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Emir sends Qatar, Belgium sign deals to boost ties greetings to Ghana President H H the Emir meets King of Belgium; holds talks with Belgian PM QNA DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo on the anniversary of his country’s Independence Day. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent similar cables. Qatar and Swiss Attorney Generals review cooperation

BERN: Qatar’s Attorney General H E Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, who is currently visiting Bern, met with Attorney General of the Swiss Republic, Michael Lauber. LEFT: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani meeting with H M King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal They exchanged views on a Palace of Brussels yesterday. ABOVE: H H the Emir and his accompanying delegation holding official number of issues of mutual talks with Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel, and other dignitaries from the Belgian side. interest and discussed ways of cooperation in the fight QNA number of topics of mutual Commerce and Qatar Chamber businessmen on opportunities Palace of Brussels. against terrorism and its interest. of Commerce and Industry in of enhancing economic cooper- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin financing, combating reli- BRUSSELS: Emir H H Sheikh H H the Emir and the King of cooperation with the Belgian ation, trade exchange and Hamad Al Thani and Prime Min- gious extremism and coop- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Belgium met with a number of company union, during a investment between the two ister of Belgium, Charles Michel, eration in anti-corruption yesterday with H M King Philippe businessmen, investors and reception ceremony that was friendly countries. also held a round of official talks issues. Both sides agreed to of Belgium at the Royal Palace chairpersons of major firms in held for that occasion at the H H the Emir also attended at the Cabinet’s headquarters at exchange workshop sessions of Brussels. Qatar and Belgium who are union’s premises in Brussels. a luncheon banquet hosted by Egmont Palace in the capital, on the criminal systems During the meeting, the two taking part in the Qatari-Belgian H H the Emir and the King of the King of Belgium in honour Brussels. between the two friendly sides reviewed bilateral relations Business Forum, organised by Belgium exchanged views with of H H the Emir and the accom- countries and to find channels and exchanged views on a the Ministry of Economy and a number of participant panying delegation at the Royal →CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 for direct communication.

‘Qatar’s economy overcomes regional Whopping rise in bulk and global challenges’ cargo traffic at Hamad BRUSSELS: The Qatari economy has been able to overcome various regional Port in February and global challenges through the implementation SACHIN KUMAR announced by the blockading of a strong strategy to THE PENINSULA countries in June last year. diversify sources of income The ports, specially Hamad and support the private DOHA: Hamad Port has Port, have played a crucial role sector to be an active received 120 commercial in ensuring the uninterrupted partner in achieving vessels in February. and smooth supply of goods for sustainable development, The largest port in the residents. said Minister of Economy region handled 55,862 tonnes In 2017, the ports in Qatar and Commerce H E Sheikh of bulk cargo compared to handled 1.26 million tonnes of Ahmed bin Jassim bin 9,890 tonnes of bulk cargo in general cargo, 772,835 TEUs Mohammed Al Thani. January, showing a whopping containers, 857,429 cattle This came during the rise of 465 percent. heads and 578,654 tonnes of opening of the Belgian-Qatari The Port handled 103,735 aggregates and 3,869 vessels. Business Forum organised by Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units The positive momentum the Ministry of Economy and (TEUs) containers and 94,796 in the country’s maritime Commerce in conjunction tonnes of break bulk cargo, trade will get stronger in the with the official visit of Emir according to Qterminals. A total ongoing year as Qatar has H H Sheikh Tamim bin of 4,845 vehicles and 50,000 opened new trade routes and Hamad Al Thani to the cattle heads were handled by has diversified its source of Kingdom of Belgium, in col- the port last month. supply. laboration with the Qatar January was remarkable Mwani Qatar in cooper- Chamber of Commerce and month for Hamad port as it ation with partners had, in the the Belgian Association of received a total of 182 vessels second half of 2017, inaugu- Companies. during this month, which was rated a number of new direct The forum was aimed at the highest number of vessels shipping lines between Hamad enhancing economic, trade handled in a month since the Port and other ports in the and investment cooperation start of its operations. region and beyond. between the two sides and The port had handled Hamad port is capable of opening up prospects for 103,996 TEUs containers, handling 5,000 vessels per year communication between rep- 136,511 tonnes break bulk cargo, and has a general cargo ter- resentatives of the Qatari and 152,671 vehicles and 90,099 minal that can handle 1.7 Belgian private sector to heads of cattle in January this million tonnes of general goods establish investment projects year. per year. that serve the interests of the The ports in the country had The Port aims to capture 35 two countries. shown a strong performance percent of the trade in the last year, which assumes Middle East in the next two → FULL REPORT ON PAGE 20 importance as siege was years. 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Emir & King of Belgium review bilateral relations

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with H M King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace of Brussels. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on a number of topics of mutual interest. H H the Emir and the King met with a number of businessmen, investors and chairpersons of major firms in Qatar and Belgium. Separately, H H the Emir and Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel, witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements between the two countries. H H the Emir also met with President of the Senate of Belgium, Christine Defraigne; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jifred Prabki, as well as a number of members of the Belgian Parliament.

Qatar & Belgium sign deals to boost ties

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 At the outset of the session, the Prime Minister of Belgium wel- comed H H the Emir and the official delegation, expressing his delight at the visit of H H the Emir to Belgium, which will enhance bilateral relations. H H the Emir expressed his thanks for being invited to visit Belgium, which will help in developing bilateral rela- tions in the different fields. The session discussed means of boosting mutual cooperation in the fields of energy, economy, investment, culture, sport and health. H H the Emir and the Prime Minister exchanged views on regional and international devel- opments, particularly the current challenges in the Middle East and Europe, notably the phenomenon of terrorism and means of com- bating and uprooting it as well as eliminating its sources of financing. An official reception cer- emony was held for H H the Emir upon his arrival at the Cabinet’s headquarters. H H the Emir and the Belgian Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of two coop- eration agreements including an air services agreement that facil- itates the operation of commercial flights between the two countries. The agreement includes granting the rights to designated carriers to operate from and to the two coun- tries, aviation security, and other attended by Their Excellencies regional and international articles that facilitate the operation members of the official accompa- developments. between the two parties for car- nying delegation and a number Upon arrival at the parliament riers. H H the Emir and the Prime of Ministers and senior officials premises, H H the Emir toured the Minister also witnessed the signing from the Belgian side. building accompanied by the Pres- of a cooperation agreement H H the Emir also met with ident of Senate and the Speaker between Qatar University and the President of the Senate of Belgium, of the House of Representatives, University of Hasselt in the Christine Defraigne, and the where the Emir was briefed about Kingdom of Belgium, aimed at Speaker the House of Represent- the history of the parliament strengthening academic and atives, Jifred Prabki, as well as a premises and the legislative and research cooperation and number of members of the Belgian supervisory functions of the two exchanging experiences and visits Parliament. They reviewed a councils and their rules of pro- between researchers, students and number of issues of mutual cedure. H H the Emir was accom- faculty members. interest, especially the prospects panied by Their Excellencies The banquet, talks session and for cooperation between the two members of the official the signing ceremony were also countries, in addition to the latest delegation. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 HOME 03 Over 1,000 guests to fly Prime Minister arrives in Algeria in for Indian wedding

THE PENINSULA To be held at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, the DOHA: Visa-free entry for wedding party has booked the entire hotel, all Indians into Qatar has opened 374 rooms, for the event and the celebration doors for some unique oppor- will continue for three days including a musical tunities in the tourism sector as evening by renowned Indian pop band Shankar, an Indian couple has chosen Doha as the venue for their Ehsaan and Loy. destination wedding. To be held at The Ritz- Carlton Doha, the wedding will elegance. This also puts Qatar see more than 1,000 guests in the tourism map for destina- flown in from all over the world. tion weddings, which is very The wedding party has booked popular among Indian elites. the entire hotel, all 374 rooms, “We have put in a lot of for the event and the celebra- effort into planning the nitty- tion will continue for three days gritties along with the family including a musical evening by and the professionals from Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani arrived renowned Indian pop band India. We even attended a tra- yesterday in Algiers to take part in 35th session of Arab Interior Ministers, scheduled today. The Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. ditional marriage ceremony in According to the general India to understand the require- Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at the Presidential manager of the hotel, the nego- ments better. There is a lot of Airport by the Algerian Minister of Interior, Local Communities and Urban Planning, Noureddine tiations to finalise the venue excitement among the ladies Bedoui; the Secretary-General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council, Dr Mohammad bin Ali Koman; have been going on for almost and gentlemen of the hotel as the Governor of Algiers, Abdelkader Zoukh; the President of the Municipality of Ad-dar Al-baya in a year. The family was looking this is a great opportunity to Algiers, Qamqmani Elias, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria, Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al at a few other options also showcase our property and also Sahlawi, and members of the Qatari Embassy. including a few in other GCC Qatar as a destination for such countries. But finally they chose huge events,” Kendigelen added. Doha and The Ritz-Carlton. Erden Kendigelen, General The hotel with the help of “The fact that we have a Manager, The Ritz-Carlton. various government bodies like wonderful and newly renovated QTA and Qatar Airways have property went in our favour, but work closely with The Ritz- arranged for a smooth arrival Qatari engineers highly competent what really clinched the deal is Carlton Doha teams. Some of and custom procedures at the the announcement by the Qatar them are already here getting airport. Around 100 families will DOHA: Qatari engineers graduated in Qatar or abroad government in August 2017 the preparation going. To get the stay back after the wedding for are highly competent, said Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al allowing citizens of 80 countries authentic feeling right the hotel a tour of Qatar. During the cer- Kuwari, President of Kahramaa at a ceremony held visa-free entry to the country. is procuring a great many things emonial days, Ritz is planning here yesterday to mark Engineer’s Day. He said that We were also able to anticipate straight from India. They had short trips for guests to Museum Kahramaa is playing its role in providing Qatari engi- and cater to every need of the shipped in two containers full of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and neers skills and experiences required to start the prac- family and this created an emo- of kitchen equipment to prepare shopping centres. tical life. “We have big number of Qatari engineers – tional engagement with them,” the traditional food for the “Our ultimate goal is to pro- both male and female — to supervise the Erden Kendigelen, General Man- guests. mote our destination and show- implementation of the projects, manage the assets of ager, The Ritz-Carlton, said. The Ritz-Carlton Doha case the proud Qatari heritage the corporation and monitor the network and other The hotel has roped in wants the event to be a show- while our guests experience a facilities of Kahramaa,” he said. prominent names from the piece event and the first in memorable, unique and unforget- Kahamaa hosted President of Ashghal, Dr Eng world of Indian traditional wed- many. They are not new to table comfort that will stay with Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi as chief guest. A dings to orchestrate the three- hosting weddings as they host them forever,” a hotel spokes- number of other dignitaries, including Abdulaziz Ali day affair. The luxury wedding around 200 local weddings a person said. Al Ishaq, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatar planners Divinity Weddings, year including 5-6 VIP wed- A special team has been Society for Engineers, and various officials attended Kahramaa President Eng. Essa bin Hilal famed decor designer Heena dings. But what makes this dif- formed to take care of the the event. Students of engineering courses from QU Al Kuwari (left) and Ashghal President Dr Patel of Amaahyaaj in Vadodara ferent is the fact that a huge guests, right from the arrival at and HBKU also attended the event. Engineer’s Day Eng Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi (right) and Mumbai’s prominent number of people are flying in the airport to their departure, aims at promoting engineers’ role and their affilia- honouring a participant at the Engineer’s gourmet vegetarian catering to attend a traditional Indian and assist them throughout the tion to the Corporation as well as creating awareness Day event yesterday company Popular Caterers will wedding infused with Arabic three-day event. about challenging and best practices in this field. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Advisory Council Speaker meets envoys Qatar emphasises importance of coordination on nuclear safety

QNA greater attention to this subject and radioactive sources. Qatar stressed the apply all safety standards to their facil- importance of implementing these VIENNA: The State of Qatar stressed ities and inform member states, in par- standards at their highest levels, since the importance of combining national ticular geographically neighbouring they can play an effective role only efforts and measures with regional and states and riparian states, of their pro- through the collective cooperation of international measures and adhering cedures and allow visits by scientists all member states with IAEA in order to to the Vienna Declaration on Nuclear from states wishing to see the safety of provide the highest safety in nuclear Safety of 2015 in order to confront any their facilities. Qatar expressed its installations and in accordance with the transboundary nuclear and radiological support for the efforts of IAEA and its guidelines adopted by IAEA in this area incidents. Department of Security and Nuclear in order to achieve effective control over In a statement delivered by H E Safety in supporting the member states emergencies in a timely manner. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, per- to establish a framework for nuclear Sheikh Ali stressed that Qatar looks Speaker of the Advisory Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud met manent representative of the State of safety and building national capacities forward to strengthening its cooperation separately with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Qatar, Fikret Ozer Qatar to the United Nations and inter- in the field of radiation protection. with IAEA in the future, especially as it (pictured); the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar, Hans-Udo national organisations in Vienna, to the Qatar also thanked IAEA Director is ready to implement ambitious pro- Muzel; and the Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to Qatar, Rossana Cecilia session of the Board of Governors of the General Yukiya Amano for organising grams in different fields of peaceful uses Surballe. The meetings reviewed parliamentary relations between Qatar and each of International Atomic Energy Agency a training course in Doha last month, of nuclear energy and development Turkey, Germany, and Argentina along with ways of boosting and developing them. (IAEA) held in Vienna, the State of Qatar whose main objective was to enhance activities. Qatar also expressed support urged all countries with existing or the knowledge, expertise and skills of for IAEA’s actions in terms of enhancing under-established power reactors to pay those working in facilities dealing with nuclear safety activities. HMC signs agreement with Planetree

THE PENINSULA The collaboration endorsing HMC’s resolution to between HMC and deliver a superior patient expe- DOHA: Hamad Medical Corpo- Planetree will rience,” HMC’s deputy chief ration (HMC) signed a partnership strengthen Center for quality officer added. agreement with American Dr Frampton said Planetree healthcare consultants Planetree Patient Experience is ready to support HMC in further Ooredoo to collaborate in patient-centred and Staff Engagement enhancing the organization’s care. The collaboration between capabilities by ability to provide a positive to support HMC and Planetree will patient experience and strengthen Center for Patient providing strategic strengthen its existing culture of Katara Beach Experience and Staff Engagement direction and support empathy and compassion. Volleyball Cup (CPESE) capabilities by providing to further enhance the “Planetree’s primary focus is strategic direction and support to healthcare providers the delivery of healthcare in a further enhance the healthcare manner that works best for DOHA: Ooredoo announced providers commitment to ‘putting commitment to patients,” Dr Frampton said. yesterday it is the Official the patient first.’ ‘putting the patient “Planetree has helped Telecommunications Partner The agreement was signed first.’ healthcare organizations around of the 2018 Katara Beach by HMC’s Deputy Chief Quality the world transform how they Volleyball Cup. This is the Officer, Nasser Al Naimi, and Nasser Al Naimi, HMC’s Deputy Chief Quality Officer; and Dr Susan deliver care by providing a stra- second competition in the Planetree President Dr Susan training for staff and the devel- Frampton, President of Planetree, with other officials at the signing tegic, structured pathway for cre- tournament, which is part of Frampton. opment of a framework for deliv- ceremony. ating truly patient-centered care. the International Volleyball The agreement will also see ering an exceptional experience With the goal of radically Federation season. HMC work toward attaining the for both the care receiver and improvement science, and patient areas of improvement,” Al Naimi improving the healthcare expe- The Katara Beach Vol- Planetree Person-Centered Care giver. and family-centered care. “The said. “The accreditation will also rience for patients and staff alike, leyball Cup taking place from Designation. This accreditation As part of the partnership, Planetree designation represents create a sense of achievement Planetree is always seeking new March 6 to 10 and see the par- is the only program of its kind and HMC and Planetree will develop the highest level of achievement and recognition for our staff and and innovative ways to enhance ticipation of 56 teams from 28 formally recognizes an organisa- and host an annual Patient Expe- in patient-centred care based on the organisation and will gen- the delivery of care. different countries. tion’s ability to deliver excellence rience Conference, which will evidence and standards. At HMC, erate momentum to further “We are excited about this The total prize money for in patient and person-centered include world-class speakers this program will drive the overall enhance the patient experience. partnership and the profound contests will be $150,000 and care. The accreditation includes with knowledge and expertise in quality improvement efforts of Most importantly, it will act as an effect it will have on healthcare as Official Telecommuni- empathy and compassion the field of patient experience, the organization by identifying assurance to our patients, in Qatar,” he added. cation Sponsors, Ooredoo will ensure seamless access to the Supernet for athletes and vis- itors at the tournament venue. Talking about the spon- DIFI to host forum on Political Participation sorship, Manar Khalifa Al Number of sold Muraikhi, Director of PR and Corporate Communications, and Arab Women as Agents of Change Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo is properties up by happy to once again support THE PENINSULA women in parliament and the milestone in the process of the Katara Beach Volleyball impact of their representation empowering Qatari women,” Cup and wish all participants DOHA:THE Doha International in influencing policy-making. added Al-Jehani. the best of luck. We Family Institute (DIFI), a Noor Al Malki Al-Jehani, Panel speakers will include 18.4% in January encourage everyone to head member of Qatar Foundation Executive Director, DIFI, said: female members of the Qatari along and support this event, (QF), will hold an open forum “This event seeks to analyze the Shura Council, Dr. Hend Al THE PENINSULA electricity utilisation value during to show the world that Qatar titled Political Participation and current situation of women in Muftah and Reem Mohammed January 2018 was 2,316.4 GWh is passionate about sports.” Arab Women as Agents of parliament, with particular Al Mansouri; Nashia Al Kharoosi, DOHA: Number of sold prop- showing a monthly decrease of Change on March 11, in cele- emphasis on women’s lead- Member of State Council & erties in January increased by 0.03 percent compared with last bration of International ership and participation in Council Bureau in Oman; and 309 properties, registering a month. The bulletin also showed Ooredoo Women’s Day in Qatar. decision-making in the Arab Dr Ghadeer Al Assiri, a monthly increase of 18.4 percent that the total value of water con- The event, organised in col- region and at international level. researcher and political activist compared to December 2017, sumption has reached 38392.9 sponsors laboration with Hamad Bin The event aims to examine the from Kuwait. The event will also said the 49th edition of Qatar thousand cubic meters during the Khalifa University’s College of links between women’s gather representatives from civil Monthly Statistics released same month attaining a monthly kite festival Humanities & Social Sciences, presence in decision-making society and academia. yesterday. The total population decrease of 2.9 percent as com- will include a panel discussion and their impact on improving DIFI is a global policy and of Qatar has increased from 2.58 pared with last month. DOHA: Ooredoo announced on the rationale, challenges, and living conditions for families, advocacy institute working to million during January 2017 to Total number of building yesterday that it is an official opportunities of women in par- communities, and societies as a advance knowledge on Arab more than 2.64 million at end of permits reached 941 permits sponsor of the Aspire Inter- liament in the Arab region and whole. families through research and January 2018, registering an during January 2018, and thus national Kite Festival. The will explore the social barriers “This discussion forum will promote evidence-based polices annual increase of 2.6 percent. recorded a monthly increase of second Aspire International to women’s political partici- also shed light on the recent at a national, regional, and The demographic statistics 34.2 percent in comparison with Kite Festival will take place pation. In addition, the forum, steps taken by Qatar to nom- international level. The institute showed that the total population the previous month December at Aspire Park from March 6 to be held at the Qatar National inate four female members to has special consultative status of Qatar has increased from 2.58 2017. -9 and is set to attract visitors Convention Centre, will open the Shura Council, which rep- with the United Nations Eco- million during January 2017 to A total of 580 traffic cases from across the region and the floor to topics such as Qatari resents an important historic nomic and Social Council. more than 2.64 million at end of were recorded during January internationally. January 2018, registering an 2018, showing in a monthly As part of the compa- annual increase of 2.6 percent. decrease of 6.9 percent com- ny’s sponsorship agreement, According to the figures pared to 623 traffic cases in Ooredoo will ensure its Ashghal to close Al Matar released by the Ministry of December 2017. award-winning Supernet is Development Planning and Sta- The bulletin also highlighted available at Aspire Park for Street between D-Ring & tistics, 2,231 live births were reg- that the total number of regis- all media and visitors. istered during January 2018 tered vehicles has reached 6,283 Manar Khalifa Al C-Ring Road for 12 hours while 209 death cases were new vehicles during January Muraikhi, Director of PR recorded. A total of 304 mar- 2018. The figure has registered a and Corporate Communica- THE PENINSULA riages were registered during monthly increase of 21.1 percent tions, Ooredoo, said: “We’re January, whereas the total compared to last December 2017, delighted to once again be sup- DOHA: The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ number of divorces reached 105 as the total number of registered porting such a family-friendly announces the temporary closure of part of Al cases. In regard to social security vehicles was 5,189 new vehicles. event in Qatar and encourage Matar Street in both directions, between the value, January 2018 witnessed Total broad money supply everyone to come along, enjoy D-Ring Road and C-Ring Road, in order to install a significant decrease in number (M2) recorded about QR598.9bn the nice weather and perhaps the steel structure of a pedestrian bridge on Al of social security beneficiaries as during the month of January take up a new hobby”. Matar Street. The closure will last for 12 hours, to reach the neighbouring local roads. it reached 13,845 individuals, 2018 showing an annual increase This is the latest in a host of starting from Thursday 11pm until Friday 11am, Ashghal will install road signs to advice whereas the total value of social of 19.6 percent compared with sponsorship announcements in coordination with the Traffic Police Department. motorists of the closure. The authority requests security reached QR77.9bn. January 2017 from last year. On in 2018 for Ooredoo, as the During this period, drivers can use the service all road users to abide by the speed limits, and In regard to electricity and the other hand, cash equivalents company continues to support roads on both sides of Al Matar Street to move follow the road signs to ensure their and others water consumption rates, the (including deposits) were local events and organisations. between the D-Ring Road and C-Ring Road, and safety. bulletin showed that the total QR803.2bn during January 2018. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 HOME 05 QU alumna Sheikha Hanadi honoured Al Marri meets Turkish Ambassador at AACSB 2018 Deans Conference in US

THE PENINSULA impactful business leaders must embody to impart DOHA: Qatar University College of positive change in today’s Business and Economics’ alumna society,” said Thomas R. Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled Robinson, president and Al Thani was recognised at AACSB’s CEO of AACSB. “We would 2018 Deans Conference in the USA, like to thank Sheikha among a group of 29 business Hanadi Nasser Bin Khaled pioneers, from 13 industry sectors, Al Thani for demonstrating whose careers are addressing today’s the true excellence and most pressing social, economic, envi- in incorporating elements of INJAZ leadership we wish to see in ronmental, and educational chal- into the ministry’s newly developed the world, and we congratulate the lenges. Life Skills program, which focuses on College of Business and Economics of Sheikha Hanadi was honoured on developing work readiness skills for Qatar University for their role in the basis of her role as Chairperson of students in secondary public schools helping to mold a new generation of “INJAZ Qatar”, a nonprofit organisa- in Qatar. Sheikha Hanadi’s vision is global business leaders dedicated to tion dedicated to educating students to inspire and prepare a generation driving impact that results in global on workforce readiness, entrepre- of Qatari youth to draw on their nat- prosperity.” National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Chairman H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri neurship and financial literacy ural talents, inspiration, passion, and 2018 Influential Leaders class met the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Fikret Ozer. During the meeting, the through experiential, hands-on pro- determination and become the entre- were recognised across three cat- two sides reviewed the work of NHRC and means of enhancing cooperation and grams. Sheikha Hanadi established preneurs of tomorrow who fuel a egories, including,Alumni Busi- exchanging experiences between the two sides on human rights issues. Meanwhile, INJAZ Qatar in 2007 and succeeded knowledge-based economy by ness Leaders Working in Non- NHRC honoured yesterday its crew members from different services in recognition of to reach 32,000 students across more empowering communities and profit or Community-Based their efforts and dedication over the past period, in the presence of representatives of than 60 schools and seven university training the next generation. Organizations,Alumni Business the expat communities residing in Qatar, in order to provide a stimulating environment with the support of 1500 volunteers, “Each honoree from the 2018 class Leaders Advancing Diversity and for work and a culture of appreciation in addition to preserving workers’ rights. more than 75 companies, and the Min- of Influential Leaders reflects the Inclusion and Business Leaders Influ- istry of Education. She played key role mindset, knowledge, and passion that encing Business Education.

