainability Week 2017.”

Ooredoo upgrades network in desert areas for camping season

oredoo announced yesterday that it has Osuccessfully up- graded its network sites in Mobile Router – the Night- areas of the desert in time hawk MR 1100 Mobile Router, for the 2017 camping sea- which is available at Ooredoo son. The updates, which Shops and on the eShop. have introduced the lat- The new Netgear and est Cat 16 technology to Ooredoo device has been de- the network sites, will en- signed to be the best mobile able campers and visitors broadband device ever, and in the desert the chance to on top of the ability to deliver connect to 4.5G speeds. incredible download speeds Ooredoo is the fi rst oper- of up to 1Gbps, and upload ator to meet this milestone speeds up to 150Mbps, the in Qatar and has invested Nighthawk MR 1100 Mobile signifi cantly in ensuring Router can connect up to this upgrade is available 20 Wi-Fi enabled devices at for customers this camp- a time (the largest number ing season, to guarantee ever for an Ooredoo Mobile a smooth connection and Broadband device). great experience. Manar Khalifa al-Mu- With speeds up to 1Gbps, raikhi, director, PR and Ooredoo customers will be corporate communications, able to download an MP3 Ooredoo Qatar, said: “We fi le of 3MB in less than a are continuing to invest in second, a 950MB HD TV the Ooredoo Supernet to episode in eight seconds, provide the best possible and a 15GB Blu-Ray movie network experience for our in two minutes. customers. We listened to To ensure that everyone their feedback and know can take advantage of these that with the camping sea- speeds, Ooredoo has advised son approaching, enabling customers to invest in devic- high-speeds in popular ar- es that support Cat 16 tech- eas such as the inland sea nology, such as the new LTE was a priority.”

Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 QATAR

Qatar Post and QFC sign MoU

Qatar Postal Services Company and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to mutually benefit both the parties from a host of postal services. Qatar Post’s Human Resources and Services Sector head Abdullah Shlash al-Hajri and QFC’s administration off icer Kahramaa’s commitment to Jamal al-Hajjaji were the signatories. An agreement was also signed between both parties to provide QFC Authority with Global Priority Service to deliver all postal materials inside and outside Qatar in the shortest possible time. Qatar Post will provide all postal and mail services to QFC so as to expedite the transport of consignments and shipments, and emissions control reiterated enhance the importance of integrating national companies in order to strengthen the economy in line with the Qatar National he Qatar General Electric- el. While reaffi rming Kahramaa’s steady annual reduction in the Vision 2030. ity and Water Corporation commitment, al-Kuwari said consumption of electricity by T(Kahramaa) has reiterated their corporation’s continuous ef- 25% and water by 35%. its commitment to reduce the car- forts have helped record substan- Kahramaa president recalled bon emissions consistently in the tial reduction in the consumption the initiatives made by their cor- coming years, senior engineer and of electricity in the country by poration while succeeding to re- president Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari nearly 46% in 2015 and 39.6% last duce carbon emissions by an as- said. year. “We are spreading awareness tonishing 8.5mn tonnes since the He was speaking in a panel at on rationalising the use of vital launch of Tarsheed. the opening session of the Qatar resources like water and energy While speaking about the con- Green Building Conference held and substantial reduction in their tributions of Kahramaa’s Aware- as part of the Qatar Sustainability consumption at diff erent levels,” ness Park in Al Thumama, al- Week (QSW) on Sunday. he said while informing that there Kuwari described it as a model Al-Attiyah International Foun- have been a remarkable reduction platform for educating the future dation for Energy and Sustain- in their usage across the country generations about the principles able Development chairman HE since the launch of rationalisa- of rationalisation, especially re- Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah tion campaign (Tarsheed) in April duction in the consumption of and Qatar Green Building Council 2012. energy and water and effi cient use chairman Issa bin Mohamed al- Al-Kuwari said Kahramaa is and applications of renewable en- Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari speaks as HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah and Mohannadi were also on the pan- continuing eff orts to achieve a ergy. Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi and other dignitaries look on.

Abdulla Shlash al-Hajari (right) and Jamal al-Hajjaji at the Aspire Zone Foundation to organise Lake Festival agreement signing. CRA cautions public against use Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), by introducing new activities in partnership with Katara – the to attract and excite visitors,” Cultural Village and Ooredoo, AZF’s public relations and is organising Qatar’s first ever communications director of unapproved wireless devices lake show dubbed as the ‘Aspire Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri said. Lake Festival’ from November “Thanks to this innovative he Communica- with any of the licensed for personal use in other License on CRA’s web- 9 to 11. Inspired by Venetian approach, Aspire Park has tions Regulatory networks in Qatar. countries, but their use site: http://www.cra. culture, the three-day festival at become one of the most TAuthority (CRA) The CRA advised the in Qatar is prohibited. As gov.qa/en/document/ Aspire Park will be an aesthetic popular destinations for has advised the public to public that usage of such, their import, sale, class-license-short- masterpiece for community families and other community be wary of certain wire- certain “personal use” and use in Qatar is not range-devices-srds. members of all ages to enjoy, members looking to spend less or cordless devices devices is illegal. These allowed, the CRA said. The frequency band featuring musical and artistic quality recreational time with not purchased in the devices include cordless CRA has granted 900MHz is assigned ex- entertainment performed in their friends and loved ones,” State of Qatar that may phones, wireless head- Class License for the use clusively to the service boats on the Aspire Lake from he added. Al-Hajri noted that cause the disruption in sets, microphones, and and operation of SRDs, providers and should 7.30pm. AZF will also hold this event is part of AZF’s year- mobile networks and similar devices operat- which include RFID de- not be used on SRDs, the family activities and set up a round calendar of activities, degradation in mobile ing on DECT 6 standards vices such as wireless CRA stressed. range of stalls selling food and which attract thousands of coverage and quality of (1,900MHz); RFID de- access control for park- The import, sale or local products on the sidelines visitors annually. “Some of service. vices; and mobile signal ing gates/doors. These use of mobile signal of the festival. “We are happy our previous events include The CRA said it can boosters or repeaters. devices are only permit- boosters or repeaters to collaborate with Katara and the ‘Aspire International Kite identify illegal devices These devices, often ted operations within used to enhance the mo- Ooredoo for this event, which Festival’, which was organised through its monitor- purchased outside of the authorised frequen- bile coverage must be we are bringing to Qatar for for the first time in Qatar this ing systems and take Qatar, operate on fre- cy bands and power lev- compliant with the CRA the first time ever. As a leading year, and Qatar’s Strongest the necessary action quency bands exclusive- els. standards and is allowed organisation in Qatar, AZF is Man, which is now an annual accordingly, including ly allocated for mobile These specifi cations only through licensed committed to boosting the event thanks to its popularity,” confi scating any device networks in Qatar. These are also available in An- telecom service provid- tourism and leisure sectors he said. found to be interfering devices may be allowed nexure (2) of this Class ers in Qatar. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 9 QATAR

QFCA football tourney kicks off

he Qatar Financial brings together over 100 work and to strengthen Safari off ering a slew Centre Author- players divided into 10 dif- the bonds of business and Tity (QFCA) yesterday ferent teams and fi rms, friendship between us,” launched its third annual which will compete for according to QFCA chief Football Tournament in eight weeks culminating commercial offi cer Raed Qatar Sport Club, Doha. with the fi nal match for the al-Emadi. First held in 2014, the QFC Cup. The tournament comes QFCA tournament was a “This tournament, as part of the QFC’s eff orts of new promotions resounding success, bring- which is quickly becom- to engage its staff and rmsfi ing the QFCA and QFC- ing a QFC tradition, pro- and create a unifi ed QFC etail chain Safari has Tharavu curry, Porota, Beef all districts of Kerala. Also Van Heusen, Allen Solly, health and fi tness products. licensed fi rms together to vides us with a chance to community. The tourna- announced that it is curry, Karimeen ilayil pol- one more speciality is that Peter England etc in the Also, electronics items from strengthen business bonds come together and enjoy a ment which kicked off this Roff ering a number of lichathu, Podiyarikozhi, the promotion’s launch readymade and garments popular brands as well as and networking oppor- healthy and constructive week will last for fi ve weeks new promotions. Navarasakozhi, Aattin thala coincides with Kerala Pi- division, and Woodland, sports and fi tness equip- tunities outside the offi ce environment away from when the QFC champions The main attractions in- kurumulakil kurukkiyathu, ravi Dinam (birth of the Reebok, Nike, Galeno, ment are available at dis- environment. the daily stress of work. It will be announced in an clude ‘Thattukada Festi- Kappa and chalakari. state of Kerala), which falls Hush Puppies, Action etc counted rates. This year’s tournament is an opportunity to net- awards ceremony. val’ in the Bakery and Hot A ‘thattukada’ (typi- on November 1.” in the footwear division. The ‘Win 20 Toyota Cam- Food division, the ‘Sale up cally a roadside stall serv- The above off er is avail- Customers can enjoy this ry Cars Promotion’ is also to 50% off ’ promotion in ing local delicacies) has able at Safari Hypermarket off er from today until No- under way at Safari, and Toyota Corolla models of 2001-2003 recalled the readymade, garments also been set up in the food on Salwa Road and Safari vember 21 at all outlets of customers can participate and footwear divisions and court of Safari Mall lo- Mall in Abu Hamour until Safari. in it by making a purchase of The Ministry of Economy eff orts to protect consumers The MEC has urged all the ‘Health & Beauty’ pro- cated in Abu Hamour. “It November 12. The retailer, meanwhile, QR50. The fi fth draw for this and Commerce (MEC), in and ensure that car dealers customers to report motion covering cosmet- has been designed in such Safari has also started has launched the ‘Health promotion will be held on collaboration with Abdullah follow up on vehicles’ any violations to its ics, fi tness and electronics a way that customers can the ‘Sale up to 50% off ’ & Beauty’ promotion that November 20 at Safari Mall, Abdulghani & Bros Co, has defects and repair them. Consumer Protection and items, the retailer has said experience the real ‘that- promotion, off ering cus- includes products from the Abu Hamour, Safari Group announced the recall of The MEC said that it will Anti-Commercial Fraud in a statement. tukada’. We got the inspi- tomers 50% discount on cosmetics, fi tness and elec- director and general man- Toyota Corolla models of co-ordinate with the Department through the More than 75 varieties ration from the comments the purchase of branded tronics sections. Beauty ager Zainul Abideen said. 2001-2003 over the possibility dealer to follow up on the following channels: Call of food items are available made by customers in the as well as non-branded products from brands such Safari outlets are locat- of a defect in the passenger maintenance and repair centre: 16001, e-mail: info@ as part of the Thattukada previous year,” the state- items in the readymade, as Dove, Nivea, Parachute, ed at Abu Hamour (Safari side airbag inflator. works and will communicate mec.gov.qa, Twitter: @MEC_ Festival. These include ment noted. “This year, we garments and footwear Enchanteur, Fair & Lovely, Mall), Salwa Road (Safari The MEC said the recall with customers to ensure Qatar, Instagram: MEC_Qatar, well-known dishes from have arranged for all the divisions. Brands in- Olay, Romano and L’Oréal Hypermarket) and Umm campaign comes within the that the necessary repairs MEC mobile app for Android the southern Indian state of dishes that are available cluded in the promotion are part of this promotion, Salal (Safari Shopping framework of its ongoing are carried out. and IOS: MEC_Qatar Kerala such as Thattu dosa, in ‘thattukadas’ located in include Louis Philippe, besides a wide variety of Complex).

Sasol renews membership of Al-Attiyah International Al Khaliji holds session to mark Foundation Sasol, the international integrated chemicals Breast Cancer Awareness Month and energy company, has announced the renewal of its membership of the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for l Khalij Commercial Energy and Sustainable Development. Bank (Al Khaliji) held HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah commented: Aan awareness session “We are grateful to Sasol for their continued on breast cancer for its staff support and involvement in the Qatari and at the bank’s head offi ce to global community. As a global leader in energy, mark Breast Cancer Awareness Sasol brings an important perspective and Month. resources to addressing the global challenge The session, conducted by of energy sustainability. We hope that our the Primary Health Care Cor- partnership will continue to grow and bear fruit poration (PHCC) ‘Screen for this year and into the future.” Life’ programme, was held in Phinda Vilakazi, president of GTL Ventures at line with “Al Khaliji’s commit- Sasol said: “Sasol is proud to partner with the Al- ment to the health, wellness Attiyah Foundation and carry on the more than and high morale of society.” 40-year legacy of HE al-Attiyah in global energy During the event, a special Al Khaliji staff take part in a special lecture on breast cancer. and sustainable development. We are delighted lecture on breast cancer in- that our membership will continue to support troduced the bank’s staff to test, which is designed for the awareness about the impor- global conversations while making a diff erence the systemic disease’s causes, early detection of breast cancer tance of routine examination right here in Doha.” symptoms, treatment and pre- in women aged 45 and above. and early detection of diseases The Al-Attiyah Foundation uses membership vention measures. The Screen for Life pro- such as cancer and its impact funding to support ongoing research and Complementing the lecture, gramme is held in the frame- on longevity and well-being. publishing eff orts that contribute to a greater informative brochures, as well work of the Ministry of Pub- Breast Cancer Awareness understanding of energy sustainability and as pink ribbons and bracelets lic Health’s National Cancer Month is observed globally in energy markets. were distributed to attend- Programme, which brings the October, as an annual cam- The foundation is also the platform for ees, in order to help them raise latest discoveries and best paign to increase awareness of the annual Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah awareness about the disease in practices in the health care of the disease. International Energy Awards, a high-profile their community. cancer patients to Qatar. The campaign’s mission is prize that celebrates the legacy of HE al- As part of the initiative, Screen The programme focuses to help those aff ected by breast Attiyah by rewarding individuals for their for Life team also registered eli- on breast and bowel can- cancer through early detection, Lifetime Achievement in advancing fields gible ladies for a mammogram cer screening, and helps raise education and support services. of work and policy.

Application for new school can be submitted until Dec 31 pplications for dures and conditions for the information needed. the unifi ed procedures and process, the requirements starting private obtaining a licence for a The application form is conditions, the tasks and and duties of the applicant Aschools in the private school in Qatar has available on the ministry’s duties of the various depart- and the terms and conditions country can be submitted also been issued. Hamad al- website. The guide includes ments of the ministry in this to get a licence. from today until December Ghali, director, Department 31, the Ministry of Educa- of Private Schools Licensing tion and Higher Education at the ministry, said that the announced. guidebook aims at provid- A guidebook of proce- ing the applicants with all ‘Qatar is not the same that it was before June 5’

is Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim Hbin Hamad al-Thani has made Qatar’s stance on the Gulf crisis crystal clear by reiterating that the country’s sovereignty can- not be compromised, Paki- stan’s former ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Sarfaraz Ahmed Khanzada told Qa- Mohamed Sarfaraz Ahmed tar Urdu Radio’s live show Khanzada Haqeeqat yesterday. He discussed the inter- about Qatar’s independence view of Sheikh Tamim with and freedom and the fact Charlie Rose, host of the that the country is quickly ‘60 Minutes’ show on CBS moved on to a self-reliant News channel. policy is a testimony to our “One thing that should hopes to see Qatar prosper.” be clear is that diplomatic Haqeeqat, which aims solution is the only way to to engage and interact with end the ongoing Gulf crisis the large South Asian expa- and role of the US would triate community in Qatar, be crucial in this respect,” is a joint venture of the Gulf Khanzada asserted while Times and Qatar Media adding any military in- Corporation Urdu Radio. It tervention would be cata- is broadcast from Sunday to strophic for the region. Thursday on FM107. “His Highness the Emir Log on to Qatar Urdu Ra- was absolutely right when dio on Facebook and ‘@Qa- he said Qatar is not the same tarUrduRadio’ on Twitter that it was before June 5. for feedback and comments We now feel more strongly about the show. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 QATAR

Top dignitaries visit LuLu stall

A number of dignitaries, including HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi, Qatar Chamber vice-chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Towar al-Kuwari, Indian ambassador to Qatar P Kumaran and others, visited the LuLu stall at the Food & Consumer Industries Exhibition held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre recently. Also present on the occasion were LuLu Group director Mohamed Althaf and other off icials. Qatar Airways’ inaugural fl ight lands in Sarajevo he fi rst Qatar Airways non- stop fl ight from Doha to TSarajevo touched down The first Qatar Airways non-stop flight from Doha being greeted with yesterday at Sarajevo Interna- a traditional water cannon salute at Sarajevo International Airport. tional Airport, where it was greet- ed with a traditional water cannon salute. Special promotions for 20th anniversary The newly launched service to the capital of Bosnia and Herze- govina will operate four times Qatar Airways is celebrating its October 26. #20ReasonsToFly a week, on Sunday, Tuesday, 20th anniversary by providing showcases Qatar Airways’ Wednesday and Friday, with a off ers on Premium and greatest achievements in the fl ight time of six hours, the Doha- Economy, in addition to off ering past 20 years. based carrier has said in a state- 20 lucky winners a Privilege The award-winning airline has ment. Club Gold membership and in previous months launched Qatar Airways Group chief ex- discounts of up to 50% on several successful global ecutive Akbar al-Baker travelled redemption tickets to select promotions, including its ‘Fly on board the inaugural fl ight destinations to Privilege Club with the World’s Best Airline’ with the ambassador of Bosnia members across its growing campaign, which celebrated and Herzegovina to Qatar, Ta- global network. Qatar Airways’ Skytrax ‘World’s rik Sadovic, whose support led Valid from today until Best Airline’ award, as well as to the launch of the scheduled November 10, 2017, the its ‘Global Travel Boutique’ service, and was greeted by Qa- award-winning airline’s special campaign, which off ered tar’s ambassador to Bosnia and promotion off ers two tickets for passengers the opportunity Herzegovina, Rashid bin Mubarak the price of one on Premium, to win once-in-a-lifetime mega al-Kuwari; director of Sarajevo and three Economy Class prizes, including the chance International Airport Armin Ka- tickets for the price of two. to fly free for a year to any jmakovic, and mayor of Sarajevo These exclusive off ers are valid destination in the airline’s Abdulah Skaka. for travel period until October extensive global network. Al-Baker said, “Following the 31, 2018. Qatar Airways has added a launch of service to three East- Qatar Airways chief commercial host of new destinations to ern European capitals this sum- off icer, Ehab Amin, said: “We are its network in 2017, including mer, we are excited to be adding delighted to be launching this Auckland, New Zealand; Dublin, Sarajevo as our fourth destination spectacular global promotion Ireland; Nice, France and in this region to our global route in celebration of our 20th Prague, Czech Republic. network. As the capital of Bosnia anniversary. It will add many more and Herzegovina, we are confi - Akbar al-Baker marks the launch of the new Doha-Sarajevo service with other dignitaries and off icials. This is a very special year destinations to its global dent that this will be a popular of giving back to our loyal network through 2018, and much-anticipated gateway thank the Emir of the State of Qa- Airways has bolstered its already ticated city, captivates tourists goods and electricals. Qatar Air- passengers, and so we are including Canberra, Australia; into the country for both business tar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim robust operations in Eastern Eu- with its intriguing juxtaposition ways will be adding fl ights to pleased to off er fantastic fares St. Petersburg, Russia and and leisure travellers from across bin Hamad al-Thani, for his wise rope by expanding its network to of past and present. many more destinations to its on Premium and Economy, to Cardiff , UK, to name just a few. our network. leadership and support. We espe- include Skopje, Prague and Kyiv. Visitors can wander through network in 2017 and 2018, includ- ensure they too can join us in The off er can be availed “With four weekly fl ights in cially thank and congratulate Qa- The airline has served key cities Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s bazaar built ing Canberra, Australia; Chiang celebrating 20 successful years by visiting any Qatar service, passengers travelling tar Airways Group chief executive in the region such as Belgrade, during the Ottoman period, or Mai, Thailand; and Cardiff , UK; to of Going Places Together. Airways sales off ice, travel from Sarajevo are now connected Akbar al-Baker and his associates Warsaw and Zagreb for many visit the Yellow Fortress, which name a few. “Passengers from across the agency or qatarairways. seamlessly to more than 150 des- for bringing the world’s best air- years, and sees the potential for off ers a spectacular view of the The Doha-Sarajevo fl ight world can take advantage of com/20anniversary. The off er tinations, via our state-of-the- line to Sarajevo.” continued growth in this rapidly city. In winter, Sarajevo’s moun- schedule is as follows: Tuesday, these truly unique off ers as is applicable on First Class only art hub in Doha.” Kajmakovic added, “Thanks to developing market, the statement tain resorts Bjelasnica and Jaho- Wednesday, Friday - QR 293 de- they plan their next business where no Business Class is Ambassador Sadovic said, this scheduled air service to Doha, notes. rina off er some of Europe’s best- parting Doha at 7am and arriving or leisure trip across our global operated. “Following the launch of the Doha as one of the biggest hubs in the Qatar Airways will operate four value skiing. in Sarajevo at 11am, and QR 294 network, which extends to Seats are limited and subject to Sarajevo direct fl ight service, world, from now on our passen- times a week to Sarajevo with an Qatar Airways Cargo will com- departing Sarajevo at 12noon and more than 150 destinations.” to availability. Terms and we open a new chapter in relations gers with only one transfer may Airbus A320 aircraft, which fea- mence belly service to Sarajevo, arriving in Doha at 7.20pm; and In tandem with the airline’s 20 conditions apply. between two friendly countries: reach almost any destination in tures 12 seats in Business Class supporting local trade growth in Sunday - QR 293 departing Doha Year Anniversary promotion, More information about Qatar Qatar and Bosnia and Herze- the world. This air service is es- and 132 seats in Economy. Pas- the export of agricultural and food at 6.25am and arriving in Sarajevo Qatar Airways has launched Airways destinations and govina. This will greatly facilitate pecially important for our many sengers will also be able to enjoy products, furniture, garments, at 10.25am, and QR 294 departing a 20-day campaign on its promotions can be had from our co-operation and initiate de- citizens working in Qatar.” the airline’s superior entertain- textiles and automotive parts, as Sarajevo at 11.25am and arriving social media channels from qatarairways.com. velopment in various areas. We In the last four months, Qatar ment system. Sarajevo, a sophis- well as the import of consumer in Doha at 6.45pm. Qatar Airways becomes the fi rst airline to fl y A350 to the Maldives n a move that makes history, tures a total of 283 seats, with Qatar Airways announced 36 Business class seats and 247 Iyesterday that it is the fi rst in Economy Class. Thanks to airline ever to fl y the state-of- the extra-wide cabin design, the-art Airbus A350 to the Mal- passengers on board are off ered dives. The airline has upgraded unparalleled comfort in both its current double-daily A330 cabins, with Business Class fully service to an A350, with the fi rst fl at beds and spacious seats in A350 beginning operations yes- Economy. terday and the second A350 serv- With high-defi nition touch ice joining on November 3. screens and dual-screen func- Qatar Airways Group chief tion that allows for simultaneous executive Akbar al-Baker, said: viewing, passengers can enjoy “As one of the airline’s most in- countless entertainment options demand destinations, we are through the airline’s award win- delighted to be upgrading our ning Oryx One entertainment aircraft and providing our pas- system, as well as connect to the sengers with the ultimate com- internet using the OnAir Wi-Fi Maldives is just five hours from Doha by air. fort and services on board one of Qatar Airways makes history as the first airline ever to operate an Airbus A350 to the Maldives. service. the most technologically innova- The national carrier of Qatar The airline has received a best airline. In addition to being tive aircraft in the sky.” islands are located in the Indian in Business Class and 275 in currently operates 19 A350 air- is one of the fastest-growing air- number of accolades this year, voted ‘Best Airline’ by travellers Renowned worldwide for its Ocean and are just fi ve hours Economy Class. craft across its global network to lines operating one of the young- including ‘Airline of the Year’ from around the world, Qatar’s pristine white-sandy beaches, from Doha. Qatar Airways was the glo- destinations, including Adelaide, est fl eets in the world. Now in its by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax national carrier also won a raft idyllic diving spots and preserved Qatar Airways fi rst launched bal launch customer of the Air- Brussels, Geneva, Singapore and 20th year of operations, Qatar World Airline Awards, which of other major awards at the cer- natural wonders, the Maldives service to the Maldives in De- bus A350 in January 2015. The Tokyo. It was the fi rst airline to Airways has a modern fl eet of was held at the Paris Air Show. emony, including ‘Best Airline in is truly one of the world’s most cember 2001. The airline oper- award-winning airline has the fl y the A350 to the US and to Aus- more than 200 aircraft fl ying to This is the fourth time that Qa- the Middle East,’ ‘World’s Best exotic and tranquil leisure des- ated the service using an A330 largest fl eet of this aircraft type tralia. business and leisure destinations tar Airways has been given this Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best tinations. The picture-perfect aircraft, which features 30 seats of any airline in the world and The Airbus A350 aircraft fea- across six continents. global recognition as the world’s First Class Airline Lounge.’

Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 REGION/ARAB WORLD

No need to increase Tensions rise missile range: Iran after Israel Reuters Tehran

ran has no need to increase the range of its ballistic mis- Isiles as they could already blows up reach US forces stationed in the region, the head of the Revolu- tionary Guards said yesterday. As US President Donald Trump seeks to impose new sanctions against Iran’s missile programme, Major-General Mo- Gaza tunnel hamed Ali Jafari said “sanctions would only increase number of AFP Israeli Prime Minister Ben- carry out attacks, but discover- Iranian missiles, and their preci- Gaza City jamin Netanyahu said yesterday ies of those stretching into Is- sion”. his country would “not tolerate raeli territory since the end of the Trump this month refused to any attacks on our sovereign- 2014 war have been rare. certify Tehran’s compliance with ensions rose yesterday af- ty, on our people, on our land, In April 2016, Israel’s mili- a deal struck with world powers ter an Israeli operation to whether from the air, from the tary said it had located and de- to curb its nuclear programme in Tblow up a tunnel from the sea, from the ground, or below stroyed a tunnel extending from return for lifting most interna- Gaza Strip killed seven Palestin- the ground”. Gaza into Israel in the first such tional sanctions. ians in one of the deadliest inci- “We attack those who seek to discovery since the 2014 con- The House of Representatives dents since a devastating 2014 attack us.” flict. voted last week for new sanc- war. The operation comes at a sen- An army spokesman said on tions on Iran’s ballistic mis- The seven men, from the sitive time, with rival Palestinian Monday, Israel used advanced sile programme and Trump has armed wings of Hamas and allied factions Fatah and Hamas pursu- technology to locate the tunnel, urged US allies to join Wash- group Islamic Jihad, were killed ing a reconciliation accord aimed but declined to elaborate. ington in taking strong action to on Monday when Israel blew up at ending their 10-year rift. The army has been seeking curb “Iran’s continued danger- the tunnel it said had crossed into Hamas is due to hand over to build an underground wall ous and destabilising behaviour”, its territory and was intended for control of the enclave’s borders surrounding Gaza that would including sanctions targeting its attacks. to the Palestinian Authority to- block such tunnels, among other missile development. They were buried yesterday day under the deal signed on Oc- methods it has been developing. in their respective Gaza Strip tober 12. Israeli leaders have been keen “Americans are trying to neighbourhoods. It is due to return the Gaza to show they are addressing the impose new sanctions Hamas leader Ismail Haniya Strip to full PA control by De- threat of tunnels from the Gaza against the Revolution appeared at a funeral in central cember 1. Strip. ary Guards for its missile Gaza attended by a few thousand Both Haniya and Palestinian A state inquiry in February ac- programme” people, witnesses said, while Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah cused Netanyahu and top army senior Hamas fi gure Khalil al- spoke of ensuring the reconcilia- brass of being unprepared for the “Our missiles’ range is Hayya spoke at one in the south- tion pact remains on track. tunnels used by Hamas during 2,000km and that can be in- ern part of the strip. “The response to this massa- the 2014 confl ict. creased, but we believe this “(Hamas) knows how to man- cre is to move forward towards Hamas has ruled Gaza since a range is enough for the Islamic age the confl ict with the enemy the restoration of national unity near civil war with Fatah, based Republic as most of the US forces and how to get revenge and strike because the enemy realises our in the occupied West Bank, in and most of their interests in the at the time and place that hurts strength is our unity,” Haniya 2007. region are within this range,” Ja- the enemy,” Hayya said, accord- said. Since then, the Hamas has fari was quoted as saying by Tas- ing to a statement. PA Deputy Premier Ziad Abu fought three wars with Israel, nim news agency. Hamas and Israel have fought Amr said the planned transfer while Gaza’s 2mn citizens have “Americans are trying to im- three wars since 2008, and the of power at the crossings, seen suff ered as Israel has blockaded pose new sanctions against the last confl ict in 2014 was waged in as a first test for the recon- the territory. Revolutionary Guards for its part over tunnels from Gaza that ciliation, would go ahead today Egypt’s border with Gaza has missile programme, but that is were used to launch attacks. morning. also remained largely closed in an excuse to harm Iran’s econo- Israel said it had been moni- “The recent events in the Gaza recent years. my,” Jafari said. toring the digging of the tunnel Strip were intended to impact the Israel has said it will reject any Iran has one of the Mid- for an unspecifi ed length of time implementation of the reconcili- Palestinian unity government dle East’s largest missile pro- and was forced to act after “the ation agreement, but things will that includes Hamas if the group grammes and some of its preci- grave and unacceptable violation go as was agreed.” does not disarm and recognise sion-guided missiles have the of Israeli sovereignty”. Separately in the West Bank the country, among other de- range to strike Israel. It said the operation was car- yesterday, Israeli forces opened mands. The United States says Iran’s ried out on the Israeli side of the fi re on a “suspect” vehicle, kill- During the 2014 war, 32 tun- missile programme is a breach border and stressed it was not ing one Palestinian and wound- nels were discovered, including of international law because seeking a further escalation. ing another, Israel’s army and the 14 that extended into Israel, ac- the missiles could carry nuclear No tunnel opening had been Palestinian health ministry said. cording to a UN report on the warheads in the future. found on the Israeli side. There did not appear to be any confl ict. Iran denies it is seeking nu- The tunnel ran from the vicin- connection with the tunnel inci- The devastating confl ict killed clear weapons and says its nu- Palestinian fighters from the Islamic Jihad movement attend the funeral of comrades killed in an Israeli ity of the city of Khan Younis in dent. 2,251 Palestinians, while more clear programme is for civilian operation to blow up a tunnel stretching from the Gaza Strip into Israel during their funeral at the Bureij the Gaza Strip, Israeli’s military Hamas forces have used tun- than 10,000 were wounded and uses only. refugee camp, in central Gaza, yesterday. said. nels in the past to enter Israel and 100,000 were left homeless. 6 schoolchildren killed in Syria regime shelling

AFP Kazakh capital Astana. 25 people were wounded. of Eastern Ghouta, where estimated 400,000 people Jisreen, Syria Government fi re on the The Observatory said opposition fi ghters have live, faces a mounting hu- besieged region has been earlier that four children been battling President manitarian crisis. on the rise in the past week, had died, but two later suc- Bashar al-Assad’s troops for Shocking AFP images t least six schoolchil- and the Britain-based Syr- cumbed to their wounds in six years. from the region this month dren were among 11 ian Observatory for Human hospital. The regime on July 22 an- showed severely under- Apeople killed in Syr- Rights monitor said the lat- An AFP photographer nounced a ceasefi re with weight children, and doctors ian regime shelling yester- est shelling hit a school in at the medical facility saw rebels in the besieged area, reported two infants had day in Eastern Ghouta, a the town of Jisreen. the bodies of four children, which has been included in died of malnutrition and re- war monitor said, despite a “A shell fi red by regime wrapped in blood-stained a so-called “de-escalation lated complications. ceasefi re in the hunger-hit troops hit the entrance of a white shrouds. zone” agreed by Turkey, On Monday, dozens of rebel enclave. school in Jisreen just as chil- Several wounded children Russia and Iran. trucks carrying aid for The bombardment of dren were leaving it,” said lay or sat in shock on hospi- Yesterday, regime shelling 40,000 people entered East- the rebel-held pocket out- Observatory director Rami tal beds, including one with on the Mesraba area, also in ern Ghouta. side Damascus came as a Abdel Rahman. severed legs. Eastern Ghouta, killed four The region was once a new round of peace talks A medical source at the A man cried out after civilians including two chil- prime agricultural region to end Syria’s six-year war town hospital confi rmed the learning his son had died, as dren, the Observatory said. famed for its orchards. entered a second day in the death toll and said another others around him tried to An AFP journalist at a But the rebel stronghold comfort him. morgue saw rescue volun- has been under a tight gov- Small blue school bags teers and young men slip the ernment siege since 2013, and a tiny pair of shoes lay bodies of a father and his son causing shortages of food in a corner, drenched in into white plastic bags. and medicine, as well as blood. Outside the primary “May God avenge op- price hikes for the local and school, children stared at pressors,” the man’s brother smuggled supplies avail- the pools of blood staining cried. In the town of Har- able. the concrete ground. asta, shelling also hit near a Basic services are virtually “I was coming out of school as pupils were leaving non-existent, with electric- Smoke rises from buildings following an air strike by Syrian government forces in the eastern school and was about to it, wounding 10 people in- ity produced only by gen- city of Deir Ezzor yesterday. turn into a side street when cluding fi ve children. erators and water often dirty the shell hit. There were On Sunday, 11 civilians in- and a vector for disease. The confl ict has since But the militants have They face twin off ensives dead people, wounded peo- cluding a journalist for pro- More than 330,000 peo- spiralled into a complex war since lost most of the ter- in the eastern oil-rich prov- ple,” one child told AFP. opposition television were ple have been killed in Syria involving world powers and ritory they controlled, and ince of Deir Ezzor, from the The Observatory said killed in Eastern Ghouta. since the confl ict began in Islamic State group, who were ousted two weeks ago regime and the US-backed regime bombardment yes- The shelling comes as March 2011 with anti-gov- took over large swathes of from their de facto Syrian Kurdish-Arab Syrian Demo- terday also hit other areas Eastern Ghouta, where an ernment protests. the country in 2014. capital of Raqa. cratic Forces. Lebanese army gets two light-attack aircraft from US

Reuters Israeli accusations that the Leba- said Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanon is formally in a state of The Islamic State militant group Hamat, Lebanon nese military is controlled by Hez- movement, had gained control war with Israel. held a pocket of land straddling bollah. over Lebanon’s conventional mili- “The signifi cant increase in LAF Lebanon’s border with Syria until The planes will be used as armed tary, a charge the Lebanese army combat capability that this aircraft August. he United States deliv- observation aircraft, a security denies. represents will ensure that the LAF Over the last decade, the US ered two A-29 Super Tu- source in Lebanon said, and repre- Hezbollah, which was desig- will remain a national unifying government has invested over Tcano light attack aircraft to sent a big upgrade for the Lebanese nated as a terrorist group by the force, a bulwark against extremism $1.5bn in training and equipment, Lebanon’s army yesterday, a sign Armed Forces (LAF). US State Department in 1997, last and terrorism,” said US Ambassa- and has trained over 32,000 Leba- of continued US support despite Earlier this month, US ally Israel fought Israel in a war in 2006. dor Elizabeth Richard. nese troops, Richard said. Gulf Times Werdnesday, November 1, 2017 13 AFRICA

CALL FOR PROBE CRACKDOWN COMPETITIVE HIT CIVIL STRIFE SEDITION CHARGE Over 2,000 guns stolen DR Congo police arrest 9 as 10 dead after assassination UN in Nigeria bracing for Outspoken Tanzanian from SA police in four years anti-Kabila protests flare of South African taxi boss 40,000 Cameroon refugees opposition leader held

More than 2,000 guns have been stolen Police in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo At least 10 people were killed yesterday in a Thousands of people have fled Cameroon’s violence- Tanzania’s outspoken opposition leader Zitto Kabwe from the South African police in the past four city of Beni said they had arrested nine demonstrators shooting and minibus crash in South Africa’s hit anglophone regions into neighbouring Nigeria has been arrested for allegedly making seditious years, the opposition Democratic Alliance during a march yesterday against President Joseph KwaZulu-Natal province, the African News Agency in recent weeks, the UN said yesterday, adding comments. Yesterday’s arrest of the prominent said yesterday, in a country where gun crime Kabila, a day after clashes in the region that left reported. The deputy chief of a minibus taxi it was preparing to help 40,000 refugees from government critic comes as President John Magufuli is rife. “The reality is that the SAPS (South five dead. The nine were “from Lucha,” said Lisangi association and four of his bodyguards were the unrest. The UN refugee agency and Nigerian is taking an increasingly hard line on dissent, recently African Police Service) is fuelling the illegal Nkumu, Beni’s deputy police chief, referring to shot dead in their car by unidentified gunmen authorities have so far registered some 2,000 banning five newspapers. “He is being interrogated arms trade,” the party said in a statement. a pro-democracy group, Struggle for Change, at an intersection, police said. Having been shot, Cameroonians who have fled into southeastern over a statement which allegedly threatens public “Thousands of SAPS firearms have been stolen which is campaigning for Kabila to leave off ice. the driver of that vehicle lost control of the car Nigeria since October 1, while another 3,000 were peace and order,” Kabwe’s ACT-Wazalendo party said over the past 20 years, and are out there in “They were demonstrating on the public highway and ploughed into a taxi full of teachers, five of awaiting registration. Even more people are believed in a statement. During a rally at the weekend, Kabwe the hands of criminals shooting at the police, without authorisation,” he said. Lucha campaigner whom were also killed, ANA reported. The police to be trapped in forests on the Cameroonian side. had questioned the government’s failure to arrest and at you and at me.” Police should be made Regina Masinda told AFP that the police intervened suspect the shooting was a hit on the taxi boss by “We are preparing to help up to 40,0000,” UNHCR anybody for the shooting of a fellow opposition to pay for firearms they lose, and any police shortly after the start of the march and “brutally” rivals. Privately run minibuses are one of the most spokesman Babar Baloch told AFP in Geneva, lawmaker. Tundu Lissu was shot and seriously involved in corruption must be investigated, manhandled demonstrator. “Nine of us were popular forms of transport in South Africa, and stressing though that the number of people fleeing injured last month and is still undergoing treatment. the DA said. arrested,” Masinda said. “We demand their release.” competition for the most lucrative routes is steep. into Nigeria could easily surpass that figure. Sedition carries a maximum of 5 years in jail.

Nigeria to Odinga moots pickets, petitions compensate victims of against Kenyatta election win civil war AFP Reuters Abuja Nairobi igeria has agreed to pay enyan opposition leader Raila compensation to victims Odinga yesterday called for Nof the country’s civil war, Kpickets and petitions against an 47 years after it ended, and clear election he boycotted last week won by former confl ict zones of aban- President Uhuru Kenyatta but stopped doned bombs and landmines. short of appealing for mass protests or Court papers show the gov- announcing a court challenge to the re- ernment had accepted to pay sult. damages worth 88bn naira Odinga pulled out of the vote saying ($245mn). it would be unfair because the elec- Of that, 50bn naira will be tion board had failed to implement re- paid to victims in 11 states in the forms after the Supreme Court cited southeast, south and north cen- procedural irregularities and annulled tral region, which were the epi- an August 8 vote that had been won by centre of the confl ict. Kenyatta. The remainder will go to- Odinga said the October 26 result wards clearing land of ordnance would not stand but did not announce and the construction of schools, measures likely to overturn it or force courts, churches and mosques. the government to negotiate. The deal was brokered by the He said his opposition coalition Community Court of Justice of would form a people’s assembly to study the Economic Community of issues of governance and issue recom- West African States (ECOWAS). mendations to county assemblies. More than 1mn people died, “The resistance movement shall be most of them from the eff ects of responsible for implementing a vigor- war, starvation and disease, in ous positive political action programme the 30-month confl ict that be- that includes economic boycotts, gan in 1967. peaceful processions, picketing and That followed the declaration of other legitimate protests,” he said. an independent republic of Biafra “This election must not stand....It in the southeast, which is domi- will make a complete mockery of elec- nated by the Igbo ethnic group. tions and might well be the end of the The court papers showed that ballot as a means of instituting govern- more than 17,000 bombs were ment in Kenya. It will completely de- recovered and 1,317 were still stroy public confi dence in the vote,” he stockpiled. said. Victims complained of the The ruling party controls a majority “inherent dangers” posed by in both houses of parliament and most the “presence of abandoned of the 47 county governorships, making landmines, explosives and other it diffi cult for the opposition to imple- Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga walks out after a news conference in Nairobi. remnants of war which littered ment its proposals. some parts” of the southeast. Odinga’s proposals left many of his election with 98% of the vote, handing growth in Kenya, a trade and diplomatic Reuters journalists confi rmed two tion before, when around 1,200 peo- An assessment had determined supporters confused. him a second fi ve-year term at the helm hub for east Africa and a headquarters people were killed in ethnic clashes. ple were killed after political protests that families and associates of “I don’t understand what he wants,” of the region’s richest economy. for multinational companies because of Around 50 people died in political sparked ethnic clashes a decade ago. 493 people who had been aff ected said Felix Wanga, a 25-year-old waiter In a sign of the tensions raised by its relatively free market, pro-Western violence after the August 8 elections, Diplomats and civil society lead- by landmines or other ordnance who listened to the speech in Kisumu, the election, Odinga’s speech was de- diplomacy and stability. and another 14 people since Thurs- ers have publicly urged the two leaders were entitled to compensation. the western city that forms the bedrock layed when the media walked out en The extended electoral season day’s vote, according to diplomatic to meet and engage in post-election Separatist sentiment in the of Odinga’s support. “I will have to wait masse after his supporters assaulted sparked clashes between Odinga’s pro- sources. ‘national dialogue’. In his acceptance southeast has lingered in the until tomorrow to hear from our local two journalists, whom they accused testers and police, and in recent days A provisional government tally speech, Kenyatta ruled out the possibil- decades since the end of the war, leaders.” of bias. fanned an undercurrent of ethnic ten- said nine people had been killed since ity of dialogue with Odinga if the oppo- which Nigeria at the time said On Monday, Kenyatta was declared Odinga apologised for the incident. sions that frequently surfaces during Thursday. sition lodged any legal cases contesting would see “no victor, no van- the winner of the repeat presidential The election crisis had blunted Kenyan elections. Political violence has shaken the na- his victory. quished”.

Counsellor seeks funds for Son, accused of killing Zuma asks court to set aside Jonathan to attend graft trial his wealthy SA family, report on infl uence-peddling

AFP Buhari to expand his cabinet testifi es in Cape court Reuters Abuja Johannesburg Nigeria’s cabinet will be expanded to bring in “more people and fresh ideas, igeria’s former president Good- for the ultimate benefit of the people of AFP on his phone when he heard the in- outh African President Jacob Zuma yesterday asked the High Court luck Jonathan should be given Nigeria”, President Muhammadu Buhari Johannesburg truders break-in. to set aside a report by the anti-corruption watchdog on alleged in- Nthe equivalent of $2.7mn to tes- said yesterday. Asked if he had killed his parents Sfl uence-peddling in his government, saying he would instead set up a tify at the corruption trial of his party’s Government off icials have privately and brother with an axe, he repeat- commission of inquiry into the allegations. former spokesman, his lawyer said yes- raised the prospect of Buhari reshuff ling son of a wealthy South Af- edly replied “no”, saying he had no The court has been hearing a case brought by Zuma who had challenged terday. his cabinet since he returned from medical rican family, on trial for reason “whatsoever” to murder the right of the report’s author, South Africa’s anti-graft agency known as The money would cover costs to enable leave in Britain in August, but the presi- Akilling his parents and a anyone in his “close-knit” family, Public Protector, to call for a judicial inquiry to investigate the allegations. him to attend the case, Mike Ozekhome dency had not discussed any changes until brother with an axe, yesterday re- whose fortune has been estimated Zuma, 75, who previously described the ‘State of Capture’ report as “un- told reporters outside the Federal High yesterday’s comments on Twitter. counted the grisly attack which he at $16mn. fair” in parliament, said setting up such an inquiry was his prerogative. Court in Abuja. However, Buhari did not immediately has blamed on intruders. He said he survived the attack The report published a year ago recommended a judicial investigation Olisa Metuh is accused of fraudulently provide any further details, nor mention Henri van Breda, 22, who has with superfi cial stab wounds in- into allegations of systemic corruption by Zuma, some of his ministers and receiving 400mn naira ($1.1mn) from any potential reshuff le of ministers’ current pleaded not guilty, calmly took to fl icted as he wrestled the attacker heads of state-owned companies. Jonathan’s former national security ad- portfolios. the witness stand for the fi rst time who was trying to slit his throat. The report focused on allega- viser, Sambo Dasuki. since the trial opened in April in the The state insists the wounds were tions that Zuma’s friends, the busi- The money was allegedly diverted from Western Cape High Court. self-infl icted. nessmen and brothers Ajay, Atul funds meant to procure weapons and and the security personnel that will have The former University of Mel- On why he did not call for help and Rajesh Gupta, had infl uenced equipment for the fi ght against Boko Har- to accompany him” from his home in bourne student is alleged to have from neighbours during the attack, the appointment of ministers. am and was used to fund Jonathan’s failed Otuoke, in southern Nigeria, to the capi- killed his 21-year-old brother Rudi Van Breda answered “in hindsight, Zuma and the Guptas have de- re-election bid in 2015. tal, added Ozekhome. and parents Martin, 54, and Teresa, it’s something I should have done.” nied the accusations. Both Metuh, a former communications Otuoke, in oil-rich Bayelsa state, is 55, and left his sister Marli strug- Instead, he fi rst phoned his girl- In a fresh application yester- chief for the Peoples Democratic Party some 680km by road from Abuja, where gling with near-fatal injuries to the friend, before looking up the emer- day, Zuma’s lawyers argued that (PDP), and Dasuki, who is being tried sep- Jonathan is known to own property. head, neck and throat. gency numbers. the entire report by former Public arately, have said Jonathan was aware of Jonathan was defeated by Muhammadu He casually narrated his ver- In a leaked tape of his call to Protector head Thuli Madonsela the payments. Buhari at elections that year. sion of the night of January 27 in emergency services, Van Breda should be set aside. Lawyers for Metuh have summonsed Buhari has since embarked on an anti- 2015, when his family was hacked could be heard telling an opera- Should the court grant his appli- both Jonathan and Dasuki to give evi- corruption drive to root out endemic graft to death at their home inside a se- tor that his family members were cation, Zuma would set up a sepa- dence. in government and public service. cure golf estate in Stellenbosch, east “bleeding from the head”. rate commission of inquiry himself But both failed to appear in court last Critics have accused him of a political Cape Town. He also giggled during the call within 30 days of the date of the week. witch-hunt as only members of the PDP “I saw the silhouette of some- although in court he denied ever order, court papers presented by Ozekhome said yesterday Jonathan was and Jonathan’s administration have been one...the person was busy attack- laughing. his lawyers said. “not the proper person to testify in these arrested and charged. ing, swinging an object at where Police failed to arrest anyone un- The main opposition Democrat- proceedings at all”. Jonathan’s name has cropped up in Rudi was laying,” he told the court til Van Breda handed himself in to ic Alliance party opposes Zuma’s But he said if the judge maintained he a number of investigations and several while exhibiting no emotion in a authorities 18 months after the at- application, saying it is unconsti- should testify, the court “should order members of his family and close allies testimony live-streamed on televi- tack which shocked South Africa. tutional. Olisa Metuh...to deposit the sum of 1bn have been taken to court. sion. The family had relocated to Aus- It says it wants the court to sup- naira” to cover Jonathan’s travel costs. But he is not thought to have been for- Van Breda claimed he was using tralia many years ago before return- port Madonsela’s recommendation The money would also cover “logistics mally questioned. the toilet while also playing games ing home to South Africa in 2014. Zuma ... in the eye of the storm for a judicial inquiry. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 AMERICAS Russian fake news reach massive: social media giants

AFP sian eff ort to spread discord ate Judiciary Committee hearing, three are expected to face intense keeping their platforms open, the retrospective work we’ve Washington across US society. and House and Senate Intelli- questioning on how they plan to in order to avoid accusations of been doing around the 2016 US It comes as the fi rst indict- gence Committees today. counter such operations, which censorship and bias, and not be- election and the US intelligence ments in a US probe into Russian Leaked testimony by three analysts say were part of a broad- coming the curators of truth in community’s conclusion that S Internet giants were attempts to sway the 2016 presi- companies shows that Russian er eff ort last year to help Trump society. both RT and Sputnik attempted due to go before Congress dential elections were reverber- activities were far greater than defeat Hillary Clinton. The three have already begun to interfere with the election on Uyesterday with new data ating through Washington. they had previously reported. “Foreign governments like taking measures to screen out behalf of the Russian govern- showing the success of Russian One of three indictments Twitter has found that nearly Russia – in the 2016 election cy- manipulative Russian content. ment,” Twitter said. fake news operations, the day unsealed by US special pros- 37,000 automated “bot” ac- cle – were deeply involved in ma- Researchers have identifi ed ef- Google said on Monday that after bombshell indictments in a ecutor Robert Mueller revealed counts with Russian links gener- nipulating popular social media forts in the past year that aimed it had found “some evidence of US probe of Moscow’s meddling early contacts between Krem- ated 1.4mn tweets that were seen websites with misinformation to make white Americans angry eff orts to misuse our platforms in the 2016 presidential elec- lin-linked fi gures and a former by a potential 288mn people in to sow discord among Ameri- at blacks, to hurt the image of during the 2016 US election by tions. adviser of President Donald the three months before the No- cans,” Senator Lindsey Graham, feminists, and other such target- actors linked to the Internet Re- Google, Facebook, and Twitter Trump’s campaign. vember 8, 2016 presidential elec- a member of the Judiciary Com- ing that may have hurt Clinton search Agency in Russia”. were reported to be armed with In Moscow, Russian Foreign tion, according to a source famil- mittee, said in a statement. and helped Trump. “We’re committed to fi nding information showing many mil- Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted iar with its planned testimony. “The manipulation of social Twitter announced last week a way to stop this type of abuse, lions of Americans were exposed yesterday the US accusations of Facebook says some 126mn US media sites by terrorist organisa- that it would no longer accept and to working closely with gov- to the fake news, far more than election-meddling were being users, a potentially huge portion tions and foreign governments is advertising from Russia Today ernments, law enforcement, previously thought. made “without one piece of evi- of the voting public, may have one of the greatest challenges to and Sputnik, two Russian gov- other companies, and leading The new data, revealed in tes- dence”. seen stories, posts or other con- American democracy and a sig- ernment-backed media groups NGOs (non-governmental or- Lavrov: US accusations of timony leaked late on Monday The scope of Russian use of US tent from Russian sources, media nifi cant threat to our national se- that allegedly hone their stories ganisations) to promote electoral election-meddling were being ahead of the hearings in Con- social media to spread divisive including the Wall Street Journal curity in the 21st century.” and news placement for political integrity and user security, and made ‘without one piece of gress, is expected to give the messages was expected to fi gure and Recode reported. But all three social media fi rms impact. combat misinformation,” the evidence’. broadest picture yet of the Rus- prominently yesterday in a Sen- The top legal offi cials from all face the diffi cult challenge of “This decision was based on company said.

