BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 8 Haroun ready for heavy schedule INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-8, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 Qatar in a strong in double REGION 8, 9 BUSINESS 1-8, 14-16 position despite 22,331.35 8,278.76 49.92 ARAB WORLD 8, 9 CLASSIFIED 9-13 +63.01 -96.42 +0.03 INTERNATIONAL 10-21 SPORTS 1-8 3-month blockade gold bid +0.28% -1.15% +0.06% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10581 September 19, 2017 Dhul-Hijja 28, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals PM meets Pakistan ambassador Siege countries’

Emir to address allegations make UN General Assembly, meet no sense: FM

By Matthew Wisner Trump today Fox Business is Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani he allegations that Qatar funds Hwill address the 72nd Ses- extremism make no fi nancial sion of the UN General Assembly Tsense, HE the Foreign Minister today. Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- His Highness the Emir is also Thani, yesterday said. scheduled to meet and hold talks In an interview with Fox Business, with US President Donald Trump on the minister said how was it possible the sidelines of the UN General As- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday met Pakistan that Qatar would invest in the fi ght sembly meeting today. ambassador Shahzad Ahmad. Talks dealt with co-operation between Qatar and Pakistan and prospects of their development against terrorism and yet fund terrorist The Emir has arrived in the US in various fields, in addition to a number of topics of common concern. organisations as well. following his highly successful vis- “How I’m investing in both sides of its to Turkey on Thursday and Ger- the equation when I am fi ghting terror- many and France last week. ism and investing billions in this and On Sunday, the Emir attended the from the other hand, I’m supporting HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh opening session of the US-Islamic them to nurture them.” Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani World Forum in New York. Two-day US-Islamic World Forum concludes in New York Accusing Qatar of supporting ter- His Highness the Emir’s meeting rorism, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt ing terrorism.” with the US president is expected to and the United Arab Emirates imposed The foreign minister said the block- give a momentum to the eff orts to a blockade of the country that has now ade was really not about terrorism at resolve the Gulf crisis that has now entered the fourth month. Qatar has all. entered the fourth month. repeatedly denied the charges as base- “It’s about the diff erences in Qa- Meet focuses on less. tar’s foreign policy with them. They Appearing on the Fox Business Net- want to infringe on the sovereignty work’s Mornings with Maria show, of our country and to undermine our In brief Sheikh Mohamed said: “Qatar has been decision-making process and impose a very active player in the global coali- foreign policy on Qatar, which cannot tion countering terrorism, which is un- happen for any sovereign state.” building bridges, der the leadership of the United States.” Sheikh Mohamed reiterated Qatar’s According to the minister, the coun- opposition to terrorism. tries that have accused Qatar of sup- “So, regarding… Muslim Brother- porting militants have failed to prove hood and all the terrorists and any ter- Qatar to host innovation the allegations. “More than 100 days, rorist organisation, Qatar is not sup- conference in Oct 2018 they have failed to provide with any porting,” the minister was quoted as Qatar has won the bid to host peace and refugees single evidence that Qatar is support- saying in a handout by Fox Business. the International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and QNA ideologies in the light of the current Conferences at the Foreign Ministry, Regional Development (ICEIRD) in New York political realities in the Middle East kicked off on Sunday in New York. October next year, Qatar Tourism and South Asia. The 13th session of the Forum dis- Authority (QTA) has announced. The participants also discussed the cussed several issues related to the ICEIRD is a three-day conference he 13th session of the US-Is- experiences of Islamic movements in relations between the United States Qatar condemns Bahraini organised by the University lamic World Forum, organised national contexts, whether regional or of America and the Islamic world, the of Sheff ield, bringing together Tby Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign geopolitical, and stressed the need to Middle East peace process, economy, academics, university technology Aff airs and the Brookings Institution, evaluate the mechanism of dialogue security, human development, science statement on fi shermen managers, entrepreneurs, policy- concluded in New York City yesterday. under ideological divisions and to iden- and technology, and the role of the makers and businesses to foster Held under the theme “Crisis and tify the main issues that are not agreed press and media. and promote innovation-led growth. Co-operation”, the two-day Forum in- upon by diff erent political groups. The Forum represents an opportu- QNA ful fi shing practices. These warnings The rights to host the field’s leading cluded working sessions on a number of Meanwhile, the second session, en- nity to exchange views between the Doha received no response. conference was secured through important topics, with the participation titled “Refugees and Cities”, aimed at two sides on political, economic and Further, the offi cial source under- a joint bid between QTA and of a distinguished elite of politicians, reaching a number of recommenda- scientifi c topics of common interest lined that Qatar does not allow any Qatar University (QU), which was offi cials, academics, opinion leaders, tions on best practices for cities facing in order to reach practical results and atar yesterday condemned a breach of its maritime borders, and is presented in Thessaloniki, Greece. businessmen, culture and media profes- challenges related to migration, espe- solutions that serve the Islamic world. statement issued by the Bah- committed to international treaties Page 2 sionals from the United States and from cially the political, economic and social The Forum addresses topics of sig- Qraini interior ministry on the and covenants relating to international all parts of the Islamic world. challenges they face in dealing with the nifi cant importance, which include cur- detention of 15 Bahraini boats carrying maritime conventions. All parties must The event represents an important infl ux of refugees and migrants. rent crises, Arab opinion and identity, 20 sailors, describing it as a desperate abide by this in order to ensure mari- Land allocated for occasion for strengthening the rela- The participants stressed the need and how democracy and development attempt to escalate the ongoing diplo- time safety. solar power project tions and co-operation between the to understand the diff erences between are compatible with issues of religious matic dispute. Meanwhile, AFP cited a statement Land has been allocated for a Islamic world and the United States refugees and migrants, including the freedom, in addition to issues related to An offi cial source at Qatar’s Ministry on Bahraini interior ministry website 500MW to 1,000MW solar power by correcting many misconceptions special needs and protection of refu- social change, economic growth, cul- of Interior (MoI) said the detention of which said Qatar had seized three Bah- project in Al Kharsaah, about 80km about the Islamic world and its current gees under the international law. ture, arts and women’s rights. the fi shing boats, which illegally en- raini boats with 16 aboard in the past west of Doha, a top off icial of Qatar issues, especially that the vision of the The last session of the Forum dis- First held in 2011, the US-Islamic tered Qatari waters, was not a new pro- two days. Electricity and Water Company State of Qatar, inspired by the direc- cussed the post-confl ict reconstruc- World Forum held all its 12 sessions in cedure. All unauthorised fi shing boats Coast Guard commander Ala Siyadi (QEWC) announced yesterday. “The tives of His Highness the Emir Sheikh tion in war-torn countries in the re- Doha with the exception of one held in receive a warning to leave Qatari wa- said in the statement that this took to 15 project cost will be nearly $500mn Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, seeks to gion. The participants also discussed Washington in April 2011. The Forum ters, and are referred to the competent the overall number of boats seized and in the first phase when 500MW is highlight the bright face of Islam and the challenges posed by vulnerabil- has worked and continues to build authorities if they do not comply. 20 the number of fi shermen. generated by mid-2020,” QEWC Muslims and remove the stereotypes ity in other regional countries to shed bridges of understanding between the The crew will be released within The Bahraini authorities did not general manager and managing or misconceptions that have spread in more light on the best possible way United States and the Islamic world, three days, while the ships will be de- specify when the other four people director Fahad Hamad al-Mohannadi recent years. towards greater peace, stability and and to create a strong network of rela- tained until the relevant court makes a were detained. said. “Investor companies will be The second and fi nal day of the Fo- sustainability. They stressed the need tions between American and Islamic decision. Bahrain joined a Saudi-led bloc of named soon, with global firms taking rum witnessed several discussions in to create a specifi c approach or policy leaders at all levels, in order to pro- The source added that the MoI, nations in breaking diplomatic ties part as well so as to support the two sessions. The fi rst focused on the to avoid the conditions that led to the mote the building of positive relations represented by the Coast and Borders with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of diversification of Qatar’s economy.” political future of Islam, and the fu- outbreak of confl icts. and provide opportunities for dialogue Security Department, had repeatedly links to extremists and getting close Al Kharsaah is located in the ture of traditional Islamists and their The Forum, organised by the Per- and exchange of ideas and views on warned the fi shermen not to fi sh in to Iran. Qatar has denied the allega- municipality of Al Sheehaniya. Page 7 relationship with other groups and manent Committee for Organising common issues and solutions. Qatari waters and not resort to harm- tions. Jazeera slams Snapchat blocking its channel in Saudi

Al Jazeera/Agencies to review the decision. in the countries where we operate,” a “This step is a clear attack on the nel on Snapchat Discover in May and ers in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest Doha “Al Jazeera Media Network express- Snapchat spokesperson said in a state- rights of journalists and media profes- continued to provide a wide variety of audiences in the world for the social es its dismay at Snapchat’s decision ment on Sunday. sionals to report and cover stories free- stories to its audiences in the Mena re- platform. to block its Discover channel in Saudi Al Jazeera said the Snapchat decision ly from around the world.” gion with growing number of followers, The decision to remove Al Jazeera l Jazeera Media Network yester- Arabia. It is deplorable that a renowned comes at a time when Al Jazeera Media He said: “We at Al Jazeera object to the statement noted. was fi rst reported by the Wall Street day expressed dismay at social global social media platform like Snap Network and other media institutions any form of censorship and restrictions Morad Rayyan, head of Incubation Journal on Sunday. Amedia platform Snapchat’s de- Inc starts censoring media content in “are under attack in the Middle East to freedom of the media and the right to and Innovation Research at Al Jazeera, The confl ict is the latest example of cision to block its Discover Publisher order to submit to pressures from Saudi and face calls for their shutdown by access information. We call on Snap Inc said the move by Snapchat was “un- a technology company being pinned in Channel in Saudi Arabia. authorities. This action is a direct at- some Arab countries”. and other global media organisations to precedented”. the crosshairs of geopolitics as it navi- It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia, tack against the freedom of expression The network’s acting director-gen- reject demands of oppressive regimes “Snapchat is a US-based company, gates censorship of content on its plat- the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, which cut and will have detrimental consequenc- eral, Mostefa Souag, denounced the to silence journalists. We would like publicly traded, and it stands for free- forms, the Wall Street Journal reported. diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed es to the media industry,” Al Jazeera said move, saying: “We fi nd Snapchat’s to remind Snap Inc that this decision dom of expression. We are working on In March 2015, Saudi Prince Al sanctions on the country on June 5, also in a statement yesterday, as reported by action to be alarming and worrying. violates the US constitution, American contingency plans to ensure our content Waleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom blocked their residents’ access to Al the offi cial Qatar News Agency. This sends a message that regimes and laws and values of democracy. is available on other platforms,” Rayyan Holding Company (KHC), received Jazeera websites. Saudi Arabia told the social media countries can silence any voice or plat- “By blocking Al Jazeera’s Discover said. “We are urging them (Snapchat) to Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel in Saudi Officials from the news network company that the Al Jazeera Discover form they don’t agree with by exerting Channel, our followers in Saudi Ara- review the decision that was made. They Arabia to discuss “future potential described the Snapchat move as Publisher Channel violated local laws, pressure on the owners of social me- bia are denied the ability to follow our were the ones who invited us to be one of business co-operation with Snap”. “alarming and worrying”, and urged according to media reports. “We make dia platforms and content distribution broad range of stories and coverage.” their news partners for the region.” However, it remains unclear whether the US-based social media company an eff ort to comply with local laws companies. Al Jazeera launched its Arabic chan- There are about 8mn Snapchat us- KHC ever invested in the company. Gulf Times 2 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 QATAR

