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Wednesday 14 December 2016 | 15 Rabia I 1438 Volume 21 | Number 7010 | 2 Riyals

Qatar to reduce National Day oil output from January 1

fiesta for Petroleum (QP) announced yesterday that Qatar’s oil production levels will be reduced effective Jan- uary 1, 2017. expatriates Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatar Petroleum President and CEO, said: “This decision Sanaullah Ataullah comes in line with the State The Peninsula of Qatar’s commitment to the recently agreed production xpatriate communi- levels by the members of the ties will join the Organization of the Petroleum National Day cele- Exporting Countries (Opec) brations in a big away during its ministerial meeting as the Ministry of Inte- held on November 30.” Erior, in collaboration with “We have started advising community organisations, has A new attraction our customers of the expected H H Sheikha attending the annual board meeting of Silatech in Doha, lined up a wide array of cultural this year is a parade reductions in oil deliveries to and entertainment events for at Asian Town by yesterday. Pic: A R Al Baker ensure the State’s compliance them in different parts of the a small convoy of with Opec’s allocations,” Al country. Kaabi added. The events on December 17 military vehicles with participation of Silatech signs several MoUs and December 18 are being coordinated by the Organising vehicles from Internal Qatar calls for Arab Committee of the Associated Security Force, Traffic Activities of Qatar National Day League emergency Department, Civil to create thousands of jobs (QND)2016 Celebrations. A new attraction this year is Defense and Al Faza meeting on Aleppo a parade at Asian Town by a police at 8am on Fazeena Saleem partnership was struck with ‘Operational Plan for 2017’ was QATAR small convoy of military vehicles December 18. The Peninsula Enda Tamweel, during a cere- approved by the board. has called for an with participation of vehicles mony held at the Qatar "The engagement of a diverse emergency meeting of the from Internal Security Force, ith an ambitious plan Foundation headquarters. Board of Trustees will enable Arab League Council at the Traffic Department, Civil Defense to create thousands of These agreements will pro- Silatech to promote its support for level of permanent delegates and Al Faza police at 8 am on happiness and joy,” said Major Wnew job opportunities vide new job opportunities and young people in the , to discuss the tragic situa- Sunday. The events were Nasser Abdullah al Suwaidi, for Arab youth, Silatech yester- support young entrepreneurs to unlock their full career skills and tion in the Syrian city of announced by Major Mubarak Vice Chairman of QND Celebra- day signed a slew of agreements start businesses in countries engage them in the development Aleppo. Salem Bouainain, Assistant tions Security Committee, who with different organisations, in such as , Sudan and other of their communities,” said Saif Bin Muqadam Director of the Public Relations was also present at the press the presence of H H Sheikha Arab nations. In Tunisia alone Sheikha Moza. Albuainain, Qatar's Ambas- Department of the Ministry of conference. Moza bint Nasser, Founder and 630,000 job opportunities will Commenting on signing sador to and its Interior at a press conference Several classic cars from Chairperson of Silatech. be created once the agreements agreements between Silatech permanent representative to held at Civil Defence Officers’ Mawater Qatar, many motor Memorandums of Under- are put into practice. and its partners, she said, “These the Arab League, told Qatar Club yesterday. bikes from Harley Davidson standing (MoU) were signed Early yesterday Sheikha strategic agreements demon- News Agency (QNA) that State “We are organising seven group and decorated vehicles with Qatar National Bank (QNB), Moza also chaired the first meet- strate our ongoing commitment of Qatar presented an urgent events in four venues with the of Filipino community also will Ministry of Communication ing of Silatech’s new Board of to our young people to help memo to the General Secre- aim of providing a safer envi- participate in the parade and Technologies and Digital Econ- Trustees. During the meeting, them achieve their aspirations. tariat of the Arab League in ronment for the communities then the three groups will be omy of Tunisia, World Congress Silatech’s ‘Annual Performance We need to tackle the challenge which it requested to hold an residing in Qatar to take part in visiting other three venues the for Muslim Philanthropists and 2016’ and ‘Strategy and Achieve- of through inno- emergency session, adding the National Day celebrations same day, Major Nasser added. Islamic Solidarity Fund for ments Report 2016’ were vative and effective solutions.” that it is expected that the and enjoy the whole day in → Continued on page 10 Development. A new strategic presented and the organization's → Continued on page 4 meeting will be held today.

Dr Al Kawari for Barcelona beat Al Ahli in friendly human values Ooredoo reaches mobile in curriculum speed at 1 GB per second

DR HAMAD bin Abdulaziz Al The Peninsula capable network in the near Kawari, Cultural Adviser at future,” he added. The launch of the Emiri Diwan and Qatar's oredoo’s mobile network 4.5G forms a key step in Ooredoo’s candidate to the post of has successfully reached roadmap to launch 5G services, Unesco Director-General, has Othe fastest mobile speed following its successful trial of 5G called for including studies on at 1 GB per second in Qatar, technology in December. human value in education while trialling its new 4.5G Pro "We are committed to sup- curriculums. network. The new speed, which porting the Ooredoo Supernet Dr Al Kawari met with is the fastest ever reached by a initiative with our latest technol- Norwegian State Secretary mobile operator in the country, ogy innovations. Use of and Deputy Minister of For- has been successfully trialled three-carrier component aggre- eign Affairs, Laila Bokhari, in partnership with Nokia and gation with 4x4 MIMO and 256 during a visit at the invitation will be introduced to Ooredoo QAM is the perfect solution for of Peace Research Institute customers with compatible Ooredoo as it looks to optimize Oslo (PRIO) as part of the Oslo 4.5G phones in early next year. the network performance with Urban Peace Week. "This is another major step the available spectrum. This year, Bokhari praised the for Ooredoo and for Ooredoo Qatar and Nokia depth of ties between Nor- Qatar, as we continue to pro- already commercially launched way and Qatar and their Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, presenting 18 carat gold cup, vide the latest technology and Cat 11 with speeds close to 500 bilateral cooperation and specially commissioned for the game, to FC Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta at Al Gharafa fastest Internet speeds in the Mbps, and through this current work to establish global stadium yesterday. Barcelona defeated Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia 5-3 in the friendly match. country. We launched the demonstration, we are prepar- peace. Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula → See also page 36 Ooredoo Supernet initiative to ing the network to launch up to → See also page 5 provide the best possible net- 1Gbps speed,” said Bernard Najm, work experience for our Vice President and Head of the customers, and we live up to Market Unit, Nokia. our commitments,” said Waleed Ooredoo’s 4.5G Pro speed ExxonMobil chief is US secretary of state Al Sayed, Chief Executive test took place in the compa- Officer, Ooredoo Qatar. ny’s ICT service dedicated “Our long-term strategic ‘OASIS’ laboratory, and the WASHINGTON: President-elect some Republican foreign policy can-controlled Senate. establishment figures, including partner, Nokia, has continued speeds will help ensure the named the head figures for the oilman despite his Some lawmakers worry former secretaries of state James to support us with our vision of ‘Best Operator Network’ in the of ExxonMobil Corp, Rex Tiller- ties to . The ExxonMobil about his links to Moscow and Baker and Condoleezza Rice upgrading our award-winning Middle East is equipped to meet son, as his choice for US secretary CEO potentially faces a tough fight opposition to US sanctions on vouched for Tillerson. Supernet, and will play a key role surging consumer data of state and won backing from to be confirmed in the Republi- Russia. But several Republican → See also page 21 in helping us provide a 5G demands now and in the future. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 03 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 Constant efforts led to fall in traffic deaths: Official

The Peninsula expected to complete by June QU praised 2017. Al Malki expressed his he number of deaths due gratitude to QTTSC for the great 102 traffic related to traffic accidents in efforts made in these workshops plans have been Qatar has declined and events which add value to T implemented through constant efforts of the our previous training and activ- authorities to implement the between 2013 and ities on road safety.” national traffic safety strategy 2016, says official. A number of dignitaries objectives within the stipulated including QU President Dr Has- period, a senior official has said. san Al Derham, Swedish Almost 56 traffic-related Al Kharji praises the Ambassador to Qatar Ewa plans have been implemented unlimited support Polano and experts in traffic from a total of 89 whereas the of Qatar University safety and sustainable transport remaining plans are expected to to the Traffic attended the event along with be completed within the remain- Department. officials from traffic directorate ing period till 2017, said Brigadier and representatives of govern- H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser witnessing the signing of an agreement between Silatech and Muhammad Saad Al Kharji, ment authorities. Director General of Traffic. traffic safety in Qatar. He also Dr Hassan Al Derham said one of its partners. Pic: AR Al-Baker Al Kharji was speaking in highlighted the importance of the event comes at a time when two-day International Forum on providing the community with Qatar is witnessing huge con- Traffic Safety and Sustainable solutions for Qatar’s traffic struction projects. Qatar Silatech partnership to support Transport Systems kicked off safety challenges. “These events University is committed through yesterday at Ritz-Carlton Doha. represent a valid contribution its Qatar Transportation and The Forum is organised by Qatar to our progress to better stand Traffic Safety Center to organ- youth-owned enterprises in Sudan Transportation and Traffic to these challenges”, he said. izing events such as this one Safety Center (QTTSC) and Qatar The General Secretary of the with the aim to provide efficient → Continued from page 1 University College of Engineer- National Committee for Traffic tools and solutions that contrib- supporters to ensure the conti- work and participate in the eco- ing (QU-CENG). Safety Brigadier Mohamed Al ute to the country’s ongoing Silatech’s agreement with nuity and expansion of the nomic development of their Al Kharji praised the unlim- Malki, pointed out that 102 traf- efforts to offer a sustainable and QNB will lead to a partnership platform, to support youth communities. We can only ited support of QU to the Traffic fic related plans have been safe transportation system programme, ‘Sama Al Shabab,’ enterprises and create jobs. achieve this vision through col- Department to develop activi- implemented between 2013 and which ensures the safety and and support youth-owned The MoU with Islamic Soli- laborating with partners and ties and studies that enrich the 2016 and 64 are remaining and welfare of the people of Qatar.” enterprises in Sudan and create darity Fund for Development mobilizing resources and exper- jobs. (ISFD) will promote collaboration tise to make a real impact in the The agreement between between Silatech and the Fund in life of the Arab youth,” said Silatech and the Ministry of areas of economic empowerment Sabah Al Haidoos, Chief Execu- Communications, Technologies and job creation for youth in tive Officer of Silatech. and Digital Economy , expects member states of ISFD. During the ceremony, Abdi to create 50,000 jobs by 2020 While, the partnership with Duale from Somalia, a benefi- and reduce migration of Tuni- Enda Tamweel, one of the most ciary of Silatech’s programmes, sian competencies. successful Micro Finance insti- shared his story. The twenty- Silatech will join with the tutions in Tunisia, aims to create eight-year-old once dreamed World Congress for Muslim Phi- more than 580,000 jobs across of going to the Europe looking lanthropists to develop ‘Narwi’ Tunisia by providing support to for a better life and all his platform, the first innovative young entrepreneurs to start attempts failed. Then he learnt Micro-waqf platform launched businesses . about a loan programme for by Silatech in 2015 to connect “Silatech actively seeks to startup entrepreneurs devel- youth entrepreneurs with activate the vision of HH oped by Silatech, “Through the donors and help them access Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, loan, I started a cafeteria. That finance to start income gener- Founder and Chairperson of the changed my life, thank you Brigadier Muhammad Saad Al Kharji, Dr Hassan Al Derham and Brigadier Mohamed Al Malki ating projects. Board of Trustees of Silatech, in Silatech, now I have became an and other officials at the forum on traffic safety held at the Ritz-Carlton Doha. It aims to attract major order to achieve an Arab world active member in my commu- donors and investors and other that allows young people to nity,” said Duale. Economy Ministry panel completes preparations for logistics projects

The Peninsula of charge for construction of 2017 deadline. warehouses in the area of 1000 The investors must complete he Technical committee sqm to 2000 sqm . all licensing procedures for con- for promoting private The committee said it is now structon before January next Tsector participation at working to implement the infra- year and start construction in the Ministry of Economy and structure aspects within the February so that they can start Commerce said yesterday that deadline. operations my mid- 2018 as it has completed preparations Deadline for completion of scheduled. for the logistics project in the projects is set at the middle The committee called on all southern Al Wakra, Birkat Al of 2018. The project aims to investors to visit the Manateq Awamir and Aba Salil ahead of develop and operate the logis- office to receive land and start schedule. tic area in the southern part of the licensing procedures with The committee is working the country to create investment the Ministry of Municipality and with Logistic Committee and opportunities before 2022 FIFA Environment. Economic Zone Company (Man- World Cup and enhance partic- The largest such project in ateq) for implementation of the ipation of private sector in the south of the country, it project. logistics industry, said the includes warehousing facilities The committee said it has committee. for cars, assembly units, cold completed all its obligations by The committee signed all storages, shops and showrooms, signing contracts with investors contracts before February 16 commercial offices, labour for booking and renting land and and has prepared land for con- camps, workshops, service cen- has also provided designs free struction head of the February tres and depots.

Sudan envoy praises ties with Qatar

AMBASSADOR of the Republic of Sudan to Qatar, Fath Al Rahman Ali, has praised the brotherly rela- tions between his country and the State of Qatar, stress- ing that these relations are based on stability and stra- tegic ties. Speaking to QNA on the National Day of Qatar, the Sudanese ambassador extended congratulations to HH the Emir and the govern- ment and people of Qatar. He said that on this glorious day, the people of Qatar recall the exploits of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani and evoke what is achieved by Qatar under its wise leadership. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 05

Emir holds phone talks with Include human values in curriculum: Dr Al Kawari Russian President

EMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin The Peninsula Hamad Al Thani held a tel- ephone conversation with r Hamad bin President of Abdulaziz Al the Russian Federation yes- Kawari, Cultural terday. Adviser at the Emiri The Emir and the Russian Diwan and Qatar's President reviewed relations Dcandidate to the post of Unesco between the two countries. Director-General, has called for including studies on human Qatar Fund value in education supports curriculums. Dr Al Kawari met with Nor- QATAR Fund for Develop- wegian State Secretary and ment signed an agreement Deputy Minister of Foreign that aims to provide Libya with Affairs, Laila Bokhari, during a two mobile energy units, while visit at the invitation of Peace holding training courses for Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) specialist personnel to continue as part of the Oslo Urban Peace in operating and maintaining Week. the units. Bokhari praised the depth The fund's director gen- of ties between Norway and eral, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Qatar and their bilateral coop- Kuwari, signed the agreement eration and work to establish along with a representative global peace and cooperation of the General Electricity Co in the fields related to Unesco of Libya and Director-Gen- interests, particularly in edu- eral of the US energy and cation and heritage, hailing the water firm that will execute role of Qatar Foundation and Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari with Norwegian State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laila Bokhari, and the agreement. its projects in service of educa- (RIGHT) with State Secretary to the Minister of Education and Research, Bjorn Haugstad, during his visit to Oslo. tion. Bokhari noted that Bahrain PM Sweden, a member of Unesco meets Qatar's 's executive board, supports his Vision for Unesco universities in order to address and I have a message to the explicitly the noble goals of candidacy. ethics as we address science and world: a message of peace, of Unesco in a way that donors, outgoing envoy Dr Al Kawari also met State Dr Al Kawari said technology.” human dignity and mutual philanthropists and States Secretary to the Minister of Unesco, which was He noted that a number of respect among nations.” worldwide adopt these goals BAHRAIN'S Prime Minister Education and Research, Bjorn once a success story, extremist leaders in the world “Personally, I am not look- and feel involved in Unesco by Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Haugstad, and the meeting has started to lose its were once students in the most ing for a job or a position, I had financing its projects.” Khalifa yesterday met Qatar's focused on the Qatari candi- lustre, which he important and largest universi- great positions in my life: many He said that Unesco, that Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh date's vision for the future of wants to restore. ties in vital areas of the globe. times as ambassador, minister, was once a success story of the Jassim bin Mohammed bin Saud Unesco, particularly the chal- “Humanising study pro- Unesco and UNO representa- whole world, has gradually tar- Al Thani on the occasion of the lenges facing the grammes is of the utmost tive and more. All Unesco nished and started to lose its Norwegian minister end of his tenure. organisation. importance in many countries geographic groups have had a lustre. praises the depth of The Bahraini Premier They also touched on coop- since some terrorist leaders are Director General except the “Today, we are in front of a praised the deep ties between eration between the two relations between graduated from well-known uni- Arab group. I am confident that historic responsibility that the the two countries and the countries in the field of his country and versities. Obviously, they gained Arabs will not be deprived of world has to bear once again. We steady progress they con- education. Qatar. technical knowledge and failed this right,” he added. have to present Unesco again stantly witnessed on all Addressing a gathering at to acquire shared human val- He also stressed that he has with its noble objectives and fronts, commending the PRIO banquet dinner, Dr Al ues,” he said. a strategy to face the sharp achieve another success story in ambassador's efforts to boost Kawari said, “values defended respect among cultures, gender Dr Al Kawari, who is running financial crisis that Unesco is the 21st Century. Let us work the bilateral relations and by great humanists become equality and human dignity. But for the Unesco Director-General facing. “I summarise this plan altogether hand in hand towards cooperation in different human shared values, they these values should also be position, stressed that, “this in an international communi- a new momentum for this great fields. include tolerance, mutual taught in schools and endeavour is for me a mission, cation campaign that shows organisation.” 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016

QC in tie-up to teach basics Transport Minister meets Tunisian counterpart of computing to the needy