Kelly calls for special Trump’s ex-presidential counsel to probe campaign aides charged Democrats Reuters AFP ian politician Viktor Yanuko- participants of a June 9, 2016 Washington Washington vych and his pro-Moscow po- meeting at Trump Tower with litical party. a Kremlin-linked lawyer that Papadopoulos, a former raised suspicions of collusion hite House Chief of n investigation into Rus- Trump foreign policy adviser, between the campaign and Mos- Staff John Kelly has sian interference in the admitted that he tried to hide cow. Wsaid that a special A2016 election moved into contacts with a Moscow-linked The gathering was arranged counsel should be appointed to a new and more perilous stage professor who was off ering by Trump’s eldest son, Donald investigate Democrats over a for the White House yester- “dirt” on Trump’s election rival Jr, in hopes of receiving damag- uranium deal during the Obama day after three aides to Donald Hillary Clinton. ing information on Clinton. administration and a dossier Trump’s presidential campaign, The revelations prompted Manafort’s indictment made compiled on Donald Trump dur- including a former chairman, a furious and defi ant reaction no mention of Russian involve- ing the 2016 presidential cam- were charged. from Trump, who dismissed al- ment in the US campaign, how- paign. Former campaign chairman legations of collusion and called ever, focusing instead on Mana- “I think probably as a layman Paul Manafort and another on Clinton to be investigated. This undated image posted Manafort and Gates (right) leave the US Federal Court in fort’s earlier Ukrainian ties. looking at this kind of thing we former Trump aide appeared “Sorry, but this is years ago, on his Linkedin profile shows Washington after being arraigned on 12 federal charges in the A long-time political opera- need to fi nd someone who is in court, pleading not guilty to before Paul Manafort was part of George Papadopoulos posing investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 US presiden- tive and consultant, Manafort very, very objective who can get conspiracy against the United the Trump campaign. But why on a street of London. tial election. was recruited in March 2016 to to the bottom of these accusa- States, money laundering and aren’t Crooked Hillary & the round up pro-Trump delegates tions,” Kelly said in an interview several other charges after the Dems the focus?????” Trump President Trump now calls Papadopoulos a ‘liar’ to the Republican Party conven- on Fox News. indictments in the Russia probe tweeted.”....Also, there is NO tion. A special counsel would be were unsealed. COLLUSION!” US President Donald Trump took to Twitter yesterday News is working overtime. As Paul Manaforts lawyer Then in June, Trump named appointed by the Justice Depart- The pair was released on bail But the charges signal a dra- to blast the “fake” media and his Democratic rivals, said, there was “no collusion” and events mentioned him campaign chairman, replac- ment. of $10mn and $5mn respectively matic new phase in Mueller’s in- and called a former campaign aide who has pleaded took place long before he ... came to the campaign. ing fi red aide Corey Lewand- Republicans in Congress last and placed under house arrest. vestigation, one that holds grave guilty in the Russia probe a “liar”. “Few people knew the young, low level volunteer owski. week launched an investigation Separately, another former peril for the Trump presidency. The morning attack came a day after special counsel named George, who has already proven to be a liar. But in August, Manafort re- into an Obama-era deal in which Trump campaign aide, George Papadopoulos revealed that Robert Mueller announced charges against three Check the DEMS!” signed as Ukraine corruption in- a Russian company bought a Papadopoulos, pleaded guilty he informed Trump and others aides to Trump’s campaign who were indicted as part The reference to the Democratic Party comes amid vestigators released fi les show- Canadian fi rm that owned some to lying to the Federal Bureau personally that he could organ- of a sprawling investigation into Russian eff orts to mounting attacks from Trump and his supporters, ing large payments to Manafort 20% of US uranium supplies. of Investigation (FBI) about his ise a meeting between the then influence the vote. who among other things claim the Democrats are companies and it became clear Some Republicans have said Kremlin-related contacts, ac- candidate and Russian President One of the three, George Papadopoulos, who Trump behind a “fake” dossier containing salacious details that he was under investigation Hillary Clinton’s State Depart- cording to a plea deal revealed on Vladimir Putin. has previously called an “excellent guy”, pleaded about Trump’s alleged Russia ties. in the United States over related ment approved the deal after her Monday. The ex-adviser told the FBI guilty earlier last month on a charge of lying to Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with Rus- claims. husband’s charitable foundation The unsealed indictments that he had been instructed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his sia during his campaign. Federal law enforcement of- received a $145mn donation. were an explosive opening salvo an unnamed “campaign super- Kremlin-related contacts. In another tweet that landed minutes later, Trump fi cials were reportedly aware of The New York Times has re- from independent counsel Rob- visor” to meet Russian offi cials The other two, former campaign chief Paul Manafort said he hoped people would turn their attention to a wire transfers linked to Mana- ported that Clinton, a Democrat ert Mueller, who is leading the “off the record” if “feasible”. and Rick Gates pleaded not guilty on Monday on tax reform package being fleshed out in Congress. fort as far back as 2012, when who lost to Republican Trump in Russia probe, after months of His contacts with Russian charges of conspiracy, money laundering and other “I hope people will start to focus on our Massive Tax they began investigating wheth- the 2016 election, did not par- speculation, spin and obfusca- sources came to include Putin’s counts. Cuts for Business (jobs) and the Middle Class (in addi- er he committed tax fraud or ticipate in the decision. tion about possible Trump cam- niece and the Russian ambassa- In a series of two tweets, Trump wrote: “The Fake tion to Democrat corruption)!” he wrote. helped the Ukrainian regime – at Republicans have also raised paign collusion with Moscow. dor in London. the time close to Russian leader questions about whether Demo- While falling short of provid- White House spokeswoman Vladimir Putin – launder money. crats funded a dossier put to- ing a smoking gun for top-level Sarah Huckabee Sanders sug- US intelligence agencies have like Fox News have increasingly der any circumstances, inter- The charges were announced gether during last year’s presi- conspiracy, the charges point gested that Trump did not recall concluded that Putin ordered a called the former FBI director’s fere with the special counsel’s days ahead of the fi rst anniver- dential campaign that detailed to a potential pattern of sen- “specifi c details of the meeting” vast infl uence campaign to help independence into question. work in any way,” said top Sen- sary of Trump’s election – on accusations about Trump’s ties ior Trump associates looking to and that Papadopoulos had only Trump win election, including Democrats – who dismiss ate Democrat Chuck Schumer. November 8, 2016 – and on the to Russia. Russia and its proxies for politi- a limited role. the hack and release of Demo- counter-allegations against “If he does so, Congress must eve of congressional hearings The Washington Post reported cal and economic gain. “It was extremely limited; it cratic Party and Clinton cam- Mueller and Clinton as a blatant respond swiftly, unequivocally with executives from Facebook, last week that Marc Elias, a law- Manafort, 68, and Rick Gates, was a volunteer position. And paign e-mails. attempt to divert attention – and in a bipartisan way to ensure Google and Twitter probing yer for Clinton, used campaign 45, were charged with alleg- again, no activity was ever done As Mueller’s probe has rum- called for the special counsel to that the investigation contin- Russian attempts to sway the funds to hire Fusion GPS, the edly hiding millions of dollars in an offi cial capacity on behalf bled forward, Trump and sym- be protected. ues.” vote via social and other online fi rm behind the dossier. gleaned from work with Ukrain- of the campaign in that regard.” pathetic media organisations “The president must not, un- Manafort was among the media. Kelly’s call for a special coun- sel to investigate Democrats comes as a probe by special counsel Robert Mueller into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russians Ontario to curb pre-trial jail time San Francisco chefs outshine produced its fi rst charges and a guilty plea. A grand jury impaneled by Reuters disadvantage,” Ontario Attor- conditional release should be New York’s, says Michelin Guide Mueller indicted former Trump Toronto ney General Yasir Naqvi said at the default. campaign manager Paul Mana- a news conference. Toronto civil rights lawyer fort and aide Rick Gates on Mon- In Ontario, people in cus- Anthony Morgan said the new AFP the loss of three-star status for ranking, which Michelin char- day. ntario, Canada’s most tody are usually only released directive should more explicitly New York Vongerichten’s fl agship Jean- acterises as “exceptional cui- A third former Trump adviser, populous province, gave if they have a surety – a relative address the disadvantages faced Georges, one of the most glit- sine, worth a special journey”, George Papadopoulos, pleaded Oprosecutors new in- or close friend who pledges as- by black accused people instead tering restaurants in New York its downgraded status is clas- guilty in early last month to lying structions on Monday to keep sets and supervises the accused of lumping groups together. ew York has been and situated in the Trump In- sifi ed as “excellent cooking, to the Federal Bureau of Investi- people out of jail while they while they await trial. “It doesn’t address the par- usurped as America’s ternational Hotel and Tower worth a detour”. gation (FBI), it was announced await trial, addressing a system Lawyers, judges and crimi- ticularities of the longer stays, Npremiere gastronomic overlooking Central Park. The restaurant’s prix fi xe on Monday. that has put people behind bars nologists have said sureties of the harsher treatment, of the destination, at least in terms of It was at Jean-Georges that (fi xed price multi-course) din- for months or years before court penalise the poor or those com- specifi c stereotypes and biases the Michelin Guide’s celebrated then president-elect Donald ner starts at $148 a head. dates. munities heavily policed. against African-Canadians that three-star ranking. Trump dined on November 30, San Francisco now has the The move to fi nd alternatives Naqvi said Crown prosecu- lead to the outcomes that we The Guide’s 2018 edition saw 2016 with Republican grandee most number of three Miche- to pre-trial detention includes tors must use sureties less of- are seeing,” he said. “Not all ... celebrity chef Jean-Georges Mitt Romney, whom he was lin-starred restaurants in any easing onerous bail conditions ten and impose bail conditions communities are disadvantaged Vongerichten suff er the indig- then considering but quickly US city. that disproportionately aff ect more judiciously. in the same way.” nity of being downgraded from afterward passed over as a pos- Chicago has two three- minorities and indigenous peo- In the past year Ontario Ontario is one of several Ca- three to two stars, leaving the sible US secretary of state. starred restaurants. ple. has expanded “bail bed” pro- nadian provinces reviewing US cultural and fi nancial capital After eating in full glare of Washington has none. A Reuters investigation this grammes, which give people a backlogged criminal justice with just fi ve three-star restau- other diners, Trump let Romney New York is home to 56 one- month found that black people place to stay, and bail verifi ca- and bail systems in the wake of rants. walk out alone after the meal to starred restaurants. in Ontario spend longer behind tion programmes, which require multiple Supreme Court rulings And San Francisco? It has heap praise on the incoming Six new restaurants joined bars awaiting trial than white the person to check in with a that have found them too slow seven. president before the cameras, the star selections, three of people charged with many of case worker regularly. to process cases and too restric- Seventy-two New York res- off ering remarks that contrast- which feature Japanese cuisine, the same crimes. Ontario’s previous directive tive when it comes to releasing taurants were awarded stars by ed sharply with his criticism on the guide said. Black people were also over- to prosecutors was more fo- them before trial. the celebrated culinary guide, the campaign trail. While dwarfed by the popu- represented among those cused on risk-aversion, citing The majority of prisoners in down from 77 in 2016. Jean-Georges, which opened lation of New York, San Fran- spending more than a year high-profi le cases where peo- Canada’s jails are people await- Michelin said that several in 1997 to critical acclaim and cisco is one of the most expen- awaiting trial behind bars in ple committed murder while on ing their day in court. previously ranked restaurants has long been the jewel in the sive cities in the country, hugely every off ence category Reuters bail. Reuters found that people are had been dropped from the list French-born chef’s empire, is popular with tourists, famed Kelly: We need to find someone examined. The new one tells prosecutors more likely to die behind bars because they had since closed now one of 11 New York restau- for its Golden Gate Bridge and who is very, very objective who “People should not be denied that under Canada’s Criminal if they are awaiting trial than if down. rants with two stars. which in the 1990s became the can get to the bottom of these bail by the simple virtue of their Code an accused person’s un- they are serving sentences. However, most notable was Instead of the three-star hub of the dot-com bubble. accusations. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 15

ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Nine headless bodies found in Tokyo apartment

AFP Shiraishi told police he had neighbour Hideaki Hosogaya, 83. Another said: “What a psy- A CCTV image showed Shirai- ous coolers and containers in the crime rate but is no stranger to Zama, Japan chopped up the bodies in a bath- The Sankei Shimbun newspa- chotic event on Halloween. shi and the 23-year-old woman apartment, private TV network high-profi le violent crimes. Ear- room, while a saw was found in per quoted another neighbour as I don’t think I could bear 10 walking together last Monday, TBS said. lier in October, a 32-year-old fa- his room. saying he had smelled an odour minutes with nine dead bodies NHK reported. For the time being, police ar- ther was arrested on suspicion of apanese police have found The suspect reportedly told in- he had “never smelled before”. around.” She had been missing since rested Shiraishi on a charge that stabbing his daughter to death. nine mutilated bodies vestigators he had “dumped cut “I thought it was the smell of Authorities had been inves- September 21 and her older he dismembered one body and He admitted torching the house Jdumped in containers with fl esh and organs in the trash”. sewage,” he said. Police used blue tigating the disappearance of a brother reported her disappear- placed it inside a cooler, a charge in which his wife and four other their heads cut off and fl esh Police and journalists swarmed tarps to block views inside the 23-year-old woman and discov- ance to police, according to the that he was not contesting, ac- children were found dead. stripped in a suburban Tokyo fl at, around the nondescript apart- two-storey building, and covered ered a connection between her Asahi Shimbun. cording to a spokesman at To- In Japan’s bloodiest crime for media reported yesterday. Tokyo ment in the quiet residential windows of the second-fl oor and Shiraishi. When police visited the apart- kyo Metropolitan Police. “He decades, Satoshi Uematsu faces police have arrested 27-year-old neighbourhood of Zama, as lo- room where the bodies were dis- This woman had earlier tweet- ment, they originally found two has said, ‘I dismembered a body charges of killing 19 people and Takahiro Shiraishi who report- cals struggled to comprehend covered. Japanese social media ed “I’m looking for someone to heads inside a cool box at the en- and placed it inside a cooler and attempting to kill or injure 24 edly confessed to slicing the fl esh how an act of such violence could users were quick to draw paral- die with me”, according to the trance before making the grisly poured cat litter over it. It was others at a disability centre near off the bodies and throwing it in have occurred so near them. “It’s lels with Halloween. One Twitter Sankei Shimbun daily. discovery of the other body parts, meant to hide the body that I Tokyo in July 2016. In 1997 a the trash, then sprinkling cat lit- really cruel. He used a saw to user wrote: “Nine dismembered Other media said Shiraishi and according to Jiji Press. “During killed and to hide evidence’,” the 14-year-old schoolboy decapi- ter over the remains in an eff ort dismember the bodies or some- bodies found on the day of Hal- the woman had connected via a the course of the investigation, spokesman told AFP, declining to tated an 11-year-old acquaint- to cover up the evidence. thing. He must be abnormal to loween. Humans are defi nitely website featuring information the heads of nine bodies have elaborate. ance and placed the head at the According to local media, have done such things,” said scarier than ghosts.” about suicides. been discovered” inside vari- Japan prides itself on a low gates of his school.

NZ’s new Designs of the times govt bans foreigners China mulls from buying houses three years’

DPA Wellington

ew Zealand’s new Prime jail for anthem Minister Jacinda Ardern Nsaid yesterday her gov- ernment will ban most foreign investors from buying houses in New Zealand by early 2018. “We are determined to make it easier for Kiwis to buy their fi rst disrespect home so we are stopping foreign speculators buying houses and AFP up to three years”, said the state apply the national anthem law driving up prices,” Ardern said in Beijing news agency Xinhua. China’s in Hong Kong, in a bid to pre- her fi rst post-cabinet press con- legislature was this week delib- vent and handle such off ences,” ference. erating the criminal law amend- said Zhang, deputy director of Her government will intro- isrespecting China’s na- ment and mulling whether to ap- the National People’s Congress duce an amendment to the Over- tional anthem could carry ply the existing law in Hong Kong Standing Committee legislative seas Investment Act to classify Da prison sentence of up to and Macau, it added, without ex- aff airs commission. Hong Kong’s residential housing as “sensi- three years under a new draft law plaining why the penalty could chief executive Carrie Lam said tive,” which means that only res- amendment, which may also af- increase so signifi cantly. “protecting the dignity of the idents will be able to buy existing fect Hong Kong and Macau, state It is not clear if Beijing could national anthem is the obliga- residential dwellings. media reported yesterday. impose three-year jail terms in tion” of her government, adding Australians will be exempt as It was unclear if the maxi- Hong Kong and Macau, since the that exact details of the local leg- New Zealanders are in Australia. mum penalty would apply in the cities are normally free to pre- islation would have to be consid- Under the plan, foreigners would two semi-autonomous southern scribe their own criminal pun- ered. China’s laws can be extend- still be able to buy land and de- cities. But any move to punish ishments. ed to Hong Kong by adding them velop housing on it. The legisla- anthem insults could trigger a “My guess is that the pen- to the city’s mini-constitution, tion would be introduced before backlash in Hong Kong, which alties would apply partially to the Basic Law, followed by local Christmas, so the changes could enjoys rights and freedoms not Hong Kong and Macau, at least legislative procedures. take eff ect when the legislation seen on the mainland under a through the National Anthem Pro-democracy legislator was passed in early 2018. “One country, two systems” for- Law. This would carry a 15-day Tanya Chan told AFP she had Ardern said the proposed change mula. jail sentence,” said Jeremy Daum “great concern about how the would not impact on any existing Some football fans in the self- of Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai law can infl uence our freedom of trade deals except the Singapore governing city have booed the China Center in Beijing. speech in Hong Kong”. Closer Economic Partnership, but Chinese anthem when it was “That Hong Kong and Macau In October Hong Kong fans the government was working with played at matches, despite ap- likely wouldn’t get the three- booed and turned their backs Singapore on the options. peals for restraint. year sentence should not make during the playing of the “March These confer greater rights China has been fi ne-tuning it sound mild, for such a ridicu- of the Volunteers” anthem at a on multinational companies in- legislation on the proper way and lous type of off ence that doesn’t football match against Malaysia, vesting in New Zealand than a place to sing its national anthem, hurt anyone and is an expres- despite appeals by football au- New Zealand company has,” she recently tightening rules that al- sion of free speech,” Daum told thorities. said. ready bar people from perform- AFP. The former British colony There were also similar inci- Her government was deter- ing it at parties, weddings and returned to Chinese rule in 1997 dents at previous matches. mined to amend the ISDS provi- funerals. under a promise that rights and In 2015 during the World Cup sions of the TPP. “In addition, The country in September freedoms would be protected for qualifi er between the city and its Cabinet has today instructed passed a National Anthem Law 50 years. “In recent years, inci- mainland rivals, Hong Kong fans trade negotiation offi cials to applying to mainland citizens, dents of disrespecting the na- jeered the anthem. That match oppose ISDS in any future free which specifi ed a much lesser jail tional anthem had occurred in followed pro-democracy pro- trade agreements,” she added. term of 15 days for disrespect- Hong Kong, challenging the bot- tests in late 2014, which gripped New Zealanders have suff ered a ing the song. Under the new tom line of the principle of ‘One the city and underlined discon- housing crisis in recent years. measures to make the off ence a country, two systems’ and so- tent with Beijing’s rule. Amnesty Record immigration has led crime, “punishment ranges from cial morality and triggering rage International China researcher to growing demand for housing, A model parades a creation from the ‘A Life On The Left’ collection by Lin Qi during China Fash- removal of political rights and among Chinese,” Xinhua cited William Nee told AFP the an- one that the country’s construc- ion Week in Beijing yesterday. public surveillance to criminal Zhang Rongshun as saying. them move “would clearly be out tion sector can’t keep up with. detention and imprisonment of “It is urgent and important to of step with international law”. Thailand revokes passports Seven Rohingya refugees of exiled former PM Yingluck

AFP expiry of a deadline for Yingluck die in boat accidents Bangkok to appeal against the verdict, making her return to Thailand highly unlikely. Cox’s Bazar zar district, three Rohingya infants hailand has revoked the Analysts believe the junta Bangladesh drowned as they slipped from their passports of ousted pre- likely cut a backroom deal with mothers’ clutches when the boat Tmier Yingluck Shinawatra, the politician to whisk her out of bringing them from Myanmar who has yet to be seen in public the country – a charge the gener- our Rohingya Muslims, reached the Bangladesh shore, since she slipped out of the coun- als deny. a man, woman and two police offi cial Main Uddin Khan try before the verdict in her neg- The Shinawatras are wild- Fchildren, drowned when a of the region’s Teknaf police sta- ligence trial, offi cials said yester- ly popular in Thailand’s rural small wooden fi shing boat car- tion told Reuters. The babies, aged day. The former prime minister, heartlands, where voters wooed rying dozens of refugees fl eeing between three and 10 months, whose elected government was Yingluck Shinawatra by their welfare schemes have ethnic violence in Myanmar cap- were lost in the waves pounding toppled in a 2014 coup, has not helped them dominate elections sized off the Bangladesh coast the beach. The bodies of two were been seen or heard from since she brother Thaksin, who was ousted for the past decade. But they are yesterday, police said. found on Monday evening, and the stunned the kingdom by failing as prime minister in a 2006 coup, loathed by Bangkok’s tradition- Residents of the coastal strip third yesterday. to turn up for the Supreme Court has been living in self-exile for al army-allied elite, who have south of the Bangladesh port of More than 600,000 Rohingya verdict in late August. years to avoid a graft conviction. branded them as corrupt oppor- Cox’s Bazar fi shed 37 survivors have fl ed to neighbouring Bang- She was later sentenced to He has a home in Dubai and tunists and repeatedly cut down out of the water and 11 have been ladesh since the military in pre- fi ve years in prison in absen- junta chief Prayut Chan-O- their governments with coups, admitted to hospital in a criti- dominantly Buddhist Myanmar tia for failing to stop graft in a Cha said in late September that court rulings and protests. cal condition, said police offi cer launched a counter-insurgency government rice policy – a case Yingluck was also in the emirate. The ruling junta recently Mohammad Abul Khair of the operation after attacks on secu- lambasted by her supporters While her current wherea- vowed to hold elections in No- area’s Ukhiya police station. rity posts by Rohingya militants as part of a broader junta ef- bouts remain unconfi rmed, vember 2018, though a tight ban The boat had keeled over in in late August. UN offi cials have fort to drive the ex-premier’s there are widespread reports the on political activities remains choppy seas as rain fell. Accord- described the Myanmar military’s family out of politics. “All of former premier is seeking asylum in place. Elections will not re- ing to survivors they had paid action as “ethnic cleansing”, an Yingluck’s passports have been in Britain. store the same level of democ- 50,000 kyat ($37) to be taken to accusation that Myanmar denies. revoked now,” Foreign Minister “I don’t know (where she is),” racy the kingdom enjoyed before Bangladesh, having abandoned Around 200 Rohingya refu- Don Pramudwinai told report- Prayut told reporters yester- the coup. Under the junta’s new their homes in Buthidaung, in gees have drowned since late ers yesterday. Yingluck had four day. “What’s important is that charter elected politicians will the strife-torn north of Myan- August, while making the peril- Thai passports, two personal the country she’s residing must be straitjacketed by an appointed A Bangladeshi child plays with a toy as others sit on a boat that mar’s Rakhine state. ous sea and river crossing to the and two diplomatic, according confi rm her location with us,” he Upper House and requirements was involved in a fatal accident while carrying Rohingya Muslim In a separate incident at the safety of predominantly Muslim to authorities. Yingluck’s elder added. The move comes after the to stick to a 20-year master plan. refugees near Teknaf yesterday. southernmost tip of the Cox’s Ba- Bangladesh. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 BRITAIN

LAW AND ORDER TRIAL PEOPLE CRIME JUSTICE Police probe into Burglar found guilty of Kate’s uncle faces Gunmen shoot Woman jailed for Weinstein widens ex-navy off icer’s murder court over ‘assault’ two at illegal rave pushing man to death

A total of seven women have now made A burglar who twice ran over an ex-Royal Navy The Duchess of Cambridge’s uncle will appear in Two people were injured after gunmen wearing A woman who killed a stranger by pushing him allegations to Scotland Yard of sexual assault off icer with his own car has been convicted of court next month over an alleged attack on his Halloween masks fired at revellers at an illegal into the path of a tram during a drunken row by the disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey murder. Ryan Gibbons, 29, admitted breaking into wife, a court heard yesterday. Gary Goldsmith, rave in east London. They opened fire at the has been jailed. Charissa Brown-Wellington, 31, Weinstein, it emerged yesterday. The Met’s Mike Samwell’s home in Chorlton, Manchester on 52, is accused of assaulting Julie-Ann outside “Money Move” party on an industrial estate in shoved Philip Carter, 30, between two carriages inquiry into claims that Weinstein assaulted April 23 and stealing his car but denied deliberately their central London home on October 13. They Leyton. Video footage shows people screaming at Manchester Victoria station on June 11. Carter, women in Britain has been stepped up as more driving over him. A jury at Manchester Crown had spent the evening at private members’ club after the lights were turned on when gunfire from Blackley, was crushed by the tram and died people have come forward, with the latest Court took four hours to find Gibbons guilty of the Home House in Portman Square, Marylebone. erupted. There were reports that at least three at the scene. Brown-Wellington, from Chadderton, allegation relating to an assault in Westminster 35-year-old’s murder. Gibbons, of Steven Court, Goldsmith, of Marylebone, is charged with men fired guns in what a local business owner pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was given in 1994. Scotland Yard’s child abuse and Chorlton, will be sentenced today. The court assault by beating. He will appear at Westminster described as a “gangland execution gone a five-year prison term at Manchester Crown sexual off ences command is investigating the heard Samwell, a nuclear engineer, and his wife magistrates’ court on November 14. He is wrong”. A man, 41, was shot in the leg and a Court. The court heard that Carter and Brown- allegations under the codename Operation Jessica woke to the sound of burglars breaking the younger brother of Kate’s mother Carole woman, believed to be in her twenties, suff ered Wellington was drunk when she became involved Kaguyak. The inquiry is now focusing on 11 into their home on Cranbourne Road. Samwell ran Middleton and was one of the guests at his a gunshot injury to her chest, police said. There in an argument with Carter, who had also been separate allegations of assault ranging from the downstairs to confront Gibbons as he was driving niece’s wedding to Prince William at Westminster were also reports that one of the revellers drinking, at the station. She admitted pushing him Eighties to 2015. off , shouting “Get out of the car” but was run over. Abbey in 2011. returned fire. but denied intending to cause him serious harm.

Lords proposes Fallon sorry voluntary plan to cut numbers for behaviour

AFP London against female ritain’s unelected House of Lords should voluntar- Bily slash its numbers by a quarter, to 600, and introduce time-limited terms for members as part of urgently needed reform, peers said yesterday. journalist The upper parliamentary chamber is thought to be the larg- Guardian News and Media ment would not go unpunished, job applicant; and Westminster est of its kind in any democratic London as she responded to an urgent staff compiled a list of more than country, its current membership question raised by the Labour MP 30 Conservative MPs accused of of 824 dwarfi ng that of the 650- Harriet Harman about allegations sleazy behaviour. seat, elected House of Commons. heresa May was under that have emerged in recent days. Speaking in the debate, Har- Peers unanimously agreed pressure to contain the The Commons heard one MP man said: “No woman, or man last year to reduce their size, ap- Tfallout from claims of sex- complain of an incident of sexual for that matter, coming to work pointing a cross-party commit- ual misconduct at Westminster, as assault at Westminster that had in this house should be subjected tee which proposed yesterday Defence Secretary Michael Fallon not been properly investigated, to unwanted advances from those that the membership be capped admitted inappropriate behaviour and a second say her concerns who are in a position of power over at 600. Noting that the Lords is towards a female journalist more about bawdy bar room culture had them. unique in having members who than a decade ago. been rebuff ed. “No one should have to work in serve for life, the committee also Fallon has become the fi rst With May sitting alongside a toxic atmosphere of sleazy, sex- proposed that newly appointed Cabinet minister to be named, her, Leadsom set out plans to ist or homophobic banter. No MP, peers serve only 15 years. since the Harvey Weinstein strengthen the independent hel- let alone a minister, should think it Since a major overhaul in 1999, scandal prompted junior staff at pline that Commons staff can use is something to make jokes about.” when all but 92 hereditary peers Westminster to discuss concerns to report allegations of miscon- The Environment Secretary, were excluded, further attempts about the behaviour of promi- duct and said a dedicated support Michael Gove, was forced to apol- to bring legislative change to the nent politicians – including in a team would provide pastoral care ogise at the weekend after making Lords have failed, and the current spreadsheet that now includes the and, where appropriate, help vic- a joke about the Weinstein aff air. government has no such plans. names of 37 Conservative MPs. tims report cases to the police. After Leadsom spoke, MPs on As a result, the committee pro- Fallon was identifi ed by the all sides took turns to condemn a posed voluntary changes, asking Sun as the Cabinet minister who “Julia is a good friend of culture in which powerful poli- political parties to agree to per- repeatedly touched the broad- Michael’s. He overstepped ticians can exploit the vulner- suade existing members to retire caster Julia Hartley-Brewer at a the mark when he touched ability of younger staff , who are at a faster rate over the next dec- dinner in 2002 – though Hartley- her. She made it clear it was employed directly by MPs them- ade to cut numbers. Brewer herself played down the unwelcome and he rightly selves. They would also have to agree incident, saying she was not “re- apologised” The Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville to limit political appointments in motely distressed”.A close ally of Roberts said a member of staff the future to keep the numbers the defence secretary said: “Julia “Everyone in this House must had told her about an incident of down. is a good friend of Michael’s. He be clear that whenever a serious sexual assault that had not been Commons Speaker John Ber- overstepped the mark when he allegation is made, the individual properly investigated. “A worker cow said in September that the touched her. She made it clear it should go to the police and be sup- employed as staff of a member in size of the Lords was “patently was unwelcome and he rightly ported in doing so,” she said. this House told me that she re- absurd” and should be halved. apologised 15 years ago.” Leadsom said all options would ported being sexually assaulted to New questions have been Hartley-Brewer rejected the remain open for punishing perpe- the proper authorities earlier this raised over the role of the Lords idea that Fallon should be pur- trators. “In the case of staff , they year, who did nothing,” she said. in recent weeks after The Daily sued over the incident, saying: “I could forfeit their jobs; in the case “She is deeply disappointed and Mirror reported that 115 peers have not been a victim and I don’t of members of parliament, they distrustful, and she tells me that claimed £1.3mn between them in wish to take part in what I believe could have the whip withdrawn distrust is endemic.” the past year, despite not speak- has now become a Westminster and they could be fi red from min- Leadsom replied that she was ing once in the chamber. witch-hunt.”The fresh revelations isterial offi ce.” happy to meet the woman and Most members — barring those emerged after MPs raised con- Over the weekend, Trade Min- discuss the allegations personally. in ministerial or parliamentary cerns of a “toxic atmosphere” in ister Mark Garnier admitted Chi Onwurah told Leadsom she offi ce — do not receive a salary parliament during a debate on the harassment claims against his had raised concerns with Com- but can claim travel expenses and issue on Monday. former assistant; the former work mons authorities about the bawdy a tax-free fl at rate for attendance Andrea Leadsom, the leader of and pensions secretary Stephen culture in a Commons bar fre- of either £150 or £300. the House of Commons, pledged Crabb apologised for “inappro- quented by MPs and researchers, They decide which rate. The House of Lords chamber sits in session at the Houses of Parliament in London yesterday. that incidents of sexual harass- priate chatter” with a 19-year-old but had been rebuff ed. Father and children Connolly knighted ‘Sport fanatic’ dies after bicycle fall die in farmhouse blaze London Evening Standard Piotr Nazarewicz, who worked London with him for three years at the company’s premises in Totten- Guardian News and Media than £4,000 had been donated for County councillor Tim Van- ham, paid tribute to his “hilari- London the family via a page on the Just- Rees, who represents the area, cyclist who was seriously ous” colleague. “Lukasz was a very Giving website. described the community’s shock. injured in a “freak acci- friendly person. I worked with him One fl oral tribute left at the “I knew the father and several of Adent” has lost his fi ght for a lot but never saw him angry. He ributes have poured in for a scene said: “Such a terrible trag- the children,” he said. “They were life. liked jokes and was a sport fanatic. father who died alongside edy, special thoughts to family and a large family, although I am not Lukasz Wrobel, 33, suff ered He used to be a bodybuilder but Tseveral of his children in a friends.” sure how many were living there. head and chest injuries after falling then got obsessed with cycling,” fi re at a remote farmhouse in mid- Barry Smith, a family friend, It is absolutely shocking and a from his £3,000 bike in Lea Bridge he said. Wales. wrote on Facebook: “I knew Dave devastating blow and it is possibly Road, Clapton, at about 1.30pm on “We still don’t know what’s ex- David Cuthbertson, 68, a build- for around 14 yrs … I can’t & won’t just as well we are in half-term at Monday last week. London’s Air actly happened to make him come er, is believed to have been killed in get over it … rest in peace Dave & the moment because the eff ect on Ambulance and paramedics treat- off . He always used a helmet and the blaze at the property in Llan- all the little ones that died with our children and the schools would ed him at the scene but he died in gloves and he absolutely had hel- gammarch Wells, Powys, together you.” have been very severe.” hospital two days later with his met on that awful day.” Another with several members of his family. Ron Birchall, 73, who lives at the Chief superintendent Richard family at his side. colleague Jan Jares said: “It really The fl ames were so fi erce that former Aberceiros Inn in the vil- Lewis, of Dyfed Powys police, said He is the ninth cyclist known looks like it was one of those freak investigators have not yet been lage, said: “He was a great father the three children who escaped to have died on London roads accidents.” able to confi rm how many died in who loved his kids and doted on were being treated in hospital but this year. Police yesterday said it A close friend added: “He was the fi re, which is being treated as them. did not have life-threatening inju- was still unclear what had caused always very safety conscious and unexplained. “We have been living here since ries. “However, there are a number Wrobel to come off his bike. He was aware how dangerous roads A team of fi re and rescue dogs 2002 and when we arrived he was of people unaccounted for at this was wearing a helmet and it is not can be in London. He would go were on the scene yesterday as the living in a village a couple of miles time and we can confi rm that there believed he was in collision with a on these enormous 50k rides and investigation continued. away and then a year or so later are known to be fatalities,” he said. moving vehicle. spent a lot of money on the best A neighbour raised the alarm he moved to the village. I used to “Specialist scientists and fi re One witness saw him sliding safety gear. shortly after midnight on Monday see him walking around the vil- investigators are still assessing along the ground at the junction “He was all about staying in and three children, aged 13, 12, and lage or in his vehicle. We saw the the scene and at this time we are with Cornthwaite Road. shape and needed a diff erent type 10, escaped unharmed, but po- kids coming to pick up the bus to treating the cause of the fi re as un- Comedian Billy Connolly poses with his medal next Wrobel, originally from Rumia of exercise after giving up body- lice said a number of people were school.” explained. Due to the severity of to his wife Pamela Stephenson after being knighted in Poland, had taken the day off building. He was always pushing missing. Birchall said Cuthbertson was damage at the scene, we are unable as a Knights Bachelor (knighthood) for services to from his warehouse job at Mari- himself to be a better person; he Flowers and tributes have been separated from his partner, who at this stage to identify any of the entertainment and charity during an investiture gold Health Foods to go on his fa- would help anyone he could and left near to the scene of the blaze had moved away after suff ering a deceased or to confi rm the number ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, yesterday. vourite bike ride, from his home in was very intelligent and well read and by lunchtime yesterday more stroke. of deceased.” Clapton to Epping Forest. about the body.” Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 17 BRITAIN Trees campaigner may face jail for fl outing injunction