PM meets Iranian ambassador Official

Emir, Deputy Emir, PM greet Qatar to host Chile president His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Inte- innovation rior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yes- terday sent cables of congratula- tions to Chile President Michelle Bachelet on the anniversary of her country’s Independence Day. conference HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met yesterday with Iranian ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Ali Sobhani. Talks during the meeting Registration dealt with aspects of co-operation between Qatar and Iran and prospects of their development under way and enhancement in various fields, in addition to a number of topics of common concern. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education said that regis- tration for ‘Ambition Programme’ in Oct 2018 for secondary school graduates continues for Qataris, children atar has won the bid ence, two international com- of Qatari women, Qatari-born to host the Interna- mittees were formed: a scien- children, GCC nationals and Qtional Conference on tifi c committee and another Qatar supports eff orts for holders of Qatari documents. The Entrepreneurship, Innovation industry and community com- ministry said the first phase of and Regional Development mittee,” Centre for Entrepre- registration process will end on (ICEIRD) in October next year, neurship director Dr Mahmoud September 30, with the second Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Abdellatif said. political solution in Syria phase starting on December has announced. According to QTA, the confer- 1 and ending on December 31. ICEIRD is a three-day con- ence off ers a platform for academ- Ambition is a scholarship pro- ference organised by the Uni- ics, university technology manag- QNA Regarding a report published other cities are clear examples, gramme that adopts high school versity of Sheffi eld, bringing ers, entrepreneurs, policymakers Geneva by the commission on the poli- the ambassador added. certificate holders who wish to together academics, university Ahmed al-Obaidly and businesses interested in the cies made to change the popu- Qatar’s permanent represent- pursue a teaching career. technology managers, entre- theory and practice of university- lation structure in Syria, al- ative to the United Nations Offi ce preneurs, policymakers and ness events tourism’s contribu- industry links as well as innova- atar reiterated its sup- Mansouri said it is a military in Geneva said the 34th para- businesses to foster and pro- tion to the national economy.” tion, entrepreneurship, and re- port to eff orts aimed strategy followed by the Syrian graph of the report published by Gannas launches mote innovation-led growth. More than 250 delegates are gional development. Qat reaching a political regime and its allies since day the commission on the meth- library project The rights to host the fi eld’s expected to take part in the First held in 2007, ICEIRD solution in the Syrian confl ict one of the Syrian revolution, ods implemented by the Syrian leading conference was secured conference for which QU will has been taking place annually based on the terms of Geneva 1 which fi ts its security needs and regime to strip the dissidents, Al Gannas Society is launching through a joint bid between be the ‘local host,’ acting as a for the past 10 years in Europe; communique and the relevant ensures continuation of its po- displaced and refugees of their its library project during Katara QTA and Qatar University (QU), focal point between the host for its second decade, it will ro- Security Council resolutions. litical power. possessions is evidence that the International Hunting and Falcons which was presented in Thes- country and the association. tate worldwide and be hosted Qatar’s permanent repre- The ambassador added this regime continues to hold on to Exhibition (Suhail) in its first saloniki, Greece. “Our collaboration with QTA in a diff erent region every year. sentative to the United Na- strategy starts with a fi rm these strategies. edition, which starts tomorrow “ICEIRD is a perfect match to bid for and host this event The 2018 edition will be the tions Offi ce in Geneva Ambas- blockade of cities and the star- In his closing statement, the and continue until September for Qatar as it is a regional hub boosts our eff orts to invite aca- fi rst edition to be hosted in the sador Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri vation of its people in paral- ambassador called on the inter- 24. Society chairman Ali bin where academics, innovators demics to Qatar and collaborate Middle East. made the remarks during an lel with random bombing us- national community, especially Khatem al-Mehshadi said the and entrepreneurs can contin- with international universi- Owing to the country’s state- interactive dialogue with the ing heavy weapons, including the Security Council, to take a library project includes more ue to learn and share knowledge ties,” QU’s College of Business of-the-art facilities and tour- Independent International chemical ones, to destroy the fi rm stance on bringing those than 150 books on falconry and within and outside the walls of and Economics dean Dr Khalid ism assets, Qatar has a strong Commission of Inquiry on the infrastructure, especially the responsible for the crimes and hunting in Qatar, the Arab world a conference hall,” QTA’s ex- al-Abdulqader said. track record in successfully Syrian Arab Republic, taking hospitals, obliging the people violations in Syria since 2011 to and the world, in Arabic, English hibitions director Ahmed al- QU is home to the Centre for hosting large-scale interna- place during the 36th session of to choose either to die of star- justice in addition to providing and other languages in order to Obaidly said in a statement. Entrepreneurship, an AACSB- tional conferences and events. the Human Rights Council. vation or sickness, or agree to additional support to the neu- preserve the heritage of falconry He added that the hosting of accredited centre that has been Between 2014 and 2016, Qa- The ambassador said it was im- terms that force them to sur- tral and independent entities to in Qatar and the world, and to this event “comes as part of our identifi ed as one of the 35 best tar hosted a total of 56 events portant to obtain a comprehensive render and fl ee. investigate those crimes in or- enhance the eff orts of Unesco, continuous eff orts to work with institutions in Entrepreneurship affi liated with the International ceasefi re and for all humanitarian The events that took place in der to enable them to carry out which recognised the falconry as local partners to attract inter- Education worldwide in 2017. Congress and Convention As- aid to reach all of Syria. Al Qusayr, Homs, Darayya and their mission. a global human heritage in 2010. national events and boost busi- “In preparing for the confer- sociation. HIA, Qatar Airways and Kahramaa sign MoU on Tarsheed he Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways have signed a TMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation’s (Kahramaa) National Programme for conservation and energy effi ciency, Tarsheed. The objective is to achieve long- term sustainability and energy conser- vation in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker and HIA chief operating offi cer Badr Mohamed al-Meer signed the MoU yesterday with Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari at Kahramaa Awareness Park (KAP). The agreement provides a framework Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari and Qatar Airways Group chief for the HIA and Qatar Airways to work executive Akbar al-Baker exchange documents as HIA COO Badr Mohamed with Kahramaa together on technical al-Meer (right) looks on: PICTURE: Nasar T K collaborations as well as community awareness and development in relation be adopted for implementation by fa- travelling annually through the award- to conservation technology, energy ef- cilities management teams. winning facilities of the HIA. Environ- fi ciency systems, awareness, and, in the Such collaborations will work to mental responsibility is at the core of the near future, renewable energy. achieve Qatar National Vision goals HIA’s operations. We are advancing our As part of its eff orts towards spread- especially with emphasis on envi- aim to improve energy effi ciency by 30% ing community awareness, HIA and ronmental development. Also, both by 2030 and we are fully committed to Qatar Airways will have staff trained by parties work together to achieve com- developing a sustainable future for our Tarsheed committee on best practices prehensive sustainability in keeping airport by eff ectively managing the en- for conservation of electricity and wa- with the Qatar National Strategy 2017- vironmental impacts of our operations.” ter as well as energy effi ciency. 2022 with a Tarsheed target of bring- Kahramaa launched Tarsheed on Tarsheed will also conduct planned ing down per capita consumption of April 22, 2012 under the patronage of energy audits at HIA’s award-winning electricity by 25% and water by 35% in His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim passenger terminal and Qatar Airways 2022. This is additional to generating bin Hamad al-Thani. Tarsheed focuses head offi ces, allowing both to apply the more than 500MW of solar energy by on conservation technology standard- audit fi ndings and recommendations 2020 to be contributed by a number of isation and rules, in addition to com- to further improve energy effi ciency. entities in Qatar. munity development and awareness by The Kahramaa president said that Al-Baker said: “We are very proud to targeting all communities and sectors Tarsheed’s mission is to empower all collaborate with Kahramaa on this im- in Qatar regarding the effi cient use of Qatari citizens and residents through portant project that will generate fur- energy including renewable energy. provision of information, awareness, ther awareness about the importance It succeeded in bringing down the encouragement and practical lifestyle of sustainability in Qatar. Our vision for per capita consumption of electricity suggestions and technology to reduce the HIA as a state-of-the-art, techno- by 18% and water by 20% by the end of consumption of water and electricity. logically-advanced airport is to ensure last year. “The HIA and Qatar Airways are part- that it has minimal impact on the en- HIA achieved Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ nering with Tarsheed to meet shared vironment and protects the future of status in the Airports Council Interna- objectives for energy and water con- Qatar for generations to come. With the tional Airport Carbon Accreditation servation and we are very pleased with most modern facilities at our fi ngertips programme earlier this year, only 18 these partnerships. Both HIA and Qatar we will do everything in our power to months after fi rst initiating its carbon Airways are well positioned to enhance make sure this partnership has tangible management programme in 2015. awareness and emphasise Tarsheed’s results confi rming Qatar’s commit- The airport has also recorded a 14.2% principles and goals to its employees and ment to long-term sustainability.” improvement in carbon effi ciency (CO2 to customers travelling through the air- At the ceremony, al-Baker said there kg per passenger) in 2016 compared to port or on board the award-winning air- was no fi nancial contribution from any 2015. A Carbon Management Strategy line. A number of joint communication parties involved in the MoU, which has that provides the framework for en- initiatives will be implemented.” been signed for three years. ergy reduction initiatives throughout Through these MoUs, Tarsheed has Al-Meer said: “We are pleased to the airport has been developed. An En- planned energy audits expected to partner with Kahramaa to increase ergy Working Group has been created contribute practical recommendations awareness on energy and water conser- to identify and promote energy-saving for effi ciency improvements that can vation to more than 30mn passengers initiatives across the whole airport. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 3 QATAR

Ugandan president meets QIA chief Farewell for Ecuador ambassador

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni met with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Chief Executive Off icer HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud al-Thani, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between the two Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi yesterday held a farewell ceremony at the Diplomatic Club in countries and means of developing them, in addition to discussing aspects of co-operation in the honour of Ecuador’s ambassador to Qatar, Kabalan Abisaab, on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. A number of heads investment sector. of diplomatic missions accredited to the country and Foreign Ministry department directors attended the ceremony. Strifes cost Mena region over $1tn in economic losses: WB offi cial

By Peter Alagos along with other resource per- snational terrorism, and inter- over the past fi ve years have “Unemployment and poverty Fund’s former executive director startups and create more jobs for New York sons, deliberated on the topic state war are destroying the been killed in wars in the Mena levels have increased dramati- Samar Haidar said “quality edu- the youth in the region,” she said. ‘Stabilisation in the Mena Region’. prospects for development, driv- region,” he added. cally. They are almost at the 80% cation for all and job creation are “The Arab Spring ... should be The panel discussed the “dra- ing people from their homes, and On the scale of economic recon- level of the population in confl ict the answer” to addressing the is- an eye opener not only to gov- onfl icts in the Middle matic developments” of the Arab fuelling transnational terrorism. struction in the Mena region and countries in the region, so bring- sues aff ecting the youth in con- ernments but also to civil soci- East and North Africa Spring and its counter-revolu- “But these confl icts may one the scale of the challenges involved, ing back jobs for the young peo- fl ict-ridden areas in the region. ety actors and the human rights C(Mena) region had result- tions, which have sparked a crisis day soon give way to opportu- al-Dardari said: “Economic losses ple to avoid a relapse in confl ict Citing a study on job creation, community itself. I think that we ed in economic losses exceeding of order in the Middle East. Dec- nities for settlement and recon- in the region had exceeded $1tn; is extremely important. Haidar said by 2020, around as human rights professionals $1tn, according to Abdallah al- ades in the making, it has both struction for which regional and accumulated losses in GDP alone is “But dealing with these chal- 80mn jobs “should have created should look inward and assess Dardari, World Bank’s senior ad- immediate and long-term conse- international actors should be almost $600bn in the region since lenges is not an issue of eco- in the Arab region.” the work that had been done and viser on Reconstruction for the quences, said Bruce Jones, Brook- prepared,” Jones pointed out. 2011, and human losses exceed half nomics alone. In fact, economic “Governments can play a vital what should be done diff erently. Mena region. ings Institution vice president and “These wars are so serious a million deaths.” theories don’t explain what hap- role in facilitating this process by “Stability is everyone’s re- Speaking at a panel session director on foreign policy. that when we look at the situa- He also emphasised that the pened in the region – it is way creating more inclusive context sponsibility because I think we during the US-Islamic World “In the near term, civil war, tion globally, we discover that region is facing “tremendous beyond economics,” he stressed. and a more fl exible regulatory should all adopt an inclusive and Forum in New York, al-Dardari, state-sponsored violence, tran- 90% of all people killed in war economic challenges.” Similarly, Arab Human Rights framework, which can facilitate holistic approach,” she added. Qatar Airways off ering amenity kits for First and Business Class

new range of limited amenity kits from leading edition amenity kits fashion brand Nappa Dori. It Afrom luxury luggage features a new series of des- brands Bric’s and Nappa tination images printed on Dori have made their de- the kits’ canvas exterior, in- but onboard Qatar Airways cluding Thailand, the Neth- (QA) fl ights for passengers erlands, China and Doha. fl ying in First Class and The kits feature select Business Class. images from destinations Long-haul passengers can around the world served by enjoy a Bric’s limited edi- QA, and contain socks, eye- tion amenity bag created shades and lip balm from exclusively for the airline. It Castello Monte Vibiano comes in a selection of four Vecchio. colours for autumn – yellow, Frequent travellers can navy blue, blush and tan. add the new keepsake de- The miniature versions Bric’s limited edition amenity kit. signs from both brands to of the Bellagio and Sintesis their collections, which suitcase features a hard- The skin care range in- plugs complete the range combine vintage and con- shell with a Tuscan leather cludes lip balm, hydrating with the addition of a Bric’s temporary styles and con- trim. Each bag contains facial mist, and anti-ageing signature luggage tag for tain a range of must-have exclusive products from moisturiser in Business First Class. handy travel accessories. Italy’s Castello Monte Vibi- Class, with added Night Meanwhile, First and This is just the lat- ano Vecchio, the environ- Recovery Cream for First Business Class passengers est initiative taken by QA mentally friendly olive oil Class kits. travelling on QA’s medium- to enhance its service for company. Socks, eyeshades and ear haul routes will be off ered passengers.

