Fans Shower Love on Victorious Qatar Team in Various ﬁ Elds, Especially in Energy and Construction Sectors

BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 7 Karunaratne stretchered off as Sri Cloud security seen Lanka chase as business priority for big total Qatari organisations published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXIX No. 11083 February 3, 2019 Jumada I 28, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Asian champs arrive to royal welcome in Doha

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), are seen with the victorious team on their arrival at the old Doha airport yesterday. Sport Pages 1 to 4

By Sahan Bidappa picture with the entire contingent, as Representative of His Highness the Our Say Doha the royal band played the national an- Amir. They inspired us to work really them. Many of the players and offi cials, hard for this, and we have now realised clearly overcome by the occasion, wept our dream. We were up to the expec- he Asian Cup-winning Qatar tears of joy while singing the national tations of our fans also. So I want to football team was given a royal anthem. congratulate all the people of Qatar,” Twelcome, with His Highness Almoez said. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Coach Sanchez paid tribute Almoez bettered the previous Thani receiving them at the old Doha to his players and praised record of eight goals in a single tour- Airport yesterday. their strong mental ability nament by Iran’s Ali Daei, who set A day after creating history in Abu for playing in a hostile the mark in 1996. He found the net in Dhabi, where they stunned four-time atmosphere in the UAE four of Qatar’s six matches en route champions Japan in the fi nal, the Al to the final, including a four-goal Annabi came back to euphoric crowds Later thousands of fl ag-waving Qa- haul against North Korea in the group eager to catch a glimpse of the players taris and residents watched the team stage. By Faisal Abdulhameed who have captured the country’s im- take part in a victory parade across The forward attributed Qatar’s trial-Mudahka agination. Corniche on an open-top bus, with umph to self-belief and teamwork. “I Editor-in-Chief The players, support staff and Qa- the players pictures emblazoned on it. am proud to be part of this team. We tar Football Association officials were When Qatar captain Hassan al-Haydos had collective spirit during the tourna- given a red carpet reception after they hoisted the trophy, the crowd chanted ment and that played a huge role. I may touched down in Doha at approxi- his name and let out a huge roar. have been the MVP of the tournament, A week of mately 7.15pm from Sohar, Oman. Despite being clearly exhausted after but it’s not important compared to After their Asian Cup exertions, the playing in a 28-day long continental what the team has achieved. We raised spectacular triumphant team was forced to take championship, where they won seven the fl ag of Qatar high. Everyone in Qa- a three-hour bus ride to Sohar from out of seven matches, slammed record- tar is celebrating our victory and that achievements Abu Dhabi because of Qatar’s block- breaking 19 goals and conceded just makes me very proud,” he said. ade by its neighbours. After the Om- one, the players posed for innumerable he week that has gone by will be ani fans greeted them like heroes, the selfi es and embraced their supporters “I would like to off er this recorded in Qatar’s history in team embarked on a short Qatar Air- at the airport. victory to His Highness the Tgolden letters. It was a week of ways flight to Doha, where on their While all the players and head coach Amir and his High Highness spectacular achievements which were arrival the Amir hugged each one of Felix Sanchez basked in the attention, Sheikh Jassim, the Personal crowned with the historic win of the them before placing garlands of roses forward Almoez Ali, who was named Representative of His AFC Cup on Friday by the Qatari team around the players’ necks. the Most Valuable Player of the Asian Highness the Amir. They in front of a hostile crowd in the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Ha- Cup, was the darling of the crowd. The inspired us to work really Among the feats, three things need spe- mad al-Thani, the Personal Represent- 22-year-old Almoez Ali was the stan- hard for this, and we have cial mention – the fi rst being the highly ative of the Amir, Qatar Olympic Com- dout player in the tournament as his now realised our dream” successful visit of His Highness the Amir mittee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin record nine goals, including a spec- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Hamad al-Thani, ministers and other tacular bicycle kick in the fi nal, played Coach Sanchez, who is the chief ar- three friendly Asian countries, all of them high-ranking offi cials were also present a key role in Qatar clinching Asian title chitect of Qatar’s watershed moment in major economic powers and signifi cant to welcome the team. for the fi rst time. the sporting world, paid tribute to his trading partners of Qatar. His Highness Two jets from Qatar Air Force’s “I would like to off er this victory to players and praised their strong mental His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the the Amir’s tour has resulted not only in acrobatic unit did an honorary fl yo- His Highness the Amir and his High ability for playing in a hostile atmos- Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani pose with further strengthening Qatar’s cordial rela- ver before the Amir posed for a group Highness Sheikh Jassim, the Personal phere in the UAE. To Page 26 the trophy. Pages 27 and 28 tions with South Korea, Japan and China but also opened ways for elevating bilateral co-operation to a higher strategic level. As the South Korean ambassador Kim Chang-mo said Doha-Seoul relations have remained solid for decades Fans shower love on victorious Qatar team in various fi elds, especially in energy and construction sectors. Since the fi rst LNG shipment to Korea in Au- By Joseph Varghese gust 1999 Qatar has continued to be a Staff Reporter trustworthy supplier of that country’s energy needs. Presently Qatar supplies 11.5mn tonnes of LNG to South Korea grand reception marked the re- which is one-third of its annual con- turn of the Qatar national football sumption, making Korea Qatar’s big- Ateam to Doha yesterday evening, gest LNG export destination. as thousands of people gathered along During the visit that coincided with the Corniche to catch a glimpse of the the 45th anniversary of establishment of new kings of Asian football. diplomatic relations, the Amir discussed And the joy of the waiting crowds with the South Korean President Moon knew no bounds when an open-top Jae-in ways to enhance co-operation in bus carried the players on a parade fi elds such as energy, economy, invest- through the Corniche, giving the ment, health, agriculture, education, team the heroes’ welcome they richly technology and defence. The talks led deserved. to the signing of several agreements in Earlier, the Al-Annabi (Maroons), as these sectors. Both leaders also empha- the Qatar team is known as, arrived in sised the need to solve disputes between Doha from Oman and was welcomed by nations through constructive dialogue. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim To Page 26 bin Hamad al-Thani and several other e-mail: [email protected] dignitaries. To Page 26 The Qatar national football team during their parade on an open-top bus. The Corniche saw huge celebrations yesterday, PICTURES: Jayan Orma Gulf Times 2 Sunday, February 3, 2019 QATAR Qatar Charity signs QR3mn co-operation pact with IOM

atar Charity (QC) has signed a co-op- Qeration agreement with the International Or- ganisation for Migration (IOM) in Sarajevo, to support migration management in Bosnia and Herze- govina with joint funding of QR3mn by both parties in equal shares. The agreement was signed by Faisal Rashid al- Fehaida, assistant to the Off icials at the signing ceremony. CEO in the Operations and International Co-operation opment work worldwide as agreement with IOM, the also established its strong Sector at QC, and Dražan a means of addressing the two sides agreed to develop partnerships with UN agen- Rozic, the IOM Bosnia and challenges of development their relationship through cies and international hu- Herzegovina Emergency and humanitarian action, the implementation of more manitarian organisations, Response Co-ordinator. especially for those aff ected joint projects at the level of resulting in more than 93 The signing ceremony and hit by humanitarian cri- the Balkan. partnership and co-opera- was attended by Hamad ses,” QC said in a statement. IOM also presented a tion agreements signed to Tami al-Hajri, chargé The project, which will be project for Qatar Charity, date. d’aff aires at the Qatari em- implemented by QC in co- which includes the estab- For his part, Rozic bassy in Bosnia and Herze- operation with IOM, will ben- lishment of a new accom- thanked QC for its co-op- govina, and several offi cials efi t 1,500 migrants from Asia modation centre for minor eration and confi dence in from the government and and Africa. It aims to alleviate migrants and refugees in IOM. He also said this sup- humanitarian and develop- their suff ering, provide shelter Bosnia and Herzegovina, port would be used to man- ment organisations. to vulnerable people, protect considering their age, the age the migrant centres in According to the agree- them from the cold of winter need for their care, pro- Bosnia and Herzegovina ment, the allocated amount and strengthen solidarity with tection, guidance and the and to improve the living will be spent on supporting them. provision of a safe place for conditions of the migrants the response to the situa- The implementation of them. Qatar Charity will in the temporary reception of Asian and African the project will take six study the project and seek tion centres, in addition to refugees and migrants in months and provide 50 funding for it. improving the existing in- Bosnia and Herzegovina. residential units (caravans) Speaking at the ceremo- frastructure and expanding The accommodation cen- to accommodate migrants. ny, al-Fehaida said: “This the current accommodation tre will be equipped with The project also includes agreement refl ects the de- capacity in the centres. the basic supplies necessary the construction of two sire and keenness of Qa- He said Qatar Char- to provide safe and healthy units within the centre to tar Charity to strengthen ity’s contribution came in shelter for the families and receive migrants and or- the existing co-operation a timely manner because protect them from the cold of ganise educational and en- with IOM, and affi rms the there are diffi culties con- winter, while IOM will man- tertainment activities for strength of the relationship cerning the accommodation age and supervise the centre them. between both organisa- capacity of migrants who within its competence. Some small infrastruc- tions, as the charity joined arrive daily in Bosnia and “This agreement is in line ture projects will also be IOM as an observer in 2016.” Herzegovina, noting that with Qatar Charity’s keen- carried out for the local Al-Fehaida added that that there were 4,068 mi- ness to continue its co-or- population next to the mi- Qatar Charity, through a grants in the IOM-run shel- dination, co-operation and grant centre, which aims quarter-century of experi- ters in co-operation with partnership with interna- to maintain good relations ence, has expanded its geo- the Ministry of Security of tional organisations, espe- between them and migrants graphical reach in more than Bosnia and Herzegovina. cially UN agencies, to con- and improve the security 60 countries and has imple- Currently, there are 3,561 tribute to supporting Qatar measures in the centre. mented projects in several migrants accommodated Charity’s eff orts in the fi eld On the sidelines of the areas through 31 fi eld offi ces in reception centres in Una of humanitarian and devel- signing ceremony of the in 31 countries. The charity Sana Canton. Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 3 QATAR Hamad Trauma Centre records 31% fall in severe road traffi c injury cases

amad Medical Cor- poration’s (HMC) HHamad Trauma Centre recorded a 31% re- duction between 2011 and 2017 in the number of people per 100,000 population admitted with severe injuries due to road traffi c accidents. Despite such “dramatic improvements”, Dr Hassan al-Thani, director of the Hamad Trauma Centre, says Dr Hassan al-Thani Last year, HMC launched a car sticker to raise awareness of there is more work to do to seat belt safety. ensure that Qatar’s roads are as safe as possible. “I am delighted to have Prevention Programme Qatar’s roads,” explained Dr “The Hamad Trauma signed this memorandum (HIPP) – the community Rafael Consunji, director of Centre is at the heart of of understanding with outreach arm of the Ha- the HIPP. HMC’s Trauma System, the General Directorate of mad Trauma Center – will The Hamad Trauma which provides compre- Traffic and to formalise play a leading role in the Centre recently developed hensive care for trauma pa- the way in which we work implementation of the a set of car stickers to raise tients, including pre-hospi- collaboratively. I am con- new agreement and will awareness among Qatar’s tal care, emergency care at fident that through this serve as the direct liai- population about the im- the Hamad Trauma Centre agreement we can raise son between the Hamad portance of wearing a seat and rehabilitation services,” greater awareness of road Trauma Centre and Gen- belt. Dr Consunji says the explained Dr al-Thani. “Our safety in Qatar and help eral Directorate of Traffic. seat belt is the most eff ec- focus is not only on provid- to keep people safe on our tive injury-prevention de- ing care for patients who roads,” said Dr al-Thani. “The Hamad Trauma vice in your vehicle. have suff ered a traumatic The new agreement Centre is at the heart “Unfortunately, our injury, but we are also deep- will co-ordinate the road of HMC’s trauma trauma surgeons see ly committed to improving safety eff orts of the Ha- System, which provides firsthand the devastat- the health and safety of all mad Trauma Centre and comprehensive care ing consequences of road of Qatar’s residents – and the General Directorate of for trauma patients, traffic accidents and many road traffi c safety is at the Traffi c’s Media Awareness including pre-hospital of these injuries could be top of our agenda.’’ Section. This will lead to care, emergency prevented if the victims In December 2018, the increased participation in care at the Hamad had made the simple de- Hamad Trauma Centre public awareness events, Trauma Centre and cision to wear a seat belt. signed a memorandum of deeper penetration into pri- rehabilitation services” This is why the Hamad understanding with the ority populations – includ- Trauma Center is raising General Directorate of Traf- ing schoolchildren, worker “Every year, the Hamad awareness, through these fi c’s Media Awareness Sec- groups, local families and Trauma Centre admits up car stickers, of the im- tion. The agreement will young drivers – and greater to 900 patients with severe portance of all drivers and see the two groups work information sharing around road traffi c injuries, and de- passengers wearing a seat collaboratively in a wide road safety interventions, spite this number falling in belt on every journey,” said range of road safety fi elds, local trends in motor vehi- recent years, it is essential Dr Consunji. including public awareness cle crashes and road traffi c that organisations in Qatar To fi nd out more about and education, data analy- injury data, HMC has said in work together to improve the role of the Hamad Trau- sis, research and capacity a statement. safety for drivers, passen- ma System, one can www. building. The Hamad Injury gers and pedestrians on hamad.qa/hts Gulf Times 4 Sunday, February 3, 2019 QATAR

Qatar reaffi rms commitment to combating terrorism ﬁ nancing

QNA ness technology and control Counter-Terrorism (UN- New York the various risks of illegal OCT), to support strate- fi nancing. gic initiatives to address At the international level, the terrorism epidemic, atar has renewed Qatar has strengthened its in Doha last December by its commitment to co-operation with interna- Under-Secretary-General Qcomply with inter- tional and regional partners, and Head of the UNOCT national obligations to curb and has signed regional and Vladimir Voronkov, and the fi nancing of terrorism, bilateral agreements, she in the presence of the UN and has strengthened its said, pointing to the initia- Secretary-General. co-operation with interna- tive of signing a memoran- Under this agreement, tional and regional partners dum of understanding in Qatar will be at the forefront by signing regional and bi- the region with the United of countries contributing to lateral agreements, stress- States to combat terrorism the core budget of the Of- ing its active participation fi nancing in 2017, the fi rst HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin fi ce, with annual support in counter-terrorism ar- of its kind in the region, and Saif al-Thani of US$15mn, to support its rangements. which has been put into im- strategic initiatives and pro- This came in a statement plementation to refl ect the Africa Financial Action Task grammes, she pointed out. delivered by Qatar’s Perma- commitment of Qatar on Force and the Counter-Ter- Within the framework of nent Representative to the working together, exchang- rorism Financing Centre, the international meetings United Nations, HE ambas- ing experiences and infor- in addition to co-opera- hosted by Qatar, the am- sador Sheikha Alya Ahmed mation and developing in- tion with the International bassador said several work- bin Saif al-Thani at the UN stitutions among countries. Monetary Fund (IMF) and shops on money laundering, Security Council’s special Ambassador Alya added the competent UN bodies. fi nancing of terrorism and meeting on “Preventing and that Qatar was actively in- She also noted the sign- fi nancial crimes related to combating terrorism.” volved in the arrangements ing of a Contribution the charitable sector were HE Sheikha Alya said to combat the fi nancing of Agreement between the held in co-operation with that at the national level, terrorism, including the Fi- government of Qatar and international expertise from Qatar has continued to nancial Action Task Force, the United Nations, repre- the public and private sec- strengthen the legislative the Middle East and North sented by the UN Office of tors. framework to combat terrorism and its financing and to update laws and regulations, including laws that have become models in the Middle East region, pointing in this regard to the creation of Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA) and the development of a strategy to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. She added the relevant authorities in the country, and the National Anti- Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism Committee in particular, continue to make intensive eff orts and draw on international advisory expertise to develop national capacities, develop and implement strategies, har-

Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 9 QATAR

Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei joins the Ethiopian students, accompanying teachers, and their fellow Qatari students during a visit to QIIB. QIIB welcomes students from Ethiopia academy