Guardian News and Media safety zones erected around trees chance to “purge” his contempt council’s six-year programme, heavy-handed tactics and trying to breach the terms of the order”. ples than upholding the law in play London due to be felled, in breach of an and avoid a criminal record by many on the city’s leafi est and to criminalise protesters. The case at Sheffi eld combined now.” injunction brought by Sheffi eld apologising and promising not to wealthiest streets. On Friday, Alison Teal, the court heard that Payne had previ- Payne chose not to give evidence city council. He was also found break the injunction again. Residents have disputed the Green party councillor, was found ously written on social media that in his defence, according to the campaigner could face guilty of breaking the court order The ruling by Justice Stephen council’s claim that the trees are not guilty of breaching the coun- he did not care if he was prosecut- judgment, and had not responded up to two years in jail af- by encouraging “as many people Males is the latest development in dead, dying or a hazard to pedes- cil’s court order. ed. to the Guardian’s request for com- Ater being found guilty of as possible” on Facebook to ignore an increasingly bitter war between trians and need to be replaced. On Tuesday, Payne was cleared “I’d rather do what’s right than ment at the time of publication. breaching a court order while the council’s order and try to save the Labour-run council and resi- The authority and Amey, the of one allegation but found guilty what the powers that be see as Speaking outside court on Fri- trying to stop trees being felled in the trees. dents over its plans to chop down outsourcing company given a of three, including using Facebook well-behaved and respectable,” he day, Payne was unrepentant. “The Sheffi eld. Payne could face a two-year jail 5,500 mature trees in the city. £2.2bn PFI (private fi nance initia- to post what the judge described wrote. In another post, he wrote: Facebook post is there. I don’t re- Calvin Payne was found to have term when he is sentenced on Fri- A further 500 trees are ear- tive) deal to carry out the tree fell- as a “It has taken methods that may be gret it, it refl ects my genuine feel- twice stepped inside so-called day but may instead be off ered the marked for removal as part of the ing, have also faced criticism for “clear encouragement to others illegal, but there are bigger princi- ings,” he said. New payout Duchess visits tennis association rules for child abuse victims after criticism

Guardian News and Media an applicant may not realise they London have been abused at the time of the incident due to the coercive eff ects of sexual grooming or child resh guidelines have been sexual exploitation. Victims may issued to ensure that child be tricked into thinking that they Fvictims of sexual abuse are are in a loving, consensual rela- not denied compensation on the tionship when the reality is that mistaken grounds that they con- they are being subjected to the sented to a relationship. abuser’s coercive control. The Criminal Injuries Compen- “Only where it is clear that the sation Authority (CICA), which sexual activity was of the appli- has been criticised by a coalition cant’s genuine free will should it of charities, is altering its instruc- be found that no crime of violence tions to staff over the impact of has occurred and that the sexual grooming. activity should not attract com- Five charities – Barnardo’s, pensation under the scheme.” Victim Support, Liberty, Rape Unveiling the changes, CICA’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks with British player Johanna Konta (centre) as she prepares to take part in a Tennis for Kids session during a visit to the Lawn Crisis and the National Work- chief executive, Carole Oatway, Tennis Association (LTA) at the National Tennis Centre in southwest London yesterday. The duchess visited the LTA, the national governing body of tennis, where she was ing Group – wrote to the Justice said: “We know that the nature briefed on the organisations latest activities and objectives, and had the opportunity to watch a number of tennis demonstrations at the National Tennis Centre’s on-court Secretary, David Liddington, last of grooming can make signs of facilities. July warning that sexually abused abuse particularly challenging to children as young as 12 were being detect, but we are determined to denied payments even if their at- make sure every victim gets the tackers had been jailed. compensation to which they are In some cases, the charities al- entitled. leged, individuals had been told “That’s why we have listened to by CICA that they had consented experts, including children chari- to the abuse. The coalition urged ties, and are grateful for their ex- changes so that “no child groomed pertise in helping make sure our and manipulated into sexual abuse guidance is as robust as it can is denied compensation because possibly be. “We have introduced UK accelerates Brexit they complied with their abuse additional safeguards and are im- through fear, lack of understand- proving staff training to ensure we ing, or being brainwashed into get decisions right fi rst time.” believing their abuser loved them One of the new safeguards re- and developing feelings for them”. quires complex cases involving Under the new guidelines, each sexual abuse, where a victim is claim will still be considered on young or otherwise vulnerable, plans, talks to speed up its individual merits but the en- to be automatically referred to hanced advice contains clear in- CICA’s lawyers before any fi nal Reuters running out for them to make in- At a meeting with her ministers for each of the around 300 pro- But in a sign that an improved structions for assessors to check decision is made. London/Bratislava vestment decisions. yesterday, Prime Minister There- grammes underway across gov- tone between the two sides struck for possible indicators of groom- Specialist training, similar to British and EU negotiators sa May was updated on plans for ernment.” at a summit earlier this month ing and child sexual exploitation. that provided to police offi cers, met in Brussels yesterday to try the tax and customs authority to May wants to silence critics was continuing, EU chief negoti- The new guidance for staff will be given to CICA staff to im- ritain is accelerating prep- to agree a schedule for further add a further 3,000-5,000 work- in her ruling Conservative Party ator Michel Barnier reaffi rmed his states: “Even if it appears that the prove their understanding of such arations for “all eventu- divorce talks, with an initial pro- ers next year and for spending of who are pressing her to walk away message in the Slovak capital Bra- minor expressed consent to the issues when dealing with particu- Balities” when it leaves the posal from the bloc to hold three £500mn for Brexit. from talks, which have faltered tislava that he was ready to “speed acts in question, it cannot be as- larly vulnerable victims. European Union, but both sides more rounds before the end of the “Alongside the negotiations in over how much Britain should pay up negotiations”. sumed that this was given because CICA, which pays out more are hopeful that an agreement year not winning instant approval Brussels, it is crucial that we are to leave the bloc, and also to step “We have clearly proposed the child wanted to engage in sex- than £140mn a year in compen- on stepping up talks to unravel from London. putting our own domestic prepa- up the negotiations. three (diff erent dates) for new ual activity as this may actually be sation to victims of violent crime, more than 40 years of partner- The pressure has spurred the rations in place so that we are Brexit campaigners are de- rounds. In the next few hours or a symptom of coercive control. launched an internal review of its ship will be sealed soon. British government to step up its ready at the point that we leave manding that Britain leave with days we’ll be working with British “The surrounding circum- procedures in July to develop im- With only 17 months remain- Brexit plans, employing thou- the EU,” May’s spokesman told no deal if the talks do not move on delegations to fi nd the right dates stances always require to be inves- proved guidance to decision mak- ing until Britain’s expected de- sands more workers and spend- reporters. beyond a discussion of the divorce because we need to work in a very tigated as these may indicate that ers handling sex abuse cases. parture, the slow pace of talks ing millions to make sure customs “The preparatory work has settlement on a so-called Brexit intense way to fi nd this agree- the situation was abusive and the The charities which highlighted has increased the possibility of it posts, laws and systems work on seen a signifi cant acceleration in bill, EU citizens rights and the ment before December,” Barnier consent was not true consent. the issue also contributed to the leaving without a deal, alarming day one of Brexit, even without a recent months. Departments are border with EU member Ireland told reporters, in comments that “You should be mindful that CICA review. business leaders who say time is deal on a future relationship. preparing detailed delivery plans by December. supported sterling.

Photocall Couples to be allowed to Bake Off winner apply for online divorce accidentally revealed Reuters came a talking-point among social London media users. “I feel like a defl ated Guardian News and Media “We have launched the first of the family division of the souffl e now,” wrote Bry on Twitter. London divorce application services high court, said earlier this Leith’s blunder was all the more online at three sites and will year that changes to the court ave you ever known that unfortunate because it came dur- be extending the testing over system would see processes horrible feeling when ing her fi rst season as a Bake Off ll married couples will the coming months. such as divorce become “en- Hyou realise you’ve sent a judge, replacing the revered Mary be able to apply for a These measures will sim- tirely digitised” in “a vision- message about a surprise party Berry who quit after the pro- Adivorce online as part plify the process for divorce ary programme of ambition to the one person who wasn’t gramme moved from the BBC to of a £1bn change to the justice applicants and help progress unprecedented anywhere in meant to know about it? rival broadcaster Channel 4. system. applications quickly.” the world”. Then spare a thought for Prue “Mary Berry would never have The ministry of justice Under the current system, Gary Lineker, the football- Leith, a judge on TV show The done this,” wrote Padraig on Twit- (MoJ) said the scheme, which those seeking a divorce must er-turned-television present- Great British Bake Off , who has po- ter, although others leapt to Leith’s was being tested at three sites fill out paper forms and send er, disclosed that he divorced tentially spoilt a surprise for about defence. in the UK, would be rolled out them to a court for considera- Danielle Bux, his wife of six 9mn people. “It’s OK Prue, still think you across the country to allow tion. years, last year using an on- Leith apologised yesterday after are awesome. Mistakes happen,” all uncontested divorces to be Applicants must submit a line government form which tweeting the name of this season’s tweeted Claire. conducted using an online ap- petition which is served to is understood to have cost him Bake Off winner hours before the The Bake Off involves weeks plication process. their spouse, who must agree about £400. fi nal was scheduled to be aired in of competition between amateur A “smart form”, which tai- to the divorce by signing the The presenter of Match of Britain, saying she was in Bhutan bakers who are set a series of in- lors questions based on the document or state their rea- The Day said the legal system and had got confused about the creasingly tough challenges. One circumstances of the marriage sons for contesting. They was designed to cost couples a time diff erence between the coun- is eliminated every week until the breakdown, will help the jus- must also provide documents fortune and led to them “hat- tries. last three battle it out in the fi nal. tice ministry attempt to save including marriage certifi- ing each other”. The spoiler was swiftly deleted, Last year, the Bake Off fi nal at- £250mn through a reduction cate, financial agreements and He told Radio Times: “It’s but not before the name of the vic- tracted 16mn viewers, making it in paperwork and processing reasons for divorce. very easy to get married and tor was all over the Internet, caus- the most watched programme of time. The reasons for the mar- very difficult to get divorced. ing consternation among the pro- the year on British television. A spokeswoman for HM riage ending have to be set out And we know lawyers try to gramme’s legions of followers. While viewer numbers have Courts and Tribunals Serv- and agreed before a decree nisi manipulate it to make you “I am so sorry to the fans of the dropped since the move to Chan- ice said: “We have a world- is granted, while a decree ab- spend more money and basi- show for my mistake this morn- nel 4, which unlike the BBC has leading legal system and are solute can be issued six weeks cally end up hating each other. An athlete from the British Ski and Snowboard team takes part ing. I am in a diff erent time zone advertising breaks, the show is still investing over £1bn to reform later, which legally ends the There should be a mathemati- in a photocall at the The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, and mortifi ed by my error,” Leith considered a ratings success for and enhance our courts to de- marriage. cal equation that goes to the Britain, yesterday. tweeted. the smaller broadcaster, attracting liver swifter justice. Sir James Mumby, the head courts and they sort it out.” The spoiler immediately be- some 8.9mn viewers per episode. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 EUROPE

Macron defends new German police avert law to fi ght terrorism Reuters what we stand for,” said Ma- Paris cron, who took offi ce in May this year. More than 240 people have resident Emmanuel Ma- been killed on French soil in cron defended new secu- Islamist-inspired attacks in Prity legislation yesterday, almost three years. ‘major terror attack’ saying that religious militants Dozens more have been still posed a serious threat to killed in similar attacks else- AFP had been in touch with radical Is- France as a two-year state of where in Europe, primarily in Berlin lamists and sold drugs in Berlin. emergency comes to an end. Britain and Belgium. He had managed to escape de- The anti-terrorism law, The government says the tection by skipping across Ger- which critics say undermines state of emergency has helped erman police have arrest- man state lines and using diff er- civil liberties, takes eff ect to- intelligence agencies to thwart ed a Syrian man suspect- ent identities. day, replacing the state of more than 30 attacks. Ged of preparing a terror Last July, a 26-year-old Pales- emergency that was imposed Many of those emergency attack using powerful explosives, tinian asylum-seeker wielding a in November 2015, when mili- powers will now be enshrined prosecutors said, almost one year knife stormed into a supermarket tants killed 130 people in co- in law, drawing criticism from after a deadly truck rampage at a in Hamburg, killing one person ordinated attacks across Paris. human rights groups. Berlin Christmas Market. and wounding six others before The law gives the police “France has become so ad- The man, identifi ed only as being detained by passers-by. greater powers to search prop- dicted to the state of emer- Yamen A, 19, was held at dawn by German prosecutors said the erties, conduct electronic gency that it is now injecting special forces in the northeast- man likely had a “radical Islam- eavesdropping and shut down several of these abusive meas- ern town of Schwerin, the federal ist” motive. mosques suspected of preach- ures into ordinary law,” Human prosecutor’s offi ce said in a state- The intelligence services esti- ing hatred than they had prior Rights Watch said before par- ment. mate there are around 10,000 re- to the state of emergency. liament backed the legislation. Several apartments were also ligious radicals in Germany, some Speaking to the European Macron said the new legis- searched in the region, which is 1,600 of whom are suspected of Court of Human Rights in lation would be reviewed and north of Berlin. being capable of using violence. Strasbourg, eastern France, adapted as needed two years The man is suspected of hav- IS claimed responsibility for Macron said “(religious) ter- from now. ing “planned and already con- a number of other attacks in rorism” remained the biggest “We’re fi ghting terrorism cretely prepared an Islamist- 2016, including the murder of a security threat to France. with determination and we motivated attack in Germany teenager in Hamburg, a suicide “Terrorism targets European will continue to do so within using very powerful explosives”, bombing in the southern city of society and values just as it tar- the bounds of the law and with a spokeswoman for the prosecu- Ansbach that wounded 15, and gets government and state. We the oversight of judges,” Ma- tor’s offi ce, Frauke Kohler, told an axe attack on a train in Bavaria are being attacked because of cron said. reporters. that left fi ve injured. In a statement, the offi ce said Chancellor Angela Merkel has the man had made a decision “no allowed in more than 1mn asy- later than July 2017 to explode a lum-seekers in the past two years bomb in Germany with the aim – a decision that has driven the of killing and wounding as many shock rise of the far-right Alter- people as possible”. native for Germany (AfD) party. “It has not yet been established Police off icers are seen yesterday in the Neu Zippendorf district in Schwerin, northeastern Germany, The arrest yesterday came as whether the suspect already had where a 19-year-old Syrian suspected of planning a bomb attack was arrested. Merkel’s conservative CDU party a target in mind or not,” it said, was in talks with the left-leaning adding that prosecutors did not ter Thomas de Maiziere said in high alert over potential extrem- A probe pointed to a catalogue Greens and the pro-business have any information on whether a statement. “This action came ist attacks, particularly since De- of “mistakes” by security serv- Free Democrats (FDP) to form a the suspect belonged to “a ter- at exactly the right moment: cember last year when a man hi- ices in the lead-up to the attack. coalition government. rorist organisation”. late enough that the necessary jacked a truck and ploughed into The scathing report found that One of the main points of fric- In the following weeks, he evidence had been gathered but shoppers at a Christmas market authorities had missed several tion in the talks is Germany’s po- began to acquire the chemical early enough to eliminate any in Berlin, killing 12 people. opportunities to arrest and de- sition on migrants, with the CDU products and materials necessary potential danger.” The attacker was shot dead by port the driver, Tunisian asylum- and the FDP hoping to clamp to build a bomb. He added: “The threat level in police in Milan four days later, seeker Anis Amri. down on new arrivals while the “A serious attack has been pre- Germany remains high.” and the rampage was claimed by The 24-year-old, who had Greens want to maintain a more vented,” German Interior Minis- German police have been on the Islamic State (IS) group. previously been jailed in Italy, welcoming stance. Macron: We are being attacked because of what we stand for.

Hate campaign shuts down French feminists’ anti-harassment hotline Free Democrats French feminists who set up an anti-harassment phone line announced yesterday that they had been forced to shut it down after just three days because of a wave of insulting messages. Activists Clara Gonzales and Elliot Lepers launched the “anti-relou” press the Greens (anti-annoyance) mobile phone service on Friday, encouraging women being hassled by insistent men to give its number out instead of their own. If a man who refused to take “no” for an answer texted the fake for compromise number, he would receive an automatic response reading: “If a woman says no, there’s no point in insisting.” Gonzales and Lepers said they axed the service late on Monday Reuters mon ground in areas of social after the number received “more than 20,000 insulting messages” Berlin policy and digital infrastructure over the course of a few hours. during talks on Monday, but re- The organisers were also targeted on Twitter with a flood of hate mained far apart on issues of im- messages including death threats, while dozens of food orders were ermany’s Greens need to migration, fi scal and climate pol- made to their homes. compromise on immi- icies that divided them last week. “We were the victims of a co-ordinated attack against the service Ggration policy if talks on Lindner said the Greens did and a campaign of harassment against us personally,” Gonzales forming a governing coalition are not represent the majority of and Lepers wrote in a statement. “We will try to reactivate a similar to succeed, the leader of the Free Germans on the issue of family service as soon as possible.” Democrats (FDP) said, putting reunifi cation – allowing foreign- They added: “Above all we want a government response that the chances of a deal at 50-50. ers to join loved ones granted matches the expectations expressed by the whole of society in Chancellor Angela Merkel is asylum in Germany. recent weeks concerning the fight against violence targeting trying to form a coalition with That is one of the most con- women.” the FDP and Greens after her tentious issues in the talks. conservatives lost support to the All the parties are eager to far-right in a federal election last show the public that they are Mass seal deaths in Lake Baikal month. taking measures to prevent a re- The three-way alliance is un- peat of 2015, when Merkel’s de- Lindner, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Greens parliamentary group co-leader Katrin Around 130 dead seals have washed up on the shores of Russia’s tested at national level. cision to welcome people fl eeing Goering-Eckardt are seen during a break of exploratory talks on Monday to form a new government. Lake Baikal, authorities said yesterday, as they launched a probe “I still see the biggest diff er- wars and persecution led to the into the latest problem to hit the world’s deepest lake. ences with the Greens,” FDP largest infl ux of asylum-seekers tection are given one-year visas parties’ colours match those resisted closer budget and fi scal The Baikal seal is the smallest in the world, and exactly how and leader Christian Lindner said of in the post-war years. that can be renewed, because it of the Jamaican national fl ag. ties. when the species colonised the ancient Siberian lake is a mystery. immigration policy in an inter- But the Greens may not accept is deemed their home country is “Therefore, I still see the chances “We would like to facilitate in- “There were about 130 animals found dead” over the past few days, view with the Rheinische Post a conservative plan to suspend not safe. for Jamaica at 50-50.” vestment in the euro area. If there said environmental ministry spokesman Nikolai Gudkov. newspaper. the right to family reunions for But they do not have full refu- European reform is another is a lack of money for that, we can “We took water samples to understand whether we can talk of water “Germany is at the limit of asylum-seekers who have only gee status that would give them area of contention between the talk. But joint liability, common pollution as the reason,” he told AFP, though results have not yet what the majority are ready to been granted so-called subsidi- the right to stay. three party groups. risks – whether for national debt been processed. provide in humanitarian aid,” he ary protection, starting in March “In the fi rst phase, we haven’t The FDP welcomed French or deposits at our savings banks, Scientists have also taken biopsies of the animals, he said. said, adding that “realism cannot 2018. come close to solutions to con- President Emmanuel Macron’s co-operative banks or private The animal is not endangered and Gudkov said the species’ be sacrifi ced in a readiness for The Greens say that would fl icts,” Lindner said of the ex- push for European integration banks – there is no room for ma- population has actually increased in recent years, growing to coalition”. hamper integration. ploratory talks on a “Jamaica” and would like more security co- noeuvre there for the FDP,” he around 130,000. The three parties found com- Those given subsidiary pro- coalition, so called because the operation, Lindner said, but he said. Kyrgyzstan reburies its only ancient mummy, triggering outrage

By Tolkun Namatbayeva, AFP role in the call, resigned on Sat- itual world commanding author- echoes their position,” Tash- lim? We don’t know anything of were discovered in the autono- Archaeologist Tashbayeva re- Bishkek urday. ities to rebury the mummy. bayeva said. this mummy!” said lawmaker mous Xinjiang region of China jected both these arguments and Kazakov said the mummy had “She never died,” Muratbekova While Islam is the main re- Ryskeldi Mombekov of the relic, that borders Kyrgyzstan. said important facts about the been largely neglected by scien- told AFP. “When they fi rst found ligion in Kyrgyzstan, shamanic whose death almost certainly Archaeologists believe these mummy are already known. cientists have called for tists and the country lacked the her she was still alive. She was practices and cultural supersti- predates the birth of Islam. mummies, which are preserved “Her gender is known, we Kyrgyzstan’s only mummy fi nances to keep it in good condi- like a sleeping girl.” tion also have deep roots in the “Re-excavating her again due to harsh climatic conditions know she was quite young – Sto be immediately dug back tion. “By reburying her we saved former Soviet country of 6mn would amount to vandalism,” he rather than the mummifi cation probably less than 30 – when she up after the 1,500-year-old relic But some have said that the ourselves from bloodletting at people. said during a tense session of the customs associated with ancient died,” she said. was taken from a museum and re- timing of the reburial – on the the election,” she said, adding In 2011, lawmakers ritually legislature earlier this month. Egypt, are key to understanding “We can see that her skull has buried on the eve of a presidential eve of a bitterly-fought presi- that heeding scientists’ calls to slaughtered seven sheep in par- Archaeologists from Kyr- historical migration patterns in undergone artifi cial deforma- election in a decision celebrated dential election – indicates the re-exhume the body would be a liament to exorcise “evil spirits”. gyzstan and around the world the region. tion, which was a popular custom by self-professed psychics. infl uence of superstitions that grave mistake. “Before, the spir- Outgoing President Almaz- condemned the reburial as a Mair said the Kyrgyzstan among nomads of our region and The female mummy was put have gripped the Central Asian its spoke to us in terms of sugges- bek Atambayev has condemned backwards step for science. mummy “has tremendous value era. back in the ground in mid-Oc- country’s turbulent politics in tions, but now they are giving us the mummy’s reburial, blaming “Exhume the mummy and put in fi lling in the gap” as a case “We could learn even more tober in the same dusty corner the past. orders.” “pseudo-Muslims” who “believe it back in a sealed chamber in the study between Xinjiang’s Tarim with DNA testing but we lack of southern Kyrgyzstan where The reburial decision was cel- Kadycha Tashbayeva, the every clairvoyant”. museum immediately,” Victor Basin and Western Eurasia. specialists,” she added. it was discovered in 1956 after a ebrated by self-styled psychics in country’s head archaeologist But a lawmaker in Atambayev’s Mair, a professor in the Chinese One of the offi cial justifi ca- Tashbayeva and her colleagues sudden ruling by a state commis- the Muslim-majority state, who who sat on the commission, indi- dominant Social Democratic language and literature depart- tions for the reburial provided by have refused to share a stage with sion. had warned that disaster loomed cated that the decision may have Party, who is part of a parliamen- ment at the University of Penn- former culture minister Kazakov self-professed psychics as local The decision was made despite if the mummy remained vacu- been infl uenced by the advice of tary commission that has been sylvania, told AFP. was that the mummy was “just television shows have jumped on strong opposition from the only um-packed in a state museum. psychics. formed to determine the mum- Mair is among a small group an ordinary woman”, unlike So- the topic. archaeologist on the commission Self-described medium Zami- “You would think these people my’s fate following the burial, is of foreign academics that have viet founder Vladimir Lenin, who She accused the mediums of and culture minister Tugelbai ra Muratbekova claimed that she are just cultists and marginals. against digging the body back up. studied the so-called Tarim he said was a “chieftain” worthy fi lling the debate with “non- Kazakov, who played the decisive received a message from the spir- But they talk, and then the state “Is she Kyrgyz? Is she Mus- mummies, hundreds of which of preservation. sense”. Gulf Times Wednesday, Novermber 1, 2017 19 EUROPE