Pact boosts Qatar-Turkey cultural exchange

THE PENINSULA within its diversified cultural pro- grammes which promotes the values DOHA: The Cultural Village Founda- of tolerance and co-existence,” Dr. Al tion (Katara) yesterday signed a Sulaiti added. memorandum of cooperation (MoC) He highlighted the importance of with Global Public Diplomacy such cooperation which enables more Network (GPDN) to enhance cultural interaction between people and sup- exchange between Katara and the ports relations between countries and network. different societies. “Cultural diplo- Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, macy has great impact on people as a General Manager of Katara, signed the “soft power” that strengthens peace agreement with Prof. Dr. Sheref Atesh, around the world, as well as to create President of Yunus Emre Institute and Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and mutual grounds between people to Draw for Lulu-Mahindra XUV500 held President of GPDN, in the presence of Prof. Dr. Sheref Atesh during the overcome any issues or struggles,” Dr. Darweesh Ahmed Al Sheebani, Head MoC signing. Al Sulaiti explained. of Marketing Department at Katara Dr. Atesh said that the agreement Mega draw of Lulu-Mahindra XUV500, which was launched as part of Lulu Ultimate and acting Katara Cultural Affairs international cultural diplomacy and includes cooperation in all areas of India Fest 2018, was held yesterday at Lulu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road branch Director, in addition to a Turkish del- enhance cultural exchange between public diplomacy, to promote the con- under the supervision of Mohammed Jassim Al Thani, Inspector from the Ministry egation and media representatives. Katara and GPDN through implemen- cept of cultural exchange between of Business and Trade, wherein Jefferson Tan (Coupon No.13691727) has won Dr. Al Sulaiti expressed his grati- tation of bilateral projects and sup- Qatar and Turkey through joint the prized car. Officials from Lulu Group including Regional Manager, Shanavas; tude and happiness on signing this port of joint programmes. projects that recognise the originality GM-Hypermarket Operations, Mohamed Basheer and General Manager of Lulu agreement which aims to promote “Katara has achieved a lot in the of the cultures of Qatar and Turkey and Hypermarket, D-Ring Road, Krishna Kumar, were present at the draw. Katara in the field of field of cultural diplomacy especially provide the world with the best image. Vodafone Qatar Oscars chef to take part in QIFF launches Red 500 including global lifestyle person- internationally-acclaimed chefs experiences from all corners of the ality Martha Stewart, Australian for an interactive cooking and globe through 177 food stalls, food MasterChef Judge George tasting experience. They include trucks and trolleys, extending over Calombaris, Food Network’s IDAM Executive Chef Damien the full 80,000sqm of the park super plan Andy Bates and Graham Elliot Leroux at IDAM at Museum of grounds. among others. They have shared Islamic Art, US Iron Chef The longest-running food fes- THE PENINSULA breeze as Red 500 customers to food connoisseurs and nov- Masharu Morimoto at Mondrian tival, this year’s edition has a can roam on any network ices their flair in preparing a Hotel and , Food Network pastry number of new features such as DOHA: Vodafone Qatar without restrictions and enjoy variety of cuisines from all over chef Anna Olson at Sheraton a mini-zoo, a dedicated coffee continues to innovate with its the benefit of using all their the the world. Doha. zone and free fitness classes in mobile plan offerings to meet local in-plan data in 20 coun- This year’s long lineup of To be held from March 15 to addition to exciting daily live per- the ever-growing customer tries for free until 31 March celebrity chefs will bring to the 25 at the Hotel Park, QIFF 2018 formances and cultural shows and demand for richer data bundles 2018. No activation is required table their wealth of experience brings culinary and cultural breathtaking fireworks display. in Qatar with the launch of its – all a customer needs to do is and varied cultures during latest super plan- Red 500, part use the internet like they’re at the 11-day festival as they of their Red portfolio, the coun- home and their in-plan Voda- take to the Live Cooking The- try’s most comprehensive and fone Global Data will take care atre preparing and cooking worry-free mobile Postpaid of the rest. their culinary plans. Vodafone Global Data is masterpieces. For the price of QR500 per available in the following coun- The QIFF 2018 Live month, Red 500 has it all tries where Vodafone operates: Cooking Theatre will feature including unlimited local United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy, RAYNALD C RIVERA Qatari chef and food pro- calling, 200 International min- Germany, Egypt, Spain, Hun- THE PENINSULA gramme presenter Aisha Al utes, 100 Roaming minutes, a gary, Portugal, Australia, India, Tamimi, Indian celebrity chef generous data offering of 100 Romania, Czech Republic, Ire- DOHA: Fresh from the recently Ajay Chopra, Food Network GB local and Global Data and a land, South Africa, Malta, Neth- concluded 90th Oscars, Michelin pastry chef Anna Olson, free Star number worth up to erlands, Greece, New Zealand, Star chef Wolfgang Puck Kuwaiti celebrity chef Asmaa the value of QR6000. Albania and Ghana. (pictured) is coming to Doha to Al Bahar, the first blind con- Traveling the world is a “Red 500 is a super addi- take part in the upcoming ninth testant in US MasterChef and tion to our range annual Qatar International Food 2012 winner Christine Ha, of Red Postpaid Festival (QIFF) which kicks off IDAM Executive Chef Damien plans and high- on Thursday next week. Leroux, Kuwaiti Cook Fawaz lights our focus The celebrity chef, who has Al Omaim, Turkish celebrity on continually been preparing post-Oscar chef Murat Bozok, Filipino delivering game dinner for the last 24 years, will celebrity TV chef Nino Log- changing prod- be featuring on the first two days arta, Lebanese celebrity chef ucts and serv- of the festival at the QIFF Live Ramzi Choueiri, Kuwaiti ices that enable Cooking Theatre – the centre- celebrity TV chef Sulaiman customers to piece and one of the most antic- Al Qassar and US Iron Chef confidently con- ipated features of the festival, Masharu Morimoto. nect to the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) The Live Cooking The- people and has announced. atre will run daily food pho- things that On Sunday, Puck marked his tography sessions and con- matter most. 24th year of preparing sump- tests from 4pm to 6pm from Vodafone Red tuous dinner for the Governor’s 6pm to 10.30pm, guest chefs truly has it all Ball which hosted around 1,500 will share their tips and tricks with its suite of of the biggest names in Holly- with a special food theme for unique fea- wood including this year’s Oscar each day. tures,” said winners. In addition, select 5-star Diego Cam- As a long-standing feature restaurants will be offering beros, Commer- at QIFF, a slew of world- cooking classes providing cial Director, renowned chefs have already residents and visitors unique Vodafone Qatar. graced the Live Cooking Theatre opportunity to join 06 HOME WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Call to address challenges in construction sector

THE PENINSULA Hussein, as well as QU and CENG of society, and to provide sus- faculty and staff. tainable solutions to issues DOHA: The Department of Civil The event’s programme fea- related to the building and con- and Architectural Engineering tured presentations delivered by struction field.” (CAE) at Qatar University College speakers from QU, Qatar Rail, Dr Nasser Abdullah of Engineering (QU-CENG) Public Works Authority Alnuaimi, said: “This event yesterday hosted a workshop on (Ashghal), Qatar Primary Mate- reflects CAM’s vision to enhance the challenges faced by the rials Company, and Qasab and support interdisciplinary building and construction sector Projects Company. research on materials science in Qatar due to the unjust They discussed issues related and engineering by conducting blockade imposed on the to “Qatar Rail projects and chal- applied research projects, and to country. lenges under blockade”, “Ashghal provide knowledge and expe- Organised in collaboration procedures after blockade”, rience that meet the needs of with QU Center for Advanced “Operations management under industry and society. The impor- Materials (CAM), the event aimed blockade”, “Use of recycled tance of this event is that it deals to highlight post-blockade chal- materials and minor products”, with the raw materials involved lenges faced by the building and and “Use of local building in structural buildings. In this construction sector in Qatar and materials”. regard, CAM is working hard to to find ways to overcome them. In his remarks, Dr Khalifa Al carry out studies and research to It drew the participation of Khalifa said: “It is our pleasure develop the various materials over 50 experts and researchers. to collaborate with CAM to involved in the construction Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa, CENG Dean and Dr Nasser Abdullah Alnuaimi, CAM Director, during the workshop They exchanged their ideas and organise this workshop that rep- process and find alternative solu- organised by the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Qatar University College of expertise and discussed the latest resents a significant platform to tions in the event of stumbling Engineering yesterday on the challenges faced by the building and construction sector in Qatar due research projects and devel- discuss and provide solutions to as a result of the unjust blockade opment in the field of the challenges faced by the imposed on Qatar. We also seek to the unjust blockade imposed on the country. construction. building and construction sector to develop the relationship Attendees included, CENG in Qatar due to unjust blockade between QU researchers and the field of construction in collaboration with CAM. The and at CAE we find it urgent to Dean, Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa; CAM imposed on the country. This construction professionals from materials.” post-blockade building and con- run joint workshops among dif- Director, Dr Nasser Abdullah event demonstrates CENG com- both the private and public Dr Mohammed Farouk struction challenges are an ferent public entities to provide Alnuaimi and CAE Department mitment to make use of research sectors to support effective Hussein, said: “CAE is proud to important issue which receives the efficient solutions for such Head, Dr Mohammed Farouk in various areas for the benefit research ideas and proposals in be part of this event organised high attention from researchers, challenges.”

Malabar Food Festival begins at Safari Local and global entities support Qumra 2018 THE PENINSULA lasseri tastes. Muringaka Mutton THE PENINSULA ciated with 34 Qumra projects. DOHA: Safari, the well-known Soup, Puyapla Mutton Soup, Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief hypermarket group in Doha Kunjippathal, Ithathas DOHA: The fourth edition of Executive Officer of the DFI, said: have started “Malabar Food Kozhikari, Mean vatti Pol- Qumra, the annual industry “The strong support that Qumra Festival”. By introducing Malabar lichathu, Irachippathiri, event by the Doha Film Institute receives every year is a tes- traditional cuisines, creating a Mutta Mala, Mutta surka, (DFI), to be held from March 9 to tament to the commitment of the feast for all foodie people. Chattippathiri, Kallume- 14, has received remarkable government and private sector Derek Laidlaw Safari is always the market kkaya Nirachathu, support, yet again, from leading in Qatar to promote our nation leader by introducing fabulous Unnakaya Rahath Biriyani, local entities and global cultural as a destination that promotes appointed Executive offers and promotions in the Arakkal Poth Biriyani, Val- and film organisations. the creative industries and young Principal at Oryx field of innovative marketing. lumarathe Aattin Charu, Organised with the goal of talents.” This Malabar food festival is the Kozhi Urumathu, Kizhiyi- nurturing the talents of next- Continuing their support to International School latest festival bonanza from included. More than hundreds lakkiya Chemmeen Kootam, generation talents, with a focus Qumra are Qatar Museums, MIA safari. Safari bakery & Hot food of Malabar dishes are show- Vazhuthananga Kizhikkootan, on first- and second-time film- and Souq Waqif as the Cultural THE PENINSULA has always stood as the inventor cased in this festival to stimulate Aval Milk, Safari’s Own Kulukki makers, Qumra will be held at Partners of Qumra 2018, while of innovative ideas to satisfy the your taste buds with traditional Sarbath , Bathakka Vellam, Souq Waqif and the Museum of the event is supported by Culture DOHA: Qatar Airways and customer needs and tastes. All nostalgic taste feelings. Uppilitta Manga, Uppilitta Pine- Islamic Art (MIA), and will host Pass, the Translation and Inter- Orbital Education are customers are very excited The unique ability of the apple, Then Muttayi, Puli Muttayi over 150 international delegates preting Institute (TII) and FNAC delighted to announce the about this Malabar food festival Malabari’s to enjoy the taste of etc. are showcased under one including film producers, distrib- -the leading French Cultural appointment of Derek in which new inventions food, Culture, arts, different umbrella . This Malabar Food utors, festival directors, funding store. SONY is the Official Elec- Laidlaw (pictured) as Exec- including Thattukada, Recipe taste cuisines is famous. Safari Festival is arranged both in Safari agencies, sales and marketing tronics Partner and Souq Waqif utive Principal at Oryx Inter- Contest, Kuttandan Food recreates the same traditional Mall at Abu Hamour and Safari professionals, VoD experts and Boutique Hotels by Tivoli is the national School (OIS) for the Festval, Biriyani Fest etc. are Malappuram, Kozhicode & Tha- Hyper Market at Salwa road. more, as well as the talents asso- Official Hotel Partner. 2018/19 Academic Year. Laidlaw will head the new world-class campus which will offer state-of-the-art facilities for students from Boeing and QCRI to host Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13, at Mesaimeer off symposium on March 12 Barwa City Road, Doha. The school reflects Qatar THE PENINSULA Airways’ commitment to its staff, by ensuring both DOHA: The Boeing Company employees and their children and Qatar Computing receive the first-class training Research Institute (QCRI), part and education needed to of Hamad Bin Khalifa excel. The school follows the University, will host the fifth National Curriculum of annual Machine Learning and England, which provides stu- Data Analytics Symposium dents with a challenging (MLDAS) in Qatar. learning environment that is This year’s event will be balanced, interactive and held at the Qatar National Con- supports their development vention Centre on Monday, in all activities. Participants of the 2018-2019 National Leadership Programs of Qatar Leadership Centre during March 12 and Tuesday, March transformed from a small Chief Executive Officer of the welcome ceremony at the annual orientation event. 13. Experts will discuss their 30-person event in 2014 to the Orbital Education, which latest research in fields as largest machine learning and operates Oryx International diverse as data mining, signal data analytics forum in the on behalf of Qatar Airways, QLC welcomes 2018-19 National processing, human-centric Middle East. We hope that cre- David Pottinger, said: machine learning, acoustics and ating an opportunity for the free “Laidlaw clearly demon- facial recognition technology. exchange of ideas, such as strated how his leadership Leadership Program participants The speakers will include MLDAS, will inspire innovation, experience made him the Stanford University’s Prof. Ben- improve industry and the com- ideal candidate to lead the THE PENINSULA with fellow participants and program contains a bespoke mix jamin Van Roy, who will speak munity as a whole,” said school forward into the engage in a series of team- of academic modules covering on the benefits of gathering Bernard Dunn, President of future. We look forward to DOHA: Qatar Leadership Centre building exercises. topics such as Strategy & Lead- “smart data” rather than relying Boeing Middle East, North seeing him develop a five-star (QLC) marked the official “For both government and ership, financial management, on passively accumulating “big Africa and Turkey. educational institution in commencement of its 2018- business leaders, who are at the Marketing Analytics, Innovation data”. Georgia Institute of Tech- Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid Doha for the children of Qatar 2019 National Leadership pinnacle of their respective & Change, Service Innovation, nology’s Prof. Branislav Vida- (pictured) , Executive Director, Airways staff. We are Programs by welcoming more industries, honing one’s capac- Negotiations, and team building. kovic, a pioneer in the use of QCRI, described the symposium delighted to welcome him on than 120 new participants at its ities is necessary for continued The world-class modules wavelets for signal processing, as an extension of a partnership board”. annual orientation event. The success,” noted Dr. Abdulla bin are held in collaboration with will discuss his latest work on in research and application, Laidlaw, who will take up orientation, which was held at Ali Al-Thani, Managing Director leading institutions, such as wavelet-based scaling indices including a collaboration to his post on August 1, 2018, the Centre’s Al Bidda Tower and Member of the Board of Harvard University, Oxford Uni- for machine learning. Dr. jointly develop predictive air- joins Oryx International headquarters from March 4-6, Directors of QLC. “Top-decision versity Saïd Business School, Seema Chopra, a Technical craft maintenance technology, School from the position of inaugurated the participants’ makers have an ongoing University of Cambridge Judge Lead at Boeing Research and between QCRI and Boeing. Head Teacher at King’s yearlong leadership devel- responsibility to their organiza- Business School, University of Technology, will explore “We have enjoyed building College, The British School of opment journey, further tions and the community to Chicago Booth School of refining frameworks that a dynamic partnership with Alicante, which he led for sustaining the Centre’s mission remain on the cutting edge in Business, HEC Paris, and Duke enable humans to interact with Boeing since 2013, and this more than seven years to of strengthening Qatar’s human order to contribute to sus- Executive Education. These are machine learning models. And annual event with experts pre- become the leading interna- capital. tainable economic growth and complemented by interactive QCRI’s Jisun An will discuss her senting the latest research in tional school in Spain, During the event, the Qatari prosperity. I am proud of all par- policy seminars, exclusive talks work on some of the opportu- machine learning and data ana- achieving an Excellent professionals were introduced ticipants for investing their time by senior leaders, and site visits nities and limitations of facial lytics builds on that,” Dr grading in all categories from to the Centre’s facilities and pol- in such a meaningful endeavor.” to influential institutions and detection technology. Elmagarmid said. the Independent Schools icies, as well as upcoming Three National Leadership organizations within Qatar.The “Machine learning is the The MLDAS symposium is Inspectorate (ISI) of the UK. modules, local and international Programs are currently offered Centre’s 2017-18 participants fastest growing field in engi- open to students, researchers Laidlaw is no stranger to trips, and other QLC activities at QLC – the Executive Leaders, will be honoured for success- neering and science, because it and industry experts from Qatar, having held a lead- and events. Attendees had the Rising Leaders, and Government fully completing their programs is used in every field. Therefore, around the world. To register, ership position at Doha opportunity to meet and interact Leaders programs. Each at a ceremony on April 15th. it is no surprise that this event go to qcri.com College for six years. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 HOME 07 NBK Automobiles’ special offer on Mercedes-Benz CLS

THE PENINSULA The offer is valid till 31 March Plus system, Pre-Safe Package and NECK-PRO Luxury 2018. Customers can now drive Braking system, Speed for more comfort and stabiliza- DOHA: Nasser Bin Khaled Auto- away in their 2016 CLS for Limit Assist, Reversing tion of the head and rear seats. mobiles, the authorised general QR199,900 with monthly install- Camera, Active Parking Nasser Bin Khaled Automo- distributor of Mercedes-Benz in ment of QR3333 for 24 months. Assist with Parktronic biles has built its success by Qatar, has launched a special In addition, customers can ben- system. establishing solid, longstanding offer on 2016 Mercedes-Benz efit from free registration, three The CLS has the latest relationships with its customers, CLS, the four-door coupe. years warranty with unlimited entertainment and multi- and by offering a wide range of Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al mileage, and flexible internal and media systems such as quality products. Thani, Operations Director – bank financing options. Audio 20 CD, Audio 50 As a brand name, Nasser Auto, at Nasser Bin Khaled Mercedes-Benz CLS com- APS, Command Audio 50 Bin Khaled Automobiles is Holding said: “We at Nasser Bin bines the sensual design and APS APS, Harman Kardon deeply associated with a his- Khaled Automobile are pleased technology, the four-door coupe Logic 7. The internal tory of premium quality service to launch this special offer on is a perfect combination of ele- design of the CLS comple- and market leadership. Estab- Mercedes-Benz CLS that com- gance and attractiveness that no ments the external look. lished in 1957, Nasser Bin bines high end luxury with sporty car can do, thanks to its aggres- Thanks to the sensual Khaled Automobiles is Qatar’s features and design along with sive look and state of the art free driving experience, thanks Package Plus, rear LED Lamps, beauty of the internal cabin, the exclusive distributor of three of high performance. We will con- technology. Besides, the CLS pro- to the safety system and features front LED high performance attractive and elegant features the world’s most respected, tinue to launch special offers on vides highest standards of safety. including Attention Assist, New lamps, moon shape side lights, is an added value to the driving iconic brands: Mercedes-May- our cars to provide our clients The CLS has an innovative View Assist Plus, Lane Tracking Intelligent Light System Brake pleasure. The seats are equipped bach, Mercedes-Benz and with their favorite cars.” safety system to secure accident Package, Driving Assistance Assist Bas Plus with Distronic with Active Multi-contour Seat Mercedes-AMG.