Qatar Post to hire Ambassador in Beirut talks more staff Qatar Post will hire more Qatar’s ambassador to qualified personnel at diff erent Lebanon, Ali bin Hamad levels to cater to the growing al-Marri, met with Lebanon’s requirements of the country’s Vice Prime Minister and residents, an off icial has said. Health Minister, Ghassan Speaking to Gulf Times on the Hasbani, in Beirut yesterday. sidelines of a ceremony held The meeting discussed recently to commemorate the new bilateral relations between branding of Qatar Post, its chief both countries and ways to of human resources and services boost and develop them, in Abdulla Shlash al-Hajri said Qatar addition to topics of com- Post is committed to delivering mon interest. the best services possible to customers across diff erent areas of the postal sector by making use of all digital platforms available at this juncture. Al-Hajri also observed SCO meets Qatari envoy that though technological applications and improvements Shanghai Co-operation were moving at a fast pace in Organisation (SCO) the postal sector, the company Secretary-General Rashid would still require the services of Alimov met with Qatar’s personnel at diff erent levels for ambassador to China, streamlining its operations. Sultan bin Salmeen The recruitment of personnel al-Mansouri, in Beijing over the last few months to take yesterday. The meeting care of the home delivery of discussed aspects of mails in diff erent areas of Doha enhancing co-operation and its immediate suburbs is one and issues of common example of recruiting people to concern. serve the postal sector, he said, adding that there are plans to add more personnel in the coming months. Gulf Times 4 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 QATAR

Renault Symbol recall

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in collaboration with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Qatar Girl Scouts at World Conference Co, has announced the recall of Renault Symbol model of 2015-2017 over a potential defect in the battery specifications. The MEC said the recall campaign comes within the framework of its ongoing eff orts to protect consumers and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repair them. The MEC said that it will co-ordinate with the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and repair works, and will communicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are carried out. The MEC has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department through the following channels: Call centre: 16001, e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, Instagram: MEC_ Qatar, MEC mobile app for Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar

Qatar Girl Scouts Association is participating in the 36th world assembly of the World Association of Girl Guides (WAGGGS,) which opened yesterday in the Indian city of New Delhi. The assembly has the attendance of 146 member associations and organisations under the slogan ‘For Her World’. To be held until Friday, the assembly is the main decision-making body of the WAGGGS and convenes every three years. The session discusses a number of issues and topics related to the work of the assembly and its strategic plan for the period 2018 to 2020, the development of educational programmes for women counsellors and other administrative and financial issues. EAA to tutor migrant workers

ducation Above All (EAA) gramme; as well as Doha Expressway, foundation, through its pro- a project of Ashghal; and the Light Egramme Reach Out To Asia Railway Transit System, a project of (Rota), has launched its Adult Eng- Qatari Diar VINCI Construction. Vol- lish Literacy (RAEL) Programme unteer Literacy Trainers will be drawn again this year. from the student bodies of these uni- Launched in 2009, the RAEL pro- versities as well as the organisations. gramme is aimed at all low-skilled To kick-off the RAEL initiative workers at partnering organisations this year, the local non-profi t hosted who have low levels of English lan- its fi rst ‘Training for Trainers’ work- guage and literacy, and are keen to shop recently, at the Qatar Founda- develop their skills in this area. The tion Recreation Centre. The RAEL initiative enables migrant workers Programme will take place over a to develop their ability to eff ectively 16-week period that is split into communicate at a basic level in Eng- two terms. The fi rst term began this EAA volunteers to teach migrant workers. lish in their daily activities. week and will last for eight consecu- Over the course of the coming two tive weeks, while the second term ity as well as demonstrate a com- velopment specialist, National Pro- years, Rota will collaborate with six will start in February 2018. mitment to social responsibility and grammes Department, Rota, said, partnering organisations; George- This year, over 60 volunteers from life-long learning. A key feature of “The RAEL training course is an es- town University School of Foreign partnering organisations and EAA’s the programme is that it off ers op- sential component of the Adult Eng- Service in Qatar; Carnegie Mellon Rota are entrusted with the task of portunities for young people in Qatar lish Literacy programme off ered to University in Qatar; Weill Cornell helping low-skilled workers im- to take part in experiential service- migrant workers in Qatar. It ensures Medicine in Qatar; Northwestern prove their English language skills. learning, thus developing their skills our volunteer tutors have a thorough University in Qatar; the Academic By teaching workers within their own and knowledge as RAEL Literacy understanding of the course material Bridge Programme; the HBKU Stu- organisations, the student volunteer Trainers and Champions. Rasmeya and are well prepared to eff ectively dent Housing English Language Pro- tutors will help improve productiv- Hassan al-Jamali, community de- facilitate the programme.”

Gulf Times 6 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 QATAR

Georgetown to host emergency and disaster management symposium

The Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies will host a symposium tomorrow under the theme of “Leadership and Resilience in Emergency HMC supports global Management”. The public event, from 11am to 1pm at Georgetown University in Minister al-Sada will be Qatar’s Education City campus, giving the keynote will celebrate the launch of the address. new regionally focused Executive Master’s in Emergency & Disaster Management degree. The keynote address at the symposium will be given by HE the drive on Alzheimer’s Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada. There will also be a panel discussion with industry experts eptember is World Alzhe- (WHO) Global Dementia Observ- chairperson of the Geriatrics and Reiterating that the focus of have multiple medical comorbid- including John Galt, the country manager for emergency and imer’s Month, an interna- atory (GDO) site. the Long Term Care Department this year’s theme is early diagno- ities; having a diagnosis early en- security at Qatar Shell; Dominic Genetti, the vice-president Stional campaign organised The GDO is a Web-based data at HMC, said: “During Septem- sis of dementia, she added: “At sures optimum care plans are put and joint interest manager at ExxonMobil Qatar; and Khalid to challenge the stigma that sur- and knowledge exchange plat- ber, we join the international our Memory Clinics at Rumailah in place for the management of al-Hashmi, the assistant undersecretary for cybersecurity at the rounds dementia and to raise form of key dementia informa- community in the global eff ort to Hospital, we regularly see patients their physical health conditions.” Ministry of Transportation and Communication. awareness about Alzheimer’s dis- tion. raise awareness about Alzheim- referred for evaluation because of She added: “This year, as part “This event marks a milestone for the new regionally focused ease, the Hamad Medical Corpo- Dementia is the general term er’s and dementia. memory problems, but a real con- of World Alzheimer’s Month, the Executive Master’s in Emergency & Disaster Management ration (HMC) said yesterday. used to describe a decline in men- “As our population increases cern is that often we see families Department of Geriatrics, in as- degree,” said Dr Kelly Otter, dean of the School of Continuing This year marks the 6th Global tal ability severe enough to inter- and we have older people living bringing their loved ones at a later sociation with the Qatar Founda- Studies. “We are looking forward to welcoming our first class of World Alzheimer’s Month and fere with daily life. longer, we have more incidences stage, once the symptoms have tion for Elderly Care, the Primary students, and to hearing industry experts share their insights.” the theme for 2017 is “Remember Alzheimer’s disease is the most of Alzheimer’s. progressed signifi cantly.” Healthcare Corporation, and the The unique one-year programme aims to educate the Me”, highlighting the importance common type of dementia and “Engaging with communities There is no single test to deter- World Innovation Summit for next generation of emergency and disaster management of early detection and diagnosis of specifi cally aff ects the parts of the is an important way to help peo- mine if someone has dementia, Health, has planned a series of professionals to help Qatar and the broader Middle East region dementia. brain that control thought, mem- ple understand the symptoms and and symptoms can vary greatly. education events to raise aware- meet the needs of their nations in the face of a diverse range of Qatar has been designated ory and language. what support and treatment op- Dr al-Hamad explained: “Eld- ness about the need for early de- natural and man-made events. as a World Health Organisation Dr Hanadi al-Hamad, the tions are available.” erly people with dementia often tection.”

Assistance funds were distributed as per the Shariah and legal rules approved by Zakat Fund. In August, total Zakat Fund aid was QR17.3mn

QNA Doha

he total aid provided by the Zakat Fund at the Min- istry of Endowments and Islamic Aff airs for needy Tfamilies in the country last month amounted to QR17.3mn, the fund said. The aid distributed to the cases registered with the fund included permanent and temporary assistance, and coin- cided with Eid al-Adha and the beginning of the academic year. The funds were distributed as per the Shariah and legal rules approved by Zakat Fund, which guarantees the deliv- ery of assistance to benefi ciaries in need. Zakat Fund added that these funds are provided after comprehensively researching each benefi ciary. The cases are then presented to specialist panels who meet almost daily to assess the cases.

WISE Prize for Education jury meets in Berlin

atar’s ambassador to Germany, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, hosted the WISE Prize for QEducation Jury for its fi nal deliberations meeting at the Arab Culture House, Villa Cale, in Berlin recently. The WISE Prize for Education Laureate will be publicly announced and introduced at the World Innovation Sum- mit for Education (WISE) 2017, which is taking place in Doha from November 14-16. The prize is the premier recognition of an individual or team for outstanding, life-long achievement in any fi eld of education. The laureate(s) will receive the specially-designed WISE Prize for Education gold medal, and an award of $500,000. The WISE Prize for Education jury deliberations in Ber- lin come within the context of the 2017 Germany-Qatar Year of Culture, which has featured a wide range of ex- change programmes focusing on arts, education, culture, and sports. The goal of the initiative has been to strengthen ties be- tween the two countries, providing opportunities for dis- cussions on issues of concern to both countries. Sheikh Saoud, the WISE Prize jury, members of the WISE team, and guests were also honoured at a high-level roundtable discussion on today’s global education chal- lenges at the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament. Jürgen Klimke, a member of the Bundestag representing Hamburg, hosted the gathering. At the Bundestag, Klimke welcomed the guests and spoke briefl y of his involvement in exchanges with the Mena region, particularly within the context of the 2017 Germany-Qatar Year of Culture. Sheikh Saoud also addressed the roundtable, welcom- ing the WISE Prize jury and noting the strong ties between Qatar and Germany as indicated by the several high-level visits and meaningful exchanges over recent years. Stavros N Yiannouka, the chief executive of WISE, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, outlined the work of WISE, in- cluding the WISE Prize for Education and other initiatives. The members of the 2017 WISE Prize for Education Jury are: Dr Jörg Dräger, member of the executive board of Bertelsmann Foundation (of Germany); Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, founder and chairper- son of Amwal (of Qatar); Dr Madhav Chavan, president of Pratham Education Foundation (of India); and Vicky Col- bert, founder and director of Fundación Escuela Nueva (of Colombia). Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 7 QATAR Astad takes step to boost Kuwait public sector ties

Astad accepts invitation to the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber ery of building and infrastruc- wards building partnerships in become platinum sponsor of Mubarak al-Hamad al-Sabah. ture projects in Qatar ahead of Kuwait began earlier this year Kuwait’s Encon1 The three-day event is being the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” he when we initiated a tender for held by the Federation Engineer- said. “We believe the experience, consultancy services on projects eading Qatar project and ing Offi ces, the Central Agency knowledge, and excellence that at the Kuwait International Air- asset management fi rm for Public Tenders, and the Gen- we have built in Qatar over the port along with The Associated LAstad marked a strategic eral Secretariat of the Supreme years will prove to be benefi cial Engineering Partnership Offi ce,” step towards co-operation with Council for Planning and Devel- to our clients in Kuwait and the he said. “We have also held sev- the Kuwait public sector by ac- opment in Kuwait. wider region.” eral meetings in Kuwait with cepting an offi cial invitation to be Astad chief executive Ali Assured that the forum will government offi cials with plans the platinum sponsor for Encon1, al-Khalifa delivered a keynote open new horizons for co-oper- to sign Memorandum of Under- a major consultancy event for speech at the opening ceremony, ation between Astad and Kuwait, standings to participate in the government projects. sharing updates on construc- al-Khalifa described the Encon1 successful completion of the Ku- The event was inaugurated tion in the region and discussing Forum as the perfect platform wait National Development Plan Astad chief executive Ali al-Khalifa (centre) at the opening session of Encon1 in Kuwait. on Sunday by Kuwait’s Minister Astad’s major contributions to- for Astad to open the door for ‘New Kuwait 2035’.” of State for Cabinet Aff airs and wards the Qatar National Vision potential Kuwaiti business rela- Astad is utilising the forum’s terparts to discuss potential Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, Lusail nology Park, Ministry of Educa- acting Minister of Information 2030. tionships as it expands into new exhibition to showcase their partnerships and collaborations. Sports Arena, Qatar Foundation tion and Higher Education, Doha Sheikh Mohamed Abdullah al- “It is Astad’s responsibility markets. portfolio of projects in a booth, The projects included the Na- Stadium, Qatar Faculty of Islam- Metro, and Education City build- Mubarak al-Sabah, representing to ensure the successful deliv- “Astad’s strategic steps to- inviting potential Kuwaiti coun- tional Museum of Qatar, Ali Bin ic Studies, Qatar Science & Tech- ings and infrastructure.