Mafi a boss orders Ousted Catalonia leader hit on daughter accepts snap poll plan AFP Reuters Rajoy as a way to resolve the Rome Brussels/Madrid stand-off . Rajoy, who has taken an un- compromising stance through- Sicilian mafi a boss who atalonia’s ousted leader out the battle of wills over ordered the assassination Carles Puigdemont has Catalonia, is gambling on anti- Aof his daughter from be- Caccepted the snap elec- independence parties taking hind bars because she was in love tion called by Spain’s central power in the regional parliament with a police offi cer has been ar- government when it took control and putting the brakes on the in- rested – after his son refused to of the region to block its push for dependence drive. carry out the hit. independence. Puigdemont will hope a strong Godfather Pino Scaduto be- Puigdemont, speaking at a showing for the independence gan blaming his earlier arrest news conference in Brussels, camp will reboot the secession- and conviction on his daughter’s also said he was not seeking ists after a tumultuous several burgeoning relationship with a asylum in Belgium after Spain’s weeks. senior Italian policeman. state prosecutor recommended Although Puigdemont did Investigators scouring his that charges for rebellion and not say when he would return prison correspondence discov- sedition be brought against him. to Spain and denied that he was ered chilling references to a spe- He would return to Catalonia fl eeing from justice, he could be cifi c “gift” he wanted to give to when given “guarantees” by the called to testify before the court his daughter. Spanish government, he said. on the rebellion and sedition Detectives say that Scaduto, Puigdemont’s announcement charges as soon as the end of the who was released from prison in that he would accept the re- week. April, then told his son to kill her, gional election on December 21 The Supreme Court also be- with the words: “Your sister has signalled that the Madrid gov- gan processing rebellion charg- become an informer.” ernment had for now at least es against Catalan parliament But Scaduto junior – who is gained the upper hand in the speaker Carme Forcadell and already facing a separate murder protracted struggle over Cata- senior leaders yesterday. charge – was reluctant to obey. lonia, a wealthy northeastern The political crisis, Spain’s “I don’t want to do it,” he said, region that already had consid- gravest since the return of de- in a conversation intercepted by erable autonomy. mocracy in the late 1970s, was police. “If you want it done, do it Resistance to Madrid’s impo- triggered by an unoffi cial inde- yourself. Why should I deal with sition of direct control on Cata- pendence referendum held in the problem? I’m 30.” lonia failed to materialise at the Catalonia on October 1. Scaduto senior, who rules over start of the week and the seces- Though it was declared illegal Two Catalan police off icers walk past a bar in Barcelona showing a live broadcast of Puigdemont’s news conference in Brussels. the Bagheria syndicate near the sionist leadership is in disarray. by Spanish courts and less than Sicilian capital of Palermo, then Yesterday Spain’s Constitu- half Catalonia’s eligible voters the election, a tacit acceptance Opponents of secession say dispute is not going to disap- The chaos has prompted an tried to hand the job to another tional Court blocked the unilat- took part, the pro-secessionist of direct rule from Madrid. a majority of Catalans want to pear anytime soon despite the exodus of businesses from Cata- person, who turned it down on eral declaration of independence regional government said the The struggle has divided remain part of Spain and did not present state of play. lonia, which contributes about the basis it was a family dispute. made by the regional parliament vote gave it a mandate for inde- Catalonia itself and caused deep take part in the referendum. “Spain is heading for a pe- one-fi fth of Spain’s economy, “Today, we have arrested a on Friday – a largely symbolic pendence. resentment across the rest of Despite his dash to the Euro- riod of disruption, and like the the fourth-largest in the euro- crime boss who wanted to kill his move that gained no traction and European nations including Spain, although separatist sen- pean Union’s power centre, Pu- UK and Brexit, having its policy zone. own daughter because she was led to the assembly’s dismissal Britain, Germany and France timent persists in the Basque igdemont’s hopes of engaging agenda dominated by one politi- Spain’s IBEX fell slightly as in a relationship with an Ital- by Prime Minister Mariano Ra- have backed Rajoy and rejected Country and some other areas. the bloc in his cause seem dim. cal issue while other key chal- Puigdemont began speaking in ian police major,” Italy’s Foreign joy less than an hour after it was an independent Catalan state, Two opinion polls showed Member states lined up after lenges fade into the background,” Brussels but then rose again. Minister Angelino Alfano said made. although some have called for support for independence may Friday’s independence declara- said Raj Badiani, an economist at Some people in Barcelona dis- on Monday, according to media “I ask the Catalan people to dialogue between the opposing have started to wane. tion to assert their support for IHS Markit in London. “A more played exasperation at the im- reports. prepare for a long road. Democ- sides. A Sigma Dos survey published Madrid. tangible impact from the crisis broglio. “The mafi a defi ne themselves racy will be the foundation of Puigdemont, vice-president in El Mundo showed 33.5% of EU institutions in Brussels say could evolve from early 2018, “It’s a farcical and com- as men of honour. But where is our victory,” Puigdemont said Oriol Junqueras and other Cata- Catalans were in favour of inde- they will deal only with Madrid with the uncertainty set to build pletely ridiculous situation,” the honour in ordering the kill- in Brussels, where he showed up lan leaders had said previously pendence, while a Metroscopia and that the dispute remains an as Catalans push harder for a le- said Ernesto Hernandez Busto, ing of your child?” the minister after dropping out of sight over they would not accept their dis- poll published by El Pais put that internal matter. gally binding referendum.” a 42-year-old editor. “This ex- said. the weekend. missal. number at 29%. “Our position remains un- Madrid’s move to impose di- treme nationalism, this separa- Scaduto was arrested along- The Spanish government has But their respective parties, That compared with 41.1% in changed,” EU Commission rect rule received the backing of tism, has taken Catalonia to the side 15 other members of the said that Puigdemont was wel- PdeCat and Esquerra Republi- July, according to an offi cial sur- spokeswoman Mina Andreeva several infl uential Catalan busi- most absurd situation and the Bagheria clan. come to take his chances and cana de Catalunya, said on Mon- vey carried out by the Catalan said in Brussels yesterday. ness lobbies, which called on worst inconvenience we have They are all accused of mafi a stand in the election, called by day that they would take part in government. But some analysts say the fi rms to stay in the region. had in the last 40 years.” association and extortion tar- geting local entrepreneurs in the construction and mineral water sectors.

Berlusconi probed Putin assassination plot suspect is Erdogan takes over alleged link to mafia bombings wounded, wife killed near Kyiv legal action over Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi is under investigation for alleged AFP Radical Party member Igor involvement in mafia bombings Kyiv Mosiychuk was walking out of lawmaker’s insult that terrorised the country in a television studio after giv- 1993, the former prime minister’s ing an interview on Wednesday lawyer said yesterday. Chechen volunteer sol- when an explosive device went Reuters Prosecutors in Florence opened dier who was accused of off near a scooter parked on the Istanbul the probe after a mafia boss A plotting to kill Russian street. was caught on wiretap last year President Vladimir Putin was Mosiychuk’s bodyguard died implying to a fellow inmate that wounded and his wife killed on the way to hospital while resident Tayyip Erdogan the media magnate had urged on Monday when their car was a passer-by was killed at the fi led a criminal com- him personally to commit acts of strafed by gunfi re near Kyiv. scene. Pplaint against a promi- violence against the state. The apparent assassination Both Mosiychuk and Ukrain- nent opposition lawmaker It is the third time that the former was the latest involving high- ian prosecutors said they sus- yesterday, one of Erdogan’s premier has been investigated profi le fi gures in Ukraine who pected the Russian security lawyers said, after the deputy for a possible role in the mafia bitterly opposed Russia. services of being behind the at- called the Turkish leader a fas- bombings in Rome, Milan and It also threatened to further tack. cist dictator. Erdogan: his lawyer has filed a Florence that killed 10 people. damage relations between two That blast was the latest in In blistering criticism of Er- legal petition concerning The first two probes were neighbours which already treat a string of politically charged dogan, the spokesman for the Tezcan for the crime of dismissed due to lack of each other as direct foes. bombings to have hit the main opposition Republican insulting the president. evidence. Ukrainian interior ministry Ukrainian capital since last year. People’s Party, Bulent Tezcan, The attacks were seen as revenge adviser Anton Gerashchenko This picture taken on July 29, 2014 shows Okuyeva cleaning her Former Russian opposition attacked what he said was a is a fascist dictator’,” Tezcan for the arrest of boss Toto Riina said that Amina Okuyeva died machine gun in a military training camp not far from Kyiv. lawmaker Denis Voronenkov “fearful atmosphere” in Tur- said. and the state’s creation of harsh and her husband Adam Os- was gunned down in broad day- key. His comments prompted a anti-mafia laws. mayev was injured when their to kill Putin just weeks before was staged by a man who initial- light in the Ukrainian capital af- Erdogan’s lawyer, Huseyin swift backlash from Erdogan’s Giuseppe Graviano, serving life car was hit by a hail of bullets the Russian leader’s election to ly presented himself as a jour- ter in March. Aydin, said on Twitter: “We offi ce and lawmakers from for his part in the bombings as while crossing a railroad track. a third term in 2012. nalist with a French newspaper. A car bomb killed journalist have fi led a legal petition con- his ruling AK Party, with Er- well as the murder of two anti- “Adam Osmayev was wound- He was held for two and a half The Ukrainian interior minis- Pavlo Sheremet in July 2016. cerning Bulent Tezcan with the dogan’s spokesman Ibrahim mafia judges and an anti-mafia ed, but he will live,” Gerash- years in a Ukrainian prison but try later identifi ed the assailant The independent Ukrainska Ankara chief prosecutor’s of- Kalin saying his “hate speech is priest, claimed that Berlusconi chenko wrote on Facebook. “I never extradited to Russia. as a Russian citizen. Pravda news site’s reporter had fi ce for the crime of insulting an example of disgrace for the encouraged the violence for his just spoke to him by phone.” A second suspect in that The locally renowned hus- denounced the political cours- the president.” main opposition”. own political ends, hoping to oust Interior ministry spokesman case was sentenced in 2013 to band-and-wife team fought as es taken by both Russia and Aydin also posted photos of Insulting the president is a the old guard. Yaroslav Trakalo confi rmed 10 years in prison after being volunteers alongside Ukrainian Ukraine. the petition. crime punishable by up to four The ageing billionaire’s right- Okuyeva’s death to the Interfax- handed over to the Russian au- forces battling Russian-backed And a colonel with the “The suspect’s statements years in prison in Turkey. hand man Marcello Dell’Utri Ukraine news agency. thorities. insurgents in the east of the Ukrainian defence ministry’s are part of a new campaign Lawyers for Erdogan, who served as the intermediary, He later added that investiga- Osmayev had already sur- war-scarred state. intelligence service was killed against our president and can- has dominated Turkish politics according to a mafia hit man. tors planned to open a “premed- vived an assassination attempt Monday’s attack occurred when his car exploded in Kyiv not be interpreted as an isolat- for more than a decade, have The co-founder of Berlusconi’s itated murder” inquiry but not a in Kyiv on June 1. less than a week after Ukraine in June. ed incident,” the petition said, fi led more than 1,800 cases Go Italy (FI) party was sentenced terror probe. The assailant was shot dead opened a terror probe into All three cases remain un- saying that such a campaign against people including car- in 2014 to seven years in jail for Osmayev was accused by by Okuyeva on that occasion. a bombing that wounded a solved and Russia has rejected had also been launched ahead toonists, a former Miss Turkey mafia complicity. Moscow authorities of plotting The June bid to kill Osmayev Ukrainian lawmaker in Kyiv. all charges of involvement. of last year’s attempted coup. winner and schoolchildren on In a speech on Monday in the accusations of insulting him. western city of Tekirdag, criti- Following the failed coup of cising local judicial authori- July 15 last year, Erdogan said ties, Tezcan had said: “If you he would drop outstanding try to scare people and to create suits, in a one-off gesture. Protestants, Catholics mark 500 years since Reformation a fearful atmosphere by show- Nonetheless, rights groups ing legal words as illegal ones and some Western govern- we will not be deterred.” ments have voiced concern. AFP revolution that created the Prot- nailed his “95 theses” to the the Pilgrims for what was later to joint statement on the anniver- His comments appeared Some 150,000 people have Wittenberg, Germany estant church. church door in a brazen challenge become America. sary yesterday. to be in defence of the local been sacked or suspended Chancellor Angela Merkel and to the powerful institution, cre- The deadliest of Europe’s re- “We recognise that while the mayor, a CHP member, who from their jobs and more than President Frank-Walter Stein- ating shock waves that eventu- ligious confl icts was the Thirty past cannot be changed, its infl u- was questioned by authorities 50,000 jailed pending trial on atholic and Lutheran meier arrived for a service at the ally changed the face of Christi- Years’ War which ended in 1648 ence upon us today can be trans- this month after he reportedly suspicion of links to the failed leaders begged forgive- church where German theologian anity. and after which religion’s role in formed to become a stimulus for called Erdogan a “dictator” at a coup. Cness yesterday for vio- Martin Luther is said to have fi rst The Reformation caused ma- European politics was much re- growing communion, and a sign party congress. Erdogan says such measures lence sparked by the Reforma- displayed his list of criticisms of jor upheaval in Europe, leading duced. of hope for the world to over- “I don’t know if our may- are necessary to ensure stabil- tion, as worshippers celebrated the Catholic Church in 1517. to wars, persecutions and exo- The Vatican and Lutheran come division and fragmenta- or said that or not. I, here in ity and defend Turkey from 500 years since the religious Legend has it that Luther duses, including the departure of World Federation released a rare tion,” they said. Tekirdag, say it now: ‘Erdogan multiple security threats. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 INDIA

ORDER JUDICIARY CRIME TALKS ACTION National anthem, song Court summons Mishra Afghan held in Delhi, Congress creating Hooch tragedy accused mandatory in Jaipur in defamation case 1kg heroin seized confusion : Manipur CM JD-U leader expelled

The Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) A New Delhi court yesterday issued a summons An Afghan national, said to be a member Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Naga Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) has told its employees to sing the national to sacked minister Kapil Mishra in a defamation of an international drugs cartel, has been People’s Front (NPF) MLA Awangbou Newmai yesterday expelled a party leader, the main anthem every day before start of duty and complaint filed by Delhi Health Minister Satyendra arrested in New Delhi and over 1kg of fine yesterday accused the Congress of trying to create accused in Ara hooch tragedy of 2012, after the national song, Vande Mataram, just Jain. Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala quality heroin seized from him, police said confusion among diff erent communities over the he posted his selfie with Chief Minister Nitish before the end of duty hours. An order that Tandon asked Mishra to appear before her on yesterday. Police said Qari Mohamed Hanif, Naga peace talks. Opposition Congress leader Okram Kumar on social media. Embarrassed over came into eff ect yesterday said the national January 20. Jain has alleged that on May 7, Mishra 40, used two Afghanistan passports to Ibobi Singh had dared the Bharatiya Janata Party alleged liquor mafia Rakesh Singh’s selfie which anthem will be sung daily at 9.50am and the made a blatantly false, misleading, baseless, and smuggle heroin into India. He had visited chief minister to comment on reports that the NPF, went viral, JD-U state president Vashistha national song at 5.55pm. “I feel this will help defamatory statement to the media, claiming India five times since May 2017. “Hanif was a coalition partner in the state government, did not Narain Singh showed him the door. Rakesh in developing a positive culture, positive that Jain had handed over Rs20mn to Delhi Chief held on Friday when he came to hand over take part in the all-party meeting held in Imphal on Singh, who has been charge-sheeted in the energy and instil nationalism among Minister Arvind Kejriwal on May 5 at his residence. heroin to peddlers in Mehrauli area. He told Saturday. Biren Singh said the Congress should have hooch tragedy in which 29 people died, staff ers,” Jaipur Mayor Ashok Lahoti said. He He said these statements were repeatedly telecast the police that he supplied heroin to dealers verified the facts before going to the press. He said: was JD-U president of Ara block in Bhojpur said the anthem and song will be played on and printed by the national media across all in Delhi and the National Capital Region and “The assembly had adopted a resolution and all district and was locally known as a “dabang” speakers and there was no need for the staff platforms - electronic, print and social - which adjoining states. These dealers supply heroin sections of people in the state are for the unity and (heavyweight) and considered as one enjoying to assemble at one point. Lahoti said anyone caused immense damage to him and his family. The at rave parties and other events,” Deputy territorial integrity of Manipur.” Newmai said: “The political clout in the power corridors of Patna. not willing to sing or opposing the singing court will deliver order on a separate defamation Commissioner of Police P S Kushwah said. talks between the Indian government and the NSCN- Narain Singh said two days ago, Rakesh went of the national anthem or song “can go to case of Jain filed against Bharatiya Janata Party More than 575g of drugs were seized from his IM are for the restoration of peace. While the eff orts to meet Nitish Kumar and took a selfie with him Pakistan”. legislator Manjinder Singh Sirsa on November 13. rented flat in Lajpat Nagar, the off icial said. are on, one party is trying to upset the applecart.” and later uploaded it on social media.

Kerala lawyer accused in murder case Army to build on the run

By Ashraf Padanna Thiruvananthapuram foot bridges he Kerala High Court yes- terday permitted police Tto arrest senior criminal lawyer C P Udayabhanu accused of involvement in the murder of a realtor a month back. at Mumbai Lifting the restrictions im- posed by fellow judge P Ubaid, who later recused himself from hearing the lawyer’s anticipato- ry bail plea, Justice A Hariprasad said letting the lawyer roam free had stalled the investigation. rail stations The police say the lawyer hired killers to take revenge on IANS Western Railway divisional will set a very bad precedent. Pls V Rajeev, with whom he had dif- Mumbai railway manager Mukul Jain said avoid,” tweeted Singh, a former ferences after a failed real estate the Elphinstone Road bridge will army captain himself. deal. be a new one, independent of “The army was to be a meas- The prosecution produced in he Maharashtra govern- the one being planned and con- ure of last resort to be called the court details of telephone ment yesterday said the structed by the railways, and be upon in extreme emergency. calls between the lawyer and the TIndian Army would build located towards the Parel side at Now it seems like it’s the 1st gang leader who allegedly ab- three foot bridges including one the northern end of the station. number on the speed dial,” said ducted and killed Rajeev on Sep- at Elphinstone railway station in He said an army team will Abdullah. tember 29. Mumbai where a stampede killed identify the spot, submit its de- Nirupam tweeted: “Calling “I fi nd that this is a case where 23 people in September, spark- sign and plans to the railways army to make a bridge in Mumbai custodial interrogation is highly ing a political slugfest over using before proceeding with the work. underlines failure of corrupt Shiv essential,” the judge said. “‘Be soldiers in civil works. According to Jain, this is the Sena-BJP ruled BMC. Hope army you ever so high, the law is al- The foot bridges will be built fi rst time such a civilian contract will not be asked to fi ll potholes ways above you’ is an unques- on Elphinstone Road of Western would be handled by the army. here.” tionable proposition.” Railway, and Currey Road and The development came a little Rail Yatri Sangh leader Sub- Rajamma, the mother of the Ambivali stations of the Central over a month after 23 commut- hash Gupta termed the decision victim, had recently written to Railway on the congested Mum- ers were killed in a stampede on as “a slap in the face of railway the Supreme Court chief justice bai suburban network. a narrow bridge connecting WR’s engineers” and one which raised accusing Ubaid of helping the “Given the army engineers’ Elphinstone Road with Parel on “serious question marks” over lawyer destroy evidence through expertise, they will construct the Central Railway on September the capabilities of the massive his interim order. three foot overbridges by January 29. engineering department. On October 17, a special squad 31. The army has been very help- Sitharaman, Goyal, Fadnavis “It’s the duty of the railway en- of the police carried out surprise ful to not just us but the society and other offi cials earlier yes- gineering departments and their raids on the residence and offi ce at large and I am very thankful to terday surveyed the Elphinstone engineers to construct bridges of the criminal lawyer and seized Defence Minister Nirmala Sith- Road station to take stock of the on an on-going basis throughout vital land deal documents. araman and Railway Minister improvement works in progress the year. If the government feels Rajeev was found strangled Piyush Goyal for this huge help to after the stampede. that the army can do it faster, inside an abandoned building bring ease in Mumbaikars’ life,” The move to involve the army then the railways should start re- at Pariyaram in Chalakudy, near Chief Minister Devendra Fad- for urban civilian works in peace- cruiting people from the armed the Cochin International Air- navis told reporters. time attracted strong criticism forces,” he said. port, on the morning of Septem- Sitharaman said: “The Indian from opposition leaders, includ- The proposal had been fi rst ber 30. Army has always been steadfast ing Punjab Chief Minister Ama- mooted by Mumbai Bharatiya A team led by S Shamsuddin, in the provision of aid for disaster rinder Singh and Mumbai Con- Janata Party president Ashish a deputy superintendent of po- relief issues. This is the fi rst time gress president Sanjay Nirupam, Shelar. lice, is investigating the case, when we are actually asking the former Jammu & Kashmir chief Earlier, the army helped con- which has now reached a crucial army to help us in what essen- minister Omar Abdullah and a struct a foot bridge during the point. tially could be called civil work passengers body. 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Immediately after the court in the fi nancial capital city of the “The army’s job is to train for Games when an under-con- verdict yesterday morning the country.” war, not to be used for civilian struction bridge outside Jawa- police went to Udayabhanu’s Goyal said work on the bridges works, Sitharamanji. Don’t di- harlal Nehru Stadium, the main home at Thrippunithura and was expected to begin within 15 vert defence resources to civilian venue for the event, collapsed offi ce near the busy Maharajas days, and in a tweet later, said it jobs. You’re doing what General days before the games were to College Ground, but did not fi nd Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visit the would be completed by January Kaul did with the 4th Division start. The new bridge was built him. Elphinstone Road railway station in Mumbai yesterday. 31 next year. before 1962 war with China. It within fi ve days. Modi pumps money into system in bid to boost economy s the economy continued available, the road works are ex- keep infl ation in check. While the ures, the government indulged in The demonetisation may or to stutter and stumble for pected to create 142mn mandays government, especially the fi - indiscriminate lending. It is ironic may not have been a good thing Athe fi fth consecutive quar- of employment. nance minister’s Chief Economic that this had to happen when the depending on which side of the ter, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa Delhi Diary Adviser Arvind Subramanian, country was being led by a prime fence you are sitting, but what said last month that the govern- said in the fi rst phase of ‘Bharat- and noted economists like Surjit minister whose credentials in cannot be denied is that shell ment would soon announce steps mala’, around 34,800 km of roads By A K B Krishnan Bhalla have been calling for a sub- economics are the envy of most companies are finding it tough to bolster it. Last week he did it in will be constructed for which stantial reduction in lending rates fi nancial wizards internationally. to survive in the new environ- emphatic terms. Rs5.3tn will be invested. Besides, Gulf Times Correspondent to boost the economy, Patel had But then again, the prime min- ment. As many as half a mil- A massive Rs9tn infrastruc- a 9,000km economic corri- been steadfast in his stand that to ister was not his own man as most lion shell companies had been tural and bank recapitalisation dor will also be built, along with keep infl ation in check the lend- of the crucial government deci- established during the ten years programme would be the fulcrum inter-corridor and feeder route bursed on certain conditions that thing to do was to put money into ing rates have to be relatively high. sions were controlled and dictated of the Manmohan Singh gov- on which Prime Minister Naren- (6,000km), national corridors were beyond the control of these their coff ers so that their liquidity So, if the government has done its from outside the government. So, ernment. A large percentage of dra Modi’s government hopes to effi ciency improvement, border individual institutions. More of is restored to health. part, it is only reasonable to ex- fl y-by-night industrialists and them was involved in only one turn the economy back on to the toads and international connec- that in a bit. Nevertheless, on the None other than Urjit Patel, pect the central bank to do its at entrepreneurs helped themselves enterprise, money launder- growth path in the next fi ve years. tivity (2,000km), coastal roads face of it, the banks are at fault governor of Reserve Bank of India the earliest opportunity. to copious loans under one pre- ing. Now they are getting their The government also announced and port connectivity(2,000 km), for lending money without suf- (RBI), has described the recapi- Patel can also help in making text or the other without let or comeuppance. an increase in the price at which greenfi eld expressways (800km) fi cient guarantee that they will be talisation as a “monumental step’. sure that banks don’t fall into the hindrance. Naturally, there were Of course simply recapitalis- it procures wheat, pulses and and balance national highway returned as per conditions stipu- The day after Jaitley’s announce- loans trap again. After all, the Re- many palms to be greased but ing public sector banks would oilseeds from farmers. works (10,000 km). If everything lated. ment, Patel said in Mumbai: “For serve Bank of India is the regula- these unscrupulous operators not boost economic activity. Nor The fi nance package has been goes as planned, India will boast But leaving these banks to fend the fi rst time in last decade, we tor and fi nal arbiter in everything were only too happy to oblige. The can it be even called a ‘reform’ divided into two main catego- of one of the largest road networks for themselves would not have now have a real chance that all the concerning banks and if there had scams that followed are part of because it is simply spending ries - Rs6.93tn for investments in the world. been feasible for more than one policy pieces of the jigsaw puzzle been a lapse in the banking sector- India’s unsavoury history. tax payer’s money for purposes in roads, bridges and such other This is good news for everyone reason. Their capacity to lend will be in place for a comprehen- a serious one at that - the RBI must The stressed assets issue was, other than originally intended related infrastructure in the com- but it is the other reform - bank had to be revived in order for the sive and coherent, rather than be the fi rst one to be held responsi- therefore, one of the biggest chal- for. There is much to be done by ing fi ve years and Rs2.11tn in the recapitalisation - that has gener- economy to retain its zest. One piecemeal, strategy to address a ble. Obviously the checks and bal- lenges for the Modi government way of regulating loans disbur- next two years for recapitalisation ated much controversy. way to get the banks back on track virtuous cycle of investment and ances had not been strict enough. when it took over in 2014. Obvi- sals so that only the deserving of government-owned banks that India’s 18 public sector banks would be to sell them to the high- job creation.” When public sector banks were ously it was a matter of great ur- candidates get them. No more have been saddled with huge non- (PSBs) have together lent some est bidder. These banks, which The government would be hap- running up such huge NPAs the gency to recapitalise these banks shell companies. Top quality due performing assets (NPAs) leaving Rs8.5tn to entities that are non- held as much as 85% of deposits py to hear Patel’s praise. But more RBI was either caught napping or as otherwise they will not be in a diligence is the need of the hour. them in no condition to extend performing or under-performing in the country in 1969, were origi- than that the government would had looked the other way. position to lend to the small and These banks should also be asked loans. and, therefore, these loans have nally private but were taken over be happy if Patel, too, contributes How did these banks fall into medium enterprises which are the to revamp their top management The projections are mind-bog- to be either written off or will take by the Indira Gandhi government to that eff ort of solving the “jigsaw such a bottomless pit when, on the backbone of industrial workforce staff so that only the most compe- gling. Some 83,677km of roads an enormous amount of time be- that year in what is known as puzzle” by reducing lending rates other hand, most private banks in in the country. At the same time tent persons occupy senior posts. are to be constructed in what has fore they are closed. To describe ‘bank nationalisation’. Modi may when the central bank’s Monetary the country are reporting healthy it could not be done in a hurry Better salary packages could at- been named ‘Bharatmala’, crude- these banks as “incompetent and be a ‘fan’ of private enterprise but Policy Committee meets next. bottom lines? The story goes back because the greater evil of ‘black’ tract talent from private banks. ly translated as ‘India garland’. ineffi cient”, as some analysts have he knows privatising these banks Patel is known to be a very to the Manmohan Singh era when, money or unaccounted wealth All indications are real banking Though a state-wise/sector-wise done, may not be quite right be- at this juncture could do more conservative, cautious econo- in its eagerness to record higher was eating away the vitals of the reforms are in the pipeline. And breakup was not immediately cause these loans have been dis- harm than good. The next best mist whose prime concern is to gross national product (GDP) fi g- economy. that’s the way to go. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 21 INDIA BJP names Dhumal as Himachal CM candidate

IANS Singh, instead of talking about “I want to tell Virbhadra Singh Opposition and after December be held on November 9 and the “Virbhadra Singh ji has done “At least it’s clear now,” he added. Shimla his work and responding to al- that the 2017 election would be 18, Dhumal would be the chief votes counted on December 18 tremendous development as six- Earlier, the party was divided legations of corruption against contested under the name and minister.” along with Gujarat. time chief minister. He will be in two camps - one led by Dhu- him, was only persistently ask- leadership of our senior leader However, the 73-year-old Taking the lead after months of the chief minister for the seventh mal and the other by federal he Bharatiya Janata Party ing them at all public platforms Dhumal.” Dhumal, who is a two-time chief speculation and turmoil within time. This will have the full back- Health Minister J P Nadda. yesterday said Prem Ku- under whose leadership the party The ruling Congress has al- minister, was not present at the party, Congress vice presi- ing of the party.” In the 2012 elections to the Tmar Dhumal would be contesting the polls. ready announced Virbhadra the rally when his name dent Rahul Gandhi on October 7 Since then the opposition BJP 68-member assembly, which its chief ministerial candidate “Throughout the country Singh as the next chief min- was announced. In a tweet announced at a public meeting in has been facing posers from the saw a voter turnout of 73.92%, in election-bound Himachal we are contesting under the ister if it retains power. in Hindi later, he ex- Mandi town that Virbhadra Singh Congress over their party leader. the Congress won 36 seats, the Pradesh, ending days of specula- leadership of (Prime Minister Shah, who started his fi ve- tended gratitude to Modi will “become the chief minister “Till this announcement of BJP 26 and independents six. tions. Narendra) Modi... in Himachal day visit to the state on Mon- and Shah on behalf of the for the seventh time”. Dhumal, there was too much But in the 2014 Lok Sabha Addressing a public meeting in Pradesh, the BJP is contesting day, said: “I want to say that state’s people. Clearly indicating the party confusion over who is to lead the elections, the BJP won all the Rajgarh in Sirmaur district, BJP under the leadership of Dhumal,” at present Dhumal is the Elections to the stands behind Singh, who is party,” a senior state BJP leader, four seats in the state with a vote president Amit Shah said Con- Shah said, drawing loud applause former chief minister 68-member Himachal facing cases related to dispro- who did not wish to be identifi ed, percentage of 53.85%, while the gress Chief Minister Virbhadra from the gathering. and the Leader of the Pradesh Assembly will portionate assets, Gandhi said: told IANS. Congress got 41.07% votes. Separatists rule out talks with interlocutor for Kashmir