IIB welcomed stu- After giving a brief about and their future careers as which allowed them to visit dents from the QIIB, its success in the local the development of the so- Qatar and learn about the re- QLebawi Interna- market, and its contribu- ciety is linked to the devel- markable progress witnessed tional Academy at Addis tion to the Qatari economy, opment of education, skills, by the country in all fi elds. Ababa, Ethiopia as part of al-Shaibei affi rmed that the and knowledge acquired by They stressed the fact that the bank’s sponsorship of bank was keen to play an ac- students at various stages their experiences and impres- an initiative undertaken by tive role in education and of their education. We also sions of Doha are very great Qatar Academy students to lead initiatives that raise the strive to help them utilise and beyond their expecta- help fl y-in members of the name of Qatar high and give their ability to translate tions. They were also grateful MUN (Model United Na- it exposure at various inter- this knowledge into making to what they witnessed dur- tions) Club to Doha for the national forums. contributions and achieve- ing the Thimun Qatar Confer- Thimun Qatar Conference, Al-Shaibei said, “Doha ments in their careers.” ence, which was a wonder- held last month. has become an international During the visit, an open ful opportunity to learn in a Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad hub and a beacon of educa- dialogue session was held country that respects science al-Shaibei, chief executive tion, knowledge, and cultur- on banking and Islamic and builds platforms and offi cer, QIIB, met with the al exchange between nations banking, diff erent profes- scientifi c edifi ces. Ethiopian students, accom- and populations. The mere sional and educational The Qatar Academy’s ini- panying teachers, and their mention of Qatar’s name is paths, co-operation and in- tiative was led by a team of fellow Qatari students who a source of admiration and teraction between civilisa- outstanding students – Ah- invited them to the Thimun distinction. We are happy tions and populations, and mad al-Nuaimi, Shouq al- Qatar Conference. today, at QIIB, to welcome the importance of strength- Tamimi, Aisha al-Mansou- He also welcomed them the Ethiopian students with ening ties and co-operation ri, Sama Ayoub, and Berkriti to QIIB and expressed the their Qatari colleagues who between diff erent cultures Tandon – who travelled to bank’s appreciation of the are building bridges of in- to enhance the great human Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in outstanding initiatives taken teraction, cooperation and values and principles. October last year to train by students from various Qa- brotherhood between Qatar The students of Lebawi Lebawi Academy students tari schools, which, through and Ethiopia. International Academy and to participate in Thimun the Thimun Conference ini- “At QIIB, we seek to their accompanying teach- Qatar Conference and help tiative, extended beyond the strongly and eff ectively ers expressed their gratitude MUN Club members partic- local framework to the inter- support our students, con- to QIIB for its support of the ipate in the conference and national framework. tribute to their experiences Qatar Academy initiative, organise future conferences. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, February 3, 2019 QATAR QM marks Asian Cup win with new art installation arking the biggest will complement the glow of for an exhibition on the theme sporting success in street lighting in Souq Waqif, of hands titled Le Main in 1965, MQatar’s history, Qatar while the work will be visible in Paris. The artist then made a Museums (QM) has announced from numerous angles during series of increasingly larger ver- that a new public art piece by the day. As such, Le Pouce will sions of the thumb, scaling-up acclaimed French artist César become an important marker the smaller model using tradi- Baldaccini has been installed at and a familiar spot for visitors tional techniques. The motif of the Q-Post issues special Souq Waqif. to the Souq. It will also become thumb has become the most well- ‘Le Pouce’, in the shape of a a popular landmark for tourists known of the artist’s subjects. giant thumb, is one of its crea- and visitors and a new stop with- Baldaccini (1921-1998) was edition stamp tor’s best-known pieces and a in public art tours that refl ect born to Italian parents in Mar- popular example of his tendency upon both the art and the diverse seilles, France. He was an impor- atar Postal Services Co Q-Post, congratulated Qatar’s to create larger than life experi- public spaces of the city. tant fi gure in the French 1960s’ (Q-Post) has issued wise leadership on the success of ences. Le Pouce becomes the lat- Abdulrahman al-Ishaq, head, art movement, Noveau Réalisme, Qcommemorative stamps the national football team in the est addition to Qatar’s extensive Public Art at QM, said: “Our which was inspired by the use of in a special edition bearing the Asian Cup for the historic win. public art collection, which aims public art collection is ever ex- everyday objects as opposed to image of the players of the na- Al-Nuaimi stressed that the to connect audiences living in panding, now spanning over 50 traditional art materials. tional football team, in addition great and unlimited support and visiting Qatar with inspiring unique pieces placed around Under the patronage of its to issuing a postcard in com- High Highness the Amir Sheikh works of art through unexpected Doha, in the desert and at the chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Ma- memoration of the achievement Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has interactions in daily life. airport, among other sites. yassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa of the team by winning the AFC given to the national football In a statement, QM said it Marking such a momentous oc- al-Thani, QM has worked with Cup 2019. team throughout the tourna- chose Souq Waqif as the site casion for our country with a local, regional and international Q-Post also announced that, ment, had a great impact on for Le Pouce to combine this permanent installation that we artists for many years to com- on the occasion of this achieve- players. historic part of the city with a hope will help visitors make new mission and acquire artworks ment, it off ers its customers a He pointed that documenting piece of modern history, linking memories is a tremendous hon- for key locations in and around week-long free shipping when the important events in Qatar is the traditional with the con- ‘Le Pouce’ at Souq Waqif. our and the truest example of Doha, as well as other parts of the shopping through the online among the responsibilities of Q- temporary. Within the Souq, what our Public Art Programme country as part of its mission to shopping platform Turkish Post. “On this historic occasion, the exact location of the piece, the scale of the work in rela- sculpture on the streetscape of cafes. was designed to achieve.” create easily accessible cultural Souq. we issued these stamps, which in the courtyard next to the po- tion to the surrounding build- At night, the highly polished The original cast of the artist’s experiences for all those who live Faleh Mohammed al-Nuaimi, will be available on Sunday at Q- lice station, helped emphasise ings and the juxtaposition of the bronze patina of the sculpture own thumb was fi rst produced in and visit Qatar. chairman and managing director, Post’s offi ces.” (QNA) Qatar Airways congratulates national team for historic win atar Airways has “proud- members will also have the op- ly congratulated” Qatar’s portunity to earn up to double Qnational team for win- Qmiles and Qpoints. The sale ning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. will be valid from February 3-14, This marks a milestone for with travel validity from Febru- Qatar’s national team, as it is the ary 3 to August 31. fi rst time the team has won the In addition, Qatar Duty Free AFC Asian Cup. The victory came (QDF) will be off ering a special on the back of an incredible run two week-long sale until Febru- The fan zone featured carpeted grass, beanbags, food stalls and a 6x8m digital cinema 2.2 megapixel where the team won six games ary 14, with a 20% discount on projection screen. without conceding a single goal. purchases at QDF stores. HE Akbar al-Baker, group chief Qatar Airways is proud to Msheireb Downtown Doha hosts football fans executive offi cer, Qatar Airways, sponsor premier sporting clubs said, “This is a very proud mo- around the world. The airline re- Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s “With the opening of the setting of Sahat Wadi Msheireb, ment for Qatar. We could not be cently revealed multi-year spon- leading sustainable developer and underpass between Souq Waqif where a true sense of Qatari more proud of our national team On Friday, Qatar Airways held a public viewing of the 2019 AFC Asian sorship agreements with several a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation and Sahat Wadi Msheireb, we have pride was unleashed in the jovial for their inspiring performance Cup final match between Qatar and Japan, at the Airport Park, in Doha. global sports entities, including for Education, Sciences and now begun to activate parts of atmosphere as families and friends throughout the tournament, de- leading German football team Community Development, hosted Msheireb Downtown Doha. We gathered and cheered for Qatar spite much political pressure and to the power of sport in bring- On Friday, Qatar Airways held FC Bayern München AG, Italian more than 2,000 football fans at could think of no better outdoor throughout the broadcast of the an ill-judged campaign under- ing people together – one of our a public viewing of the 2019 AFC football club AS Roma and Argen- Sahat Wadi Msheireb to cheer on venue to watch a live match live match. taken by the tournament’s host core beliefs as an airline, and Asian Cup fi nal match between tinian club Boca Juniors. Qatar’s national football team. and also allow people to visit Msheireb Properties acting CEO Ali country, which is taking part in one reason why Qatar Airways Qatar and Japan, at the Airport In addition, Qatar Airways Sahat Wadi Msheireb was our property for the first time,” al-Kuwari said, “We are very proud the illegal blockade against our has invested in a host of top-tier Park. Families and individuals from is the offi cial airline sponsor of converted into a fan zone for said Clark Williams, director – of our national team on this historic country. Qatar’s national team, global sporting sponsorships. across Doha came together to cheer CONMEBOL professional foot- supporters, football enthusiasts, Marketing at Msheireb Properties. occasion of them winning AFC shrewdly managed by Félix We extend our warmest con- for Qatar’s national football team. ball competitions across South citizens and residents to enjoy The fan zone featured carpeted Asian Cup 2019. Having the match Sánchez, has truly inspired all of gratulations to His Highness the To celebrate this momentous America, including the Copa the grand finale of the Asian Cup grass, beanbags, food stalls and a broadcasted live from our iconic us with their resilience, dignity Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad occasion, Qatar Airways will CONMEBOL Libertadores, Copa on Friday, which featured Qatar 6x8m digital cinema 2.2 megapixel development added to the joy we and footballing skill. al-Thani, and all the residents of off er a special discount of up CONMEBOL Sudamericana and vs Japan in a thrilling 3-1 win for projection screen – all enclosed felt for Qatar and all the people who “This achievement testifi es Qatar, on this achievement.” to 25% on fares. Privilege Club the CONMEBOL Recopa. Qatar’s national team. within the beautiful architectural could enjoy the celebrations.” Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 11 QATAR

QDB has said ‘Khutwa’ will provide basic skills of entrepreneurship through a package of training programmes QDB’s ‘Khutwa’ initiative and advisory services to establish and manage a sustainable for retirees set for launch and successful business

etired male and female Qataris build basic entrepreneurial skills for who want to open their own retirees to provide opportunities and Rbusinesses may benefi t from conditions for the establishment of Students from Qatar Independent Technical School at the ‘Khutwa’, a Qatar Development Bank successful business. QDB will conduct Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre. (QDB) initiative that aims to develop coaching sessions for each participant and train retirees on the basic skills of as part of the training programme and entrepreneurship. identify current opportunities with As part of its pursuit to stimulate QDB projects. This is a very special entrepreneurship in Qatar, QDB an- programme organised by QDB, which Ooredoo hosts Qatar nounced that registration for the fourth off ers a second inning to retired pro- edition of ‘Khutwa’ begins today (Feb- fessionals and also enable them to ruary 3), adding that the 12-day course make a mark for themselves after re- Independent Technical starts on February 24, followed by spe- tirement. cial consultation sessions for partici- “While QDB has been leading the pants to identify their project ideas and growth of new age entrepreneurs, we School students the type of support provided to them. believe that this class of the society is a QDB said ‘Khutwa’ will provide ba- driving force of the Qatar National Vi- sic skills of entrepreneurship through sion 2030, and deserve a special place at its Data Centre a package of training programmes because they have accumulated years and advisory services to establish and of experience and expertise and the manage a sustainable and successful best way to gain insights is to further oredoo has hosted a Cloud services, data back- business. nurture their path to progress through group of Information up and restoration, managed The target audience for this course is this specially curated course. Through OTechnology students storage, e-mail and web se- retired Qatari males and females. Upon such endeavours, QDB is commit- from Qatar Independent Tech- curity and much more, and completion of the training programme, ted to support entrepreneurial activi- nical School at its Qatar Data gained an appreciation of QDB will grant the top fi ve applicants ties through diff erent entrepreneurial Centre. how their studies relate to access to Qatar Business Incubation paths, including developing entrepre- real-life operations in the Centre (QBIC) offi ces at QDB to begin neurial cultures, building skills, and “An important part world of information tech- establishing their projects and get the supporting growth.” of our corporate nology. opportunity to obtain direct fi nancing Turki bin Mohamed al-Khater, social responsibility Students also learned according to the project readiness and president of the General Retirement strategy at Ooredoo is about employment opportu- the bank’s terms and conditions, while and Social Insurance Authority, said: supporting education, nities at Ooredoo that would the rest of the applicants will have the “Our partnership with QDB is driven and hosting school suit their studies and chosen opportunity to obtain necessary fi - by our community responsibility and visits is an ideal way for us career paths. nance. dedicated to serving retirees, support- to do this. It’s vital that Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, The course content will equip par- ing their projects, and doing our best students can access director of PR and Corporate ticipants in understanding entrepre- to meet their hopes and aspirations in real-life experiences that Communications at Ooredoo, neurship, fi nd the perfect business idea every way. We continue our journey relate to their studies...” said of the visit: “An impor- and opportunity, and have a better un- by announcing the fourth edition of tant part of our corporate so- derstanding of basic fi nancial manage- the leading initiative ‘Khutwa’, which The visit – the second for cial responsibility strategy at ment and investment strategies. provides the retirees with new sources the school, following a similar Ooredoo is supporting educa- Additionally, participants will be of income, thanks to the motivation visit last year – was intended tion, and hosting school visits introduced to the LeanStartup pro- and intensive training provided to in- to give the students an under- is an ideal way for us to do this. gramme and one-to-one consultation vest into and manage small and me- standing of the real-world im- It’s vital that students can ac- sessions. dium enterprises. We seek to continue plementation of their studies cess real-life experiences that In addition to submitting a pre-fea- transforming ideas into specifi c pro- and allow them a close-up look relate to their studies, and sibility study for the proposed project, grammes.” at how the Data Centre works, we’re pleased to have been able attendance to workshops will demon- The winners of the ‘Khutwa’ pro- including the IT network and to show Qatar Independent strate an applicant’s commitment and gramme will be announced during a software used. Technical School students how will be a key part of determining eligi- special ceremony, and the selection They were introduced to a our Data Centre works.” bility to funding. will be based on several criteria such number of services provided For more information on QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser as the viability of applicant’s pro- by the Data Centre, includ- Ooredoo’s support for educa- al-Khalifa said: “This project aims posed project and attending training ing hosting and co-location, tion, visit ooredoo.qa to develop training programmes to workshops. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, February 3, 2019 QATAR UDC rings down curtain on Qanat Qarnevale Special off er on latest MG 6 from Auto Class Cars

uto Class Cars, the au- thorised distributor of AMG in Qatar and a subsidiary of NBK Holding, is pre- senting a special off er on the 2019 MG 6. Valid until March 31, the of- fer allows the 2019 MG 6 buyer to have a package of added features, including free car registration, free tinting, six years’ warranty/200,000km (whichever comes fi rst) and free service for two years/30,000km (whichever comes fi rst). The MG 6, along with MG line-up of cars, is now available expressive design language. The MG 6 will be equipped at the Auto Class Cars show- The sporty, premium vibe with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, room on Salwa Road. continues inside the cabin with mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Hesham al-Sahn, general a smartly confi gured dashboard Transmission with paddle shift manager of Auto Class Cars, and central console, comple- option, for smooth, eff ortless Qanat Qarnevale concluded yesterday across various sites at Qanat said: “The MG portfolio em- mented by stylish leather- performance. Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar. The festival was organised for the second braces a wide range of cars that wrapped seats boasting of a This effi cient petrol unit year by United Development Company (UDC), master developer meet the demands of various black-and-red interior on top- delivers maximum power of of The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Islands. Following the “outstanding customers. We are pleased to of-the-range models. 169hp and maximum torque of success of last year’s version, the festival this year witnessed a present our clients this special In addition to off ering the 250Nm. higher turnout of visitors and residents to The Pearl-Qatar island”, off er that is second to none in most interior space in its seg- Since its acquisition of MG UDC said in a statement. Visitors and residents had fun taking water Qatar, especially in terms of car ment, the all-new MG 6 builds Motor, SAIC MOTOR, as a taxi rides on the canals and watching shows such as acrobatics, LED warranty and service mileage. on MG’s reputation for provid- Global Top 500 company, has dance performances, music performances, glass blowing, water Auto Class Cars will stay coming extremely generous levels of opened a new chapter for this fountain and outdoor cinema shows. The festival combined arts, mitted to the local community equipment. British-born brand. music and leisure activities, which attracted families in an exciting and off er best deals that refl ect An 8-inch colour touch- The introduction of the all- atmosphere at The Pearl-Qatar, while introducing visitors to the the strong relations with our screen with Apple CarPlay, new MG 6 follows the launch newly-opened shops, restaurants and cafés that populate the Qanat valued customers.” push start button, keyless en- of two SUV models earlier this Quartier district. Qanat Quartier is a unique residential area of The sleek, dynamic profi le of try, auto hold function, tyre year, the MG RX5 compact SUV The Pearl-Qatar island, known for its magnificent greenery, beach, the all-new MG 6 is boosted by pressure monitoring system, and the MG ZS SUV, as well as canals, pedestrian-friendly squares, plazas and carbon fi bre trim on the front rear parking camera, and a the second-generation of MG Venetian-like experience. The commercial area at Qanat Quartier bumper, headlamps featuring a dual-zone cool climate control GS. off ers a charming, yet lively environment with boutique shopping ‘London Eye’ design concept, system featuring rear air-con- Together, these models join and a variety of coff ee shops and restaurants to experience. twin chrome exhaust pipes and ditioning vents are just some the existing MG 360 to com- a ‘Star Rider’ front grille, which of the features that are set to be plete the brand’s Middle East takes inspiration from the brand’s off ered as standard. line-up.

Norden participates in Doha seminar

Jumbo Electronics picked sole offi cial distributor of Awei

(From left) Saranraj E (associate manager — Technical, Norden), Kevin Walkfield (technical director, Norden), M N Haris range in Qatar (managing director, Electra), Eldho Jacob (technical manager, Norden), Rifdy Naleer (sales manager, Electra) and Anoop Krishnan (BDM, Electra) participate in a seminar conducted by Norden and sponsored by Al Shaghairi Trading and Contracting Co (Electra) in Doha recently as part of Norden’s certified programmes for integrators. Norden umbo Electronics has Kardon, Indesit, Ariston, Communications off ers two courses under this certification programme — NCPA (EyeNor-certified security associate) partnered with Awei to Blueair, Maytag, Dometic, and ECSA (NVS-certified PA system associate). Veterans from various fields in Qatar as well as technical leaders from Jbring a range of smart Symphony, Brother, Ken- Norden UK spoke at the event. wearable and AV & IT ac- wood, JVC and more. cessories to Qatar as its au- C V Rappai, CEO and di- thorised distributor. rector, Video Home & Elec- Awei is now available tronic Centre/Jumbo Elec- across Jumbo Electronics tronics, said: “At Jumbo, showrooms, leading hy- we constantly strive to get permarkets and retailers in the best of consumer elec- Qatar. tronics for our customers Awei, which belongs to in Qatar. We realised that the Shenzhen Yale Elec- we were missing a strong tronic Co Ltd and is present accessories brand to com- in over 68 countries world- plement our wide range of wide, is focused on the products. R&D, design, production “With the introduction and marketing of high- of Awei range of accesso- level smart wearable prod- ries, we hope to fi ll this gap ucts such as smart Blue- and further strengthen our tooth earphones, Bluetooth claim to be a one-stop so- speakers, wired earphones, lution provider for all con- headphones, power banks sumer electronics and ap- and other 3C digital prod- pliances.” ucts. Awei’s core vision and Shenzhen Yale Elec- mission is to pursue tech- tronic Co Ltd is an ISO nological innovations and 9001:2015-certifi ed com- quality by blending music, pany and complies with all life and fashion into one major European and Amer- product. ican international certifi ca- This can be seen in a tions like CE, FCC, RoHS, range of wireless Blue- SMETA, SRRC, BQB. tooth earphones from Awei, It also holds over 120 in- which bring the charm of tellectual property patents a wireless link to multiple and utility model patents, devices without the need to Jumbo Electronics has said switch between them. in a statement. Its dual dynamic drivers Video Home & Electronic bring 4D stereo surround Centre/Jumbo Electron- sound, giving a truly im- ics specialises in the sales mersive experience. and marketing of consumer Its range of lightweight, electronics in Qatar. stylish and comfortable “The Awei brand will wired headphones provide benefi t from the wide and excellent built quality and deep distribution platform perfect sound, the state- provided by Jumbo not only ment adds. within its own chain of re- The wireless Bluetooth tail showrooms but also speaker series are small, across hypermarkets, deal- easy to carry and lets one ers, specialty retailers and experience wonderful in- power retailers,” the state- door sound with the feel of ment notes. outside adventures when Over nearly four decades taking the speaker out- Jumbo “continues to be a doors. leading distributor and re- It also has a range of fast- tailer” of consumer elec- charging power banks, data tronics, distributing brands cables, adapters and other such as LG, JBL, Harman accessories. Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 13 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD Alfardan Premier Motors extends partnership with Qatar Total Open as offi cial transport provider

lfardan Premier Mo- Premier Motors has said in a The Qatar Total Open will dar.” Saad al-Mohannadi, tors Co, the offi cial statement. witness the return of its 2016 tournament director of Qatar Aretailer of Jaguar For nine consecutive years, champion and runner-up, Total Open, said: “Today we Land Rover in Qatar, has an- Alfardan Premier Motors has Carla Suarez Navaro and Je- renew our partnership with nounced that it is the offi cial provided a fl eet of luxury lena Ostapenko. The tour- Alfardan Premier Motors transport provider of Qatar cars to enhance the level of nament will also host Anas- which, through its brands, Total Open 2019. comfort for the movement of tasija Sevastova and 2017 US adds to the excellence and This marks the ninth con- players and teams to and from Open runner-up Madison luxury of this tournament in secutive year of partnership the stadium. This year’s part- Keys. all its aspects and supports with Qatar Total Open, which nership consists of providing Samer Bou Dargham, gen- our continued readiness and will take place this year from a fl eet of 45 luxurious Jaguar eral manager for Alfardan aspirations to elevate the February 11 to 16 at the Kha- and Land Rover vehicles for Premier Motors, said: “We tournament to the highest lifa International Tennis and the championship. seek through our partnership levels.” Squash Complex. The star-studded line with Qatar Tennis, Squash Alfardan Premier Mo- This year’s Qatar Total up for this year Qatar Total and Badminton Federation, tors represents some of the Open will witness the par- Open will be headed by 2019 for the ninth consecutive world’s leading names in lux- ticipation of the top tennis Australian Open and 2018 year in one of the world’s top ury car brands and has been champions from around the US Open champion Naomi tennis tournaments, to pro- closely associated with major globe. Osaka, who is also the current vide the highest standards of happenings in Qatar, which The partnership stems World No 1, Qatar Total Open luxury and excellence for the underscores the company’s from the company’s eager- 2014 winner Simona Halep contestants of Qatar Total commitment to be a key part- ness to support sports tour- as well as Angelique Kerber, Open 2019 – which is one of ner in the important sporting, naments hosted by Qatar and Qatar Total Open 2017 win- the fi nest and most important national and international to reinforce Qatar’s position ner Karolina Pliskova and tournaments in the Women’s events taking place in town, Off icials mark the partnership. as a sports hub, Alfardan Kiki Bertens. Tennis Association calen- the statement added.