Tadmur Holding named off icial Sustainability Awards sponsor

The Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), a member of QEWC says land for solar Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has announced Tadmur Holding as the off icial sponsor of the Qatar Sustainability Awards 2017. Taking place during the Qatar Green Building Conference and power project is allocated Qatar Sustainability Week, the award winners will be announced Land allocated for the project “More than 92% of Umm Al Houl important and urgent materials. “Some suppliers do not know the lo- the cost of insurance on infl ammable at the Qatar Sustainability Awards is in Al Kharsaah, located in the project, which is due to be ready in “Qatar Post will greatly assist QEWC cations or the names of companies and materials,” al-Mohannadi said. Gala Dinner on October 29. municipality of Al Sheehaniya 2018, is complete,” he said. in express delivery of materials as pur- they insist on delivering to a specifi c lo- “The new system might eventually Tadmur Holding is a leading “The project will produce 2,500MW chases are now done online but the de- cation where companies can then go to cancel the storage system completely contributor to the development and has been allocated for a electricity, 130mn gallons of water and livery requires a regulatory role, which collect their shipments,” he explained. and introduce an electronic system that of infrastructure and 500MW to 1,000MW solar pow- provide 25% of the country’s needs in Qatar Post will assume,” he stressed. “Qatar Post will fi nd a mechanism for provides materials through global sup- construction in Qatar. Ler project in Al Kharsaah, about this sector, making it one of the biggest Al-Mohannadi highlighted the im- electronic communication that helps in pliers, making the global market act Chief executive Dafer Hallawa 80km west of Doha, a top offi cial of projects in the region with a total cost portance of Qatar Post, explaining that following up on the locations to which as warehouses,” he added, noting that explained that through its Qatar Electricity and Water Company of nearly $3bn,” the offi cial added. QEWC has six companies operating in the materials are delivered.” Qatar Post will play a major role in this contracting company, Tadmur (QEWC) announced yesterday. Al-Mohannadi also touched on the Ras Laff an, Mesaieed, Umm Al Houl, “These steps will help in reducing the process. Holding has achieved great leaps “The project cost will be near- Facility E project, also known as Ras Ras Abu Funtas, and Dukhan, and they need for storage that cost companies Al-Nuaimi said that Qatar Post will in distinguishing itself locally ly $500mn in the fi rst phase when Rakan, which QEWC has announced need materials delivered to their loca- money and might lead to the expiry of provide shipping and supply services for for completed and ongoing 500MW is generated by mid-2020,” will provide 2,000MW to 2,500MW tions. some materials. It will also drive down QEWC in order to drive down the costs. construction projects. QEWC general manager and managing electricity and 100mn gallons water. Nominations are still open for the director Fahad Hamad al-Mohannadi At a cost of $3bn, the megaproject Qatar Sustainability Awards 2017: explained, Qatar News Agency (QNA) will cost nearly the same as the Umm the deadline is September 30. reported. Al Houl project. The awards are open to “Investor companies will be named “The State of Qatar is not reliant on government, corporate entities, soon, with global fi rms taking part as anyone in terms of electricity produc- and non-profit organisations, with well so as to support the diversifi cation tion, the fuel required for it, and the a diverse range of categories of Qatar’s economy,” the offi cial said. chemicals that the electricity and wa- including green buildings, green Al Kharsaah is located in the munici- ter production sector needs,” al-Mo- hospitality, and sustainability pality of Al Sheehaniya. hannadi stressed. initiatives. Al-Mohannadi was speaking at a After signing the contract agreement A shortlist of the candidates will press conference yesterday in connec- along with Qatar Post chairman and be announced on October 15 tion with the signing of a VIP and in- managing director Faleh Mohamed al- following an expert jury review of ternational express post services con- Nuaimi, the QEWC offi cial described the nominations. tract between QEWC and Qatar Post. the partnership is related to supplying Most Qataris expect business conditions to improve: survey

ore than three-quarters of A total of 51% of respondents said (54%) of respondents believe that it Qatari respondents in a latest they are satisfi ed with this aspect, will get better, 27% said that it will Msurvey expect business con- while 23% were neutral. remain the same, and only 8% said ditions in Qatar to improve. In terms of work-life balance, 54% it could get worse over the next six The Middle East Job Seeker Confi - of Qatari respondents said they were months. dence Survey was carried out by lead- satisfi ed, while 22% were neutral. Lastly, when asked about future ing job site Bayt.com and global mar- Looking at future career growth op- work-life balance, 48% of Qatari re- ket research company, YouGov. portunities, 63% of Qatari respond- spondents said they expect it to get Concentrating on the current avail- ents believe that career growth oppor- better, 33% expect it to remain the ability of jobs, more than half (54%) of tunities will get better over the next six same, and only 8% said it could get Qatari respondents believe that there months, 23% said they will remain the worse over the next six months. are currently “plenty of jobs available”. same, while only 3% said they could As many as 55% of Qatari respond- Further, one in two respondents in get worse. ents believe that their or their family’s Qatar (50%) are either “somewhat” or This positive outlook by respond- fi nancial position will “improve” in “very hopeful” that they will fi nd their ents was also refl ected on their expec- the next six months. ideal job in the next six months. tations for compensation in the next While 22% of respondents expect With regards to job satisfaction lev- six months, with 47% believing that their fi nancial conditions to “remain els, 61% of Qatari respondents are sat- it will get better, 41% expecting their the same as it is now”, only 9% said it isfi ed with their career growth oppor- compensation to remain the same, and could become worse. tunities, while 21% are neutral. only 6% saying it could get worse. Nearly two-thirds of respondents Over half (52%) of respondents in For non-monetary benefi ts, 53% of (65%) are highly optimistic that the Qatar are satisfi ed with the level of job Qatari respondents believe these will economy of Qatar will improve over security that they have in their current get better, 33% believe they will re- the next six months, while only 10% organisation and 18% are neutral. main the same, and only 7% said they said that it could recede. A similar pattern was seen when it could get worse. Further, over three-quarters (76%) came to training and professional de- With regards to training and pro- of Qatari respondents expect business velopment. fessional development more than half conditions in Qatar to improve.

QU discussion on ‘The Gulf and Africa’

QNA relations between these countries and the 10 fastest-growing countries in Doha the region. the world, among which six countries He also addressed the democratic, were African with Angola on top. economic and social development of Bhorat also stressed the impor- atar University (QU) held a the African continent since the 1980s tance of manufacturing and low-wage roundtable discussion on until the 21st century. manufacturing to ensure sustainable Q“The Gulf and Africa” aimed Gordhan highlighted the impact of growth in Africa, and the necessity to provide an overview on the growth globalisation on the continent in gen- of building economic complexity and prospects in Africa and to address the eral and the middle and working class- capabilities to pursue economic devel- Africa-Gulf relations. es in particular. opment. Attendees included QU offi cials, University of Cape Town professor He added: “Africa is witnessing a faculty, and students. of economics Dr Haroon Bhorat ad- massive development in investment Former South African fi nance min- dressed the recent growth record in such as the rail, ports, telecommuni- ister Pravin Gordhan pointed to the Africa since the “lost decades” (1980s cations, and roads. great role played by Qatar at the in- and 1990s) until the 2000s when the “However, the continent is still lag- ternational level and its distinguished situation changed. ging behind the rest of the world, and relations with African countries, and He referred to the a Economist arti- these investments are subject to nu- the possibility of its involvement in the cle on the “fastest growing economies merous border disputes requiring re- development of economic and trade in the world: 2001-2010” that listed gional co-operation.” Gulf Times 8 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD

DIALOGUE Tunisia offers to mediate QU Health in pact with Al Ahli Hospital in Libya crisis Libyan military strongman Khalifa atar University (QU) areas of mutual interest to gen- Our collaboration with Al Ahli Haftar visited neighbouring Tunisia Health and Al Ahli erate new scientifi c and practical Hospital will enrich the academ- yesterday for talks with President QHospital have signed a results which are applicable to ic and research experience of our Beji Caid Essebsi, who off ered to act memorandum of understanding Qatar. medical and health students to as a mediator between rival Libyan (MoU) to collaborate in the fi eld Both institutions will also co- build their capacity and prepare factions. Libya, which plunged into of education, research and clini- operate to provide students with them for leadership roles within chaos after the ouster and killing cal training. clinical training, based on the ar- the health care sector. It also of dictator Muammar Gaddafi in The MoU was signed by QU eas relevant to Al Ahli Hospital’s highlights QU Health’s vision 2011, has two rival governments vice president, Medical and scope of service. to become a catalyst for inno- and parliaments, as well as several Health Sciences and College of Other areas of collabora- vation at the national level and militia groups battling to control its Medicine (CMED) dean Dr Egon tion include the exchange of to be recognised regionally for oil wealth. “The stability of Libya is a Toft and Al Ahli Hospital deputy information related to teaching excellence in inter-professional necessary condition for the stability CEO and director, Projects & and research in fi elds of mu- health education and interdisci- of Tunisia,” Essebsi said, calling on MediCare, Jamal Saleh Hammad tual interest; the exchange of plinary health research.” Libyans to “overcome their diff er- in the presence of offi cials from publications, reports, or aca- Hammad stressed on Al Ahli ences” and “to work to build a state”. QU and Al Ahli Hospital, as well demic material; as well as the Hospital’s role in the private sec- In a statement, he said Tunisia did not as QU Health faculty and staff . cross-appointments for faculty tor to integrate with other pub- want to “interfere in Libya’s internal af- As per the MoU, QU Health members working at QU and in lic institutions in health care, fairs” but rather to “facilitate dialogue and Al Ahli Hospital will off er clinical settings. teaching and education for the between the diff erent components of and participate in Continuing Dr Toft said, “This MoU will benefi t of citizens and expats in the Libyan people”. Libya’s Govern- Medical Education and Contin- jointly benefi t QU and Al Ahli terms of quality service. He also ment of National Unity, based in the uous Professional Development Hospital in their respective roles noted that Al Ahli Hospital con- capital Tripoli, is backed by the United activities; and promote and per- as key partners in contributing siders this as part of its corporate Nations but has struggled to assert form joint research projects in to the National Health Strategy. social responsibility. Dr Egon Toft and Jamal Saleh Hammad shake hands as they exchange the MoU. its influence across the country. Reo store opens at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Khor Botox injections in stomach ineff ective against obesity: study

otox injections to the stomach to treat obesity does not lead to long-term Bweight loss, a study by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has found. After a comprehensive review of all pub- lished papers on the subject, the WCM-Q and HMC researchers also found botox injections to the stomach can also cause harmful side-eff ects, such as pain and swelling in the area of the injection, nausea and indigestion. The quality of the studies examining the role of stomach botox in weight loss was generally poor, the WCM-Q and HMC re- searchers found. Some studies reviewed by the researchers reported that obese patients who had stomach botox injections had lost weight after one month, and patients re- ported feeling full earlier after eating less LuLu Group has recently launched its newest and specialised fashion store concept, ‘Reo’ at food than previously. LuLu Hypermarket in Al Khor. LuLu Group director Mohamed Althaf led the ribbon-cutting But in most studies, after three to six ceremony at the inauguration of the new fashion store, which was attended by the ‘Reo’ team months, patients had either regained the and senior officials of the company. In a statement, he said ‘Reo’ is a 100% “private label weight they had lost, weighed more than development with an aggressive expansion plan in the years to come.” Althaf said ‘Reo’ is a they did before the procedure, or had mini- speciality apparel and accessories retailer for men, women and children, “targeting the youthful mal total body weight loss. Other studies and trendy customers, with special focus on middle-income customers and families across the examined by the team found little diff erence Middle East.” in appetite, weight loss and feelings of full- The research team members. ness between subjects who had botox injec- tions with those who had saline injections. Q medical student and volunteer Research to the stomach for treatment of obesity. It The only trial that demonstrated signifi - Assistant in the college’s Clinical Research does not appear to lead to long-term weight cant total body weight loss placed all par- Core, is the lead researcher on the review. loss.” Dr Khalid al-Ejji of the Department of ticipants on a very low calorie liquid diet for She said, “We examined a large number Gastroenterology at HMC and Dr Shahrad eight weeks. Furthermore, the eff ect of the of research studies, both clinical trials and Taheri, professor of medicine and assistant Qatar ‘consolidating dialogue’ botox injections wears off after three to six case-based studies, and found no compel- dean for Clinical Investigations at WCM-Q, between West and Islamic world months. Hadya Elshakh, a fi nal-year WCM- ling evidence for the use of botox injections also contributed to the study.