IANS a means to resolve the confl ict Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The In- dian government has continu- ously refused to accept the basic ashmiri separatist leaders premise and the reality on the yesterday ruled out talks ground,” the statement added. Kwith the government’s in- “Unless the Kashmir dispute terlocutor for Jammu and Kash- is understood and addressed in mir, calling his appointment “a its historical context and in the new tactic” by New Delhi after it background of international failed in its muscular approach in commitments made over it, last- the troubled state. ing peace can neither be achieved A joint statement by separa- in Jammu and Kashmir nor in the tist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geel- subcontinent.” ani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Referring to Sharma’s various Jammu and Kashmir Liberation media interviews ahead of his Front chief Yaseen Malik said fi rst trip to the Kashmir Valley they won’t engage in parleys as the interlocutor, the separa- ‘Run for Unity’ participants get their photographs taken in front of the landmark India Gate in New Delhi yesterday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Run for Unity event in with former Intelligence Bureau tist leaders said his assertions in New Delhi to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first deputy prime minister and home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. chief Dineshwar Sharma. that he was coming to the state Sharma, who has served in to “restore peace rather than ad- Kashmir as an IB man and was dressing the dispute or its reso- known to have struck a personal lution... limits the scope of any chord with militants arrested engagement with him and makes there, declined to comment on it an exercise in futility”. the separatists’ fi rst reaction to They also took strong excep- his October 23 appointment as tion to Sharma’s statement that a special representative of the Jammu and Kashmir had to be BJP, Congress spar over central government to talk to saved from becoming another “all stakeholders” for ending the Syria. nearly three-decade-long sepa- “To compare the internation- ratist campaign in Kashmir. ally recognised 70-year-old po- “I have nothing to say over litical and humanitarian issue of what the Hurriyat says,” Sharma Kashmir to that of the sectarian said in Delhi. war and power struggle in Syria Sardar Patel’s legacy The separatist statement is- is deception and propaganda as sued under the banner of Joint there is no relation between the IANS home minister celebrated as faith are not willing to see each tempts were made either to erase “The speeches of the Sangh Resistance Leadership, a newly- two situations.” New Delhi “National Unity Day.” other alive. They are bent upon Patel’s name from history or to (RSS) leaders are poisonous. It formed loose conglomerate of Reacting to the opposition to The Congress, while remem- killing each other. Pushing the diminish his stature. is as a result of this venom that factionalised separatist groups Congress leader P Chidambaram bering Patel, quoted his remarks world into a whirl of violence, “But history is witness to the Mahatma Gandhi has been as- in the Kashmir Valley, said it was advocating autonomy for the state, he birth anniversary of against the Rashtriya Swayam- they are trying to increase the fact that whether any govern- sassinated. useless to participate in any dia- the statement said: “Even the asser- Sardar Vallabhbhai Pa- sevak Sangh (RSS), the ideologi- spread of their thinking. At this ment accepted him or not or “The activities of RSS con- logue process that didn’t recog- tion by their own leaders on resto- Ttel yesterday saw the cal mentor of Modi’s Bharatiya time, India can say with pride whether any political party gave stituted a clear threat to the ex- nise Kashmir “is a dispute that ration of autonomy to the state has Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Party (BJP). that we are that country that has importance to him or not, the istence of the government and has to be resolved”. been rejected by the Indian govern- Congress spar over his legacy. The sparring took place in the taken in all the traditions of the youth of the country will never state.” “The appointment of Sharma ment although the same is guaran- Prime Minister Narendra backdrop of Gujarat Assembly world and has tied them in string forget him and will not allow The party said: “Remember- by the government as its inter- teed by their own constitution.” Modi launched a veiled attack on elections where a fi ght over the of unity,” Modi said. him to be banished from his- ing Iron Leader Sardar Patel, locutor for Jammu and Kashmir is Meanwhile, Minority Aff airs the opposition Congress, saying legacy of Patel has intensifi ed “This is our legacy, this is tory,” Modi said. whose uncompromising eff orts nothing more than a tactic to buy Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi some political parties and gov- between the BJP and its rivals as our strength and the way to our He said that Patel was still were instrumental in keeping time adopted under international yesterday said the Kashmir ernments had tried to obliterate they seek to woo the Patel com- bright future.” alive in the hearts of people and India united after Independ- pressures and regional compul- problem was Congress’ legacy Patel’s name from history books munity. Modi said the British tried added Patel saved India from ence.” sions and due to the abysmal fail- and the party still believes in or ignore his contribution in Modi, in his speech, also re- their best to divide the country the problems that emerged Congress vice president Rahul ure of the state policy of military shielding separatism in the state. unifying the country. ferred to terrorism across the and ruin India as a nation and it soon after Partition and en- Gandhi said in a tweet that Patel repression upon the people of “It was the Congress that gave Modi’s attack came before he world and said people belong- was Patel’s farsightedness that sured the integration of the was an embodiment of integrity Kashmir,” the statement said. birth and nurtured separatism in fl agged off the ‘Run for Unity’ ing to the same faith were killing he used every tactic and strategy princely states. and strength. “Sardar Patel was “In principle, we have always Kashmir. The party now thinks at the National Stadium here on each other. to bring about a united India af- The Congress, in its tribute one of the architects of the Idea advocated and supported sin- that it is its duty to protect this the birth anniversary of India’s “Today in the world, people ter Independence. to Patel, tweeted his picture and of India. My tributes to him on cere and productive dialogue as problem,” he said. fi rst deputy prime minister and who have grown up in the same The prime minister said at- his remarks against the RSS: his birth anniversary.”

Attack on Indian student in Kannada actor Upendra launches political party Italy not racial: Sushma IANS visited the state expressing con- Bengaluru fi dence in his Bharatiya Janata IANS monitoring the situation person- cerned to take up the issue with Party winning the upcoming New Delhi ally,” the minister said in a tweet. the higher authorities in Milan state polls. The Indian Consulate in the so that all efforts can be made annada superstar Upen- Upendra said his party will Italian city issued an advisory, to prevent recurrence of such dra yesterday announced contest from all the 224 assembly xternal Aff airs Minister asking Indian students not to incidents. Kthe formation of a new constituencies. Sushma Swaraj said yes- panic and to contact the mission “In the meanwhile, students political party which will contest “There may only be a few Eterday she had spoken to in case of such incidents. are advised to be in touch with the assembly elections in Karna- months for the elections. But we an Indian student assaulted in The report of the attacks came each other (particularly when taka early next year. consider working towards mak- Milan in Italy and was told that it as Italian Prime Minister Paolo they go out) as well as with the “I want my party to be run ing a change important,” he said. was not a racial attack but a case Gentiloni was in India on a two- consulate and spread the infor- by the people for the people to Attacking the current politi- of robbery. day visit, and held talks with mation among other students meet their needs. It is an open cal system, he said politicians Swaraj, who earlier said she Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the areas where they face platform for people to bring only make promises but do not was personally monitoring the on boosting ties that have seen a such incidents so that such ar- forth their ideas for a better so- deliver. situation amid reports of attacks marked downswing over recent eas can be avoided or approached ciety,” Upendra said at a news “We know of leaders promis- on Indian students in Milan, years. with greater caution,” the state- conference held at Gandhi Bha- ing many things to people but tweeted about her conversation The Indian Consulate in Milan ment added. van here. not keeping their word after with the student concerned. on Monday said it had received According to reports, the at- “Ever since I entered fi lms, coming to power,” he said, prom- “Attack on Indian students in reports of attacks and cautioned tacks took place on October 17 I’ve expressed my desire to step ising that his party would ensure Italy - I have spoken to the Indian students to stay away from any and October 30. Three Indians into politics. I’ve been wanting “transparency” in every aspect student concerned in Milan. He area perceived to be of risk. students were allegedly attacked to bring about a change in gov- of governance to remove corrup- has told me that it was a case of “The consulate has received with bottles. ernance and to serve people,” tion in the system. robbery and not a racial attack.” reports of unfortunate incident There is an 180,000-strong said the 50-year-old Upendra, Asserting the party would fo- She also appreciated the help of attacks on the Indian students Indian community in Italy, the who was accompanied by his cus on education, infrastructure rendered by the Consulate Gen- in Milan. All Indian students are third largest in the European Un- actress wife Priyanka Upendra, and agriculture, he said: “I’ve eral of India in Milan. urged not to panic,” it said. ion after Britain and the Nether- parents and members from the been asking people to give me The minister had earlier asked “Students are also requested lands. Kannada fi lm industry. suggestions on the areas we need the students not to worry and to report such matters to the Gentiloni was in India for the The Karnataka Pragnyavan- to work on. Many youngsters said she had got a detailed report. consulate on Consul General’s October 29-30 visit, the fi rst by tha Janata Party (Karnataka En- have expressed their disappoint- “Attack on Indian students cell phone number 3290884057 an Italian prime minister in over lightened People’s Party), was ment with the current education in Milan: I have got the detailed immediately,” it said, adding a decade that helped thaw the bi- Kannada actor Upendra gestures as he speaks at press conference announced just two days after system, which we want to trans- report. Please do not worry. I am it will help the students con- lateral ties. in Bengaluru yesterday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi form.” Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

CRIME INVESTIGATION LAW AND ORDER ECONOMY DATA 12 die as suspected fuel Probe into Pablo Escobar’s Air raids against dissident Brazil unemployment Brazil records seven thieves clash in Mexico widow, son to reopen Farc, crime gangs approved drops for sixth month killings every hour in 2016

Twelve people were killed in shootings in the The Argentinian government wants to reopen Colombia’s armed forces have been authorised Rising informal employment pushed Brazil’s Nearly 61,620 people were killed in Brazil in 2016, central Mexican state of Puebla in violence an investigation into alleged money laundering to launch air raids against crime gangs and jobless rate down for a sixth straight month the largest number ever recorded in the country, linked to warring gangs of fuel thieves, the state by the widow and son of the Colombian Farc members who have refused to adhere to a in September, suggesting the labour market a non-governmental organisation collecting attorney general’s off ice said yesterday, adding drug lord Pablo Escobar, one of the richest peace accord with the former guerilla group and recovery remains on track despite a run of security data said. That is an average of seven to a mounting death toll from the lucrative trade. criminals in history, the newspaper La Nacion instead chose to continue drug traff icking and weaker economic data. The unemployment murders or killings every hour and the rate is up Illegal fuel taps and gasoline thefts cost Mexico reported yesterday. The government wants other criminal activity, the defence ministry said rate, when calculated on a rolling three-month 3.8% from the previous year, according to the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Fighting to find out whether Maria Isabel Santos and yesterday. As many as 1,000 members of the basis, declined to an average of 12.4% last Brazilian Forum of Public Security. About 98% of between the fuel thieves, known as huachicoleros, Sebastian Marroquin purchased properties Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) month, down from 12.6% in August, government the victims were men. Violence against women has this year helped push violence in Mexico to its with drug money, Security Minister Patricia have not abided by the terms of last year’s peace statistics agency IBGE said yesterday. The result also went up in the form of rape, with 49,497 highest levels since President Enrique Pena Nieto Bullrich said. In 2000, the Argentinian judiciary agreement with the government, preferring confirmed the expectations of economists cases reported last year, up 3.5% from 2015. The took off ice at the end of 2012. Authorities found closed an investigation into money-laundering instead to remain armed, fight the government polled by Reuters, with the number of victims of murders and killings included 437 the bodies of four men and a woman in the state allegations against the two for lack of evidence. and profit from illegal drugs and mining. The unemployed Brazilians falling below 13mn for police off icers. The increase in crime coincides capital after they were attacked by unidentified The government is now seeking to reopen that executive order states raids can only be carried the first time since January. The jobless rate hit with cuts in security budgets on national, gunmen, state prosecutors said. probe, Bullrich said. out if civilians are not close by. a record high in March. regional and municipal levels.

Dancing in protest Nobel laureates seek justice for slain Honduran activist Caceres

Thomson Reuters Foundation in Honduras we met about their Bogota responsibility to protect human rights defenders and to fulfi l their international obligations and wenty months after the agreements on protecting indig- killing of Honduran land enous rights and the environ- Trights defender Berta Cac- ment,” Karman said. eres, the masterminds behind the Honduras was criticised for crime have yet to be punished, failing to protect rights activists in while other female rights cam- several major reports last year by paigners face growing threats organisations including the United across Central America, Nobel Nations and the Inter-American peace laureates said. Commission on Human Rights. Caceres, an award-winning Caceres led a decades-long environmental and indigenous campaign against the construc- rights activist, was fatally shot tion of the $50mn Agua Zarca by gunmen in her home in March hydroelectric dam that she and 2016 after receiving death threats local communities said threat- over her opposition to a hydro- ened to destroy the livelihoods of electric dam project. the Lenca indigenous people and Ballet dancers perform during a protest of the theatre’s artistes against the non-payment of their salaries and the economic crisis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Her killing sparked an interna- their water resources. tional outcry. So far, eight people Both the government and De- have been arrested in connection sarrollos Energeticos SA (DESA), with the murder and are in jail, the private Honduran company according to lawyers leading an building the dam, have repeat- inquiry into Caceres’ murder at edly denied any involvement in the request of her family. Caceres’ murder. International But during a recent visit to backers of the dam — the FMO, Honduras two Nobel peace prize the Dutch development bank, and winners, Yemen’s Tawakkol Kar- a Finnish state investment fund, man and Shirin Ebadi of Iran, Finnfund — suspended $20mn in Venezuelan opposition urged the Honduran government funding following the killing. to bring to justice those who or- Work to build the dam has been dered the killing. suspended. “The government authorities in Norma Allegra Cerrato, Hon- Honduras told us that the inves- duran vice minister of human tigation into the murder of Berta rights and justice, said earlier this Caceres still continues.. but who is year the government is working to parties to boycott polls behind them, who ordered the kill- bring those responsible for Cac- ing and who is benefi ting from this, eres’ murder to justice and stem Reuters growing foreign pressure on his other “manipulated” vote, the undermine Maduro, while a state funds in favour of socialist is what the investigation should re- violence against activists and Caracas government over alleged rights opposition should focus on de- growing number argue there is candidates, and dirty tricks such veal,” Karman said following a visit better protect them. abuses and corruption, and an manding reforms to the election no point in fi ghting a “dictator” the last-minute moving of vote to Guatemala and Honduras. A report on Caceres’ murder unprecedented economic crisis board in anticipation of next via a system rigged in his favour. centres in opposition areas for “The people who kill human yesterday by a group of fi ve in- hree of Venezuela’s larg- that has millions skipping food. year’s presidential poll, he said. They are pinning their hopes the October ballot. rights defenders aren’t held ac- dependent lawyers, the Interna- est opposition parties Three heavyweight move- “The objective remains get- on international action, includ- They have also presented some countable. Justice doesn’t hap- tional Advisory Group of Experts Thave vowed to boycott ments in the opposition — Jus- ting Maduro out of power, and in ing US sanctions against Ma- allegations of ballot-rigging. pen.” (GAIPE), said Caceres’ murder mayoral polls later this year in tice First, Popular Will and this struggle, the world is with duro’s government. However, Maduro insists Ven- Honduras is the deadliest place was not an “isolated incident.” protest at an election system Democratic Action — an- us,” he told reporters. Maduro, whose personal ezuela’s system is entirely trust- on earth for environmental activ- GAIPE was set up last year to they say is biased in favour of nounced they did not trust the To the surprise of some, the popularity has plunged since his worthy and impossible to hack. ism, according to a January report lead an independent inquiry into President Nicolas Maduro’s rul- government-leaning election Democratic Action party also 2013 election due to food short- It has received international by UK-based watchdog Global Caceres’ murder at the request of ing socialists. board suffi ciently to participate joined the boycott. ages and runaway infl ation, said praise in the past, although it Witness, with at least 120 activ- her family and rights groups fol- The multi-party Democratic in the municipal polls in Decem- Its candidates won four gov- “sabotage” was being planned was slammed over July’s vote for ists killed since 2010 but most lowing concerns about the offi cial Unity coalition has had a tough ber. ernorships in October’s vote and against the mayoral votes. the Constituent Assembly su- crimes going unpunished. investigation. 2017, fi rst failing to bring down Justice First leader Julio then infuriated many opposition “I declare myself in battle,” perbody. Indigenous communities bat- In its report GAIPE said the Maduro in four months of pro- Borges, who also heads the supporters by swearing loyalty the 54-year-old successor to Maduro says the street pro- tling often big international com- threats against Caceres were part tests that led to 125 deaths, then opposition-led congress, said to a pro-Maduro legislative su- Hugo Chavez said in a meeting tests earlier this year were a panies to preserve their ancestral of a “strategy” by DESA employ- losing surprisingly to the Social- authorities cheated in the 2013 perbody. with governors. “Those who at- mask for a US-backed coup plot, lands from mining, dams, log- ees, private security companies ist Party in a gubernatorial elec- presidential election, denied Opposition supporters have tack the election system must and accuses opponents of want- ging, and other mega-develop- and public offi cials “to violate the tion earlier this month. Venezuelans a recall referendum been split over participating in pay.” ing to oust him by undemocratic ments, are caught in the fi ring line right to prior, free and informed That has left the opposi- last year, and rigged the October elections this year. Opposition leaders say the means. and are targets. consultations of the Lenca indig- tion weakened and divided, and 15 gubernatorial vote. Some say it is the only way government has long been rig- “Venezuelans want ballots, “We told government offi cials enous people.” Maduro strengthened, despite So instead of going into an- to show they are a majority and ging elections by gross abuse of not bullets,” said Maduro.

Strike brings chaos Macri urges business, Argentina names new agriculture minister

Reuters this on because it is very impor- unions to back reforms tant for us in this stage of the Buenos Aires negotiations,” Pena said. “One of AFP Instead, Macri said, “We have according to Macri, will be “fi s- the most sensitive topics in that Buenos Aires concrete proposals that we will cal responsibility, creating more rgentina will replace negotiation is agriculture.” give in the coming months.” employment and institutional Agriculture Minister Since taking offi ce in late 2015, Ratings agency S&P raised Ar- quality.” ARicardo Buryaile with Argentina’s market-friendly rgentina’s President Mau- gentina’s long-term ratings to The speech came as Interna- Luis Miguel Etchevehere, cur- President Mauricio Macri has ricio Macri has called on “B+” on expected economic im- tional Monetary Fund (IMF) of- rently the president of the Ar- implemented policies favourable Abusiness and union leaders provement and said the outlook fi cials gathered in Buenos Aires gentine Rural Society, a pow- to the South American country’s to put aside their diff erences and was stable. to begin a review of the economy, erful industry group, Cabinet farm sector, a major driver of the back his government’s planned “We expect that higher invest- having already recommended chief Marcos Pena said yester- economy and source of foreign economic and social reforms. ment and better predictability in that Macri make adjustments to day. currency. Macri pledged his government economic policies will sustain taxation. Buryaile will next serve as Ar- Producers had a combative re- would maintain “austerity and moderate but stable economic Argentina’s infl ation is cur- gentina’s ambassador to the Eu- lationship with former populist order in the public accounts,” as growth in the next three years,” rently running at 18%, confound- ropean Union, Pena said at a news President Cristina Fernandez, well as favour employment, re- it said. ing central bank eff orts to main- conference. who hiked export taxes. duce taxes, lower infl ation, pun- S&P added that the stable tain it between 12% and 17% this Argentina is the world’s top ex- Macri eliminated export taxes ish corruption and strengthen outlook refl ected expectations year. porter of soymeal and soyoil and on wheat and corn, leading to a Argentina’s institutions. that Macri’s government “will Unions protested against the a main exporter of corn, raw soy- surge in planting and record har- “I call on you to achieve basic have greater political capacity to government’s programme in the beans and wheat. vests. consensus to draw a roadmap that continue pursuing its economic streets surrounding the Kirchner Argentina and other members He cut the export tax on soy- gives us stability, and deliver a more agendas.” Cultural Center building where of Mercosur, the South American beans, the country’s main cash just and integrated Argentina,” he Macri’s centre-right Cambie- Macri was speaking. trade bloc, are seeking to fi nalise crop, from 35% to 30%, but de- said, addressing an audience of 170 mos, or “Let’s Change,” coalition Protesters demanded that the a trade deal with the European layed more cuts to 2018, faced mostly politicians, business execu- emerged from mid-term elec- government pass an “economic Union. with a gaping fi scal defi cit. tives and union leaders in Buenos tions last week with a strength- emergency” law that would re- A passenger uses his phone in front of the empty Farmers in France and other Export tax cuts on soy are ex- Aires. “We are entering a state of ened mandate for its reform pro- lease increased subsidies to un- counters of Argentina’s flagship air carrier Aerolineas countries are concerned about pected to resume next year, with permanent reformism.” gramme - but still fell short of protected sectors. Argentinas at Buenos Aires airport yesterday. A strike by a potential surge in agricultural a gradual reduction of 0.5 per- However, the 68-year-old pres- an overall majority in Congress, Protest leader Juan Grabois the airline employees and its subsidiary Austral paralysed imports, particularly beef, which centage points per month for two ident gave no details of how his where it depends on alliances said workers were being excluded international and domestic flights yesterday, local media Mercosur members Argentina years. centre-right government planned with leftist groups to pass laws. from the country’s “very biased reported. and Brazil export. That move is expected to stop a to carry out its programme. The three axes of the reforms, debate” on the economy. “We have asked Ricardo to take decline in soy planting area. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 23 PAKISTAN Pakistan seeks Motor rally new copter deal with US

Internews Primary purpose of the air- rection” arrangements selling it Islamabad craft, however, was to monitor to a third party so Pakistan can- smuggling of narcotics as the not re-buy those helicopters. region is connected to a major Instead, Pakistan will have to akistan is trying to reac- drug-route. renegotiate a fresh deal. quire an unspecifi ed The aircraft were acquired un- But diplomatic sources say Pnumber of helicopters der a renewable agreement and that it should not be diffi cult from the United States for anti- after the expiry of that agreement, to do so as both American and narcotics operations after re- Pakistan had the option to either Pakistani offi cials acknowledge turning nine Huey II helicopters return the aircraft or buy them. a direct link between narcotics it had acquired in 2002, diplo- Although the United States and terrorism fi nancing, Wash- matic sources said yesterday. ington believes that stopping Earlier in the day, Pakistan Pakistan had received drug-trade in this region will returned fi ve of the nine heli- a total of 12 aircraft — also help reduce terrorism. copters it had received almost 15 including three fi xed-wing Pakistan renewed its interest years ago. Cessna airplanes — from in acquiring the choppers after Pakistani people welcome the Pakistan Motor Rally upon their arrival in Quetta. The rally which is organised by The ministry of interior, the United States for anti- the recent change of leadership Pakistan’s army gathered diff erent vehicles from 23 diff erent motor clubs across Pakistan, the rally will culminate at Gwadar which was using the aircraft, re- narcotics operations in Fata in the interior ministry. covering more than 3,000km. turned four of these nine rotary- and Baluchistan The decision to return the hel- wing helicopters on October 15. icopters was taken by the former Pakistan had received a total urged Pakistan to ‘nationalise’ interior minister, Chaudhry of 12 aircraft — including three the helicopters after the agree- Nisar Ali Khan, while the new fi xed-wing Cessna airplanes — ment expired, the ministry of minister, Ahsan Iqbal, concluded from the United States for anti- interior decided to return them, that the ministry needs them to narcotics operations in Fata and instead of buying them for con- monitor the drug route, which is Baluchistan. tinued use. also used by the militants. S&P sees stable economic Since the area is also used by The ministry, however, pur- During his visit to Washington militants for carrying out op- chased the three Cessna airplanes earlier this month, Iqbal advised erations along the Pak-Afghan that came with the choppers. the embassy to negotiate a fresh border, the aircraft reported The Americans, who received deal with the United States for outlook for Pakistan their activities as well, when ob- the remaining fi ve aircraft yes- reacquiring helicopters for his served. terday, have already made “redi- ministry. Internews raise Pakistan’s rating if the P expected government policies Islamabad country’s security environ- to remain broadly unchanged. ment settled to an extent that The International Monetary Shehzad Roy economic growth continued to Fund (IMF) programme helped isregarding prevailing trend higher, strengthening its restore macroeconomic stabil- No PML-N without Nawaz, political uncertainty, fi scal and external positions. ity, reduced fi scal and external DStandard and Poor’s af- Conversely, it may lower rat- vulnerabilities and promoted fi rmed yesterday Pakistan’s ings if the current infrastruc- growth-supporting reforms Pakistani stable economic and fi scal ture investments do not yield that have the potential to im- says party leadership outlook for the short and long any positive impact on macr- prove living standards, it said. singer made terms with a downward expec- oeconomic stability. The rating agency estimated tation on the external-sector “Indications of this would Pakistan’s GDP per capita at Internews supra constitutional step. Prime They added that Dar was part performance. include GDP growth below our $1,500 in 2017 — at the bottom UN goodwill Islamabad Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, of the parleys but was kept out of In doing so, the New York- forecast, or external or fi scal 10 per cent of all sovereigns rat- Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz the consultation process. based rating agency main- imbalances higher than what ed by S and P and upgraded its ambassador Sharif, Foreign Minister Khawaja According to a report, Sharif tained its ‘B’ long-term and we expected.” forecast of annual GDP growth he top leadership of the Asif, and Finance Minister Ishaq also held a separate meeting with short- term sovereign rating S and P anticipated that fur- to average 5.7% over 2017-20, Pakistan Muslim League- Dar were all in London to meet Abbasi in the offi ce of Hussain on Pakistan and also on senior, ther fi scal consolidation might refl ecting large-scale CPEC in- Internews TNawaz (PML) yesterday the former prime minister. Nawaz, which was also attended unsecured debt and sukuk. be challenging, owing to lower- vestment totalling $60bn. Karachi rejected a ‘minus-Nawaz’ for- Abbasi was scheduled to leave by Shehbaz. “The stable outlook refl ects than-expected performance at “Nevertheless, Pakistan’s mula for the party and warned London for Pakistan yesterday The PML-N chief later told our expectations that Paki- the provincial level and the up- per capita GDP growth is they would not accept any un- night. reporters he would return to Pa- stan’s external and fi scal met- coming election in June 2018. around 3%, in line with peers’ he United Nations Offi ce constitutional step in the coun- Interestingly, the PML-N kistan on November 2 to attend rics will not worsen materially It said Pakistan’s ratings at this income level, due to a on Drugs and Crime (UN- try. leaders landed in the British the accountability court hearing from their current levels. were constrained by a nar- fast-growing population.” TODC) has appointed Pa- Former prime minister Nawaz capital on diff erent pretexts. on November 3. We believe the country’s eco- row tax base and domestic and The company said Pakistan kistani singer Shehzad Roy as its Sharif said that there was no di- He said neither there was any nomic prospects remain favour- external security risks, which suff ered from domestic securi- National Goodwill Ambassador. visions in the party and they he “What kind of stability, rift in the party nor any minus- able,” S and P said, adding that continue to be high. ty challenges and long-lasting According to a statement issued would return to Pakistan this what kind of progress Nawaz formula. policymaking and the reform These factors weaken the hostility with neighbouring In- yesterday, Roy’s appointment is week to appear before an ac- can be expected when an He also took another jibe at his process will remain held back government’s eff ectiveness and dia and Afghanistan while in- aimed at increasing visibility and countability court hearing three elected PM is disqualifi ed disqualifi cation by the Supreme until at least the 2018 election. weigh on the business climate. adequate infrastructure, main- assistance in mobilising support National Accountability Bureau in Panama [Papers case] in Court in the Panama Papers At the same time, however, Talking about the insti- ly in transportation and energy, for drug demand reduction, pre- (NAB) references against him the name of Iqama” case, complaining that he did the rating agency said it revised tutional and economic pro- were bottlenecks to foreign di- vention and treatment. and his children. not get a fair trial. downwards its expectation of fi le, the agency said political rect investments. “Throughout his career as a Sharif held critical discus- Abbasi left Islamabad on Sun- “What kind of stability, what Pakistan’s external-sector per- changes were unlikely to lead to “The government has im- singer, social worker and a hu- sions with the top party lead- day, citing ‘personal’ engage- kind of progress can be expected formance, due in particular to economic turbulence and the proved the security situation. manitarian, Roy has shown an ership in London on numerous ments. when an elected PM is disquali- an expected surge in imports 2018 general election will have It has also been closing infra- unwavering commitment to thorny issues that present seri- Shehbaz fl ew from Lahore to fi ed in Panama [Papers case] stemming from substantial en- a limited impact on the policy structure shortfalls through ener- tackling illicit drugs,” the state- ous challenges facing the ruling ‘see his sister-in-law, Kulsoom in the name of Iqama,” Sharif ergy and infrastructure-related and macroeconomic environ- gy-sector reforms, such as chang- ment quoted UNODC executive camp. Nawaz’. Dar went to in London asked. projects under the China- Pa- ment. es to tariff structures that have cut director Yury Fedotov as saying. After a lengthy meeting, for ‘medical treatment’, and Sharif claimed credit for eco- kistan Economic Corridor Also, the very low income energy subsidies and reduction in “His position as one of Paki- Sharif decided to appear before Sharif went from Jeddah to at- nomic progress of the country, (CPEC) for the next two years. level was counted as a rating power outages for industrial con- stan’s most famous singers, his accountability court on Novem- tend his ailing wife. bringing international cricket However, these external weakness, and inadequate in- sumers”. It said Pakistan’s fl exibil- enduring popularity with young ber 3. Sources said that yesterday’s to Pakistan, and reducing load- imbalances were expected to frastructure and security risks ity and performance profi le metric people, and his energy and un- According to a media report, it talks aimed at ironing out in- shedding. abate after the peak of CPEC continue to act as structural have deteriorated but remained in doubted talent, will help UN- was decided in the meeting that ternal party diff erences and “Our government has done investments in energy and in- impediments to foreign direct line with its rating level and fore- ODC publicise the dangers of any minus-Nawaz would not be evaluating legal options for a lot for the country, but when frastructure that should benefi t investments. cast net general government debt drug abuse,” he added. accepted. Sharif regarding the trial at the the government is weakened, the Pakistan with robust growth. Notwithstanding the next to slightly exceed 60% of GDP in Roy described the appoint- The party also opposed any accountability court. country weakens.” The company said it may year’s election outcome, S and 2017-18. ment as an honour and lauded eff orts and contribution of the international organisation. “I have been following UN- Up in the air ODC’s work even before joining them as a Goodwill Ambassador. No pressure to revoke Their work is commendable in the fi elds of criminal justice, drug demand reduction and blasphemy laws: minister HIV/Aids prevention. These things are close to my heart, especially when children are Internews plugged. Now a SP-level of- concerned, and I will give my all to Islamabad fi cer must probe a complaint my new role as National Goodwill before a case is registered. Ambassador for Pakistan,” he said. Those who misuse these here’s no pressure blasphemy laws are proceeded RECREATION within Pakistan to re- against,” said Sardar Yousaf. Faiz International Tvoke the country’s “But no changes are expect- blasphemy laws, although ed in the law itself. The law Festival to start foreign governments and cannot be revoked. It’s there media often demand such to stay, as it has a noble aim, from Nov 17 a change, says Minister for to protect beliefs and religious Religious Affairs Sardar Mo- personalities of all faiths, not The three-day Third Faiz Inter- hamed Yousaf. just Islam,” he added. national Festival will begin at the Addressing members of the The journalists, however, Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, in Pakistani-American Press As- reminded him that the law Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore sociation at a dinner on Sun- was misused at a regular ba- from Nov 17. The festival, being day, he also said those who sis and often innocent people organised by the Faiz Founda- wanted to make Pakistan a were targeted to settle personal tion Trust (FFT), in collaboration secular state were too weak to scores. with the Lahore Arts Council, bring any real pressure. The minister said the gov- will bring together a bouquet of “Pakistan can never be a ernment was aware of these performances, panel discussions, secular state,” he declared. problems and had taken steps music, dance, and a visual art “The blasphemy laws are to end the misuse of this law. exhibition. On the inaugural day of misunderstood. They are not Sardar Yousaf said that Pa- the festival, there will be a grand against non-Muslims,” said kistani society was different opening ceremony. The same day, the minister, although he did from the rest of the world as Ajoka will stage its popular play acknowledge that some ele- it had a state religion and a — Lo Phir Basant Ayee. Moneeza ments exploited procedural Constitution that ensured Hashmi, the FFT trustee, said that loopholes to register false that no law could be made veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin A man sells balloons at the Sunday market in Islamabad, Pakistan. cases. against the Holy Qur’an and Shah would not perform at the “Those loopholes are being Sunnah. festival this year. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 PHILIPPINES Panel vows ‘soft’ war on drugs