Yemen truce monitor mission ‘to meet on UN-hired ship’

Reuters coming into force a month Aden ago, but skirmishes continue between the Houthi movement and their foes in a committee oversee- Saudi-led coalition fi ghting ing a ceasefi re in to restore the international- AHodeidah will hold ly-recognised government. its next meeting on a ship A Redeployment Co-or- off the port city as Yemen’s dination Committee (RCC), warring parties cannot agree which is chaired by the world on a venue, Yemeni and UN body and includes both sources said yesterday. sides, holds regular meet- The United Nations is try- ings to supervise the imple- ing to implement a truce and mentation of the ceasefi re. troop withdrawal accord in One of the sources said Hodeidah, the main entry that the United Nations has point for most of Yemen’s hired a ship to be used as the imports, as part of eff orts to headquarters for the RCC end a war that has killed tens and its meetings. of thousands and left millions Another source said rep- on the brink of starvation. resentatives of the warring The UN envoy for Yemen parties would be taken to the has urged the warring par- ship on UN helicopters. ties to withdraw their troops The RCC had previously from the port quickly, and met in Houthi-run territory, international aid agencies but attempts to convene a said conditions for thou- meeting in areas held by coa- sands of starving people lition forces failed because were deteriorating fast. the Houthis were unwilling The truce in Hodeidah has to cross the frontline, sources largely been respected since told Reuters in late January.

Iran in ‘successful test’ of new missile

AFP Tehran

ran announced the “successful test” of a new Icruise missile with a range of over 1,350 kilometres yesterday, coinciding with celebrations for the An image grab taken from a country’s 1979 revolution. broadcast by Islamic “The test of the Hoveizeh Republic of Iran Broadcasting cruise missile was carried (IRIB) yesterday, reportedly out successfully at a range of shows the testing of a 1,200 kilometres and accu- new cruise missile. rately hit the set target,” De- fence Minister Amir Hatami the Hoveizeh as the “long said, quoted on state televi- arm of the Islamic Repub- sion which broadcast foot- lic of Iran” in defending it- age of its launch. self. It is part of the Soumar “It can be ready in the group of cruise missile, ﬁ rst shortest possible time and unveiled in 2015 with a range ﬂ ies at a very low altitude,” of 700 kilometres, according he said. Hatami described to the minister.

OPINION Sudan’s prime minister says voice of protesters should be ‘respected’ Sudan’s prime minister said yesterday that an ongoing protest campaign should “be respected,” but insisted only an election could decide the government’s fate. “In my view, the voice of demonstrators needs to be respected,” Moutaz Mousa Abdallah told reporters in the capital Khartoum. “It is a respectable youth movement.” But “me and my government believes that the only way to change the government is through elections,” he said. Deadly protests have rocked the east African country since December 19 after the government announced a tripling of bread prices.

TRAGEDY 11 dead as flats collapse in Aleppo Four children were among at least 11 people killed when a war- damaged block of flats collapsed in Syria’s second city Aleppo yesterday, state media said. One child was pulled out alive from the rubble of the five-storey block after rescue teams toiled, many of them with their bare hands, to remove the shattered breeze blocks that had buried him, AFP photographers reported. He was the sole survivor of the collapse in the formerly rebel-held neighbourhood of Salaheddin, the off icial SANA news agency reported.

Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 15 AFRICA Central Africa reaches peace deal with rebels AFP tialled tomorrow (Sunday) and its happy a consensus has been A Special Criminal Court (CPS) killed scores of civilians at a dis- Bangui, Gabon signing will take place in Bangui in reached on sticking points has been set up in Bangui to judge placement camp in the central a few days,” the Tweet added. which were an amnesty (for mi- people accused of crimes in the town of Alindao last November. Also on Twitter, African Union litia fi ghters) and an inclusive country since 2003, but has so far Central African Republic is rich he Central African Republic Commissioner for Peace and Se- government.” done little. in mineral resources but remains government and 14 armed curity Smail Chergui confi rmed The talks, which started on Jan- And despite the peace initiative, one of the world’s poorest nations. Tgroups struck a deal yes- the breakthrough, adding some uary 24, were suspended repeat- the violence has continued. It has struggled to recover terday to end years of fi ghting that details of the pact still had to be edly over several issues including Since the talks started, the from a 2013 civil war that erupted has killed thousands, the parties ironed out. rebel demands for an amnesty. mainly Muslim Union for Peace when President Francois Bozize, and a mediator said. “I am humbled to announce that The armed groups also wanted (UPC) has notably carried out a Christian, was overthrown by The deal, the seventh since with the exemplary cooperation the dissolution of the present gov- several attacks on the central mainly Muslim Seleka rebels. 2012, was announced on Twit- I received from both the Govern- ernment in favour of an interim prefecture of Ouaka. In response, Christians, who ter by the government of Presi- ment of the CAR and the 14 armed regime led by someone from their None of the six earlier accords account for about 80 percent of dent Faustin-Archange Touadera groups, we have secured a peace side, according to a document struck between the parties have the population, organised vigilan- just a day after the African Un- agreement today in the interest of obtained by AFP. managed to restore stability. te units dubbed “anti-Balaka” in ion and UN-sponsored talks in the people of CAR.” Under Western pressure, Ban- The former French colony has reference to the balaka machetes Khartoum were suspended amid Aboubakar Sidik, spokes- gui has always refused pardons more than 12,000 UN peacekeepers used by Seleka rebels. disagreements over amnesty. man for one of the main armed for warlords, several of whom are (MINUSCA) in the country. Thousands of people have died “A peace agreement has been factions, the Popular Front for under UN sanctions or cited for But rights group Amnesty In- in the violence, 700,000 have reached,” said the tweet. the Rebirth of Central African human rights violations in UN ternational has criticised their been internally displaced, and an- “This agreement should be ini- Republic (FPRC) said: “We are reports. failure to stop a rebel attack that other 570,000 have fl ed abroad. Nigeria VP survives 4 Ethiopian soldiers die helicopter crash in Al Shebaab

Reuters incumbent Muhammadu Buhari lands in Kabba, but he and the bombing Abuja and his deputy have been tour- entire crew safe,” the spokesman ing the country to woo voters for tweeted. a second term in offi ce. Nigeria’s airlines are plagued AFP helicopter carrying Ni- A video on the Tiwtter ac- by problems - delays, cancella- Yemi Osinbajo Mogadishu geria’s Vice President count of Vice President Yemi tions and fuel shortages that are A(VP) crash landed yes- Osinbajo, showed him cheering almost expected from domes- sues being corruption, security terday en route to a political to supporters after the incident. tic passengers. However, safety and the economy. t least four Ethiopian soldiers campaign two weeks before an He posted: “We are safe and records have been improving in Buhari is hoping his anti- were killed in southern Soma- election, but he survived the in- sound!” recent years. corruption agenda can win him a Alia yesterday in an Al Shebaab cident in central Kogi state un- The cause of the accident was Political party candidates second term while the main op- suicide bombing near their base, a harmed, saying later he was safe not immediately clear. Spokes- have been campaigning across position candidate Atiku Abu- security offi cial and witnesses said. and sound. man Laolu Akande said the vice the country to market their plans bakar has said he would consider The suicide bomber rammed Nigerian go to the polls on president was continuing his on how they intend to lead one of an amnesty for corruption sus- a vehicle loaded with explosives February 16 to elect a new presi- engagements in Kogi state. Africa’s top economies over the pects and privatise the state- into a checkpoint outside the base dent in an election where the “VP Osinbajo’s chopper crash next four years, with the key is- owned oil company NNPC. in Bardhere. “We have been informed that at least four Ethiopian soldiers who were manning the checkpoint died in the blast,” Muktar Abdulahi, a S Africa’s EFF launches poll manifesto local security offi cial, told AFP by Over 10% of telephone. Several witnesses verifi ed the attack. Nigeriens “The blast was very heavy, and I saw the Ethiopian soldiers collect- ing some dead bodies after the blast. need aid, They closed the area and a military ambulance transported casualties to the base,” said one witness, Ahmed says UN Muhidin. Al Shebaab claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, saying AFP its fi ghters “carried out a martyrdom Niamey operation targeting the Ethiopian Christian army in Bardhere. The initial information we are getting indi- ust over 10% of Niger’s cates that the enemy lost 16 soldiers population need humanitar- in the attack.” Jian aid because jihadist vio- The Ethiopian armed forces oper- lence that forced people to fl ee ate as part of the 20,000-strong Af- their homes has exacerbated the rican Union peacekeeping mission in country’s food crisis, the UN said Somalia (AMISOM). yesterday. Bardhere, some 350km (230 miles) “For 2019, the analysis of hu- west of the capital, is one of several manitarian needs reveals that bases in the southwest where it has 2.3mn people, or 10.4% of the troops deployed. population of Niger, need hu- The Al Qaeda affi liated Al Shebaab manitarian aid,” said a statement was largely driven out of Mogadishu from the UN’s Niamey offi ce. in 2011. Drought and fl ooding last year But it retains control of rural hit cereal production in Niger, Supporters of South Africa’s left-wing party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), attend the launch swathes of the country and continues causing the food shortages, say of the party’s election manifesto in Soshanguve, near Pretoria, yesterday. to wage a guerrilla war against the experts. authorities. Prime Minister Brigi Rafi ni launched an appeal for $383mn (334.2 million euros) to help 1.6mn “extremely vulnerable” people, state television reported. Adding to that, deteriorating security in those regions had forced local people to fl ee, which Belgium agrees to host Ivory meant more aid was needed, said the UN. Many of those in need live in the western regions of Tahoua and Tillaberi, near Mali, the site Coast’s former president of regular jihadist attacks, said the UN. AFP country willing to accept them. on a host country to declare itself Gbagbo, was the fi rst former head Others lived in the southeast Brussels “In response to a request from willing to take him in. of state to stand trial at the ICC. region of Diff a, where the Nige- the International Criminal Court, Gbagbo and Ble Goude went on He had been held in the rian jihadist group Boko Haram Belgium has agreed to take in Lau- trial in January 2016 accused of Netherlands since 2011. has committed atrocities. elgium said yesterday it rent Gbagbo,” foreign ministry playing a role in murder, rape, per- The ICC’s unwillingness to Diff a is sheltering more than has agreed to host Ivory spokesman Karl Lagatie said, also secution, and other inhumane acts let Gbagbo return to Ivory Coast 300,000 people who have fl ed BCoast ex-president Laurent citing the 73-year-old ex-leader’s during the post-election violence. could be linked to that country’s Boko Haram’s violence, includ- Gbagbo pending a possible ap- “family ties” to the country. More than 3,000 people died on refusal to surrender Gbagbo’s wife, ing thousands supported by lo- peal against his acquittal by the According to the Belgian press, both sides of the Ivory Coast con- Simone, despite an outstanding cal people, who themselves are International Criminal Court in one of Gbagbo’s wives, 47-year- fl ict after Gbagbo refused to con- ICC warrant for her arrest for her already poor. The Hague on charges of crimes old Nady Bamba, lives there. cede defeat to his internationally role in the violence. Tahoua and Tillaberi have has against humanity. Prosecutors can still appeal the backed-rival – and now-president She was convicted and jailed by 52,000 who have fl ed jihadist On January 15, the tribunal January 15 acquittal, but said in a – Alassane Ouattara. the courts there in 2015, but Ouat- violence since January last year acquitted Gbagbo and his aide, statement Friday it was awaiting Prosecutors have expressed fears tara granted her an amnesty last and since 2012 has been home Charles Ble Goude, on charges the court’s written judgment be- that if freed, Gbagbo would not re- year, to allow her release after sev- to more than 57,000 Malian stemming from a wave of violence fore deciding how to proceed. turn to the court for a retrial if his en years in detention. refugees. after disputed elections in the west “Only after we have had the op- acquittal is overturned on appeal. Gbagbo’s release comes at a par- Last December the UN refugee African nation in 2010. portunity to carefully examine and The release conditions include ticularly tense time in Ivory Coast. agency UNHCR denounced the The following day, the court analyse their reasoning will my of- that he surrender his travel docu- With presidential elections due violence in these regions, where ruled there were no excep- fi ce make a decision on whether to ments, report to authorities week- in 2020, Ouattara has not said armed groups murdered or ab- tional circumstances prevent- appeal,” said ICC prosecutor Fatou ly, avoid contacting witnesses in whether he will seek a second term, ducted civilians, burned down ing the pair’s release from de- Bensouda. Ivory Coast, and refrain from mak- and the coalition he formed with schools and pillaged homes, tention in The Hague, and said Ble Goude’s lawyer said yester- ing public statements about the Henri Konan Bedie, his former ally businesses and cattle. they could be sent to a member day his client was still “waiting” case, the court documents said. against Gbagbo, has collapsed. Gulf Times 16 Sunday, February 3, 2019 AMERICA Trump steps up attacks on Pelosi over wall money

Reuters jor expenditures of taxpayer Washington funds. Trump said at a White House Stone speaking during an interview with Reuters in Washington. event that he might declare an resident Donald Trump emergency because it did not stepped up his attacks on appear Democrats in Congress PHouse of Representatives were moving toward a deal to Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Friday, provide wall money. Judge mulls issuing gag order on saying that “she’s very bad for Such a step likely would our country” and “doesn’t mind prompt a court challenge from human traffi cking” because she Democrats. talkative Trump adviser Stone opposes his long-promised wall “I think there’s a good chance along the US-Mexico border. that we’ll have to do that,” The Republican president also Trump added, referring to the Reuters Stone can “discuss foreign Stone gave a news conference said there is a “good chance” he possibility of an emergency dec- Washington relations, immigration or Tom on Thursday hosted by Infowars, will follow through on his pre- laration. Brady as much as he wants to”, the website of US conspiracy vious threats to bypass the US Senate Majority Leader Mitch Jackson said, referring to the star theorist Alex Jones. Congress and declare a national McConnell, a Republican, told US judge said on Friday New England Patriots quarter- In a Reuters interview, Stone emergency to obtain funding for Trump in a private conversation that she is considering back who will be playing in the dismissed the charges as “proc- a wall. on Tuesday that declaring a na- Aimposing a gag order on Super Bowl today. ess crimes” with no intentional Trump, known for personal tional emergency could divide President Donald Trump’s long- Arrested in Florida on January lies. attacks on critics and politi- the Republican Party and result time adviser Roger Stone, who 25, Stone pleaded not guilty on “Perjury requires both intent cal adversaries, made his com- in Congress passing a resolution since being charged a week ago Tuesday in Washington. and materiality,” Stone said, call- ments a week after agreeing to disapproving the declaration, has repeatedly criticised Special Jackson previously imposed ing any failure to disclose e-mails end a 35-day partial government the Washington Post reported, Counsel Robert Mueller and the a similar gag order on Trump’s or text messages an “honest mis- shutdown without getting the citing two Republicans with ongoing Russia probe. former campaign chairman Paul take”. $5.7bn that he had demanded knowledge of the exchange. US District Judge Amy Berman Manafort, who was convicted by Jackson told Stone that his pri- from Congress to help build the Trump: I think (Pelosi is) very bad for our country. A spokesman for McConnell Jackson said during a hearing in a Virginia jury last year on fi nan- or comments could come back to wall. declined to comment on the Washington that she is consider- cial wrongdoing charges brought bite him, saying Mueller’s offi ce His retreat was seen as a po- House, even as Republicans two weeks when stopgap fund- Post story. ing a gag order for both Stone and by Mueller and pleaded guilty to “will be free to introduce any of litical victory for Pelosi, who maintain a majority in the Sen- ing ends and a new partial fed- The White House did not im- the prosecution, citing a number separate charges in Washington. it as evidence”. became speaker last month ate, endangers Trump’s legisla- eral shutdown could begin. mediately respond to a request of “extrajudicial statements by Criminal defendants typically Prosecutor Michael Marando when Democrats took over con- tive goals including wall fund- Pelosi said on Thursday: for comment. the defendant” and noting that shun the media spotlight. said he may propose an October trol of the House from the Re- ing. “There’s not going to be any Pelosi has said she was open “this is a criminal proceeding However Stone, a 66-year-old trial date. publicans. Democrats have proposed bil- wall money in the legislation” to to negotiating funding for more and not a public relations cam- self-proclaimed “dirty trick- Jackson said she hopes the trial Trump, in an interview with lions of dollars for border secu- fund border security for the rest ports of entry or additional bor- paign”. ster” and Republican political can begin in the summer. CBS News, called Pelosi “very rity, but no money for a wall. of this year. der security technology. Stone was charged with mak- operative since the days of the The next hearing is set for rigid” and said that she was try- “I think she’s very bad for Drew Hammill, a spokes- She said that the 17 House and ing false statements to Congress, Watergate scandal that forced his March 14. ing to “win a political point” by our country,” Trump said when man for Pelosi, in a statement Senate negotiators working on obstruction of an offi cial pro- former boss president Richard The indictment accused Stone opposing his demands to fund asked what he learned in his ne- condemned Trump’s “wild and legislation to fund homeland se- ceeding and witness tampering Nixon to resign in 1974, has em- of telling unidentifi ed members the wall. gotiations with Pelosi. “Basical- predictable misrepresentations curity for the fi scal year should in an indictment secured by Mu- braced it. of Trump’s 2016 campaign team Trump has said the wall is ly she wants open borders. She about Democrats’ commitment decide components of border eller, who is investigating Rus- Among other things, Stone has that he had advance knowledge needed to curb illegal immigra- doesn’t mind human traffi cking to border security”. security. sia’s role in the 2016 US election told reporters that Federal Bu- of plans by the WikiLeaks web- tion and drug traffi cking. or she wouldn’t do this.” “Democrats have put forward Democratic negotiators un- and whether Trump’s campaign reau of Investigation (FBI) agents site to release damaging e-mails Pelosi has called the wall Pelosi has previously backed strong, smart and eff ective bor- veiled a detailed opening posi- conspired with Moscow. stormed his house at Mueller’s – stolen by Russia, according expensive, ineff ective and im- legislation to fi ght human traf- der security solutions in the bi- tion containing no money for Jackson said if she does impose behest “to terrorise my wife and to prosecutors – about Trump’s moral. fi cking and called it “an abhor- partisan conference committee, additional physical barriers on a gag order, Stone would still be my dogs”, using more force than Democratic opponent, Hillary Construction of a border wall rent crime”. while the president still refuses the border to control the fl ow of free to talk to the media about is- US troops used to kill al Qaeda Clinton. was one of Trump’s signature A bipartisan House-Senate to take a second shutdown off illegal immigrants and drugs. sues unrelated to the case. leader Osama bin Laden, and Trump denies collusion with 2016 campaign promises, and he committee is considering pro- the table,” Hammill said. Previously they had sup- The judge asked both sides to accused the special counsel of Russia. repeatedly said at the time that posals for funding border se- Under the US Constitution, ported $1.3bn for new fencing fi le briefs by February 8 on the running a politically motivated Russia denies election med- Mexico would pay for it. curity measures for the current Congress holds the national and improvements to existing possible gag order. “two-year inquisition”. dling. Democratic control of the fi scal year ahead of a deadline in purse strings and approves ma- barriers.