NU-Q students Al Jazeera summit discusses artificial intelligence in detail to intern at top THE PENINSULA themselves with the adoption “numerically vectoring nuance” of new technology and inno- - enabling machines to under- global media DOHA: The second day of the vation. Serious and profes- stand the complex variety of organisations annual Al Jazeera Future of sional journalism and media humanity for the first time. The Media Leaders’ Summit (FMLS) is based on applying profes- applications for this in the got underway yesterday with a sional, high standards such as media are manifold, and will THE PENINSULA series of keynote addresses from truthfulness, accuracy, objec- help the media navigate an dignitaries and panels discussing tivity, and balance while pre- increasingly information- DOHA: In the coming two Media and Cloud - Limitless serving individuals’ and organ- flooded news cycle. Com- months, Northwestern Possibilities. It followed on from izations’ rights and privacy. menting on the implications for University in Qatar’s (NU-Q) a successful first day discussing At the end of his keynote, job security in an AI-driven journalism and strategic Cloud and Security. Dr Souag stressed that the high future, he said, “88% of jobs are communication students will On Monday afternoon fol- number of attendees proves staff-based, and if we are not be completing internships at lowing keynotes, the Summit that we are fundamentally careful with AI we may alienate top global media organisa- broke down into specialist par- hopeful for the future. He our own society. Business tions, including AJ+ in San allel sessions to discuss how the The participants during the annual Al Jazeera Future of Media Leaders’ emphasized that meaningful values must not be divorced Francisco, Forbes in New cloud is transforming their Summit. development and progress not from our human values”. York, and Al Jazeera English working environment, only creates new technological Ali Shah, Head of Emerging and Ogilvy & Mather in increasing collaboration and In the evening, Abdullah #demandpressfreedom cam- tools, but also enlightens us and Technology and Strategic Direc- London. even changing approaches to AlNajjar, Al Jazeera’s Executive paign. This provided the con- serves mankind, feeding our tion at the BBC presented on The The 10-week residency issues like disaster management, Director of Global Brand and text for yesterday’s detailed humanity’s hunger for Value of AI in Media. Following program is a graduation as Hervé Pavard, Chief Tech- Communications, addressed the exploration of Artificial Intelli- knowledge. the keynote, in the panel on requirement for all NU-Q stu- nology Officer at French channel audience at the Gala Dinner, gence and Augmented Reality. The opening keynote was robot reporting, asking if jour- dents majoring in Journalism TF1 explained. The panels saying, “We have come to be Addressing the Summit, Dr delivered by Yves Bergquist, of nalists are becoming an endan- and Strategic Communica- debated new innovations such known as the media network Mostefa Souag, Acting Director the Entertainment Technology gered species, Ingrid Silver of tion. It is also an important as Eluvio’s use of the blockchain where the world conducts General of the Al Jazeera Media Centre at University of Southern Reed Smith moderated experts learning component where for smart contracts, allowing debate, dialogue, and informed Network said, “The purpose of California, and corto.ai, was on including Dr. Yasir Bishr, Exec- students engage in the rig- suppliers and users to seamlessly conversation. It is global space organizing such an event is to Ethics and Implications of AI for utive Director of Digital from orous nature of a media record transactions through dis- for free expression that needs seek - through acquaintance, the Media Industry. He clarified Aljazeera, Ali Shah from the career and network with pro- tributed ledger technology, and to be protected”. He also reiter- dialogue and discussions - to the differences between BBC, Rainer Kellerhals from fessionals in the industry. The discussed the advantages of the ated Al Jazeera’s commitment highlight the most important machine learning, and machine Microsoft, and Dr. Ahmed from internships also teach stu- automation and scalability that to a free and independent challenges faced by contempo- understanding, and explained the Qatar Computing and dents to adapt to the bustling the cloud will provide. media, through its global rary media, which present in depth how his technology is Research Institute. environment of a newsroom or corporate office, work to deliver quality pieces and ideas under deadline, and develop writing, fact- Event backs Qatari innovations checking, research, and client management skills. THE PENINSULA “Our residency students are able to apply the theory DOHA: The Center for Advanced and skills they have learned Materials at Qatar University in class on the ground at the (QU-CAM) recently hosted the 9th most respected and highly Sciences and Engineering Mate- competitive media operations rials Symposium under the theme in the world,” said Everette E. “Made in Qatar”. Dennis, Dean and CEO. Organized in collaboration “Through this hands-on expe- with Texas A&M University at rience, they learn life lessons FROM LEFT: QU VP for Research and Graduate Studies, Prof Mariam Qatar (TAMUQ), the event that will help them in their Al Maadeed; CAM Director, Dr Nasser Abdullah Alnuaimi and TAMUQ brought together speakers from careers by working with pro- Dr. Don Berwick, a paediatrician, President Emeritus, and Senior Dean, Dr Cesar Malave. local and international institu- fessionals in a demanding, Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), and tions to share their knowledge fast-paced business Maureen Bisognano, President Emerita and Senior Fellow at the and expertise on issues related to staff. The event’s programme fea- innovative materials made in environment.” Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). sciences and engineering tured presentations delivered by Qatar. In the Students Category, This spring, NU-Q stu- materials. speakers from QU, TAMUQ, the first-place winner was stu- dents are interning for pres- Attendees included, QU VP QAPCO, Qatar Environment and dent Usman Shahid (HBKU), tigious news outlets in New Global experts to address for Research and Graduate Energy Research Institute while students Latifa Khaled Al- York and Washington D.C., Studies, Prof Mariam Al Maadeed; (QEERI), Public Works Authority Romaihi (QU) and Rola M Al-Sou- San Francisco, London, and sixth healthcare forum CAM Director, Dr Nasser Abdullah (Ashghal), Qatar Plastic Products baihi (Virginia Commonwealth Doha. The organisations Alnuaimi; TAMUQ Dean, Dr Cesar Company W.L.L., Hamad Bin University in Qatar) won the include AJ+, Forbes, Medill THE PENINSULA conference in previous years and Malave and Qatar Petrochemical Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar second place. In the Researchers News Service, Ogilvy & is President Emerita and Senior Company (QAPCO) Managing Development Bank (QDB), and Category, Anton Popelka (QU) Mather, Embassy of the State DOHA: Four renowned interna- Fellow at IHI. She is a prominent Director & CEO, Dr Mohammed Qatar Steel. won the first place. Ahmed Bahgat of Qatar in London, Al Jazeera tional speakers have been authority on improving health- Yousef Al Mulla, as well as QU and Also on the programme was (QU) and Ihor Kulai (TAMUQ) won English, Teneo Blue Rubicon, confirmed as plenary lecturers care systems and regularly TAMUQ faculty, students, and a competition to select the best the second place. Forbes Associates, and more. for this year’s sixth Middle East advises healthcare leaders Forum on Quality and Safety in around the world on practical Healthcare, which will take place ways of introducing real, effec- from March 23 to 25 in Doha, tive, and sustainable systems Qatar. The theme for this year’s change. Recycling for reuse awareness drive by AAB conference, which will feature Dr. Tejal Gandhi was Presi- the largest programme in the dent and Chief Executive Officer THE PENINSULA annual event’s six-year history, of the National Patient Safety is ‘Building a Culture of Safety.’ Foundation (NPSF) from 2013 DOHA: Abdullah Abdulghani & Among numerous interna- until 2017 when the Foundation Bros. Co. (AAB), the exclusive tional and local speakers, the merged with IHI. She is now IHI’s distributor of Toyota and Lexus, Forum will feature four interna- Chief Clinical and Safety Officer. held another Community Pallet tionally renowned plenary She is also President of the Recycling activity using its speakers: Lucian Leape Institute, a think excess pallets. Dr. Don Berwick is a pedia- tank founded by NPSF that now A group of motivated and trician, President Emeritus, and operates under the IHI patient environmentally minded com- Members of AAB with other participants during the event. Senior Fellow at the Institute for safety focus area. Patty Skolnik munity members participated Healthcare Improvement (IHI). is the Founder and President/ in this green yet creative stated that” the objective of the the participants were chosen giving back to the community He has served on the faculty of CEO of ‘Citizens for Patient activity, building furniture and recycling activity is to advance as winners. Children were also through its CSR initiatives Harvard Medical School and Safety’. She is a patient safety home decorations. Families the awareness and practice of given recognition for their cre- with one of its major pillars Harvard School of Public Health expert and an advocate for with their children joined in recycling for reuse. It also con- ativity in building. The event focused on caring for the and on the staff of many well- shared decision-making, building their own furniture nects people across the com- was open, free to the public and Environment. This commit- known US hospitals. informed consent, and improving out of the excess pallets munities through this pro- they were able to bring the ment is reflected on its sup- Maureen Bisognano has been patient/provider relationships in provided. gram.” The Top 3 Designs that results of their hardwork home. port to programs geared a popular speaker at this healthcare. A representative from AAB were completed built solely by AAB is fully committed to towards a Green Qatar. 08 MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Trump hints at Israel travel for embassy opening

REUTERS Trump’s push to change or Abbas, angered by Trump’s Jerusalem scrap Iran’s 2015 nuclear OIC slams Guatemala mission move move, has refused to engage with the WASHINGTON: US President Donald deal with world powers United States on Middle East peace, Trump said he might travel to Israel for prompting Trump to delay the rollout the opening of the US embassy in Jeru- and concerns over Tehran’s ISTANBUL: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) yesterday condemned of peace proposals. salem as he and Israeli Prime Minister foothold in Syria topped Guatemala’s decision this week to follow Washington’s lead by moving its Israel Participating in the talks was Benjamin Netanyahu presented a united the agenda of his talks with embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law, front against Iran in White House talks. Netanyahu. “This illegal step constitutes a violation of UN Security Council and General Jared Kushner, who has been on the Trump’s decision for the United Assembly resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 478, which rejects any measure defensive amid investigations into States to recognise Jerusalem as the cap- that would alter the occupied city’s historical and legal status,” the Jeddah-based alleged meddling by Russia in the 2016 ital of Israel and move the embassy there duration and the fact it does not cover organization said in a statement. presidential campaign. from Tel Aviv reversed decades of US Iran’s ballistic missile programme or its In January, OIC Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen sent a Some analysts believe Kushner’s policy, aggravated Arab allies and has support for anti-Israel militants in the letter to Guatemalan Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel urging the latter to refrain ability to run the Middle East initiative complicated his administration’s attempt region. “If I had to say what is our from moving his country’s Israel embassy to Jerusalem. has been handicapped by his loss of to revive long-stalled Middle East peace greatest challenge in the Middle East to Such a move, Al Othaimeen warned, would “represent an attack on the rights access to certain valued US intelligence talks. both our countries, to our Arab neigh- of the Palestinian people and the rights of the world’s millions of Muslims and because of a White House clampdown Trump, with Netanyahu at his side bors, it’s encapsulated in one word: Christians”. In the same letter, the OIC chief urged Guatemala to respect inter- on access to such secrets for those in the Oval Office, said he was consid- Iran,” Netanyahu said. “Iran must be national law and adopt positions that support the prospects for peace based on without full security clearance. ering making what would be his second stopped. That is our common a “two-state solution” to the Palestine-Israel conflict. The White House said the down- visit to Jerusalem as president. The challenge.” Notably, Morales’s announcement came shortly after a meeting in Wash- grade of Kushner’s security clearance opening of the US embassy is planned Trump has threatened to pull out of ington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. did not affect the role he played in the for May. “We’re looking at coming,” the agreement unless European allies Last December, US President Donald Trump sparked outcry across the Arab meeting. Trump said. “If I can, I will.” help “fix” it with a follow-up accord. The and Muslim world after recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and vowing to A US official speaking ahead of Mired in corruption investigations White House said in a statement that relocate Washington’s embassy to the city. Netanyahu’s second visit to the Trump threatening his political survival, Netan- Trump “underscored his goal of coun- White House characterized it as a “rou- yahu - questioned at his home by police tering Iran’s malign influence.” tine check-in.” For Netanyahu, however, on Friday — stepped into a different Netanyahu told Israeli reporters that Trump has been among the closest of border. the Oval Office meeting offered a res- spotlight during his five-day US visit. Iran had been a big focus of talks, which any world leader, has also cautioned that The talks also touched on Syria, pite from his legal troubles. Trump’s push to change or scrap he said ran an hour longer than sched- Israel could act against Iran itself after Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinians, Netanyahu, who will speak to the Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world uled. Israel has accused Tehran of an Iranian drone flew into Israel last Netanyahu said, while the White House pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC on powers and concerns over Tehran’s seeking a permanent military presence month and an Israeli warplane was shot said Trump had “emphasised his com- Tuesday, awaits a decision by Israel’s foothold in Syria topped the agenda of in Syria, where Iranian-backed forces down while bombing air defences in mitment to achieving a lasting peace attorney general on whether to indict his talks with Netanyahu, US and Israeli support Syrian President Bashar Al Syria. He has accused Iran of planning deal between Israelis and him, as police have recommended in officials said. Both leaders have long Assad in a civil war. to build precision-guided missile facto- Palestinians.” two bribery cases. Netanyahu denies any railed against the deal, citing its limited Netanyahu, whose relationship with ries in Lebanon, amid tensions along that Palestinian President Mahmoud wrongdoing. PA considering ‘suspension’ of recognition of Israel: PLO

ANATOLIA — an event slated for May. anniversary of Israel’s establish- According to Erekat, ment. In January, the PLO’s RAMALLAH: The Ramallah- Trump’s decision last December Central Committee granted the based Palestinian Authority (PA) to recognize Jerusalem as Isra- Executive Committee the is considering the “suspension” el’s capital “was intended to iso- authority to “suspend” Pales- of its recognition of Israel, a senior late Jerusalem but has instead tinian recognition of Israel until Palestine Liberation Organization isolated the US” the latter formally recognizes (PLO) official said yesterday. “We can only implement the the state of Palestine. “There is no alternative for PLO Central Council’s recom- While the PLO recognized the Palestinians but to suspend mendation to suspend recogni- Israel in 1993 within the frame- their recognition of Israel,” Saeb tion of Israel until Israel recog- work of the Oslo Accords, Israel Erekat, a member of the PLO’s nizes the state of Palestine,” has yet to recognize the Palestin- influential Executive Committee, Erekat said. On Monday, Trump ians’ right to a state of their own. said in a statement. hinted that he could take part in Last week, the US administration The PA and the PLO — both the official inauguration of Wash- announced plans to relocate its of which recognize Israel — are ington’s controversial new dip- embassy from Tel Aviv to Jeru- both led by Palestinian Presi- lomatic mission in Jerusalem. salem on May 14 — the day Israel dent Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah Last December, the US pres- was established in 1948. movement, which favors nego- ident recognized Jerusalem as The date, however, also tiations with the Jewish state. Israel’s capital, sparking con- coincides with the 70th anni- Erekat’s assertions report- demnation and protest across versary of the Palestinian Nakba Erdogan attends AKP parliamentary meeting edly come in response to recent much of the Middle East. (“catastrophe”), when hundreds President of Turkey and the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Recep Tayyip hints by US President Donald He later said Washington’s of thousands of Palestinians Erdogan, greets people during the AK Party’s parliamentary group meeting at the Grand National Trump that he might take part Israel embassy would be relo- were driven from their ances- in the inauguration of Washing- cated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem tral homes to make way for the Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in Ankara, yesterday. ton’s new embassy in Jerusalem in May to coincide with the 70th new state of Israel.

Iranians welcome Louvre show despite tense diplomacy Germany urged to change travel advice for Turkey AFP Tehran Stock Exchange when it TEHRAN: Iranians gave a warm was launched in the ANATOLIA welcome to a new exhibition by 1960s. “I know France’s Louvre yesterday —the there are lots of val- ANKARA: Turkish foreign minister has called on the first major show by a foreign uable Iranian pieces German government to change its travel advice on Turkey, museum in the country. in the Louvre, but stressing that it is out-dated and does not reflect the real “It was great. I never thought this is a good start,” situation in the country. I’d see such artworks in my life,” said Khashayar “The latest travel advice is not reflecting realities of said Mehdi, a 26-year-old Tayar, a music Turkey and the current state of our bilateral relations,” student. teacher in his Mevlut Cavusoglu told a joint news conference with his The exhibition certainly thirties. German counterpart, ahead of their meeting in Berlin. appeared to go down better than “I’m really Cavusoglu underlined that Turkey has addressed Monday’s visit by French Foreign grateful to the all possible concerns, achieved normalization after the Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, who organisers for this defeated coup in 2016, and has taken strong security faced a day of tense discussions show. I hope future measures along its border with Syria against potential with Iranian officials before inau- exhibitions will threats. gurating the Louvre show. have more Iranian “Today, our touristic destinations Antalya or Istanbul, The ever-combative Kayhan pieces to make me are no less secure than any other city in Europe,” he said. newspaper summed up the view even happier.” Turkey has been one of the most popular travel des- of Le Drian’s visit with the head- The exhibition tinations for German holidaymakers, but the number of line: “Impudent guest gets a marks the culmina- visitors declined in recent years, due to conflicts in coun- dressing-down”. tion of two years of tries neighboring Turkey, as well political tensions Le Drian has angered Iran’s work since a cul- between Ankara and Berlin. leaders with his stern criticism of French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (centre), cuts the ribbon during an opening tural exchange The number of German tourists dropped from 5.5 their missile programme and for- ceremony after Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) agreement was million in 2015 to 3.9 million in 2016, according to offi- eign interventions. and Louvre Museum agreed to exhibit Louvre Relics at the National Museum of Iran to signed during a visit cial figures. In 2017, around 3.5 million German tourists “It was a tough trip, without strengthen cultural relations between Iran and France, in Tehran, yesterday. by President Hassan traveled to Turkey. concessions,” he told reporters Rowhani to Paris in Cavusoglu hoped efforts in recent months to nor- on the way back to Paris late on January 2016. malize political relations would also have a positive impact Monday. The Louvre show treasures from the Paris cooperation is very good. Maybe France has on tourism. returns the focus to the more museum’s collection, including it will lead to more economic rela- deep cultural ties with pre-revo- “In the first three months of this year, there has been positive aspects of France’s a 2,400-year-old Egyptian tions with other countries.” lutionary Iran, and the National a significant increase in the number of German visitors,” relations with Iran, which sphinx, a bust of Roman emperor Only two small pieces from Museum itself was built by a he said, and added that early bookings have also increased include the rebuilding of trade Marcus Aurelius and drawings what is now Iran came over from Frenchman, Andre Godard, in up to 80 percent, compared with the same period last ties through deals involving by Rembrandt and Delacroix. the Louvre collection -- an axe 1938. “In the tumultuous ocean year. The Turkish foreign minister said the figures have companies such as Peugeot, “It was very good, though I was dating back more than 3,000 years of international relations, cultural shown that German tourists, who opted for other coun- Renault and Total since world hoping to see more Iranian and an even older mysterious diplomacy is a flare that we should tries in the past two years, would again prefer to travel powers signed a 2015 nuclear pieces,” said Sorena, a young bronze ornament from Lorestan maintain together,” Le Drian said Turkey. accord with Tehran. accountant. “But it was interesting featuring two bulls and a circle of at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Cavusoglu is paying a two-day visit to Germany, and It features a number of and this sort of international men that became the logo of the Monday night. he is scheduled to visit ITB Berlin tourism fair today. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 UN: Russia, US air strikes caused mass civilian deaths in Syria

REUTERS “Syrian government Syrian government forces used chemical weapons against GENEVA: Air strikes by Russia forces continued to insurgents in eastern Ghouta, and a US-led coalition killed civil- use chemical weapons including chlorine three times in ians in Syria on a large scale last against armed group July, and in Harasta on the year, while the Assad government fighters in eastern western edge of the zone in carried out unlawful chemical November, the report said. weapon attacks in rebel-held Ghouta,” UN war “The use of chemical eastern Ghouta, UN war crimes crimes investigators weapons is prohibited under cus- investigators said yesterday. said in its report. tomary international humani- Islamic State fighters and tarian law regardless of the pres- other insurgent groups com- ence of a valid military target, mitted war crimes including — roughly five times the toll including when used against deadly attacks on civilians and acknowledged by the Pentagon, enemy fighters,” it said. The using them as human shields, the which said at the time that Syrian government has denied investigators said in their latest dozens of militants and not using chemical weapons, saying report covering six months civilians were killed. The UN it surrendered its stockpiles after through January 15. investigators found no evidence signing the global ban in 2013. During the period, “victims that Islamic State fighters were The multi-sided Syrian civil A general view shows several destroyed buildings in Douma, in the rebel enclave of Eastern Ghouta on of the Syrian conflict have suf- at the site, and said the US-led war has killed hundreds of thou- the outskirts of Damascus, yesterday. An international convoy entered Syria’s rebel enclave of Eastern fered greatly as violence coun- coalition had violated interna- sands of people and driven at Ghouta to deliver much-needed aid as the regime pounded the region with fresh bombardment, trywide re-escalated to new tional law by failing in its duty least 11 million from their homes. killing dozens as it seized more ground. heights,” the UN Commission of to protect civilians. Neighbouring countries and Inquiry said. “Syrian government The independent investiga- global powers have entered the forces continued to use chemical tors called on all sides to allow conflict, backing allied forces on New air raids hit battered Ghouta weapons against armed group access to besieged areas and all the ground. fighters in eastern Ghouta,” it said detainees. Justice must be served The United States joined the in its report. in any peace deal ending the con- war in 2014, leading an interna- after aid convoy turns back Among other key findings, it flict soon entering its eighth year, tional coalition carrying out air said that an air strike by a “Russian they said. strikes against Islamic State AFP on both sides of the road. before the latest onslaught. fixed-wing aircraft” using unguided The report is based on 500 fighters in both Syria and Iraq, Some civilians took advan- Forty-six aid trucks entered weapons last November hit a confidential interviews con- who were largely defeated last DOUMA: Fresh air strikes and tage of a lull in air strikes to ven- Eastern Ghouta on Monday for market killing at least 84 people in ducted with victims and wit- year. Russia joined the conflict in clashes shook the Syrian rebel ture out from cellars to gather a the first time since the offensive Atareb, west of Aleppo, in a “de- nesses abroad or in Syria via 2015, providing air and ground enclave of Eastern Ghouta few necessities from what was started, but had to cut short their escalation zone” declared by social media. The Assad govern- support for its allies in the Syrian yesterday after desperately left of their homes. Others gath- deliveries and leave due to Russia, Iran and Turkey. ment has never let the team into government. needed aid deliveries were cut ered the pieces of home furni- heavy bombardment. It found no evidence that the the country. The UN investigators, noting short by fighting. ture smashed in the raids to use “The people we’ve met here Russian strike had deliberately “Vital civilian infrastructure that efforts for the UN Security More than 780 civilians — as fuel or sell to others. At the a have been through unimagi- targeted the market, but said “this has been decimated by repeated Council to refer Syria to the Inter- including 170 children — have hospital in the town, medical staff nable things. They looked attack may amount to the war attacks on medical facilities, national Criminal Court (ICC) been killed since Russia-backed scrambled to help the wounded. exhausted,” Pawel Krzysiek of crime of launching indiscriminate schools and markets. Humani- have stalled, due to Russian regime forces launched an Some had lost relatives in the the International Committee of attacks resulting in death and tarian aid has been instrumen- vetoes, welcomed national juris- assault on the besieged enclave raids. Parents held their children the Red Cross said afterwards. injury to civilians”, the first time talised as a weapon of war with dictions taking up more cases. outside Damascus on February close, trying to comfort them. “And the aid we’ve deliv- it has explicitly implicated siege warfare and denial of life- Victims must be helped to 18. The brutal onslaught on the A reporter in Hammuriyeh ered today is by no means Moscow in possible war crimes. giving assistance used to compel obtain justice, which should be a last major rebel stronghold near said air strikes had hit the town enough,” he said on Twitter. And three US-led coalition civilian communities and parties “central component” of any nego- the capital, the latest regime overnight and only a few resi- Regime ally Russia last strikes on a school near Raqqa in to the conflict alike to surrender tiated settlement ending the war, offensive of the seven-year civil dents emerged from their cel- week announced a five-hour March 2017 killed 150 residents or starve,” it said. they said. war, has sparked outrage but lars after daybreak for fear of daily “humanitarian pause” in little action from the West. more. Late on Monday, the Eastern Ghouta, during which it Government troops have Observatory reported 18 people said it would guarantee safe advanced rapidly across farm- suffered breathing difficulties passage to civilians wishing to 32 dead in Russian plane crash at Syria base land in Eastern Ghouta in the following a strike on Ham- flee the enclave. past week, a monitor says, and muriyeh. It had no firm word on But no Syrian civilians are AFP in September 2015, and its intervention has swung the as of early yesterday controlled the cause. known to have left since nearly seven-year conflict firmly in favour of its ally 40 percent of the enclave, the The UN Human Rights Tuesday last week. The MOSCOW: A Russian transport plane crashed on in Damascus. The latest accident comes after a Sukhoi Syrian Observatory for Human Council on Monday ordered “humanitarian pause” fell far landing at Russia’s Hmeimim airbase in Syria, killing military jet crashed while trying to take off from Hme- Rights said. Essential aid deliv- investigators to examine the short of a month-long nation- all 32 on board, the defence ministry said in a state- imim in October last year, killing two crew. eries to tens of thousands of latest violence in the enclave. wide ceasefire demanded by the ment carried by RIA Novosti. Russia’s most recent officially acknowledged besieged civilians were cut short It condemned “the indis- UN Security Council last month. There were 26 passengers and 6 crew, the min- military loss in battle in Syria was last month when on Monday as the regime criminate use of heavy weapons More than 340,000 people istry said. “The reason for the crash according to pre- a pilot was killed after his plane was downed over pounded the region. and aerial bombardments have been killed and millions liminary information could have been a technical Idlib province. Russia’s official military losses in At least nine civilians were against civilians, and the alleged displaced in Syria since the start fault,” the ministry said, adding that the plane had not the war before the crash were 45. killed in air strikes on the town use of chemical weapons in of the civil war in 2011 with the come under fire according to a report from the ground. Moscow last month also said that five citizens, of Jisreen yesterday, the Britain- Eastern Ghouta”. brutal repression of anti-gov- The transporter was around 500 metres from not officially affiliated with the Russian military, based Observatory said. The enclave’s 400,000 res- ernment protests. Over the the runway, the statement said. A commisssion will were likely killed in the strikes in eastern Syria — In the enclave’s main town idents have lived under siege years, numerous rounds of UN- investigate the causes of the crash. the first admission of non-military combat of Douma, air strikes had since 2013, facing severe short- backed Syria peace talks have Moscow began conducting air strikes in Syria casualties. reduced homes to piles of rubble ages of food and medicines even failed to stem the fighting.