The Peninsula keyboard, and an overview of Partnership the Windows desktop, as well atar Charity has Programme held in as software applications such as launched a pro- Microsoft Paint, Word and partnership with gramme that will PowerPoint. Microsoft Qatar as teach the basics of Bilal Tamimi from Micro- Qcomputing to those part of its Computer soft’s Service team introduced who need it most. Science Week children to the wonders of the The lessons, coinciding with initiative. Internet, explaining what it is, International Day for Persons how it works, and how to get the with Disabilities which falls on Children with special most out of it. Web services such December 3, were conducted in needs, orphans, as Bing search, Outlook email partnership with Microsoft young Qatari females and calendar, Skype communi- Qatar, as part of its Computer and Qatari mothers cation, and games like Minecraft Science Week initiative. Chil- were also covered. to benefit. Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti with Tunisian dren with special needs, as well “At Qatar Charity we con- Minister of Communication Technologies and Digital Economy Dr Mohamed Anouar Maarouf. as orphans, young Qatari sider ourselves bringers of hope females and Qatari mothers will with mild disabilities. The pur- to the most vulnerable in our They discussed several topics of common interest in the fields of communications and be coached by experts from pose of the course is to introduce communities,” said Hamed Shi- information technology, and means of enhancing relations, in addition to capitalising on Microsoft’s Philanthropies and the concept of computing to hadeh - Community Partnership the investment opportunities in the two sisterly countries. Services teams, on important those who may otherwise not Manager. aspects of information get the opportunity to learn from “In ensuring the basic technology. specialists. human dignity of all, regard- Last year, Qatar Charity During the classes, mentors less of circumstance, access to worked with Microsoft and Exx- covered what a computer is, and technology is a critical step. It Sheikha Hanadi shares experience at CNA-Q onMobil Qatar to teach the the varying types of device that is a privilege to once again fundamentals of computer- qualify as computers. Students work with Microsoft towards The Peninsula game coding to orphans, using will also get a run-down of the this goal, as we prepare to Microsoft’s visual-programing major components inside a observe International Day for heikha Hanadi Nasser bin language, Kodu. computer, and the typical Persons with Disabilities. Khaled Al Thani engaged This year’s classroom ses- peripherals that make machines Microsoft has done great work Sin conversation with a large sions began on December 1, with more usable. There were lessons around the world in bringing group of students at the College basic ICT training for children on how to use a mouse and the latest hardware of the North Atlantic - Qatar and software to the (CNA-Q) and shared her expe- underprivileged and rience as a successful business those with special needs. person and female Qatari leader. They are a key partner in Sheikha Hanadi spoke about our ongoing work here the challenges and triumphs of in Qatar.” being a business leader, role Qatar Charity and model and mother. Microsoft also staged She focused on the impor- training sessions at Micro- tance of gender equality in the Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani shares words of soft’s facilities in Qatar workforce and emphasised the Science and Technology leadership roles that all Qataris, wisdom and inspiration with students at the CNA-Q. Park, specifically for both male and female, must Minecraft gamers, on 8 embrace if the Qatar National “Luck happens when prep- sistence leads to success.” December for young Vision 2030 is to be achieved. She aration meets opportunity,” said Deemed “One of the most orphan students, and tak- elaborated on the importance of Sheikha Hanadi. “If you fail – powerful Arab Women” by ing place on 15 December cultivating entrepreneurship, and I have had as many failures Forbes magazine, Sheikha for young Qatari female innovation and diversification for as successes – you have to pick Hanadi is Vice Chair of Nasser students. long term prosperity. yourself up and start again, per- bin Khaled Al Thani and Sons Group, one of Qatar’s power- house companies. She is a champion of entrepreneur- ship and in that regard serves as Chair of the Board of INJAZ, a not-for-profit organization that promotes youth entre- preneurship. Sheikha Hanadi was the Founder of Qatar’s first asset management com- pany, originally called the Qatar Ladies Investment Company, now called Amwal, which led to the UK Financial Times naming her one of the top 20 women in Global Banking and Finance. Sheikha Hanadi, who holds an Exec- utive MBA from London Business School, a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of London, and a Bachelor’s degree in Econom- ics from Qatar University, also spoke about the importance of education for personal and professional growth. Dean of CNA-Q’s School of Business Studies, David King said, “We are so pleased that Sheikha Hanadi was able to speak with our students, considering her very busy business schedule. Each of the students thoroughly enjoyed hearing her wisdom, as a strong female leader. It is important that we make opportunities for our students to hear from role models, so they can see for themselves the success that can be attained through a quality education and hard work.” Sheikha Hanadi’s visit was part of a larger initiative at the College’s School of Business Studies aimed at enabling students to hear from successful business pro- fessionals who have helped build today’s Qatar, and to inspire students to assume future leadership roles them- selves. Last year Yousuf bin Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman of Al Darwish Unite Co., and Dr Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, visited the cam- pus for similar question-and-answer style conversations. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 07 Al Ahli sets up clinic at Darb El Saai Traffic pavilion Health care pitch attracts visitors Since December 8 – Darb El Saai’s opening day – Al Ahli clinic has Sidi Mohamed have also provided a vehicle given first aid The Peninsula structure to let people know treatment to as many about the mechanical side and as 200 people. ost mistakes commit- they are taking interest in it as ted by motorists are they like practical explanation Mrelated to lane-chang- on a vehicle’s mechanical Irfan Bukhari ing without giving signals which working,” he said. The Peninsula cause ‘70 percent of Replying to questions on a accidents’. recently imposed ban on 80 job eeping its tradition “According to our experi- categories from getting driving of serving the coun- ence, most of the traffic licence and its impact on the try and nation alive, mistakes are seen in the streets demand for learning driving, he Al Ahli Hospital has and committed by motorists said: “The demand has set up a first-aid who change one lane to another decreased by 40 percent espe- Kclinic at Darb El Saai to provide without using signals. It causes cially from people seeking not only emergency treatment 70percent of accidents in addi- light-vehicle licences”. to visitors or staff of the exhibi- tion to disregarding stop signs “Currently, more people are tion but also disseminating and red lights, especially by the asking crane licence and also healthy lifestyle information youth,” said Billal Nassar of light licence, and we provide among people. Dalla Driving Academy pavil- courses in our academy in eight Since December 8 – Darb El Al Ahli Hospital staff at the first-aid clinic at Darb El Saai. ion at Darb El Saai. languages and also offer train- Saai’s opening day – Al Ahli “In our pavilion, we are ing to all vehicles types — truck, clinic has given first aid treat- who works at Al Ahli Hospital’s Al Ahli clinic also distributes responsibility, she said, Al Ahli receiving about 3,000 visitors bus, car or crane,” he said. ment to as many as 200 people. Emergency Department. gifts among children and to Hospital had launched a medi- daily and we are offering sim- “We usually participate in “Our doors are open to all either Apart from the people need- enhance people’s knowledge on cal programme “Maa Al Hakim” ulation device to raise traffic events like GCC Traffic Week they are visitors or the workers ing any kind of emergency health issues, some other aware- on Al Jazeera Mubasher satellite safety awareness, especially for and Darb El Saai, and some- doing their jobs at the exhibi- treatment or first aid, schoolchil- ness material is also being channel with once-a-week peri- those aged above 18. Also, we times otganise lecture sessions tion,” says Dr Mounir Dakhlia, dren are also visiting Al Ahli’s distributed. “All these services odicity. She said that the focus on important traffic rules for schools to increase aware- enclosure at Darb El Saai. “We we are providing here are for programme aimed at enhanc- such as following speed limits, ness about traffic safety.” teach them hand hygiene and free and we feel proud over our ing public awareness about wearing seat belt and not using “It was very interesting for provide them information as per contribution to the National Day various health issues in a prac- mobiles while driving and not me in Qatar Traffic pavilion to their age group on other topics related activities,” Dakhlia tical and interactive manner. “In running a red light,” he added. get practical explanation of the related to healthy eating and added. Al Ahli clinic at Darb El this TV programme, the doctors Another important thing we vehicle structure and its lifestyle,” said the doctor. Saai is also organising work- of Al Ahli Hospital address cer- are focusing on is teaching peo- mechanics,” said Omar, a visi- Dr Dakhlia said that the shops for people of all age tain topics of interest and ple to cross the road safely. “We tor at Darb El Saai. clinic was also providing medi- groups in which they get basic respond to inquiries and com- cal check-ups of vital signs as first-aid training. ments of viewers live,” she well. “Some people want to get Samaher Ahmed, Public added. their blood sugar or blood pres- Relations Officer of Al Ahli Hos- When asked to rate Al Ahli sure checked and we offer the pital told The Peninsula that the Hospital among other private service,” he said, adding that Al- hospital was establishing the first health establishments of the Ahli Hospital staffers did not aid clinic for the last three years. country, Samaher said: “We know the word ‘No’ as they “Our public service activities in believe not in comparisons but always felt proud in serving the the field of health awareness con- in a firm commitment to follow sick. If any person needs more tinue throughout the year and we our vision and implement the medical attention or advanced mark each and every day fixed five-year strategy we have tests, ambulance service is also by World Health Organization designed for our hospital.” She Dr Mounir Dakhlia examines provided to them as the clinic is (WHO) with complete sense of added that Al Ahli Hospital a child at Al Ahli Hospital's working in close coordination responsibility,” she added. believed in treating its staff like The inner structure of a vehicle displayed at Darb El Saai. clinic at Darb El Saai. with Lakhwiya and HMC. To perform its social a family. Ladies-only tent hosts several activities

Amna Pervaiz Rao The Peninsula

tent exclusively for women has been put up A at Darb El Saai, hosting seven different activities for children and their mothers. The 'Ladies only Tent', a first at the venue, offers indoor activities for women. Lolwa Al Naimi, the tent Manager, came up with the idea of the ladies-only tent this year for women to enjoy the activi- ties indoors. "We are seeing a high number of local and Arab ladies turning up at Darb El Saai, with this particular facility organised. A child enjoys a camel ride at the ladies tent set up at Darb Women can enjoy the festivi- El Saai. ties, with all the privacy ensured," Rouda Al Naimi, a vol- special medicine for her old stage inside the tent. Different unteer at Ladies Tent told The grandmother in the desert. This competitions as blind-fold Peninsula. story explains how to care for spices guessing and preparing Storytelling, beauty salon, elders. At the end of the story, (Karak) tea competition between activities with camel and sheep, children are encouraged to mother and daughter are organ- photo booth, stage for compe- make a flower from play dough ised on the stage, with winners titions, archery and traditional and use glitter on top of it as given prizes. games have been organised sand." The Archery pavilion gives inside the tent. “We make this story-telling the visitors an opportunity to “Women along with their session exciting for the children, learning the sport. children get a chance to enjoy to make them understand the "Girls are pretty active in all the activities in the tent. Chil- blessing of having grandpar- participating in this activity, we dren can experience dressing ents,” she added. provide them with three the camels and milking the Al-Eman salon, in collabo- arrows. This exciting experi- sheep. The kid who best dresses ration with another beauty ence leads the participants to up the camel gets a chance to salon, has installed a stall at the compete until the final round. ride it,” Al Naimi said. tent. The stall offers henna The one who wins is given prize “Different traditional games designing and nail art for the money,” said Eun Jung Cho, such as tug of war and hop- girls. Bella Bambino has Archery Coach, Qatar National scotch are also organised here,” arranged a photo booth for Team. she added. Explaining about the ladies and kids. Dana Al Khalaf, “This is my third year with story telling activity at the tent, Photographer of the company, Darb El Saai; I always love the Aisha Saoud Al Tamimi, Story had different props and enjoyed experience of teaching archery. Teller at the stall told The Penin- clicking pictures of children and The girls who have visited so far sula: “This story by Lulu Al Ali is young girls. were excited about it," said Fu an old one about a girl named Meanwhile, mothers and Shiyi, Shooter with the Qatar ‘Batlla’, in which she finds daughters get to compete on the National Team. 08 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016

Health Minister Katara plans visits Darb El Saai

The Peninsula 45 events for MINISTER of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, visited yesterday the health tent at Darb El Saai. The Minister commended the participation of citizens, resi- National Day dents and school students, and the outstanding organisation of Qatari Music by elite singers and artistes who the events. She added that the have left a great and lasting Ministry of Public Health and the Cultural Village to impact on Qatari music and got institutions of the health sector release CD titled wide acclaim making waves are keen to actively participate "Creativity Stays", beyond Qatari borders. The in the important national occa- containing a songs have been revived and sion for every citizen, through selection of songs by performed by young Qatari events, activities and services elite singers and singers. coinciding with the occasion artistes who have “Our celebrations of the organised to serve our objectives National Day this year will be in engaging community mem- left a great and witnessing lots of pleasant sur- bers in health programmes lasting impact on Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari at the health tent in Darb El Saai prises. Katara will be honouring contributing to the creation of a Qatari music. the national star singers, musi- yesterday. healthy society. cians and artistes who left us Raynald C Rivera an outstanding musical legacy, The Peninsula such as composer Abdul Aziz Naser, artists Faraj Abdul Kar- ith a line-up eem and Mohammed Al Sae' QBG plants trees during campaign of 45 events and musician Hasan Ali. This and activities, honour will be extended the Cultural through the "Creativity Stays" The Peninsula Village — CD that we are releasing. The WKatara — maintains its position CD's 70s and 80s songs are he Qur’anic Botanic Gar- as a must-visit spot to celebrate being revived by young Qatari den (QBG) has planted 35 Qatar National Day. singers,” said Dr Al Sulaiti. Ttrees in cooperation with To kick off on National Day, One of the unique new fea- the Philippine Institute of Civil the two-day long dazzling fes- tures of the programme is a Engineers (PICE) Qatar Chapter tivities combine culture, art and spectacular dancing water at Education City as part of its entertainment celebrating pride fountain. The line-up of events annual ‘Ghars’ tree planting and loyalty to the country and also includes military and stu- campaign. embracing national identity. dent parades, performances of The event, which was held “It is a great privilege to me Ardha national dance, work- on December 9, was attended to offer my sincere congratu- shops and fine art exhibitions, by more than 150 people and lations to Emir H H Sheikh and cultural and artistic shows highlighted QBG’s efforts to pro- , set to entertain thousands of mote sustainability in the Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad people expected to turn up dur- community and to increase bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the ing in the course of the two-day green spaces in Qatar. The initi- Qatari people, on the National celebration. ative also highlights the Day of Qatar. It is a remarka- More than 20 organisations importance of growing trees to ble day which is dear to our and institutions in Qatar are fight .Fatima hearts when we, with utmost taking part in Katara’s National Saleh Al Khulaifi, Manager of the pride, renew loyalty to our wise Day celebrations staging vari- Qur’anic Botanic Garden, said: leadership, gratefulness to the ous events and activities. “The ‘Ghars’ campaign exempli- Founding Father of the nation "Katara is keen to offer its fies the efforts of the Qur’anic and show a true sense of visitors a diverse array of inno- Botanic Garden and QF towards belonging to our homeland,” vative activities and events, all conserving Qatar’s environment said Katara General Manager in joyful and entertaining through encouraging all com- Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti atmosphere to boost the munity members to become at a press conference at Katara national spirit on this excep- active in tree planting.” yesterday. tional national anniversary, Through the event, QBGhas A major highlight of this that's why we have invited peo- shown the importance of the year’s programme is the release ple representing various ‘Ghars’ campaign in promoting Members of the Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers of a CD titled "Creativity Stays", organisations in Qatar to take the preservation of the containing a selection of songs part in the celebrations." environment. (PICE) planting a tree.

Little troopers Filipino Bazaar may get 10,000 visitors

Raynald C Rivera choral singing, “parol mak- The Peninsula ing” and ballroom dance sport. The best booth among three-day Filipino the vendors will also be cho- bazaar is expected to sen and recognised at the A attract 10,000 visitors end of conclusion of the to its wide array of authentic event. Filipino food, spectacular Among the other features shows, exciting competitions are children’s play areas, Fil- and fun-filled activities. ipino sari-sari store and Dubbed “Handog ng Kuli- photo booth in addition to narya sa Qatar 2016 (A zumba and photoshoot for a Thanksgiving for Qatar)”, the Organisers of “Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016 (A cause charity events. community event is being Miss Tourism Metropoli- Thanksgiving for Qatar)" and celebrity guests at a press organised to show the Fili- tan International 2016 conference at Hillside Restaurant yesterday. pino community’s runner-up Janela Joy Cuaton appreciation of the host year’s final event organised selection of Filipino fare. along with model and televi- country as it marks its under Kulinarya Qatar — a Thirty booths showcasing sion actress Jelai Andres and National Day and reaffirm unique brand and movement products and services offered Internet sensation Jon Guti- Filipinos' commitment to initiated by the Philippine by a number of companies errez will be the celebrity strengthen their relationship Embassy to promote Filipino are taking part at the bazaar guests at the event. with the wider international gastronomy and culture. It exuding a “barrio fiesta” Over a dozen local Fili- community through food and follows the big success of its atmosphere. A number Phil- pino music bands and dance culture. previous bazaar during Eid ippine and Qatari groups will enthrall visitors To be held at Westin Al Adha which saw more than government entities are also with their performances. Doha Hotel and Spa, the 6,000 visitors. expected to participate at the The event will be open Children dressed as special operations troops at Darb El Saai event will be launched on Around 15 Doha-based event. from Friday to Sunday from yesterday. Friday and conclude on Qatar Filipino restaurants will set Among the competitions 10am to 10pm. Entrance is National Day. It will be this up stalls offering a wide that will be organised are free. Qatar Charity donates electric wheelchairs in Albania

The Peninsula solidarity with this group, which is in a who extended their profound thanks to Day of the people with Special Needs in existence and relation to society. For his dire need for much care and support, to Qatar Charity for this sympathetic practice by providing this group with part, Albania's Minister of Labour, Bal- n the occasion of the Interna- realise their own existence among the humanitarian gesture, which would pos- the proper tools that enable it to inte- and Clausi congratulated the people with tional Day of the People with society. itively affect the people with special grate into society. He added that the special needs on their day on behalf of OSpecial Needs, and with the par- High-level government figures, needs in Albania. office distributed 250 wheelchairs, 30 the Albanian government, expressing ticipation of the Sports University in directors of charities and media repre- Commemorating the International electric wheelchairs and other aids to its thanks to Qatar Charity for provid- Albania, Qatar Charity distributed sentatives attended the distribution Day, Shawqi Abu Saif, the Director of the people with special needs. ing aid and relief to the Albanians in all wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs to ceremony as well as a large gathering QC office in Albania, said that QC would He assured that QC strongly believes developmental and humanitarian people with special needs in Albania, in of people with special needs' families like to commemorate the International in this group's rights to feel their fields. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 HOME 09 Qatar Airways AAB organises second dealer conference The Peninsula

he Spare Parts Department to fly A380 to of Abdullah Abdulghani & TBros Co WLL, the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, successfully concluded its second National Dealer Melbourne Conference. The event was organised to enhance and strengthen the relationship with AAB’s author- The Peninsula ised dealers and continue to More capacity promote Toyota Genuine Parts atar Airways has Use of 517-seater Sales. During the occasion, the announced plans to aircraft from June 30 tagline “Accuracy + Caring = introduce daily A380 next year will Trust”, which was derived from service to Melbourne increase the airline's Toyota Customer Service Phi- Qin Australia from losophy was emphasised. This current daily capacity June 30 next year to meet is an assurance of Toyota’s by 44 percent on increasing passenger demand. commitment to provide the this route. The 517-seater A380 air- best service and quality craft will increase Qatar products. AAB Parts Division team with dealers. Airways’ current daily capac- in Australia, with the airline Ravi Stanley, AAB’s Senior ity by 44 per cent on this route adding services to Perth, Syd- Manager — National Parts along to meet the growing travel and ney and Adelaide thereafter. with the other members of the Company) and Kaleemullah fight counterfeit and fake parts In appreciation of the part- trade demand, connecting Mel- The airline first started flying Spare Parts Department led the Khan — Manager (Gulf tower by educating customers about nership with the authorised bourne-based passengers and to Australia’s second largest city occasion. Auto Spare Parts) shared their the quality, credibility and dura- dealers, the Dealer Performance freight to more than 150 desti- on December 6, 2009 with a Davis Ittoop — CEO (Global experience on AAB’s improved bility of Toyota Genuine Parts Awards and Certificates for 2016 nations globally. 259-seater B777 aircraft. With Auto Parts), Mohamed Ali — services and sales support. They through various ‘Anti-Counter- were handed during Qatar Airways Group Chief the introduction of daily A380 General Manager (Noble Trading pledged their commitment to feit’ activities. the event. Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: services, capacity on the Mel- “As we continue to grow apace bourne route will have in Australia, we have seen a increased two-fold since 2009. clear need to inject additional The A380 aircraft features capacity on the Melbourne serv- a luxurious First Class Cabin Malabar Gold & Diamonds Festival begins ice. We are delighted to with ultra-wide seats, which introduce our A380 aircraft to recline into a flat bed, two-pas- Melbourne after seven years of senger table extension dining, The Peninsula A true shopper’s delight, Malabar Gold gramme gold coin without any making operation to the world’s most and designer sleeper suits, flight & Diamonds Festival, will captivate custom- charges and avail the zero deduction offer liveable city. Well-travelled Mel- slippers and amenities. Passen- alabar Gold & Diamonds’, the prom- ers by exhibiting eye catching designs in gold, on 22K (GCC) old gold jewellery exchange bournians will find our seamless gers travelling in Qatar Airways’ inent global jewellery retailer, has diamonds, platinum, and precious gems from as well. All the above-mentioned offers are and quick connections via award-winning Business Class Munveiled their 6th edition of ‘Mala- different parts of the world to flaunt any valid until January 31, 2017. Doha’s Hamad International can also enjoy direct aisle access bar Gold & Diamonds Festival’ in Qatar occasion or event and are well priced too. To add more glitter to the season, they Airport a great and easy travel with the 1-2-1 seat configura- commencing from today. This season, Mal- Customers who shop for QR500 worth have also unveiled the latest collection of option. And our expansive Euro- tion and a suite of entertainment abar Gold & Diamonds showcases the latest gold and diamond jewellery will be entitled jewellery in gold, diamonds and precious pean network provides plenty options including on-board collection of gold, diamond and precious for one raffle coupon which will give them gems to suit the tastes of their multicultural of homecoming options for one Wi-Fi, keeping them fully con- gems jewellery in their outlets, to celebrate a chance to win a whopping 1.5kg of gold via and multinational customers. Malabar Gold of Australia’s most culturally nected while up in the air. this festive period. 6 raffle draws, each raffle winner will get & Diamonds has incorporated these designs diverse cities, which is home to In addition, passengers in This much-awaited festival is one of the 250 grammes gold each. With every diamond as a part of various brands presented at Mal- many families from European First and Business Class can biggest jewellery events in GCC and the cus- jewellery purchase, the customers get a abar Gold & Diamonds’ namely Ethnix heritage including the United relax and socialise at the on- tomers get unprecedented opportunities to ‘Scratch & Win’ coupon for guaranteed cash - handcrafted designer jewellery, Era - uncut Kingdom, and Greece.” board lounge located on the win a total of 1.5kg gold and up to 100per- back and get a chance to win up to 100 per- diamond jewellery, Mine - diamonds unlim- Melbourne is the original upper deck of the cent cashback with every diamond jewellery cent cash back. ited, Divine- Indian heritage jewellery, Precia home for Qatar Airways superjumbo. purchase. Furthermore, customers can buy 8 - gem jewellery & Starlet – kids jewellery. Ooredoo launches 4K TV channel

The Peninsula 4K channel in the region, offer- sports, arts and culture and ing crystal-clear content 24/7 on more. oredoo yesterday Ooredoo tv channel number 444. Audiences watching FunBox announced the launch of FunBox UHD features com- UHD on Ooredoo tv can now Othe first 4K TV channel pelling prime time programming enjoy breathtaking visual con- in the region on Ooredoo tv, such as La Boheme — a cine- tent, more detail, contrast with ‘FunBox UHD’. matic opera captured in UHD dynamics and extended colours The FunBox UHD channel and The Sea Chef — a documen- than ever before. will be available to all subscrib- tary series hosted by Angel Leon, As well as the latest content ers of Ooredoo tv, including the two-Michelin starred chef and groundbreaking 4K technol- ‘Essentials’ subscribers, as the who searches for authentic sea ogy, Ooredoo tv offers features company continues to offer flavours across the coast of such as time shift, Android apps, leading international and local Spain. FunBox UHD also airs parental control, thousands of content for its customers. UHD documentaries on nature, hours of on-demand content and FunBox UHD is the first live wildlife, society, music videos, much more.