In bitterly cold US, Virginia governor resists pressure Punxsutawney Phil to quit over racist yearbook image predicts early spring Reuters Washington

DPA run for another full six weeks; if, Washington on the other hand, he does not irginia Governor Ralph see his shadow, custom dictates Northam resisted mount- that the US will have an early Ving pressure yesterday fter a week of bone- spring. from his Democratic party to re- chilling cold in the US, The furry creature did not see sign after a photograph surfaced Athe world’s most famous his shadow yesterday, meaning which he said showed him and groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, a warm spring is on the horizon, another person in racist garb at a gave people cause for hope yes- the Punxsutawney Groundhog party decades earlier. terday as he heralded the arrival Club said on Twitter. Northam had apologised on of an early spring. Punxsutawney, like a huge Friday, saying that he was one of In a tradition stretching swathe of the US Midwest and the people shown in the photo, back more than 130 years, the east, has been in the grip of a Punxsutawney Phil’s co-handler AJ Dereume holds the famous which depicted one person in groundhog was coaxed from polar vortex that has claimed groundhog on the 133rd Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, blackface standing next to an- his burrow at Gobblers Knob in more than 20 lives, interrupted Pennsylvania. other in a Ku Klux Klan costume. the western Pennsylvania town transport and led to the closure However, he also said he would of Punxsutawney, population of schools. however, and Punxsutawney the morning for the event in remain in offi ce, and yesterday Northam: under pressure from within his own party. 5,500. The temperature in the town was expected to be above freez- temperatures of -10°C, ignoring he reportedly expressed doubt If it is sunny and Phil sees his plunged this week to -21° Cel- ing this weekend. the warning from the US weath- that he actually was in the photo, ocrat weighing a 2020 presiden- ing on Northam to resign since shadow and rushes back into his sius. Thousands of spectators er service that Phil has “no pre- which appeared under his name tial run, said on Twitter. Friday. burrow, it is said that winter will The weather is warming, gathered in the early hours of dictive skill”. in his 1984 medical school year- Protesters gathered in front Former Democratic governor book. Northam’s offi ce in Richmond, L Douglas Wilder said yesterday “He just told me he didn’t Virginia, waving signs demand- that Northam should be criti- think it’s him,” state senator L ing he step down. cised for the photos but stopped Louise Lucas said, according to The head of Northam’s party short of calling for his resigna- the Washington Post.” in the state also called on him to tion. Warren apologises to Cherokee Nation And I said, ‘Ralph, this is a day quit. “The choice of his continuing late and a dollar short. It’s too “We made the decision to let in offi ce is his to make,” Wilder late’.” Governor Northam do the cor- said on Twitter. AFP “We are encouraged by her ac- Northam’s offi ce did not im- rect thing and resign this morn- Northam, a 59-year-old pae- Washington tion and hope that the slurs and mediately respond to a request ing – we have gotten word he diatric neurologist and Army mockery of tribal citizens and for comment on calls for his res- will not do so this morning,” said veteran, graduated from Norfolk Indian history and heritage will ignation. Susan Swecker, the chair for the medical school in 1984. hite House hope- now come to an end.” Pressure on him from within Democratic Party in Virginia. The Virginia-Pilot, which ful Elizabeth War- Meanwhile, Donald Trump his party is growing. Other prominent Democrats published the photo on Friday, Wren has apologised to Jr, the president’s son, said on “Governor Northam has lost – including 2020 presidential said on its website that it ob- the Cherokee Nation after she Twitter: “How about apologis- all moral authority and should candidates Kamala Harris, Cory tained a copy of the photo from took a DNA test when President ing to Americans and actual mi- resign immediately,” former Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, and the Eastern Virginia Medical Donald Trump cast doubt on her norities she likely displaced in vice-president Joe Biden, a Dem- Julian Castro – have been call- School library. claim of indigenous heritage, US schools/jobs over the years with media reported on Friday. fake claims of minority status?” The Massachusetts Demo- Warren, 69, the US Senate’s Snopes pulls out of fact-checking partnership with Facebook cratic senator said she took Warren: built her reputation by holding Wall Street accountable. consumer protection champion, the test to silence Trump, who became the most high-profi le Snopes, the popular myth-busting website, said The statement did not elaborate but Snopes vice- regularly calls her “Pocahontas” troversial for Native Americans, said in a statement quoted by US Democrat to throw her hat into on Friday that it was ending its fact-checking president Vinny Green told the media education and claims that she benefi ted in for whom being part of a tribe is media. the ring when she announced a partnership with Facebook as part of a “diff icult, but group Poynter that the partnership was excessively schools and the work force from cultural and includes living un- “We are encouraged by this presidential exploratory com- necessary change”. labour intensive, requiring manual updates to fact minority status. der tribal laws, rather than sim- dialogue and understanding mittee on December 31. A Snopes statement said it was “evaluating the checks by its staff of 16. The results showed she did ple genetic links. that being a Cherokee Nation She is on the party’s left fl ank, ramifications and costs of providing third-party fact- Snopes partnered with Facebook in 2016 on have Native American DNA dat- “Senator Warren has reached tribal citizen is rooted in cen- and built her reputation by checking services” and wants the eff orts to be “a net fact-checking and has been one of many global ing back six to 10 generations. out to us and has apologised to turies of culture and laws, not holding Wall Street accountable positive for our online community, publication, and organisations that have agreements with the social However, the test was con- the tribe,” the Cherokee Nation through DNA tests,” it said. for its missteps. staff ”. network to help it fight misinformation. Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 17 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

SCARE Man shot in Brisbane airport after bomb threat Police shot a man in Brisbane Part of Australia state hit by Airport yesterday after he made threats with a knife and appeared to be carrying a bomb, local media reported. Queensland Police said that the airport in eastern Australia was evacuated and a man had been taken into custody. No one fl oods, braces for more rain was injured in the incident, police said, making no reference to the Reuters burst might last a few days, but close to 190,000 hectares of suspect being shot. The man went Melbourne this one’s been going on over a land, fi re offi cials said. into the departure area holding a week now and is set to continue Chris Arnold, the chief of- metal box with wires sticking out for a few more days as well,” he fi cer of the Tasmania Fire Serv- of it and said it was a bomb, The nce-in-a-century said. ice, said yesterday that nearly Courier Mail reported. According fl ooding in part of the Between 150mm and 200mm 600 personnel were working to to witnesses, he also tried to stab Oeastern Australian state of rain is expected across contain the fi res, some of which his ex-wife. “There is no evidence of Queensland looks set to Townsville yesterday – equal have been burning for weeks to suggest the incident at the worsen as the nation’s weather to about a month’s average and have destroyed homes. international airport is terrorism bureau yesterday warned of rainfall. Arnold told reporters that related, it is a domestic violence more heavy rain in the area. Local authorities issued while the last few days have related situation,” Queensland Some residents have al- a number of fl ood warnings seen favourable conditions for Police said on Twitter. ready been evacuated after yesterday morning and told battling the blazes, communi- days of monsoon rains lashed residents to avoid using roads ties in part of the state were the region around the coastal and consider moving to higher still under threat as expected DISPUTE city of Townsville in north ground if conditions worsen. hot and dry weather on Sun- Fishing boat Queensland, a spokesman for North Queensland has sig- day could see bushfi res escalate the Bureau of Meteorology nifi cant zinc reserves as well again. seized by Russia: said. as major deposits of silver, Australia endured its hottest Japan off icial Adam Blazak, a forecaster lead, copper and iron ore, with month on record in January, with the bureau, did not say Townsville a major process- with sweltering conditions ex- A Japanese fishing boat with 10 how many people had been ing centre for the region’s base pected to persist through April. people on board has been seized evacuated, but added that some metals. That scorching weather trig- by Russian authorities, a Japanese areas had reached “major” fl ood In stark contrast, wildfi res gered power outages in some off icial said yesterday. The No. levels. in the southern island state of areas and sent electricity prices Local resident Paul Shafer and his daughter Lily stand in floodwaters near star pickets that show where 68 Nishino-maru was taken to “Normally a monsoonal Tasmania have burnt through soaring. the storm water cover has been removed in Hermit Park, Townsville, northern Queensland, yesterday. Russia’s eastern port of Nakhodka, where the crew members are expected to be questioned, said an off icial of Shimane prefecture, western Japan. “We are asking the Russian side, through diplomatic channels, to release them as soon 6.1-magnitude China opposes US withdrawal as possible,” he said, adding that the fishermen were in good condition. Local media said the boat left Shimane on January 26 to fish for snow crabs, also known as spider quake rocks from nuclear missile treaty crabs, in the Sea of Japan, but lost contact on Wednesday. The area is surrounded by Japan, Russia AFP and resolved a crisis over Soviet Geng warned the US decision was suspending its obliga- and both North and South Korea, Beijing missiles. could trigger “a series of nega- tions as of Saturday and start- and there are frequent disputes Indonesia The US has said a new Rus- tive consequences,” echoing ing a process to withdraw in six over fishing rights. sian medium-range missile warnings by both Russia and months. hina yesterday said it system breaches the INF Treaty Europe that the pull out might China’s foreign ministry ACTION AFP of Padang, on the west coast opposes the US de- and yesterday President Don- lead to a new arms race. ruled out the possibility of ne- Padang of Sumatra, panicking for a Ccision to withdraw ald Trump said the country was Washington also has an eye gotiating a new multilateral China disciplines moment. from a landmark Cold War suspending its obligations un- on China as the INF pact re- pact that includes Beijing. “It was very scary. This is nuclear missile treaty and der the treaty – a move mirrored stricts the United States, but Brokered by US president off icials linked to strong 6.1-magnitude the second quake we felt to- urged Washington and Rus- shortly after by Moscow. not the rising Asian power. Ronald Reagan with last So- vaccine scandal earthquake struck off day. Our house was shaking, sia to hold “constructive” “China is opposed to the US US offi cials say that some viet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Athe Indonesian island so we ran outside,” Ira, a resi- discussions. withdrawal and urges the US 95% of China’s ballistic and the treaty ended a superpower China’s corruption watchdog of Mentawai yesterday, but no dent of Padang said. Moscow and Washington and Russia to properly resolve cruise missiles – a core part buildup of warheads that had yesterday said it has disciplined tsunami warning was issued. Indonesia is one of the most have long accused the other of diff erences through construc- of Beijing’s defence strategy – frightened Europeans, ban- more than 80 off icials linked to a The earthquake hit at a disaster-prone nations on violating the key Intermediate- tive dialogue,” Chinese foreign would violate the INF treaty if ning ground-launched missiles major vaccine scandal last sum- depth of 10km (six miles) in Earth due to its position strad- Range Nuclear Forces agree- ministry spokesperson Geng China were a party to it. with a range of 500 to 5,500km mer that inflamed public fears the Mentawai island region dling the so-called Pacifi c ment, which was signed in 1987 Shuang said in a statement. Trump said the United States (around 300 to 3,400 miles). over the safety of domestically in West Sumatra province, Ring of Fire, where tectonic produced drugs. Changchun some 100km southeast of the plates collide. Changsheng Biotechnology – a town of Tuapejat and 200km Mentawai was hit by a tsu- major Chinese manufacturer of south of the major port city nami in 2010 which killed rabies vaccines – was slapped of Padang, according to the more than 400 people and with a $1.3bn fine last Octo- USGS. Padang suff ered from a deadly Indonesia recaptures French drug suspect ber after it was found to have Offi cials are still assessing earthquake in 2009 where fabricated records. Four off icials the impact but there were no more than 1,100 lives were French drug suspect on the Wearing dishevelled black ical teams he was returned to arrested for allegedly helping from the China Food and Drug immediate reports of damage lost. run since escaping from an clothes and looking tired, Dor- jail. Dorfi n escape in exchange for Administration (CFDA) have been and casualties. Last year, the Indonesian A Indonesian jail nearly two fi n initially tried to bribe The 35-year-old Frenchman Rp14.5mn (around $1,000). handed over to prosecutors, the “The quake was felt very archipelago was hit by an weeks ago has been recaptured, offi cers to let him go. was arrested in September al- Jailbreaks are common in Central Commission for Discipline strongly in Tuapejat. Our of- earthquake and tsunami in police said in Mataram yesterday. “He didn’t resist arrest, but legedly carrying a false-bot- Indonesia, where corruption Inspection said in a statement fi cers are still assessing the Palu on Sulawesi island which Felix Dorfi n – who faces the wanted to bribe our offi cers,” tomed suitcase fi lled with 4km is endemic at all levels of so- yesterday. The graft watchdog impact but so far everything is killed around 2,200 people. death penalty if convicted – North Lombok police chief (8.8 pounds) of drugs – includ- ciety and inmates often held also said it would “seriously deal safe,” said the head of Menta- At the end of the year, an was found hiding in a forest in Herman Suriyono said yester- ing cocaine, ecstasy and am- in squalid and poorly guarded with” more than 80 other off icials wai search and rescue agency erupting volcano in the middle North Lombok on Friday night, day, adding he was found fol- phetamines – at the airport on prisons. from multiple government organ- Akmal, who like many Indo- of the Sunda Strait between police said, and was returned to lowing a tip-off from locals in the holiday island next to Bali. In 2017, four foreign inmates isations, without off ering details. nesians goes by one name. Java and Sumatra islands jail in Mataram, capital of the the area. On Friday, offi cials said a tunnelled their way out of Bali’s These off icials have already been The quake left residents killed more than 400 people. island. After being checked by med- female police offi cer had been Kerobokan prison. (AFP) fired or demoted, it said. New Year travel rush starts in China Fed backs Bangladesh DPA Beijing on cyber heist lawsuit he largest annual human migration has started in TChina, where hundreds Reuters “resolution and assistance” veiled PR campaign” to shift of millions of people are trav- New York agreement told Reuters the blame from itself. elling to be with their families New York Fed would prepare “Not only are the allegations for the Chinese New Year on affi davits and clear employees false, they don’t have the right February 5. he Federal Reserve will to testify at hearings or a trial, to fi le here since none of the de- Authorities are expecting a lend a hand to Bangla- and also allow Bangladesh fendants are in the US,” he said. total of 2.99bn trips by car, train Tdesh’s central bank as it Bank representatives to inter- The suit, fi led days before and aeroplane in the 40 days sues to recoup losses from one view employees on relevant the statute of limitations ex- surrounding the holiday. of the world’s largest cyber he- and factual matters. pires, may hinge initially on ju- China’s National Develop- ists, even while the Philippine On Thursday, in US District risdiction and whether US law ment and Reform Commission bank targeted by the lawsuit Court in Manhattan, Bang- applies to an incident in which estimates an 8.3% increase in on Friday called it baseless and ladesh Bank sued RCBC and New York played a small but railway travel and a 12% growth beyond US jurisdiction. accused it and dozens of oth- key role and the main players in air travel. The New York Fed’s formal ers, including several top ex- were mostly based in Asia. The number of car trips, agreement to provide “tech- ecutives, of involvement in The suit “emphasises how meanwhile, is expected to drop nical assistance” could spell a “massive” and “intricately the New York Fed and the Fed- by 0.8%. some relief for Bangladesh planned” multi-year conspira- wire system fi t into the hackers’ Authorities are expecting an Bank and sets the stage for its cy to steal its money. scheme, and (their) importance average of 1.77mn international long-promised litigation over Bangladesh Bank alleged to the United States fi nancial sys- trips per day over the next week, the February 2016 heist of funds were stolen with the tem. But otherwise, much of the according to the National Im- $81mn, of which only $15mn help of unnamed North Kore- conduct alleged in the complaint migration Administration – an has been recovered. an hackers who used malware took place overseas,” said Peter 8.9% increase over last year. Unidentifi ed hackers pulled with such names as “Nestegg” Jaff e, a senior associate at Wash- The holiday, however, will be off the heist by breaching and “Macktruck” to obtain ington-based law fi rm Freshfi elds a test for how aff ected China’s Bangladesh’s systems and us- backdoor access to its network. Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP. economy has been by the ongoing the SWIFT global payments Separately, the US govern- “The hack is alleged to have ing trade war with the United network to send fraudulent or- ment in September charged a occurred between North Korea States. ders to the New York branch North Korean man it alleged and Bangladesh; much of the Experts expect Chinese con- of the US central bank, which was responsible for the Bang- subsequent money laundering sumers to be more economical oversees the account and ladesh incident and other he- occurred outside the United in their shopping compared to was tricked into releasing the ists, and detailed the ease with States,” he added. previous years. funds. which hackers phished Bangla- A 2016 Reuters investiga- The Chinese New Year is cel- Of nearly $1bn requested, desh Bank employees. tion into the heist found that ebrated on a diff erent date eve- $81mn was sent to accounts at RCBC’s attorney, Tai-Heng a series of missteps and mis- ry year according to the lunar Manila-based bank Rizal Com- Cheng of US law fi rm Quinn communications between calendar. mercial Banking Corp (RCBC) Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, the Fed and Bangladesh, little It is the most important Chi- and then mostly vanished into called Bangladesh’s lawsuit emergency backup, and slow nese holiday and an occasion for Philippines casinos. “completely baseless” and reactions in New York to early families to reunite. Passengers enter Beijing Railway Station in Beijing yesterday. A person familiar with the “nothing more than a thinly warning signs all contributed. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, February 3, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND Britain would regret no-deal exit ‘for ever’

Reuters ‘Must hold EU elections even if Brexit delayed’ London Britain will still have to take part agreement made between Prime in European Parliament elections Minister Theresa May and the ritain would permanently in May if the Brexit deadline is European Union. regret leaving the Euro- extended, a European Parliament May won a victory of sorts Bpean Union without a deal, spokeswoman said in Brussels this week as a narrow majority and parliament needs to reach a yesterday. of lawmakers backed her plan decision to stop this in the next Britain would have to field can- to renegotiate the so-called two weeks, business minister didates for the elections as stated “backstop” — the part of the Greg Clark said in a newspaper in EU legislation, the spokes- withdrawal agreement that interview published yesterday. woman told DPA. guarantees an open Irish border Clark’s comments in The Times She added that not taking part after Brexit. come as the paper reported gov- in the elections would run the But the EU has said it is unwill- ernment documents warning risk of citizens complaining that ing to reopen negotiations. Britain’s transport system could they had been denied the right Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt get overwhelmed after a no-deal to vote. said last week that Britain may Brexit, while The Guardian said Britain is due to leave the Euro- have to seek a delay in the date offi cials feared mountains of rot- pean Union on March 29. of leaving the EU to allow time ting waste and animal slurry. However, the British parliament for parliament to approve crucial Britain is due to leave the EU has yet to approve the withdrawal legislation. on March 29, but lawmakers last month comprehensively rejected the exit deal Prime Min- the 11th hour’. But it’s important in a planned emergency response ister Theresa May reached with to understand where ‘the wire’ centre said. Brussels, and Brussels this week is. The wire is not the 29th of The Department for Transport turned down May’s request for March,” Clark said. did not immediately respond to a renegotiation. May has promised another request for comment. Without a deal Britain risked Brexit vote by February 14. Separately, the Guardian said major disruption to trade with Britain’s transport ministry environment offi cials were wor- the EU, cutting British business is preparing for the knock-on ried that Britain would strug- out of pan-European supply impact of a no-deal Brexit over- gle to export waste as well as chains, Clark warned. whelming the transport system, livestock, leading to growing “If we make what I think would according to a leaked document mounds of rubbish and slurry. be a mistake that we would regret in The Times. “Odours will obviously be an for ever, it would be in the history There have been widespread issue as the stockpiled waste pu- books just like the achievements predictions of traffi c gridlock on treﬁ es,” an internal e-mail cited of the ﬁ rst industrial revolution,” key roads in southeast England by the Guardian said. Clark said. due to customs checks on trucks Farmers unable to export Parliament needed to ap- trying to cross the English Chan- sheep and cattle “may have prove a deal by the middle of this nel at Dover, Europe’s busiest problems with slurry storage month, he added, citing busi- ferry port. capacity and insuffi cient land nesses that said they would be The impacts “could fall across spreading capability”, the e-mail reluctant to ship goods to Japan every transport mode...and also warned. or South Korea if it was unclear could grow exponentially as...the An Environment Agency whether they would face tariff s capabilities of responders at all spokesman said a process was People toboggan in the snow on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, southwest Britain. when they arrived. levels decrease or become over- in place to ensure waste could “People say ‘Things are always whelmed,” the document off er- still be exported after a no-deal decided at the 59th minute of ing guidance to offi cials working Brexit. Snow and ice bring traffi c Sinn Fein leader calls to a standstill on highways