By RJ Carbonell and rehabilitation is also part of Manila Times this strategy,” Santiago said. He explained that the DDB’s campaign is diff erent from the he Dangerous Drugs PNP’s because the board’s strat- Board (DDB) has vowed egy will be more “pro-people.” Tto adopt a “softer” stance “The campaign aims to in the implementation of the change the narrative on the anti- government’s war on drugs that drug campaign. The fi ght now will now be led by the Philip- against drugs is about protecting pine Drug Enforcement Agency the people,” Santiago said. (PDEA). “It is about the life of a drug DDB chairman Dionisio San- user who needs help to free tiago said the board will focus himself or herself from drug de- on reducing the demand for il- pendence. It is about protecting legal drugs. This means that the the life of the people against the Handout photo released yesterday shows Japan’s Emperor Akihito talking with Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte as Duterte’s partner Cielito Avancena (second right) talks campaign will focus on preven- threats of drugs,” he added. with Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. tion, treatment and rehabilita- To curb drug addiction, the tion. This tack is opposite the DDB will co-ordinate with inter- hard stance taken by the Philip- national anti-drug institutions, pine National Police (PNP) in the Santiago added. implementation of its drug war “We will focus more on the under Oplan Tokhang that led to psychological approach and Japanese fi rms pledge huge investments the killing of thousands of sus- livelihood aspect of drug ad- pected drug pushers and users. dicts. This is diff erent from the The PNP suspended its con- PNP’s,” Santiago said. By Llanesca T Panti memorandum of understanding and $6bn,” Lopez said. Nearly 18 Japanese improving supply chain for the benefit troversial anti-drug operations He explained that his agency Manila Times letter of intent in connection with in- companies have pledged investments of micro, small and medium enterpris- early this month after President will tackle the legal aspects of vesting in the Philippines through joint in the Philippines. es in the Philippines. Rodrigo Duterte instructed the the war on drugs, in contrast ventures and the expansion of opera- In addition, Lopez disclosed that The Philippines’ net equity capi- PDEA to lead the war on drugs. with PDEA’s mission which deals apanese companies have pledged at tions in the Philippines in manufac- he met with his Japanese counterpart, tal investments, meaning new foreign Santiago said his agency more with law enforcement. least $6bn worth of new investments turing (shipbuilding, iron, steel); agri- Minister Hiroshige Seko, to discuss direct investments (FDI), dropped to would focus on drug abuse pre- “The campaign will be offi - Jin the Philippines, Trade Secretary business, power, renewable energy, improving market access and lowering $141mn as of July from $1.45bn in 2016. vention cially launched this November Ramon Lopez has announced. transportation, infrastructure, min- tariff for the Philippines’ agricultural Likewise, the foreign direct invest- “These are preventive educa- in line with the celebration of In a statement, Lopez said President eral processing, retailing, information products such as banana, pineapple, ment net inflows of the country fell tion that aims to prevent people the Drug Abuse Prevention and Rodrigo Duterte was present when rep- technology, among others. mango, as well as Japan’s support for to $3.6bn which is also lower than the from abusing drugs. Treatment Control Week,” Santiago said. resentatives from these firms inked a “The total new investments reached Industrial Co-operation Dialogue and 2016 figure of $4.1bn. Balancing act Call for arrest warrant against former mayor

Manila Times erpo of violating Article 231 of received on May 15, 2017 a copy Manila the Revised Penal Code. of the arrest warrant dated April It sentenced him to one month 27. “To date, the NBI has not and up to six months in jail with made any return nor submitted he Sandiganbayan Sec- a 10-year temporary special any report regarding the execu- ond Division has ordered disqualifi cation and a fi ne of tion of the warrant,” the court Tthe National Bureau of P1,000. said. It thus directed NBI direc- Investigation (NBI) to serve the The decision “became fi nal tor Dante Gierran “to cause the arrest warrant issued against and executory on January 9, execution of the Warrant of Ar- former Rodriguez, Rizal Mayor 2017,” the court said in a resolu- rest dated April 27, 2017, and to Pedro Cuerpo and to submit a tion promulgated on October 27. submit a report thereon to the report thereon. According to the court resolu- Court within twenty (20) days In a decision on November tion, records showed that the from receipt of a copy of this 2012, the court convicted Cu- NBI’s General Services Division Resolution.”

Two students killed in ambush

Manila Times Seven others, including the driver, were wounded Zamboanga in the attack, which happened late Sunday in the town of Kiblawan, they added. The students, all from Kimlawis National High unmen ambushed a truck and killed two School, were returning home from a street dancing high school students in Davao del Sur prov- festival when a group of armed men opened fi re on A man walks on a dike along Manila Bay yesterday. Gince in the troubled region of Mindanao in the truck. Police identifi ed those killed as Nibert southern Philippines, police said. Malanson and Jimboy Linkanay, both teenagers.

CRIME US businessman shot dead in North Cotabato De Lima expects lower level of discourse from govt An American businessman and a long-time resident of Cagayan By Jeff erson Antiporda the New Bilibid Prisons —the values are being corrupted by rudely spoke against Euro- de Oro City, Misamis Orien tal, was Manila Times national penitentiary—in officials of the Duterte admin- pean organisations critical of killed by gunmen in North Cota- Muntinlupa City. istration whom she said had no Duterte during a recent public bato in southern Mindanao, Manila He said De Lima, through place in a civilised society. gathering in the United King- Times reported. Jeff Michael Keith, etained Senator Leila De the help of the BuCor (Bureau “The corruption in govern- dom. 60, was in his truck parked in Lima has expressed se- of Corrections) Love Founda- ment so grave. No, I don’t just “But their actions and ap- downtown Pikit in North Cotabato Drious concern over the tion Inc, a non-government mean corruption in govern- parent mental state seem to with his Filipino wife and two decision to replace Malacanang organisation, was able to go on ment in the usual sense, but be symptomatic of a prevalent children when one of the two gun- spokesman Ernesto Abella, with her drug-related activi- a more pervasive and invasive corrupted mindset in our so- men walked alongside the vehicle saying it could lower the level ties inside the national peni- corruption of Filipino values called government officials and shot him without warning. of discourse and language ex- tentiary. that affect, not just our na- today: Why be right when you The assailants took Keith’s bag pected from President Rodrigo The BuCor Love Founda- tional coffers, but our national can be wrong? Why be a good containing some P200,000 Duterte and his offi cials. tion, headed by Salo, was in- identity,” De Lima noted. public servant when you can and escaped on a motorcycle. De Lima, in a hand-written volved in providing inmates She cited presidential legal be a bad one? After all, even They left his wife and children statement, said the move to let set to be released from prison counsel Salvador Panelo, who the president seems to get unharmed. The motive for the Abella go clearly showed that with appropriate technical, made a sexual joke in a recent away with it,” she said. killing is still unknown. Police Duterte is a leader who revels livelihood, management and interview with two woman “Who do those people think investigating the incident have in his men’s obnoxious char- entrepreneurial skills that help journalists. they are to reverse several organised a tracker team to find acter and depravity. them land a job outside. Panelo even accused the centuries’ worth of honing, the perpetrators. They said Keith The president on Friday Roque said De Lima and Salo journalists of taking the joke preserving and passing on of travelled to North Cotabato on named Kabayan party-list conspired to silence him in wrongly to put him and the our Filipino values?” De Lima business regularly but gave no de- Rep. Harry Roque as his new questioning their involvement president in a bad light. added. tails on his business. No individual spokesman, replacing Abella, in the drug trade. “His lack of self-awareness, Panelo, Andanar and the or group claimed responsibility an evangelical pastor. De Lima, however, denied or perhaps his lack of shame, other officials, she said, for the attack but police said they “With the departure of Sec- knowing Salo, saying she can- even prompted him to drag should have no place in a civi- were looking if robbery was the retary Abella, I fear the even not even recall any instance the image of unsuspecting fe- lised society, much less in the motive for the killing, or if rebels further decline of the level of that she had worked or dealt male students of a well-known ranks of Philippine govern- were involved. North Cotabato is a discourse and language we with him. Catholic school for girls as ment officialdom. known lair of Moro and commu- could expect from now on from She also expressed alarm having been subjected to his “In a world that makes nist rebel groups. There was no the president and his men,” De over the worsening corruption verbal acts of lasciviousness,” sense, they would already immediate statement from the US Lima said. in government, not only in the de Lima said. have been censured. In a world Embassy on the Keith killing. The senator is currently de- De Lima: accusing govt of disrespect to values national coffers but also on The senator also men- where these people even have The US government has repeated- tained at the Philippine Na- Filipino values that affect na- tioned an incident involving an ounce of self-respect, they ly warned its citizens to stay from tional Police Custodial Centre Roque in February filed an ing with her partymate Rep- tional identity. Martin Andanar, chief of the would have already publicly the troubled Mindanao region in Camp Crame in Quezon City ethics complaint against De resentative. Ron Salo to carry The senator said the well- Presidential Communica- apologised and resigned,” De because of threats of terrorism. on drug charges. Lima for allegedly conspir- out her illegal activities inside preserved and time-tested tions Operations Office, who Lima added. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Cop in the dock over Pilot among four arrested showing dead man as over plot to hijack plane absconding Biman Bangladesh Airlines with senior extremists from ing his wife and children, in an By Mizan Rahman pilot Sabbir Emam plots with Jamayetul Mujahideen Bang- apartment building in Dhaka. Dhaka extremists from Jamayetul ladesh to crash a plane into the The building was owned Mujahideen Bangladesh to homes of politicians or to take by Sabbir’s father, who was crash a plane into the homes passengers hostage. questioned by police. he International Crimes of politicians or to take “He is a dangerous person The homegrown JMB group Tribunal (ICT) has sum- passengers hostage and is working at a sensitive has been blamed for a string of Tmoned a sub-inspector place like Bangladesh Biman, deadly attacks on foreigners, of Moheshkhali police station, AFP which the country’s important atheist bloggers, rights activ- Jahirul Huq, to appear before Dhaka individuals use,” the battalion ists and religious minorities in it on November 26 to explain said in a statement. Bangladesh. why he submitted a report to Sabbir, a pilot since 2014, fl ew a The most prominent was in the tribunal showing an ac- angladesh yesterday ar- Boeing 737 passenger jet as recent- July last year when militants cused who is actually dead as rested a pilot from the na- ly as Monday for Bangladesh’s fl ag stormed an upmarket cafe in absconding. Btional airline accused of carrier, the battalion said. Dhaka and massacred 22 hos- A three-member ICT bench plotting with Islamist militants Neither Sabbir’s family or tages. The attack was claimed led by Justice Md Shahinur to hijack or crash a plane in a lawyers could be immediately by the Islamic State group but Islam passed the order, af- spectacular attack, police said. reached for comment. the government denied any role ter a hearing to frame charges Sabbir Emam, a pilot with Sabbir allegedly had ties to by the international militants. against him and 17 others from state-run Biman Bangladesh senior militants including Sar- JMB remains active despite ef- Moheshkhali, of committing Airlines, was detained in Dhaka war Jahan, the head of a new forts to decapitate its leadership crimes against humanity during with three others suspected of JMB faction, before he was by Bangladesh police, who have the Liberation War in 1971. links to a militant group blamed killed in a police raid. while killed more than 70 alleged The bench also ordered the for a cafe siege last year that left Police say Sabbir and Sarwar militants since the cafe attack. superintendent of police of 22 people dead, including 18 plotted a plane attack with an- Police have warned of new Cox’s Bazar district and offi c- foreigners. other man, Abdullah, who was cells and plots to stage attacks er-in-charge of Moheshkhali The Rapid Action Battalion killed in a raid in September in Bangladesh, a Muslim- The suspected militants who allegedly planned to sabotage an aircraft, presented at the RAB at a press police station to give a written police unit said Sabbir plotted along with six others, includ- majority nation of 160mn. conference in Dhaka yesterday. explanation on this. The International Crimes Tribunal prosecution fi led a case against Abdul Majid, former lawmaker Abdur Rashid Mia, and 16 others for committing Lanka crimes against humanity during Lanka keen for early China trade deal our Liberation War in 1971. ICT prosecutor Rana Das- minister gupta informed the tribunal that Reuters tota port to China, ignor- a 99-year lease of 15,000 acres would expand more trade av- have unnerved India, tradi- Abdul Majid died last December Beijing ing an appeal by opposition (23 sq miles) to develop an ad- enues for both countries,” tionally the island nation’s 22, of old age complications. defects parties to debate the pact in jacent industrial zone, pro- Marapana said. most important partner. Huq submitted a report to the parliament. voked fears it could be used by “China has been a reliable By 2014, Chinese navy sub- prosecution on February 17 that ri Lanka is keen to reach The $1.5bn port, close to Chinese naval vessels. and important partner in our marines were also docking said Majid was absconding, and at wrong agreement soon on a the main shipping route from Sri Lanka Foreign Minister drive towards economic de- in Colombo, raising alarm in eff orts were ongoing to try and Sfree trade deal with Chi- Asia to Europe and likely to Tilak Marapana told a recep- velopment and Sri Lanka is New Delhi and prompting a arrest him. na, its foreign minister said play a key role in China’s “Belt tion in Beijing to mark the 60th appreciative of the country’s push by the administration of “It is a clear evidence of neg- forum yesterday, describing Beijing and Road” initiative, has been anniversary of establishing commitment and assistance,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi ligence of his duties and this as a close friend and ally, de- mired in controversy since a diplomatic ties that the two he added, without mentioning to claw back infl uence in the kind of report creates confusion spite strong local opposi- Chinese fi rm agreed to take an countries’ friendship went any specifi c projects. region. in the way of justice,” Dasgupta Agencies tion to some major Chinese- 80% stake in it. back centuries. As one of the fi rst countries “Sri Lanka is deeply ap- said. Colombo invested schemes. The pact signed last year “Sri Lanka is very keen to to help in Sri Lanka’s post-war preciative of China for being Later the prosecution applied In July, Sri Lanka signed a sparked widespread public an- reach an early conclusion to reconstruction after the 2009 a true and trusted friend and to the tribunal to issue direc- long-delayed $1.1bn deal to ger, as Chinese control of the the free trade agreement with end of its 26-year civil war, ally during our times of need,” tives to take necessary measures deputy minister who lease its southern Hamban- port, which included a plan for China in the near future that China’s ties with Sri Lanka Marapana said. against the Huq. was sacked overnight Aby Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena attempted a symbolic crossing of the fl oor of parliament to defect to the opposition only to discover the Bangladesh to assembly was not in session, a Ball game brings rare joy media report said. Postal Services and Muslim Religious Aff airs Deputy Min- extend garment ister Duleep Wijesekera made a speech asking forgiveness from to Rohingya refugee boys his voters for having joined President Sirisena’s faction of labour protection the Sri Lanka Freedom Party AFP (SLFP). Kutupalong, Bangladesh He then made the dramatic move of taking a seat in the op- agreement position ranks, only to be told n a refugee camp in Bangla- by Prime Minister Ranil Wick- desh crammed with make- remesinghe that parliament was Ishift bamboo shelters, Ro- Thomson Reuters Foundation “The talks with the not in session. hingya boys gather on one of Chennai, India government show The mace, which is the sym- the few remaining clear areas that it recognises the bol of authority of parliament, of ground for an energetic bout importance of a safe was also absent on Monday. of chinlone - a version of keep- angladesh will extend ready-made garment Monday’s meeting inside the ie-uppie that is one of the few an agreement to pro- industry, and we will parliament chamber was actu- pleasures they can still enjoy. Btect garment work- continue to work ally a meeting of the Consti- Chinlone, a cross between ers drawn up in the wake with regulators to tutional Assembly where the football and volleyball played of the Rana Plaza disaster help enhance their Speaker moves down one step with a woven cane ball, is huge- and embed it into national capacity” from his chair and sits among ly popular in the villages of My- regulations, promising more parliamentary offi cials. anmar where the refugees are stringent safety checks for The new agreement was Wickremesinghe queried if from. its 4mn apparel workers, a reached on October 19 be- the sacked deputy minister was For the children, it off ers a Rohingya refugees play chinlone at Kutupalong refugee camp in the Bangladeshi district of Ukhia. labour union said. tween brands, trade unions, unaware of procedures of the brief respite from the fi ght for Poor working conditions the Bangladesh Garment House. He should have reserved survival in squalid camps that prized possessions he packed form of keepie-uppie, with ex- Many of the refugees have and low wages have long Manufacturers and Exporters his theatrics for a day when par- have tripled in size with the ar- into the small bag that was all pert players performing fl ips said their ethnic Rakhine been a concern in Bangla- Association, the UN’s Inter- liament is in session, the pre- rival of more than 600,000 Ro- the family could take. as they kick the ball high into neighbours took part in the vio- desh’s garment industry, national Labour Organisation mier noted. hingya in little more than two “I love it. All my friends love the air. lence that has forced hundreds which suff ered one of the and the Bangladeshi govern- There was intense specula- months. this sport,” the 16-year-old “The fun is to keep the ball on of thousands to fl ee, including worst industrial accidents in ment, said a statement from tion on why Wijesekera was They are fl eeing a fresh out- said in the Kutupalong refu- air as long as you can. We would burning Rohingya homes and 2013, when more than 1,100 the Accord. sacked on Sunday night. One break of ethnic violence in My- gee camp as he and his friends often keep it up there for more mosques to the ground. people were killed in the Under the accord, more theory was that he was going anmar’s Rakhine state, where enjoyed a kickaround. than an hour,” said Saiful Islam, “That was the time when collapse of the Rana Plaza than 118,500 fi re, electrical to announce his resignation on militant attacks on police posts Chinlone - a much loved 18, a keen chinlone player who there was a lot of camarade- complex. and structural hazards have Monday and therefore the pres- in August triggered a mili- sport across Myanmar - in- was born in the camp. rie between the communi- The Bangladesh Accord is been identifi ed at 1,800 facto- ident struck a pre-emptive blow tary crackdown targeting the volves six players keeping a ball Nurul Amin, 37, recalls how ties. There were sports com- a legally-binding agreement ries which supply at least 200 by showing him the door. stateless Muslim minority. above the ground using any he used to play the sport with petitions in every village in between global brands and brands. Wijesekera tore up a copy of When Mohammad Faisal fl ed part of their body except their his Rakhine neighbours in their Rakhine,” said Amin. trade unions to establish a fi re Boiler room inspections the interim report of the Con- Myanmar during an earlier bout hands. village in mainly Buddhist My- “The trust is broken forever. and safety programme for the will be included in the pro- stitutional Assembly in which of violence three years ago, his To the untrained eye it looks anmar before ethnic tensions There’s no way we will gather country’s $28bn a year textile gramme following concerns he was also a member. chinlone ball was among the like a particularly elaborate set in. again to play chinlone.” industry. after a blast in July killed 10 The accord runs to May workers. 2018, but the government “At present, we are work- has agreed for it to con- ing out how we can fund the tinue beyond that date until inspections, remediation and a national regulatory body technical expertise needed,” Nepal exports hit by India’s new tax regime is ready to take over moni- Hoff man said. toring, a trade union said The programme will also yesterday. establish safety committees IANS right from the manufacturer to vious years, plunged by 57% in the data, export of juice had surged now has become 5.82% cost- “A goal of the accord has on factory fl oors as man- Kathmandu the consumer. fi rst two months of current fi scal as by 50% in the fi rst two months lier for juice exporters post GST always been to transition to a dated by law to ensure better Export of major items to India compared to corresponding period of fi scal 2016-17 compared to implementation. credible regulatory regime by monitoring of safety features, which were enjoying zero duty of the previous fi scal year. the corresponding period of Likewise, export of large car- the Bangladeshi government,” Hoff man said. epal’s exports to India or nominal tariff earlier dropped Nepal exported juice products fi scal 2015-16. damom plunged by 45.3%, fruits said Christy Hoff man, deputy Earlier this month, trade have been adversely af- signifi cantly, according to a worth Rs344mn in fi rst two months The major reason behind the (85.9%), vegetables (39%), noo- general secretary, Uni Global unions welcomed a rul- Nfected after the Indian Nepal Rastra Bank report. of the ongoing fi scal as compared signifi cant decline in export dles (34%) and jute goods (2.3%) in Union. ing allowing complaints to government enforced the goods Export of juice, jute products, to Rs800mn in same period of of juice was increased tariff to the fi rst two months of this fi scal “The talks with the gov- proceed against two global and services tax (GST) this year, vegetables and fruits, processed previous fi scal, the report said. export to the Indian market. as compared to the corresponding ernment show that it rec- fashion brands for allegedly a media report said. food like biscuits and noodles Export of juice products to According to exporters, they period of last fi scal. ognises the importance of violating the Bangladesh The GST is an indirect tax and cardamom, among others, India was on the rise since last had to pay 12% integrated goods There were high tariff diff er- a safe ready-made garment Accord. The cases will be introduced in India on July 1 to plunged heavily, the Himalayan several years as the Indian mul- and services tax (IGST) to ex- ences in post- and pre-GST pe- industry, and we will con- the fi rst under the accord to make it one unifi ed common Times reported. tinational Dabur Nepal was the port juice to India, compared to riod in vegetables, processed food tinue to work with regula- be judged by the Permanent market. It is a single tax on the Export of juice, which was a ma- largest exporter of juice to India. 6.18% in the pre-GST regime. and other agriculture products, tors to help enhance their Court of Arbitration (PCA) supply of goods and services, jor export item to India in the pre- As per the central bank’s They said the Indian market according to the bank report. capacity.” in The Hague. Gulf Times 26 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Fax 44350474 GULF TIMES Time to celebrate as global economy is on a roll? Not yet