Lassa fever deaths rise to 16 dead in central 110 in Nigeria Nigeria clashes LAGOS: Lassa fever has AFP the violence as “heart-rending”, claimed 110 lives in Nigeria and said the death toll could since the beginning of the year, MAKURDI: At least 16 people, increase. “We are moving the Nigeria Centre for Disease mostly women and children, were corpses and the injured from Control said, in one of the worst killed in clashes between youths the village to the hospital and outbreaks since 2016. and cattle herders in central so far we have moved about 10 The World Heath Organ- Nigeria, police said yesterday. corpses and several injured isation last week said the epi- Monday’s violence in the persons to Saint Mary’s Hos- demic had reached record village of Omutu, in the pital, Okpoga, the local govern- highs with 317 laboratory con- Okpokwu area of Benue state, ment headquarters,” he said. firmed cases and 72 people Long wait is the latest flare-up linked to “We are still searching for dead. “Since the onset of the A train, that is part of a halted railway system project, aimed at connecting Libya’s eastern and tensions over land and grazing more corpses and the injured 2018 outbreak, there have western borders, is seen in Tripoli, yesterday. rights in the restive region. and it is very possible that we been 110 deaths: 78 in posi- State police spokesman may recover more dead bodies tive-confirmed cases, 8 in Moses Yamu said in a statement and injured persons because probable cases and 24 in neg- that a meeting had been called the village has been sacked and ative cases,” the NCDC said in to calm anger after a herdsman many are still missing.” its latest report. was killed on Monday and Central Nigeria has become A total of 1,121 suspected another went missing. the scene of almost daily cases were reported, “353 are Kenya bans South African meat “Unfortunately as the clashes between settled farmers confirmed positive, 8 are search and peace meeting and the largely nomadic probable, 723 are negative were going on some herdsmen herders in a battle for land and (not a case) and 37 are products as listeria scare spreads surreptitiously went on (a) resources. Religion adds an awaiting laboratory results.” AFP sliced ham and Frankfurter- blocked the import of the prod- rampage, resulting in the extra dimension to the clashes, The NCDC said cases have style sausages. ucts, including those made by macheting to death of 15 per- as farmers such as the ethnic been reported in 18 of Niger- NAIROBI: Kenya’s health “In order to ensure the the Enterprise factory, owned sons, mainly women and chil- Tiv people of Benue are Chris- ia’s 36 states while 16 health ministry yesterday announced health of the public is protected by Tiger Brands — which was dren,” he said. tian, while the herders are workers had been affected in a ban on the import and sale of and as a precautionary measure pinpointed as the source of the Yamu said some houses mainly ethnic Fulani Muslims. six states. Health Minister certain South African processed you are required to stop the outbreak — and others made by were set on fire during the vio- Benue has been a flashpoint Isaac Adewole told local meat products after a listeria importation and sale of these Rainbow Chickens. lence and four people were in recent months after resist- media that the government outbreak that has killed at least products” and recall those Since January 2017, 948 arrested. “An extensive patrol ance to a new law banning open would soon take delivery of 180 people. already on sale, the health min- people in South Africa have con- of the community is ongoing, grazing for cattle. vaccines to tame the virus. Kenya is the first nation in istry wrote in a note to country tracted listeriosis — a disease which will be reinforced with In January, 73 people from “We are doing everything east Africa to ban ready-to-eat health officers. caused by bacteria from soil, the (military) special forces,” he Tiv farming communities were possible to fight and address meat products from South Africa Mozambique, Namibia, Bot- water, vegetation and animal added. The chairman of the buried at a mass funeral after the outbreak of lassa fever on that include polony — a local swana, Zambia, Malawi, Swazi- faeces which can contaminate Okpokwu local government a series of attacks blamed on all fronts,” he said. version of baloney sausage — land and Zimbabwe have also fresh food, notably meat. area, Francis Ejembi, described Fulani herders. 10 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 From Florida to Syria, children ESTABLISHED IN 1996 are vilified mercilessly CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected] MALAK CHABKOUN AL JAZEERA ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED ESCRIBING the human [email protected] depravity it takes to insult and throw accusations at children Dfacing deadly violence is quite difficult to do in any language, polite or otherwise. It is absurd and unnecessary to have to say that it is wrong for adults to attack EDITORIAL children, who have survived a school shooting or facing facing bombardment on a daily basis. But apparently, we live in a world where children in distress are seen Promoting education as “fair targets”, accused of everything and any thing from being actors, to being exploited for regime change, to being Al ndividuals with talent and education excellence Qaeda agents. westerners who were thought to have actors and claiming she was at fault for are the real wealth of any country. In line with this This was recently the case with a finally admitted the nature of the slapping the Israeli soldier. notion, Qatar celebrated the 11th Education Syrian boy, 15, who has been viciously aggressor that Israel is or that the US is, Now, as the Assad regime and Russia Excellence Day and honoured 64 winners in nine attacked online and in the media for have now turned around and used Israel pound the Ghouta region’s people into Idifferent categories. The distinguished students and posting videos showing the devastation of as an argument against another oblivion, the anti-imperialism crew is individuals who are honoured annually, represent an Eastern Ghouta. oppressed people: the Syrians who rose reacting with its usual attacks on the added value to the national Qatari competencies in The reaction against him was hardly up against Bashar Al Assad, Russia, Iran, children who are trying to use social different fields, which makes Qatar an incubator for surprising. Syrian children have been and the Islamic State of Iraq and the media to save themselves and their educational excellence. mercilessly killed by the regime and its Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). They, families while at the same time defending Honouring the winners of the Education Excellence allies for seven years now and there has this “logic” goes, are pawns of Israel, so children in the US who are speaking out Award, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani been a constant stream of images of their vilifying them and their children amid against the NRA. urged the students and individuals to continue to excel bloodied faces. But the response to them death and destruction is acceptable. One of the biggest and yet- and achieve success in all fields in order to serve their has been scepticism and online attacks Many failed to recognise the danger unaddressed problems with this “political country and community. The award is the highest instead of sympathy and an imperative for of these attacks on children, until this tactic” is that it abuses these young people academic honour to individuals and educational change; news outlets and activists alike, in type of human depravity came home to on three different levels. They are institutions in the State. a bizarre vague manner, mention the roost. victimised by the oppressors, such as the Qatar established an education system that complies “deaths” of these children but somehow From Florida to Syria to the West Assad regime in Syria, or Israel in with the highest standards of global educational systems. fail to say who murdered them. Bank, children are victims thrice over Palestine, or the shooter in Florida; then by Latest technologies, educational and research programs For children in the Middle East, this is When a young man shot and killed 17 the “alternative” media which accuses are being added in the curricula helping students to nothing new. For more decades than I children at a Florida high school, the aide them of being paid to publicise their discover their creative potential and enhance scientific have lived, children who are victims of to a local legislator accused the students reality; and finally by the political actors, research skills in various disciplines. murderous US and Arab foreign policies speaking out against guns and the National both for and against these children. The award has a great impact in spreading the have been treated with a shocking lack of Rifle Association (NRA) of being paid Children can and have been exploited culture of innovation and excellence in the Qatari society sympathy by both the mainstream and actors. Some conspiracy theorists went so by actors in conflicts. But those who deny and encourages students to exert more efforts for alternative media. far as to claim the whole thing was them the freedom to express their reality academic excellence and outstanding academic To be perfectly clear, this is not the suspicious because one of the outspoken and discount their very real experiences of achievement. The increasing interest in the Education fault of any of these children: It is the fault students’ fathers was a retired FBI agent. fear are the bigger criminals. Excellence Award and the of adults who claim to be up in arms about This wasn’t the first time children in This is not about us There is a reason I broad and growing US imperialist ambitions, yet defend the US were accused of being crisis limited myself to linking to those who participation witnessed in Russian imperialist ambitions. actors, but the difference between them vilify children rather than mentioning every edition, proves Qatar’s Palestinians have fought the battle of and children from the Middle East who them by name. They have been named focus on youth as a main “humanising” their victims for over 100 have faced the same accusations is the and shamed by several outlets and pillar in developing the years, ferocity with which they have been countless activists, and there is no need to The increasing society, and in achieving its documenting defended. For example, actor Mark rehash their crimes against these children. interest in national vision. their victims, Ruffalo, who has nearly 4 million Twitter Yes, we must challenge the the Education Minister of Education giving media followers, is on a crusade to defend narratives produced by these child Excellence Award and Higher Education H E Dr interviews, Florida students against the NRA’s attackers. However, tempting as it may Mohammed bin Abdul creating their attacks (as we all should), but when it be, we must also avoid falling into the and the broad Wahed Al Hammadi said the Children can and own media, and came to Syria, hecalled media coverage trap of focusing our discourse on and growing winners and their have been exploited generally using on the Assad regime’s crimes responding to their bogus claims. It is participation predecessors must shoulder by actors in any tools at their “propaganda”. time to refocus all efforts on the children witnessed in every the responsibility for conflicts. But those disposal to show When Bana Al Abed went viral for who are living in these adult-created participating in how Israel is an her daily reporting on her life as a child hell-holes and trying to survive by telling edition, proves implementing the directives who deny them the aggressor. in besieged Aleppo late 2016, so-called their stories in the ways they believe will Qatar’s focus on of H H the Emir on freedom to express Afghans, Iraqis journalists began to question her reach the widest audience possible. A youth as a main development. their reality and and Yemenis motives, making fun of her English and suffering child in the US deserves our The award inspires the have had to do calling her a paid propaganda attention and for us to come to his or her pillar in developing spirit of innovation in discount their very the same. mouthpiece for “jihadists”. defence, and so do the suffering children the society, and students, researchers and real experiences of In some Sixteen-year-old Ahed Tamimi of in the Middle East. in achieving its educational institutions, to fear are the bigger cases, they have Palestine received the same treatment, national vision. stimulate the spirit of criminals. succeeded. Yet, with commentators obsessing over her The writer is an independent Middle East competition between some of the very looks, accusing her family of being paid researcher and writer based in the US. individuals and educational institutions in the field of scientific excellence and to direct the individual and institutional energies towards educational excellence in all fields. The award also reveals talented and distinguished A strong economy can be tough on immigrants individuals as a national wealth to be nurtured through CONOR SEN these awards and develop their skills in their areas of to close. Restaurants face a millennials are getting older Americans, perhaps affording excellence. Investing in the human resource is a BLOOMBERG unique challenge: Training and looking to settle down and working-class the ability to live necessary option to support the overall development someone to flip burgers is one start families. With housing in wealthier communities with of the country. This is confirmed by the diversity of strong economy and thing, but finding Indian or inventories low nationwide, better schools. All this will students, graduates, military officers, academics, labor market can be Vietnamese cooks is another where will they buy homes? inevitably lead to some researchers, schools and teaching staff. Qatar, no doubt, Agreat for US workers as a matter, especially if they need Once again, immigrant hollowing out of older is taking care of its talented youth and knows that they whole. In some working-class to be bilingual. In my own neighborhoods will be in play. immigrant neighborhoods, are valuable treasures and that their capabilities must immigrant communities, dining forays, I’ve see help Just as with commercial even in the absence of be developed. Qatar is moving way ahead to build a however, its effects could prove wanted signs at more and more buildings, the housing stock economic pressures. modern state that encourages education for all and devastating. restaurants going unfilled for tends to be older and cheaper. The face of US immigration recognises the value of youth who excel. At the moment, the labor weeks or months. Redevelopment into luxury is constantly changing. The market is tightest for low-paid The next question: What townhomes will become a wave of Spanish-speaking service workers. That’s why happens to vacant storefronts more attractive option than immigrants may be coming to large corporations are raising as restaurants and other labor- paying for repairs on lower- an end, much as the Irish and their minimum wages so intensive businesses close? Any rent units. Fighting such Italian wave did more than a quickly: Starting this year, similar new businesses will gentrification will be difficult, century ago. But this doesn’t QUOTE OF THE DAY Walmart employees will make face the same obstacles. What’s because immigrant mean the end of immigrant at least $11 an hour. Such jobs more, a growing economy will neighborhoods tend to have communities. now often include paternity push up land values, notably in low voting rates. If you’re wondering where Possible progress being benefits and money for “class A” urban areas. As a The changing the next thriving immigrant made in talks with North continuing education. This is result, developers will set their demographics of immigration scene will develop, look for Korea. The World is one of the most positive trends sights on immigrant will play a role as well. Since neighborhoods with aging in the labor market. neighborhoods, where land is the 2008 financial crisis, new residents and buildings that are watching and waiting! But consider the effects on cheaper. The real-estate arrivals have tended to come at least 20 or 30 years old. May be false hope, but small-scale immigrant-run investment will change the from Asian countries such as Ideally, they should also have the US is ready to go businesses. How many of them character of such communities, China and India, with higher plenty of under-utilised hard in either direction! can afford to pay entry-level eliminating the relatively old levels of education and commercial and retail space, workers more than $10 an hour and inexpensive buildings that different housing preferences. located where it can serve as an and offer a suite of benefits, have given lower-cost And the birthrates of anchor for the community. In Donald Trump too? Those that can’t will find it businesses a chance to thrive. immigrants are falling faster other words, decaying suburbs US President hard to compete and may have At the same time, than those of native-born with dying malls. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 OPINION 11 Summit would be rite of passage for North Korean leader

ORE than six years be a first. month, when she attended the Kim a chance to solidify his bona after assuming Kim’s meeting this week opening ceremony of the fides as a national leader and power, North with a top South Korean Olympics. Her visit marked the bolster his stature in comparison Korea’s Kim Jong Un delegation to hash out his first time a member of the Kim with the legacies of his M family had ever crossed the grandfather, “eternal president” Kim’s meeting this has yet to complete one of the proposal for a summit with defining rituals of a world leader South Korean President Moon border. Kim Il Sung, and father, Kim Jong week with a top South ERIC TALMADGE — hosting another head of state, Jae-in points both to some savvy Make no mistake — Kim is Il. Korean delegation to AP or being welcomed by one on an political maneuvering and sticking to his nuclear weapons How far beyond a summit hash out his proposal official visit abroad. possibly a broader attempt by and arsenal of missiles capable with South Korea Kim is willing It looks like that’s about to Kim to step more firmly out from of reaching the US mainland. or able to go remains to be seen. for a summit with change. the shadows of his predecessors While he may hold off on any Moon is pushing for the North to South Korean President South Korea’s presidential as North Korea’s undisputed new missile or nuclear tests for reopen talks with the US and his Moon Jae-in points office announced Tuesday supreme leader. the time being, as Seoul has agreement to hold a summit both to some savvy evening that the two countries Kim already seems to be indicated, he has said repeatedly with Kim indicates more had agreed to hold a summit perfecting the optics of what he that he has no intention of giving developments on that front are political maneuvering next month at a truce village hopes will be ahead. them up or of using them as a in the offing. Seoul has said its and possibly a broader inside the Demilitarised Zone While the South Korean bargaining chip to improve ties next move is to brief American attempt by Kim to step that divides their countries. And delegation was in Pyongyang, with Seoul, Washington or officials. they plan to do so on the South’s Kim seemed to cherish a role he anybody else. Trips abroad can be a risky more firmly out from side of the village, which would rarely gets to take — that of a After a year of dangerously proposition if a leader isn’t the shadows of his magnanimous head of state high tensions between his entirely certain stability can be predecessors as North welcoming important foreign regime and the administration of maintained while he is away. Korea’s undisputed guests. North Korea’s state-run US President Donald Trump, Even so, both of Kim’s media made a point of Kim is clearly hoping to woo predecessors traveled outside supreme leader. portraying him as a confident Seoul away from Washington’s North Korea’s borders during statesman, holding court over a hard line of “maximum their tenures — Kim Il Sung hop on a flight if the opportunity lavish dinner, beaming with pressure.” He is also looking to famously visited the Soviet arose. Not that he will likely need satisfaction during group photos improved ties with the South as a Union and most of eastern to do so anytime soon. No one is and congratulating South Korea potential means of keeping the Europe by train in 1984. Kim talking yet of a trip by Kim to for successfully staging the North’s economy afloat. Jong Un himself has been Seoul. Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. But his recent moves seem to abroad, having attended school Relations with Beijing have That’s quite a dramatic go a step beyond that. as a boy in Switzerland, and soured under his watch and departure from the predominant Even without any lasting rumors have come up from time while ties with Moscow are images of 2017 — Kim political breakthroughs, a to time that he would visit either relatively better, Russian surrounded by his generals summit would mark a major Beijing or Moscow. President Vladimir Putin’s celebrating their latest missile personal milestone for Kim, who If nothing else, Kim does attention seems to be focused launch. while being the epicenter of have an aircraft that’s ready for elsewhere. And despite Trump’s The North-South summit great international anxiety is still the task. casual remarks otherwise, a itself isn’t without precedent. known to the world almost Kim’s younger sister, Kim Yo journey to Washington would Kim’s father, Kim Jong Il, met his exclusively through images and Jong, flew to the South for the definitely seem like a longshot. South Korean counterparts in statements that are carefully Olympics on an aircraft believed But then again, a year ago, so 2000 and 2007. Both of those filtered through North Korea’s to be Kim Jong Un’s personal jet, did the chances of a summit with summits were held in state-run propaganda machine. which was decked out to South Korea’s leader. Pyongyang, however. With the five-year official resemble the kind of plane other To show just how important mourning period for his father national leaders use for state The writer has been the AP’s such a meeting is to him, Kim now over, and his personal trips. That seemed designed to Pyongyang bureau chief since sent his younger sister to make powerbase seemingly strong, suggest Kim, like any other 2013. Follow himw on Instagram the pitch directly to Moon last holding a summit would offer political leader, could be ready to and Twitter: @erictalmadge.