By Aamna Mohdin Kent police said they had had an “in- There will be widespread hard frost dur- for vote on Irish unity Guardian News & Media credibly busy night” with multiple vehicles ing the early hours today, with sub-zero stuck. temperatures reaching double digits in parts The force added there had been “numer- of Scotland and England. DPA A majority in Northern Ire- British Prime Minister There- otorists were stranded for a sec- ous RTCs (road traffi c collisions) and vehi- It could be the coldest night of the winter Dublin land voted to remain in the EU in sa May wants to renegotiate a ond night as freezing temperatures cles going the wrong way on the motorway”. so far, the Met Offi ce says. the 2016 Brexit referendum, but “backstop” protocol that pro- Mbrought traffi c to a standstill in Robert Bell, Highways England’s south- Meteorologist Alex Burkill said Benson in the United Kingdom as a whole tects an open Irish border. some areas, and one driver resorted to eat- east operations manager, said: “We have Oxfordshire was one of the spots predicted he leader of Irish repub- chose to leave the bloc. May is backed by Northern ing snow off the roof of his car. every sympathy for drivers who found to reach -10C (14F) or below, while lows of lican Party Sinn Fein yes- “That vote (in Northern Ire- Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Sleet and snow continued into yesterday themselves stranded in the severe weather.” -16C are forecast in parts of Scotland by to- Tterday urged people from land) has been ignored by the Party (DUP), whose 10 lawmak- morning, causing treacherous conditions on Highways England worked through day. both sides of the border to back British government, who have no ers prop up her minority govern- highways across Kent and Hampshire. the night with teams of gritters and snow A yellow warning for snow and ice cover- her campaign for a vote on Irish concern about the impact their ment in the British parliament. There were reports of drivers stuck past ploughs. ing large areas of the UK remained in place. unity after Britain leaves the EU. Brexit will have on the people The DUP and other critics fear midnight on some routes, with issues re- “On the M3, three HGVs came to a halt, It covered northern Scotland, most of “There is an increasing demand here,” she said. the backstop could place North- ported on the A21, A229 and A249 in Kent, blocking the carriageway and stopping traf- Northern Ireland, the eastern coast of Eng- from across society for a poll on Brexit, scheduled on March 29, ern Ireland under slightly dif- as well as the A339, A30 and M3 in Hamp- ﬁ c. We worked hard with police partners to land, the south of England and the west Irish unity,” Sinn Fein leader May is expected to aff ect Ireland as ferent, indeﬁ nite arrangements shire. get the traffi c moving as soon as possible in coast of Wales. Lou McDonald told a rally in Dub- well as Britain. from the rest of the United King- One motorist told the BBC he was forced the challenging conditions,” Bell said. Snow caused widespread disruption on lin, adding that “now is the time.” Concerns are growing that dom. to eat snow off the roof of his car after he be- The Met Offi ce has forecast rain and sleet Friday. “The people of Ireland did not Britain could leave the bloc with- But EU offi cials and the Irish came trapped on the M3. across coastal areas for yesterday morning, Hundreds of motorists were stranded, agree to Brexit and the imposi- out a deal, which could have an government, like Sinn Fein, op- Hampshire police have told drivers to take but the central swath of Britain was ex- air and rail passengers faced cancellations tion of a hard border in our coun- especially severe impact in Ire- pose any change to the backstop. care on the roads because of potential icy pected to see sunny spells for much of the or diffi cult journeys, and more than 1,000 try,” McDonald said. land. patches. afternoon. schools were closed. Corbyn calls for snap election to help put an end to austerity

By Mattha Busby the brunt of nine years of auster- A third of children in south- Labour was leading the Con- Guardian News and Media ity cannot wait years for a gen- west Glasgow live in poverty, ac- servatives by one percentage eral election. They need a general cording to statistics highlighted point in the latest Survation poll, election now.” by Labour from the End Child with others putting the two par- eremy Corbyn has called for Corbyn paid tribute to the vol- Poverty coalition. Life expect- ties level pegging. a snap general election dur- unteers and charities that have ancy in the area is almost 74 Meanwhile, YouGov has con- Jing a meeting of anti-poverty stepped in to support people years for men and 79 for women, sistently polled Labour as trailing charities in Glasgow. who are suff ering, but said peo- markedly lower than the Scottish the Tories. He said people who have expe- ple should not have to rely on national averages of 77 and 81. Recent attempts to persuade rienced “the brunt of nine years the voluntary sector. “It is a dis- Figures published in December a majority of MPs to back a vote of austerity” must be allowed a grace that people are living on the showed that life expectancy had of no conﬁ dence in Theresa May new vote. streets and forced to rely on food fallen in Scotland for the ﬁ rst time have failed, but the Fixed Term The Labour leader yesterday banks in one of the richest coun- in 35 years, and across the UK life Parliament Act allows for early met voluntary organisations tries in the world,” he added. expectancy growth since 2011 has elections if two-thirds of MPs and charities working to tackle “The SNP government has not slumped faster than in a number vote in favour. poverty in south-west Glasgow, just passed on Tory austerity, it of other leading economies. A Scottish Conservative where he criticised “Tory cuts” has quadrupled it for local coun- Joined by Scottish Labour spokesman said: “At the last gen- while pointing to double-digit cils. And this week’s budget will leader, Richard Leonard, and eral election, it was the Scottish yearly increases in food bank mean another £230mn in cuts Matt Kerr, the Labour candidate Conservatives, not Labour, that use and falling life expectancy in that will hit local services the for Glasgow South West, Corbyn were making huge gains across Scotland’s most populated city. people of Scotland rely on. said food bank use in Scotland the country and winning 12 extra “People are suff ering under “There is a clear choice be- was at record levels. seats. Voters know that Labour are austerity as a direct result of Tory tween more austerity or a Labour Statistics showed it had in- too weak to stand up to the SNP cuts in Westminster passed down government that will put an end creased by 17% in just 12 months, and that the only party that can by the SNP in Holyrood,” he said. to austerity and build a country higher than the UK’s 13% rise take on the nationalists and win is “The people who are bearing for the many, not the few.” during the same period. the Scottish Conservatives.” Corbyn ... numbers game Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 19 EUROPE

Russia suspends nuclear missile treaty

AFP and we are also suspending our It banned ground-launched dismantle missiles that it said Moscow participation,” Putin said of the missiles with a range of 500km breached the agreement. agreement, following a US dead- to 5,500km (300 to 3,400 miles). However, Moscow has insisted line for co-operation. The deal resolved a crisis over that the disputed 9M729 missile resident Vladimir Putin Putin said during a televised Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic is allowed under the treaty. said yesterday that Russia meeting with foreign and defence missiles targeting Western capi- The defence ministry last Pis suspending its participa- ministers Sergei Lavrov and Ser- tals, but put no restrictions on month invited journalists and tion in a key Cold War-era mis- gei Shoigu that Russia would no other major military actors such foreign military attaches to a Putin with ministers Lavrov (left) and Shoigu in Moscow. sile treaty in a mirror response to longer initiate talks with the US as China. brieﬁ ng on the weapon system. a US move the day before. on disarmament. Trump said on Friday that Yesterday Lavrov repeated lar projects in the United States. fears over the consequences of cause of US concerns, violated Moscow and Washington have “We will wait until our part- Washington is starting a process Russian accusations that Wash- He has previously warned of the treaty’s demise and called on the treaty. long accused the other of violat- ners have matured enough to to withdraw from the agreement ington itself has been in violation proliferation of weapons, but Russia to address concerns be- Lavrov at yesterday’s meeting ing the Intermediate-Range Nu- conduct an equal, meaningful di- in six months. of the deal for many years. yesterday told the ministers that fore the United States formally also voiced concerns that Wash- clear Forces (INF) agreement. alogue with us on this important He said that he would like to The foreign minister said Rus- Russia would “not be drawn into leaves in August. ington’s decision to withdraw President Donald Trump last topic,” the president said. “get everybody in a big and beau- sia had “tried everything to save a costly new arms race”. The North Atlantic Treaty Or- from the INF could jeopardise year announced plans to with- Brokered by US president Ron- tiful room and do a new treaty”, the treaty” in several rounds of Russia would only deploy in- ganisation (Nato) said in a state- the extension of the New START draw unless Russia fulﬁ lled its ald Reagan with last Soviet leader but in the meantime, the United diplomatic talks. termediate- and short-range ment on Friday that the US allies treaty. obligations. Mikhail Gorbachev, the treaty States “can’t be put at a disad- Putin meanwhile said that missiles in Europe or elsewhere “fully support” the withdrawal That agreement, which caps “Our American partners have ended a superpower buildup of vantage”. Russia would seek to develop in answer to similar moves from and agreed that Russia’s 9M729 the number of nuclear warheads announced they are suspending warheads that had frightened The US in December gave medium-range missiles in re- the US, he added. ground-launched cruise mis- held by Washington and Moscow, their participation in the deal, Europeans. Moscow a 60-day deadline to sponse to what he said were simi- European leaders have voiced sile systems, whose range is the expires in 2021.

Nato door opens for France’s ‘yellow vests’ Macedonia

AFP/DPA Brussels rail at police violence ato said yesterday that its 29 members will on AFP harsh treatment of yellow vest NWednesday clear the way Paris protesters in the courts. for Macedonia to become the al- Judgments against dem- liance’s 30th member following onstrators were being rushed its historic name change. rance’s “yellow vest” through without proper respect “On 6 February we will write movement demonstrated for their rights, they wrote. history: #NATO Allies will sign Fagainst alleged police vio- They contrasted the speed of the accession protocol with the lence in rallies across the coun- the rulings against their clients future Republic of North Mace- try yesterday, as nearly 60 law- with the slow pace of investi- donia,” said Nato Secretary Gen- yers denounced the treatment of gations into alleged police vio- eral Jens Stoltenberg. protesters in the courts. lence. Macedonian Foreign Minis- The latest marches came a day The IGPN, the body that inter Nikola Dimitrov would at- after France’s top court threw vestigates police abuses, has tend the ceremony at the North out a bid to ban weapons that launched 116 investigations into Atlantic Treaty Organisation shoot 40mm rubber projectiles the conduct of offi cers during (Nato) headquarters in Brussels, blamed for a number of serious the protests, 10 of them con- he added. injuries. cerning serious eye injuries suf- “Following the signature of Thousands of protesters took fered by demonstrators. the Accession Protocol, Skopje part in a “march of the injured” Friday’s court ruling against A riot police off icer shields a pedestrian during clashes with A scooter and a bin burn after being set alight by ‘yellow vest’ will be able to take part in Nato’s in Paris calling for a ban on the banning the “defensive ball protesters in a demonstration in Bordeaux called by the ‘yellow protesters during clashes on the Place de la Republique in Paris, on activities as an invitee,” a Nato weapons. launchers”, known as LBDs, vests’ (gilets jaunes) movement. the sidelines of a march called to protest police violence. offi cial told AFP. One of the movement’s lead- came despite claims by the De- “The accession process then ing fi gures Jerome Rodriguez, sarmons-Les (Disarm Them) Two offi cers were injured and moves to the capitals of the 29 who was hit in the eye at last collective that the weapons have a demonstrator arrested in the Allies, where the Protocol will Saturday’s demonstration, was blinded or seriously injured 20 western port city of Nantes dur- be ratifi ed according to national greeted warmly by fellow dem- protesters. ing clashes there, local offi cials procedures. onstrators. Interior Minister Christophe said. “Once that process is com- The marchers gathered for a Castaner acknowledged that the And there were clashes and pleted the country will become a rally at Place de la Republique weapon – used more than 9,200 20 arrests in the northern city of full member. in the city centre, where police times since the start of the yel- Lille, where up to 1,800 protest- “The timeline for this process used tear gas and water cannons low vest protests – could cause ers turned out, according to lo- will largely be driven by the time to force demonstrators to keep injuries. cal offi cials – 3,000 according to required for national ratifi cation their distance and clashes broke While defending their use organisers. procedure in Allied capitals.” out with some protesters, some against “rioters”, he said that This is the 12th Saturday of Last month’s accord with hooded or masked. any abuse of the weapon would protests organised by the yellow Greece to change the name of A police estimate put the be punished. vests movement, which sprang the former Yugoslav republic to turn-out at 10,500 in Paris, but This weekend’s rallies across up in November to denounce Republic of North Macedonia an independent count carried France included Toulouse and fuel tax rises, but quickly grew ended one of the world’s longest out for the media, including Bordeaux in the southwest, into a more broadly based pro- diplomatic disputes, paving the AFP, put the fi gure at 13,800. where support has been con- test against French President way for Skopje to join Nato and An interior ministry estimate sistently strong, and several Emmanuel Macron’s aloof gov- the European Union. at 2pm put the turn-out across gatherings across Brittany in the erning style. Since 1991, Athens had ob- France at 17,400, compared to northwest. Lawmakers in Macron’s Re- jected to its neighbour be- the 22,000 they counted at the In Morlaix, Brittany, two po- public on the Move party are ing called Macedonia because same time last weekend. lice offi cers were injured and two seeking tougher penalties for Greece has a northern province Yesterday a group of 59 law- demonstrators arrested after organisers of unauthorised of the same name. yers published an open letter on clashes between police and pro- demonstrations and for people In ancient times it was the the France Info news website de- testers, the regional authority covering their faces during vio- cradle of Alexander the Great’s nouncing what they said was the reported. lent protests. empire, a source of intense pride for Greeks. After the 29 member states sign the accession protocol, their respective governments need to Hundreds in pro-diesel protest ratify it. Greece is expected to be the fi rst to ratify the protocol. AFP After that, Macedonia will Frankfurt am Main formally and fi nally change its name to North Macedonia. There are other steps Skopje undreds of people dem- promised to take during a tran- onstrated yesterday in A protester dressed as Lady Justice stands near riot police off icers during an anti-government sition period – among others to HStuttgart, the bastion of demonstration in Strasbourg called by the ‘yellow vests’ (gilets jaunes) movement. Her placard reads make clear that Hellenic style Germany’s car industry, against ‘Off icers: The thugs are not in front, but above you’. monuments in Skopje that it a recent driving ban on older built over the past dozen years diesel vehicles, wearing yel- gathered outside a car emissions Hamburg and Bonn to limit take to the streets to protect for nearly $1bn do not mean it low vests to match protesters in centre. some diesels’ access, while parts their rights.” claims the ancient Hellenic leg- France whose movement began “What’s happening to people of a motorway near Essen will be Topalis was careful to deline- acy. as a reaction to proposed fuel is unjust,” joint organiser Vasilos closed to the cars. ate the movement from any ex- hikes. Topalis told AFP. “Tens of thou- In response, the Stuttgart or- isting political force, after the Since January 1, only die- sands of people are aff ected and ganisers have asked people to far-right Alternative for Germa- Heavy snow traps sel vehicles meeting the Euro can’t aff ord to buy a new car” hit the streets clad in the yel- ny (AfD) attempted to capitalise 5 emissions standard are al- following the court-ordered low high-visibility vests that on last week’s demonstration thousands of cars lowed into Stuttgart, home of ban, he added. have defi ned months of some that drew 1,200 people. on Italy motorway Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler, Environmental organisa- times-violent protests in France Increasing numbers have been Volkswagen subsidiary Porsche, tions last year took to the courts – themselves triggered by an in- drawn to the movement over its Thousands of vehicles were stuck and the world’s biggest car parts to push through similar driv- crease in tax on diesel. four weeks, as Germany’s coali- in long queues caused by heavy supplier, Bosch. ing bans in many German cities “Yellow vests give us visibil- tion government remains divid- snow on Italy’s A22 motorway The demonstrators held ban- where emissions exceed Euro- ity, also in the media,” Topalis ed on how to balance the inter- yesterday, and firefighters A protester wearing a yellow vest with the slogan ‘Pro Diesel’ is seen ners saying “Pro-diesel” and pean Union limits. said. “The French are an exam- ests of drivers, city dwellers and rescued 200 people who had during a demonstration in Stuttgart. “Diesel drivers mobilise” as they Judges ordered Berlin, Mainz, ple to us, because they dared the environment. been trapped for hours in cars and buses. Queues on the route connecting northeastern regions to Austria reached 16km (9.94 miles), said a spokesperson for the firefighters Bosnian authorities arrest 11 South Asian migrants after mass fi ght of the autonomous province of Bolzano. He added that it was hard to AFP The fi ghting, involving several tioned more than 30 migrants, were seriously injured with North Africa towards the EU. thwarted by border police. assess the number of vehicles Sarajevo hundred migrants accommo- “eight Afghan nationals, two most likely knife wounds, doctor More than 23,000 people In 2018 border police caught involved but they were in the dated at the centre in the north- Indians and one Pakistani were Farun Helic said. trudged through the mountain- nearly 4,500 illegal migrants, “thousands”. western town of Bihac, began arrested”, spokesman Ale Siljd- One migrant sustained life ous Balkan state last year in a more than fi ve times more com- Firefighters’ vehicles were olice arrested 11 migrants late on Friday, Fena news agency edic added. threatening injuries but is re- bid to slip across the border to pared with the previous year, ac- used to evacuate about 200 after a mass fi ght at their quoted the police spokesman as The cause of the fi ghting was covering, he added. Croatia and move on into other cording to a preliminary police people in need after they had Preception centre in Bosnia saying. not immediately known. Bosnia has become a key tran- EU countries. report. been trapped for hours, with that left eight seriously injured, After police brought the situ- Forty migrants sought medi- sit country carrying migrants While most manage to con- An estimated 4,500 to 6,000 temperatures around freezing, a spokesman said yesterday. ation under control and ques- cal help, among whom eight from Asia, the Middle East and tinue north, many have been migrants are currently in Bosnia. the spokesperson said. Gulf Times 20 Sunday, February 3, 2019 INDIA

HOT SEAT INVESTIGATION JUSTICE CONSERVATION Top MP police off icer IAF, HAL to jointly probe Vadra gets interim bail in Man smuggles month-old appointed CBI chief Mirage crash in Bengaluru money laundering case leopard cub on to plane

Rishi Kumar Shukla, former Madhya Pradesh The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the state- A Delhi Court yesterday granted interim bail A passenger, who smuggled a month-old Director General of Police, was yesterday run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will to Robert Vadra till February 16 in connection leopard cub in hand luggage on a flight from appointed the new CBI chief, 20 days after Alok conduct a joint probe into the crash of an with a money laundering case being probed Bangkok to Chennai, has been arrested, Verma was removed unceremoniously from upgraded version of the Mirage-2000 fighter by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Special authorities said yesterday. The cub, weighing the post following his bitter feud with Special jet, a Defence Ministry official said yesterday. Judge Arvind Kumar directed him to join the ED just over 1kg, was found in a plastic grocery Director Rakesh Asthana. The Appointments “The black box has been recovered from the investigation on the evening of February 6. The basket hidden inside a bag after the passenger Committee of the Cabinet appointed the crashed jet by the HAL and IAF, who will be court was hearing Vadra’s anticipatory bail plea. arrived in India on the Thai Airways flight. 1983-batch IPS off icer for a period of two years, conducting a joint inquiry into the incident,” The case relates to ownership of undisclosed Officials said they grew suspicious after a day after a high-level selection committee the official told IANS. Squadron Leaders assets abroad worth £1.9mn allegedly belonging hearing sounds coming from the bag, and headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to Samir Abrol and Siddhartha Negi died of fatal to Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress president stopped the passenger as he tried to rush out A handout picture released by Customs finalise the name. “The Appointments Committee injuries after the aircraft crashed on Friday at Rahul Gandhi. The ED lodged a money laundering of the terminal. “We have taken the custody of Chennai International Airport of a leopard of the Cabinet approved the appointment of a military airport in Bengaluru, when it was on case against Vadra’s aide Manoj Arora after his the passenger and are questioning him on the cub rescued from the baggage of a passenger Rishi Kumar Shukla as the Director, CBI, for a an acceptance sortie following its upgrade by role surfaced during the probe of another case source of the animal,” A O Limatoshi, head of travelling from Bangkok, at Chennai period of two years,” an off icial notification said. the HAL. against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Chennai wildlife crime bureau, told AFP. International airport.