atar is consolidating rejects all forms of fanaticism dialogue between the and extremism and mentioned France leads global push to save Iran deal QWest and Islamic world that Islam and terrorism should through events like the annual not be associated with one an- US-World Islamic Forum, Doha- other,” Nabi explained. AFP “worst deal ever” — as early as But Washington argues that and — as world leaders gathered based social activist Mohamed Haqeeqat, which aims to en- United Nations next month. by pursuing a banned mis- yesterday in New York for the Habibun Nabi told Qatar Urdu gage and interact with the large And if the White House “de- sile programme and fomenting UN General Assembly — France Radio’s live radio show Haqeeqat South Asian expatriate com- certifi es” Iran’s compliance, militant violence in its region, spoke out. yesterday. munity in Qatar, is a joint ven- rance stepped up global ef- this would open the way to the Iran is in breach of the spirit of Foreign Minister Jean-Yves He discussed some of the ture of Gulf Times and Qatar forts to convince US Presi- US Congress reimposing sanc- a weak deal. Le Drian warned that scrapping topics included in the address Media Corporation Urdu Radio. Fdent Donald Trump not tions and perhaps provoke Iran Not all US offi cials share the “essential” agreement would of HE the Foreign Minister It is broadcast from Sunday to to abandon the Iran nuclear deal to itself pull out. Trump’s total antipathy to the launch a regional arms race be- Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- Thursday on FM107. yesterday, suggesting a way could The other world powers — pact, but they want stronger tween “neighbouring countries.” rahman al-Thani at the 13th Log on to Qatar Urdu Radio be found to prolong its eff ects. France, Britain, Germany, Chi- controls on Iran’s ability to But he also said: “France edition of the US-World Islam- on Facebook and ‘@QatarUr- Trump has signalled he is na and Russia — who signed the resume weapons development will try to persuade President ic Forum, held in New York. duRadio’ on Twitter for feed- ready to declare Iran in breach accord continue to see it as the when it begins to expire. Trump of the importance of this “HE the Foreign Minister back and comments about the of its side of the 2015 accord best way to prevent Iran from America’s European allies choice, even if it can be com- Mohamed Habibun Nabi categorically said that Qatar show. — which he has branded the building a bomb. are desperate to save the deal pleted by work for after 2025.” Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 9 REGION/ARAB WORLD

Palestinian PM plans Supreme Court steps in Gaza visit after Hamas to block Iraq Kurd vote initiative AFP that we do not support the Government’s (KRG) long- AFP Baghdad Kurdish referendum,” he said at standing disputes with the fed- Ramallah a press conference in Baghdad. eral authorities in Baghdad over “We are committed to the in- territory and oil exports. raq’s Supreme Court yester- tegrity of Iraq. We are working The KRG has already expand- alestinian Prime Minister day ordered the suspension with the UN on alternatives to ed the territory it eff ectively Rami Hamdallah is poised Iof a September 25 referen- this referendum,” he said before controls and its peshmerga se- Pto visit Gaza for talks, a dum on the independence of leaving for the northern city. curity forces have seized areas senior offi cial said yesterday, af- Iraqi Kurdistan, as legal and po- The United States and other outside its borders from IS. ter Hamas agreed steps towards litical pressure mounted on the Western nations are backing a Oil-rich Kirkuk province, resolving a decade-long split Kurds to call off the vote. UN-supported “alternative” disputed by Baghdad and Ar- with West Bank-based Fatah. With just a week left before plan for immediate negotiations bil, has voted to take part in the Hamas announced Sunday it polling, the court said it “has on future relations in exchange referendum in defi ance of the had agreed to demands by Presi- issued the order to suspend or- for dropping the referendum. federal authorities. The gov- dent Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah ganising the referendum set for Washington argues that the ernment responded by sacking party to dissolve what is seen as September 25...until it exam- vote will weaken joint military Kirkuk’s Kurdish governor, who a rival administration in Gaza, ines the complaints it has re- operations that have helped to has refused to leave his post. while saying it was ready for ceived over this plebiscite being send Islamic State militants into Rumours are rife that rival elections and negotiations to- unconstitutional”. retreat in both Iraq and war- communities are stockpiling wards forming a unity govern- Court spokesman Ayas al- torn Syria. arms. Turkey, concerned that ment. Samouk said it had “received Israel is alone in openly sup- the referendum might stir sepa- Hamdallah plans to travel to several complaints”, as a par- porting Kurdish independence. ratist dreams among its own Gaza City to meet Hamas of- liamentary source said at least Barzani has said a “yes” vote Kurds, has threatened Arbil fi cials and assert the govern- eight lawmakers had called on would not trigger an immediate with “a price” to pay if the vote ment’s control over ministries, the court to intervene on con- declaration of independence, goes ahead. Nabil Shaath, a senior adviser stitutional grounds. but rather kick-start “serious Turkey launched a military to Abbas, told journalists in the Prime Minister Haider al- discussions” with Baghdad. drill featuring tanks close to the West Bank city of Ramallah, as a Abadi’s offi ce said it had also He has mustered huge popu- Iraqi border yesterday, its army fi rst step towards implementing fi led a complaint against the lar support for the vote, with said. a larger agreement. referendum in the oil-rich au- the streets of Arbil festooned The KRG’s economy is heav- “We await the fi rst steps on the tonomous Kurdish region of with red, white and green Kurd- ily dependent on oil exports via ground. We want to see Hamdal- northern Iraq on constitutional ish fl ags and large crowds hold- a pipeline running through Tur- lah received by Hamas, the door grounds. ing nightly rallies. key to the Mediterranean. to all the ministries open,” he There was no immediate re- Kurdish vendors wait for customers at a market in the city of Kirkuk yesterday. The Kurds — more than 25mn Iran, with a sizeable Kurd- said. “That really could happen action from Iraqi Kurdish leader people spread across Iraq, Tur- ish minority of its own, warned in the next 24 hours.” Masoud Barzani, who called the United States and its Western dad, while Abadi has left for to persuade Barzani at a meet- key, Iran and Syria — have long Sunday that Iraqi Kurdish inde- referendum and has so far re- allies, all of which oppose the New York to attend the UN ing later in the Kurdish capital sought a state of their own. pendence would mean an end to The head of the Arab sisted pressure from Baghdad poll. General Assembly. of Arbil. According to analysts, Bar- all border and security arrange- League hailed the steps and Iraq’s neighbours Turkey A Kurdish delegation is ex- Britain’s Defence Secretary “I will be this afternoon in zani is using the referendum as ments with the KRG. taken by Hamas and called and Iran, as well as from the pected today for talks in Bagh- Michael Fallon said he would try Arbil to tell Masoud Barzani leverage in his Kurdish Regional for full reconciliation

Abbas’ internationally recog- nised Palestinian Authority (PA) Four injured aft er is located in the West Bank, but motorbike it has had no control in Gaza for a explodes in Qamishli Syria troops closer to besieging IS after crossing river decade — after the Hamas seized the territory in 2007. A booby-trapped motorbike ex- Hamdallah has not visited the ploded in the northeastern Syr- AFP aviation, crossed the Euphrates nel Ryan Dillon declined to territory since 2015, and a previ- ian city of Qamishli yesterday, Moscow River in the Deir Ezzor region,” say whether the Syrian army ous attempt at a unity govern- wounding at least four people, a ministry statement said. crossing the river violated the ment fell apart that year. Syrian state television reported. It said “shock troops” had de-confl iction line. The head of the Arab League The Syrian Observatory for yrian government troops already captured several vil- “The closer together the yesterday hailed the steps taken Human Rights also said a came closer yesterday lages on the river’s eastern Syrian army and the SDF get, by Hamas and called for full rec- motorbike had exploded but Sto encircling the Islam- bank from IS and were pushing the more awareness is going to onciliation. did not immediately report any ic State group in a pocket of further east. be required,” Dillon said. Ahmed Aboul Gheit “wel- casualties. Qamishli is in an area Deir Ezzor city after crossing The Britain-based Syrian The arrangement was tested comes the important positive mostly under the control of the adjacent Euphrates River, Observatory for Human Rights on Saturday after the US-led developments” regarding “end- Kurdish security forces. Moscow and a monitoring said that Syrian commandos coalition and the SDF accused ing the division” between the Bomb blasts, often claimed by group said. and reconnaissance units had Russian warplanes of bomb- Palestinian factions, the Cairo- Islamic State, have occurred Russian-backed Syrian crossed the river using a fl oat- ing SDF fi ghters east of the based organisation’s spokesman in parts of Kurdish-controlled forces are trying to tighten the ing bridge. Euphrates, a claim Moscow Mahmoud Afi fi said in a state- northeastern Syria but have noose on militants still inside “This paves the way for denied. ment. In a statement, Hamas been rare in the last year. The the city on the river’s western completely besieging the city,” General Joe Dunford, chair- called on Abbas to “take urgent Kurdish YPG militia is spear- bank. said Observatory head Rami man of the US Joint Chiefs steps to cancel all his punitive heading a US-backed offensive The army has sealed off the Abdel Rahman. of Staff , said he spoke to his decisions and measures against to drive Islamic State out of city on three sides, but IS still The Euphrates slices diago- Russian counterpart General our people.” the militant group’s remaining controls eastern districts along nally across Deir Ezzor prov- Syrian pupils sit at their desks during class in a school in the Valery Gerasimov on Sunday. Shaath said Abbas wanted to strongholds in eastern Syria, in- the river, which both militants ince, an oil-rich eastern region rebel-held Eastern Ghouta town of Douma yesterday. “We have been engaged at reverse the punitive measures, cluding its former de facto Syr- and civilians had used as an es- bordering Iraq. every level to re-establish de- but he did not give a timetable. ian capital Raqqa. Islamic State cape route. Until yesterday, Syrian than 500 square kilometres in ment and Russia have agreed confl iction at the Euphrates “When the president sup- also reported the bombing via Yesterday, elite Syrian troops had been fi ghting only northeastern parts of the prov- on a “de-confl iction line” in river,” he said. ported these economic measures its online Amaq news agency, troops crossed the river, Rus- west of the Euphrates, while ince, according to the US-led northeast Syria. Russian jets were pursuing (against Gaza) he said they will saying it had targeted a vehicle sia’s defence ministry said. the US-backed Syrian Demo- coalition which is providing air That line runs from the IS fi ghters who had fl ed across stop immediately once the self- belonging to Kurdish security “Today, Syrian government cratic Forces waged a rival of- cover. neighbouring province of the Euphrates when their jets rule governance of Hamas ends forces. It did not explicitly claim forces, reinforced by a unit of fensive against IS east of the To prevent the two opera- Raqqa southeast along the struck close enough to injure and the consensus government the attack. the 4th Armoured Division and river. tions from clashing, the coali- Euphrates to Deir Ezzor. nearby SDF troops, according takes place. He didn’t put any with the support of Russian The SDF has captured more tion, the SDF, Syria’s govern- Coalition spokesman Colo- to Dunford. other conditions whatsoever.”

CONFLICT War crimes investigator blasts impunity in farewell speech WHO plans global war Outgoing Syria war crimes investigator Carla Del Ponte said yesterday she had quit her post out of frustration over “total impunity”, in a fiery farewell speech. Del Ponte, an accomplished on cholera as Yemen war crimes prosecutor, announced last month that she was leaving the Commission of Inquiry (COI) for Syria, a UN-backed panel that has collected evidence of alleged atrocities committed in the country since the outbreak of civil war in 2011. “I resign to caseload nears 700,000 put an end to my frustration,” Del Ponte told the Human Rights Council, after the COI presented its latest report. “Seven years of crimes in Syria and total impunity. That is not acceptable”. Del Reuters there were 40,000 suspected cases, the most Ponte, a Swiss national, worked on the international tribunals that Geneva for seven weeks. prosecuted war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide Legros said it was impossible to predict in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. She said that when she how any outbreak would evolve, but Yemen’s joined the COI she did not anticipate the international communi- he World Health Organisation will was likely to continue for a long time. ty would fail to set up a court capable of trying crimes committed next month launch a strategy to stop The low death rate suggested the outbreak in Syria. Tcholera transmission by 2030, it said was not severe, although there may be many yesterday, as an unprecedented outbreak in uncounted deaths in the community. Yemen raced towards 700,000 suspected The number of suspected cases in Yemen cases with little sign of slowing down. cannot be checked accurately, and many may The WHO is also trying to keep the lid on be acute watery diarrhoea, which has similar a fl are-up in Nigeria while tackling many symptoms and treatment but is not caused entrenched outbreaks in Africa and an epi- by the cholera bacterium, which is spread by demic in Haiti, where almost 10,000 people contaminated food and water. have died since 2010. The WHO estimates there are 2.9mn cases “Once it’s out of the box, once it has and 95,000 deaths globally each year, far spread, it’s very, very diffi cult to contain and more than offi cially reported. we have a huge number of cases and deaths,” Equipped with a vaccine stockpile that it said Dominique Legros, the cholera focal created in 2013, it plans to launch a global point at WHO’s department for pandemic strategy on Oct 4. and epidemic diseases. “The objective of the new strategy is “It spreads like a forest fi re.” to stop transmission by 2030,” Legros Epidemics often arise in war zones. The said.”Overall, we expect reduction of mor- WHO is sending an expert to Bangladesh to tality by 90% by 2030.” assess the risk for Rohingya Muslims fl eeing The strategy will aim to use the vaccine to from violence in Myanmar. contain outbreaks as fast as possible, while “The risk is probably relatively high,” addressing deeper problems. Legros said. In Africa, growing urbanisation, climate In Yemen, the most explosive outbreak on change, confl ict, displacement camps — as record has caused 686,783 suspected cases well as sanitation investment that is a third and 2,090 deaths since late April. of what it should be — mean there is no rea- The number of deaths has slowed but the son to expect any improvement without de- spread of disease has not: in the past week liberate action, he said. Gulf Times 10 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 AFRICA