ERMANY’S Social Democrats The inclusion in the coalition deal of ensure this.” (SPD) have bought Chancellor a clause that envisages a review of the To her right, Merkel, 63, also faces Angela Merkel time with their new government’s progress after two pressures from her own camp. vote to join her conservatives years is widely seen as giving the SPD Her weakness on the refugee issue G has forced the chancellor to name Jens in another coalition, but she risks losing an exit should it want one, and has also D-RING ROAD her long grip on power if she fails to fuelled a debate about the post-Merkel Spahn, her biggest critic within the POST BOX: 3488 balance the awkward allies’ conflicting era. conservative bloc, as health minister in DOHA - QATAR demands. “If the Social Democrats continue to the new government. Merkel’s conservatives - her fall in the polls, then the point will come Spahn, 37, wants to make the AfD [email protected] Christian Democrats (CDU) and their at some stage when they say ‘we must “superfluous” by winning back voters on Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) get out of the government’,” said Nils the right. He is also widely seen as EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE allies — and the SPD are both still Diederich, professor at the Free ambitious, with an eye on succeeding TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 bruised after suffering from the rise of University in Berlin. Merkel, though he says he supports her FAX: +974 4455 7758 the far-right Alternative for Germany One opinion poll published last as chancellor for the full parliamentary (AfD) in last year’s election. month showed the AfD surpassing the period. MANAGING EDITOR Arch conservatives want to move SPD for the first time in a national poll Illustrating his lukewarm support TEL: 4462 7505 right to counter the AfD, which profited to become the second-strongest party. for the new tie-up with the SPD, he from Merkel’s 2015 decision to open The SPD initially vowed to rebuild described the coalition agreement this DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR German borders to over 1 million in opposition, only agreeing to talks on a week as “no furious firework of TEL: 4455 7769 PAUL CARREL migrants. The SPD, by contrast, wants to return to its loveless marriage with innovation”. REUTERS allay people’s insecurities with spending Merkel after her negotiations with two Josef Joffe, publisher-editor of LOCAL NEWS SECTION on welfare and education. smaller parties collapsed in November, weekly Die Zeit, questioned whether TEL: 4455 7743 plunging Germany into political Merkel would last out the full uncertainty. parliamentary term to 2021, “or BUSINESS NEWS SECTION To stop the SPD from bolting, whether she will be forced to hand TEL: 4462 7535 Merkel must deliver on those points in over leadership to a younger CDU the coalition deal that are most dear to generation in two years.” SPORT NEWS SECTION the Social Democrats: healthcare “Those who want to get rid of TEL: 4455 7745 reform, and investment in education to Merkel will try pull the party to right Weakened Merkel has meet the challenges of the digital age. in order to recapture those voters who ONLINE SECTION Like French President Emmanuel have defected to the nationalist, anti- TEL: 4462 7501 Macron, who is pushing for “a Europe immigrant AfD,” he said. [email protected] her work cut out to that protects”, the SPD wants to Merkel has already sought to head promote economic stability and social off challengers by appointing close PUBLIC RELATIONS convergence through the European ally Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to TEL: 4455 7613 make coalition last project. take over as CDU secretary general, [email protected] Kevin Kuehnert, head of the SPD’s heeding calls from within the party to Jusos youth wing who campaigned for a inject new blood and groom a ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT ‘No’ vote, is ready to call out any delay successor. TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 in implementing the hard-won coalition Merkel also wants to serve a full, FAX: 4455 7870 deal, which envisages euro zone fourth term, rather than yield before her [email protected] “Merkel needs to appease a reforms in partnership with France. time is up. weakened and insecure SPD without “Criticism of the grand coalition Asked last month if she saw Kramp- CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT alienating her own CDU/CSU too much,” remains,” he tweeted after the ballot Karrenbauer as a possible successor, TEL: 4455 7857 said Carsten Nickel, managing director result. “The SPD needs to be more like it Merkel dodged the question, replying: [email protected] at consultancy Teneo Intelligence. has been in recent weeks and less like it “We have our hands full managing the Merkel has shared power with the has been in recent years - the Jusos will business of the day.” SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION SPD in two of her previous three terms TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 in office, from 2005-2009, and from FAX: 44557819 The inclusion 2013 until now. The SPD said on Sunday [email protected] in the coalition its members had voted by a two-thirds deal of a clause majority in favour of a coalition deal struck last month. All thoughts and views that envisages But the two blocs’ weak a review of the performances in last September’s expressed in these new government’s election, when they both suffered their columns are those of the progress after two worst results since Germany became a writers, not of the republic in 1949, mean the latest newspaper. years is widely incarnation of their awkward alliance seen as giving the promises to be the most fractious yet. SPD an exit should “Despite the pretty solid majority (in All correspondence it want one, and the SPD ballot), this is not a long-term regarding Views and or permanent set up,” said Guntram Opinion pages should be has also fuelled a Wolff, director of the Bruegel think tank. debate about the “The SPD is very fragile, and the CDU is send to editor-in-chief post-Merkel era. also fragile.” office or mailed to the [email protected] 12 ASIA WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 PNB scam: Govt, Congress spar in parliament IANS classical status for Marathi. Parliamentary Affairs read: “A discussion on alleged wanted to discuss the past irreg- voting, he said: “What is the Another BJP ally TDP continued systemic irregularities in banking ularities in banks, it should do it enlightenment you got today? NEW DELHI: The Opposition its protest over its demand for Minister H N Ananth sector over the years and its separately. He said the party was Why this sudden change of continued to force adjournments special status for Andhra Kumar accused the impact on Indian economy.” raising “recent occurrences of heart....” of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Pradesh. AIADMK members Congress of running However, Congress leader public importance” through its He said the Congress appar- Sabha for the second day on were also near the podium away from debate Mallikarjun Kharge demanded adjournment notice and other ently had objection to the use of Tuesday over the Rs 12,600 crore demanding constitution of a discussion under rules that entail opposition parties were on board “over the years” in the motion Punjab National Bank (PNB) Cauvery Management Board. on the issue as there voting. on the issue.” decided under Rule 193. fraud with differences cropping Speaker Sumitra Mahajan were “skeletons in the He said the party wants dis- “Bring our issue in the “Why should there be up between the government and adjourned the House as she was cupboard” of the UPA cussion on financial default of debate,” he said. objection. Why you want to the Congress in the lower house not able to proceed with the regime. crores of rupees in various nation- Ananth Kumar later told restrict the debate to one indi- over the rule under which the Question Hour. alised banks which resulted in the reporters that the Congress vidual. Why you want to restrict issue should be discussed as also When the house met at noon loot of public money. He said the demand for discussion under a the period of discussion. You the wording of the motion. amidst similar scenes, Kumar perpetrators were “allowed to rule that entails voting came as can’t say NPAs started in 2014, Outside the house, Parlia- said the discussion of the irreg- are they running away. Those leave (India) despite complaints an “afterthought” following the Karti Chidambaram started in mentary Affairs Minister H N ularities in banking sector had who have committed crime against them”. return of its President Rahul 2014, PNB issue started in Ananth Kumar accused the Con- been listed in the business of the should be punished. In all these With order not being Gandhi from Italy. 2014,” he said. gress of running away from day following notice given by years, whatever has happened restored, the Speaker adjourned “They are scared of debate. In the Rajya Sabha, opposi- debate on the issue as there were Congress members and the should be discussed. The crimes the House for the day. Many skeletons of banking scam tion protests continued when- “skeletons in the cupboard” of Finance Minister will reply to the and irregularities committed Later, talking to reporters, will tumble out of the UPA ever the House met and it was the UPA regime. debate. during the UPA (United Progres- Kharge said that the wording of regime. They don’t want it to be finally adjourned for the day in A combination of reasons “I don’t understand why my sive Alliance) government, that the motion under Rule 193 was discussed. They want to hide the post-lunch session after sev- resulted in uproar in the Lok friends from Congress are agi- should also be discussed,” he not the same as given in their things. We want discussion, they eral adjournments. Sabha, which witnessed a huge tated. They wanted discussion said. notice. He said the party would do not want it,” he said. Like in the Lok Sabha, TDP din in the morning with BJP’s ally on irregularities in banking, we There was “no question” of give another notice of adjourn- Referring to Congress mem- members voiced their demands Shiv Sena joining the protest near are ready for that,” he said. saving anyone, the minister said. ment motion. bers earlier giving notice under concerning Andhra Pradesh in the Speaker’s podium demanding “Why are they afraid, why The motion under Rule 193 Kharge said if the government rule 193, which does not entail the Upper House also

A united oppn Lenin statue razed in can force Modi Tripura amid clashes on Andhra package: Rahul AFP Monday flattened the statue of Lenin with a bulldozer. IANS NEW DELHI: India’s ruling party “We arrested a person who warned its supporters yesterday was driving the bulldozer that NEW DELHI: Congress Pres- they were not above the law toppled the statue,” Tripura ident Rahul Gandhi yesterday after a mob celebrating an elec- police spokesman Pradip De said a united opposition can tion victory against communist said. force the Narendra Modi opponents bulldozed a statue of “We have received at least government to give a special Vladimir Lenin. 14 complaints of post-poll vio- financial package to Andhra Police in the remote state of lence, clashes, arson attacks and Pradesh to compensate for Tripura said they were investi- damage to property.” Images of the losses it suffered following gating more than a dozen com- the jeering mob reducing the the state’s division in 2014. plaints of arson, violence and statue to rubble sparked con- At an unscheduled vandalism in the wake of the demnation and a rebuke from appearance at a protest gath- Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) the soon-to-be BJP state leader ering here, Rahul said the win at the weekend election. in Tripura. Congress, if voted to power An alliance led by the Hindu “Anyone involved in any- in the 2019 Lok Sabha elec- nationalist party of Prime Min- thing like this will face action as tion, would accord the state ister Narendra Modi crushed the per law,” Biplab Kumar Deb, the central government incumbent communists — who BJP’s chief minister-designate, package as promised after Activists of the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) stage a protest against the razing down of a had ruled the small northeastern told reporters yesterday. Telangana was created out of statue of Vladimir Lenin in Belonia town in Tripura state, in Bengaluru, yesterday. state for a quarter-century — in But a major BJP campaigner an undivided Andhra. a unexpected landslide. in Tripura said the crowd was The protest was organised The thumping victory kicked responding to a “symbol of decried what they described as violence as means to advance alliance. Tripura, one of by MPs from Andhra Pradesh off a frenzied celebration by BJP oppression”. a wider assault on democracy. their inherent anti-democratic India’s smallest states with at Jantar Mantar in the heart supporters which degenerated “This is simple catharsis,” “The destruction of the statue agenda.” Critics of Modi’s BJP say just four million people, had of Delhi where other parties, into clashes with their commu- Rajat Sethi, the BJP northeast poll of Lenin is symbolic,” said the Hindu vigilantes have been been a bastion of communist including the Left and YSR nist opponents and rioting. campaigner, said. Communist Party of India emboldened since the party politics for 25 years. Congress, were also demon- Police launched an investi- “It’s a good and legitimate (Marxist). swept to power in 2014. Kerala, in India’s south, strating and seeking a special gation after a mob — many form of expressing their resist- “These attacks demonstrate, The BJP now rules 22 of remains the last holdout where category status for the state. wearing the saffron colours pop- ance against their symbol of once again, that... (the BJP) rely India’s 29 states and territo- the Communist Party of India “This afternoon, I joined ular with BJP supporters — on oppression.” Communist figures mainly on unleashing political ries either outright or in an (Marxist) rules with its allies. the protests at Jantar Mantar demanding ‘Special Status’ for Andhra Pradesh. It is my belief that if the opposition CBI arrests stands united on this issue, Nationwide state of emergency in Sri Lanka we can force the BJP gov- Gitanjali Group ernment to do justice to the people of Andhra,” Rahul VP in PNB AFP The government said it was order in Kandy after rioters defied Sri Lanka’s parliament yes- tweeted. fraud case imposing the extraordinary an overnight curfew and went on terday issued an apology to its At the venue, the Con- COLOMBO: Sri Lanka yesterday measures after police failed to the rampage. Muslim minority, which consti- gress President said: “I am IANS declared a nationwide state of curb violence in Kandy, a cen- “The government is taking tutes 10 percent of the country’s confident that if we stand emergency after riots targeting tral district famed for its tea all possible measures to protect population of 21 million. together, we will convince the NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: The Muslims left at least two people plantations and Buddhist relics. the people, especially Muslims,” The violence in Kandy, a government and (Prime Min- CBI yesterday arrested the dead and homes ablaze in a hill Heavily-armed police com- Prime Minister Ranil Wick- serene region of verdant hills ister) Narendra Modi that Vice-President of Banking station popular with tourists. mandos were deployed to restore remesinghe told parliament. frequented by tourists and pil- what is due to the people of Operations of Mehul Choksi’s He said an inquiry had also grims, has threatened to reignite Andhra Pradesh should be Gitanjali Group in connection been opened into security lapses communal tensions that have given to them, at once.” with its ongoing probe into by police that allowed mobs of roiled Sri Lanka in recent weeks. Rahul said that if his party the multi-crore Punjab Sinhalese rioters to burn mosques The emergency declaration was came to power in 2019, the National Bank (PNB) fraud as well as homes and businesses made after a special cabinet meeting first thing his government case, officials said. belonging to Muslims. with President Sirisena. It is the first would do is give special cat- “Vipul Chitalia was The body of a 24-year-old time in seven years Sri Lanka has egory status to Andhra. arrested by the agency offi- Muslim man was pulled out of a resorted to such a measure. “We are with the people cials after a brief ques- burnt home yesterday. Police The island nation was under of Andhra. Our stance has tioning,” a Central Bureau of said two dozen people had been a state of emergency for nearly been very very clear. We are Investigation (CBI) official arrested in the wake of the riots. three decades during the civil for special category status of said in Delhi. The emergency measures, war, when thousands disap- Andhra,” Rahul said. He also said that Chitalia imposed for the first time since peared and civilians were sub- Gandhi attended the would be produced before a 2011, give authorities sweeping jected to rights abuses. protest which was organ- court in Mumbai later in the day. powers to arrest and detain sus- Amnesty International said ised by Andhra Pradesh Earlier in the morning, he pects for long periods, and it was important authorities took Congress workers. A Con- was taken away from the deploy forces where needed. action to protect minorities from gress leader said Gandhi’s Mumbai airport by the CBI, President Maithripala violence and hold those respon- appearance at the protest soon after he landed in the Sirisena said the measures sible to account. “But a state of was not planned. city from Bangkok. would “redress the unsatisfac- emergency must not become a He was in Parliament till Choksi, along with dia- tory security situation prevailing pretext for further human rights the afternoon and also par- mond jeweller Nirav Modi, in certain parts of the country”. abuses,” said Amnesty’s South ticipated in a demonstration has been accused of “The police and armed forces Asia Director Biraj Patnaik. outside Parliament House defrauding the PNB of Rs have been suitably empowered Riots erupted on Monday against the Punjab National 12,600 crore, with Rs 1,300 to deal with criminal elements in after a man from the island’s Bank fraud involving fugitive crore being added to the the society and urgently restore mainly Buddhist Sinhalese jewellers Nirav Modi and fraud kitty on February 26. normalcy,” he said. majority died at the hands of a Mehul Choksi. The CBI had filed the first City Planning Minister Rauff Muslim mob last week. Meanwhile, Telugu FIR in the scam on February Hakeem described the riots as a Hakeem said the riots were Desam Party (TDP) MPs also 14 against Nirav Modi, his “monumental security lapse” concentrated in Kandy, but the staged a protest near wife Ami, brother Nishal, and recommended disciplinary government wanted to send a Mahatma Gandhi statue in uncle Choksi and his firms Sri Lankan police patrol the streets of Pallekele, a suburb of action against those responsible strong message following recent Parliament House demanding Diamond R US, Solar Exports Kandy, yesterday, following anti-Muslim riots that prompted the for allowing the situation to outbreaks of communal violence Special Category Status for and Stellar Diamond. government to declare a state of emergency. deteriorate. elsewhere in the country. Andhra Pradesh. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 ASIA 13 Top Pakistan official begins US visit today

INTERNEWS She said the United States wants to move toward a new relation- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ship with Pakistan, based on a Foreign Secretary Tehmina shared commitment to defeat all Janjua begins a crucial visit to Foreign Secretary terrorist groups that threaten the United States today as part Tehmina Janjua visits regional stability and security of latest push by the two sides Washington just days with a shared vision of a peaceful in attempts to rescue their future for Afghanistan. uncertain alliance. after Lisa Curtis, a Moreover, Pakistan However, the visit appears senior Trump aide, expressed its willingness to to be kept low profile since the travelled to Islamabad work with the US for peace in foreign office did not issue any in search of common Afghanistan and beyond and statement on it. Officials pri- made it clear that it would not vately confirmed Tehmina’s trip ground in the fight compromise on its interests. and cited it as an important dip- against terrorism & The US has adopted a tough Taliban fighters arrested lomatic voyage. policy towards Pakistan since particularly bringing Alleged Taliban fighters and other militants stand handcuffed while being presented to the media at During the week-long stay Trump took over the White peace & stability in a police headquarters in Jalalabad, yesterday. Afghan police said over 17 alleged Taliban militants in Washington, the Foreign Sec- House. The Trump administra- retary is scheduled to hold talks Afghanistan. tion continues to build pressure including two Pakistani nationals were arrested during a five-week operation in Nangarhar province. with senior White House and on Pakistan to do more in the State Department officials. footprints of Indian secret agen- war against terror. According to official sources, cies with the US government. The Oval Office recently discussions would focus on the The Foreign Secretary visits indicated that it does not wish current conundrum in bilateral Washington just days after Lisa to abandon ties with Islamabad ties and how the two sides could Curtis, a senior aide of President despite America suspending Two dead in bomb blast in Afghan province come to a decisive ground on Trump, travelled to Islamabad security assistance and moving AP Afghan saga. The foreign secre- in search of common ground in the Financial Action Task Force He said it took place in the car repair places located by the tary will brief the Trump admin- the fight against terrorism and (FATF) against Pakistan. KABUL: At least two people province’s Behsud district, along roadside caught fire and burned istration about the steps Paki- particularly bringing peace and The Centcom chief Gen- were killed when a sticky bomb a main highway between the down. No group immediately stan had taken in the war stability in Afghanistan. eral JosphVotel said that the attached to a fuel truck deto- provincial capital of Jalalabad claimed responsibility for the against terrorism. However, Curtis yet again military ties between Paki- nated in eastern Nangarhar with the Torkham border bombing but both the Taliban She will also raise Pakistan’s reminded her interlocutors in stan and the United States province. Attahullah Khogyani, crossing with Pakistan. and IS militants are active in the concerns, which includes pres- Islamabad about the alleged pres- were not affected by the spokesman for the provincial Khogyani also said that the province and have stepped up ence of anti-Pakistan elements ence of Haqqani network and ongoing tensions between the governor, said the explosion also force of the explosion was so their attacks against Afghan in Afghanistan and growing other terrorist outfits in Pakistan. two countries. wounded three people. strong that around 30 shops and security forces. Deadly measles outbreak in Philippines amid vaccine row 2 more graft

AFP delivery of medical services in on immunisation to prevent the cases initiated some southern areas. further spread of measles. MANILA: A health scare over a “Before, they (children) “We always tell them (par- against Sharif pioneering dengue vaccine is would come to our health cen- ents) these are tried and tested partly to blame for a decline in tres for their scheduled vaccines. vaccines and they save millions family members child immunisation and a deadly Now we have to seek them (par- of lives every year around the measles outbreak in the Philip- ents) out and convince them,” he world,” he said. INTERNEWS pines, a senior health official said added. The Philippine health depart- yesterday. “As long as we can control it ment injected some 870,000 ISLAMABAD: The National The government has reported (measles), the mortalities are very people, all but 33,000 of them Accountability Bureau (NAB) four outbreaks of measles, one low. But we (also) have like polio schoolchildren, with Dengvaxia of Pakistan has approved initi- of the world’s leading killers of for example, diphtheria pertussis, in four of the country’s most pop- ation of another couple of children, since December, a which are more debilitating or ulous regions in 2016 and 2017. inquiries against Sharif family period coinciding with the row more fatal.” Sanofi’s belated disclosure members for alleged suspi- over the dengue vaccine which Domingo said 17 people con- sparked a nationwide panic, with cious banking transactions and some parents blamed for child tracted measles in a Manila dis- some parents alleging the vac- accumulation of assets beyond deaths. trict in January but none of them cine killed their children. known sources of income in Manila suspended the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque died. Three died in larger out- The government suspended two different cases. Dengvaxia vaccine last December (right) answers a question during a press conference at the DOH breaks in at least two areas on the drug and ordered an inquiry The anti-graft watchdog’s and threatened to sue Sanofi headquarters in Manila, yesterday. the southern island of Mindanao which so far failed to establish a executive board also ratified shortly after the French pharma- in December. link between the vaccine and 14 the bureau’s previous decision ceutical firm disclosed that it down below 60 percent in Jan- of vaccination within the com- Meanwhile, he said a sus- child deaths including three from of filing supplementary refer- could worsen symptoms for uary, Health Undersecretary munities,” he said, adding this pected measles outbreak was dengue. ences - currently pending with people not previously infected Enrique Domingo said. vaccine is given at the age of nine underway in two cities and five A total of 49 children who an accountability court - by the dengue virus. This compares to at least months. towns on the central island of were given the vaccine had now against Sharif family members Government programmes 80-85 percent last year, he said. Asked if lower immunisation Negros. died, nine of them from dengue, and senator-elect Ishaq Dar. against other deadly but prevent- “We have eradicated mea- rates this year were due to the Domingo said the health Domingo said. The underlying Two fresh inquiries against able diseases became collateral sles like 10 years ago but it’s Dengvaxia scare, he said “partly”, department was actively seeking cause of these later deaths was the Sharif family have been damage, with immunisation rates coming back due to the low rates with insurgencies also blocking out children who had missed out still being investigated. ordered upon receipt of com- plaints from the State Bank of Pakistan in cases related to the Chaudhry Sugar Mill. NEWS BYTES The accused named in Hottest summer on record in New Zealand these inquiries are ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistani women to take humanitarian leadership AFP as high as 38.7C in the South contributor because it lifted Punjab Chief Minister She- ISLAMABAD: Thirty female humanitarian responders will be par- Island, NIWA said it was the hot- baseline temperatures over the hbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, ticipating in a weeklong first response training launched exclusively to WELLINGTON: New Zealand test summer since records began long term. Hamza Shehbaz, Kulsoom enable these women workers to assume leadership roles in humanitar- has sweltered through its hottest in 1909, surpassing the previous He said more records were Nawaz, Fazl Dad Abbas, Mas- ian efforts in Pakistan. summer on record and can high set in 1934-35. likely to fall in coming years if roor Anwar and others. A collaborative venture involving Oxfam, the National Humanitarian expect more of the same if NIWA’s chief forecaster the factors behind man-made A separate inquiry has Forum (NHN) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), climate change continues Chris Brandolino said a number climate change were not been initiated against Ishaq this is the first in a series of trainings to be conducted to train female unabated, the government’s of factors were behind the warm addressed. Dar, federal minister Anusha mid-management professionals from national and local NGOs and local gov- scientific agency said yesterday. weather, including a spike in Scientists have also linked Rehman, former Pakistan ernment departments across Pakistan in disaster response preparedness. Daily temperatures aver- marine temperatures and warm extreme weather to climate Telecommunication aged 18.8 Celsius , 2.1C more northerly winds from a La Nina change, including cyclone sys- Authority chairman Dr Ismail Islamabad to establish 2,500 strong anti-riot force than normal, the National Insti- weather pattern. tems that have devastated Shah and others in a case ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police have decided to establish an anti- tute of Water and Atmospheric Brandolino added that Pacific island nations and related to award of next gen- riot force with over 2,500 personnel to ensure no road in the federal Research (NIWA) said. global warming due to climate caused flooding in New eration mobile services con- capital is blocked by protesters in the future, the Senate Standing Com- With the mercury reaching change was also a major Zealand. tract to a firm. mittee on Interior was told yesterday. “As many as 550 police officials have been trained to deal with pro- testers and 2,338 more officials will be recruited and trained according to international standards. They will be equipped with anti-riot gear and will be trained by Turkish trainers,” Inspector General Police (IGP) Islam- Australia, East Timor to settle bitter border differences abad Dr Sultan Azam Taimoori told the committee. Drug testing of students suggested in Parliament AP when East Timor emerged as a new East Timor-Australia exhaustion of existing fields in its fledgling nation independent of boundary and the vast expanse territory. The country’s $16bn sov- ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee of Interior yesterday CANBERRA: Australia and East Indonesia. Indonesia allowed Australia is a ereign wealth fund could be advised the government to conduct annual blood tests of all teenage Timor will sign a treaty that draws The terms of the deal negoti- source of increasing irritation in empty within 10 years because the and adult students of the federal capital and expel those who test posi- the first-ever maritime border ated in The Hague through the the capital Jakarta. government’s annual withdrawals tive for any drug. The suggestion came after a briefing by the Islamabad between the neighbours, resolving Permanent Court of Arbitration The revenue split from the are exceeding its investment police during which the committee was told that students are using years of bitter wrangling with a have not been made public. But new agreement is crucial for East returns, according to La’o Ham- opium, heroine and other drugs in educational institutions and hostels. deal that carves up billions of achieving East Timor’s ambition Timor, with a population of 1.3 utuk, an East Timorese research Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security Waqar Chohan said the Spe- dollars of oil and gas riches that of a border midway between the million people who are among the institute. cial Branch had identified and arrested some people who were selling lie beneath the Timor Sea. two countries would encourage poorest in the world. Unemploy- Influential East Timorese drugs in educational institutions. “However in 2017, for the first time tab- Australia and its impover- Indonesia to renegotiate its own ment is high and young people are Catholic Bishop and Nobel Peace lets were recovered from the culprits. Parties are held in private hotels ished half-island neighbour are much longer maritime boundary increasingly looking abroad for Prize laureate Carlos Filipe in which youngsters use drugs and we therefore need to take strict to sign the agreement at the with Australia agreed in 1971 work. East Timor’s oil revenues, Ximense Belo welcomed the measures. These tablets are smuggled in Pakistan and a large amount United Nations soon, putting to under outdated international law. which finance more than 90 per- border resolution as an eco- of heroine and opium was also recovered,” he said. rest a dispute that has dominated The Indonesian border with Aus- cent of government spending, are nomic boon for his deeply Cath- and soured relations since 2002, tralia extends east and west of the rapidly dwindling due to the olic country. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018