Motorcycle model recalled

The Peninsula

THE Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collab- oration with Speed Marine, dealer of CAN-AM Maverick X3 motorcycles in Qatar, has announced the recall of CAN-AM Maverick X3 motorcycles model year 2017 over a lack of lubrication in steering with appropriate quantity of oil which may cause difficulty in control- ling it. The Ministry said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing efforts to pro- tect consumers and ensure that motorcycle dealers follow up on vehi- cle defects and repairs. The Ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will communi- cate with customers. 10 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016

Devis Edukulathur elected Japan Independence Day Katara honours President of ICBF

The Peninsula winners of evis Edukulathur has been elected as the Pres- Dhow Festival ident of the Indian Community Benevolent DForum (ICBF) for the term 2016-2018, follow- ing recent polls for the Management committee photo contest Members. ICBF is a welfare corpus managed by the commu- nity and affiliated to the Indian embassy and helps QNA Indians in distress. It carries out welfare works with the help of the embassy and the Indian community at THE Cultural Village Foundation large through donations. The Management Commit- (Katara) has honoured the top five tee, consisting of the elected and nominated members, winners of its photography contest, has completed their takeover procedure at Embassy held on the sidelines of Katara's 6th of , at an official meeting chaired by R K Singh, Traditional Dhow Festival that was Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy and Coor- recently organised on November 15 to dinating Officer of ICBF on December 8. . 19. The new committee includes PN Baburajan, Vice- General Manager of Katara, Dr President, Mahesh Gowda, General Secretary, Sameer Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, and Head H Moosa and T Sashikant as Joint Secretaries and Sunil of Photography Contest jury and Head Kumar as Treasurer. The newly formed committee of Photographic Society, Ahmed Bin held their first meeting on December 11, and has Yosuf Al Khaleefi were present at the planned their activities. prize distribution ceremony The committee will organise “Children Aware- yesterday. ness Workshop” – The Art of Giving on December 21, The five top prizes of Katara's Pho- H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy & Industry (centre) and Ibrahim at Ashoka Hall, Indian Cultural Center (ICC) at tography Contest were respectively 06.00pm. The 28th edition of ICBF Free Medical Camp Fakhroo (right), Director of Protocol at the Foreign Ministry, cutting cake with Seiichi won by Saeed Mohammed Fairuz, for workers will be held on Friday, December 30 in Otsuka, Japanese Ambassador to Qatar, during Japan Independence Day celebrations Omar Al Surori, Abdel Aziz Esa, Esa co operation with Atlas Polyclinic, Near Asia Town, yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula Mohammed Abdullah and Bahir Industrial Area from 7am to 1pm. Ameen. Speaking on the occasion, Katara General Manager said, "Our sponsor- ship of the Photography and the Fine Art Contest, reflect Katara's leading Msheireb Properties to host several QND events role and commitment to the revival of visual arts, and support of promising talent, through providing artists with The Peninsula company’s staff of volunteers. all assistance and care needed, so they For Qatar National Day, Msheireb can succeed while continuing with sheireb Properties, Properties is also enhancing its social their creative projects". Qatar’s leading sustain- media presence, and this year it has "Katara's celebration of the lens' able real estate launched a competition on Instagram artists aims at upgrading the profi- developer, and a subsid- that invites participants to learn about ciency levels of this remarkable genre iary of Qatar Foundation Qatari heritage and culture through a of art, encouraging creative projects Mfor Education, Science and Commu- series of interactive trivia questions. in the field of photography and sup- nity Development (QF), is celebrating Participants are encouraged to visit the porting Qatari and Arab Qatar National Day (QND) with sev- cultural houses of Msheireb Museums photographers, who convey to us and eral activities. to search for answers. the world through their lenses, the In the keeping of the spirit of Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi, Chief stunning beauty of the natural land- national pride, the Qatari flag was car- Executive Officer at Msheireb Proper- scape and the treasures of tradition, ried by Msheireb Properties staff and ties, said, “Qatar National Day is close in a bid to document priceless aspects construction workers of the compa- to our hearts and as such it’s a time of our culture and heritage. The art of ny’s iconic Msheireb Downtown Doha where we express our love and pride photography has proven to be a great project. for our nation. The celebrations are a tool used in connecting us with other Msheireb Properties is also engag- unique opportunity to show our com- cultures", Dr Al Sulaiti added. ing the greater Qatari community by mitment with initiatives that raise sponsoring a series of activities for awareness and educate the commu- Qatar's National Flag is seen carried by the staff of Msheireb Properties diverse communities across the coun- nity, and we were careful to expand try. The initiative includes live as part of the Qatar National Day celebrations. our initiatives to embrace diverse entertainment and cultural events that groups of individuals and communi- Qatar urges have been organized to promote the consecutive year, Msheireb Properties opportunity to engage with children ties. On this national occasion, we spirit of collaboration, community and continues its participation in the Qatar and their families in an assortment of underscore our vigilance to organise international multiculturalism that have become the Foundation tent in Darb El Saai. This exciting activities. The children are activations that gather all people pillars of Qatari society. cultural tradition provides Msheireb then rewarded with a wealth of edu- together and reflect our pride in our Additionally, for the second Properties with a tremendous cational toy giveaways by the beloved country.” community to stop Syria massacres

Mega cricket tournament on National Day QNA THE Continued from page 1 State of Qatar has called on the inter- national community to shoulder its A mega international cricket tour- responsibility in protecting civilians and nament will take place from 11.30am civil institutions from the massacres and on December 18 with participation of barbaric bombing committed by the Syr- 16 famous cricket players from India, ian regime and its militia against the Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Syrian people. including Yusuf Pathan, Wasim Jaffer In a statement to Qatar News Agency and Lakshmipathi Balaji from India, (QNA), the Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Salman Butt, Saeed Ajmal, Kamran Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Akmal, Khalid Bashir, Umar Akmal urged the international community to and Sohail Tanveer from Pakistan, move fast to stop massacres and grave Muhammed Ashraful, Mohammed violations, to insure safe paths, and to Sharif and Muhammed Elias from guarantee the delivery of humanitarian Bangladesh and Chaminda Vass and assistance to Aleppo and other Syrian cit- Farveez Mahroof from Sri Lanka and ies on the background of the deteriorating Nawroz Mangal from Afghanistan. human conditions and the brutal viola- A range of cultural events, musi- tions which occurred during the past few cal performances, art competitions days. and sports championships will be FROM LEFT: Major Mubarak Salem Bouainain, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department of the The tremendous humanitarian disas- organized at Asian Town (Industrial Ministry of Interior, Major Nasser Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Vice Chairman of QND Celebrations Security Committee, ter experienced by Syrians in Aleppo area), Wakra Sports Stadium, Rayyan and Chairman of the Bin Ajyan projects, Muhammed bin Ajyan Al Ahbabi at a press conference to announce reflect the Security Council's failure in Sports Club and Barwa Workers’ Rec- the Associated Activities of Qatar National Day 2016 Celebrations, at Civil Defence Officers’ Club yesterday. putting an end to the crisis and protect- reation Complex in Al Khor. Pic: Kammutty VP/ The Peninsula ing civilians, the Minister said. Indian and Sri Lankan community With the Security Council failure for teams and artists will showcase their Bangladeshi communities along with community teams will showcase their Along with cultural events, differ- the sixth time — and despite several res- cultural and musical performances at the students of different expatriate cultural fiesta at Rayyan Sports club ent sports championships will be held olutions which have not been enforced Asian Town. This venue will host art schools will take place at Al Wakra Indoor Stadium along with students between communities, company and — searching for other ways to protect competitions and cultural shows by Sports Club. of expatriate schools. school teams on December 18 in civilians has become an urgent matter, students of different expatriate The events will comprise students' The events will start here at 8 am Wakra Sports Club, Rayyan Sports he added. schools. parade, cultural shows and competi- on December 18 and will continue till Club and Al Khor Barwa Workers Rec- The Minister said that the efforts of A students' parade, cultural shows tions that will start at 8 am on 10 pm. reation Complex Qatar come within the context of urging and competitions will start at 8 am on December 18 at outdoor stadium at A mega Indian musical night will The entry is free to all venues and the international community and the UN December 18. The Indian community Wakra Sports Club. take place at Barwa Workers Recre- the organizing committee has officials to adopt effective measures for will showcase more than 30 cultural, The Wakra stadium will host wide ation Complex in Al Khor industrial arranged special areas for families in ending these human tragedies and pro- traditional and thematic items. variety of cultural fiesta by famous area namely ‘Rafi Night’, led by pop- every venue. Prizes are on offer for vide all possible assistance to protect A mega Indian musical concert will artists from Pakistan. Sarfaraz, Nadia ular Indian singer Muhammad Aslam the public through a raffle draw. civilians from killing and destruction be hosted at Asian Town, Industrial Gul, Harun Basha, Brashna, Deba, from 4 pm on December 17. The press conference was also machine. He reiterated Qatar's support Area led by popular singers from Osman Bangesh, Sadiq, Sana, Shou- The Barwa Workers Recreation attended by and Chairman of the Bin for the Syrian people. Indian and Nepal including Ravindra kat Mahmoud, Shamaa Adel, Shahid Complex in Al Khor will host cultural Ajyan projects Muhammed bin Ajyan The Foreign pointed that the Syrian Upadhyay, Pratiksha Kulshresta, Ali Khan and Khanzeb are among the and folklore shows and musical per- Al Ahbabi and representatives of regime has violated all norms, values and Deepak Singh Mahan and Shiv Baha- artists who will perform in the Pak formances of Nepalese expats and Al Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Indo- international humanitarian laws, stress- dur, on Saturday, December 17. The community event at Wakra football Khor community teams along with nesian, Nepalese communities and ing the need for international justice to event will start at 4 pm. stadium at4 pm on December 18. shows by the students of Al Khor participating schools and supporting take a real, serious and responsible step The events of Pakistani and The Filipino and Indonesian Indian School. companies. to hold the Syrian regime accountable. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 MIDDLE EAST 11 Aleppo's fall imminent; 82 civilians 'executed'

Aleppo Fading hopes Lavrov said. The spokesman for the civil defence force in the Hopes for a last-ditch former rebel area of Aleppo said he said deal to end the rebels now controlled an area of yesterday it had reports fighting by less than three sq km. “The situ- that Syrian soldiers and withdrawing fighters ation is very, very bad. The civil allied Iraqi fighters had also seemed in doubt, defence has stopped operating summarily shot dead 82 with Moscow rejecting in the city,” he said. Tcivilians in recaptured Aleppo dis- A surrender or withdrawal calls for an immediate tricts and a military source said the ceasefire as concern of the rebels from Aleppo would last rebel pocket could fall “at any mean the end of the rebellion grew over the fate of moment”. in the city, Syria’s largest until civilians. The Syrian army has denied the outbreak of war after mass carrying out killings or torture protests in 2011, but it is unclear among those captured, and its if such a deal can be struck by main ally Russia said yesterday Colville said the rebel-held world powers. By finally dous- that it was rebels who had “kept area was “a hellish corner” of less ing the last embers of resistance over 100,000 people as human than a square kilometre, adding burning in Aleppo, Syrian Pres- shields”. its capture was imminent. ident Bashar Al Assad’s military The rout of rebels from their The Syrian army and its allies coalition of the army, Russian ever-shrinking territory in could declare victory at any air power and Iran-backed Aleppo sparked a mass flight of moment, a Syrian military source militias will have delivered him civilians and insurgents in bitter said, predicting the final fall of his biggest battlefield victory of weather, a crisis the United the rebel enclave by today after the war. Nations said was a “complete insurgent defences collapsd on However, while the rebels, meltdown of humanity”. Monday. Turkish and Russian including groups backed by the Hopes for a last-ditch deal to officials will meet todayy to , Turkey and Gulf end the fighting by withdrawing examine a possible ceasefire and Soldiers loyal to Syrian President Bashar Al Assad patrol the streets in Al Sabaa Bahrat district, monarchies, as well as jihadist fighters also seemed in doubt, opening a corridor, a senior an area controlled by Free Syrian Army fighters, in the centre of Aleppo, yesterday. groups that the West does not with Moscow rejecting calls for Turkish official, who declined to support, will suffer a crushing an immediate ceasefire as con- be identified, said. government’s most powerful ally, a ceasefire. “The Russian side corridors are established,” Rus- defeat in Aleppo, the war will be cern grew over the fate of But Moscow, the Syrian rejected any immediate call for wants to do that only when the sian Foreign Minister Sergei far from over. Aleppo’s loss will civilians. leave the rebels without a signif- “The reports we had are of icant presence in any of Syria’s people being shot in the street main cities, but they still hold trying to flee and shot in their MPs urge GCC to expel Russian envoys over Aleppo much of the countryside west of homes,” said Rupert Colville, Aleppo and the province of Idlib, spokesman for the UN office. Kuwait City "genocide" against civilians in total international negligence," Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, also in northwest Syria. “There could be many more.” AFP the Syrian city of Aleppo. Islamist MP Jamaan Al Harbash Saudi Arabia and United Arab Islamic State also has a big Behind those fleeing was a The lawmakers also signed told a small rally in the parlia- Emirates, all of which have dip- presence in Syria and has wasteland of flattened buildings, pposition MPs in Kuwait a motion calling on the newly ment building. lomatic ties with Russia, a key advanced in recent days, taking concrete rubble and bullet- urged Gulf Cooperation elected parliament to hold an "We call on the Gulf states ally of Syrian President Bashar the desert city of Palmyra. pocked walls, where tens of OCouncil (GCC) nations emergency meeting next week to expel Russian ambassadors... Al Assad. Abdullah Fahhad, The army and its allies were thousands had lived until recent yesterday to expel Russian in support of the city. "There is and to open fund-raising cam- another Islamist MP, demanded advancing towards the Sukkari, days under intense bombard- ambassadors over what they a genocide being committed paigns at mosques," he said. the expulsion of the envoys of Tel Al Zarazir and parts of Seif Al ment even after medical and called Moscow's role in against civilians in Aleppo amid The GCC groups energy-rich both Russia and Iran. Dawla and Al Amariya districts, rescue services had collapsed. the Syrian military source said.

Egypt's military court jails 141 Turkey detains two Brotherhood supporters pro-Kurdish MPs

Cairo Ankara Batman, Dogan news agency Reuters AFP & Anatolia reported, where she was released under "judicial control", the A MILITARY COURT sen- urkish police detained two equivalent of being freed under tenced 141 supporters of the female pro-Kurdish law- supervision. An investigation had Muslim Brotherhood to up to Tmakers yesterday as a been launched into the MP after 15 years in prison yesterday- crackdown intensified after a she allegedly spoke at the funeral for 'ransacking public deadly Istanbul bombing that of a man killed during security facilities and rioting', the raised questions about Anka- operations against Kurdish rebels defendants’ lawyers said.. ra's strategy in fighting in Diyarbakir, the agency said. One of the F-35 stealth fighter jets at Nevatim Air Base near Beersheba, Israel, yesterday. The Assiut military court separatist militants. A total of 568 people have sentenced 96 of them to 15 The detentions came after been arrested across Turkey on years in absentia. Forty-two of twin blasts hit Istanbul on Sat- terrorism charges since Mon- those in detention were sen- Israel gets fighter jets from US urday killing 37 police officers day, the Interior Ministry tenced to seven years in prison and seven civilians, which were announced. Anti-terror opera- and three of those detained to claimed by the Kurdistan Free- tions, which began on Monday, five years. The 45 detained Jerusalem Benjamin Netanyahu said the planes – after the US itself. I dom Falcons (TAK). were carried out in 28 provinces were each also fined 20,000 Anatolia jets would increase Israel's think that this symbolizes the The two women, Caglar to detain the suspects that Egyptian pounds ($1,100), said already considerable military very significant character of the Demirel and Besime Konca, included members of the oppo- lawyers Khaled Al Koumy and srael received the first two might. strength of the alliance between who represent the southeast- sition Peoples’ Democratic Mohamed Samir. F-35 fighter jets from the "The F-35s and their pilots us and the US," the Israeli pre- ern Kurdish-majority cities of Party (HDP), who had allegedly The case dealt with events IUnited States on Monday will be able to act in any arena mier said. Diyarbakir and Siirt respec- participated in activities organ- in August 2013 in the city of evening after their arrival was – more and less near. I am Israel has placed three tively, were held as part of a ized by the PKK terrorist Malawi in the Province of delayed by fog. called, almost on a daily basis, orders for the fighter jets despite sweeping anti-terror probe, organisation and spread prop- Minya which were among a The new F-35 planes, report- to approve missions by Israel's earlier debate over the need for state news agency Anadolu said. aganda on its behalf, the wave of unrest after the army edly worth $100 million each, are long arm, and every day I and such expensive additions to the "(The) head of the party's ministry said in a statement. removed elected Islamist the first of 50 and sought after by all citizens of Israel put our trust air force. "The debate was moot parliamentary group Caglar Police launched a nation- president Mohamed Mursi Israel for their stealth technology. in you, Israel's pilots,” Netan- from its first day. The reason is Demirel and Siirt MP Besime wide operation on Monday, from power, following mass The planes had been scheduled yahu said. simple. Aircraft age, and the IAF Konca were unlawfully detaining individuals accused protests against his rule. to arrive from Italy earlier in the “Today, I would like to tell (Israeli Air Force) must renew detained in front of our (Ankara) of PKK links or of producing Suspects in security and day but the weather kept them the people of Israel that this long its fighter aircraft regularly,” headquarters," the leftwing pro- propaganda for the group, terrorism-related cases are grounded. arm just became a little longer, wrote Yiftah Shapir, an Israeli Kurdish Peoples' Democratic which is proscribed as a terror often sent to the military In a ceremony attended by and more powerful," he said. security expert at the Tel Aviv- Party (HDP) said on Twitter. organisation by Ankara, the courts in Egypt. The general US Secretary of Defense Ash "It is no coincidence that based Institute for National Konca was taken to court in European Union and the United prosecution referred the Carter, Israeli Prime Minister Israel is the first to receive these Security Studies. the southeastern province of States. defendants to a military tri- bunal in March last year. The Ministry of Interior has said the suicide bomber who carried out an attack that Poster of Netanyahu with noose sparks probe killed 25 people at ’s Coptic cathedral on Sunday was a supporter of the Mus- Jerusalem Bezalel Academy of Arts and funding to be cut. Dovish oppo- Last week an artist erected a she expects their artistic output lim Brotherhood. AP Design, apparently by a student, sition legislators said such a golden statue of Netanyahu in a to conform to her nationalistic No group has claimed and swiftly removed. The word move would trample on the right central Tel Aviv square that drew a worldview. Regev has publicly responsibility for the attack, srael launched an investiga- "hope" in the original poster was to free expression, while stream of selfie-taking passersby clashed with liberal actors and but exiled Muslim Brother- tion yesterday into a poster replaced by the word "rope." acknowledging the poster was before being toppled by a bystander. entertainers, and has threatened hood officials and local Ibearing the image of Prime Noam Sharvit, a Justice Min- in bad taste. The statue was interpreted as a to cut funding for institutions militant groups have joined Minister Benjamin Netanyahu istry spokesman, said the probe "What disturbs me in this commentary on his lengthy rule and that refuse to perform in West the international community behind a noose, sparking a was launched to look into sus- context is the immediate lashing reputation for a lavish lifestyle. Bank settlements. Adi Stern, the in condemnation. debate over the limits of freedom picions that the poster incited to out that calls for denying fund- But critics say that dissent is president of Bezalel, told Army The government deems of expression in an increasingly violence. ing to Bezalel," Zehava Galon, being stifled under the current Radio that the poster had been the Brotherhood a terrorist polarised society. Culture Minister Miri Regev, from the opposition government, the most national- taken out of context. He said it organisation. The group, The poster, a riff on the a staunch Netanyahu supporter, party, told Israeli Army Radio. istic in the country's history. appeared with a poster of former Egypt’s oldest opposition "hope" poster from US President wrote on Facebook that "artistic "We need to leave wide margins Regev has been one of the Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak movement, says it is commit- Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, freedom is not freedom to for freedom of expression unless prime targets of that criticism, Rabin with the word "traitor" ted to peaceful activism. was plastered in the hallway at incite," and called for Bezalel's it borders on bloodshed." with many liberal Israelis saying printed underneath. 12 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Greek bailout review No place now to go: Syrians post desperate he financial woes of Greece are continuing despite all the austerity measures the country was forced to adopt in the past few years to get messages from besieged Aleppo Tcash from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union to rescue its economy from collapse. Athens is now on its third international bailout since crisis first hit the indebted nation in 2010, remained, saying they cannot leave, as East #Aleppo. This is my last moment to and is again in dispute with its chief lenders on fiscal Derek Hawkins The Washington Post has reported. either live or die. — Bana” targets and the extent of reforms required to conclude The Washington Post By Tuesday morning, only a few “the last massage. Thanks for every- its latest review on bailout progress. Representatives of small pockets of rebels were left. thing. we shared many moments. The the European Union and IMF left Athens last month Hundreds of people have been last tweets were from an emotiomal without an agreement on key bailout review issues. reported killed by Assad’s forces, father. Farewell, #Aleppo” The disagreements was so deep that discussions are including women and children. The “I am waiting to die or be captured being held over teleconferences and direct talks are he shaky cellphone video shows United Nations warned that dozens by the Assad regime,” Ameen al-Halabi, expected to resume only after sufficient progress is Abdulkafi Al Hamdo, a Syrian English of people may have been executed by a photographer, wrote on Facebook. achieved on the points of contention. teacher, crouching behind a stone pro-government troops, who killed “Pray for me and always remember us.” The main dispute in the current round of wall, the hood of a yellow Adidas people “on the spot” in their homes Some accounts of the violence came negotiations between Greece and the European lenders sweatshirt pulled over his dark hair. and as they fled. from who said they had is about the latter’s demand for Greece to maintain a TRain beats down in the background as he speaks Bilal Abdul Kareem, an American received final goodbyes from activists primary fiscal surplus of 3.5 percent beyond 2018. A 3.5 into the camera. in Aleppo, was among those and others on the ground. percent surplus implies a heavier tax burden and more Al Hamdo says he has spent the night in who posted video statements from the “Activists in Aleppo are tweeting out pension cuts for Greeks, which the leftist-led eastern Aleppo fleeing from Syrian govern- war zone Monday, calling it “perhaps my their final, harrowing goodbyes. They government is unwilling to ment forces, who had all but completed their final message” from the city. will almost certainly be detained/tor- impose in a nation already brutal siege of the city’s last rebel-held neigh- “We may not be able to send any tured/killed upon capture.” crippled by the crisis, borhoods on Tuesday. more messages as regime forces push “The sinking feeling in your stomach where one in four are President Bashar Al Assad’s troops are closer and closer,” Kareem says over the as you read contacts’ last messages from Greece has unemployed. The closing in, Al Hamdo says, fighting back tears, sounds of explosions. “This might be Aleppo. God forgive us for not helping overcome the government has offered a “maybe 300 meters away.” close to if not the last communication.” our own people.” worst in the half-way compromise of “No place now to go. It’s the last place,” In the video, Kareem blames other “Horrifying messages this morning achieving a 2.5 percent he says in the video, posted to Twitter just Muslim countries for not sending troops from those being bombarded by SAA and financial crisis surplus. before midnight Monday. “I don’t know to help Syrians. Russians as they push to take back the and the country Finance Minister Euclid really what to say. Words can’t go out now. “You really blew it this time,” he last of east-#Aleppo.” and its people are Tsakalotos said that his I hope you can do something to stop the says. “You really really had an opportu- “A doc in east Aleppo: ‘A farewell looking forward country was keen to end expected massacres.” He continues: “No nity to be the hero, fly in here with a message: Remember that there was a the stalemate through one slept this night. I just slept for an hour. cape and help out these poor people.” city called Aleppo that the world erased to better days. ‘honest compromise’ that My wife, my daughter, all the people who I Others tweeted out what they said from the map and history.’ “ involves implementation of know, they’re . . .”The audio cuts out first. may be their final words before being Rebel forces seized parts of eastern more reforms, but that Then the video ends. killed or captured: Aleppo in 2012, hoping to establish it as a should lead to flexibility As Syrian forces stormed the last sliver of “I would like to thank all the humans seat of opposition power. But its fall is from the other side too. “I the city controlled by the opposition, Syrians whose stood for the humanity with our now widely viewed as inevitable. can’t see the logic of returning to uncertainty and such as Al Hamdo posted desperate messages case, i will never forget you if we passed “The battle of Aleppo has reached delay. We don’t go to the institutions with “this is our to social media, some of them saying they to the other life” its end. It is just a matter of a small stance, take it or leave it” we try to respond to their believed they would be captured or killed by “Humans all over the world, don’t period of time, no more, no less,” criticisms, when they have objections to the nature of government troops. sleep! You can do something! Protest Rami Abdulrahman, the pseudonym our structural measures, and we are willing to discuss The Assad regime, backed by air power, now! Stop the genocide!#SaveAleppo of the director of the Britain-based all those issues in good faith,” he said. has decimated rebel defenses in recent weeks. #SaveHumanity” Syrian Observatory for Human It’s true that Greece has suffered enough, and piling More than 100,000 people are believed to “My name is Bana, I’m 7 years old. I Rights, told The Post. “It’s a total more misery on its people, though will not lead to any have fled the fighting, but others have am talking to the world now live from collapse.” revolt, will be unfair. The IMF and the European Union need to take a more lenient stance towards Athens. As the finance minister said, a 2.5 percent target would be more sustainable and will infuse confidence in the country, as people “will believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Despite all the differences, the current negotiations are expected to lead to an agreement rather than a breakdown. Greece has overcome the worst in the financial crisis, and the country and its people are looking forward to better days. But it’s important to learn all the right lessons from the crisis.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