Highway collision in Kampala Suicide bombers kill 15 in Nigerian village

AFP a camp for displaced persons in which has left at least 20,000 insurgency campaign over the Kano, Nigeria Konduga. A rescue worker said people dead and displaced last two years. the fi rst blast on Monday hap- more than 2.6mn since 2009. But continued attacks, par- pened at 11:10am in the village The violence has devastated ticularly in hard-to-reach rural t least 15 people were of Mashalari. “(It) killed 15 peo- farming, leading to chronic areas of Borno, suggest claims killed yesterday when ple and left 43 others injured,” food shortages and leaving of outright victory are prema- Asuicide bombers at- he told AFP. “It happened dur- hundreds of thousands of ture. This month, militants tacked an aid distribution point ing aid distribution by an NGO, people on the brink of star- fi red a rocket-propelled gre- in northeast Nigeria, in the lat- when people had gathered to vation and dependent on aid nade into a camp for the inter- est suspected strike by Boko receive donations,” he said, agencies for help. nally displaced near the border Haram insurgents against ci- speaking on condition of ano- Babakura Kolo, from the Ci- with Cameroon, killing seven. vilians. The blasts occurred in nymity. vilian Joint Task Force, a mili- Amnesty International says the Konduga area, about 40km “Twelve minutes later, an- tia assisting the military with Boko Haram attacks since April from the Borno state capital, other bomber struck, but luck- security against Boko Haram, have killed nearly 400 people in Maiduguri, both of which have ily only she died.” confi rmed the rescue worker’s Nigeria and Cameroon – dou- Police off icers work on the site of a accident between a truck and a bus on a highway in Kampala been repeatedly targeted by the The rescue worker said both account. ble the fi gure of the previous yesterday. As many as 14 people were killed, and 17 injured, when a truck ploughed into a bus terrorist group. bombers were women but did “We have dispatched out fi ve months. carrying a group returning from a wedding on Uganda’s deadliest road, police said yesterday. On August 16, at least 28 not specify which NGO was team to the scene,” he said. The UN children’s fund said According to statistics provided by the police, 200 people died in road accidents in the first eight people were killed and more distributing aid. Northeast Nigeria’s military and gov- last month that 83 children had months of 2016, on this notorious highway, Kampala-Masaka road, a gateway to Tanzania, Burundi, than 80 injured when three Nigeria is in the grip of a hu- ernment maintains that Boko been used as suicide bombers DR Congo and Rwanda. female suicide bombers deto- manitarian crisis caused by Haram is a spent force as a this year, four times as many as nated their explosives outside the Boko Haram insurgency, result of a sustained counter- in all of 2016.

Malawi ministers to testify Chibok mediator wins UN prize for education in maize corruption trial Three Malawian ministers will of foreign currency without testify in court against a former lawful justification. He pleaded Abuja am fi ghters to learn alongside the only school in Borno state in displacement,” Grandi said in a cabinet colleague charged not guilty to both charges and Thomson Reuters Foundation those orphaned by the group’s northeast Nigeria to remain open statement. with abuse of off ice over a was released on bail pending eight-year insurgency. when Boko Haram in 2009 began “It empowers young peo- maize procurement contract, trial, for which no date has The Nansen Refugee Award, their brutal campaign to carve ple, equips them with skills court documents showed. yet been set. Malawi was Nigerian lawyer who which is bestowed by the UN out a state. The militants have and works to counter exploita- President Peter Mutharika importing maize to ease food helped to secure the re- refugee agency (UNHCR), has killed hundreds of teachers and tion and recruitment by armed launched an investigation in shortages triggered by a severe Alease of dozens of the been won in the past by Eleanor forced more than 1,000 schools groups,” added Grandi, who will January into the government drought that swept the region Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Roosevelt and Luciano Pavar- to shut, leaving tens of thousands present the award in Geneva ear- order for 100,000 tonnes of in 2016. According to court Boko Haram in 2014 was yester- otti, and the winner receives of children without an education, ly next month. Mustapha’s work Zambian white maize, after an documents seen by Reuters, day announced the winner of a $150,000 to fund a project com- Zannah Mustapha aid agencies say. also includes helping to negoti- opposition leader there said he Finance Minister Goodall UN prize for providing an edu- plementing their existing work. UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi ate the release of more than 100 had seen documents showing Gondwe, Information Nicoluas cation to children uprooted by “I am exceedingly happy and started in my school have gradu- hailed Mustapha for helping to of the 220-odd girls snatched Malawi had been charged $345 Dausi and Trade and Industry violence in northeast Nigeria. motivated to do more ... I will ated, and they are now going into foster peace and rebuild com- from their school in Chibok in per tonne instead of the $215 Minister Henry Mussa will be Zannah Mustapha is the scale up my eff orts,” Mustapha university — I can use this mon- munities devastated by vio- April 2014 in the biggest pub- the consignment was worth. called to give evidence against founder of two schools which told the Thomson Reuters Foun- ey to help them complete the cy- lence. “Education is one of the licity coup of Boko Haram’s in- Then agriculture minister Chaponda. The three ministers, off er free education, meals and dation by phone from Maidugu- cle,” Mustapha added. most powerful tools for helping surgency that prompted global George Chaponda was arrested who declined to comment, are healthcare to its pupils, and even ri, the capital of Borno state. His fi rst venture, Future Prow- refugee children overcome the outrage and the international in July, sacked and charged with expected to testify late this enrol children born to Boko Har- “Some of the students that ess, opened a decade ago and was horrors of violence and forced campaign #bringbackourgirls. abuse of off ice and possession month, local newspapers said. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 11 AMERICAS

Theresa May in Ottawa

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May inspects the honour guard with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a welcoming ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, yesterday. Right: Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May at Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

US may close Cuba Costly UN not delivering embassy after ‘health attacks’ on diplomats

AFP covertly undermine the health New York of staff members at the mis- good enough, says Trump sion, who began reporting sick last year. The American DPA “we are not seeing results in line Among the signatories are he United States may Foreign Service Association -- New York with this investment,” Trump Canada, Germany, Indonesia, again close its em- the labour union representing said. Japan, Jordan, Niger, Rwanda, Tbassy in Cuba, which US diplomats -- spoke to 10 He praised Guterres for Senegal, Slovakia, Thailand, reopened two years ago af- of those who received treat- he United Nations is not “changing business as usual and Britain and Uruguay. ter a half-century stand-off , ment and said their diagnoses delivering good enough not being beholden to the ways But Russia’s UN ambassador following a series of mystery included mild traumatic brain Tresults despite the extra of the past which were not work- Vassily Nebenzya rejected the “health attacks” on its diplo- injury and permanent hearing money that has been put into ing.” declaration, in comments car- mats, Secretary of State Rex loss. it in recent years, US Presi- Guterres agreed that bureauc- ried by state news agency TASS. Tillerson said. At least fi ve Canadian dip- dent Donald Trump said yes- racy was undermining the UN’s “We all support increasing the At least 21 members of the lomats and their families terday in his fi rst address at the work and said “endless red tape” UN’s role in the international US mission in Havana and a were also aff ected by “sonic UN General Assembly. Trump keeps him up at night. arena,” but the organization smaller number of Canadi- attacks,” though none suf- chose UN reform as the theme The US is the biggest con- does not need dramatic reforms, ans have suff ered brain inju- fered permanent injury, pub- of a US-hosted event that takes tributor to the organisation, and Nebenzya said. ries and hearing loss in what lic broadcaster CBC reported place every year before a week pays 25% of the general budget Guterres, who took over from have been reported as “acous- Friday. Canada has said Cuban of speeches from world leaders, and 28% towards peacekeeping Ban Ki-moon as head of the UN tic attacks”, although US offi - offi cials are not suspected. which will begin tomorrow. funds. In Trump’s budget pro- in January, campaigned for the cials say their origin remains The Cuban foreign ministry He was joined by his UN am- posal earlier this year, he threat- role on a platform of reforming unclear. has said it is cooperating with bassador Nikki Haley and Sec- ened to slash roughly $1bn from the organisation. The incidents began last the US investigation into the retary General Antonio Guterres President Donald Trump the peacekeeping fund, which Vice President Mike Pence year, and the latest was re- “alleged incidents.” as they announced 128 nations Guterres said would make the and Secretary of State Rex Till- corded in August, despite On Thursday, State Depart- had signed on to a communique right across the street,” Trump but must regain the trust of peo- UN’s work impossible. The US erson are also joining Trump US authorities having com- ment spokeswoman Heather urging Guterres to plough ahead opened, crediting the organisa- ple around the world, Trump received so much support for for the General Assembly at the plained to Cuban offi cials in Nauert confi rmed the number with plans for reform. Trump is tion’s Midtown headquarters for said. “In recent years the UN their declaration that they had to UN’s New York headquarters. February and having expelled of Americans hurt had risen to “no stranger to change” and has the success of his business oper- has not reached its full potential switch to a bigger meeting room, The US president has previously two Cuban diplomats from 21. a “businessman’s eye for seeing ations at Trump World Tower on because of bureaucracy and mis- Haley said – but said she would accused the UN of being a “club Washington in May. Some of “We hope that that number potential,” Haley said as she in- United Nations Plaza, minutes management.” not be satisfi ed until all 193 for people to get together, talk those hurt were evacuated to will not increase. We certainly troduced the US president. away from the UN. The UN was There has been an increase in member states of the UN were and have a good time” and said Florida and some treated in can’t count that out. We are “I actually saw great potential founded with “truly noble goals” the costs of the organisation and on board. spending is “out of control.” place. having our people medically The mission remains open, tested,” she told reporters. and US offi cials have warned “Our folks are able to leave that Cuba is responsible for Havana, leave Cuba, and re- the safety of diplomats on its turn back home if they wish Six Dreamers sue Trump administration over DACA decision soil, without accusing them to do so — I think we call it directly. compassionate curtailment or San Diego attorney Dulce Garcia recipients, known as Dreamers, said it is ending DACA because Garcia arrived in Southern “I cried right there,” she said. With the injury toll con- something like that — where has regularly defended clients in since US Attorney General Jeff Obama overstepped his California from Mexico at the The case on behalf of Garcia and tinuing to rise, and no expla- they’re able to switch out a immigration court. Now, she is Sessions announced earlier constitutional authority when age of 4. A few years later, she other DACA recipients could nation for what Washington job,” she said. the one seeking legal relief. this month that the Obama-era he bypassed Congress and said, her family was ousted from be heard with two separately has called an “unprecedented “The investigation into all Brought to the United States policy would start winding down created the DACA programme their apartment because the filed San Francisco DACA cases, incident,” some US lawmak- of this is still underway. It is an illegally by her parents as in March 2018, according to unilaterally. President Donald property contained illegal units. one brought by the University ers have called for the em- aggressive investigation... and a child, Garcia is one of six Garcia’s lawyers. Trump called on Congress to “We were living out of my dad’s of California and the other by a bassy to be closed down once we will continue doing this immigrants who sued the Trump It is among several lawsuits enact a law to protect DACA truck for a little bit there,” she said. group of state attorneys general, again. Asked about this on until we fi nd out who or what administration yesterday over challenging the decision to recipients and last week Garcia decided to become led by California’s Xavier Becerra. CBS News’ Face the Nation, is responsible for this.” its decision to end the Deferred end DACA, including two cases angered some of his fellow an attorney after working for Another group of attorneys Tillerson did not rule this The State Department, cit- Action for Childhood Arrivals, or brought by state attorneys Republicans by negotiating with a criminal defense lawyer in general, led by New York’s Eric out. ing respect for the privacy of DACA, programme. Since it was general. The legal claims in all top congressional Democratic high school. She put herself Schneiderman, filed a lawsuit “We have it under evalua- its employees, has not dis- authorised in 2012 by President of the cases, including Garcia’s, leaders on possible legislation. through school working for over DACA on September 6 in tion. It’s a very serious issue cussed the diplomats’ symp- Barack Obama, the programme are similar: that the Trump During the 2016 presidential lawyers and performing other Brooklyn federal court. with respect to the harm that toms publicly, but Nauert said has provided protection from administration did not follow election Trump ran on a jobs such as parking cars. After Legal experts have said certain individuals have suf- the form of injury “can be deportation and the right to proper administrative procedure hardline immigration platform, Obama announced DACA in court challenges to Trump’s fered,” he said. diff erent in diff erent people.” work legally to nearly 800,000 in rescinding DACA, and that promising to end DACA and 2012, Garcia, now 34, seized the decision could face an uphill “We’ve brought some of Relations between the United young people. making enforcement promises to strengthen border protections opportunity. When she filled battle because a president those people home,” he added. States and Cuba were restored Garcia’s case, filed in San a group of people, only to revoke in order to increase jobs for out forms for a social security typically has wide authority “It’s under review.” by then president Barack Francisco federal court, is the them, violates due process. US workers. The daughter of a number in 2013, the government in implementing immigration US offi cials have told re- Obama and his counterpart first to be brought by DACA The Trump administration has hotel housekeeper and a welder, clerk congratulated her. policy. porters they believe some kind Raul Castro in 2015 after a of sonic device was used to half-century. Trump adviser says US still leaving Paris climate pact