Indonesian North Korea willing to hold talks with US lawyer fights ban

REUTERS up a hotline between South on ethnic Chinese Korean President Moon Jae-in Trump sees possible progress; SEOUL: North Korea is willing to and Kim Jong Un, Chung said. owning land hold talks with the United States The agreement came on the Pyongyang, Seoul plan summit on denuclearisation and will North & South Korea heels of a visit made by a REUTERS suspend nuclear tests while those are still technically 10-member South Korean dele- REUTERS talks are under way, the South gation led by Chung to the North BANGKOK: An Indonesian said yesterday after a delegation at war but are also Korean capital, Pyongyang, on WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said yesterday he lawyer said he will appeal a returned from the North where enjoying a sharp Monday in hopes of encouraging saw ‘possible progress’ after South Korea said North Korea is verdict by a regional court that it met leader Kim Jong Un. easing in tension since North Korea and the United willing to hold talks with the United States on denuclearisation upheld a decades-old ban on North and South Korea, still the Winter Olympics in States to talk to one another. and will suspend nuclear tests while those talks are under way. ethnic Chinese people owning technically at war but enjoying a During this week’s visit, a “Possible progress being made in talks with North Korea. For land in Yogyakarta province, sharp easing in tension since the the South last month. senior Blue House official said the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all which he called racist and Winter Olympics in the South last North Korea was informed it was parties concerned. The World is watching and waiting! May be discriminatory. month, will also hold their first international community were not feasible to postpone the joint false hope, but the US is ready to go hard in either direction!” Handoko Wibowo had summit in more than a decade under way. North Korea has not military drills between South Trump wrote in a Twitter post. filed a petition in a district next month at the border village carried out any such tests since Korea and the United States again North and South Korea will also hold their first summit in court in Yogyakarta, calling for of Panmunjom, the head of the November last year. and that Kim Jong Un acknowl- more than a decade next month at the border village of Pan- a repeal of the 1975 edict that delegation, Chung Eui-yong, told Washington and Pyongyang edged the situation. munjom, the head of a delegation from South Korea told a media gives only indigenous Indo- a media briefing. have been at loggerheads for Kim Jong Un said he under- briefing. The delegation met with North Korean leader Kim Jong nesians the right to own land “North Korea made clear its months over the North’s nuclear stood the drills, expected in April, Un during a visit to the North. in the central province. Minor- willingness to denuclearise the and missile programmes, with would be of a similar scale seen Trump earlier tweeted: ‘We will see what happens!’. ities only get usage rights. Korean peninsula and the fact Trump and Kim Jong Un trading in previous years, the official said. The court last week dis- there is no reason for it to have a insults and threatening war. The North Korean leader also had and another member of the del- ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the missed the lawsuit, reasoning nuclear programme if military North Korea has regularly vowed a request for the world: that he egation, will head to Japan. North-South talks, which resumed that the edict was imposed to threats against the North are never to give up its nuclear pro- be seriously acknowledged as a The United States has said in January for the first time in two protect the interests of indig- resolved and its regime is secure,” gramme, which it sees as an dialogue counterpart, said the before it is open to talks but its years. enous Indonesians who are the head of the delegation, Chung essential deterrent and ‘treasured official. position has been that dialogue “It’s now the United States’ less wealthy than ethnic Chi- Eui-yong, told a media briefing. sword’ against US plans for The South’s delegation leader, must be aimed at North Korea’s turn to assess the agreements nese people, said Handoko, “The North also said it can invasion. Chung, said he would travel to the denuclearisation, something made by North Korea,” said Kim who rejected that have frank talks with the United The United States, which sta- United States to explain the out- Pyongyang has rejected. Dong-yub, a professor and a mil- conclusion. States on denuclearisation and tions 28,500 troops in the South, come of the visit to North Korea Moon has also remained vig- itary expert at Kyungnam Univer- “The Chinese are also the normalisation of ties between a legacy of the Korean War, and that he had a message from ilant against North Korea’s sity’s Institute of Far Eastern Indonesian citizens. To dis- North Korea and the United denies any such plans. North Korea he will deliver to weapons ambitions, saying yes- Studies in Seoul. criminate even now on the States,” Chung added. To ensure close communica- Trump. terday South Korea should bol- “The South Korean envoys basis of ethnicity is racist and He cited the North as saying tion, the two Koreas, whose Chung will later visit China ster its defences in tandem with will have things to explain to unlawful,” he said. it would not carry out nuclear or 1950-53 conflict ended in a mere and Russia, while Suh Hoon, the talks with Pyongyang. The Pen- Washington, but will Trump truly “The edict goes against the missile tests while talks with the truce, not a peace treaty, will set head of South Korea’s spy agency tagon has nevertheless said it was be able to understand?” agrarian law that gives all cit- izens the right to own land. It is time we repealed it,” he said. Ethnic Chinese make up less than 5 percent of Indone- Japanese volcano erupts; sia’s population, but they con- trol many of its large conglom- erates and much of its wealth. many flights grounded The wealth gap has long fed resentment among poorer AP sky in the volcano’s biggest “pribumi”, Indonesia’s mostly explosion since 2011. In ethnic-Malay indigenous TOKYO: A volcano in southern Kirishima city at the foot of the people. Japan that appeared in a James volcano, pedestrians wore sur- Former president Suharto Bond film had its biggest erup- gical masks or covered their blocked Chinese Indonesians tion in years yesterday, shooting noses with hand towels, while from many public posts and smoke and ash thousands of others used umbrellas to pro- denied them cultural expres- metres into the sky and tect from falling ash. Cars had sion. Marginalised politically grounding dozens of flights at a layers of ash on their roofs. and socially, many turned to nearby airport, officials said. There were no reports of business and became wealthy. The Meteorological Agency injuries or damage from the Tensions against them said the Shinmoedake volcano eruptions. The agency said the have flared in recent years. on Japan’s southernmost main volcanic activity is expected to In 2015, Indonesia’s island of Kyushu erupted vio- continue and cautioned resi- National Commission on lently several times, and some dents against the possibility of Human Rights urged author- lava was rising inside a crater. flying rocks and pyroclastic US Seventh Fleet Band performs in Vietnam ities in Yogyakarta to repeal Public broadcaster NHK flows - superheated gas and vol- the land edict, saying it was Members of US Seventh Fleet Band perform as a statue of late Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho showed gray volcanic smoke canic debris that race down the discriminatory and would hurt Chi Minh is seen in the background, as part of the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinsons’ goodwill visit billowing into the sky and slopes at high speeds, inciner- development. At the time, offi- orange lava rising to the mouth ating or vaporising everything to Vietnam, at the Da Nang SOS Children’s Village in Danang, Vietnam, yesterday. cials denied it was of the crater. The Meteorolog- in their path. About 80 flights in unconstitutional. ical Agency said ash and smoke and out of nearby Kagoshima shot up 2,300 meters into the airport were cancelled. Japan navy gets first female chief Malaysian pro-democracy leader of warship unit launches bid for parliament

TOKYO: The Japanese navy REUTERS dollars allegedly misappropriated news conference. She promised said yesterday it had for the first from the fund, Najib moved to fight for election reform, time appointed a woman as KUALA LUMPUR: The leader of quickly to quell dissent, sacking gender equality and the environ- commander of a unit that Malaysia’s biggest pro-democ- critics from his cabinet and ruling ment, if elected to the 222-seat includes the country’s biggest racy group said yesterday she will party and clamping down on a parliament. warship. Ryoko Azuma, 44, will stand for parliament in a general damaging internal probe. “My sole purpose is to get my command 4 warships making election under the banner of an Najib and the fund deny any agenda to parliament,” she said. up a division with a total of opposition alliance aiming to wrongdoing. Despite the scandal, She said she was stepping 1,000 crew members. throw Prime Minister Najib Razak Najib’s Barisan Nasional ruling down as leader of the activist “This is the first time a out of office. coalition, is widely expected to group, which brands itself as woman was appointed for the Maria Chin Abdullah is chair- win the election, thanks to rural non-partisan, to focus on her bid job,” a spokesman for the Mar- woman of the activist group support, a rebounding economy, for parliament. Critics said her itime Self-Defence Force said. Bersih, which means ‘clean’ in the and the redrawing of electoral decision to enter politics exposed “But she wasn’t chosen because Malay language, and which has boundaries that critics say favour her political bias in favour of the she was a woman.” The ships for years led anti-government the government. Maria did not opposition. But Maria said Bersih The Shinmoedake volcano spews thick smoke in Kobayashi City, include the helicopter carrier protests against Najib who has mention the 1MDB scandal in her has never been neutral. Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, yesterday. Izumo, the navy’s biggest ship. been dogged by a scandal over huge losses at a state fund. Her support for the opposi- tion in a general election that must be held by August is likely Former South Korean president Lee to bolster the Pakatan Harapan opposition alliance, led by former summoned over bribery allegations premier Mahathir Mohamad, especially among urban voters REUTERS on charges of bribery, abuse of homes and offices, politically frustrated with Najib’s rule. power and coercion. motivated. Lee was not imme- “The system has not worked SEOUL: South Korean prosecu- Lee was asked to present diately reachable for comment for us. We have to try new strat- tors have called former president himself for questioning on March yesterday. Last month, Seoul egies and entering parliament is Lee Myung-bak to appear for 14, the senior prosecutor said. prosecutors searched the offices just one of them,” Maria, 62, she questioning over allegations he “We must question (Lee) to of Samsung Electronics as part told a news conference in Kuala took bribes when in office, a reveal the truth”, the prosecutor of the investigation, the prose- Lumpur. prosecutor said yesterday in the said. cutors’ office said. Najib faces an unprecedented latest top-level political corrup- “We expect him to show up They were looking for pos- challenge from his former tion scandal to rock the country. since we gave sufficient time for sible evidence that Samsung pro- mentor, Mahathir, 92, who turned Prosecutors last month him to prepare for the ques- vided financial support for an on the prime minister over his sought a 30-year jail term for tioning” Lee has denied any auto parts maker run by Lee’s handling of a multi-billion dollar former President Park Geun-hye, wrongdoing, calling the investi- family and allegedly controlled scandal involving the 1Malaysia Maria Chin Abdullah, (centre), former chairperson of the coalition Lee’s successor, who was ousted gation into the bribery allega- by him, the prosecutors’ office Development Berhad (1MDB) of Malaysian NGOs and activist groups known as Bersih, that also last year amid an influence-ped- tions, summoning his family and said. Samsung has said it has no state fund. After news broke in translates as ‘clean’ in the local Malay language, gestures after a dling scandal and is standing trial confidants and raiding their official comment. 2015 of hundreds of millions of press conference in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 EUROPE 15 Spy poisoning: UK to respond ‘robustly’

AFP “I can reassure the a number of emergency services House that should personnel required medical SALISBURY: Foreign Secretary assessment after the incident, Boris Johnson warned yesterday evidence emerge and one remains in hospital. that Britain would respond that implies state However, they stressed there “robustly” if it emerged that a responsibility, was no immediate risk to public government was behind the then Her Majesty’s health. suspected poisoning of a former A cordon remained in place Russian double agent. Government will yesterday where Skripal, 66, and Sergei Skripal, a former respond appropriately his 33-year-old daughter were colonel in Russian military intel- and robustly,” Foreign found, while a restaurant on a ligence who came to Britain in a Secretary Boris street nearby, Zizzi, was also spy swap in 2010, was found closed in a “precaution”. unconscious with his daughter Johnson said. Specialists from the counter- Yulia in the southwestern Eng- terrorism police unit are assisting lish city of Salisbury on Sunday. in the investigation. The pair, found on a bench implies state responsibility, then Fears of the suspected poi- outside a shopping centre, were Her Majesty’s Government will soning revived memories of British Police Community Support Officers stand on duty outside a residential property in Salisbury, treated for “suspected exposure respond appropriately and Litvinenko, an ex-Russian spy who southern England, yesterday, believed to have been cordonned off in connection with the major to an unknown substance” and robustly,” Johnson said. was killed by radioactive polo- incident which started at The Maltings shopping centre in Salisbury. are currently in a critical condi- He added: “Though I am not nium put in his tea in London. tion in a local hospital. now pointing fingers, I say to gov- A British inquiry ruled in involvement in the Salisbury inci- Mail speculating that Skripal may to Russia,” he said. Johnson told the House of ernments around the world that no 2016 that Putin “probably dent. “It is too early to say whether have been the target of a revenge “They have a history of doing Commons that it was too soon to attempt to take innocent life on UK approved” the killing and iden- it is certain or not, but it certainly “hit” by former colleagues. assassinations in Russia and establish the cause of the “dis- soil will go either unsanctioned or tified two Russians, Andrei bears all the hallmarks of a Rus- Litvinenko’s widow, Marina, abroad. And they have a history turbing” incident, which caused unpunished.” Putin’s spokesman Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun, as sian attack,” he said. told The Times that watching of using poisons, including in a major security alert in the nor- Dmitry Peskov said earlier yes- the prime suspects. Skripal was sentenced to 13 footage of emergency responders Britain.” However, Lugovoi, who mally quiet city. terday that it had no information on The incident caused a deep years in jail in Russia in 2006 for in hazardous material suits “was is an MP in the Russian parlia- But he noted “the echoes” the “tragic situation”. diplomatic split between London betraying Russian intelligence kind of deja vu”. ment, responded to the British with the 2006 poisoning in “We don’t have information and Moscow, and after a thaw, agents to Britain’s MI6 secret service. William Browder, a British media reports by saying that London of Kremlin critic Alex- about what could be the cause, tensions are rising again, fuelled He was pardoned before being hedge fund manager who has cam- Britain “suffers from phobias”. ander Litvinenko, an attack that what this person did,” he said. by accusations of Russian cyber flown to Britain as part of a high- paigned against the Kremlin over “Because of the presidential an inquiry ruled was likely He said London had not made attacks on the West. profile spy swap between Russia the death in custody of his former elections (on March 18), our ordered by President Vladimir any requests for assistance in the The chairman of the House of and the United States in 2010. employee Sergei Magnitsky, said his actions in Syria, the situation Putin. investigation, but added: “Moscow Commons foreign affairs com- His collapse made the front “first suspicion” was that Moscow with Skripal could be spun into “I can reassure the House is always ready for cooperation.” mittee, Tom Tugendhat, warned pages of almost all Britain’s news- was involved. “This man was con- an anti-Russian provocation,” he that should evidence emerge that Police earlier revealed that the evidence pointed to Russia’s papers yesterday, with the Daily sidered by the Kremlin to be a traitor told Interfax news agency.

Communist EU agrees first defence projects, delays decision on UK role running for REUTERS is central to European security sensors and a European medical EU will save money by putting year any decision on whether to Kremlin risks efforts but has long blocked command. an end to competing national allow non-EU countries to join BRUSSELS: A group of European defence integration, fearing the The eventual aim of the Per- industries. future defence projects. That was removal Union countries agreed creation of an EU army. manent Structured Cooperation Spanish Defence Minister despite expectations of a deci- yesterday to develop their first Nevertheless, Britain is con- pact is to develop and deploy Maria Dolores de Cospedal sion by the end of June. AFP joint defence projects under a cerned about being left outside forces together, backed by a played down some U S concerns One senior EU official said pact that excludes Britain, giving the new cooperation pact and multi-billion-euro fund for that Europe might overlap with ministers want to see more MOSCOW: The Communist London a taste of life outside the missing out on weapons projects. defence research and develop- what the transatlantic alliance progress in Britain’s exit negoti- candidate running against bloc’s foreign policy decision- Prime Minister Theresa May ment that is now under is doing. “There is no suggestion ations with Brussels given the Vladimir Putin in this month’s making process. wants to reach a “security treaty” negotiation. of duplication with Nato,” she sensitive nature of defence coop- presidential polls risks being The 25 signatories to the pact with the EU by 2019. Denmark, which has opted said. eration with London. barred over allegations he also delayed a decision on Defence ministers from the out of most EU military matters, But in some areas, the Euro- In an EU document approved failed to declare Swiss bank whether to let non-member pact’s signatory states, which and neutral Malta are the others peans do seek “strategic by ministers, any outside accounts containing $1m, states join the projects, pro- comprise all but three of the cur- not taking part. autonomy” from the United involvement in the pact will be Russian media reported longing uncertainty over any rent EU members, signed off in Its strongest backers - States to be able to face threats “of an exceptional nature” and yesterday. future role for Britain after it Brussels on 17 collaborative France, Germany, Italy and Spain on Europe’s borders in North only if a country meets certain Pavel Grudinin, a wealthy leaves the EU next year. projects. These include a Euro- - hope that by achieving a long- Africa and the Sahel. conditions, such as bringing suf- businessman, is currently As Europe’s biggest military pean armoured infantry fighting held ambition to develop At their meeting, the minis- ficient financing and technical running a distant second to power along with France, Britain vehicle, underwater anti-mine national defences together, the ters delayed until the end of this know-how. Putin in opinion polls but his rating has grown as Putin’s has dipped. He has faced largely neg- ative coverage in pro- Northern Ireland party Kremlin media. Central electoral commis- sion officials have accused Grudinin of failing to declare rejects EU Brexit plan and close all his foreign bank accounts before registering AFP Barnier said on Twitter as a candidate in January, as after the talks that the EU was required by law. BRUSSELS: The Northern Irish “looking for practical solutions The commission will party that props up British to avoiding a hard border, in full decide on Wednesday what Prime Minister Theresa May’s respect of the constitutional action to take. government yesterday rejected status of NI (Northern Ireland), “Grudinin could be “unacceptable” EU plans for the as set out in the GFA (Good removed from the elections,” Irish border after talks with the Friday agreement).” The 1998 Vedomosti business daily bloc’s Brexit negotiator. Good Friday peace accords wrote on its front page, Arlene Foster, leader of the ended three decades of sec- quoting analysts who pre- Democratic Unionist Party tarian conflict between Protes- dicted this would seriously (DUP) in the British-ruled prov- tants and Catholics that left harm turn-out. ince, said EU negotiator Michel 3,500 people dead in Northern Central Electoral Com- Barnier had been “receptive” Ireland. mission member Alexander during a “very open and con- The DUP brought talks on Kinev told RIA Novosti news Queen commemorates 70th anniversary of IMO formation structive” meeting in Brussels. the Brexit divorce deal to the agency Swiss tax authorities But she said the pro-British brink of collapse in December passed on information that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II looks at a model of the RMS Queen Mary 2 transatlantic ocean liner DUP could not accept an EU by holding out until the EU at the end of 2017 Grudinin during a visit to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London yesterday to mark the draft divorce treaty unveiled promised that there would be had 13 accounts containing 70th anniversary of its formation. last week, which says Northern no new internal customs border $1m including 174 ounces of Ireland must stay in a customs between Northern Ireland and gold. union with the rest of the bloc the rest of the United Kingdom. Kinev and other offi- if no better way is found to But the EU’s draft text drops cials told Russian media the avoid a hard border with EU- that assurance, focusing instead commission had not seen member Ireland. on the need for a “backstop” option bank documents con- Norway boosts quotas to revive whaling “We feel that the current that would effectively keep firming the closure of 11 of draft EU legal text is not a Northern Ireland in the customs the accounts. AFP merging of fishing zones will be Norway does not consider faithful or fair translation” of a union to avoid border checks after “A million dollars and five a good starting point for a good itself bound by a 1986 inter- preliminary withdrawal deal Brexit in March 2019. kilograms of gold could cost OSLO: Norway announced season for the whaling industry,” national moratorium on reached by Britain and the EU Foster urged May to come Grudinin the elections,” yesterday a 28 percent increase Fisheries Minister Per Sandberg whaling, to which it formally in December, Foster told a news up with a British version of the reported Business FM radio of its annual whaling quota to said in a statement. objected. conference in Brussels. draft providing “sensible” and station yesterday. 1,278 whales in a bid to revive Norway and Iceland are the The Scandinavian country Foster, the former first min- “imaginative” solutions, noting Grudinin in a message on the declining hunt amid inter- only countries in the world to resumed its Minke whale hunt ister in Northern Ireland’s cur- that most of Northern Ireland’s social media late on Monday national controversy. authorise whaling. Japan also in 1993, judging stocks robust rently suspended power- trade is with the rest of the UK. condemned what he called Whalers have for several hunts whales, but officially it enough. According to Oslo, there sharing government, added that DUP deputy leader Nigel “fake news” and said the years failed to meet the quotas does so for scientific research are more than 100,000 Minkes the EU had proposed a docu- Dodds meanwhile warned Irish party and Russia’s tax author- set by Oslo and the number of purposes, even though a large in Norwegian waters. ment that “we found unaccept- Prime Minister Leo Varadkar ities had “exhaustive infor- whaling boats has plunged. share of the whale meat ends up Yet whaling appears to have able and the government finds against taking an “aggressive” mation” on the closure of all “I hope the quota and the on dinner plates. fallen out of favour. unacceptable”. stance in the talks. his foreign accounts. 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Democrats eye deal with 5-Star in Italy

AFP Anti-establishment Berlusconi’s Forza Italia (Go Five Star Movement Italy) party came second in the ROME: Senior members of (M5S) leader Luigi coalition -- a humiliating set- Italy’s vanquished Democratic back for the three-time former Party yesterday were defying Di Maio declared his prime minister. outgoing leader Matteo Renzi party “the winners” With no party or alliance and eyeing a possible deal with after obtaining nearly commanding an overall the triumphant Five Star Move- 33 percent of the majority, M5S leader Luigi Di ment after an election that Maio also wants the prime min- ended in deadlock. vote, but they need isterial nomination after his Anti-establishment Five Star to form alliances in party hoovered up votes from Movement (M5S) leader Luigi Di parliament if they are Italians fed up with a slow eco- Maio declared his party “the to govern. nomic recovery. winners” after obtaining nearly Di Maio, who is due to visit For a better life 33 percent of the vote, but they his hometown of Pomigliano need to form alliances in parlia- leading PD member said his d’Arco, an industrial base near Community workers (left) stand by as migrants gather on waste ground in the area of the ferry ment if they are to govern. party could offer “external sup- Naples later yesterday, will now terminal in Calais, yesterday. Renzi ruled out the prospect port” to a M5S government. face a difficult balancing act. as he announced his resignation In an interview with Il Fatto Any perception of cosy deals on Monday, following disaster Quotidiano daily, Emiliano with other parties following the at the polls that saw his party’s berated Renzi for not stepping election risks alienating his core centre-left coalition slump to down immediately. support from Italians angered third place with 23 percent of “In order to cling on, he is by traditional politics. the vote. willing to stall the political A deal with the Five Star African migrants march in Florence “During the campaign, we system,” Emiliano said. Movement could also divide the said we would not do a govern- With almost all ballots PD, where many are smarting ment with extremists. We have counted, the main right-wing from the movement’s victories after street vendor is shot to death not changed our mind,” Renzi alliance was in the lead with 37 in traditional leftist heartlands. said, adding that the Democratic percent, followed by the M5S “The key question for the REUTERS politicians often portrayed community, before the march. Party (PD) would “not be a and the centre-left alliance led coming days is what the PD will migrants as criminals and called “Italy has become a country crutch for anti-system forces”. by the PD. do,” said Orsina. FLORENCE: African immigrants for mass deportations. where blacks are shot on the Political expert Giovanni The vote has drawn compar- “Neither the right-wing alli- marched through the streets of Police said yesterday that street.” Last month a man with Orsina said Renzi’s departure isons with the Brexit referendum ance nor M5S are able to form central Florence late on Monday the murder was not racially neo-Nazi sympathies and ties to meant “a convergence between in Britain and the election of US a government alone. The ques- chanting “no more racism” after motivated, citing testimony Pir- the League opened fire on the PD and the M5S is much President Donald Trump because tion is therefore what the third an Italian man shot dead a rone gave to investigators after African migrants in the city of more probable because Renzi of the anti-immigration and anti- bloc will do,” he said. Senegalese street vendor earlier his arrest. Pirrone, who had a Macerata, wounding six before was an obstacle to this.” But establishment rhetoric, raising Commentators said any in the day. license to carry a weapon for he was captured. Renzi yesterday said he would concern in European capitals compromise would be far from Police said Roberto Pirrone sport, was suicidal and lashed Dienec, the 54-year-old only step down once a new gov- about instability. easy and would take time, at had fired six pistol shots at close out in a state of confusion, victim of Monday’s attack, had ernment is formed, and would Far-right leader Matteo Sal- least until newly-elected law- range, killing Idy Dienec as he investigators said. legally lived in Italy for many act as a “guarantor” that his vini of the League party, the big- makers meet for the first time sold leather bags, umbrellas and But the timing of the attack years, police said. But more than party made no compromise with gest grouping in the right-wing on March 23. trinkets on a bridge in the raised suspicions among Flor- 600,000 boat migrants have what he called the “wind of coalition after Sunday’s election, “The world of Italian poli- Tuscan city, one of Italy’s most ence’s large Senegalese commu- arrived on Italian shores in the extremism” that swept Italy in has claimed his right to govern. tics as we have known it for the popular tourist destinations. nity. In the election, the anti- past four years, making immi- Sunday’s election. Salvini campaigned on an last 25 years is over,” wrote Cor- Later, dozens of immigrants immigrant League became the gration a top concern for voters However, other leading anti-immigration platform, riere della Sera’s editor Luciano marched through the historic second-biggest party in parlia- during the campaign. The voices in his party disagree and promising to deport hundreds Fontana. centre of Florence, knocking ment. “The fact that the elections League and the 5-Star Move- he now faces pressure to bring of thousands of “irregular” “Nothing will be as before. over trash bins, motor scooters went the way they did shows the ment, which emerged as the forward his resignation. migrants, and has called the The players, and the political and large flower pots. kind of mood the country is in,” largest party in the vote, have Michele Emiliano, governor euro a “failed currency”. landscape of the country have The shooting came a day after said Pape Diaw, a representa- promised to ramp up deporta- of the Puglia region and a Media mogul Silvio changed,” he said. a parliamentary election in which tive of the Senegalese tions of irregular migrants.