It will be necessary to extend the sanctions against Russia again although we would have wished for better progress in the implementation of this process.

Angela Merkel German Chancellor Smoke rises as seen from a government-held area of Aleppo, Syria. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 OPINION 13 Is another Boko Haram in the making?

three sons after a pro-Palestinian Thembisa Fakude March in 2014 and the renewed sup- Al Jazeera pression of IMN could culminate in a more dangerous situation. It will all depend on how the federal government of Kaduna deals with the recommendations of the Commission of Judicial Enquiry. uslim Friday prayers can lead to The Nigerian government has a traffic nightmares in many Afri- tendency to deal harshly with dis- can cities. It is an inconvenience sent, and there is little hope that it Mthat has led most residents of will relent on the recommendations these cities to come up with peaceful alter- this time around. The attitude of the natives to circumvent this challenge. government has always been that of However, in the city of Zaria, in the digging in its heels in dealing with Nigerian Kaduna State, there was a growing such matters. The situation in Zaria animosity between the law enforcement seems set to get worse and the gov- agencies and the followers of the Islamic ernment doesn’t seem as if it can Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in this regard. afford to deal with another front of Every Friday followers of the IMN, insurgency at this time. which is led by the charismatic 63-year-old The current discord between the Shia cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, used to authorities and the IMN is an exten- gather outside their headquarters, Hussain- sion of the global Shia/Sunni iyya Baqiyatullah in Zaria, for prayers. contestation. It is a phenomenon The police had accused them on a whose growth could be attributed to number of occasions of disregarding the the steady flow of money from both state laws by blocking traffic, which the Sunni and Shia sponsors into the People displaced as a result of Boko Haram attacks in the northeast region of Nigeria, are seen near their tents IMN believed was used as a pretext to dis- African continent. rupt their activities. in Yola, Adamawa State. It has led to an entrenchment of This was an ongoing bone of conten- schism and resentment between tion, when on December 12, 2015 the have accused the army of using the in dealing with the challenge of radi- more than a dozen injured. This even- these sects whose members had situation escalated after soldiers accused plot accusations as a pretext to sup- calisation. Indeed, the radical rhetoric tually led to clashes between Boko coexisted peacefully over the years. members of IMN of plotting to kill the Army press their freedom and to kill and from certain Muslim pulpits in Nigeria Haram and the police, resulting in a Nigerians must be cognizant of Chief, Tukur Buratai. The intervention of the detain their members and leadership. threatens national security. number of deaths. this entrapment and must resist all army in the gathering of the IMN led to Following the massacre in Zaira However, heavy-handedness The subsequent arrest, torture and circumstances which could worsen deadly skirmishes which resulted in the the government instituted a Commis- should be used as the last resort in murder by the police of Mohammed the situation, including weak leader- deaths of 347 people. Subsequently Zakazky sion for Judicial Enquiry to investigate tackling such situations because past Yusuf, the founder of Boko Haram, ship. Relegating the decision on the and his wife were detained and have been the incident. In a rather shocking turn experiences suggest that it can result further complicated the situation. future of the IMN solely to the ambit in prison ever since. IMN have denied alle- of events on December 5, the commis- in further radicalisation. The current Yusuf’s humiliation at the hands of the of the federal government of gations of plotting to kill the army chief and sion issued a White Paper or findings challenge involving IMN is reminiscent police was widely publicised. Kaduna could prove to be a fatal of its investigation. The White Paper of how the government dealt with Members of Boko Haram were mistake in the long run. basically absolved the soldiers of any Boko Haram in its infancy in Maidug- angered by these actions and gradu- wrongdoing and blamed the leader of uri. There is enough evidence that ally adopted more violent tactics in The writer is a researcher at the Al the organisation, Zakzaky, for the mas- tactics used by the government at the defying state authorities in Nigeria. Jazeera Center for Studies. sacre. It recommended that Zakzaky time backfired. The current discord Abubakar Shekau succeeded Moham- be prosecuted and the IMN declared between the authorities and the IMN is med Yusuf, and under his leadership an insurgent group - a dangerous an extension of the global Shia/Sunni Boko Haram became the one of the The designation of the Islamic move that can turn into a security contestation. In 2009 the police deadliest terrorist group in the world. Movement of Nigeria as an nightmare for the Nigerian state. stopped a group of Boko Haram mem- bers on motorbikes on their way to a Nigeria can’t afford another insurgent group is a dangerous Creating an insurgency funeral for not wearing helmets. The insurgency D-RING ROAD move for the Nigerian state. There is a leadership bankruptcy encounter resulted in police officers The continued detention of Zak- POST BOX: 3488 on the side of the Nigerian government opening fire on the group, resulting in zaky and his wife, the death of his DOHA - QATAR [email protected]

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Trump’s soft spot for illegal immigrants TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

that he wanted to find a way for it’s deporting them and letting the left’s imagined jackbooted MANAGING EDITOR Marc A Thiessen the vast majority of illegal immi- them back in legally. He’s been thugs or Hillary Clinton’s revolt- TEL: 4462 7505 The Washington Post grants (the “good ones,” as he so clear about that and I know ing allusion to “boxcars.” called them) to get right with the the liberal media wants to mis- Trump is not likely to pursue DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR law and secure legal status. The construe it, but it’s deporting touchback legislation in Con- TEL: 4455 7743 mainstream media ignored this, them and letting them back gress anytime soon. He knows because this did not fit with the legally.” he needs to secure the border media’s narrative of a heartless As I have pointed out, what first before he can do anything to LOCAL NEWS SECTION Trump who wanted to break up Trump is describing here is a settle the status of those here TEL: 4455 7769 hey got brought here at families and send all 11m illegal policy called “touchback.” illegally. As he explained in a very young age, immigrants permanently back to Championed by then-Sen. Kay August: “That discussion can BUSINESS NEWS SECTION “Tthey’ve worked here, their countries of origin. Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, in take place only in an atmosphere TEL: 4462 7535 they’ve gone to school here. Some Don’t believe me? Let’s 2007, the idea is that illegal in which illegal is a were good students. Some have review what Trump actually immigrants must return briefly memory of the past, no longer SPORT NEWS SECTION wonderful jobs. And they’re in said. to their countries of origin, with us, allowing us to weigh the TEL: 4455 7745 never-never land because they In a July 2015 interview with where they can apply for a spe- different options available based don’t know what’s going to Sean Hannity, Trump declared: cial visa that would allow them on the new circumstances at the ONLINE SECTION happen.” “Some of these [illegal immi- to reenter the United States in an time.” TEL: 4462 7501 Which political leader made grants] are fantastic people. I’ve expedited manner and work Since Democrats are [email protected] these compassionate remarks been to the border. I was there a here indefinitely. The policy was unlikely to approve border about the “dreamers” — the few days ago. I met some people. endorsed by none other than security measures without PUBLIC RELATIONS roughly 1.8m children who were These are fantastic people, and , which amnesty, Trump will have to brought to this country illegally they have great reputations declared in a 2007 editorialthat focus at the outset on vigor- TEL: 4455 7613 by their parents and know no within their community. . . . The “it’s not ideal, but if a touchback ously enforcing current [email protected] other home than the United bad ones, they’re gone. They provision is manageable and immigration law and use exist- States? never come back. They’ll never reassures people that illegal ing authorities to build a wall, ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT President Barack Obama? get back into this country. But, immigrants are indeed going to deport criminal aliens and TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 Hillary Clinton? the good ones, of which there the back of the line, then it will crack down on sanctuary cities FAX: 4455 7870 No, it was Donald Trump. are many, I want to expedite it so be defensible.” that refuse to cooperate. Only [email protected] Trump told Time magazine they can come back in legally.” The touchback plan lost nar- when the “bad ones” are gone during his “Person of the Year” When he was pressed in an rowly in the Senate by a vote of and the border is secured can CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT interview that while he was not interview by CNN’s Dana Bash 53-45. Among those who voted he turn to resolving the status TEL: 4455 7857 backing off his pledge to rescind about the dreamers, he said: “I for it are two vulnerable Demo- of the “good ones.” [email protected] Obama’s executive amnesty, actually have a big heart. Some- crats who are up for reelection But make no mistake: Trump when it comes to the dreamers, thing that nobody knows. A lot of in 2018: Sen. Claire McCaskill of intends to give permanent legal SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION “We’re going to work something people don’t understand that. Missouri (a state Trump won by status to the vast majority of TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 out that’s going to make people But the dreamers, it’s a tough sit- 19 points) and Sen. Jon Tester of those here illegally. And he may FAX: 44557819 happy and proud.” uation. We’re going to do Montana (where Trump won by be the only president who could Trump’s latest comments something. . . . I would get people 21 points). So any touchback plan do so. Just as only Richard Nixon [email protected] have dismayed immigration out and then have an expedited Trump proposes is likely to get at could go to , it may be that hard-liners, who see the presi- way of getting them back into least some bipartisan support. only Donald Trump has the dent-elect softening his position. the country so they can be legal. . If Trump implements a pro- credibility to enact a plan that All thoughts and views Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, blasted . . A lot of these people are help- posal like this, he won’t need a secures the border and gives expressed in these columns Trump, declaring “somebody’s ing us . . . and sometimes it’s jobs “deportation force.” The vast legal status to illegal immigrants. heart got a little softer than it a citizen of the United States majority of illegal immigrants That is his plan. He has said are those of the writers, not was before the election.” doesn’t even want to do. . . . I would voluntarily cooperate. A so repeatedly, even if his critics of the newspaper. Actually, for those who were want to move them out. I want to 2007 Los Angeles Times poll of — and some of his supporters — paying attention, Trump’s heart move them back in and let them illegal immigrants found that 63 were not listening. All correspondence has always been soft on immi- be legal.” percent would leave voluntarily regarding Views and Opinion The writer is a fellow with the gration — not just for dreamers Indeed, his son Eric if they were promised a chance pages should be mailed to but for most illegal immigrants. expressed frustration at the to return, and 85 percent would American Enterprise Institute and During the presidential cam- media’s inability to get this: “The do so if they were promised a former chief speechwriter to Presi- the [email protected]. paign, Trump repeatedly said point isn’t just deporting them, path to citizenship. No need for dent George W Bush. qa 14 ASIA / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016

Sultan Muhammad V, the incoming 15th King of Malaysia, walks down the stairs during the welcoming ceremony at Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. RIGHT: A member of a guard of honour inspects the rest as they prepare for the arrival of the incoming 15th King. Sultan Muhammad V ascends to Malaysian throne

15th King Kuala Lumpur national palace in the capital In a unique arrangement, the The Sultan "fills his free time The king is also the symbolic AFP Kuala Lumpur. throne of the Muslim-majority by reading and has an interest in head of Islam in the nation, as Sultan Muhammad V, The ceremony, marked by country changes hands every extreme sports such as four- well as the nominal chief of the currently the alaysia yesterday honour guards and Islamic five years between the rulers of wheel drive expeditions and military. ceremonial ruler of installed its 15th prayers, was televised nation- the nine Malaysian states still endurance challenges and shoot- Malaysia's sultans trace a lin- the conservative King, Sultan ally and attended by Prime headed by Islamic royalty. ing," Bernama news agency eage back to Malay sultanates of Islamic northern Muhammad V, a Minister Najib Razak and hun- Sultan Muhammad V stud- reported. the 15th century. The king is state of Kelantan, relatively youthful dreds of guests decked out in ied at St Cross College at Oxford Despite the merely ceremo- referred to as Yang di-Pertuan Mmonarch known for his fondness Islamic finery. and the Oxford Centre for Islamic nial role, Malaysia's Islamic Agong, or "He Who Is Made takes the national throne under the for four-wheel driving and other Sultan Muhammad V, cur- Studies, according to official royalty command great respect, Lord". extreme sports. rently the ceremonial ruler of the media. especially from Muslim Malays, Sultan Muhammad V rotating monarchy in In a ceremony steeped in conservative Islamic northern He is known for a relaxed the country's majority group, and replaces Sultan Abdul Halim place since the pomp and centuries of tradition state of Kelantan, takes the public persona, taking part in criticising them is strictly Mu'adzam Shah from the north- independence from yesterday, the 47-year-old Sul- national throne under the rotat- walkathons to promote health, forbidden. ern state of Kedah, now 89, who Britain in the year tan, dressed in gold-coloured ing monarchy in place since and has been photographed Portraits of the king and was king previously in the 1970s 1957. traditional Malay formal wear, independence from Britain in wearing a baseball cap queen adorn government build- and became the first person to took the oath of office in the 1957. backwards. ings throughout the country. hold the position twice. Ugandan traditional leader Famine may have claimed 2,000 lives in NE Nigeria

Dakar Network (FEWS NET) said. areas would be high," it added extreme levels of food insecu- charged with terrorism Reuters While food aid is staving off recently. rity, and only one million people famine for people uprooted by Around 4.7 million people have received food aid this year, Kampala Uganda has several so- ore than 2,000 people conflict who can be reached, the are in need of emergency food FEWS NET added. Reuters called traditional leaders, local may have died of fam- outlook is bleak for those in aid in Borno, Adamawa, and Almost four in five of the 1.4 aristocrats who play ceremo- Mine this year in parts of parts of northeast cut off from Yobe states - nearly two-thirds million displaced Nigerians in Ugandan traditional nial and cultural roles in their northeast Nigeria which cannot help, according to FEWS NET. of them in Borno alone - accord- Borno state are living in local leader was charged with regions. They also often wield be reached by aid agencies due "The risk of famine in inac- ing to FEWS NET. communities, where tensions Aterrorism yesterday after considerable political to an insurgency by Islamist mil- cessible areas of Borno State will Some 400,000 children are are rising in many families as clashes between his guards and influence. itant group Boko Haram, hunger remain high over the coming at risk from famine in the three food runs short. Ugandan security forces last Mumbere's home region is experts said yesterday. year," the report said. states, 75,000 of whom could die Improving security has ena- month left at least 62 people located near the east African The deaths occurred in town "In a worst-case scenario, from hunger within months, the bled aid agencies this year to dead, court papers showed. country's border with the Dem- of Bama in Nigeria's Borno state, where conflict cuts off areas that United Nations children's agency reach some areas that were pre- Charles Wesley Mumbere ocratic Republic of Congo the jihadists' former stronghold, are currently accessible and (Unicef) said in September. viously cut off, but many remain was initially charged with mur- (DRC). a report by the US-based Fam- dependent on assistance, the Yet the current humanitar- unreachable due to the ongoing der on November 29, two days The area has been the scene ine Early Warning Systems likelihood of famine in these ian response is insufficient amid violence and lack of security. after a combined army and of intermittent skirmishes police force assaulted his pala- between security personnel and tial residence after a stand-off gunmen. Officials have accused with his guards who authori- Mumbere and his officials of 260 Malians ties said had refused an order fomenting unrest to create an Ministry to write Myanmar's 'true history' to disarm and surrender. independent republic. deported by Yangon murder at the hands of secu- of true Myanmar history," the Algeria claim AFP rity forces have shocked the ministry said. international community and "The real truth is that the abuses yanmar's religious cast a pall over the young gov- word Rohingya was never used affairs ministry plans ernment of Nobel peace prize or existed as an ethnicity or Bamako Mto write a book to winner . race in Myanmar's history." AFP prove the Rohingyas are not Late Monday, the country's Even the term Rohingya indigenous to the country, as Ministry of Religion and Cul- shas become so divisive that SOME 260 Malians expelled tensions grow over a brutal tural Affairs announced plans Suu Kyi has asked government from Algeria in a massive military crackdown on the to write a thesis to refute for- officials to avoid using it. swoop against illegal Afri- Muslim minority. eigners who "stir things up by According to the ministry, can migrants arrived home Almost 27,000 Rohingya insisting the Rohingyas exist the term was first used in 1948 on Sunday to Monday accus- shave crossed into Bangladesh and (who) aim to tarnish by a "Bengali" MP. ing Algerian security forces since the beginning of Novem- Myanmar's political image". Rights activists said of brutality and saying many ber, the UN said yesterday. "We hereby announce that Rohingya are among the most had been hurt and some killed. Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere arrives with Their stories of abuses and we are going to publish a book persecuted people in the world. There was no independ- security personnel at Jinja Magistrates Court, in Uganda. ent or official confirmation available and Algerian authorities offered no com- ment on the operation early this month. "We were beaten up and Nearly 84,000 displaced by Indonesia quake: Official at least three Malians were killed," said Ousmane Couli- baly, who was among those Jakarta devastating Indian Ocean tsu- continues to unfold, the number Aid has begun reaching the in 2004 triggered a tsunami that gathered at a government AFP nami in 2004. of those displaced has nearly worst-hit areas but there was engulfed several countries office who had returned to Thousands of homes, busi- doubled to more than 83,800, still an urgent need for more around the Indian Ocean, killing Mali overnight. He said Alge- he number of people left nesses and mosques were said national disaster agency food, clothing and sanitation more than 170,000 people in rian forces were "racist". homeless after an earth- levelled by the 6.5-magnitude spokesman Sutopo Purwo products, the agency said. Indonesia alone, the vast major- Rounded up in "a big Tquake struck western quake, which struck at dawn as Nugroho. Indonesian President Joko ity in Aceh. yard" after their arrest in the Indonesia has soared to nearly many in the predominantly Mus- "People are afraid and wor- Widodo visited the province last The province lies on the capital, Algiers, some of the 84,000, leaving authorities lim region were preparing to ried about aftershocks, so feel week, pledging to rebuild area's northern tip of Sumatra island, Malians hurt their heads struggling to care for the victims, pray. more comfortable in the evacu- devastated communities. which is particularly prone to against walls and iron bars an official said yesterday. Hospitals and field clinics ation shelters," he said. The archipelago nation expe- quakes. when trying to escape form The shallow quake last week were quickly overwhelmed by "The problem with water riences frequent seismic and In June, a 6.5-magnitude being beaten, Coulibaly said. killed more than 100 people and the injured, and kitchens and supply at some of evacuation volcanic activity due to its posi- quake struck off the west of "Others were hurt and injured many more when it shelters swamped by people left points is not good," he added, tion on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", Sumatra, damaging scores of one died during the transfer struck Aceh province, one of the with nothing. saying wells had been left dry where tectonic plates collide. buildings and injuring eight from Algiers to Tamanrasset areas worst affected by the As the scale of the disaster since the quake. A huge undersea earthquake people. and the border". WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES 15 S Korea, Japan & US hold defence talks