Special court orders release of Dalit activist

IANS Pune

n a huge embarrassment for Maharashtra government, the Pune Special Court yesterday Islammed the city police Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) for what it termed as “illegal arrest” of Dalit intellectual Prof Anand Teltumbde, and ordered his immediate release — barely 12 hours after he was arrested at Mumbai airport. Pune Special Judge K D Vadane rejected argu- ments by the prosecution and ruled that Tel- tumbde’s arrest was not only “illegal” but also “amounts to a contempt of order of the Honour- able Supreme Court” which had granted protection from arrest to the professor for four weeks till February 11. When asked what was the haste to arrest Tel- tumbde in an early morning operation from Mumbai, Pune Joint Police Commissioner Shiva- jirao Bodke guardedly said: “It was done are per procedures.” “We respect the honourable court’s orders in this matter today. Now any further step will be initiated only after the verdict of the competent court which he (Teltumbde) may approach for relief,” Bodke told IANS shortly after the ruling. Special Judge Vadane also directed that after releasing Teltumbde, the Supreme Court should be informed of the same since the arrest by the Pune Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves during a public meeting in Thakurnagar yesterday. police was against the order of the apex court. The court pointed out that the apex court order clearly stated: “We extend the said interim protection for a period of four weeks..., within which the petitioner (Teltumbde) may seek regular/ pre- arrest bail from the competent authority, if so advised.” The judge Vadane observed “this means trial court, high court and Supreme Court also”, and Mamata rebuff s Modi on hence, although his anticipatory bail application was rejected by (this) court on February 1, Teltumbde still had the liberty to approach the higher courts within the stipulated four-week period. It was around 3.45am yesterday when a waiting team of Pune police accosted and arrested Tel- citizenship bill support tumbde from the domestic terminal of Chhatrap- ati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) IANS “After the country was divided violence between Bengalis and non- lice control room said two-three raising the slogan ‘Bharat Mata ki when he landed here from Kerala. Thakurnagar, West Bengal during independence, thousands of Bengalis, or between, Hindus, Mus- women had fainted. jai’ and left the ground, saying he Teltumbde, who teaches at the Goa Institute people including the Hindus, Sikhs, lims, Sikhs and Christians. “They were rushed to a hospital has another meeting to attend. of Management, had earlier fi led for anticipatory Christians and Parsis had to take “We oppose it. The government and released after fi rst-aid,” he said. Later, at another rally at Nehru bail before Special Judge Vadane, but it was re- rime Minister Narendra Modi shelter in India due to communal will have to withdraw it. Because we Modi, who was addressing a meet- stadium, Durgapur, in West Burd- jected on Friday, paving way for the police action. yesterday urged West Bengal’s violence. These refugees should get are all Indian citizens. ing organised by the All India Matua wan district, Modi began his speech Later, after completing certain post-arrest for- Pruling Trinamool Congress the right to citizenship. India is the “They are asking for our support Mahasangh in Thakurnagar, tried by referring to the incident. malities in Mumbai, he was whisked off to Pune to support the Citizenship Amend- only place that can provide them for citizenship amendment bill. Why to control the crowd and repeatedly “At Thakurnagar, there was a un- and produced before the court. ment Bill in Parliament to give the shelter,” Modi said addressing a should I support them? In the name asked them to remain wherever they precedented crowd, they were high In the court, his lawyer Rohan Nahar moved an refugees living in India the right to packed ground here in North 24 Par- of NRC, they have arranged to drive were as many BJP supporters tried on enthusiasm. I saw mothers, sis- application demanding action against the Pune citizenship. ganas district. out 4.5mn Bengalis — 2.3mn of them to force their way into the inner ring ters in large numbers. I think there ATS for contempt of Supreme Court by the illegal But Trinamool supremo Mamata “That’s why our government has Muslims, and remaining 2.2mn Hin- of the venue. Some people, waiting was twice the number of people than arrest, since the apex court had granted him pro- Banerjee categorically refused, and come up with Citizenship Amend- dus — from Assam,” she said. outside the venue, also rushed in, the ground can hold. They were in- tection till February 11, and strongly argued for his asked him instead to withdraw the ment Bill. I urge the Trinamool Con- Banerjee said because of the citi- adding to the chaos. convenienced. immediate release. legislation. gress leaders to support the Bill and zenship bill, the entire North East “The ground is too small for “I bow my head and salute all Teltumbde has been charged of having links Addressing a rally in West Ben- help the refugee brothers and sisters is on fi re. “We won’t allow them to this meeting. Please remain where those who had come to Thakurnagar with the banned Communist Party of India (Mao- gal’s Thakurnagar, home to the Dalit to get their rights,” he said. damage the North-East,” she added. you are... I request you, there is no and showered their blessings and ist) and also with the Elgaar Parishad, which al- Matua community, Modi said India The Lok Sabha has already cleared Earlier, Modi cut his speech short place in the maidan. Don’t do this,” love on me. legedly triggered the January 1, 2018 caste riots is the only place that can provide the Bill, which is now pending in the at a rally in West Bengal’s North 24 the prime minister said, as people “But at the same time, some sis- and violence in Koregaon-Bhima in Pune. shelter to thousands of Hindus, Rajya Sabha. Parganas district and later apolo- jumped barricade and jostled with ters and children faced problems. I Opposing his anticipatory bail plea, the Pune Sikhs and refugees of other commu- Speaking to a television channel gised after several women and chil- one another to get a vantage point to sympathise with them, and apolo- police had submitted evidences in a sealed enve- nities, who came from neighbouring soon after, Banejree turned down the dren fainted following a stampede- listen to the leader’s speech. gise for this,” he added. lope, claiming him to be an alleged “urban Mao- countries to save themselves from request, saying her party wouldn’t let like situation at the venue. As the commotion continued, Modi advised the crowd at Dur- ist” against which the law enforcers have launched communal violence. the BJP to divide people and engineer An offi cer manning the state po- Modi abruptly ended his speech by gapur to be patient. a major off ensive for the past one year.

Kerala Congress begins march ahead of polls Martial skill

By Ashraf Padanna leaders including Oommen Chandy, Last time, the IUML contested two Thiruvananthapuram Ramesh Chennithala and DK Shiva- seats and KC (M) one and won all, but kumar would attend the fl ag-off . last- minute adjustments and in- In 2014, Congress-led United fi ghting resulted in Congress losing at rincipal opposition Congress Democratic Front (UDF) won 12 of the least three. party has started galvanising 20 seats from the state leaving eight Both the allies are demanding one Pcadres in Kerala for the nation- to the Left Democratic Front (LDF), more seat this time, while the Revolu- al elections expected less than two including two independents. tionary Socialist Party (RSP) is ready months away. Opinion polls suggest the UDF rally to content with the Kollam seat where Mullappally Ramachandran, its could go up to 17 and the northern- it sits petty. president, will begin a statewide tour most Kannur and Kasaragod, where it Ramachandran visited the IUML today from the northern Kasaragod lost by less than 7,000 votes, include chief Panakkad Hyderali Shihab town, to conclude in the state capital its targets. Thangal, seeking his blessings here on February 27. Pollsters also predict a steep fall in yesterday, saying that’s his routine The cadres, slowly recovering from the vote share of the LDF, led by the before embarking on critical mis- the crushing defeat in the 2016 state Communist Party of India (Marxist) sions. elections, are upbeat after half a doz- or CPM, by more than 10 per cent The UDF hopes to keep its support en surveys predicted an impressive from 40.13 per cent. base intact among minority com- comeback for the party. They attribute it to cracks appear- munities, who constitute 46% of the The success of party president Ra- ing in its Hindu vote bank after failed electorate, given the Narendra Modi- hul Gandhi’s rally in the port city of attempts to open the Sabarimala hill Gandhi binary. Kochi last week, drawing huge crowds shrine for women to worship. They believe the current political of women and youth also increased As every seat counts for its su- narrative is heavily in their favour in their confi dence. preme leader Gandhi at least to be- Kerala, while Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Senior leader AK Antony will fl ag come the Leader of the Opposition in Party is expected to eat into the LDF off the tour in which Lathika Sub- the next lower house, if not the Prime vote bank. hash, AA Shukoor, Joseph Vazhakkan, Minister, the party is leaving no stone The case in point is the capital con- KC Abu and other leaders will accom- unturned. stituency where Dr Shashi Tharoor pany Ramachandran. The leaders have started placating scraped through when the BJP put up District Congress Committee key allies Indian Union Muslim League a formidable fi ght, pushing the LDF Sikh participants perform ‘Gatka’, an ancient form of Sikh martial art, during a competition in Amritsar yesterday. president Hakeem Kunnel said top (IUML) and Kerala Congress (Mani). into a distant third. Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 21 LATIN AMERICA

DRAMA ON HIGH SEAS NATURE’S FURY HEAT SIGNATURE DEMOCRACY POLITICS Environmentalists attacked 6.5-magnitude earthquake Meteorite may have hit Brazil lower house reelects Outsider favoured to win on Mexico porpoise patrol rocks Guatemala, Mexico Cuba: US weather service pro-reforms Maia as head El Salvador election

Environmental group Sea Shepherd said Friday A 6.5-magnitude earthquake shook Mexico and A meteorite may have hit western Cuba on Friday, the Brazil’s lower house of Congress reelected on The two parties that have ruled El Salvador for one of its ships had been attacked by 20 boats Guatemala on Friday, leaving three people injured US National Weather Service said. “Radar may have Friday by a vast majority Rodrigo Maia, from three decades could lose their grip on power today while patrolling off the coast of Mexico to protect and causing infrastructure damage, authorities detected the meteor that aff ected western Cuba the Democratas party, for a new two-year term if voters choose as president a young outsider the endangered vaquita marina porpoise from said. The quake struck near the Mexico- earlier today. At 1.21pm, a signature was detected as president of the chamber. Maia had the from a small third party who has vowed to lift the illegal fishermen. Attackers on high-speed boats Guatemala border, 37km southwest of Ciudad near Vinales, Cuba at a height of over 26,000ft about support of Brazil’s newly elected President Jair economy and stem the flow of migrants. Opinion threw Molotov cocktails and large rocks at the Hidalgo, in the Mexican state of Chiapas, said ground level,” the service’s branch in Key West, Bolsonaro and has pledged to work with the polls give former San Salvador mayor Nayib M/V Farley Mowat in the Gulf of California on Mexico’s National Seismological Service. It put the Florida tweeted. There were no injuries from the new administration to pass key reforms seen Bukele a strong lead, which could make him the Thursday, shattering windows and igniting a depth at 62km. It caused rockslides that blocked reported incident, CNN’s Havana bureau chief Patrick as crucial for the country to balance its budget, first leader not drawn from the left- and right-wing fire on the patrol ship, Sea Shepherd said in a three highways in Guatemala, and left at least Oppmann wrote on Twitter. “Residents of Vinales, such as the pension reform. Maia obtained 334 parties that have ruled El Salvador since 1989. Both statement. It is the second time the organisation’s three people with minor injuries, authorities there Cuba heard a large explosion this afternoon and say of 513 available votes. His nearest competitor, the ruling Farabundo Marti National Liberation patrol ships have come under attack in three said. The quake was felt as far away as El Salvador a small meteorite may have hit the town.” A video Fabio Ramalho from MDB party, received 66 Front and traditional rival, the conservative weeks. In the latest incident, the ship “was and Mexico City. In the Mexican capital, more than uploaded to YouTube showed a vapour trail from the votes. “The reforms are not simple, but they are Nationalist Republican Alliance, lags well behind violently attacked by over 50 assailants posing as 1,200km from the epicentre, tall buildings swayed purported meteor, while numerous photos depicted necessary,” Maia said in a speech before the Bukele, who belongs to a smaller right-wing party fishermen,” said the US environmental group. and thousands of people were evacuated. blackened fragments of the object. vote. called the Great Alliance for National Unity.

Fernandez eyes vote run against Macri

By Nicolas Misculin, Reuters Buenos Aires

ormer Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirch- Fner intends to run for the offi ce again this year, two sources close to left-leaning politician told Reuters, the strongest indication yet that the populist leader will look to mount a challenge to incumbent Mauricio Macri. Fernández, who has yet to formally announce herself as a candidate in the elections in October, would make boosting consumer purchasing power a focus, the sources said, a counter to Macri’s austerity push that has dented his popularity. The election run, if confi rmed, would make Fernández the fi rst and most high-profi le challenger to Macri, who is expected to run for a second term but whose leadership has faced heavy criticism after Opposition activists rally to back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido’s calls for early elections in Caracas yesterday. rampant infl ation last year and a falling economy hit voters hard. A Macri versus Fernández bat- tle would likely dominate the election process in what will be a major crossroads for Argentina’s economic and political future: a choice between Macri’s IMF-backed economic reforms or a return to Per- onism. General ditches Maduro Fernandez — who led the country from 2007 through 2015 and is now a senator — is Macri’s arch political rival and is among his main critics from within the country’s Peronist movement. A spokesman for Fernandez’s party did not directly confi rm that as anti-govt rallies grow she would be a candidate when asked by Reuters, but said any gov- Reuters Washington, along with many coun- general to recognise Guaido since he pro- “I have no quality of life, I can’t go dictator of the world and thinks we are ernment from her faction would Caracas tries in the western hemisphere, has claimed himself president on January 23. out onto the streets, my university his slaves.” look to bolster the purchasing recognised Guaido as the legitimate Venezuela’s chief military attache to is falling apart, they’ve closed class- Washington has imposed sweeping power of workers to support the president, arguing that Maduro stole the United States also said he was de- rooms, there are no teachers,” she said. sanctions on state-owned oil fi rm PD- domestic market. high-ranking Venezuelan gener- his second term, and imposed poten- fecting last week. “It’s time they leave.” VSA in the toughest fi nancial challenge “She will be (a candidate) be- al yesterday called on the armed tially crippling sanctions this week that Canada and several Latin American Maduro too was yesterday holding yet to Maduro, as the Trump adminis- cause she does not have any other Aforces to rebel against President are likely to further weaken the Opec nations have already offi cially recog- a rally to commemorate the 20th an- tration openly seeks to push him from option,” said one source, a strategy Nicolas Maduro and to recognise the nation’s struggling oil industry. nised Guiado. niversary of late socialist leader Hugo power. adviser to Fernandez, asking not to opposition leader Juan Guaido as the While small rebellions against Ma- Some European Union member Chavez’s fi rst inauguration as president Venezuela is suff ering from hyperin- be named because the run was not interim chief as huge crowds rallied duro have broken out in Venezuela’s states are expected to offi cially recog- in 1999. fl ation, produce shortages and a mass yet public. against the head of state, adding pres- armed forces in recent months, there nise Guaido next week, while others “Today is the anniversary of 20 years migration of citizens to neighbouring A second source close to the sure on Maduro to step down. has been no large scale military upris- will likely take a more cautious stance of work, fi ght, advances and important Latin American countries — a situation former president also said she The military’s support is crucial for ing against him. of support. achievements, despite the diffi culties likely to be worsened in the short term would run and that she was the the embattled Maduro, who is deeply “People of Venezuela, 90% of the “We are going to send a very clear and imperial conspiracies,” the president by the new sanctions. best candidate to lead the country. unpopular largely due to an unprec- armed forces of Venezuela are not with message in all the municipalities of said on Twitter. “Congratulations to all.” Guaido swore himself in as interim Fernandez was indicted last year edented economic crisis that has the dictator, they are with the people of Venezuela and in each city of the world, Supporters of the “chavismo” move- president in a direct challenge to Ma- on charges that her administration prompted an exodus of millions, but Venezuela,” General Francisco Yanez of we are going to give a demonstration ment founded by Chavez gathered in duro’s rule, but still has no control over accepted bribes from construction claims he is victim of a coup directed by the air force’s high command said in a of strength, in a pacifi c and organised Caracas’ Bolivar avenue for the govern- state institutions or any functions of companies in exchange for public the United States. video yesterday circulating on Twitter. manner,” Guaido tweeted yesterday. ment rally yesterday morning. day-to-day governance. works contracts. The general’s defection came as tens “Given the happenings of the last Mireanna Fernandez, a 20-year- “For us Venezuelans, there is only Maduro’s adversaries say he has run Fernandez has denied the charg- of thousands of opposition supporters, few hours, already the transition to de- old student at a protest in the eastern one president — President Nicolas roughshod over democratic institu- es and said she never received any many sporting clothes in the yellow, mocracy is imminent.” city of Ciudad Guayana, said before Maduro,” said Gregory Carrasquel, 35. tions, including the opposition-run illicit money. blue and red colours of the Venezuelan On its Twitter account, the air force’s Guaido’s January 23 proclamation she “The other is someone who is being led congress, and destroyed the once- As a senator, she has immunity fl ag, turned out at rallies nationwide to high command accused the general of wanted to leave Venezuela, but now she to carry out a coup.” buoyant economy through a corrup- from arrest, but not from prosecu- protest against Maduro and show sup- treason. had hope that Maduro’s government “(US President Donald) Trump is tion-riddled exchange control system tion. port for Guaido. Yanez is the fi rst active Venezuelan would end. imposing measures because he is the and arbitrary nationalisations.

Deadly Brazil dam burst likely had same cause as previous one, says top offi cial

Reuters Gerais which was home to both Hildebrando Neto, Minas It found that the mine restau- Brumadinho disasters, to protest against Vale, Gerais’ deputy minister for en- rant, where many Vale workers with some saying its top execu- vironmental regulations, told were likely to have died, would tives should be jailed. Reuters last week that all evi- be hit by toxic mud. The study he collapse of a Brazilian “I lost three of my students,” dence suggests that the burst was envisaged that sirens would alert dam controlled by miner said Aparecida Moreira, a teacher caused by liquefaction, whereby workers if the dam burst. TVale last month likely hap- at a local law school. “They are a solid material such as sand The company has said the mud pened because parts of the sand dead, and we don’t know where loses strength and stiff ness and ﬂ ow destroyed the sirens before and dried-mud structure dissolved their bodies are.” behaves more like a liquid. they could sound the alarm. into liquid, a state regulator said in There were also demands for a Dams holding mining waste, Vale said in a statement that an interview, similar to what caused congressional investigation. known as tailings, sometimes the plan was “built on the basis another deadly mining disaster less An internal study showed the collapse for this reason. of technical studies of hypo- than four years ago. miner knew as recently as last year Major Brazilian TV outlets ob- thetical scenarios in the event of With 115 people conﬁ rmed dead that some of the areas swamped tained dramatic security camera a breach” although it did not di- and another 248 missing, accord- with toxic mud were at risk if the video showing the outer wall of rectly reference Folha’s story. ing to information from the res- dam burst, according to a report the dam collapsing and an ava- Offi cials with the Mines and cue team on Friday evening, the by Folha de S Paulo newspaper. lanche of mud crushing trees, Energy Ministry and the Nation- tailings dam collapse in the town Vale described the document houses and cars in its path. al Mining Agency told reporters of Brumadinho could be Brazil’s as a routine disaster preparation Closeups replayed throughout on Friday that the cause of the deadliest mine disaster. plan required by regulators. the day showed cars and people rupture was still unclear. The burst tailings dam at the The disaster poses a headache scrambling unsuccessfully to es- “If we had known (what the Corrego do Feijao mine last Fri- for the new government of far- cape the dark red torrent. problem was), maybe this trage- day has ignited intense public right President Jair Bolsonaro, Neto said liquefaction caused the dy would have never happened,” anger against Vale, which was whose new business-friendly 2015 collapse of the Samarco dam, the ministry’s mining secretary, co-owner of Samarco, the previ- administration must juggle pub- which led to the deaths of 19 people. Alexandre Vidigal, said. “We are ous dam that collapsed. lic anger over the tragedy and its The internal study reported by in the investigation phase and Around 2,000 people gathered own desire to ease mining and the Folha newspaper was dated April we cannot say whether the (in- A demonstrator holds a sign reading ‘It was not an accident, it was a crime’ during a protest against in Belo Horizonte, capital of the environmental regulations to 18, 2018, and outlined the likely im- spection) model was adequate Brazilian mining company Vale SA, in front of the Se Cathedral in Sao Paulo. mining-intensive state of Minas kick-start growth. pact of a collapse at the dam. or not.” Gulf Times 22 Sunday, February 3, 2019 PAKISTAN