Polish official Trial of Danish inventor for murdering scribe begins tomorrow denies US sanctioning over AP However, he has admitted His former workshop, a low waterway from Copenhagen. with an authoritarian father. cutting her up before he “buried building of corrugated iron, sits She studied at Paris’ Sorbonne Considered a nerd at school, Holocaust law COPENHAGEN: As divers found her at sea.” Some don’t want to on Refshale island, a once-bus- university, the London School he challenged science mutilated body parts in plastic talk about Madsen or be asso- tling shipyard and industrial area of Economics and Columbia teachers and built rockets in AP bags on the ocean floor one by ciated with him anymore. across from downtown University in New York, from his past time. one, a gruesome puzzle as dark Others do. Copenhagen. where she graduated with a In 2008 he co-founded WARSAW: Poland’s deputy as any Scandinavian noir “He had two sides: He could It was here that Wall master’s degree in journalism Copenhagen Suborbitals, a pri- foreign minister denied reports emerged in Denmark: A young be a well-spoken and charis- embarked on the submarine in 2013. vate aerospace consortium to yesterday that the U S is Swedish reporter who had matic person who could speak journey on a sunny summer She wrote for The New York develop and construct manned punishing Poland over a contro- embarked on a submarine for hours about his submarine. evening last year. Times, The Guardian and other spacecraft. versial new Holocaust law. journey to interview its maker And then... a much darker side,” On August 10, she and her publications, reporting on In 2011, it launched a home- Bartosz Cichocki said that was tortured, murdered and said retired adult movie actress Danish boyfriend, Ole Stobbe topics such as tourism in post- made nine-metre rocket 8km Washington has been expressing disposed at sea. Dorthe Damsgaard, 48, who met Nielsen, threw a goodbye party earthquake Haiti and nuclear into the sky over the Baltic Sea, “concerns and questions” about Businessman Peter Madsen him several times. before moving to China. testing in the Marshall Islands. a step toward its unrealised the law, but that reports of sanc- stands trial at Copenhagen’s Damsgaard said that she had That evening, she received a Caterina Clerici, a friend goal of launching a person into tions are untrue. Polish news City Court tomorrow for the declined invitations to join text message from Madsen from Columbia, said Wall had “a space. portal Onet.pl reported that killing of Kim Wall, 30, in his Madsen in his submarine saying an interview was possible. soft spot for misfits, for places However, differences led to the Polish government was submarine off the usually quiet because she has claustrophobia. For months, she had been trying and people that did not con- a split with his business partner told that the Polish president northern European country. “He made it no secret to me to speak with him and she left form.” Madsen doesn’t fit into in the year 2014. and prime minister cannot Madsen denies killing Wall about having fantasies,” Dam- the party to join the now any boxes. Madsen, known for his count on any meetings with and says she died accidentally sgaard said, describing him as 47-year-old Dane. Alone. According to a 2014 biog- shifting moods and for hating either President Donald inside the UC3 Nautilus while “funny, manipulative, serious Wall grew up in southern raphy, he grew up in a small to be contradicted, moved into Trump or Vice President Mike he was on deck. and scary.” Sweden, just across a narrow town west of Copenhagen another workshop. Pence until Poland changes the law. Onet said it has seen doc- uments confirming the ulti- matum, and reported that the France to build new jail Americans also threatened to block the financing of joint military projects. cells to tackle overcrowding The United States has pre- viously warned Poland not to REUTERS squeezed into a cell. pass the law, which imposes The changes, to be formally prison sentences of up to three PARIS: France will build thou- presented by Macron during a years for falsely and intention- sands of new jail cells and use visit to southeast France, follow ally attributing the crimes of electronic tagging more widely a rash of attacks by inmates that Nazi Germany to Poland. under reforms being pursued triggered protests by guards, Poland’s nationalist gov- by President Emmanuel Macron who said violence was spinning ernment says the law is to remedy some of the worst out of control. meant to protect Poland, a prison overcrowding in Europe The protests calmed when victim of Hitler’s Germany, and protests by wardens over the government offered 30 mil- from being accused of crimes violence. lion euros for better training that it did not commit as a France’s prison population and pay, as well as moves to nation. Israeli and US offi- of 69,000 is the fifth-largest in isolate Islamist militants from cials, however, fear that it Europe, after Russia, Turkey, other prisoners. With his latest could undermine free speech Poland and Britain, World announcement, Macron is and academic research into Prison Brief data compiled by promising to go further.. the cases of Polish violence a London university shows. As well as promising to against Jews during the But French jails are more build 10,000-15,000 new cells Second World War. overcrowded than those in to tackle overcrowding and to In late January the U S Britain, with an average 115 enforce sentences more strictly, State Department said the law Navigating icy obstacles inmates per 100 places. In some the 40-year-old president, could have “repercussions... Paris area jails there are reports elected nine months ago, will on Poland’s strategic interests A boat makes its way through the icy water in Nybroviken bay in Stockholm yesterday. of inmates sleeping on floors pledge to find outside-of-prison and relationships.” with three or more prisoners alternatives for lesser offenders. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 AMERICAS 17 Former Argentina leader to be tried in cover-up case

AP Federal Judge would escape prosecution. Claudio Bonadio Nisman was found dead in his BUENOS AIRES: Former Pres- said in a ruling that apartment with a bullet wound ident Cristina Fernandez will in his right temple four days later. face trial on charges she covered ‘eleven other former His case remains unsolved. up the role of Iranians in a 1994 officials and people But last year, an investigation terrorist bombing at a Jewish close to Fernandez’s by Argentina’s border police center in Argentina’s capital, government will agency concluded that Nisman judicial authorities announced was murdered, contradicting yesterday. also be tried on earlier official findings that Eleven other former offi- charges of cover-up Nisman likely killed himself. cials and people close to Fern- and abuse of power. Fernandez, a left-of-centre andez’s government will also The trial date has not politician, blames the accusa- be tried on charges of cover- tions against her on what she up and abuse of power, Fed- been set. says is the bias of judges fol- eral Judge Claudio Bonadio lowing the orders of her con- said in a ruling released by tina’s worst terror attack. servative successor, President Argentina’s official CIJ Judicial The 1994 bombing of the Mauricio Macri. Information Center. Argentine Israelite Mutual She recently said she wanted Journalists walk next to an image depicting Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro during an ALBA The trial date has not been Association (AIMA) centre in to go on trial as soon as possible alliance summit in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. set. So far, four of the accused Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires to prove the “arbitrariness of the have been detained. In killed 85 people and wounded accusation.” December, Bonadio asked law- hundreds. Iran denies any Fernandez has defended the makers to remove Fernandez’s involvement. 2013 deal with Iran as a way to ALBA bloc leaders remember Chavez immunity from prosecution, The judge backed an asser- solve the bombing case. But which she gained last year when tion against Fernandez made on Jewish groups and other criti- AP Presidents Raul Castro of deepening economic crisis and she was sworn in as a senator. January 14, 2015, by Alberto cised it at the time, saying Cuba, Evo Morales of Bolivia and heads into an early presidential Legislators have not acted Nisman, a prosecutor who was Tehran had failed to turn over CARACAS: Leaders from Latin Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua were election that has drawn inter- on the request. The immunity investigating the case. suspects. A joint “truth com- American governments among those who made the trip, national condemnation. protects her from being arrested, Nisman said the 2013 agree- mission” called for by the deal belonging to an anti-US bloc which coincided with a meeting Venezuela’s President but she can still be tried. ment that Fernandez’s govern- was approved by Argentina’s have converged on Venezue- of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Nicolas Maduro called Chavez Fernandez, who was presi- ment made with Iran in exchange Congress but it was never la’s capital yesterday to Peoples of Our America, known his political father and said that dent in 2007 to 2015, denies any for favourable deals on oil and formed because it was later commemorate the fifth anni- as the ALBA bloc. he is continuing the socialist wrongdoing or involvement in other goods ensured that Iranian ruled by local courts to be versary of President Hugo The meeting came as Ven- revolution begun by his any cover-up involving Argen- officials involved in the attack unconstitutional. Chavez’s death. ezuela grapples with a mentor. Former Michelle Mississippi Republican senator announces retirement Obama chief to AP Cochran said in a statement. winner would serve until the end senator, Roger Wicker, said “It has been a great honour to of Cochran’s term in January Monday it is “premature” to say head Grammys JACKSON: Longtime Republican serve the people of Mississippi and 2021. whether he will run for the Sen Thad Cochran (pictured) of our country. I’ve done my best to Cochran’s departure sets off newly open seat. inclusion group Mississippi said he will resign make decisions in the best inter- a scramble within a state Repub- “I want him to be healthy and because of health problems - ests of our nation, and my beloved lican Party already struggling to happy,” McDaniel said of AP triggering what could be a state. ... My hope is by making this manage a disaffected conserva- Cochran. “We disagree politi- chaotic special election to fill the announcement now, a smooth tive faction. The special election cally, but I have nothing but NEW YORK: The former chief seat he has held for a generation. transition can be ensured so their is expected to attract several respect for his service.” of staff for former First Lady Cochran, who turned 80 in voice will continue to be heard in candidates, including the out- Republicans in Washington Michelle Obama will head December and has been in poor Washington, DC” spoken, tea party-backed state are hoping to prevent a rough The Recording Academy’s health, has been a sporadic pres- Cochran said his resignation senator who came close to and costly primary season as new task force focused on ence on Capitol Hill in recent needed to pass a budget plan. He is effective April 1, allowing defeating Cochran in a bitter they struggle to defend their inclusion and diversity. months. He stayed home for a has since kept a low profile and Republican Gov Phil Bryant to 2014 Republican primary. narrow 51-49 hold on the Senate. The academy announced month last fall, returning to an aide ever present at his side. appoint a temporary replace- Republican Chris McDaniel, who Some Republicans have doubts yesterday that Tina Tchen Washington in October to give “I regret my health has ment to fill the seat until a spe- said last week he would chal- about McDaniel’s ability to win (chen), a veteran lawyer who Republicans the majority they become an ongoing challenge,” cial election on November 6. The lenge Mississippi’s other GOP a general election. is also working on the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, will chair the new initiative. The Grammys announced the task force after its CEO drew crit- Ohio woman charged icism for saying women need to “step up” when asked with child endangerment about the lack of female win- ners backstage at its 60th AP tearfully appeared for court awards show, held in yesterday via video and said January. ASHLAND: A prosecutor that there was no information The task force plans to alleged that an 8-year-old Ohio that a magistrate needed to uncover unconscious biases boy loaded a rifle, repeatedly consider before he set her bond and other barriers that shot his 4-year-old sister at at $30,000, The Ashland impede women’s success in home and then informed their Times-Gazette reported . the music industry. mother, who left work to check Ashland County Prosecutor Tchen says in a statement the girl’s injuries, cleaned up a Christopher Tunnell said it’s “an important initial step bloody bed cover and then Edwards took the girl to a hos- by the Recording Academy to returned to work, leaving the pital hours after the shooting demonstrate its commitment children alone again. because she had a leaking to tackling these challenges The woman, 27-year-old wound, and the hospital con- in a comprehensive way.” Alyssa Edwards, is jailed on tacted police. child endangerment charges The 4-year-old girl who related to the Saturday shooting was shot was in stable condi- in Hayesville, about 113km tion at a children’s hospital in Utilities rush to A wreckage from the USS Lexington, a US aircraft carrier which sank during World War II, that has southwest of Cleveland. Cleveland. been found in the Coral Sea. restore power An arraignment is sched- The boy was in the custody in Northeast uled for for Edwards. She of children’s services. AP Wreckage of WWII US aircraft carrier found

BOSTON: Utilities are racing AFP insignia of the US Army Air Forces heads up the US military’s SpaceX marks 50th launch of Falcon 9 to restore power to tens of on their wings and fuselage. Pacific Command (PACOM) -- thousands of customers in the WASHINGTON: Wreckage from The search team also and whose father was one of the AP Fifty launches in less than Northeast still without elec- the USS Lexington, a US aircraft released pictures and video of sailors evacuated -- paid tribute eight years is a pretty good tricity after last week’s storm carrier which sank during World parts of the ship, including a to the successful research effort. CAPE CANAVERAL: SpaceX clip, by rocket standards. as another nor’easter War II, has been discovered in name-plate, and anti-aircraft “As the son of a survivor of is marking the 50th launch of SpaceX founder Elon threatens the hard-hit area the Coral Sea, a search team led guns covered in decades of the USS Lexington, I offer my a Falcon 9 rocket (pictured), Musk says via Twitter that he with heavy, wet snow, high by Microsoft co-founder Paul slime. congratulations to Paul Allen its satellite-delivery work- can’t believe it’s already been winds - and more outages. Allen announced yesterday. The USS Lexington and and the expedition crew of horse. 50 launches and that just 10 The National Weather The wreckage was found on another US aircraft carrier, the Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel for The latest Falcon took years ago, the company Service has issued a winter Sunday by the team’s research USS Yorktown, fought against locating the ‘Lady Lex,’ sunk flight from Cape Canaveral, couldn’t even reach orbit with storm warning that stretches vessel, the R/V Petrel, some three Japanese aircraft carriers nearly 76 years ago at the Battle Florida, early yesterday, suc- the little, original Falcon 1. from eastern Pennsylvania, 3,000 metres below the surface from May 4 to 8, 1942 in the of Coral Sea,” Harris said in a cessfully hoisting a massive across most of New England, more than 800km off the Battle of the Coral Sea. statement. communications satellite for from late yesterday night into eastern coast of Australia. The badly damaged Lex- “We honour the valor and Spain’s Hispasat corporation. tomorrow morning. The search team released ington, nicknamed “Lady Lex,” sacrifice of the ‘Lady Lex’s’ The orbiting satellite is almost More than a foot of snow pictures and video of the Lex- was deliberately sunk by Sailors -- and all those Ameri- as big as a city bus. is forecast for some interior ington, one of the first ever US another US warship at the con- cans who fought in World War No attempt was made to areas. Meanwhile, about aircraft carriers, and some of the clusion of the battle. II -- by continuing to secure the recover the first-stage 250,000 homes and business planes which went down with More than 200 members of freedoms they won for all of us,” booster. Waves offshore were across the Northeast remain the ship. the crew died in the battle but he said. too rough for a barge landing. without power, down from Remarkably preserved air- most were rescued by other US The USS Lexington was car- SpaceX has been flying about 2 million at the last craft could be seen on the seabed vessels before the Lexington sank. rying 35 aircraft when it went the Falcon 9 since mid-2010. storm’s peak. bearing the five-pointed star Admiral Harry Harris, who down. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 Florida Senators pass bill to curb rifle sales AP The bill would create new mental health “This is the first step in period on sales of the weapons. Galvano, who took the lead saying never again.” The Senate amended its bill on the bill, said he sees the TALLAHASSEE: It doesn’t programmes for schools; improve communication Earlier Monday, families of to limit which teachers could bipartisan opposition as a good include the assault weapons ban between schools, law enforcement and state the 17 people who died called volunteer to go through law thing. that students who survived Flor- agencies; create a task force to review mistakes on the state’s Legislature to pass enforcement training and carry “You know what that means ida’s deadly school shooting made during mass shootings nationally and a bill they believe will improve guns in schools. Any teacher in my experience? That we’ve demanded of lawmakers, but the school security. who does nothing but work in a gotten somewhere,” he said. state’s Senate narrowly passed recommend improvements in Florida law; and Reading a statement outside classroom would not be eligible, “We’re hitting nerves. We’re a bill that would create new establish an anonymous tip line students and Stoneman Douglas High School but teachers who perform other going into areas that may not be restrictions on rifle sales and others can use to report threats to schools. in Broward County, Ryan Petty duties, such as serving as a our comfort zone.” allow some teachers to carry implored legislators to pass Gov coach, and other school The bill also would create guns in schools. Rick Scott’s proposal to add employees could still new mental health programmes Meanwhile, prosecutors and emotional debate. the students who traveled to the armed security guards, keep participate. for schools; improve lawyers for the victims are going Support and opposition state Capitol, who asked guns away from the mentally ill Other exceptions would be communication between to court to handle the aftermath crossed party lines, and it was lawmakers to do that and more and improve mental health made for teachers who are schools, law enforcement and of the Valentine’s Day massacre clear many of those who voted to stop future mass shootings. programs for at-risk teens. current or former law state agencies; create a task at Marjory Stoneman Douglas for the bill weren’t entirely But Book said she couldn’t let Scott also opposes arming enforcement officers, members force to review mistakes made High School in the court system. happy with it. The bill now goes the 60-day legislative session teachers. of the military or who teach in during mass shootings Grand jurors are expected to the House, which has a end on Friday without doing If just one more senator a Junior Reserve Officer’s nationally and recommend to begin hearing evidence today similar bill awaiting something. voted no, the bill would have Training Corps program. improvements in Florida law; against Nikolas Cruz, the consideration by the full “My community was rocked. died. Democrats didn’t like the The bill would name the and establish an anonymous tip 19-year-old former student who chamber. My school children were idea of letting teachers carry programme for slain assistant line students and others can use authorities say killed 17 people “Do I think this bill goes far murdered in their classrooms. I guns, even if the bill was football coach Aaron Feis, who to report threats to schools. and injured more than a dozen enough? No! No, I don’t!” said cannot live with a choice to put amended to water down that has been hailed as a hero for “This bill will make a others when he fired an AR-15 Democratic Sen Lauren Book, party politics above an proposed program. And many shielding students during the difference now. When it assault-style rifle inside the who tearfully described visiting opportunity to get something pro-gun rights Republicans school attack. Republican Sen. becomes law, things will start school. the school after the shooting. done that inches us closer to the didn’t like the idea of raising the Bill Galvano said he got the changing,” Galvano said. “We The 20-18 Senate vote Book also wanted a ban on place I believe we should be as minimum age to buy rifles from approval of Feis’ family to name listened and we’re trying. We’re followed three hours of often assault-style rifles, like many of a state,” she said. 18 to 21 and to create a waiting the programme for him. trying hard.”