Seoul It is also the first trilateral AFP Trilateral meeting meeting since Donald Trump US envoy admits that became US president-elect -- a enior US, Japanese and there are important result that could presage some South Korean officials domestic transitions tectonic shifts in US foreign pol- with special responsibil- going on both in icy, including how to deal with ity for the North Korean Washington and Seoul. the security situation on the nuclear issue held talks Korean peninsula. Syesterday, at a time of political In a recent interview that flux and policy uncertainty in High on the agenda drew expressions of deep con- Washington and Seoul. was implementation cern from Beijing, Trump "We shared the view that it of the new sanctions questioned Washington's tradi- is more important than ever to by the UN Security tional "one China policy" -- the keep close cooperation among Council, following cornerstone of decades of Sino- the three countries," South North Korea's fifth American diplomacy. US nuclear envoy Joseph Yun (left), standing next to South Korea's nuclear envoy Kim Hong- Korea's nuclear envoy Kim nuclear test in Adherence to the policy Kyun and Japan's Kenji Kanasugi, reacts during a press conference, in Seoul, yesterday. Hong-Kyun said yesterday. September. should be linked to other bilat- The three envoys get eral issues, Trump argued, citing sure like everyone else, North not seen any signs that they want US policy on North Korea had together regularly in each oth- the need for China to do far more Koreans are watching those to engage," he added. generally enjoyed broad bi-par- er's capitals and one of their The trio's meeting in Seoul to help pressure North Korea into transitions carefully," the US Specifically addressing the tisan support. main aims is to shape and main- yesterday was the first since the abandoning its nuclear weapons nuclear envoy Joseph Yun said. transition in Washington, Yun "High on yesterday's agenda tain a consensus on how best to eruption of a major political programme. Yun spun the hiatus as an said it was inevitable that a new was implementation of the new deal with the growing nuclear scandal in South Korea that "There are, to be frank with "opportunity" for Pyongyang to administration would take a sanctions announced earlier this weapons threat from Pyongyang. resulted in parliament voting last you, important domestic transi- reconsider its opposition to "fresh look" at outstanding for- month by the UN Security Coun- It's a consensus that is looking week to impeach President Park tions going on both in denuclearisation. eign policy issues. cil, following North Korea's fifth particularly frail at the moment. Geun-hye. Washington and Seoul and I'm "But so far of course we have But he stressed that nuclear test in September.

Lawmakers file criminal case against Duterte critic NEWS BYTES Seoul expands cull Manila since she led an inquiry into the "Senator de Lima has a May 2016 election, has to contain bird flu Reuters killings. shown disrespect to the House claimed about 5,000 lives since She has denounced the of Representatives," said Con- July 1. hilippine President Rod- government attacks on her as gressman Reynaldo Umali, The high toll and mysteri- SOUTH Korea said it was rigo Duterte's allies in "madness" and "harassment" head of the lower house's jus- ous circumstances of some of expanding a major bird flu cull PCongress yesterday filed and she has appealed to Duterte tice panel. the killings have alarmed rights to try and contain a damaging a criminal complaint against a to stop the string of bizarre "We cannot allow this inci- groups, the United States and outbreak that has continued to senator who has been an out- accusations and insults. dent to pass, how can we earn United Nations, whose con- spread during an all-consum- spoken critic of a surge of Senators loyal to Duterte the respect of the people when cerns have drawn angry ing political crisis. extrajudicial killings unleashed ousted her from the leadership a senator insults us by calling rebukes from Duterte. In a statement, the agricul- by the president's campaign of the investigation in the inquiry a sham and a kan- Umali said de Lima faced ture ministry announced plans against drugs. September. garoo court." imprisonment of up six months to cull an additional 2.5 mil- The legal complaint against Congressmen then accused De Lima is on an official trip if found guilty. lion birds, making it the worst Senator Leila de Lima (pic- her of disrespect in connection to the United States and Europe A small group of opposition bird flu outbreak since 2014 tured) , who was justice with criticism she made of her and was not available for politicians in Congress said the when nearly 14 million were minister in a previous admin- treatment and the fate of the comment. case against de Lima would slaughtered. istration, is the latest inquiry. That led to a criminal Duterte's war on drugs, the have a chilling effect on critics There have been no cases government action against her complaint. key plank of his campaign for of Duterte's war on drugs. of human infections from H5N6 in South Korea, although the virus killed six people in China between year 2014 and April I may not 'be around' till Beijing offers Manila arms for drug war 2016. Thai King to pardon end of term: Duterte Manila Ambassador Zhao Jian- your president paid a very AFP hua, in remarks late Monday, fruitful and historic state visit 150,000 inmates Phnom Penh I entered into it," he said. confirmed China was ready to China". Reuters "I realise now - I do not hina is ready to give to supply the Philippines However, according to need it at this time of my life. the Philippines weap- with weapons. Manila, incoming US leader THAILAND'S new King Maha hilippine President Rod- But I tell you, I take pleasure at Cons to help President "We're exploring the Donald Trump has taken a Vajiralongkorn will pardon or rigo Duterte said the end of the day, that's the Rodrigo Duterte wage his possibilities of providing different tact from Obama, commute the sentences of up to Pyesterday that he might only consolation, I have a job, controversial war on drugs, arms, light arms," Zhao said apparently praising the 150,000 prison inmates, includ- not "be around" until the end of I am doing something right". the Chinese ambassador to yesterday. crackdown when he spoke ing some jailed under one of the his term, and that, after win- Duterte had told the busi- Manila said. "Arms for fighting to Duterte this month. world's toughest laws against ning the presidency at 71, he ness leaders yesterday that he Beijing has previously against terrorism, (for the) On Sunday, Duterte said royal insult, officials said. had found out late in the day had no fear of being removed said it supports Duterte's anti-drug campaign." China was ready to supply "This is the first opportunity that "I don't need it at my age". from power or assassinated bloody crime war, which has The ambassador said the Philippines with arms since his majesty's ascension The previous day he had because of opposition to the ris- been slammed by the United talks were still in the initial under generous terms. "It is to show his mercy," the Royal told a gathering of business ing death toll in his anti-drugs Nations and human rights stages, adding there was no a grant payable in 25 years Gazette said, announcing that leaders in the Philippines that campaign. watchdogs over alleged agreement on price or the so it is practically giving". 150,000 inmates could be eli- he suffered from back pains, "Oust me - good; assassi- extrajudicial killings. specific type of weapons, He recently cancelled an gible for release or to have migraines and Buerger's dis- nate me - better; I have this Beijing and Manila have though they would most order of about 27,000 assault sentences cut, under the pardon. ease, a cause of blockages in the migraine every day," he said. "I experienced a rapproche- likely be rifles. rifles from the US after media Officials do not have a fig- blood vessels, associated with have a lot of issues with my ment since Duterte's election The Chinese ambassador reports that human rights ure for the number of inmates smoking during his youth. spine. What I have is really in May, despite their conflict- noted bilateral relations concerns over his crime war who will benefit from the par- Yesterday, Duterte told a Buerger's disease. ing territorial claims to the were "good" and were "going would affect the delivery of don, with decisions to be made cheering crowd of a few thou- Doctors had advised sur- South China Sea. to be better" still, "because the weapons. by different prisons. sand expatriate Filipinos in gery on his spine, he said, but Phnom Penh: "I am old...This is his wife, a nurse who used to my last hurrah -- after this, 77 work in the US, did not agree -- I am not sure if I will still be because "a lot of operations for around by the end of my term." the spine went wrong". He added that he had "If you guys see me always Philippines rejects rebels' provision for ceasefire "found out very late" he did not in a sad mood, I am actually need the presidency at his age. pushing a nerve here to relieve "It's not a question of hav- the pain," and touched the right Manila "They always say we are demands by January next year Lorenzana said he favoured ing regrets, none at all, because side of his face. AP encroaching on their area. What and releases what the insurgents proposals for separate cease- areas are they talking about?" call political detainees through fires declared by the government he Philippine defence chief Lorenzana said. an amnesty, the rebel party said and for the rebels to be strength- yesterday rejected a "The president says you it can guarantee the cease-fire's ened into a signed joint truce Tdemand by communist don't have any area," he said, extension. with mutually agreed terms that guerrillas for government troops addressing the Maoist Duterte has separately he hopes could restrict rebel to withdraw from rebel-influ- guerrillas. declared an indefinite ceasefire, crimes being continuously com- enced communities in the "This is the Republic of the and the truce declarations by mitted, including extortion. countryside for the insurgents Philippines." both sides have helped foster Duterte has also said he to extend a monthslong The Communist Party of the peace talks brokered by would no longer support the ceasefire. Philippines warned Duterte last Norway. release of more insurgents after Defence Secretary Delfin week that the guerrillas may be New People's Army guerril- he worked to free several rebel Lorenzana said troops would forced to end their cease-fire las, however, will be forced to leaders, adding that he would continue to be deployed in all and resume fighting if he doesn't engage troops if the president maintain his position even at the rural areas where they have to suspend the government's coun- presses the military's deploy- risk of the peace talks being ter- suppress lawlessness and added terinsurgency programme and ment of troops in what the rebels minated by the guerrillas. the New People's Army guerril- withdraw troops from rebel- claim as "guerrilla zones" in the The rebels, Duterte said, has Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte greets members of the las cannot claim any part of the influenced areas. countryside, the outlawed party asked him to free the 130 Filipino community as he arrives, in Phnom Penh, yesterday. country as their territory. If Duterte fulfills the said in a statement. detainees. 16 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016

Drop against disease NEWS BYTES India accused Pakistani official elected to preside of developing over CCW meet AMBASSADOR Teh- minaJanjua, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and N-submarines other International Organ- isations in Geneva, was Karachi Rare claim elected yesterday to preside Anatolia & Internews over the Fifth Review Con- Additional Foreign ference of the Convention Secretary Tasnim on Certain Conventional akistan has accused Aslam made the rare Weapons (CCW) . The its longtime rival claim in Islamabad, unanimous decision was India of developing insisting New Delhi taken at the start of the nuclear submarines, was building its Review Conference, claiming the devel- being held in Geneva from “atomic stockpile Popment had forced Pakistan to December 12 to 16, says a day by day.” remain on alert. press release received. The An Afghan health worker administers the polio vaccine to a child during a vaccination Pakistan’s Additional For- Convention and its five "Pakistan has no eign Secretary Tasnim Aslam campaign on the outskirts of Jalalabad, yesterday. Protocols deal with pro- option but to keep made the rare claim while hibitions and restrictions addressing a seminar in Islam- itself ready for of certain conventional abad yesterday, insisting New defence by weapons, balancing Delhi was building its “atomic maintaining minimum humanitarian concerns stockpile day by day.” “In these deterrence,” Aslam with their military utility. circumstances, Pakistan has no was quoted as Western governments call for The Fifth Review Con- option but to keep itself ready saying. ference of the Convention for defence by maintaining was preceded by a Prepar- minimum deterrence,” Aslam forces and thousands injured. atory Committee meeting was quoted as saying by state- The two countries have investigation of Afghanistan V-P in September 2016 that was run Radio Pakistan. fought three wars since they also chaired by Ambassa- The claim came a day after were partitioned in 1947, two dor Janjua. Indian Home Minister Rajnath of which were fought over Kabul office did not immediately rights violations and abuses”. Review Conferences of Singh said Pakistan would soon Kashmir. Reuters respond to a request for Dostum joined Afghanistan’s the CCW were held every be broken into 10 pieces “if Pakistan and India are comment. National Unity Government in five years to review the cross-border terrorism does not among a small handful coun- fghanistan’s Western Yesterday, as word of Ish- 2014 in a bid by President Ashraf implementation of the come to an end" – a reference tries with nuclear arsenals. allies called on yesterday chi’s release came, delegations Ghani to attract the support of Convention and its five to New Delhi’s stance on Islam- India joined the nuclear club Athe government to inves- from the United States, Britain, his mostly ethnic Uzbek constit- Protocols, as well as to abad’s alleged support to long before Pakistan, in 1974, tigate allegations that a European Union, and other gov- uency, but allegations of past explore the possibility of pro-independence militants in prompting Islamabad to follow Vice-President, Abdul Rashid ernments called for a thorough human rights violations have developing new Proto- Kashmir. Hostilities between suit. According to the Sweden- Dostum, had been involved in investigation of the incident. been a source of controversy. cols to address specific the two arch-rivals have based Stockholm International assaulting and abducting a polit- “The unlawful detention and Warring factions brought conventional weapons of increased since India accused Peace Research Institute ical rival last month. reported mistreatment of Ish- bloody chaos to Afghanistan concern. The election of Pakistan of having links to gun- (SIPRI), India currently pos- Dostum, a former warring chi by the First Vice-President after they forced the withdrawal Pakistan as the president men who killed 19 soldiers in sesses between 80 and 100 faction commander with a noto- raises serious concerns,” the US of Soviet occupying forces in of this important confer- Kashmir last September. nuclear warheads, while Paki- rious reputation and a lingering Embassy said in a statement. 1989. In the 1990s, many ence is an endorsement of Pakistan has denied the stan holds between 90 and 110. power base in northern Afghan- “We would welcome the Afghans initially welcomed the the country’s strong cre- charge while itself accusing Indian Prime Minister istan, is accused of beating a Afghan government’s move to rise of the Taliban who defeated dentials in multilateral India of repressing pro-inde- stepped up a rival, Ahmad Ishchi, before hav- swiftly investigate these allega- and largely banished the “war- diplomacy. pendence protests that started drive to isolate Pakistan diplo- ing the man taken away and tions.” The EU, along with lord” factions. But some old in the disputed Himalayan matically after the Uri army detained. In a post online after Australia, Canada, and Norway, faction commanders have made region in July, since when more base attack in September in the incident, Dostum denied also called for a “fair and trans- a comeback to positions of influ- than 100 Kashmiri civilians which 19 Indian soldiers were abducting Ishchi, saying he was parent official investigation” ence since the Taliban were Two cops dead have been shot dead by Indian killed. in police custody. Dostum’s into the reports of “gross human ousted in 2001. in roadside bombing AN AFGHAN OFFICIAL says that at least two PIA chairman resigns days after plane crash Afghan police officers have been killed when a roadside bomb detonated Islamabad near their patrol in east- Reuters ern Kunar province. Nine-member team begins probe Abdul Ghani Musamim, akistan International Air- spokesman for the provin- lines (PIA) Chairman Azam cial governor in Kunar, said PSaigol (pictured) has Islamabad crash site. The Pakistani offi- carrying 48 passengers and yesterday that the explo- resigned, citing personal reasons, Internews cials are members of the crew crashed on the way to sion killed Abdul Wali the company said yesterday, less Safety Investigation Board Islamabad from Chitral last Khan, a unit commander than a week after a PIA plane nine-member investi- (SIB) of the Aviation week, killing all on board. A for the border police, and crashed killing all 47 people on gation team yesterday Division. 10-mem¬ber special investi- his bodyguard. board. Officials say the aircraft following the crash. Shares in PIA Avisited the crash site of The team is currently gation team, headed by Group Musamim added that suffered engine problems soon closed 9.16 percent lower yester- the ill-fated Pakistan Interna- interviewing eyewitnesses of Capt Sultan and comprising the attack took place after takeoff from the mountain- day at 9.95 rupees. The media tional Airlines (PIA) flight the crash and rescue teams high-ranking PAF and other in Dangam district late ous region of Chitral last focus in Pakistan following the PK-661 near northwest Have- that arrived on the site imme- officials, also visited the crash on Monday night when Wednesday, but it is not clear crash has fallen on PIA’s safety lian city of the country. diately after the incident, site last week and collected the police unit was on a what caused the crash about record, but the loss-making state The team comprises of informed sources. evidence from the wreckage foot patrol. No one has 50km from the capital, Islama- carrier has vehemently denied three French officials and The team will collect evi- of the plane to find causes of claimed responsibility bad, its destination. media reports that there was a three Canadian officials dence from the site in order the accident. for the attack, but Tali- “Yes, the chairman of PIA has fault with the aircraft before take- belonging to France-based to investigate the cause of the PIA had earlier said both ban insurgents frequently resigned due to personal reasons,” off. PIA grounded its fleet of 10 aircraft manufacturer ATR crash. The evidence will be engines of the aircraft were use roadside bombs or sui- PIA spokesman Danyal Gilani European-made ATR planes after and US-based engine manu- taken to Islamabad and fully operational at the time cide attacks targeting the said. Citing unidentified sources, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Author- facturer Pratt and Whitney. France for examination, an of take-off from Chitral and Afghan security forces Pakistani English-language news- ity decided to conduct Three Pakistani officials are official said. “some problem developed in different parts of the paper The News said Saigol had “shakedown tests” of the carri- also part of the team visiting PIA flight PK-661 during flight”. country. come under pressure to resign er’s entire ATR fleet.