Reuters ment, saying it would harm US leaders at the United Nations. ferring to the Montreal meeting. Everyone wants to work together. Democratic predecessor, Barack New York industries, cost US jobs, weaken In a statement issued after the US Secretary of State Rex Till- Everyone wants to understand Obama, was instrumental in American national sovereignty meeting, a White House offi cial erson said on Sunday the United everyone’s position. I think eve- brokering the deal intended to and put the country at a perma- said, “We are withdrawing from States could remain in the Paris ryone has a understanding where address one of the leading glo- resident Donald Trump’s nent disadvantage to other na- the Paris Agreement unless we climate accord under the right we all want to get to.” bal concerns of the 21st century. top economic adviser said tions. can re-engage on terms more conditions. It takes four years for a coun- Trump in the past has described Pat the United Nations yes- “We made the president’s po- favourable to the United States. Cohn, who is overseeing the try to withdraw from the Paris climate change as a hoax. terday that the United States sition unambiguous, to where This position was made very issue for Trump, yesterday agreement, so the United States Cohn has been part of the stands by its plans to abandon the president stands, where the clear during the breakfast.” declined to elaborate on suit- will be a party to it until two days “stay-in” accord camp among the Paris climate pact without administration stands on Par- US offi cials attended a Mon- able terms that the United States after Trump’s fi rst term ends, if Trump’s advisers, which also in- a renegotiation favourable to is,” Gary Cohn, director of the treal meeting of ministers from Gary Cohn would consider to remain in the it follows through on the pullout. cluded Trump’s daughter Ivanka Washington, a step for which the White House National Econom- more than 30 of the nations accord. “The mood was good,” His planned withdrawal, part of and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. international community has ic Council, told reporters after that signed the climate change of the agreement and had of- Cohn said of the meeting, which the Republican president’s na- Trump’s former chief strategist little appetite. an informal breakfast meeting agreement. The Wall Street fered to re-engage. “There was was attended by representatives tionalist “America First” mes- Steve Bannon was one of the Trump in June announced his with ministers from about a Journal reported that Trump some confusion over the week- from Brazil, Argentina, the Eu- sage, drove another wedge be- main opponents of the accord decision to withdraw the United dozen countries on the sidelines administration offi cials had said end and I think we removed all ropean Union, Japan, Australia tween the United States and before leaving the White House States from the Paris agree- of the annual gathering of world Washington would not pull out the confusion,” Cohn said, re- and Canada. “Very constructive. some of its closest allies. His last month. Gulf Times 12 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA UN urged to punish Myanmar army over atrocities

AFP anmar one of the most pressing would not take back all who “ongoing atrocities” against the Myanmar’s army was hit with dress the nation on the crisis for defended the military campaign Yangon topics. had fl ed across the border. Any Rohingya. sanctions during its 50-year rule the fi rst time. as a legitimate crackdown on the The exodus of Rohingya moves to block the refugees’ “The United Nations Security of the country. The Nobel peace laureate has Rohingya fi ghters. refugees from mainly Bud- return will likely infl ame Bang- Council and concerned countries Most have been lifted in re- angered the international com- The Myanmar violence has ressure grew on Myan- dhist Myanmar to neighbour- ladesh Prime Minister Sheikh should impose targeted sanctions cent years as the generals have munity with her near-silence on gutted large swaths of northern mar yesterday as a rights ing Bangladesh has sparked a Hasina, who will urge the Gen- and an arms embargo on the Bur- allowed a partial transition to the plight of the Rohingya and Rakhine in just over three weeks, Pgroup urged world lead- humanitarian emergency. Aid eral Assembly to put more glo- mese military to end its ethnic democracy. her failure to condemn the ac- with fi res visible almost daily ers to impose sanctions on its groups are struggling to pro- bal pressure on Myanmar to take cleansing campaign against Ro- “Burma’s senior military com- tions of the army, with whom she across the border from the Bang- military, which is accused of vide relief to a daily stream of back all the Rohingya massing hingya Muslims,” the group said manders are more likely to heed has a delicate power-sharing ar- ladesh camps. While the world has driving out more than 400,000 new arrivals, more than half of in shanty towns and camps near in a statement. the calls of the international rangement. watched the refugee crisis unfold Rohingya Muslims in an or- whom are children. There are the border. It called on the General As- community if they are suff ering Speaking to the BBC over the with horror, there is little sympa- chestrated “ethnic cleansing” acute shortages of nearly all Human Rights Watch also sembly to make the crisis a pri- real economic consequences,” weekend, UN Secretary General thy for the Rohingya inside My- campaign. forms of aid, with many Ro- called for the “safe and volun- ority, urging countries to impose said John Sifton, HRW’s Asia ad- Antonio Guterres called her up- anmar. Many Buddhists revile the The call from Human Rights hingya huddling under tarps tary return” of the displaced as travel bans and asset freezes on vocacy director. coming address a “last chance” group and have long denied the Watch came as the UN General as their only protection from it urged governments around Myanmar offi cers implicated in Myanmar’s civilian leader to stop the unfolding humanitar- existence of a Rohingya as an eth- Assembly prepared to convene in monsoon rains. the globe to punish Myanmar’s the abuses, as well as to expand Aung San Suu Kyi is preparing in ian calamity. nic group, insisting they are illegal New York, with the crisis in My- Myanmar hinted Sunday it army with sanctions for the arms embargoes. a televised speech today to ad- Until now her government has immigrants from Bangladesh. Sea snail plan to Bird-singing contest rescue Barrier Reef

AFP has shown they avoid areas where duce coral lost to outbreaks.” Sydney the Pacifi c triton sea snail — also Giant tritons held at AIMS known as the giant triton — is have laid numerous teardrop- present. The snails — which can shaped egg capsules, with over giant starfi sh-eating snail grow to half a metre — have a well 100,000 swimming larvae could be unleashed to developed sense of smell and can hatching in the last month. But Ahelp save the Great Bar- hunt their prey by scent alone. they are so rare, almost nothing is rier Reef, offi cials said yesterday, Research showed they were known about their life cycle. The with a trial underway to breed particularly fond of crown-of- eight snails that AIMS have took thousands of the rare species. thorns, but only eat a few each them two years to collect. Predatory crown-of-thorns week, and with the snail almost “We really don’t know any- starfi sh, which munch coral, are hunted to extinction for their thing about them, what they naturally-occurring but have shells, there are not many left. eat, whether they’re nocturnal proliferated due to pollution and This led the Australian govern- or not, and this is the fi rst real agricultural run-off at the strug- ment to announce funding to re- attempt to breed them,” Cherie gling World Heritage-listed eco- search breeding them. Motti, the marine ecologist lead- system. “The possibilities the triton ing the breeding programme, Their impact has been pro- breeding project opens up are ex- told AFP. Her research will focus found with a major study of the citing,” said Queensland federal on helping the larvae transition 2,300km long reef’s health in MP Warren Entsch. “If successful, to their juvenile and adult stages, 2012 showing coral cover halved this research will allow scientists providing valuable insights into over the past 27 years, with 42% to closely look at the impact of gi- their biology, with the ultimate of the damage attributed to the ant tritons on crown-of-thorns aim to deploy them to prevent Birds sit in cages hoisted on poles during a bird-singing contest in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat. Over 1,400 birds pest. Now Australian Institute of behaviour and test their potential crown-of-thorns aggregating from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore took part in the annual contest. Marine Science (AIMS) research as a management tool to help re- closely during spawning seasons.

China arrests US bombers join show Japanese citizen

Reuters whom were there doing ge- Beijing ological research into hot- springs, according to their employer. hinese authorities China’s foreign ministry of force over Korea yesterday arrested a also in July said that a single CJapanese citizen sus- Japanese citizen was being Reuters three times a month these days”, Council had run out of options ley said: “It was not an empty North Korea and concerted pres- pected of spying, local state investigated on suspicion of Seoul Defence Minister Song Young- on containing North Korea’s nu- threat.” sure by the entire international media said. The arrest was harming China’s national se- moo told a parliamentary hearing clear programme and the United The UN Security Council community was essential to made in the port city of Dal- curity. Reuters was unable to yesterday. States might have to turn the unanimously passed a U.S.- tackle the threats posed by the ian in the northeastern Li- contact Japan’s foreign min- he US military staged Earlier the offi cial Xinhua matter over to the Pentagon. drafted resolution a week ago north and its leader, Kim Jong aoning province, which bor- istry by telephone. bombing drills with South news agency in Beijing said Chi- In response, Chinese Foreign mandating tougher new sanc- Un. ders North Korea, the offi cial Yesterday was a national TKorea over the Korean na and Russia began naval drills Ministry spokesman Lu Kang tions against Pyongyang that However, the offi cial China Dalian Daily’s online report holiday in Japan. peninsula and Russia and China off the Russian far eastern port said the most pressing task at included banning textile imports Daily argued yesterday that said. China’s relationship with began naval exercises yesterday of Vladivostok, not far from the present was for all parties to en- and capping crude and petrol sanctions should be given time The report said Ken Higuchi Japan has been strained for ahead of a UN General Assembly Russia-North Korea border. force the latest UN resolutions supply. to bite and that the door must be was being investigated by the decades over the legacy of meeting this week where North Those drills were being con- on North Korea fully rather than Gasoline and diesel prices in left open to talks. Dalian City National Security Japan’s wartime aggression, Korea’s nuclear threat is likely to ducted between Peter the Great “deliberately complicating the the North have surged since the “With its Friday missile Bureau on suspicion of spy- while a maritime territorial loom large. Bay, near Vladivostok, and the issue”. latest nuclear test, according to launch, Pyongyang wanted to ing against China, and that dispute over small islands The fl urry of military drills southern part of the Sea of Military threats from vari- market data analysed by Reuters. give the impression that sanc- prosecutors had approved his in the East China Sea has in came after Pyongyang fi red an- Okhotsk, to the north of Japan, ous parties have not promoted a Japanese Prime Minister Shin- tions will not work. arrest. The character given recent years added to the other mid-range ballistic mis- it said. resolution to the issue, he said. zo Abe said in an editorial pub- Some people have fallen for for Higuchi’s fi rst name could suspicion between the two sile over Japan on Friday and the The drills are the second part “This is not benefi cial to a fi nal lished in the New York Times on that and immediately echoed the also be the names Takeshi or sides. reclusive North conducted its of China-Russian naval exercises resolution to the peninsula nu- Sunday the international com- suggestion, pointing to the fail- Takeru. In 2010, four Japanese sixth and most powerful nuclear this year, the fi rst part of which clear issue,” Lu told a daily news munity must remain united and ure of past sanctions to achieve It was unclear from the nationals were detained in test on September 3 in defi ance were staged in the Baltic in July. briefi ng. enforce sanctions against North their purpose,” it said in an edi- report, however, whether China on suspicion of enter- of United Nations sanctions and The Xinhua report did not di- US President Donald Trump Korea after its repeated launch of torial. Higuchi was a new case or ing a military zone and taking other international pressure. rectly link the drills to current has vowed that North Korea will ballistic missiles. “But that past sanctions did whether he had been de- photographs without per- A pair of US B-1B bombers and tensions over North Korea. never be able to threaten the Such tests were in violation of not work does not mean they will tained earlier, and the latest mission. four F-35 jets fl ew from Guam China and Russia have repeat- United States with a nuclear- Security Council resolutions and not. It is too early to claim failure development was his formal At least two Japanese citi- and Japan and joined four South edly called for a peaceful solution tipped ballistic missile. Asked showed that North Korea could because the latest sanctions have arrest. China detained six zens were arrested on suspi- Korean F-15K fi ghters in the lat- and talks to resolve the issue. about Trump’s warning last now target the United States or hardly begun to take eff ect. Giv- Japanese nationals in March cion of espionage in 2015. Last est drill, South Korea’s defence On Sunday, however, US Am- month that the North Korean Europe, he wrote. ing the sanctions time to bite is on suspicion of illegal activi- year, China said it was inves- ministry said. The joint drills bassador to the United Nations threat to the United States would Abe also said diplomacy and the best way to make Pyongyang ties. tigating a Japanese citizen on were being conducted “two to Nikki Haley said the UN Security be met with “fi re and fury”, Ha- dialogue would not work with reconsider,” the newspaper said. Four of the six returned suspicion of endangering na- to Japan in July, three of tional security. Protest in Hong Kong Man probed for cutting Vietnam dissident dogs’ vocal cords jailed for fi ve years