Sanctions on Russia soon: Mnuchin

AFP Mnuchin said. “I expect in next the legislators that “In recent several weeks will be going for- conversations with the president WASHINGTON: Despite Pres- ward with sanctions on Russia.” he is fully supportive of the work ident Donald Trump’s public Trump’s vocal opposition to we are doing,” and that the statements appearing to oppose the package -- which entered sanctions will be enforced. sanctions against Russia, the into law earlier this year -- and Democratic representative steps ordered by Congress will his regular praise of Vladimir Mike Quigley said so far the only be imposed in coming weeks, Putin has raised questions about step has been a “laughable Treasury Secretary Steven whether the administration is report on Russian oligarchs,” but Mnuchin said yesterday. dragging its feet, which has Mnuchin said the classified In testimony before a House angered some lawmakers. report given to Congress subcommittee, Mnuchin pushed Several members of Trump’s detailed the efforts to design the back against the idea that Trump campaign have been charged or package of penalties. is trying to block the sanctions admitted to lying to the FBI In its report Treasury pub- in response to Russia’s meddling about their contacts with licly identified more than 100 in the 2016 US presidential elec- Kremlin-linked officials accused Russian officials and business tion, saying Trump is “fully of trying to sway the 2016 vote leaders eligible for sanctions, a supportive.” in Trump’s favour. list derived from Forbes maga- “We will implement them,” Mnuchin assured zine, among other sources. Immigration agents $5m stolen from Dreamers and advocates attend a rally in support of a Clean Dream Act in Los Angeles, yesterday. Lufthansa cargo MP pushes for vote on migrant bill arrest 23 in raids plane in Brazil AP AFP AP Trump tweets, “It’s 5th and the Democrats are March 5th and the nowhere to be found on DACA.” SANTA FE: Federal agents arrested 23 people on suspicion of SAO PAULO: A group of WASHINGTON: A Republican Democrats are He says, “We are ready to make being in the country illegally as they served notices of employ- thieves stole $5m in cash, congressman says he’s trying to a deal!” ment audits to over 100 businesses in New Mexico and west Texas, which had been due to travel force a House vote on extending nowhere to be found Trump announced last year immigration officials said. US Immigration and Customs Enforce- from Brazil to Switzerland expiring protections against on DACA.” He says, he was ending the Deferred ment agents made the arrests over the past week, according to an aboard a Lufthansa jet, at a deportation for hundreds of “We are ready to Action for Childhood Arrivals email from agency regional spokeswoman Nina Pruneda. She said large freight airport near Sao thousands of young immigrants make a deal!” program, but asked Congress to three of the arrested individuals face criminal charges related to illegal Paulo, police said yesterday. for three more years. come up with a legislative fix in re-entry to the US after deportation or firearm possession or both. The spectacular heist, Rep Mike Coffman of Colo- six months. Of the audit notices, 68 were served on businesses across a which took place late Sunday, rado says his measure would which around one in five voters Trump had insisted that any swath of 18 counties in western Texas. was completed in a matter of give Congress more time to are Hispanic. legislation saving DACA had to Businesses were given three days to provide hiring records minutes, and authorities have decide how help the so-called Coffman announced his plan be coupled with funding for his that deal with employees’ immigration status. Such employment yet to arrest a suspect. Dreamers. They are young on the day President Donald border wall and an overhaul of audits and interviews can lead to criminal charges or fines. The crooks entered immigrants brought to the US Trump set as a deadline for Con- the legal immigration system. The federal “worksite enforcement strategy is focused on pro- Viracopos International Air- illegally as children who have gress to extend the Deferred Democrats and some tecting jobs for U.S. citizens and others who are lawfully employed, port’s freight terminal using only temporary protection to Action for Childhood Arrivals Republicans balked at those eliminating unfair competitive advantages for companies that hire a pickup on which they had stay here. programme, or DACA. demands. an illegal workforce, and strengthening public safety and national “placed stickers mimicking It was unclear whether President Donald Trump is White House spokeswoman security,” Pruneda said in a written statement. the runway security compa- Coffman can get the 218 signa- blaming Democrats for failing Sarah Huckabee Sanders is New Mexico immigrant rights advocates and officials in Santa ny’s logo,” federal police said tures his petition needs. to pass legislation extending blaming both parties for the Fe said four people were arrested locally and the six business audit in a statement released Coffman faces a competitive protections for young immi- failure, saying it’s “absolutely notices were sowing fear and uncertainty in the community. yesterday. re-election race this year in a grants that he has tried to end. terrible that Congress has failed “It absolutely disrupts people’s lives and the harmony of the Germany-based Lufthan- district surrounding Denver in Trump tweets, “It’s March to act.” city,” Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales said sa’s plane had been traveling from Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo and was making a stop at Viracopos -- Brazil’s big- gest freight terminal -- with Lula likely to dominate Zurich as its final destination. The stolen money had presidential elections: Poll been held under the auspices of secure transport provider REUTERS discontent with political choices in Brazil Brinks, according to the as graft investigations continue to target Folha de Sao Paulo SAO PAULO: Former Brazilian President the political class. newspaper. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva would easily win In a runoff vote against right-wing The daily said five men a second-round runoff vote against congressman Jair Bolsonaro, the MDA had threatened security several likely opponents and retake the polls found, Lula would take 44 percent agents on the runway before presidency in October elections if allowed of the vote against 26 percent for his taking off with the cargo, in to run, according to a poll released opponent. barely six minutes. yesterday. If Lula is barred by courts from run- There was no immediate Lula, who is likely to be barred from ning for the presidency, the poll found sign of injuries, the airport running because of a corruption convic- that Bolsonaro would face environmen- said. tion that was upheld on appeal in January, talist and former senator Marina Silva in Cargo theft is on the rise also had the lowest rejection rate among a second-round runoff, which takes place in Brazil, where most targets likely contenders in the survey, conducted in Brazil if no single candidate wins a are semi-trucks, especially by pollster MDA. Support for him in sev- majority of votes on the first ballot. A file picture of former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a rally, those serving Rio de Janeiro. eral potential second-round matchups Bolsonaro and Marina Silva are polling in Belo Horizonte. According to the series of rose from levels in an MDA poll in within the survey’s margin of error in a reports by SensiGuard Secu- September. theoretical runoff, MDA found, a situa- to run and will fight for that chance in their convictions have been upheld on rity Services last year, statis- Still, nearly half of those polled, 46.7 tion repeated in other likely second-round Brazil’s top courts. However, the coun- appeal. The question of whether Lula can tics show an increase in cargo percent, said they would never vote for scenarios absent Lula. try’s constitution, with rare exceptions, run is not likely to be settled by the courts theft across Brazil in the Lula, underlining widespread voter Lula has said repeatedly that he wants bans politicians from running for office if for several months. second quarter of 2017. WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018 HOME 19 OIS honours Eco Club volunteers DOHA: A felicitation ceremony gratitude for the parents’ dedicated Principal Jacob K M honoured was held at Olive International efforts in making the vertical the volunteer parents for making School (OIS), Nuaija campus to garden project a feat so remark- the Live Green Club Project honour the volunteer parents of able and award winning. possible. Eco Club. Students who dedicatedly He emphasised the importance The ceremony started with a worked in making this project a of taking care of the environment. prayer and the song ‘Give me Oil success were also honoured with “Showing care for the environ- in my Lamp’ by the choir. certificates. ment is very essential as our future Volunteer parents were wel- Said event was followed by the depends on it for it is the source of comed with words of appreciation most awaited launch of Class Mag- life. Only when we are deprived of by Jasmine Jose, the school mag- azine launch. Students were given something, we realise its impor- azine in charge and member of the opportunity to be the editors tance. Therefore, it is still not too ‘Live Green Club’. and design their own class late to give our best in taking care She expressed heartfelt magazines. of the environment.”

Mercure Grand Hotel offer on Women’s Day

A woman in any form shall be celebrated and honoured, be it, a sister or a wife or daughter or a mother. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Mercure Grand Hotel is offering a complimentary buffet dinner for all the ladies after their partners pay for the meal from March 7 to 8 at La Brasserie Restaurant, in Doha. Mercure Grand Hotel will be celebrating Women’s Day together with all the AccorHotels brands worldwide.

Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar honours Urdu fiction writer Thrissur Jilla Sauhrudavedi to hold DOHA: Bazm-e-urdu Qatar organ- is gaining ground in the State of ised a reception and Mushaira in the Qatar. 18th blood donation honour of renowned Fiction writer “It is interesting to note that Naushabah Khatoon and Urdu poet many expatriates including Indians, camp on Friday Dr Nadeem Jeelani Danish recently Pakistanis, Nepalese are being at Maza Restaurant Doha. drawn to this language and have DOHA: Thrissur Jilla Sauhrudavedi, in The event consisted of prose started to understand the poetry, lit- tie-up with Hamad Medical Corporation, and poetry sessions. erature and culture of Urdu,” said will hold its 18th blood donation camp at The programme was presided chief guest Naushabah Khatoon, a Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Center (C- Ring over by Mohammad Sabih Bukhari, fiction writer. Road) from 8am until 4pm on Friday. Director of Satco group and the The chief guest Naushabah Thrissur Jilla Sauhrudavedi will pro- Patron Chief of Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar, Khatoon, talked on “The need of fic- vide a medical seminar and free blood while, Urdu fiction writer tion in Urdu writing”. sugar and blood pressure test. Naushabah Khatoon was the Chief “Fiction is the spirit of novel and Everyone is welcome to take part in guest and renowned Urdu poet Dr Bazm-e-Urdu General-Secretary presented to the Chief guest and it appeals the reader to read the whole the said event. Nadeem Jeelani Danish was the Ahmad Ashfaque, Naushabah Guest of honour. novel unless it is not finished. It cre- For inquiries, please contact 33571882. guest of honour. Khatoon’s book “Khizan K Baad” was “The Urdu language is spreading ated an interesting scenario in his/her After the welcome address by launched and Memento were all over the world and its popularity mind”

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Death Wish 10:00, 10:30am, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 2:30, 3:00, 3:15, 4:45, Captain (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 11:30pm 5:15, 6:00, 7:00, 7:30, 8:45, 9:15, 9:45, 11:30, 11:40pm & 12:00midnight Pari (2D/Hindi) 2:30pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 3:30 & 5:00pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:45, 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & Black Panther (2D/Action) 6:45pm Special Show 7:00pm 11:45pm Gnome Alone (2D) 10:00, 11:45am, 1:30, 3:15, 5:00, 6:45, The Leisure Seeker (2D/Romantic) 9:30pm 8:30, 10:15pm & 12:00midnight Maya Nadhi (2D/Malayalam) 5:00pm The Shadow Effect (2D) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm The Midnight Man (2D) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight The Midnight Man (Horror) 7:30 & 11:30pm The Leisure Seeker (2D) 10:00am, 2:45, 7:15 & 11:50pm The Shadow Effect (2D/Action) 7:30pm I, Tonya (2D) 12:15, 4:45 & 9:30pm Death Wish (2D/Action) 2:30, 9:00 & 11:00pm Talq Sena3y (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 2:00, 6:00 & 10:00pm Okdat Al I, Tonya (2D/Drama) 9:15pm Kawja (2D/Arabic) 12:00noon, 4:00, 8:00pm & 12:00midnight Talq Sena3Y (2D/Arabic) 5:00pm Game Night (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Black Panther (3D IMAX/Action) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm ASIAN TOWN MALL Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 6:00, 7:00, 8:45, 9:45, 11:30pm Captain (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 11:15pm Captain (Malayalam) 6:00, 7:00, 8:30, 10:00 & 11:15pm Pari (2D/Horror) 2:30 & 11:30pm Talq Sena3Y (2D/Arabic) 7:00pm Pari (Hindi) 6:00pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 3:00, 4:30 & 6:00pm Death Wish (2D/Action) 5:00, 7:30 & 11:15pm The Leisure Seeker (2D/Romantic) 5:00pm Black Panther(2D/Action) 2:30, 7:00 & 9:00pm AL KHOR The Shadow Effect (2D/Drama) 9:30pm Captain (Malayalam) 11:30am, 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 & 11:30pm The Midnight Man (2D/Horror) 9:30pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 10:30am, 12:15, 2:15 & 4:15pm Veerey Ki Wedding (2D/Hindi) 11:30pm Death Wish 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30 & 11:45pm LANDMARK Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm

Captain (2D/Malayalam) 2:30 & 9:00pm Gnome Alone (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:00 & 5:30pm Talq Sena3Y (2D/Arabic) 2:30pm ROXY Black Panther(2D/Action) 4:30pm Maya Nadhi (2D/Malayalam) 5:00 & 11:00pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 & 6:30pm The Shadow Effect (2D/Drama) 7:30 & 11:30pm Pari (Horror) 10:30am, 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10 & 11:50pm Death Wish (2D/Action) 7:00, 9:30 & 11:30pm Death Wish (Drama) 10:30am, 12:50, 3:10, 8:20 & 10:40pm The Midnight Man (2D/Horror) 9:15pm Captain (Malayalam) 10:30am, 4:15 & 10:10pm Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 1:30 & 7:15pm FLIK Mirqab Black Panther (Action) 5:30, 8:30 & 11:20pm Black Panther (Action) 2D 11:20am, 12:20, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 9:20, 10:00pm

& 12:05am 3D 3:00, 5:40, 8:20 & 11:00pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. Captain (Malayalam) 3:20, 6:20 & 8:20pm Death Wish (Action) 11:35am, 1:50, 4:05, 6:20, 7:05, 8:35, 8:50&9:25pm Early Man 10:30am, 2:20, 5:25pm THE MIDNIGHT MAN Ferdinand 11:40am, 1:35 & 4:15pm Game Night 11:25am, 1:30, 4:55, 7:20, 9:05 & 11:40pm Gnome Alone (Animation) 3:35, 12:25 & 6:30pm Mom & Dad (2D/Horror) 8:45 & 11:45pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle 2:35pm Maya Nadhi (Malayalam) 12:35, 5:00, 9:20 & 12:10am Maze Runner: The Death Cure 10:45pm Talq Sena3y (Arabic) 7:00pm Talq The Last Flag Flying 4:30 & 11:20pm The Midnight Man 11:10pm

A girl and her friends find a game in the attic that summons a creature known as The Midnight Man, who uses their worst fears against them. 20 HOME WEDNESDAY 7 MARCH 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04.36 am Qatar-Belgium Economic Forum launched SHOROOK 05.52 am THE PENINSULA ZUHR 11.45 am MAGHRIB 05.41 pm ASR 03.07 pm ISHA 07.11 pm DOHA: In the presence of Emir H H Sheikh WEATHER TODAY Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium, Minister of Economy and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani and his Belgian counterpart Kris Peeters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, inaugurated yesterday, the Qatar—Belgium Economic Forum. The Forum was organised by the Ministry H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, the Minister of Economy and Commerce, speaking during the inauguration of Qatar-Belgium of Economy and Com- Economic Forum in Brussels yesterday. RIGHT: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker speaking at a panel discussion. merce, in cooperation with Qatar Chamber and the Federation of Belgian Enterprises, cooperation between representatives investment incentives. In this context, inaugurated in September 2017 and is on the sidelines of the official visit of of the private sector in both countries Sheikh Ahmed said that investors can one of the largest ports in the Middle H H the Emir to Belgium. in bid to launch investment projects take advantage of a tax-free environ- East, accounting for 27 percent of The Forum brought together that serve the interests of both Qatar ment, allowing for up to 10 years Income regional trade. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Bin and Belgium. The Minister outlined Tax exemption for selected investment He added that Hamad Port, which Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar’s characteristics as a leading projects across many sectors, together can accommodate up to7.5 million Qatar Chamber and Bernard Gilliot, investment destination, noting that the with customs tax and fee exemptions for cargo containers annually, has con- president of the Federation of Belgian pragmatic policies adopted by the State equipment and raw material imports. tributed to the state’s success in o o Enterprises, along with more than 200 and its wise leadership have stimulated The minister added that Qatar also launching new and direct trade routes businessmen, investors and govern- all sectors of the economy to achieve allows foreign investors up to 100 per- linking Qatar with many nations 20 C 24 C ment officials from both countries. increased productivity over the years. cent ownership across various sectors around the world as well as positioning Minimum Maximum In his opening speech, Qatar’s Min- Qatar’s total GDP increased to in addition to allowing the repatria- the country as a transit point for trade ister of Economy and Commerce high- reach $220bn in 2017, compared with tion of capital profits and the free across the Middle East. Relatively hot daytime with some clouds lighted friendly Qatari-Belgian rela- $218bn in 2016 while stressing that the transfer of company ownership. He invited Belgian and other Euro- becomes mild by night. tions that date back to the 1970’s, blockade has resulted in a renewed He explained that investors can pean businesses to enter the Qatari especially in the economic and com- determination to deliver long-term eco- choose between operating their invest- market, which is full with promising mercial fields, noting that bilateral nomic stability among the Qatari people. ment projects in free zones or directly opportunities, noting that Qatar’s busi-

HIGH TIDE 08:00 – 21:15 LOW TIDE 02:15 – 14:30 trade grew to $1bn in 2017. Sheikh Ahmed added that annual real accessing Qatar’s markets, noting that ness environment is being transformed COURTESY: Qatar Meteorology Department He said that 14 companies fully GDP at constant prices grew better than state is currently developing two free to help sustain the country’s impres- owned by Belgian citizens and 31 com- expected at 2 percent in 2017. zones spanning 35 sqm. This will posi- sive economic performance and panies jointly owned by Qatari and Bel- While Qatar’s economic stability is tion Qatar as an ideal destination for encourage FDI in addition to the gian citizens are currently operating in built on its vast natural resources, the foreign direct investment, the minister backing provided by a strong sover- Qatar, praising the expectations and Minister said economic diversification said, adding that the State has estab- eign credit rating. ambitions of both governments and the has become a top priority for the gov- lished four new logistics zones that The Forum was also attended by capacities of their economies, which ernment, which offers numerous oppor- have contributed to reducing the cost chief executives of major Qatari com- should encourage further cooperation. tunities to Belgian investors. of warehousing. panies in the fields of trade and industry, He noted that the Forum comes at a time The Minister said the share of the Touching on Qatar’s legislative oil and gas, investment, food, con- of global economic uncertainties, non-oil and gas sector in the nation’s environment, the Minister said that the tracting, medical equipment, health, regional challenges and the illegal GDP at constant prices was 52 percent government is currently working on medicines, automobiles, agriculture, blockade on Qatar on June 5th 2017. last year while foreign trade increased issuing a PPP law that will coincide engineering, building materials, e-com- He added that the blockade was by 16 percent, reaching $103bn com- with the launch of a number of invest- merce, along with other sectors, who dis- aimed at undermining Qatar’s posi- pared with $89bn in 2016. Qatar’s total ment projects. He added that a law reg- cussed investment opportunities and tion as an economically independent exports increased by 19 percent to reach ulating the investment of non-Qatari potential joint ventures. and sovereign state but has failed, $68bn in 2017 from $57bn in 2016, the capital in economic activity was In a separate presentation, the par- adding that Qatar has emerged minister said. As a result, Trade surplus recently issued in line with the highest ticipating Qatari delegation also shed stronger and more economically inde- increased by 40 percent in 2017, international standards. This law sig- light on logistic services, World Cup pendent than ever before. reaching $35bn compared with $25bn nificantly eases the registration of 2022-related projects and the energy In fact, the illegal blockade has in 2016, which reflected positively on companies, the minister added. sector as well as challenges and oppor- presented an opportunity for Qatar to Qatar’s ranking on several international He also noted that investing in tunities for Qatari-Belgian coopera- make its economy more accessible to indicators, the minister added. Qatar is now easier through the Invest tion. The session was attended by the world, he said. The Minister The Minister highlighted Qatar’s in Qatar Center, which aims to help Sheikh Meshal bin Jabor Al Thani, stressed that Qatar has seized the economic stability despite the uncertain- investors establish their businesses. Director of energy Affairs at Ministry opportunities that the illegal blockade ties weighing on global economies, noting The Minister also highlighted the Of Energy and Industry, Fahad Rashid has presented, noting that the Qatari that economic stability was bolstered state-of-the-art infrastructure pro- al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq Company, economy continued its positive per- thanks to the full support of Qatar’s Gov- vided to investors and Qatar’s position and Eng Yousef Al Musleh, Executive formance during the past year and into ernment to foreign investment. He high- as a global geographical hub. Hamad Director at Supreme Committee for 2018 and has been largely unaffected lighted Qatar’s advanced ranking on the International Airport’s role as one of Delivery & Legacy. The Forum also by the blockade. latest Global Competitiveness Index, noting the biggest airports in the region, with featured a discussion panel on poten- The minister added that the Qatari that the country ranks first for its safe busi- passenger capacity of more than 30 tial joint ventures, investment oppor- economy has managed to overcome ness environment, second for the impact million per year and connecting Qatar tunities in the tourism and transport various regional and global challenges of tax on business, third for government to more than 150 destinations around sectors as well as challenges. The event by implementing a strategy aimed at procurement of advanced technology, fifth the world through Qatar Airways, was attended by Qatar Airways Group diversifying its revenue sources and for venture capital availability and fifth for which has been selected as the world’s Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, positioning the private sector as an the availability of scientists and best airline. The new Hamad port, Mohamed Al Sada, CEO of Hassad active partner. The Forum aims at engineers. which is located south of Doha, also Food, Hassan Al Ibrahim, Acting enhancing Qatari-Belgian economic, He added that foreign companies reflects Qatar’s efforts to accelerate its Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority trade and investment cooperation and looking to expand their business in economic expansion, the minister said, and Salem Al Kubaisi, Chief cooperate opening up new prospects for Qatar can benefit from many noting that the port was officially services officer at Katara Hospitality.

Colourful start to Kite Festival at Aspire Park AMNA PERVAIZ RAO understand how a kite flies, what States of America. THE PENINSULA are the different types of kites Mohammed bin Fahad Al and we teach them how to make Thani, Member of Second Inter- a kite. We are also providing all national Kite Festival organising DOHA: Aspire Second Interna- the material which can be used committee told the Newspaper: tional Kite Festival kicked off while making a kite”. “This time we have 23 countries yesterday, bringing in leading Comparing the previous edi- coming from five continents of international kite flyers from 23 tion from the second edition, he the world. We have Qatar’s team countries. Large crowds gathered said: “ Last year we faced prob- participating this year, work- to participate in the first day of lems due to weather conditions shops were conducted by AZF to the four day event at Aspire Park. while this year, AZF has worked prepare them for the competi- Aspire Zone Foundation really hard on every aspect of Kite tions. The morning sessions are (AZF) conducted workshops for Festival. The venue is amazing running from 9am until 12pm. It seven schools which included, with perfect weather to fly kites. will comprise various workshops Views from the Second Aspire International Kite Festival. Khadija school, Aspire Academy, This time we have observed for students who are taking part PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA Cambridge School, Pak Shama increase in the participants and in a local kite flying competition School and College, Muath Ibn schools participating as well”. on the sidelines of the main designed a dedicated schools pro- their photos on social media under Jabal School, Gheras Interna- This year’s event is witnessing international event on a smaller gramme to introduce children to the hashtag #AspireKiteFest for a tional School and Lebanese a growing number of participating scale for local schools’ teams.” the sport of kite flying through a chance to win valuable prizes and get School of Qatar. countries, with more than 102 par- The afternoon sessions will students today who attended the friendly inter-school competition, the honour of being crowned the 2018 The workshops were deliv- ticipants from 23 countries to take run from 3pm until 11pm, and workshop and flew kites in sky. with teams representing 14 local Aspire International Kite Festival Pho- ered by Wing Lee, President of part in the festival. Last year, 40 comprise various entertainment We have special teachers for schools vying for a range of cash tography Competition winner. First Singapore Kite Association and participants from 13 countries took activities and more than 28 food them from Singapore, we hope prizes including QR50,000 for first place winner of the 2018 Aspire Gadis Widiyati Riyadi, the Sec- part. Countries participating this and beverage outlets set up children and families enjoy the place, QR30,000 for second place International Kite Festival Photog- retary of the International ASEAN edition include: Austria, Aus- alongside the main International second edition of International and QR20,000 for third place. raphy Competition will receive Kite Council, a renowned Singa- tralia, Canada, China, France, Kite Flying competition. Kite festival”, said Sumaya Al- Along with the International QR20,000 cash prize. Second place porean trainer. Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, “The atmosphere is catchy Qasabi, Member of Second Inter- Kite Festival, AZF, in collaboration winner will get a business class plane Talking to The Peninsula, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zea- and exciting for children and for national Kite Festival organizing with the Qatar Photographic ticket to a destination of their choice. Wing Lee said: “ I am conducting land, Netherlands, Pakistan, Phil- the organizers as well. Looking committee, talking about the Society, has launched a photography Third place winner will receive two workshops for school children. ippines, Spain, Singapore, at children’s interest in making atmosphere created by AZF competition for amateur and pro- economy class plane tickets, whilst We give them a presentation to Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, kites and flying themselves is during the festival. fessional photographers in Qatar. fourth and fifth place winners will make it easy for them to United Kingdom and the United priceless. We had more than 200 The festival organiser have Entrants can compete by posting each receive a professional camera.