Festive spirit Two Omani ships dock at Karachi Port for joint naval exercise

Islamabad ceremony. to ensure a stable maritime Internews The exercise which com- environment vital for economic prises ‘harbour’ and ‘sea’ stability and growth as well as wo ships of the Royal phases, is a regular feature ensuring peace and security in Navy of Oman (RNO) between Pakistan and Omani the region. It will further Tarrived in Karachi yester- naval forces. enhance the level of coordina- day to conduct a bilateral naval The harbour phase is cur- tion and understanding exercise “Thamar Al Tayyab” rently in progress and consists between the two navies both at with Pakistan Navy, which is of various calls on, mutual operational and tactical levels. the eighth in the series. exchange of visits to ships, table These exercises will continue A Pakistan Navy statement top discussions and harbour till December 15. said that upon arrival at Kara- training serials as preparatory The visit of RNO task group chi Port, the visiting ships ‘Rnov warm-up for sea phase. is a testimony of Pak-Oman Al Sadh’ and ‘Rnov Al Bushra’ The visit and joint exercises friendship and will enhance the were given a warm welcome are aimed at improving inter- interoperability and cohesion People march in a rally during a religious celebration in Karachi, yesterday. by senior officials of Pakistan operability for conducting between the two navies, the Navy at an impressive combined maritime operations statement added. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 INDIA 17 Cyclone leaves trail of destruction in Chennai

Chennai "The central government AFP Cyclone Vardah must think of natural calamities Vardah, forced the when taking major decisions that hennaities woke up to evacuation of 18,000 have large impact on people like uprooted trees/big people, was the worst demonitisation. There is neither branches blocking the cyclonic storm to hit real money nor plastic money roads, fallen name the capital of Tamil with us," P Kumar, a private sec- boards and hoardings, tor employee, said. Nadu state in more Cdamaged compound walls and India's meteorological than two decades. vehicles under fallen trees, department said Vardah, which power cuts and lack of milk sup- Chennai International forced the evacuation of 18,000 plies yesterday, a day after Airport was shut for people, was the worst cyclonic Cyclone Vardah ripped through almost 12 hours but storm to hit the capital of Tamil the city. resumed operations Nadu state in more than two While the cyclone hit resi- decades. yesterday. dents have now become "It is as if we are in the midst accustomed to closed ATMs it of a forest," quipped A. Viswa- was a rude shock to many when nath, a businessman surveying hoteliers and shopkeepers working. We had to come back the fallen trees in his locality. declined to accept card payments home to have a home-cooked People in the residential citing non-working point of sale meal," K. Muralidharan, a pub- localities after being awed by the terminals owing to network lic sector employee said. damage caused by the cyclone failure. Similar was the experience started cleaning their compound A man standing on a fallen tree uprooted by strong winds caused by cyclone Vardah, in "There was no power at of V.Revathi, a home maker who of fallen trees, leaves and other Chennai, yesterday. home and no milk. So we decided had to pay up the scarce cash she muck that was blown by the to go to a hotel and have brunch. had when she had to purchase a cyclonic winds. an airport official said. Train Monday, Tamil Nadu Chief Min- number could be much more if However the hotel said they are bucket and a rope to draw water Chennai international airport services have also partially ister O. Panneerselvam said over one takes into account the trees not accepting card payments as from her well as the power was was shut for almost 12 hours but resumed. 4,000 trees fell. inside the residential compounds the swipe machine was not not there. resumed operations yesterday, In a statement issued on According to citizens the and the parks.

Vardah affects 1,850MW NEWS BYTES Bihar to form power generation in TN world’s longest Chennai operating on Monday evening Monday late night, Chief Minis- human chain IANS due to tripping of power evac- ter O Panneerselvam said: "The uation lines, POSOCO said. Tamil Nadu Electricity Board has BIHAR is planning to form yclone Vardah that According to POSOCO, the deployed 4,000 personnel to set the world’s longest human crossed Chennai coast on NCTPS Unit 1 was hand tripped right power lines damaged due chain, which will be over CMonday has affected due to heavy winds on Monday to high speed winds that blew at 3,000 km long, on Jan- power generation at North morning while the second 600 a speed of 130 kmph when uary 21, involving more Chennai Thermal Power Sta- MW unit stopped due to electri- cyclone Vardah crossed coast than two crore people, to tion's (NCTPS) 600 MW Unit 1, cal problem. The reason for near Chennai Port." express its commitment the Power System Operation stoppage of 210 MW unit at While all efforts would be towards liquor ban, Chief Corporation Ltd (POSOCO) said NCTPS is awaited, said POSOCO. taken to restore power supply Minister Nitish Kumar yesterday. According to Meanwhile, restoration of at the earliest, it would take a said on Tuesday. POSOCO, two other units of power supply in Chennai, Kan- couple of days for that to hap- The human chain NCTPS (one 600 MW and chipuram and Thiruvallur pen in some places in North will be formed to her- another 210 MW) went out of districts is likely to take a day or Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kan- ald the second phase of operation on Monday. The two as per the field staff of the chipuram districts, a campaign in support expected date of resumption of state power utility. Panneerselvam added. A total of prohibition, he said at generation by the three units is However, top officials were of 224mm of rain poured down a workshop of the JD(U) not known, said POSOCO. not available to comment on res- on the city, causing significant here. Similarly, the two 220 MW toration of power supply in the flooding. This is much more than Briefing party MPs, units at Madras Atomic Power three districts affected by the the average for the whole of legislators and office People queue at a fuel station in Chennai yesterday. Station (MAPS), too, stopped cyclone. In a statement issued on December, which is just 146mm. bearers on prohibition and ‘seven resolves’ of his government, Kumar said 2,000 people will participate in one km Five convicted in Hyderabad twin bomb blasts case of the proposed human chain. About 56 lakh par- ticipants will hold each Hyderabad one of the IM's founders, Yaseen Uttar Pradesh, Tahseen Akhtar February 21, 2013, killed 18 per- against the five accused on July others hands on the main IANS Bhatkal alias Ahmed Siddibappa alias Monu of Bihar, and Aizaz sons, including one unborn child 16, 2015 and the trial com- route. While, more than Zaraar, brother of Riyaz Bhatkal, Saeed Shaik alias Aijaz Shaikh in mother's womb, and injured menced on August 24 the same 1.5 crore citizens will special court yesterday the brain behind the blasts. of Maharashtra. 131 others. year. form human chain in sub- held five operatives of Riyaz, a resident of Karna- "This is the first case in which The NIA, which probed the The trial had been going on routes within the districts. Abanned Indian Muja- taka's Bhatkal town, is suspected any operative of the Indian case, arrested Bhatkal and in the special court at Cherlapally hideen including a Pakistani to be hiding in Pakistan and NIA Mujahideen have been con- Asadullah Akhtar from India- Central Prison on the city out- national guilty in the 2013 twin has already issued Interpol Red victed," the NIA said in a Nepal border in August 2013. skirts where the five accused are bomb blasts case. Corner notice for him. statement. Tahseen Akhtar and Rehman currently lodged. CM to Pronouncing the judgement, Zia ur Rehman alias Waqas, All five have been convicted were arrested by Delhi Police The NIA said during the trial, inaugurate new the National Investigation a resident of Mustafabad of Paki- for offences including waging from Rajasthan in March 2014. the prosecution examined a total Agency (NIA) special court fixed stan's Punjab province is among war against nation, criminal con- Shaikh was arrested subse- of 157 witnesses. A total 486 school in Sharjah December 19 for announcing the the convicted. spiracy and murder. quently. The investigating exhibits and 173 material objects quantum of punishment. Others found guilty are The twin blasts in Dilsukhna- agency filed three charge sheets were marked during the trial as KERALA Chief Minis- Those found guilty include Asadullah Akhtar alias Haddi of gar area in Hyderabad on in the case. Charges were framed evidence. ter Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate a new Indian school in Sharjah on December 22, local media reported yesterday. Daring bird injured J&K govt announces ex-gratia Vijayan will be mak- ing his first visit to the for Burhan Wani's family after becoming the Chief Jammu south Kashmir district. The Minister. The New Sharjah IANS Wanis figure at the serial Indian School is located in number 9 on the notification, the Juwaiz area of Shar- he Jammu and Kashmir offering them either Rs 4 lakh jah. A public programme government has ordered as compensation or a govern- will be held after a for- Tcompensation of Rs 4 lakh ment job. mal inaugural function of to the family of slain militant Khalid, 25, who was study- the New Sharjah Indian Burhan Wani for his brother's ing economics at the Indira School. mysterious killing in April last Gandhi National Open Univer- While the existing year. sity, was killed on April 14 when Sharjah Indian School will However, his father Muzaf- he had allegedly gone to meet retain all the girl students, far Wani, a school teacher, his brother Burhan, hiding in a the New Sharjah Indian refused to accept the compen- forested area of Tral, some 40 School will accommodate sation, alleging that his elder km from here. the existing boy students son, Khalid, was killed by secu- The state police had alleged from the old school and rity forces in "cold blood". that Khalid was an over-ground take more boy students Pulwama District Deputy worker of the Hizbul Muja- in the new premises. The Commissioner Muneer ul Islam hideen militant outfit. They said two schools will work sep- in a notification on Monday he and three of his friends were arately as a boys' and girls' ordered the monetary relief for stopped by security forces on schools, according to offi- the next of kin of those persons their way to the forest to meet cials of Indian Association who died or suffered injuries in Burhan. But they didn't, trigger- Sharjah, which manages A nurse treating an eagle wounded by a kite string at the Charity Birds Hospital in the militancy-related incidents. ing a shootout in which Khalid the largest Indian com- old quarters of New Delhi, yesterday. Compensation was ordered and one of his associates were munity school in Sharjah. for at least 17 families of the killed. 18 INDIA WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 Notes ban biggest scam of the year: Congress

Srinagar corporates and industrialists," the IANS Currency woes Congress Vice President said. "I can't get a Rs2,000 Gandhi accused Modi of he Congress yesterday behaving "like kings who just note, yet crores in stepped up its attack want to speak and our Prime Rs2,000 notes found on the government Minister also just wants to keep over demonetisation, their way to speaking". dubbing the move as individuals being He said the Prime Minister Tthe "biggest scam". Finance Min- raided all over the had misled the nation by claim- ister Arun Jaitley said the stand country," ing that the economic crisis on the anti-graft measure taken Chidambaram said. triggered by the spiking of 500- by the opposition party with a and 1,000-rupee notes would be "scandalous record" was not Forty-five crore over in 50 days. "India will suffer surprising. people are dependent because of this for several years." People line up outside a bank in Patiala, yesterday. The Congress launched a on daily wages for Former Finance Minister P. coordinated attack — with party survival... They have Chidambaram told reporters in leaders Rahul Gandhi in Uttar been affected by Nagpur that the demonetisation Chidambaram said. He said the plans to transform India into a mired in corruption and graft. Pradesh and P. Chidambaram in demonetisation. Who was the "biggest scam of the year" demonetisation was "thoughtless cashless economy. "It is like moth- "From 2G scandal to coal Nagpur — against Prime Minis- is going to and demanded a probe into how move" and the government was erhood and apple pie. No one block, AgustaWestland helicop- ter Narendra Modi's move to compensate them. some people were getting loads trivialising "a major blow to speaks against them, similarly no ter deal, each of the scandals, scrap high value currency notes. of cash in new denomination of India's economy". one will speak against cashless which is even today discussed in Gandhi, addressing traders Rs2,000 when the poor were "Forty-five crore people are society. To assume that India will public space, belongs to that and commoners in Dadri in Uttar given to the big corporates and scrambling for cash in serpentine dependent on daily wages for sur- go from 3 per cent to 100 per cent period. Given this scandalous Pradesh near Delhi, said the real industrialists. queues outside banks and ATMs. vival... They have been affected cashless in a matter of few months record, it is not surprising that the motive behind the demonetisa- "The motive is to flush the "I can't get a Rs2,000 note, by demonetisation. Who is going is an outlandish expectation." Congress is extremely uncom- tion exercise was to enable the banks with your money. These yet crores in Rs2,000 notes found to compensate them," Jaitley shot back, saying the fortable with the anti-corruption banks collect enough money so banks have given out loans to the their way to individuals being Chidambaram asked. He also cas- Congress' tenures of government campaign our government has they could waive off the loans tune of Rs8 lakh crore to raided all over the country," tigated the government over its between 2004 and 2014 were launched," Jaitley said. Over Rs1.4m in CBI arrests RBI official Long queues at banks and new currency for money laundering seized in MP ATMs after weekend A RACKET to change demon- Bangalore Michael, an official at the etised notes at a 15 per cent AFP Reserve Bank of India, in the Mumbai failed to withdraw cash after they told us. I don't think things commission was busted in this southern city of Bangalore IANS waiting in the line since 10 a.m. will go back to normal anytime Madhya Pradesh district with CENTRAL Bureau of Investi- after they found him work- Pointing a finger at bank per- before February or March," said the arrest of two youth and gation (CBI) arrested a Reserve ing with a state bank employee ong queues outside banks sonnel, he alleged: "They must Utsav Jain, a college student. over Rs1.5m, out of which over Bank of India (RBI) official yes- to convert old banknotes with- in Delhi and the National be passing on money through the Tarun, who works at a pri- Rs1.4m was in new Rs2,000 terday for allegedly illegally out legal documentation. LCapital Region (NCR) were back door." vate company, said he was happy notes, seized from them, police exchanging old bills worth "K. Michael... has been a common sight yesterday as The ICICI Bank at Connaught when the government decided said yesterday. some Rs15m for new ones as arrested for his alleged they opened after a gap of three Place was one of the many banks to demonetise high value cur- Balaghat's Superintend- the country faces a cash crisis. involvement in converting old days. After the weekend closure in the city which stopped distrib- rency notes to check corruption ent of Police Amit Sanghi said The arrest comes at a time 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee on second Saturday and Sunday, uting cash after going "cashless" and counterfeit money but now that police obtained informa- when many Indians are strug- notes worth 15 million rupees the banks were also closed on within hours of opening. he feels that things are going in tion that the two youth - Amit gling to find the cash to buy into 100 rupee notes," a CBI Monday on account of Disappointed, some people the wrong direction. Sanvre and Abhishek Saraf - food following the govern- official said on the condition Milad-un-Nabi. started questioning the very "I am totally fed up with this were engaged in the racket, ment's shock move last month of anonymity. Investigators As most of the banks hung rationale of the demonetisation system. Not only I, everyone is and on Monday night, their car to withdraw high-denomi- also found him hoarding 16 "No Cash" boards within two- decision, saying they were also suffering from this decision. was intercepted and searched nation 500 and 1,000 rupee million rupees in new 500 three hours of working, it was a feeling that banks were collud- There was three day off in the and the money - Rs14,40,000 banknotes from circulation and 2,000 rupee banknotes. great disappointment for those ing with businessmen to change bank. Today after waiting for in Rs2,000 notes and Rs1 lakh in a bid to tackle tax evasion. The RBI said Michael was standing there for hours. money, leaving the banks "dry". hours in queue, bank officials in Rs100 notes, found.Sanghi India's Central Bureau a junior official and had been "Why is there no cash in the "Government should by now said that there is no cash," Tarun said that Sanvre confessed he of Investigation arrested K. suspended. banks for people," asked an agi- realise that this problem is not said. He also questioned where was changing the demonetised tated Ram Krishna Mahto, who going to go away in 50 days, as the money is going. notes for a commission. Landmark forest rights law hobbled Oppn demands Kiren New Delhi forest land roughly the size of group Kalpavriksh, said in the For example, a new federal Rijiju's resignation IANS Germany. report released yesterday by a law introduced in July that com- Instead, only 3 percent of citizens' advocacy group. pensates for deforestation landmark forest rights law potential community forest "Unfortunately, due to a lack ignores the rights of indigenous New Delhi copy of representation I received passed 10 years ago with rights have been granted so far, of political will and intentional people and the requirement for IANS and forwarding letter to the Athe aim of protecting and conflicts between states and efforts to undermine the law, this consent of the village council for Power Minister. Is it a corruption indigenous people has been indigenous communities have vast potential for democratic use of forest land, activists said. ven as Union Minister Kiren helping poor tribal folk?" Rijiju crippled by conflicting legisla- been rising as demand for land forest governance remains The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Rijiju yesterday slammed a said. He also said the Congress tion, and a lack of political will increases in the world's fastest unrealised." which is charged with imple- Edaily for "planting" story must apologise to the nation as and funds to ensure its imple- growing major economy. In the decade since the law menting the 2006 law, is about his alleged involvement in all contract works and payments mentation, according to a report. "(The law) has the potential was passed, the federal govern- "understaffed and under- a power project scam, the oppo- were made during its regime. More than a fifth of India's to conserve forests and biodi- ment and several states have resourced", while state forest sition demanded his resignation "Now the Congress must population were expected to versity (and) improve local introduced other laws that departments are largely "hos- and thorough probe into the apologise to the nation. All con- benefit from the 2006 Forest livelihoods," Neema Pathak sometimes run counter to the tile, at best apathetic" in matter. tract works & payments were Rights Act covering vast areas of Broome, a researcher with rights Forest Rights Act. implementing it, the report said. "It is a planted story. If they made during their regime. I just visit Arunachal Pradesh, they forwarded a memorandum," he would be thrashed with shoes," said in a series of tweets. Minister of State for Home Affairs In a letter to Union Power 20 arrested for Rijiju told reporters here. Minister Piyush Goyal, Rijiju had The Bharatiya Janata Party requested release of pending (BJP) leader's comment came payment for boulder transporta- sitting during after a newspaper claimed that tion for the Kameng Hydro he had written letters to clear Electric Project in Arunachal National Anthem payments of contractors con- Pradesh. structing two dams for the Meanwhile, the Congress and New Delhi 600MW Kameng Hydro Electric the Aam Admi Party (AAP) yes- AFP Project in Arunachal Pradesh, terday demanded Rijiju's being executed by the North East- resignation for his alleged round 20 people have ern Electric Power Corporation involvement in the hydro project been arrested in India, Ltd (Neepco). scam. Congress leader Randeep Aaccused of failing to stand The newspaper also quoted Surjewala said: "The minister has for the national anthem in cin- a report of the Chief Vigilence no right to remain on his post. emas, police said yesterday, two Officer of the Neepco, who Prime Minister Narendra Modi, weeks after the country's top claimed that there was a scam who talks of transparency and court made it compulsory. relating to an Arunachal Pradesh honesty, should get this (Rijiju's The Supreme Court ruled on People stand during National Anthem in a cinema hall, in Thiruvananthapuram. hydro project. involvement in the scam) inves- November 30 that cinemas "Does serving people mean tigated by an independent should play the national anthem to stand up to show respect to who have not been identified, Kumar said six of the 12 had corruption," Rijiju asked. agency." before every screening, and that the national anthem," the judges had refused to stand after being been assaulted after refusing to However, soon after stirring "Until that time, the Prime the audience should stand, said. Twelve people were asked to do so by organisers and stand, but that no charges would the controversy, Rijiju took to Minister should either dismiss drawing angry accusations of an arrested on Monday at an inter- police. be brought against the Twitter and said that the allega- the Minister of State or ask for assault on civil liberties. national film festival in the "They were formally attackers. tion was "really cheap", and his resignation." "All the cinema halls in India southern state of Kerala for fail- arrested and later released on "We are yet to receive a posted photographs of the letters Surjewala also demanded shall play the national anthem ing to observe the order, police bail," said Sparjan Kumar, police complaint over the assault. he received from the people of an investigation against all the before the feature film starts and said. chief of Kerala state capital There is no investigation in (that) Arunachal Pradesh. senior officials associated with all present in the hall are obliged They said the film-goers, Thiruvananthapuram. incident," he said. "Really cheap! This is the the project. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 EUROPE 19 Italian premier pledges to support banks