As 2016 was drawing to a close, there was plenty to worry about the global economic outlook for the pessimist. The twin shocks of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump’s electoral victory jolted the geopolitical order in the year. A soaring US dollar; emerging markets facing increased money outfl ows following the Federal Reserve tightening; turmoil in the Middle East along with large-scale investment cuts driven by the plunge in oil prices; uneven growth pattern Silatech connecting young in China built on a government borrowing binge; Brazil’s crippling recession; India’s economy bracing for a growth hit from the recall of high-value currencies - it was an endless list. Some of the risk factors are still lingering, but the tables have turned. The global economy is on its best roll in years people with opportunities and set to do better in 2018, according to the International Monetary Fund. Output growth would increase from 3.2% in 2016 to 3.6% this year and 3.7% in 2018. The fund has QNA Doha boosted growth forecasts for every advanced economy, except the UK and Spain. Spurred by higher ilatech, the international development nonprofi t non- profi ts and buoyant government organisation that China faces twin stock markets, some Sworks on connecting Arab of the world’s best youth, has issued its annual report risks of massive known companies for 2016-17 in which it provided a from Amazon.com to general view of its programmes and debt pile and initiatives, the main local, regional and Volkswagen are ramping international strategic partnerships, an overheating up spending on new and the achievements and results that plants and equipment it accomplished for Arab youths in its property market after years of caution. countries of operation. In the opening remarks of the report, For an international Silatech Chairperson of the Board of economic expansion already gathering speed, that could Trustees Her Highness Sheikha Moza prove a boon. Capital investment, or capex, is seen bint Nasser said that it is “vital to give boosting not just demand, but ultimately higher wages all young people the tools to make their societies fl ourish,” stressing and infl ation. that “it is imperative that we provide Meantime, Asia’s surging exports are fuelling them with chances to become active expectations that the region’s factories will support and productive members of their investment as they race to meet demand for everything communities.” from semiconductors and chemicals to automobiles and “Silatech was conceived from the region, by the region, for the smartphones. region, with a vision to unleash this Taiwan in September posted record exports for potential,” Her Highness Sheikha both shipments and export orders. Chinese exports Moza said, adding: “Our name and increased 8.1%. In Thailand, the pace of export our mission are all about connection; growth remains near the four-year high reached in connecting needs with skills; connecting employers with job August. seekers; connecting young people with The Asia Pacifi c region is expected to account for more opportunities.” than 63% of global GDP growth in 2017, according to the “The social and economic upheavals Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with Sudanese youth. Silatech’s “Hope” programme aims to reintegrate and IMF, but much will depend on the pace the Fed raises rates that have rocked the Arab world in recent rehabilitate a number of Sudanese youths. years have compounded my conviction which dictate Asia’s currencies. that now, more than ever, it is vital to In the fi eld of policy and research, Time to celebrate? Not yet. Just as global central give all young people the tools to make Silatech off ered more than 50 research bankers are unwinding their ultra-easy monetary their societies fl ourish,” she said. papers on policies and programmes policies, with a few notable exceptions, economists “Only when we connect the hopes that support Arab youth, and organised don’t see enough price pressures building up, and dreams of our youth with the tools over 30 international conferences and to realise them will we build the strong workshops on youth issues. according to the latest Reuters survey conducted Arab economies of tomorrow,” Her The report reviewed the progress of across the world. Highness Sheikha Moza said as she some of Silatech’s major ventures such A major worry is the worst-case “Minsky moment” concluded her remarks. as the development, independence prediction for the debt-driven Chinese economy, the The report said that the organisation and sustainability of Narwi Platform, aims to provide 2mn job opportunities which was established by Silatech in single biggest contributor to global GDP growth. China’s by 2020 in 16 countries in 2014, “Hope” programme that aims to total borrowing climbed to about 260% of the economy’s collaboration with 150 local, regional reintegrate and rehabilitate a number size by the end of 2016, up from 162% in 2008, and will hit and international partners. of Sudanese youths, “Smart Tunisia” close to 320% by 2021 according to Bloomberg Intelligence The report added that the State and “Bedaya - Enda” programmes estimates. The economy, Asia’s largest and the world’s of Qatar contributed $148mn out in Tunisia, “Bodour” programme in of $237mn collected to fund the Morocco, “Decent Living” programme second-biggest, is forecast to expand 6.4% next year, but organisation’s projects. in Syria, enhancing the role of faces the twin risks of managing its massive debt pile and Silatech said that it collaborates Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship a highly infl ated property market. with governmental, educational and and Career Guidance, developing The IMF has cautioned the global recovery is far from private sector partners to develop “Tamheed” programme for career complete. Along with weak productivity and low infl ation, eff ective employment and training guidance, and building the capacity of mechanisms and programmes. independent secondary school career worries include geopolitical risks and simmering trade It also provides young people with advisers. tensions. access to career guidance, training and The projects also include When the odds are uncertain, being prepared could jobs through innovative technological establishing localised portals in Arabic, make the diff erence. platforms, builds the capacity of local English and French for “Ta3mal” institutions, and direct connection platform in the eight countries of between employers and young Qatar, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, jobseekers. Palestine, Lebanon and Egypt, In the fi eld of enterprise supporting the employment of Syrian To Advertise development, the organisation said refugees in Turkey, supporting the it funded 146,000 youth projects, career guidance and employment [email protected] trained 42,000 young men and women centre in Oman, establishing a career Display in entrepreneurship, built the capacity centre to support the employment Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 of more than 30 fi nancial institutions, of women in Saudi Arabia, and and designed and launched 29 existing developing the capacities of young Classified fi nancial products for youth. Palestinian women in the fi eld of Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 As for employment, 65,000 young manufacturing and packaging food people received training to enter products. Subscription the labour market, over 57,000 In addition, the report featured [email protected] professional consultations were a number of personal experiments off ered, 250 vocational centres were of some benefi ciaries of Silatech launched in the Arab world and 900 programmes and ventures and how the 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved certifi ed professional counsellors were support that they received from the provided. organisation changed their lives. Gulf Times Wednesday, November 1, 2017 27 COMMENT China’s contradictions

By Stephen S Roach China’s sights are now set on two that may be required to resolve this New Haven goals – completing the task of building contradiction and avoid the Japanese the so-called moderately prosperous “zombie” problem of a chronic debt society by 2035, and then establishing overhang. hina’s quinquennial Com- its position as a Great Power by 2050. Second, there is the tension between munist Party congresses are Unlike China’s goal-setting exercises supply and demand. Consistent with that rare event where ritual in the past, there are no quantitative other recent pronouncements of senior Cand dogma combine with targets attached to these “twin cente- Chinese offi cials, the political report introspection and strategy. The 19th nary goals” (which roughly align with leaves little doubt that supply-side National Congress, which began on the Party’s founding in 1921 and the structural reforms are now the highest October 18, is no exception. establishment of the People’s Republic priority of economic policymakers. Notwithstanding the suspense over of China in 1949). They celebrate the The related emphasis on productivity, potential changes in party leadership, long-awaited national rejuvenation innovation, pruning excess capac- which typically occur at the end of the that Xi has dubbed the China Dream. ity, and moving up the value chain meeting, President Xi Jinping’s politi- The third point is perhaps the most in manufacturing and services are cal report, delivered on the opening intriguing. This is couched in the underscored as key building blocks of day, was a high-impact event. Signifi - form of China’s “principal contra- this eff ort. cantly, it says as much about the Party diction” – a Marxist concept that At the same time, the report de-em- as it does about Xi. As Alice Miller, a serves as an admission of a funda- phasises consumer spending and serv- leading Sinologist at Stanford’s Hoover mental problem requiring resolution. ices – now buried deep in the list of Institution, emphasises, the report The principal contradiction, while priorities for a modernised economy. was carefully crafted over a one-year typically elliptical and ambiguous, Yet focusing on supply without paying period to convey the consensus of the frames a rich discussion of risks and equal attention to the foundations of Party’s highest organ, the 205-member opportunities, strategy and tactics, aggregate demand is a puzzling and Central Committee. reforms and governance – all of potentially worrisome disconnect. Three conclusions from Xi’s ad- which will shape China’s prospects A fi nal secondary tension can be found dress are particularly important. For for the foreseeable future. in the contrast between the path and the starters, the ideological underpin- The big news is that, under Xi’s destination. Notwithstanding all the nings of “Xi Jinping Thought” have leadership, the party has revised its self-congratulatory fl ourishes in Xi’s been raised to the same lofty level principal contradiction for the fi rst political report, there is good reason to as those of “Mao Zedong Thought,” time since 1981. Whereas the contra- believe that the Chinese economy is only effectively elevating Xi over his diction had previously been framed in the early stages of its long-heralded three predecessors – Hu Jintao, Jiang as a tradeoff between the needs of From left: Former Chinese president Hu Jintao, Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Chinese president Jiang Zemin are structural transformation. Its services Zemin, and even the revered Deng the people and China’s “backward seen during the opening session of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the sector is growing rapidly, but is still em- Xiaoping. Much has been written social production,” it is now viewed as People in Beijing. bryonic, accounting for just 52% of GDP. about Xi’s consolidation of power a tension between “unbalanced and And household consumption, which since he was appointed General inadequate development” and the was becoming increasingly “unstable, pinnings. It is a foundational pillar of focused on the seemingly inconsistent is also growing rapidly, is still less than Secretary in November 2012. But “people’s ever-growing needs for a unbalanced, unco-ordinated, and Xi Jinping Thought. combination of a “decisive role” for 40% of GDP. this elevation makes it official. After better life.” [ultimately] unsustainable.” The political report’s focus on markets and steadfast support for state China may well be on a path to a only five years in office, the Party This restatement of the principal Over the past ten years, two fi ve- China’s principal contradiction also ownership. New Normal or a New Era. But the leadership has anointed Xi as one of contradiction has not emerged from year plans – the 12th, enacted in 2011, raises important questions about what The party has long believed that fi nal destination remains far down the modern China’s two greatest historic thin air. It clearly signals a far-reaching and the 13th, enacted in 2016 – plus still may be missing from the Party’s these two features of economic life are road, with many contradictions to be figures. change in national perspective – from a major set of reforms adopted at the long-term strategy. Three “secondary compatible – the so-called blended resolved during the journey. – Project Second, the political report speaks that of a poor developing country so-called Third Plenum in 2013, have contradictions” are especially striking economy with Chinese characteristics. Syndicate with great confi dence about a China to that of an increasingly prosper- aimed to resolve China’s persistent and on the economic front. Xi’s political report praises the mixed that has now entered a “New Era.” But ous society focused on becoming a worrisome imbalances. Xi’s political First, there is ongoing tension be- ownership model and also aspires to z Stephen S Roach, a faculty member at by underscoring the Chinese adage Great Power. It is also consistent with report doesn’t alter the main thrust tween the role of the state and that of an economy led by great fi rms with Yale University and former Chairman that the “…last leg of a journey just the critique of former Premier Wen of those eff orts. The real signifi cance markets in guiding resource allocation. unmatched global competitive prow- of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author marks the halfway point,” Xi sketched Jiabao, who in March 2007 famously is that rebalancing is now enshrined This was a glaring contradiction of ess. But it glosses over the thorny issue of Unbalanced: The Codependency of an even more ambitious future. warned of a Chinese economy that within the Party’s ideological under- the 2013 Third Plenum reforms, which of state-owned enterprise reform America and China. Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY The perils of a Trumped Fed High: 35 C Low : 25 C Inshore: Hazy to misty /foggy at places By Eswar Prasad tors that the Fed cannot control, foreign-exchange reserves – that is credibility. He need only appoint at first becomes relatively hot daytime. Ithaca including productivity, foreign to say, their rainy-day funds – are political loyalists instead of the best prices, and government deficits. invested in dollars. And foreign in- available technocrats; or appoint But expectations about the future vestors, including central banks, hold competent technocrats whom he THURSDAY hile he attempts to can also play a key role. When firms more than $6tn in US government has cajoled into professing personal High: 32 C overhaul American tax, and workers think the Fed is not securities, up from $3tn a decade ago. loyalty to him, rather than to their Low: 26 C trade, and immigra- committed to holding down infla- The dollar’s status as the main global mandates as Fed governors. Sunny Wtion policies, President tion, inflation tends to rise. reserve currency has helped to keep A Fed dominated by Trump Donald Trump is mulling over a set of The same is true for defl ation. At US interest rates low, thus reducing acolytes might prioritise economic decisions that could prove even more fi rst blush, falling prices for goods and borrowing costs for US consumers growth over other objectives, such as FRIDAY consequential for the US economy. services may sound like a good thing. and the US government. maintaining financial stability and High: 33 C With Federal Reserve Vice-Chair But defl ation can be disastrous. When The Fed’s independence, along with low inflation. But while this ap- Low: 26 C Stanley Fischer having retired this prices are expected to fall, consumers the US’s institutionalised system of proach may boost GDP growth for a Sunny month, three of the seven seats on will hold off on making purchases, and checks and balances and its adher- brief period, it would hurt growth in the Fed Board of Governors are now businesses will postpone investments. ence to the rule of law, is crucial for the long run, by fuelling inflation and vacant. And in February 2018, Fed These decisions can then create a vi- sustaining investors’ confi dence in the financial-market instability. Fishermen’s forecast Chair Janet Yellen’s first term will cious cycle in which falling demand dollar. Yet the Trump administration Another danger is that Trump will OFFSHORE DOHA end, giving Trump a unique op- leads to reduced employment, growth, is weakening the checks and balances get his wish for a weaker dollar – Wind: SW-SE 03-12 KT portunity to stamp his brand on the and prices, causing demand to fall between the executive and legislative permanently. Even the mere pos- Waves: 1-3 Feet further. branches of government, and his indif- sibility of reduced faith in the dollar, INSHORE DOHA institution. Wind: NE-SE 05-13 KT Trump’s nominees to fill these After the 2008 global financial ference to the rule of law could pose a alongside higher inflation, could Waves: 1-2 Feet positions, and how he goes about crisis, many countries faced the direct challenge to the judicial branch. push up interest rates, leading to choosing them, could have an endur- specter of deflation. But, thanks to Under these circumstances, any act larger budget deficits, lower growth, Around the region ing impact not just on the Fed, but the Fed, the US avoided both severe that undermines the Fed’s independ- and an inflationary spiral. Weather Weather also on the US economy and its cen- deflation and inflation, and recov- ence could seriously damage the If Trump does try to press the Fed today Max/min tomorrow Max/min tral position in the global financial ered faster than most other advanced institutional framework upon which into the service of his own political Abu Dhabi Sunny 32/26 Sunny 33/27 Baghdad system. economies. The Fed managed to ward US economic strength rests. agenda, he could do irreparable harm Sunny 31/18 P Cloudy 30/18 Dubai Sunny The Fed has international credibility to an institution that ensures finan- Sunny 34/25 34/24 The Fed’s credibility has been off deflation in the US by aggres- Kuwait City Sunny 34/22 Sunny 36/21 methodically and painstakingly sively loosening monetary policy. At precisely because it is independent cial stability, low and stable inflation, Manama Sunny 33/26 Sunny 33/26 established over the course of many the time, many economists feared from any political master. But the and sustainable growth. Rather than Muscat Sunny 32/23 Sunny 32/22 decades. A case in point is former Fed that a rapidly expanding money sup- Fed also has legitimacy, because it is putting “America first,” he would be Riyadh Sunny 33/18 Sunny 32/18 Chair Paul Volcker’s decision, in the ply and sharply rising government accountable to the government and to undercutting the dollar’s status as Tehran Sunny 23/12 M Cloudy 24/15 early 1980s, to hike interest rates and debt would fuel inflation and weaken the people. That accountability is, or the dominant global reserve cur- accept a temporary increase in unem- the dollar. But these fears proved at least should be, based on pre-estab- rency, and clearing the way for others ployment. Had Volcker not acted, the unfounded, and the Fed’s credibility lished economic targets – namely, low to fill its role in global financial mar- US would have suff ered from spiralling was bolstered once again. infl ation and unemployment – rather kets. – Project Syndicate infl ation. Volcker’s move induced the The Fed’s credibility is what un- than on the political whims of whoever short-term pain; but it also bolstered derpins the US dollar’s dominance is in power at a given moment. z Eswar Prasad is a professor at the Fed’s long-term credibility. in international finance. About From this perspective, Trump Cornell University and a senior fellow Inflation is driven by many fac- two-thirds of global central banks’ could seriously damage the Fed’s at the Brookings Institution.

Live issues Monster planet found orbiting dwarf star Around the world Weather Weather AFP Royal Astronomical Society said in a “The discovery of NGTS-1b was distance between the Earth and the today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Athens P Cloudy Sunny 20/11 Paris statement. a complete surprise to us — such sun, and completes an orbit every 2.6 19/08 Planets are thought to form as massive planets were not thought to days, “meaning a year on NGTS-1b Beirut P Cloudy 23/18 M Sunny 22/18 Bangkok Cloudy 29/24 M Cloudy 32/24 gas and dust left over from massive exist around such small stars,” said lasts two-and-a-half Earth days.” Berlin Showers 12/09 Cloudy 11/06 “monster” planet, which galactic explosions, and swirling in Daniel Bayliss from the University of The planet and star are about Cairo P Cloudy 27/17 Sunny 27/16 should in theory not exist, disks around newborn stars, clump Warwick, a lead author of the study 600 light-years from Earth in a Cape Town P Cloudy 23/16 S Showers 29/16 has been discovered orbiting together to form bodies. accepted for publication in the science constellation called Columba. Colombo T Storms 29/26 T Storms 29/25 Sunny Sunny 30/19 a faint dwarf star far, far The planet was discovered by the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal “Despite being a monster of a Dhaka 30/20 A Hong Kong Sunny 25/21 Sunny 27/21 away, surprised astronomers said Next-Generation Transit Survey Astronomical Society. planet, NGTS-1b was diffi cult to fi nd Istanbul M Sunny 12/06 Sunny 14/08 yesterday. (NGTS), based in Chile’s Atacama “The planet is about 25% the because its parent star is so small and Jakarta P Cloudy 33/25 P Cloudy 33/26 The existence of the gassy giant Desert. radius its host star. This makes is very faint,” said Bayliss’s colleague Peter Karachi Sunny 35/22 Sunny 35/22 challenges long-standing theories that The project gave its name to the star large compared to its host star! For Wheatley. London P Cloudy 16/06 P Cloudy 13/06 Manila T Storms 28/25 P Cloudy 31/25 such a big planet — about the size of — NGTS-1 — and dubbed the planet comparison, Jupiter is only about 10% The planet’s parent star is described Moscow Cloudy -1/-6 M Sunny 0/-4 Jupiter — cannot be formed around a NGTS-1b. the radius of our sun,” Bayliss said. as an M-dwarf — the most common New Delhi Sunny 31/18 Sunny 32/18 star so small. The “b” signifi es it is the fi rst planet Once they found it, astronomers type in the universe, which means New York M Cloudy 14/13 P Cloudy 21/17 The star has a radius and mass about found around this star. measured how much the planet’s there may be many more unpredicted Paris M Sunny 16/09 Cloudy 15/08 Sao Paulo P Cloudy M Sunny 22/13 gravitational impact caused its parent giant gas planets to be found, the team 19/12 half that of the sun. The survey uses an array of 12 Seoul Cloudy 19/11 P Cloudy 18/11 Theory had predicted that small telescopes to scour the sky and identify star to “wobble”, so as to determine its said. Singapore S T Storms 31/26 T Storms 31/26 stars can form rocky planets, “but do dips in light emitted by stars — a sign size, position and mass. “I’m looking forward to seeing what Sydney P Cloudy 20/14 P Cloudy 21/15 not gather enough material together to that a planet is moving in front of the The planet orbited very close to its other kinds of exciting new planets we Tokyo Cloudy 21/11 Cloudy 18/10 form Jupiter-sized planets,” Britain’s star as perceived from Earth. star, the team found — just 3% of the can turn up,” Wheatley said. Gulf Times 28 Wednesday, November 1, 2017 QATAR

More than 2,000 delegates to attend WISE confabulations

bout 2,000 participants from 100 countries are expected to attend the eighth summit of Athe World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF), in Doha on November 14-16. The biennial summit, a premier international gathering on the future of education, will attract some of the world’s most creative leaders in the fi elds of education, technology, social entrepre- neurship, global development, media, and philan- thropy. The theme of the 2017 summit, ‘Co-Exist, Co- Create: Learning to Live and Work Together,’ is de- signed to spark debate around education challenges in times of global disruption and economic uncer- tainty. Central to these discussions will be the role of education in a post-truth world, with sessions focusing on media literacy, artifi cial intelligence and virtual reality, social entrepreneurship, design thinking and direction for best education choices, among others. Among some of the 100 confi rmed speakers and moderators include: Prof Sebastien Thrun, chair- man and co-founder of Udacity, innovator, edu- HE the Minister of Culture and Sports, Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, who is also the head of the National Day organising committee, with ambassadors and embassy representatives. preneuer, and founder of Google X Labs (US); Fareed Zakaria, writer and columnist, CNN host (US); Dr Amel Karboul, commissioner, International Com- mission on Financing Global Education Opportunity (Tunisia); Wendy Kopp, CEO and co-founder, Teach for All (US); Michael Barber, founder and chairman of Delivery Associates (UK); Noella Coursaris Mu- sunka, founder, Malaika (Democratic Republic of Congo); Prof Kishore Mahbubani, dean, Lee Kuan Qatar National Day 2017 Yew School of Public Policy of the National Univer- sity (Singapore); Sarah Borgman, director and cura- tor, Skoll World Forum (US); Vivian Onano, youth leader and advocate, Women Deliver (Kenya) and Samir Saran, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi (India). A highlight of the programme will be the an- to feature expatriates too nouncement of the 2017 WISE Prize for Education Laureate. or the fi rst time, expatriate briefed them about the new activity. was attended by HE the Minister of strong relations which binds Qa- between citizens and residents,” The WISE Prize for Education is the fi rst distinc- communities will participate The decision to include residents of Culture and Sports Salah bin tar with other brotherly and friend- the minister pointed out. He also tion of its kind to recognise an individual or a team Fin the Qatar National Day cel- from diff erent countries in the Qatar Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, who is ly countries. emphasised the importance of the of up to six people for an outstanding, world-class ebrations at Darb Al Saai by show- National Day celebrations at Darb also the head of the National Day The new activity has been named presence of the youth to benefi t contribution to education. casing their cultures and traditions. Al Saai refl ects the pride expressed organising committee. ‘Masirat Al Sadaqah’ (Journey of from the activities at Darb Al Saai. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chair- The National Day organising by His Highness the Emir Sheikh “These activities take a special Friendship) and represents the en- The ambassadors and embassies’ person of QF, will present the WISE Prize for Educa- committee in collaboration with Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in citi- importance because it highlights vironment and historical context representatives welcomed the idea tion gold medal and $500,000 to the laureate during the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs held zens and residents during his histor- the unity between expats and Qa- of solidarity between Qataris and of the special activity and stressed the opening plenary session on November 15. an introductory meeting with more ic speech at United Nations recently. taris,” he said while stressing the expats. that they will invite their commu- The 2017 WISE conference provides an opportu- than 60 ambassadors and repre- The meeting with ambassadors keenness of Qatar to show positive “The blockade against Qatar has nities to participate in the Qatar nity to meet the people behind pioneering interna- sentatives of embassies in Qatar and and representatives of embassies contributions of expats in the light increased the solidarity and unity National Day celebrations. tional projects championed by WISE initiatives all year round. These include the WISE Awards for proven, high- impact education solutions; the WISE Accelera- tor programme, which supports promising edtech projects in education; the WISE Learners’ Voice, a Seminar mulls blockade through prism of international relations mentorship programme for young leaders in educa- tion and the WISE Research series of reports, au- thored by experts with leading international institu- he Department of Interna- lectures entitled “The reasons for Dr Saidi highlighted the basic tions. tional Aff airs at Qatar Uni- the establishment of the Gulf Co- regulations and procedures of the Participants will also attend hands-on workshops Tversity College of Arts and operation Council” and “Critical GCC comparing them with other run by organisations including LEGO, working Sciences (QU-CAS) organised Reading in the Founding of the Gulf international organisations. jointly with Ashoka; IDEO; the Organisation of Eco- yesterday a symposium on “The Cooperation Council”. He noted that the Council’s law nomic Co-operation and Development; the Brook- Siege from the Perspective of In- They were delivered respectively prevents the expulsion or the mem- ings Institution; Meetpro, China; and the National ternational Relations.” which gave by CAS assistant professor of in- bership freeze of any member state. Education Opportunities Network, UK. an overview of Gulf Co-operation ternational relations Dr Bakil al- International Aff airs department There will also be an interactive lab for adults and Council (GCC) and its objectives. Zindani and assistant professor in head Dr Ahmed Ibrahim said: “This children run by C2 (Montreal), questioning par- The symposium is the fi rst of a security and international relations, symposium is part of QU’s role to ticipants on their vision for the future of education. series of monthly seminars to be Dr Ibrahim Saidi. promote academic dialogue and The outcomes will serve as guidance to policy- organised by the Department of Dr al-Zindani gave an overview address national issues such as the makers. International Aff airs over the aca- on the GCC and the purpose of its unjust blockade imposed on Qatar. Twelve to 14-year-old students from Qatar’s demic year. establishment. It also aligns with the commitment schools will also take part in four experiential It aimed to establish a knowl- He noted that the GCC combines of the Department of International learning labs aimed at fostering fun and collabora- edge-based environment and to visions, unifi es trends and plays a Aff airs to engage in a realistic dia- tive learning, run by the Little Engineer, Lebanon; promote academic dialogue within role in ensuring security. He also logue that refl ects the causes of Cultural Infusion, Australia; ibTECHar, Qatar; and and outside QU. highlighted the current Gulf crisis such crises and the ways to deal the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (Qa- Dr Bakil al-Zindani The symposium included two and its refl ection on the GCC. with them.” Dr Ibrahim Saidi tar).

Qatar Cyclists sets November 24 Elan launches The Torch, The Runway at DHFC as day for Ride of Champions lan Media has launched plays for the harshest of climates. the production of full colour LED DHFC general manager Trevor its latest ‘digital out-of- The screens are programmed displays that uses the latest high Hill said ELAN’s technology so- Ehome’ assets at the Doha to endure heat and humidity. defi nition technology and custom lutions are best-in-class and atar Cyclists, under the ous route distances for young under the supervision of their Festival City (DHFC) – The The LED bulbs are calibrated built magnetic structures to en- very much in keeping with the patronage of the Min- and old, families as well as nov- parents or guardians. Torch and The Runway. to optimise performance under sure the 360 degree fi nish. full-platform of digital experi- Qistry of Culture and ices to experienced cyclists. We Machaille al-Naimi, presi- The Torch is now the largest the intense glare of the sun. “The eight screens of The ences at the mall. “By launching Sports, has announced the re- hope all Qatari nationals and dent of Community Develop- ‘digital out-of-home’ roadside According to Elan Media, The Runway and the two screens of bespoke digital media solutions, turn of the Ride of Champions residents of all ages will come ment at QF, added: “We wish screens in Qatar; each portrait Runway is an innovative collec- the Torch will join the existing 86 the Torch and the Runway, we event on November 24 at Qatar out to celebrate cycling, healthy Qatar Cyclists success with the screen stands at 50sq m facing tion of eight sequential digital cutting-edge digital assets lo- have created prime opportunity Foundation (QF). lifestyle and sport.” event and encourage all Qatar both carriageways of one of the screens wrapped around the pil- cated across the mall, creating an for local and international brands The event “follows on from Dr Mohamed al-Kuwari, Foundation members and the main arterial roads in Qatar, the lars of DHFC’s signature food unparalleled advertising experi- to communicate with millions of and provides a legacy to Qatar’s president of the Qatar Cycling wider community of Qatar to Shamal Highway. court and entrance to the soon- ence to its visitors and a prime visitors each year,” he noted. hosting of the 2016 UCI Road Federation, noted: “It is won- register online and join in.” The Torch was supplied by to-open theme parks. opportunity for brands to reach Both of these assets are con- Cycling World Championships, derful news that Qatar Cyclists The 137.5km, 78km, 48km Daktronics, an American compa- The Runway was customised millions of visitors from Qatar, trolled from Elan Live Digital where the Ride of Champions and the local cycling commu- events cost QR99 to register ny with a rich heritage in provid- and supplied by Altoona, a lead- the GCC and worldwide,” Elan Control Centre, the fi rst Digital brought 1,000 cyclists togeth- nity have taken up the Ride of until November 1, increasing to ing the highest quality LED dis- ing Italian company specialised in Media’s COO Jamie Ball said. Control suite of its kind in Qatar. er”, according to a press state- Champions, and are delivering QR150 until November 12 and ment. a truly lasting legacy of host- QR200 before registration clos- The 2017 event includes ing of the world championships es on November 20, the organis- three events starting at 6.30am and creating something for the ers have said. (48km, 78km and 137.5km) for whole cycling community.” Family and youth rides cost experienced adult cyclists de- The festival of cycling is QR25 to register until Novem- parting from QF and head- aimed at riders who want to ber 1, increasing to QR50 until ing towards Al Sheehaniya and participate as a family, young November 12 and QR100 before back. riders or riders new to the sport registration closes on November A further festival of cycling of cycling. 20. will start at 9am — for families, They will cycle a 5.8km loop, As the event is aimed at cel- beginners and riders new to the totally closed to traffi c, in the ebrating cycling, there will be sport — at Qatar Foundation. beautiful environment around no prizes for coming fi rst, the All events are based out of Qatar Foundation and the Al organisers point out. QF’s ceremonial court, along Shaqab Arabian horse breed- However, thanks to event with other attractions such as ing area. Riders can complete as partners such as Ooredoo, there live music, a farmer’s market, many loops as they would like will be over 100 spot prizes food stands, bike shops with until 11am. giveaways on the day. mechanics, sponsors and more, Additionally, there are chil- Full registration details can be the statement notes. dren’s events for under-8-year- found at www.rocdoha.qa. Dr Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, old boys and girls who would The event is supported by president of Qatar Cyclists, like to ride in QF’s Oxygen Park. Qatar Cyclists, the Ministry of said: “The event aims to include Kids will be able to ride and Culture and Sports, Qatar Cy- the entire cycling community compete against each other in cling Federation, Qatar Founda- of the country by off ering vari- short races around Oxygen Park, tion and Ooredoo. The Runway and The Torch displays.