FBR revises land valuations upwards Former PM Sharif for 20 major cities

Internews while commercial properties Islamabad have been valued at between Rs3,168,000 per marla and Rs1,728,000 per marla. admitted to hospital he Federal Board of Rev- Residential and commercial enue (FBR) has issued properties in Zaman Park have AFP/DPA/Internews He returned to Pakistan in had recommended shifting the Ta fl urry of notifi cations been revalued to Rs691,200 Islamabad 2007 and took power once more former prime minister to a hos- regarding upward revisions in per marla and Rs1,368,000 per in 2013 until his ousting last year. pital where there is a kidney spe- the valuation rates of immov- marla, respectively. Shahbaz Sharif, the brother cialist and a diabetologist. able property in 20 major cities The valuation of 28 areas of ormer prime minister Na- of Nawaz Sharif and opposition “He suff ers from diabetes and of the country. Rawalpindi and 90 areas of Is- waz Sharif, who is serving leader in the National Assembly, there is some stents blockage,” The average increase in valu- lamabad has also been revised Fa seven-year jail term over is also facing charges of corrup- the offi cial added. “He also has ations is around 20%, but some upwards by the FBR. graft charges, was taken to hos- tion. stage 3 chronic kidney disease areas have seen a much sharper In Rawalpindi, residential pital yesterday, offi cials said. Sharif’s PML-N party lost the which is very severe.” revision in taxable rates. areas in Satellite Town have He was transferred from Kot election on July 25 to the rival Another doctor, who had ex- The new rates, which the been valued at Rs3,000,000 Lakhpat prison in the eastern city Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by amined Sharif during his incar- FBR will use to calculate with- per marla while commer- of Lahore to a government hos- former cricket hero Imran Khan. ceration at Adiala Jail, said: “He holding and capital gains taxes cial areas have been valued at pital, where he was undergoing Late last month a team of doc- has serious issues which could when properties in notifi ed ar- Rs1,680,000 per marla. medical tests. tors, including cardiologists, be life threatening and are highly eas are bought and sold, were Residential properties in “Nawaz Sharif has been moved conducted a medical examina- concerning.” applicable from February 1. the DHA have been valued to hospital from jail,” a senior tion of the PML-N supremo at Following the medical reports, Among the largest cities, at between Rs420,000 and government offi cial in Lahore Kot Lakhpat jail. PML-N leaders had criticised the the area-wise categorisation Rs132,000 per marla, while told AFP. Blood samples of the former federal and Punjab government of Karachi reveals that the city commercial areas have been The authorities decided to Sharif: has been facing multiple health issues. premier were sent to Jinnah Hos- for not granted the former pre- has been divided into 196 areas estimated at Rs3,000,000 per shift Sharif to hospital on a rec- pital, and he had been taken to mier “proper treatment” and re- for the purposes of valuation. marla. ommendation from a board of regular electrocardiogram read- The Supreme Court has dis- the Punjab Institute of Cardiol- jecting his “fundamental rights”. Under the categorisation In Islamabad, the upscale lo- doctors who found a blockage ing during his fi rst prison term, qualifi ed Sharif from politics for ogy (PIC) for further tests. Meanwhile, PML-N spokes- scheme, properties on Abdul- calities of F-6 to F-11 have been in blood supply to his heart, Pa- when a graft court sentenced life over the allegations, and di- Three tests, including person Marriyum Aurangzeb lah Haroon Road, Bath Island, valued between Rs50,460 and kistan Muslim League – Nawaz him to 10 years in a case revolv- rected an anti-corruption body echocardiogram (ECG) and Thal- said: “Such treatment of a three- Ibrahim Ismail Chundhrigar Rs58,260 per square yard. (PML-N) spokesman Pervaiz ing around family properties in to investigate three diff erent lium, were conducted of the time prime minister shows the Road, and PECHS (Pakistan On the other hand, the valu- Rashid said. London. charges regarding his family’s former premier at the PIC, and moral degradation of the federal Employees Cooperative Hous- ation of commercial spaces Sharif’s condition is stable, he He was released in September properties and businesses. his medical reports showed that and Punjab government.” ing Society) are among 22 lo- in F-6 start at Rs29,700 per added. after another court suspended Sharif has been prime minis- his heart was bigger than normal. “The decision to not hand calities listed under the “A-1” square yard, and go up to Sharif’s daughter Maryam his sentence pending an appeal ter three times but it has been a Senior doctors had recom- over Nawaz’s medical reports to category. Rs148,500 per square yard. confi rmed the news on Twitter. hearing – but was again sen- rough ride. mended that the former premier his family is alarming and raises Residential plots in this A total of 339 areas of Pesha- The former prime minister has tenced to seven years in prison He was fi rst expelled from of- be shifted to a hospital. questions,” she added. category have been valued war and 426 areas of Quetta been facing multiple health is- for corruption in a second case. fi ce in 1993 on suspicion of cor- An offi cial of the Rawalpindi Aurangzeb demanded that at Rs42,000 per square foot, have also been re-evaluated by sues. Sharif has denied all the charg- ruption. Institute of Cardiology (RIC), the nation be apprised regard- while commercial plots have the board. He has a known history of dia- es against him and claims that he He won an election in 1997, who had seen Sharif’s medical ing Sharif’s health, and that his been valued at Rs120,000 per Residential properties on betes, and was transferred from is being targeted by the country’s only to be ousted and exiled after report, said on the condition of medical reports be handed to his square foot. Peshawar’s Mall road have jail to hospital last July over an ir- powerful security establishment. a military coup in 1999. anonymity that the committee family immediately. A 100% upward increase has been valued at Rs1,322,795, been made in the valuation of while commercial properties immovable properties in some here have been estimated at sectors of the Defence Housing Rs5,732,110 per marla. All in a day’s work Authority (DHA) in Karachi. In Sadar Bazar, residential In the other areas of the city, areas are valued at Rs1,322,795 Many KP lawmakers the FBR has revised its valua- per marla while commercial tions by between 15% and 20%. areas will cost Rs5,732,110. Lahore is a primary focus The revised property valu- are millionaires of the property re-evaluation ation rates have brought them drive, where 1,234 areas have to around 60% of their actual been re- evaluated for tax col- market values, FBR spokesman Internews The second largest income lection purposes. Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar told Peshawar source cited was agriculture, According to the notifi ca- the Express Tribune. with 27 members stating that tions issued, residential prop- He further said another they were associated with the erties in Gulberg have been as- phase of re-evaluation would large number of law- sector. sessed at between Rs1,656,000 kick off from July or Septem- makers in the Khyber There are as many as 24 who per marla (272.25sq feet) ber to bring the rates to 80% of APakhtunkhwa provin- are declared businesspeople and Rs1,224,000 per marla, market values. cial assembly in northwest of and traders. Pakistan are millionaires, while Only four members stated two are billionaires. that they were professionally Moreover, some lawmakers involved in legal practice, as hail from professional disci- opposed to the 16 people who plines such as doctors, engi- stated that they hold law de- Chinese envoy opens neers, and lawyers. grees. According to information Despite the fact that four available with Daily Express, people stated that they hold research centre most members of 123-member medical degrees, only one is provincial assembly are high- practising medicine. ly-educated. Some women MPs declared Internews people and security forces in As many as 33 men and four themselves as housewives by Islamabad the war against terrorism. women hold bachelor’s de- profession. He said that foreign invest- grees. Out of the 123-member ment for development of mili- Moreover, 19 men and three house, 87 declared assets of hina’s ambassador to tancy-aff ected areas of Khyber women hold master’s degrees. between Rs1mn and Rs1bn. Pakistan Yao Jing has Pakhtunkhwa, including the There are 13 men and three Those who disclosed assets Cinaugurated the Centre merged tribal districts, would women who hold law degrees, between Rs1mn and Rs10mn for Training of Teaching and be highly welcomed. while eight men and one wom- include 19 men and fi ve women Research at the Kohat Univer- Afridi said that foreign in- an just have a Federal Arts (FA) on general seats. sity of Science and Technology. vestment would help bring certifi cation. There were two people on Minister of State for Interior economic prosperity and de- There are four qualifi ed doc- reserved seats for minorities Shahryar Afridi was present at velopment imperative for re- tors in the house: two men and (out of the three minority seats the ceremony. gional integration. two women with MBBS de- in the entire house) who de- The ambassador highlight- He said Pakistan and China grees. clared their wealth within this ed the importance of ongoing had been friends for a long A further two members hold bracket. China-sponsored projects in time. engineering degrees. Similarly, those who have Pakistan. “We love China from the There are three madrassa declared assets between He assured all possible help core of our hearts,” he re- graduates. Rs10mn and Rs50mn include to the students who wanted to marked. The lowest qualifi ed 37 men and eight women. acquire education in China. Afridi added that Chinese amongst all the provincial law- Those who declared assets In his address, minister Af- investment in southern dis- makers are seven men and fi ve between Rs50mn and Rs100mn ridi said Pakistan had moved tricts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa women, who stated that they include 11 men and one woman. to progress and development in mineral, oil and gas sectors only have matriculation cer- Two declared assets worth after matchless sacrifi ces by its would be welcomed. tifi cates. between Rs100mn and There are as many as 28 Rs500mn: one man and one “professional” politicians in woman. Former Musharraf aide joins the PTI the house: 20 men and eight Two members of the assem- women listed politics as their bly declared assets between Former All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chairman Dr Mohamed profession. Rs500mn and Rs1bn. Amjad has been welcomed into the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by party head, Prime Minister Imran Khan. PTI secretary general Arshad Dad and the prime minister’s special adviser Naeemul Haq were present during the meeting. “I have complete faith in the PTI’s manifesto and leadership,” Amjad said, adding that Prime Minister Khan’s government is working on KP govt decides to an agenda of reforms for the country. “Even in its initial days, the PTI government has brought the country A man drives a horse-drawn carriage loaded with foam sheets on a street in Lahore. on a track that leads to success,” the new PTI member said. “I will set up donkey farms join the captain’s caravan to lead the country towards success.”

Internews phase, ailing, weak and para- Peshawar lysed donkeys will be supplied,” an offi cial of the Livestock De- partment shared. Aasia Bibi’s lawyer seeking European passport he Livestock Depart- According to him, “in the ment of the Khyber Pa- fi rst three years, 80,000 don- Tkhtunkhwa government keys will be exported. Donkeys AFP “He is hoping that people will take ary 26 to defend Bibi as she faced an- has decided to establish don- are bred in farms in 2.5 to three Paris into account his heroic actions in de- other appeal of the apex court’s deci- key farms in Dera Ismail Khan years. Chinese companies are fending Ms Bibi, given the current sion, which was rejected on Tuesday. and Maneshra districts, as part interested in donkey farms and circumstances in Pakistan, which led Bibi, who has been detained in proof its donkey export plan. foreign companies are ready to he lawyer who helped secure the him to exchange his freedom for hers,” tective custody, is expected to leave The farms will be established invest $3bn in them.” acquittal of a Christian woman Mulook’s lawyer Francois Zimeray Pakistan as well to seek asylum in a with foreign partnership. “Over 70,000 households Tfacing the death sentence for told AFP. “He does not want to seek North American or European country, “Agreements will be signed in the province are dependent blasphemy is himself seeking protec- asylum, but rather to ask for European and unconfi rmed reports have said her with the Chinese government on donkeys for their source of tion from European governments, his nationality.” children are already in Canada. as well as registered compa- income, thus we want to sign French lawyer told AFP on Friday. Mulook fl ed to the Netherlands The country’s foreign ministry con- nies,” the offi cials in the pro- agreements after thinking Saiful Mulook has been targeted by last November after violent protests fi rmed on Thursday that Bibi was free vincial department added. carefully as we do not want a death threats since the spectacular erupted over the Pakistani Supreme to leave the country after her years- “An important breakthrough scarcity of the animals in the acquittal of his client Aasia Bibi, a la- Court’s decision to overturn Bibi’s long legal ordeal, which drew world- is expected this year in the plan province,” the offi cials contin- bourer from central Punjab province death sentence from 2010. wide attention to religious extremism Mulook: fled to the Netherlands last year but returned to export donkeys. In the fi rst ued. on death row since 2010. He returned to Islamabad on Janu- in Pakistan. to Islamabad on January 26 to defend Bibi. Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 23 PHILIPPINES Opposition slams new asset access rules

By Glee Jalea ance Committee was already officer or employee concerned know and freedom of informa- rights, welfare and safety of Manila Times delegated to approve or deny from unnecessary disclosures.” tion, “suspiciously at a time everybody concerned (includ- the public’s access to such doc- “If we have nothing to hide, when lawmakers are tagged in ing House members) is pro- uments. why make public access to and multi-billion kickbacks and tected.” pposition lawmakers All requests for access to disclosure of SALNs, which are corruption allegations.” A number of congressmen have condemned a “rail- SALNs require complete dis- public documents, extremely HR 2467 seeks to have the and even House personnel have Oroaded” resolution call- closure of the identification difficult to the extent of dis- director of the House of Rep- complained of becoming the ing for stricter rules on public data such as the party’s name, couraging and deterring appli- resentatives Records Manage- subject of fishing expeditions access to the statements of as- position or title, affiliation, cants from securing copies of ment Service redact details for harassment cases, black- sets, liabilities, and net worth address, as well as the nature said SALNs?” Lagman said. of the SALN including the mail and character assassina- (SALNs) of House members. and purpose of request. ACT-Teachers partyl-list owner’s address, the name of tion, he claimed. “What is so sacrosanct about Members of the media shall Rep. France Castro told Manila an unmarried child below 18 Castro co-authored HR 2467 the contents of a representa- provide proof of media af- Times: “In the spirit of trans- years of age living in the SALN with Speaker Gloria Macapagal tive’s SALN that the access filiation and certification of parency and accountability to owner’s household, the ex- Arroyo and others lawmakers. to it by the public and media accreditation as a legitimate the people since we are repre- act location of real properties, Section 8 of Republic Act is made inordinately restric- practitioner. Students must sentatives of the people, they business address of the entity (RA) 6713 or the Code of Con- Edcel Lagman: critical of new rule tive and tedious…?” said Albay provide copies of their school ought to know our SALN. An or business enterprise in which duct and Ethical Standards for representative Edcel Lagman. IDs and certifications of enrol- ordinary teacher or a govern- the SALN owner has business Public Officials and Employees ried children under 18 years of Real property and personal During Wednesday’s session, ment from the school. ment employee is also trans- interest and/or financial con- requires public officials and age living in their households. property, all other assets such lawmakers adopted House Res- The requesting party is also parent on his SALN.” nection, and the names of rela- employees to accomplish and The resolution goes against as investments, cash in hand olution (HR) 2467, requiring required to be sworn under Gabriela Party Rep. Arlene tives in the government. submit declarations under oath RA 6713, which requires a public or in bank, stocks, bonds, and copies of the SALNs of House oath, certifying that the re- Brosas, the second poorest House Majority Leader Fre- of their assets, liabilities, net official or employee to disclose the like; liabilities; and all busi- members to be referred to the quest does not constitute inva- House member, said the reso- denil Castro said they only worth and financial and busi- “to the best of his knowledge nesses and financial connec- plenary for final approval even sion of personal privacy so as lution only sets up a formidable wanted the public to exercise ness interests including those and information” his relatives tions must also be indicated if a SALN Review and Compli- “to protect the House member, barrier to the people’s right to responsibility “so that the of their spouses and of unmar- in the government. under the SALN. Top Asian leaders condole with families of attack victims

Manila Times Manila

number of Asia’s top leaders have extended Atheir condolences to families of victims who died or were Senator Joseph Ejercito has pushed for the revival of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) lines in injured by twin bombings in Sulu both the northern and southern parts of the country to enhance economic growth. province in southern Mindanao on January 27. They, at the same time, vowed to join the international community in continuing to combat Call to revive railway terrorism and preserve world peace. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a statement addressed to his lines to stimulate growth Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte has said he “was shocked to learn that severe bombings By Javier J Ismael in the 15th Congress, saying that and modern railway system, happened in Sulu province of Manila Times the railway system had the po- which moves people and goods the Philippines, causing serious tential to provide an alternative faster could be the catalyst for casualties.” transport system, particularly in economic growth. Apart from “On behalf of the Chinese enator Joseph Victor “JV” the remote provinces in South- the economic benefi ts, Ejercito government and people as well Ejercito has pushed for the ern Luzon. According to Ejercito, said a modern railway could also as in my own name, I would like Srevival of the existing Phil- the country was lagging at least signifi cantly help in decongest- to extend my deepest condo- ippine National Railways (PNR) 15 to 20 years in terms of infra- ing traffi c in the various areas of lences to the victims, and convey lines in both the northern and structure development, includ- the country especially in the ma- my sincere sympathies to the be- southern parts of the country to ing the mass transport system. jor business districts. reaved families and the injured,” spur economic growth. The construction of an effi - “I believe there is no other way Xi added. “The railway system could cient network of railway system than the railway system that we China, according to the Chi- serve as the backbone of our would cost the government a could address the traffi c conges- nese leader, “fi rmly opposes all economy, it will create growth huge amount of money and in- tion in Manila and other key ur- forms of terrorism and strongly nodes and spread out develop- vestment, but the returns to the ban cities,” Ejercito added. condemns the violent attacks Soldiers examine the site after two bombs exploded outside a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu. ment across the countryside,” economy would be enormous, Ejercito has laid out initial on innocent civilians and stands Ejercito said. he said. plans for the restoration of the ready to work with the interna- “was shocked to learn that se- “Violence and terrorism have “Such terror attack will never Ejercito has been pushing for However, the lawmaker said railway system with Japanese tional community, including the vere bombings happened in Sulu no place in democratic and plu- be condoned whatever the rea- the PNR’s revival since he was only an effi cient, reliable, cost- companies as the potential part- Philippines, to jointly combat province of the Philippines.” ralistic societies such as ours. son is. On behalf of the gov- representative of San Juan City eff ective, environment-friendly ner for the project. terrorism and safeguard inter- “I strongly condemn this at- India condemns such acts of ernment and people of Japan, national and regional peace and tack and would like to extend terrorism in the strongest terms I would like to pray for the de- stability.” my deepest condolences to the and is ready to work with the ceased, and express my heart- Another high Chinese offi cial victims, and convey my sincere Philippines in all possible ways felt sympathy to the injured and also condemned the attack on sympathies to the bereaved fam- to counter this global menace,” their families,” Kono said. Terrorist killed in clash with troops in Sulu the Our Lady of Mount Carmel ilies and the injured,” he added. Modi said. Japan, he added, stands with A foreign terrorist was killed when soldiers and mem- Monfort said in a news briefing that five members of Cathedral in Jolo, provincial Also addressing President Also addressing Locsin in an- Filipinos “who have been long- bers of the Abu Sayyaf Group clashed in Patikul, Sulu the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were killed while five capital of Sulu, last Sunday. Duterte in a statement on Janu- other statement on January 29, ing for peace and stability in yesterday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said, others were injured. Wang Yi, state councillor and ary 28, Prime Minister Naren- Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Mindanao.” Manila Times reported. Lt Col Gerald Monfort, Joint He said soldiers battled about 150 Abu Sayyaf group Minister of Foreign Aff airs, in dra Modi of India expressed his Kono condemned as well “the His country, according to Task Force Sulu spokesman, said three Abu Sayyaf members led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was another statement also on Janu- “deep condolences at the loss of horrible terror attack that oc- Kono, “is committed to assisting rebels were killed in the intense firefight that oc- allegedly involved in the twin bombings at the Jolo ary 29 addressed to Teodoro lives and injuries that many Fili- curred in Jolo, Sulu, on January Mindanao in accordance with curred at Sitio Sungkogin in Barangay Kabbon Takas. cathedral on January 27. Locsin Jr, Philippine Foreign pinos sustained in the terrorist 27 that caused numerous casual- the ongoing Mindanao peace Aff airs secretary, said he too attack in Jolo last Sunday.” ties.” process.” Appeals court judges picked for Trillanes case