Rome elections next year and main Reuters Maiden speech opposition parties, anti-estab- I want to say very lishment 5-Star Movement and ew Prime Minister the right-wing Northern League, clearly that the Paolo Gentiloni said said they would take no part in government ... is in his maiden confidence votes in the new gov- speech to parlia- ready to intervene in ernment as a sign of protest. ment yesterday he order to guarantee “They are digging their grave Nwas ready to support Italy’s ail- the stability of banks with their own hands,” said Luigi ing banks and wanted more help and the savings of Di Maio, a 5-Star deputy widely from the European Union in cop- our citizens,” Paolo expected to be the party’s can- ing with migrants. Gentiloni told the didate for prime minister at the “I want to say very clearly Chamber of Deputies. next election. that the government ... is ready Gentiloni needs to win con- to intervene in order to guaran- fidence votes in both houses of tee the stability of banks and the of thousands of Italians and could parliament to become fully savings of our citizens,” he told have repercussions for Italy’s empowered. The first vote the Chamber of Deputies, a day wider banking sector, which is should be straightforward in after being sworn in by President saddled with €360bn of bad loans the lower house, where the . — a third of the euro zone’s total. centre left has a comfortable Monte dei Paschi di Siena, Gentiloni is unlikely to have majority. Italy’s third-biggest lender, is an easy task. He was attacked by But he may face problems pressing on with a last-ditch the opposition and criticised in the more fragmented Senate attempt to tap the market for even by media close to the gov- today, after a small centre-right €5bn of fresh cash it needs to ernment after he re-confirmed party that had supported Renzi Italy's prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni (centre) delivers a speech at the Chamber of Deputies stay afloat. Its chances of success almost all of Renzi’s ministers in said it would not back him. appear slim and the state is likely his new cabinet. In yesterday’s speech Gen- in , yesterday. to have to step in to make up the “Gentiloni’s photocopy gov- tiloni said he would continue the thousands of migrants who position” at an EU summit in aspects of austerity and too tol- shortfall, bankers say. ernment,” was the front page Renzi’s battles with the EU, push- land on Italy’s shores from Africa Brussels tomorrow, he said it erant with countries that don’t A failure of world’s oldest headline of centre-left daily la ing for flexible fiscal rules and and the Middle East. was “not acceptable” that the show common responsibility on bank would threaten the savings Repubblica. Renzi wants early more cooperation in sharing out Pledging “a very clear EU is “too severe on some immigration”. Romania president refuses to appoint convicted PM EU leaders to discuss Bucharest remain the same,” Klaus Iohan- As chief of the biggest party, Analysts said the PSD may AFP nis said at a press conference in Dragnea would be the logical seek a way around the issue by Brexit without May the capital Bucharest. choice for prime minister. trying to amend the law. omania’s president reiter- Dragnea’s corruption- However the 54-year-old is But the president warned he ated his refusal yesterday tainted Social Democrats (PSD) serving a suspended jail sen- would stick to his guns even if Brussels tomorrow's special Brexit din- Rto appoint a prime minis- staged a thumping comeback on tence for electoral fraud, which legislation was changed. He AFP ner as a snub. ter with legal problems, in an Sunday by sweeping 45.3 per- in theory under Romanian law added that he would hold talks “Those remaining in the EU apparent swipe at convicted cent of the vote, a year after bars him from office. with all elected parties today. ritish Prime Minister also need to have discussions Social Democrat leader Liviu anger over a deadly nightclub He nonetheless suggested The new government will be will be left about how they are going to Dragnea whose party scored a fire drove them from office. that he wanted the top job. sworn in at the earliest on Bout in cold as her Euro- handle the departure process. resounding election win. Their centre-right rivals “I do not intend to gift my December 19. pean counterparts have dinner That’s reasonable. We would “I’ve listed the (prime min- National Liberal Party and the votes to someone else, whether Mass protests in the country without her in Brussels this expect that,” her spokeswoman isterial) criteria before the Save Romania Union, newly it be a person or an institution. I after the disco blaze on October week to push for a quick Brexit. said. election campaign began so created by a mathematician- ran the campaign, the party, it 30, 2015 that claimed 64 lives All EU leaders including May Negotiations are set to be there wouldn’t be any discus- turned-activist, trailed on a was an enormous responsibil- drove premier Victor Ponta and will discuss key issues including tough, with the EU refusing to sions afterwards, and they combined 29.5 percent. ity,” he said. his Social Democrats to resign. sanctions against Russia, Ukraine let Britain “cherry-pick” bene- and Syria at the one day-summit fits including access to the tomorrow, as well as meeting single market, while there is a new Italian premier. row about the status of EU cit- But she will not be invited izens living in Britain and vice Workers at Toxic turn to the evening session as the versa. other leaders discuss their plans The EU is however keen to Eiffel Tower for first ever exit of a member move on with life after Britain, state from the crisis-hit bloc, and Thursday’s summit—which go on strike following Britain’s shock refer- one official described as “very endum vote in June. complicated”—will deal with The 27 leaders will issue a most of the crises affecting the AFP statement saying they agree to bloc. launch talks “as quickly as pos- The leaders are expected to WORKERS at Eiffel Tower sible” after May triggers the back the six-month renewal of concerned over an upcoming two-year divorce process, economic sanctions against paint job at famous landmark which she has promised to do Russia over the Ukraine con- went on strike yesterday, the by end of March, a source said. flict, despite little appetite third stoppage at the monu- They will also agree that the among some of them, and fears ment in six months. ’s chief that US President-elect Donald Unions representing the Brexit negotiator, former Trump would take a much 300 workers said they called French minister Michel softer line on Moscow. the strike over “deliberate Barnier, “will be in the front Ukraine poses a fresh head- absence of transparency” on line, in coordination with the ache however with the Dutch key decisions relating to the member states”. government scrambling to functioning of the tower. The EU 27 have refused all negotiate a way past a referen- A spokesman for CGT negotiations with Britain until dum in April in which the union Denis Vavassori said the process begins, while warn- Netherlands voted against a key employees were particularly ing that May is likely to have EU-Ukraine pact. worried about a paint strip- only a short window until Octo- The Netherlands is the only ping operation planned ahead ber 2018 to broker a deal. one of the 28 EU states that has of a new paint job in 2017. May has previously insisted not ratified the deal so far, and “The monument is in an A view of the city of Grenoble, eastern France, through a haze of pollution. The surge in that Britain be involved in Prime Minister Mark Rutte says obvious state of disrepair,” he pollution across France has been driven by cold weather and near windless conditions issues involving all 28 members he will seek legally binding lim- said, warning of “health risks” that have trapped exhaust fumes, smoke from wood fires and other pollutants. but London said it was not tak- its to the pact so that he can to staff from what he called a ing her exclusion from finally pass it. “botched” operation. The strike left crowds of disappointed visitors who had to make do with admiring the the 1,063-feet tower from the Lithuania cabinet sworn in ground. The tower’s operator SETE confirmed the latest Vilnius Democrats and conservatives point that US President-elect closure was caused by a AFP when it swept to victory with Donald Trump said he would labour dispute. pledges to invest in the regions press with European allies. “Discussions are taking ithuanian Prime Minister and abandon controversial The new premier has also left place between management Saulius Skvernelis’ new labour reforms. Social Democrat Foreign Minis- and workers’ representa- Lcabinet of political outsid- The party has also vowed to ter Linas Linkevicius, a vocal tives,” SETE said, adding it ers was sworn in yesterday, with fight high levels of alcoholism critic of Moscow, in his post. regretted the inconvenience rising defence fears over Russia and approve child subsidy The cabinet has pledged to to visitors. and social woes topping agenda scheme. The new government fight social inequality and halt The dispute is the third in in eurozone and Nato member. won a confidence vote yester- emigration to richer Western six months at the venerable Former police chief and inte- day with the support of 86 European nations. “Iron Lady”, with staff having rior minister Skvernelis, 46, leads lawmakers in the 141-seat par- “We want our social inequal- already walked off the job a cabinet formed by his Peasants liament, while three voted ity index to reach the EU average twice in June, during the Euro and Green Union (LPGU) and jun- against and 40 abstained. at least,” Skvernelis told law- Lithuania's new government poses for media in the Parliament football championship hosted ior Social Democrats, following his The cabinet faces growing makers, adding Lithuania was by France. party’s surprise election win in concerns over Russia, which has third or fourth worst within the in Vilnius, yesterday. Those strikes were in pro- October. heavily militarised the neigh- bloc in this respect. test over controversial labour The LPGU, previously an bouring Kaliningrad exclave. The exodus from Lithuania— million in 2001 to 2.9 million in into the election but has not reforms pushed through par- outsider party with only one seat Skvernelis has pledged to much of it to Britain—became a 2015, with further declines joined the party, and many of his liament by the Socialist in parliament, ended two dec- meet Nato’s two-percent-of- major campaign issue after the feared. ministers are not party members government. ades of domination by Social GDP funding target by 2018, a population shrank from 3.5 Skvernelis led the LPGU list either. 20 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 Travel chaos as UK Honouring the Yazidi spirit train drivers strike

London handle emergencies, constitute AFP Rail disruption “a real culture shock”. Up to 1,000 drivers Passengers at the station undreds of thou- are involved in the gazed at blank departures sands of British strike which will boards as railway staff in fluo- commuters faced affect around rescent jackets offered advice travel chaos yes- 300,000 passengers, on alternative routes. terday as train including those Furious commuter Clarence Hdrivers went on strike in what Quaicoe, running late for work, travelling to is expected to be the worst rail said: “Of course I’m upset... I will disruption in decades. London’s Gatwick have to take the underground Southern Rail, which runs airport. where there are also severe trains between England’s south delays.” Passengers on routes coast and London, warned of from Brighton and other key severe disruption as it cancelled The dispute centres on plans commuter towns in southern President gives the 2016 Sakharov human rights prize more than 2,000 services after for “driver-only operated trains” England have already faced to Nadia Murad (left) and Lamia Haji Bashar, public advocates for the Yazidi community workers launched three days of which mean guards would no months of disruption to services in Iraq and survivors of abuse enslavement by the Islamic State jihadists, at the European industrial action. longer be required to open and in a series of walkouts that parliament in Strasbourg, yesterday. Up to 1,000 drivers are close train doors. began in April. involved in the strike which will Union leaders have raised The latest strike comes after affect around 300,000 passen- concerns about safety and pos- the train operator’s owners, gers, including those travelling sible job losses, although the rail Govia Thameslink Railway, lost to London’s Gatwick airport. company insists staffing levels a legal bid to halt the action. A 48-hour walkout began at will not be affected. Southern Rail said it was Merkel & Hollande back midnight Monday with a further A train worker at London’s “sincerely sorry” that trains 24-hour strike planned for Fri- Victoria station said the changes, were at a standstill. day and another six days of which Southern Rail says will free “These strikes are wholly action in January. up guards to help passengers and unjustified and we must find a extended Russia sanctions way forward,” a company spokesman said, adding that it Berlin insufficient progress in imple- Merkel and Hollande first,” the had invited union bosses to talks AFP menting the Minsk peace official added. aimed at resolving the dispute. agreements. Russian Deputy Foreign A reduced service between erman Chancellor Angela “Since there hasn’t been an Minister Grigory Karasin Victoria, a key station in central Merkel and French Pres- effort made, no progress, and labelled the comments by Mer- London, and Gatwick was run- Gident Francois Hollande the same blockages remain, I, kel and Hollande “cynical and ning every half hour, the train said yesterday they favour like the chancellor, am in favour counterproductive”. . operator said. extending EU sanctions against of extending sanctions,” he said. “Russia is doing its utmost to Mick Whelan, general sec- Russia over Ukraine conflict, Neither the Ukrainian gov- restart process of implementing retary of the train drivers’ union ahead of a Brussels summit where ernment nor the pro-Russian Minsk accords, which is currently Aslef, said the union was pre- the issue will be discussed. rebels waging an insurgency in stalled by Kiev authorities.” pared to negotiate but added: Merkel said that given grave country’s east have fully imple- Imposed in July 2014 after “It’s up to the company, and the shortcomings in the Ukraine mented the agreements, which the downing of Malaysia Airlines government, to be flexible and peace process, which has been are designed to bring an end to flight MH17 over rebel-held end the misery of commuters.” marred by regular ceasefire vio- a conflict. eastern Ukraine, the EU sanc- The government, which is lations, “it will be necessary to “There appears to be con- tions target the Russian energy, responsible for awarding fran- extend sanctions against Russia sensus,” a European official said, defence and finance sectors. chises to train operating once more”. adding a formal deal to prolong Currently in force until Jan- Passengers queue for a reduced Gatwick Express service companies, is under mounting Hollande, speaking at a joint sanctions could be clinched in uary 31 next year, they are the during the Southern railway strike at Victoria station in pressure to intervene in the Berlin press conference with January. “But for some member subject of debate among EU London, yesterday. dispute. Merkel, agreed there had been states, it’s important to listen to member states. Serbian PM cuts French candidate Fillon attacked Macedonia opposition short Brussels visit after row over ‘fuzzy’ healthcare plan rejects election result Skopje Union for Integration (DUI), with Croatia Paris largely unchanged since 1945, facts, my detractors suspect me AFP which is junior coalition part- Reuters but which French citizens do not of wanting to ‘privatise’ health ner of rulers, came third with 10 Belgrade want to lose, have handed the insurance and cut down on acedonia’s opposition seats and could provide VMRO- Reuters rancois Fillon, tipped to opposition a stick to beat him spending there. This is quite yesterday refused to DPMNE a very fragile win France’s presidential with and suddenly made health- clearly not true,” he wrote in an Macknowledge the nar- parliamentary majority. Three SERBIAN Prime Minister Ale- Felection next year, sought care a hot-button election issue. article in Le Figaro, flagship row victory of conservatives in more minor ethnic Albanian par- ksandar Vucic cut short a visit yesterday to dispel fears over his Though the system operates newspaper of the centre-right. parliamentary elections, ties share remaining 10 seats. to Brussels after a row with plans to reform public health- with debts of €110bn ($117bn), The general public insur- denouncing “irregularities” for “This neck-and-neck situ- Croatia, which Serbia says is care as opponents accused him an opinion poll showed that 90 ance now in force would the first time. ation proves one thing for sure, blocking its progress towards of backtracking and sowing percent of people are opposed continue to cover treatment as Early yesterday, the elec- that the political crisis is far European Union member- confusion. to cutting spending on public it does now, and people would toral commission announced from over,” Marko Trosh- ship, Serbian news agency Fillon, 62, has raised con- healthcare. actually be better reimbursed the VMRO-DPMNE party of anovski, head of the Institute Tanjug reported. cern even within his centre-right Aiming to counter criticism for glasses and dental care, he longtime ruler Nikola Gruevski for Democracy think-tank, said Vucic had been due to Les Republicains party with an from political rivals and head off said. would have 51 MPs, two more before the distribution of seats attend a meeting of the EU election manifesto that foresees possible revolt in his own party Fillon’s camp denied sug- than the Social Democrats was known. Intergovernmental Confer- limiting public health insurance on the way to the election next gestions he was back-pedalling. (SDSM), having edged the vote “After the election we can ence, which was expected to to serious or long-term illnesses, April and May, Fillon denied But critics accused him of fail- 38.06 percent to 36.69 expect another political crisis approve opening of three new with everything else covered yesterday that he harboured ing to clarify where he stood on percent. ... that will have to be solved in accession chapters in Serbia’s privately. plans to privatise parts of the his written manifesto pledge But the SDSM, who initially new parliamentary elections application for membership. Signs that he favours a rad- health system. that only serious illnesses would claimed victory, said yesterday sooner or later,” he told But Croatia, one of two ical redrawing of a system “Instead of looking at the be covered by the state. “power has been defeated and reporters. former Yugoslav nations to citizens have chosen life and Sunday’s vote was called as have joined the EU so far, is change,” citing “a number of part of a European Union-bro- objecting to opening of the irregularities in pre- and post- kered deal between chapter on culture and educa- election period”. These Macedonia’s four main politi- tion because of a dispute about Tomorrow's talent “influenced the final result of cal parties after a mass translation of textbooks. the vote,” the party said. wiretapping scandal erupted in “There are things Serbia Official poll monitor the February 2015 and sparked must implement along its EU OSCE (Organisation for Secu- street protests. path,” Croatian minister for rity and Cooperation in Europe), The turnout was higher foreign and European affairs, which had 340 observers, did than at previous elections, Davor Ivo Stier, was quoted not speak of irregularities but nearly 67 percent. by Tanjug as saying. “Full said there had been problems Wiretapping allegations led protection of national minor- before the poll. Gruevski of the nationalist ities is one of those “The election administra- VMRO-DPMNE party to step matters.” tion struggled with preparations down from the premiership in Croatians account for less for elections and missed a January after nearly 10 years in than one percent of Serbia’s number of deadlines, but elec- power. population. Their languages tion day was generally The vote, which was twice are very similar and were part well-administered and pro- delayed owing to international of a common language before ceeded without major concerns over fraud, pitched the collapse of Yugoslavia in incidents,” it said. the former prime minister the 1990s. With the result so close, against Social Democrat leader “Serbia was patient so far, the political uncertainty that . but now it will talk differ- has plagued the nation looks It was Zaev who released ently,” Vucic said in remarks set to continue, particularly as tapes last year that appeared to broadcast by Belgrade-based both the VMRO-DPMNE and show the government had Prva TV before he left Brussels. SDSM had claimed victory on wiretapped thousands, includ- Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon meets students as she officially opens the Sunday night. ing journalists and religious Dacic accused Croatia of act- revamped Kilmarnock campus of Ayrshire College in Kilmarnock, Scotland, yesterday. The main ethnic Albanian officials, as well as alleging ing in an unprincipled way. political force, the Democratic high-level corruption. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 AMERICAS 21

Trump picks Rick Tillerson to be Perry as energy secretary new secretary Washington Reuters

PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald of state Trump has chosen former Texas Governor Rick Perry to head the US Department of Energy, a source close to transition said, New York putting him in charge of an AP Key post agency he proposed eliminating Tillerson said he was during his bid for 2012 Republi- resident-elect Don- honoured by his can presidential nomination. ald Trump selection and shares The choice of Perry adds to announced yesterday Trump’s vision for list of oil-drilling advocates skep- he has picked Exxon- tical about climate change who restoring credibility Mobil CEO Rex Trump has picked for senior of the United States’ PTillerson to be secretary of positions in his Cabinet, worry- state, calling him “among the foreign relations and ing environmentalists but most accomplished business advancing country’s cheering an industry eager for leaders and international deal national security. expansion. makers in the world.” The department is responsi- “Rex Tillerson’s career is the ble for US energy policy and embodiment of the American A file photo of Russia's President Vladimir Putin (centre), Chief Executive Igor Sechin and oversees the nation’s nuclear dream. Through hard work, ded- fight. Leading Republicans have ExxonMobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson (right) taking part in a signing ceremony at a Rosneft weapons programme. Perry has ication and smart deal making, already expressed anxieties as refinery in the Black Sea town of Tuapse, Russia. advocated lighter regulation on Rex rose through the ranks to they contend with intelligence the fossil fuel industry, and has become CEO of ExxonMobil, one assessments saying Russia and yet Rex Tillerson was able to thus far, unconcerned with tra- On Twitter, Trump pushed called the science around climate of the world’s largest and most interfered with the US presi- make this work. Donald Trump dition or business as usual. In back, saying: “Can you imagine change “unsettled.” respected companies,” Trump dential election to help Trump. and Rex Tillerson, they hit it off and recent weeks, he’s attacked CIA if the election results were the The selection of Perry, who said in a news release from Senator Bob Corker, chair- they have a similar vision of how intelligence, spoken to leader of opposite and WE tried to play the also had been mentioned as a Trump Tower in New York. man of Senate Foreign to get things done,” Priebus said. Taiwan — irritating China — and Russia/CIA card. It would be candidate for agriculture secre- Tillerson “knows how to Relations Committee that will Trump has made it clear he has continued his late-night Twit- called conspiracy theory!” tary, was disclosed yesterday manage a global enterprise, hold confirmation hearings in sees Tillerson’s deep relations ter tirades. Putin, meanwhile, said he after Perry met President-elect which is crucial to running a January, called Tillerson “a very with Moscow as a selling point. Beijing is looking forward to was ready to meet with Trump at Trump Tower in New York. successful State Department,” impressive individual” with As ExxonMobil’s head, Tillerson working with new secretary of “at any moment.” Perry’s proposal to get rid of Trump said. In a tweet, Trump “extraordinary working knowl- maintained close ties with Rus- state “to push forward greater In the transcript of his inter- the Energy Department caused added that Tillerson “has vast edge of world.” Corker, who sia and was awarded by President progress of bilateral relationship view with journalists which was what has become known as his experience at dealing success- was considered for secretary of Vladimir Putin with Order of on a new starting point,” China’s released yesterday in Moscow, “oops” moment during a Novem- fully with all types of foreign state job, said Trump called him Friendship in 2013, an honour for foreign ministry spokesman, Putin said “it’s widely known that ber 2011 Republican presidential governments.” to inform him of the pick. a foreign citizen. Geng Shuang, said yesterday. the elected president of United candidate debate when he could In an accompanying state- Reince Priebus, Trump’s For weeks, Trump has teased In Washington, a congres- States has publicly called for nor- not remember all the Cabinet- ment, Tillerson said he was incoming chief of staff, said yes- out secretary of state decision sional investigation is in the malisation of Russian-American level departments he wanted to “honoured” by his selection and terday Tillerson was chosen process publicly, often exposing works over a CIA assessment that relationship. We cannot but sup- eliminate. shares Trump’s “vision for because he is “a diplomat that rifts in his organisation. Besides Russia interfered in the Novem- port this.” Putin added that he “It’s three agencies of gov- restoring credibility of United happens to be able to drill oil.” Corker, he also considered former ber election on his behalf, a thought a meeting with Trump ernment when I get there that are States’ foreign relations and Tillerson has “had to maintain Governor Mitt conclusion Trump has called would be more likely after gone: commerce, education and advancing our country’s relationships across the world Romney, a one-time vocal Trump “ridiculous.” Trump’s January inauguration. the um, what’s the third one national security.” in many places that aren’t the critic. Romney wrote on Face- The issue is raising red flags “We understand it will not be there? Let’s see,” Perry said. But Tillerson has close ties easiest places to have relation- book that it “was an honour to among lawmakers concerned a simple task considering the His debate opponents tried to Russia and President ships,” Priebus said on MSNBC. have been considered” for the job. about the sanctity of the US vot- extent of degradation of the Rus- to prod his memory but Perry Vladimir Putin, which is certain “The good Lord didn’t put Trump’s unconventional Cab- ing system and potentially sian-American relationship,” he ultimately gave up, saying, “I to draw scrutiny and fuel a oil in all freedom-loving inet vetting procedures are in straining relations at the start of said. “But we are prepared to do can’t. The third one, I can’t. Sorry. potential Senate confirmation democracies across the world keeping with his presidential style Trump’s administration. our bit.” Oops.”

Kansas woman Expressing anger Wonder Woman dumped who graduated from college as a special UN envoy New York Woman in the 1970s TV series, at 95 dies AP and Gal Gadot, who has taken on the role in the forthcoming Dodge City, Kansas he comic book heroine “Wonder Woman” film. AP Wonder Woman has been Critics said the appointment Tabruptly fired from her was tone deaf at a time when A KANSAS woman who once honorary ambassador job at the real women are fighting against was listed as the world’s old- United Nations following pro- exploitation and abuse, and that est person to receive a college tests from both inside and there were plenty of real hero- degree at the age of 95, has outside the world organisation ines that could be face for gender died. that a white, American prone equality. At the time of appoint- Nola Ochs died at a sen- to violence wasn’t the best role ment, there was no indication it ior living home in Dodge City model for girls. would end so quickly. at the age of 105. Her funeral Rheal LeBlanc, head of In a statement, DC Enter- is scheduled for tomorrow in press and external relations, tainment, which owns the Dodge City, with burial in her said yesterday the appointment Wonder Woman title, said it longtime home of Jetmore, of Wonder Woman as an Hon- was “extremely pleased with according to the Beckwith orary Ambassador for the awareness that this partner- Funeral Home in Jetmore. Empowerment of Women and ship brought” as well as Ochs earned a general Girls would end this week, a “elevating the global conversa- studies degree with an move that come less than two tion around the empowerment emphasis in history from Fort Protesters hold a sign reading "More education less corruption" to protest against a plan by months after a splashy cere- of women and girls.” It added Hays State University in 2007. mony at the UN, which that Wonder Woman, who opposition lawmakers to oust Peru's Education Minister Jaime Saavedra in Lima, yesterday. At the time, the Guinness attracted actresses Lynda turned 75 this year, “stands for World Records said she was Carter, who played Wonder peace, justice and equality.” the oldest college graduate in the world. She went on to earn a master’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration on history in 2010, at the age of Venezuelans rush to unload 98, and continued taking classes until age 100 before returning to her family’s farm bank notes before deadline near Jetmore. When she earned her bachelor’s degree, then-Kan- Caracas so starting yesterday morning year from 10 cents to 2 cents. sas Governor Kathleen AP people lined up before the banks Some are using the bills to dec- Sebelius presented her opened to deposit the 100-boli- orate Christmas trees, or handing diploma and she was hon- enezuelans took a break var notes into their accounts. them out as party favors at bars. oured by the Kansas from lining up to buy food Wealthier Venezuelans skipped Maduro has promised to Legislature. She also did Vand medicine yesterday the lines and spent backpacks release higher-denomination numerous television and and waited with hundreds of oth- full of bills at restaurants and notes this week amid the world’s media interviews. ers to deposit bank notes about upscale shopping centers. highest inflation. But economists Before she graduated in to become worthless. People working in informal say the rollout will not be fast 2007, Ochs said she was “just President Maduro made a sector who keep their savings in enough to replace the 100-boli- another student” and felt surprise announcement this cash talked gloomily at taxi var note and avoid a temporary People queue outside a bank to deposit money, in Caracas, accepted at Fort Hays State. week that the 100-bolivar note stands and street kiosks. About freeze on cash transactions. yesterday. “I don’t dwell on my age,” will be taken out of circulation one-third of Venezuelans don’t The opposition planned to she said. “It might limit what from today. It is country’s larg- have bank accounts, and so have take up congressional impeach- I can do. As long as I have my est-denominated bill and most no way to deposit the soon-to- ment proceedings against symbolic impeachment hearings engage in negotiations with the mind and health, it’s just a widely used. be-worthless bills. The Madhro yesterday. Lawmakers against Maduro in October. They government, but those talks fell number.” Monday was a bank holiday, 100-bolivar note fell in value this had been holding largely put the campaign on hold to apart last week. 22 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 Lula leads Brazil Senate okays govt spending freeze Brazil 2018 Brasília Brazilians battered by nearly Businesses in neighborhood “We need to transform the AFP Austerity plan 12 percent unemployment and of the legislature have boarded country,” he said. race: Poll high inflation are increasingly up their windows in anticipation Philip Alston, the UN poverty The bill aims to razil’s Senate yester- angry over scandals and hostile to of more trouble this week. and human rights rapporteur, Sao Paulo day approved a restore economic the austerity measures. Temer, in an attempt to claw attacked the 20-year spending AFP 20-year government health of the A poll published yesterday back public support, has cap as “putting an entire gener- spending freeze billed country. showed that 60 percent of Bra- unveiled stimulus measures that ation at risk of social protection FORMER Brazilian president as the centerpiece of zilians oppose the spending would attempt to give a short standards well below those cur- Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cur- Bausterity reforms aimed at ceiling. Only 24 percent are in term boost to ailing economy. rently in place.” rently leads country’s 2018 A poll published restoring economic health to the favour, the Datafolha poll pub- But as the Senate began “This is a radical measure, presidential race despite fac- yesterday showed troubled Latin American giant. lished in Folha newspaper said. debating he defended his far- lacking in all nuance and com- ing corruption charges, but that 60 percent of The upper house voted 53 to When the Senate held a first reaching austerity proposals, passion,” he said last week. “It would lose the runoff, a poll 16 to lock in the spending Brazilians oppose vote on the measure two weeks saying they were needed to will hit the poorest and most vul- found yesterday. ceiling. the spending ceiling. ago, protesters fought riot police change Brazil for the long term. nerable Brazilians the The leftist leader (2003- Center-right President Only 24 percent are outside Congress, burning cars In addition to spending ceil- hardest.” 2011), who presided over an Michel Temer says tough meas- in favour. and smashing windows. ing, a separate measure is being Temer’s entire government economic boom that has now ures are needed to get Brazil’s Earlier in the day, police in submitted to Congress propos- is struggling in the face of alle- gone bust, has 25 percent of finances back under control, but the capital restricted access to the ing pension reforms. At the gations tying senior figures and the vote, found polling firm his austerity policies have The vote means the spending area around Congress and said centre of measure would be a the president himself to the giant Datafolha. prompted violent protests and cap is now mandated by consti- they had confiscated supplies of minimum retirement age of 65, embezzlement and bribery Environmentalist Marina were criticised last week by a UN tution, serving as central plank in masks that protesters were plan- substantially higher than the cur- probe centered on state oil com- Silva was polling in second expert as “a historic mistake.” Temer’s bid to “transform” the ning to wear in case of tear gas. rent requirement, which varies pany Petrobras. place with 15 percent, and Police were out in force in broken economy, which is in deep There have also been violent widely between professions, but Temer came to power last center-right social democrat Brasilia to protect government recession. clashes recently in Rio de Janeiro can be as early as 55 years old. August after the impeachment Aecio Neves in third with 11 buildings from demonstrators However, Temer is rapidly where less than four months “We need a lot of courage at of leftist president Dilma Rous- percent, it said. during the upper house vote. An losing political clout as he and after hosting the Olympic Games, this moment in Brazil to do seff. As her former vice president, But Silva would beat expected protest had not mate- many of his senior allies fight to the nearly bankrupt state gov- things that are apparently Temer was appointed to the post either man in ensuing runoff rialised before the Senate rapidly survive a slew of corruption ernment is pushing through its unpopular but which will bring automatically for the rest of her race, Datafolha found. wrapped up its debate. allegations. own spending cuts and tax hikes. popularity later,” he said. term through 2018. Silva, a former maid who has said she wants to be Bra- zil’s first “poor, black” president, finished third in the Star glitters at Unicef event last election in 2014, behind Nasa satellite launch Neves and Lula’s handpicked successor, Dilma Rousseff, who narrowly won re-election. The poll further muddies set for today the waters in a Brazil rocked by months of political Miami After the problem was dis- upheaval that culminated AFP covered, the aircraft returned with Rousseff’s impeachment to the Florida launchpad. in August. technical problem has Rescheduling to today “will Former vice president delayed until today the allow for a replacement L-1011 Michel Temer, has an Aplanned launch of a carrier aircraft component to approval rating of just 10 per- series of Nasa satellites arrive from Mojave, California, cent, the poll found. designed to study hurricanes, and be installed, as well as sup- Sixty-three percent of officials said yesterday. port required crew rest Brazilians meanwhile want The new, one-hour launch requirements,” said a statement Temer to resign to allow early window opens today at 1320 from Orbital ATK. elections, Datafolha said. GMT, said Orbital ATK, the The Stargazer aircraft Lula, the co-founder of operator of Stargazer L-1011 climbs to a height of 39,000 the powerful Workers’ Party, aircraft which deploys Pegasus feet —10,000 feet higher than stepped down with an 80 XL rocket in mid-flight. Mount Everest, the highest percent approval rating after Yesterday, the Stargazer point on Earth—before drop- serving maximum of two con- took off as planned from Cape ping the rocket, which then secutive terms. He has since Canaveral with the rocket ignites its engines in mid-air become a divisive figure, and attached to its underside, but and deploys the satellites. is facing charges in an investi- the in-air launch was foiled by Pegasus rocket is supposed gation into a massive a problem with the hydraulic to launch eight micro-satellites Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan participates in Unicef”s 70th anniversary event at corruption scheme that pil- system that appeared after for Nasa’s Cyclone Global Navi- United Nations headquarters in , yesterday. fered billions of dollars from takeoff. gation Satellite System mission. state oil company Petrobras.

Flight worker admits taking Aid programme helps reduce obesity among kids Chicago risk for obesity fell during the Previous CDC data showed increased in 2009 and that can 2010 until the decline. part in drug AP study, from almost 15 percent in a similar decline in all U.S. protect against obesity. Doctors don’t usually 2010 to 12 percent overall in youngsters aged 2- to 5 years old, The study was published describe babies as obese, but hubby babies and toddlers 2014, researchers from the fed- from about 14 percent in 2004 yesterday in Pediatrics. measure their risk using a smuggling at risk for later obesity are eral Centers for Disease Control to 9 percent in 2014, coinciding Dr David Ludwig, director of weight-for-length ratio. Those Con the decline in a govern- and Prevention reported. The with national campaigns target- obesity prevention at Boston with a high ratio, generally heav- Los Angeles ment food programme serving rate declined in all ages studied. ing childhood obesity. Obesity Children’s Hospital, called the ier than 95 percent of their peers, AP millions of kids, a glimmer of It was lowest — about 8 percent rates tend to be higher in chil- results encouraging but said, “It’s face an increased chance of good news in the nation’s fight in 2014 — for the youngest dren from low-income families too soon to tell whether these becoming obese later on. A FORMER JetBlue flight to slim down. infants, aged 3- to 5 months, ver- including WIC participants. new data represent a statistical Whether the decline has attendant pleaded guilty to The trend was found in a sus almost 15 percent among Freedman said reasons are fluke or evidence of real progress continued is uncertain and the taking part in a cross-coun- study on children up to age 2 toddlers. uncertain for the decline in with the pediatric obesity epi- study didn’t track infants to see try drug smuggling operation enrolled in the WIC nutrition The results echo a reported heavy WIC babies, but it came demic. “ if they became overweight or that was discovered when she assistance program for low- decline in older WIC children amid changes designed to The researchers analysed obese later on. bolted from a screening income women and children. and were unexpected, given ris- improve nutrition and health in WIC survey data from 2000 to According to the CDC, US checkpoint at Los Angeles Half of all US infants up to 12 ing rates earlier in the decade, WIC food packages, including 2014 involving almost 17 mil- obesity rates total almost 18 per- International Airport and months old are enrolled in the said CDC researcher David more whole grains, fruits and lion infants and young children. cent among all 6- to 11-year-olds abandoned a suitcase loaded programme. Freedman, the lead author. vegetables. Also, breastfeeding Rates increased early on, then and nearly 21 percent among 12- with 60 pounds of cocaine. The portion of youngsters at “People are thrilled,” he said. among participating women remained stable from 2004 to to 19-year-olds. Marsha Gay Reynolds, a former Jamaican beauty queen and New York University track athlete, faces a mandatory 10-year prison term. Maduro seals Venezuela-Colombia border Reynolds, 32, acknowl- edged earning thousands of Caracas called a Washington-sponsored He called for talks with his dollars to help smuggle drugs AFP plot against his country’s trou- Colombian counterpart, Juan and money through airport bled economy. Manuel Santos. security at LAX and John F. enezuelan President Nico- Maduro said a Venezuelan Pummeled by low oil prices, Kennedy International Air- las Maduro ordered the investigation had found that bil- Venezuela is mired in economic port in New York by using her Vborder with Colombia lions of bolivars, in bills of 100, crisis and crippled with the “known crew member” sta- sealed for 72 hours, accusing US- were stashed away by interna- world’s highest inflation rate— tus to breeze past security and backed “mafias” of conspiring tional mafias, mainly in set to hit 475 percent this year, then transfer the contraband to destabilise his country’s econ- Colombian cities but also in according to an IMF forecast. to a co-conspirator. omy by hoarding bank notes. Brazil. The 100 bolivar bill is worth Airline employees with “I have taken the decision to He said Venezuela was the fewer than three US cents at cur- the clearance can bypass typ- close the border with Colombia victim of a plot to “destabilise” rent market rates. ical screening, even during for 72 hours,” the leftist leader the economy led by a group Venezuelans have to carry personal travel in the US, but said in a nationally televised “contracted by the US Depart- around huge stacks of them even can be randomly searched. address, calling it a “hard” but ment of Treasury.” for small purchases. When she was pulled “inevitable” choice. Speaking yesterday, The socialist government is aside for screening March 18, The closure came a day Maduro said Venezuelan preparing to issue new ban- she flung off her high heels after Maduro signed an emer- authorities had seized 64m knotes and coins in values up to and ran down an upward- gency decree removing bolivars ($96,000, at the high- 200 times higher. Venezuelan National Guard personnel stand guard behind a moving escalator out of the Venezuela’s largest bank note, est official exchange rate) from Maduro has closed his coun- terminal. Authorities said the the 100 bolivar bill, from cir- people trying to sneak them try’s border with Colombia in the barrier on the Simon Bolivar bridge on the Colombian border cocaine was worth about $3m. culation because of what he back into the country. past in times of crisis. with Venezuela, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 MORNING BREAK 23

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Paintings taken by Nazis

returned to beneficiaries The two valuable paintings of former Dutch masters are displayed.

Montreal "Landscape with Goats" by the For 14 years Epstein, an art world," according to Epstein. faith" to hand over the pricey AFP animal painter Willem historian, has been fighting to The Porcellis painting had canvases, even though they Buytewech the Younger (1625- seek justice for Max Stern, a been placed with the Metz had no legal obligation to do wo valuable paintings of 1670), were recovered from German Jew forced by the auction house in Heidelberg so. "There are other works former Dutch masters, an auction in Germany, which Nazis in 1937 to close his art in southwest Germany, while that have escaped us this year Tdespoiled by the Nazis facilitated their restitution. gallery in Dusseldorf and sell the Buytewech was deposited because the people did not in the late 1930s, were They were presented to at low prices more than 400 at the Stahl house in want to be so generous," returned to the beneficiaries the Max-Stern Foundation and paintings in order to be Hamburg. Epstein said. Expected poor visibility at places at first. Hazy at misty/foggy at plac- of a German Jewish art dealer its three beneficiary institu- allowed to flee to England and The owners, who had A new charity named es at first becomes moderate tem- exiled to Canada, said on tions, Concordia and McGill then to Canada. acquired them well after the "German Friends of the perature daytime and partly cloudy Monday the Max-Stern universities in Montreal and These are the 14th and Second World War, were una- Hebrew University" will with weak chance of scattered rain. Foundation. the Hebrew University of Jeru- 15th paintings to be returned ware that they had been sold launch a program next year to HIGH TIDE 05:15 - 16:15 LOW TIDE 12:15 - 22:30 The paintings, "Ships in salem. These are "little jewels," to the foundation, whose mis- under duress, Epstein said. encourage people to hand Distress on a Stormy Sea," by Clarence Epstein, director of sion retrieving artwork looted Contacted by intermedi- over Max Stern's artwork in Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department the marine artist Jan Porcel- the Max-Stern Foundation at by the Nazis is "the most aries of the foundation, the exchange for a tax deductible lis (1584-1632), and Concordia University, said. important of its kind in the consignees accepted "in good receipt. Disney's 'Moana' conquers 'Brightest supernova' North American box office result of giant black Los Angeles Go." "Office Christmas as a wizard in 1920s New AFP Party," a comedy starring York. Fourth place went to Jennifer Aniston, took sec- the alien invasion movie hole destroying star he animated sea-far- ond in its debut week with "Arrival," starring Amy ing musical adventure $16.9m. The 47-year-old Adams and Jeremy Renner, T"Moana" triumphed "Friends" star plays an as it posted $5.6 m. New York researcher Giorgos Leloudas for its third-straight week- uptight corporate CEO who The movie received two IANS from Weizmann Institute of Sci- end, topping the North wants to close down a Golden Globes nominations ence in Israel. "Our results American box office with branch office run by her -- best original score and n intense flare detected indicate that the event was $18.5m, industry data brother, who responds by best actress in a drama for last year in a distant gal- probably caused by a rapidly showed on Monday. staging a mega-party aimed Adams, who plays a linguist Aaxy about four billion spinning supermassive black The Disney film about a at landing a new client and recruited to communicate light years from Earth, consid- hole as it destroyed a low-mass brave Polynesian teenager keeping the branch alive. with aliens after mysterious ered to be the brightest star," Leloudas explained. on a risky mission to save The Harry Potter spin- spacecraft appear over the supernova ever observed, is Using images from the her people has raked in off "Fantastic Beasts and Earth. Marvel's "Doctor actually a tidal disruption event Hubble Space Telescope that $145m since its opening on Where to Find Them" Strange" came fifth with (TDE) -- the destruction of a were not available when the Thanksgiving Day, Exhibi- dropped to third spot dur- $4.5mfor a total of $222.3m. star by a rapidly spinning event, called ASASSN-15lh, was tor Relations said. ing its fourth week in The movie, starring supermassive black hole, sug- observed, the scientists found It was awarded Monday theaters, chalking up $10.4 Benedict Cumberbatch as gests new research. that the event occurred at the with two Golden Globes million for a total of $198.9 neurosurgeon Stephen The findings are based on centre of the galaxy where the nominations, for best ani- million so far. Strange -- whose life new astronomical observation supermassive black hole mated film and best original Based on a 2001 book changes forever after a hor- data from the Las Cumbres resides. The black hole inferred song for "Hamilton" star by "Potter" novelist J.K. rific car accident -- is the Observatory (LCO), a global to lie in this galaxy is more than Lin-Manuel Miranda's Rowling, the Warner Bros. 14th film in Disney's "Mar- robotic telescope network, and 100 million times the mass of catchy track "How Far I'll film stars Eddie Redmayne vel Cinematic Universe." the Hubble Space Telescope. the sun. For a star to be tidally "We observed the source disrupted by such a massive for 10 months following the black hole -- rather than swal- event and have concluded that lowed whole -- the black hole the explanation is unlikely to must be spinning very rapidly, Tallest one lie with an extraordinarily said the study published in the bright supernova," said lead journal Nature Astronomy.

JK Rowling-illustrated manuscript sells for $467,000 at auction Hoy en la Historia December 14, 1911 London Cunningham, who published Norwegian explorer Roald Reuters Rowling’s spellbinding debut, Amundsen and three companions “Harry Potter and the became the first men to reach the rare book hand-written Philosopher’s Stone”, and carries South Pole, 35 days ahead of and -illustrated by a personal dedication from her. Britain’s Captain Robert Scott A“Harry Potter” author J.K. The volume of five wizarding 1988: Hundreds of thousands of people Rowling sold for $467,000 at fairy tales - left to Hermione took part in Spain’s first 24-hour auction in London yesterday, Granger by Albus Dumbledore general strike for 50 years at the lower end of its estimated in “Harry Potter and the Deathly 1994: Australian botanists reported price range. Hallows” - had a price estimate the discovery of living specimens of “The Tales of Beedle the of 300,000-500,000 pounds prehistoric Wollemi pine trees Bard” is one of six copies that ($380,000-634,000). Sotheby’s 2001: The Mars Odyssey spacecraft Rowling made as presents to auction house said in a detected hydrogen, possibly indicating those who helped bring her statement that it had been sold the presence of water, on Mars magical world of wizards and for 368,750 pounds ($467,400) 2004: The Millau viaduct, the world’s witches to life. to an anonymous telephone tallest bridge, soaring 343m high, Construction workers of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Ports and Shipping work on The copy sold yesterday, bidder. A seventh copy, made was opened in southern France a huge Christmas tree in an attempt to construct the world's tallest Christmas bound in brown Morocco for an auction in 2007 to raise Picture: Newscom © GRAPHIC NEWS tree, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday. leather and adorned with silver, money for the author’s charity, was presented to editor Barry Lumos, raised £1.95m. 24 HOME WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016