Manila Times rari dated January 17, 2019 and amnesty granted to Trillanes OSG to seek redress before the mitted the crimes of rebellion Manila signed by Solicitor General Jose under Proclamation 75, on the CA. In its petition, the OSG cit- and coup d’etat for his active Calida, the OSG asked the ap- ground that he failed to com- ed the ruling of the high court involvement and participation peals court to nullify several ply with the necessary require- saying that only a trial court, in Oakwood mutiny and Manila he Court of Appeals (CA) issuances of Judge Andres So- ments for its grant, including and in certain cases, the ap- Peninsula Siege.” seventh division has been riano of the Makati Regional the filing of his application and peals tribunal, are trier of facts. The petition also claimed Tdesignated to handle the Trial Court (RTC) Branch 148. admission of guilt. “The respondent judge (So- that “no evidence was also ad- petition ﬁ led by the Depart- Soriano junked the DoJ’s Trillanes sought relief from riano) acted arbitrarily in hold- duced to show that diligent ef- ment of Justice (DoJ) and the motion seeking Trillanes’ ar- the Supreme Court; challenging that the factual basis for forts had been exerted to locate Offi ce of the Solicitor General rest, but declared the revoca- ing the proclamation, but the Proclamation 572 does not exist the original copy of the pur- (OSG) against Senator Antonio tion of Trillanes’ amnesty by high court junked his plea for notwithstanding his ruling that portedly existing form.” Trillanes 4th, which seeks to re- President Rodrigo Duterte as a temporary restraining order it is valid,” the petition said. The OSG also argued that the voke his amnesty and called for valid. and remanded the factual is- The respondent judge com- state was denied due process of his arrest without bail for coup The OSG also asked the CA to sues of the cases to the trial mitted grave abuse of discre- law, when the RTC issued the d’etat charges against the gov- remand the case against Tril- courts. tion, among others, “amount- order in 2011 dismissing the ernment. lanes to the trial court for con- Judge Elmo Alameda of ing to lack or excess of coup d’etat case against Tril- CA Justice Edwin Sorongon tinuation of proceedings. Makati RTC Branch 150 granted jurisdiction in admitting and lanes. It pointed out that the will be the ponente of the case, More than 300 fully-armed the motions of the DoJ and or- giving credence to the Tril- amnesty was constitutionally joined by the chairman of the junior officers and enlisted dered the arrest of Trillanes in lanes’ secondary evidence.” infirm, not only because of the Division under the watch of men of the Armed Forces of the Trillanes: facing scrutiny connection with the rebellion This included the photo of his unlawful delegation of then Justices Sesinando Villon and Philippines occupied the Oak- case stemming from the Manila alleged acceptance of the am- Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, but Germano Legaspi. wood Hotel in Makati City on to active and former personnel other laws in connection with Peninsula siege. nesty. also because the concurrence The petition initially went July 27, 2003, purportedly to of the armed forces and Phil- the Oakwood mutiny, the Ma- In contrast, Soriano junked But the OSG said, “without of Congress was made before to the CA 16th Division, but air their grievances against the ippine National Police, as well rines stand-off, and the Manila Trillanes’ arrest, but affirmed the original copy of the private the amnesty was granted. Justice Jane Lantion inhibited government. as their supporters who might Peninsula incident. the validity of Proclamation respondent’s Official Amnesty Once arrested, Trillanes will herself from the case due to On Nov 24, 2010, President have committed crimes pun- President Duterte, however, 572. The DoJ appealed Sori- Application Form, it cannot be stay in prison without bail as personal reasons. Benigno Aquino signed Proc- ishable under the Revised Penal signed Proclamation 572 on ano’s decision in October 2018, conclusively said that he ex- the coup charge is a non-bail- In its Petition for Certio- lamation 75 granting amnesty Code, the Articles of War, and Aug 31, 2018 declaring void the but lost anew, prompting the pressly admitted that he com- able. Gulf Times 24 Sunday, February 3, 2019 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] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Chaotic Brexit will be costly for the fi nancial system The clock is ticking toward March 29 and the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. With the risk of a Brexit without an agreement increasing, major US banks have already started drawing up contingency plans and transferring some London staff to Continental Europe. Prior to Brexit, US banks had shown a preference to situate many functions in London that could do business with the entire EU bloc of countries. Bank of America, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs among other major US banks have reportedly contemplating on The ghosts of Versailles transferring many of their executives to Continental Europe from this month. That banks are sticking with plans to expand in Paris is a sign fi nancial giants have not been too unnerved by the so- called “yellow vest” protests that have gained international notoriety following clashes with French police, a New York- Treaty still haunt Europe datelined AFP dispatch showed. Some banks have made arrangements to allow staff to domestically and internationally. the US and various neutral powers commute to London over an interim period because of family By Harold James particularly when those wishes would Princeton require the losers to pay. Throughout And his mounting health problems developed a sophisticated plan for commitments before the transfer is permanent. WWI, every side simply assumed that certainly didn’t help. Owing to his leveraging private US fi nance for the Until now, transfers of banking professionals have been an eventual peace settlement should stratospherically high blood pressure, reconstruction of Europe. The plan limited because the fi nance sector hopes Britain and Brussels t has now been just over 100 saddle the vanquished with the material which went largely untreated, Wilson showed great promise, but Keynes can agree on a two-year period of transition. years since the opening of the – and even the emotional – costs of the suff ered a major stroke shortly after the could not associate himself with it, Paris Peace Conference, which war, all but ensuring an unsatisfactory Paris proceedings. One obvious lesson because his brilliant polemic had The risk of a Brexit without an agreement “has increased,” produced the Treaties of Versailles, resolution to the confl ict. from this episode in history is that it alienated the political leaders who were warned European Commission President Jean-Claude I Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Neuilly-sur- Likewise, in 2019, the problems is important to monitor the physical needed to carry it out. In the end, only a Juncker. Seine, Trianon, and Sèvres, bringing resulting from rapid technological and mental health of world leaders, few elements of the plan were adopted, Large US banks have prepared for such a worst-case an end to World War I. To this day, change and globalisation might particularly the president of the United and not until 1924, when it was already scenario to ensure the resentment over the Treaty of Trianon not admit of any widely acceptable States, during periods of consequential too late. banking system remains fuels Hungarian nationalism and solutions. As a result, diff erent decision-making. The lesson is that an overwritten With Brexit, the revisionism, particularly under the countries will produce their own When it comes to leaders’ character critique can be counterproductive. functional, the news current government of Prime Minister narratives about being cheated by fl aws, 2019 off ers just as much fodder Setting political leaders on the right EU will lose a agency said. Viktor Orbán. globalisation. And, as in 1919, they will as 1919 did. Trump and British Prime course of action requires persuasion, Federal Reserve chair Indeed, the Paris peace process is invent “villains” to bear the blame. For Minister Theresa May could not not polemics. Hence, when it came time member with Jerome Powell, who called generally remembered as an example example, the Trump administration be more diff erent in terms of their to remake the world in 1944-45, Keynes Brexit an “unprecedented of how well-meaning international routinely complains about China’s personalities, yet both have dispensed adopted a very diff erent approach. He centuries-old co-operation and democracy- unfair trade practices, Germany’s with expert advice and done serious elaborated a complex reconstruction event,” said this week the promotion can go wrong. Now that excessive current-account surplus, damage to their respective countries’ plan, but this time he operated behind diplomatic US central bank had been we are living through a moment when aid to developing countries, and so political systems. While French the scenes. It would not have been working with US fi nancial multilateralism and democracy are forth. Needless to say, compiling a President Emmanuel Macron is often diffi cult to attack British Prime Minister networks institutions that operate again under strain, it is worth asking litany of grievances hardly amounts to criticised for relative inexperience, Winston Churchill and US President in Britain and the EU. why eff orts to promote the two so often a solution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is Franklin D Roosevelt for their past fail. A second explanation for the seen as too experienced at preserving an economic policies, but nor would it Most UK business groups fear a “no-deal” Brexit will In 1919, US President Woodrow failure of the Paris process is that outdated status quo. have accomplished anything. cause economic chaos by ripping up the trade rulebook and Wilson’s attempt to forge a lasting some of those involved – French The third reason the Paris process True, Churchill and Roosevelt were imposing tariff s, customs checks and other barriers between peace by destroying the world’s Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, failed is perhaps the most important. far better leaders than Lloyd George and the UK and the EU, its biggest trading partner. autocracies proved overly high- British Prime Minister David Lloyd The conference’s overly ambitious Wilson. But even if they had been just as Whether Brexit turns out to be “soft” or “hard,” the UK is minded, even as it inaugurated the George, and Wilson – were uniquely goals, and the fl awed personalities of fl awed, Keynes had learned the costs of interventionist consensus that has incompetent or otherwise ill-disposed. those pursuing them, were so obvious focusing too much on the foibles of bad set to endure a bout of severe economic turbulence. dominated US foreign-policy thinking Clemenceau was a lifelong nationalist, as to invite a lethal public rebuke. That leaders during bad times. Whether it is A growing number of UK fi rms seem to have been braced ever since. Though US President Donald monomaniacally dedicated to the rebuke came from the British economist 1919 or 2019, obsessing over individual for a Brexit-induced disruption either by stockpiling goods Trump claims to have abandoned pursuit of French interests, whereas John Maynard Keynes, one of the most leaders can distract us from working or shifting operations overseas. that tradition, he has nonetheless Lloyd George was the opposite, and thus brilliant minds of the age, in his 1919 toward the solutions that today’s most The Bank of England has said that in a worst-case ordered strikes against government too pliable and unprincipled for the book, The Economic Consequences of pressing problems demand. – Project military sites in Syria and recognised task at hand. He was prone to attacking the Peace. Syndicate scenario, a cliff -edge Brexit could trigger a deep recession, Venezuela’s opposition leader as the others personally, only to forget that he Keynes’s critique of the Paris with Britain’s economy shrinking 8% within months as country’s legitimate president. had done so when encountering those process and its participants was z Harold James is Professor of History unemployment and infl ation soar. The Paris process failed because it set people again. devastating, and he knew it. In October and International Aff airs at Princeton Warnings from industry have grown louder as Brexit day expectations too high. The victory of For his part, Wilson’s lofty and November of 1919, he attended University and a senior fellow at the approaches. Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said recently democratic powers did not mean that aspirations far exceeded his acumen meetings, hosted by the Dutch banker Center for International Governance democratic wishes would be fulfi lled, for political deal-making, both Gerard Vissering, where bankers from Innovation. that uncertainty around the terms of Britain’s exit was “unbearable.” With Brexit just two months away, major companies are reportedly acting to cushion themselves against disruption. Sigmar Gabriel, a former German foreign minister said, “After Brexit, we may fi nd ourselves in a more perilous state, because the world will look at Europeans as even greater weaklings. Unable to get our own act together and frame our interests, our eff orts to convince others of our worldview appears quixotic. “What’s more, with Brexit, the EU will lose a member with centuries-old diplomatic networks, an economic powerhouse, and a nuclear power with a fi rst-class military.” Undoubtedly, the price of a chaotic Brexit will be too high for anyone in Europe to accept casually!

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FILE PHOTO: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gestures as he speaks during the weekly government news conference in Budapest, Hungary, January 10. To this day, © 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved resentment over the Treaty of Trianon fuels Hungarian nationalism and revisionism, particularly under the current government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 25 QATAR RRapturousapturous rreceptioneception fforor AAll AAnnabinnabi hheroeseroes

Pictures by Jayan Orma Gulf Times 26 Sunday, February 3, 2019 QATAR Sheikh Joaan congratulates Amir, praises national team’s victory

QNA the people of Qatar on the occa- model for the youth. The team victory is the result of continu- Qatar Football Association and tari people and residents of the in achieving the Asian title. Doha sion of the national team’s vic- has proven its strength, unity, ous eff orts spread over the past all those who contributed to the country. He pointed out that the Qatari tory of the 2019 Asian Cup. and sportsmanship, despite the years which have begun to bear team building. HE the Secretary-General of team won the championship de- HE Sheikh Joaan praised Qa- surrounding atmosphere of the fruit, and is a legacy that will be HE Secretary-General of QOC QOC added that the unlimited servedly after playing at excep- E the President of Qa- tar’s performance, saying that tournament, he further added. remembered in the history of Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain support of the wise leader- tional levels that enabled them tar Olympic Committee the Qatari team had an excep- HE Sheikh Joaan pointed Qatari sports. congratulated His Highness the ship, and the proper planning to win the championship for the H(QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin tional tournament and earned out that the national team’s HE the President of QOC ex- Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and professional work of the ﬁ rst time in their history. Hamad al-Thani congratulated everyone’s respect. winning the Asian Cup is an pressed thanks and apprecia- al-Thani, and HE the President technical and administrative He congratulated all players, His Highness the Amir Sheikh He added that the players achievement that the entire nation to the players, the techni- of QOC Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- staff as well as the fighting coaches, offi cials, and fans at Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and were the best example and role tion is proud of, noting that this cal and administrative staff , the mad al-Thani as well as the Qa- spirit of the players, resulted this historic Qatari victory.

Snapshots from yesterday’s celebrations and parade on the Corniche. PICTURES: Thajudheen, Shemeer Rasheed and Jayan Orma Fans shower love on kings of Asian football

From Page 1 tions even more special, as did the scintillating fi reworks dis- The Qatar team was crowned play. the Asian Cup champions on And what a moment it was Friday after it defeated Japan 3-1 when the heroes fi nally arrived. in the fi nal in Abu Dhabi. The crowds erupted in joy and As word of yesterday’s grand cheered on the players as the reception spread, thousands of convoy with the open-top bus people – both citizens and ex- reached the Corniche around patriates – headed for the Cor- 8.30pm. niche to celebrate the famous The crowds on both the sides victory and express their love for of the street greeted the play- Qatar’s football superstars. ers and the players waved back Among the crowd were sev- with equal warmth and happi- eral fans from Oman and Ku- ness. There were also scenes of wait waving their national fl ags fans crying with joy and some of alongside those of Qatar. them said it was the best gift for The crowds included peo- Qatar at the right time. ple from various walks of life, “We are the winners. We have of diff erent ages, families with shown the world that we are ca- children, etc, who waited pa- pable of achieving exceptional tiently for the bus to arrive. The feats even in the face of adver- entire stretch of the Corniche sity. This is a God-given gift for was teeming with people from my nation and I am so happy late afternoon. for this team who made us all Many could be seen carrying proud,” said a fan. the national fl ag, while others “We have all been waiting to displayed congratulatory mes- meet our heroes. They are the sages and banners in a joyous gems of this nation. We are here and jubilant atmosphere. today to show our love and re- Roads leading to the Corniche spect for our heroes. They will saw heavy traffi c from late in be a great motivation and en- the afternoon, and traffi c pa- couragement for our younger trols were posted at key spots to generations and this spirit will manage the fl ow of vehicles. On be replicated in our future ac- its part, the Ministry of Interior tivities,” said another national. stressed the need for people to An expatriate who had come follow rules and regulations to the Corniche along with his during the celebrations and co- entire family said it was a great operate with the traffi c police achievement for Qatar, espe- and security forces. cially when the country was get- While many people waited ting ready to host the 2022 FIFA along the Corniche, several oth- World Cup. “Facing a blockade ers celebrated the occasion by for more than 19 months and driving down the road in spe- playing against the siege nations cially decorated vehicles as well in one of those countries was a as convoys of bikes and vintage great challenge for Qatar. Win- cars. ning the matches against two Among the revellers were a of the blockading countries in large number of children, and a convincing manner and win- the occasion was marked by mu- ning the Cup is an exceptional sic, cheerful faces and a feast of feat by Team Qatar. This will be a colours. great boost for the country in its An air show showcasing some preparations for the World Cup,” dazzling skills made the celebra- he added. Asian champs arrive to A week of spectacular royal welcome in Doha achievements for Qatar From Page 1 der-19 team to Asia title with a the way and win the tourna- squad that would also go on to ment,” he said. From Page 1 led to further consolidating bilater- in the glory of the Amir’s fruit- one major grouse of the conde- “I think players had a strong make history at the senior level Defender Pedro Correia, al ties and agreements were signed ful Asian trip, came the historic scending critics, that the host of mentality and the only thing in UAE. who helped the team keep a In Japan, His Highness the for promoting co-operation in in- exploit of the national team that the 2022 World Cup lacks a foot- that I tried to do was to help “We have made history for clean sheet in six matches, Amir and Prime Minister Shinzo frastructure development, estab- beat all odds to emerge the Asian ball culture, has also been anthem achieve their 100% and our country, so we need to be said the team dared to dream Abe agreed to establish a mecha- lishment of Friendship Committee, football champions on Friday. swered. The successful campaign convince them that they are very proud of our achievement. a year back and was pleased nism for strategic dialogue and co-operation between Qatar Free The win silenced Qatar’s critics, also is in line with the Qatar Na- able to play against any oppo- This is one step more towards their hard work has resulted both countries decided to inten- Zones Authority and China Coun- who since the country won the bid tional Vision 2030 that aims to re- sition. And that’s what they fi - being ready for 2022 and rep- in Asian Cup glory. “We want sify co-operation in fi elds in- cil for Promotion of International to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, alise the nation’s ambitious plans. nally showed and got the result. resent Qatar as a very competi- to enjoy the moment, because cluding culture, economy, trade, Trade, participation in the Belt and engaged in a malicious campaign Thirdly, Qatar was again in the The whole group worked really tive team at the World Cup,” he we have made history. We have technology, transport, youth and Road Initiative, among others. that made sensational headlines list of the 10 safest countries in hard. These group players have said. worked hard for this in the last sports, and waste treatment. China, already an economic, worldwide. In the midst of all the world. The only country out- been with us for a long time and Midfi elder Karim Boudiaf one year. Every training we did Qatar has also been a leading military and technology superpow- the cacophony, Qatar as advised side Europe to come in the top 20 they make us a strong unit. They was clearly overwhelmed by together, we believed we can energy supplier to Japan and the er, in a statement also expressed by His Highness the Amir, kept list of the Global Finance maga- are young but they also have the the reception he got on ar- reach the fi nal and win the title. strong buyer-seller partnership support for Qatar’s sovereignty. course and strove with patience zine, Qatar ranked 7th, above experience, having played at the rival. “We were welcomed by “The welcome, that as a between the two countries has Qatargas recently signed a 22- and diligence to reach the goals. countries such as Singapore, youth level and also for the na- His Highness the Amir and all team received and the love we grown from strength to strength year deal with Petro China In- Qatar responded with grace and Denmark, New Zealand and Can- tional team for some time,” the his family, we are very proud. I have got from people of Qatar since the fi rst gas consignment ternational Company to provide dignity to calumny and the smear ada. The distinction follows Qatar Spaniard, who arrived in Qatar think for us reaching the semi- will stay with me for the rest was delivered in 1996. 3.4mn tonnes of LNG annually, campaign. This noble and focused being ranked as the safest country in 2006, said. fi nal itself would have been a of my life. Asian Cup is not a His Highness the Amir’s visit to allowing China to replace coal approach was rewarded in the by Numbeo, the world’s largest The 43-year-old Barcelona big achievement. But when we small competition, so to come China also turned out to be highly with cleaner burning gas to reform of the astounding success of database of user contributed data native came to limelight in beat South Korea in quarters, out triumphant makes me very successful. Talks between the Amir duce air pollution. the national team at the AFC 2019. on cities and countries. E-mail: 2014 when he led the Qatar un- we believed that we can go all proud,” Correia said. and Chinese President Xi Jinping Secondly, as Qatar was basking With the epoch-making win, [email protected] Gulf Times Sunday, February 3, 2019 27 QATAR TTeameam arrivesarrives toto rreded carpetcarpet rreceptioneception

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani congratulates Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani await the arrival of the Qatar national team at the old airport. President of the Qatar Football Association.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani greets an The Qatar Airways plane which brought back the winning team gets a water salute. official of the team. Gulf Times 28 Sunday, February 3, 2019 QATAR RRousingousing welcomewelcome forfor footballfootball championschampions

His Highness the Amir interacts with children who came to the airport to welcome the Qatar team.

His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani garland some of the players.

The winning team’s captain Hassan al-Haydos holds aloft the trophy as he and coach Felix Sanchez are welcomed by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association as they disembark from the aircraft.