AFP to the video footage. The report Beijing said it appeared that he did not Reuters Yesterday, the people’s wash his instruments between Hanoi court in Nghe An, which is is uses. central Vietnam, also found Chinese man is being in- While debarking — also known him guilty of resisting se- vestigated for running a as “bark softening” — is an estab- court in Vietnam curity personnel in the per- A“veterinary” clinic on the lished surgical procedure used to jailed dissident formance of their duty. He street that cut the vocal cords of reduce tissue in dogs’ vocal cords A Nguyen Van Oai for a was given another four years “noisy” dogs for a fee, local au- and soften (but not eliminate) further five years yesterday on probation as well as the thorities announced yesterday. their bark, the local forestry bu- for violating the terms of prison sentence he was al- Chinese media in Chengdu, reau said in a statement that the his probation after a spell ready facing. the capital of southwest Sichuan man, surnamed Zeng, was not li- in prison, his lawyer said. “Oai said he was in- province, released footage Sun- censed to operate on animals. Human rights activists nocent and he would ap- day of the alleged quack using His business, which has been and groups have expressed peal,” his lawyer, Ha scissors to remove anaesthetised ordered to shut down, is under their alarm over the Com- Huy Son, told Reuters. dogs’ vocal cords while their jaws investigation. Customers in- munist-ruled country’s big- The court made no immedi- were held open with string. terviewed by Chengdu Business gest crackdown on local ac- ate comment. The Chengdu Business Report Report said they came to the tivists in years. Oai, 36, was Despite sweeping eco- noted that the self-proclaimed stand because their dogs were arrested in January while on nomic reforms and growing “veterinarian” conducted these too noisy, prompting complaints A poster depicting Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Japanese wartime imperial probation after a 2013 sen- openness to social change, fi ve-minute procedures on a ta- from neighbours. flag is taped next to the feet of a “comfort woman” statue before a protest to mark the 86th tence for activities aimed at Vietnam’s Communist Party ble at the side of the street. Zeng charged between 50 and anniversary of the ‘Mukden Incident’ in Hong Kong. The ‘Mukden Incident’ took place in 1931, overthrowing the govern- retains tight media censor- The ground by his feet was 80 yuan ($8 and $12), depending when Japanese soldiers blew up a railway in Manchuria ment. He had been released ship and does not tolerate splattered with blood, according on the size of the dog. initially in 2015. criticism. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 13 BRITAIN

Top offi cial takes up May looks to job with premier reassert power Guardian News and Media London

he UK’s most senior of- fi cial leading EU talks has after Johnson’s Tbeen moved into a new role advising Theresa May, after reported tensions with the Brexit secretary, David Davis. Oliver Robbins will be replaced as permanent secretary of the de- partment for exiting the EU (DEx- Brexit claim EU) in a move the government claimed would allow him to focus Guardian News and Media optimistic about what we can be mering dispute in Cabinet about on the Brexit negotiations instead London achieving as the United Kingdom the right way forward. of running a large organisation. in the future,” the prime minister Johnson was rebuked by the sta- But the reshuffl e immediately said. tistics watchdog, David Norgrove, provoked claims that Robbins has heresa May insisted her May also refused to endorse the after reusing the £350mn fi gure, moved to work for No 10 after dis- government is being £350mn a week fi gure – or the idea which was emblazoned on the side agreements with Davis, who has T“driven from the front”, as that any extra resources freed up of Vote Leave’s red battlebuses also lost his special adviser and she distanced herself from Boris by Brexit should be earmarked up- during last year’s referendum two ministers since the election. Johnson’s renewed claim that up front for health spending. campaign. It also appears to be a sign the to £350mn a week extra should be “The issue about money going It represents gross contribu- prime minister is taking greater made available for the NHS after into the EU and then coming back tions to the EU, without taking control over the negotiations, Brexit. to the UK: the reality is, year on account of the UK’s rebate – or which have been dominated by The foreign secretary had been year, the amount of money that the the large sums of EU money spent Davis and his department. Rob- accused of “back-seat driving” by UK pays into the EU changes, for a in the UK each year, including on bins is known to be a close ally of his Cabinet colleague Amber Rudd whole variety of factors – but what regeneration projects and farm May; his relationship with Davis is on Sunday, after he used a 4,000 I do know is that looking ahead, subsidies. more distant. word article in the Daily Telegraph year on year on year, once we leave Johnson’s aides initially sug- He will remain the most sen- to repeat the controversial fi gure, the EU, we will not be paying huge gested Norgrove had only taken is- ior offi cial on the UK negotiating and set out his personal vision of sums into the EU, and that will of sue with the article’s headline, not team, while Philip Rycroft, his Brexit. course, give us the opportunity as the substance of the argument. But former deputy, will take over as Speaking to journalists yester- a government to decide how mon- the chief statistician denied that, permanent secretary at DExEU. day en route to Canada, the prime ey that is available is then spent.” and stood by a strongly worded Downing Street sources argued minister sought to reassert her au- She was then pressed on wheth- letter condemning the foreign that Robbins had always worked thority, saying, “this government er the NHS should be the top pri- secretary’s use of the misleading in No 10 because of his dual role as is driven from the front, and we’re ority for additional funds, she in- statistic. Johnson hit back with his EU sherpa for the prime minister all going to the same destination”. sisted, “that will be a decision that own letter. and tried to downplay the signifi - But she stopped short of con- will be taken at the time, and will Privately, No 10 was exasper- cance of the move. However, Keir demning Johnson directly, saying be taken by the government”. ated by Johnson’s piece, which was Starmer, the shadow Brexit sec- only “Boris is Boris”. May’s Lancaster House speech not cleared in advance, and came retary, said moving key players at “We are all agreed as a govern- in January set out her approach to as May prepares to deliver a ma- such a crucial time “adds a whole ment about the importance that Brexit, including the need to leave jor speech on Brexit in Florence on new dimension to government’s we get the right deal for Brexit; the single market and the customs Friday. chaotic approach to Brexit”. the right withdrawal arrange- union, and to agree transitional The foreign secretary subse- Vince Cable, the Liberal Demo- ments but also the right deep and arrangements to prevent a “cliff quently insisted he was supportive crats leader, said it was a “sign of special partnership between the edge”; but since the Tories lost of May, and allies suggested the the chaos and division at the heart Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson arrives for a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York United Kingdom and the European their majority at the general elec- article had been intended to bol- of this government”. City, US, yesterday. Union in the future. And we’re all tion in June, there has been a sim- ster the government’s position.

Most grassroots Labour delegates back Corbyn: poll

My tactics saved the The overwhelming majority of grassroots delegates attending next week’s Labour conference in Brighton are Jeremy Corbyn LibDems, says Farron supporters who support reforms to democ- ratise the party, according to data compiled by Momentum. Guardian News and Media ‘the party that began with Gladstone The Corbyn-supporting group believes that London will now end with Farron’,” he said. of the 1,155 delegates chosen by constituency “I saw those assumptions that we parties to attend the conference, 844 back were dead and buried and I resolved reforms proposed by Momentum while ormer Liberal Democrat leader that we were going to survive, grow 236 are opposed and the views of 75 are Tim Farron told his party con- and win again. The Liberal move- unknown. Fference that his tactics “saved ment of Gladstone, Lloyd George, Momentum sounded out delegates by the Liberal Democrats,” adding the Shirley Williams, Jo Grimond and phone or e-mail on whether they supported party’s increasing membership was Charles Kennedy – the movement I reforms proposed by the organisation, most a sign it was on the road to recovery. joined as a 16-year-old, was not go- notably whether they supported reducing Farron’s defence of his record ing to die on my watch.” the proportion of MPs needed to nominate a came after a fraught session on the Farron said his leadership had candidate for the party’s leadership. conference fl oor on Sunday, where seen the fi rst local election gains Delegates were asked if they supported party members attempted to over- in eight years as well as a record the idea of dropping the number of MPs re- turn policy on a second Brexit ref- number of new members. “We quired to nominate somebody for the party erendum, in favour of a policy which saved the Liberal Democrats and I leadership to 5% of the parliamentary party. would see Article 50 reversed with- am proud of every single one of you.” At present, a would-be candidate needs 15% out a public vote. Farron also appealed to thousands of MPs to stand, a figure Corbyn struggled to After a vote, party members voted of Labour supporters to defect to reach in 2015. in favour of retaining Farron’s policy the Liberal Democrats telling them If accurate, it would suggest that makeup of giving UK voters a referendum “your party has left you” under Jer- of delegates marks a radical shift from last on the fi nal Brexit deal, rather than emy Corbyn. year, when Corbyn grassroots supporters changing policy to oppose leaving He argued that Lord Kinnock was – and Momentum – were largely relegated the EU under any circumstance. Labour’s most eff ective leader, hav- to the fringes of the conference, held in Farron quit as LibDem leader after ing taken on the Far Left within his Liverpool. In spite of two Corbyn leader- the June election, where the party party more than three decades ago. ship victories, many constituency Labour won an additional four seats but “Hard Left socialism is an assault parties remained at the time in the hands failed to make a signifi cant national on our economy, an assault on our of the old guard. impact. Farron, who was succeeded internationalism, an assault on our The party’s ruling national executive is by Vince Cable, defended his record liberty,” he said. “But for the thou- scheduled to today discuss resolutions to in a speech yesterday at the confer- sands of Labour members across the be put before conference. In the past, they ence in Bournemouth, citing his country who know this, it’s too late have postponed resolutions and motions strategy to build the party from the to do a Kinnock now. You have lost regarded as too controversial but might ground upwards. your party for at least a generation. hesitate this time in the face of evidence of “The day I took over as leader, one Your party has left you, so its time grassroots strength. journalist predicted confi dently that for you to leave it.”

Universal credit in disarray: Labour

Guardian News and Media ment’s fl agship universal credit programme families surveyed said the wait for a fi rst London is in total disarray. It is unacceptable that universal credit payment to be processed one in four claimants are waiting more and DWP administrative errors were the than six weeks to receive support, along- cause of their rent arrears. niversal credit is in “total disar- side mounting debts and arrears among Four in 10 households were in rent ar- ray”, Labour said, after a govern- recipients. “I have written to the secretary rears eight weeks after the claim was made, Ument study found that lengthy of state requesting that he immediately halt with nearly one in three still in arrears four benefi t payment waiting times were the roll-out of universal credit to contain months later. One in fi ve owed £1,000 or causing claimants to run up hundreds of the misery being caused by the disastrous more. Four out of fi ve said they had never pounds in debt and rent arrears. mishandling of this programme.” been in arrears before. Half of new claim- Labour joined welfare charities in calling The work and pensions select commit- ants needed a DWP loan to help pay for for the planned roll-out of the benefi t to be tee has launched an inquiry into universal living expenses such as food and gas bills paused in the light of mounting evidence credit after hearing evidence from land- while they waited for a fi rst payment, while that design and administration problems lords, charities and tenants about extensive nearly one-third borrowed cash from fam- are causing fi nancial hardship for vulner- problems associated with it. ily or friends. About one in 10 took out loans able and low-income households. Frank Field, the committee chair, said: with payday or doorstep lenders. One in four new universal credit claim- “Everything I have seen so far, on the com- The department pointed to encourag- ants waited more than 42 days for a fi rst mittee and in my constituency, points to ing fi ndings in the evaluation suggesting payment, while nearly half of families said fundamental fl aws in the operation of uni- that overall, families moving on to universal moving on to the benefi t had led them to fall versal credit, which must be resolved before credit were coping well with monthly pay- behind with rent for the fi rst time. the full service roll-out proceeds.” ments and happy with the support provid- Debbie Abrahams, the shadow work The department for work and pensions ed by jobcentre staff in helping them fi nd and pensions secretary, said: “The govern- evaluation found that 42% of all claimant work or increase their working hours. Gulf Times 14 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 BRITAIN

ACHIEVEMENT ART VERDICT SEARCH DATA Cyclist Beaumont breaks New Banksy works Landlord fined £207,000 Woman canoeist ‘seized Tate Modern reports around-the-world record mark Basquiat show over ‘death trap’ properties by Amazon pirates’ record visitor numbers

A British cyclist yesterday set a new world record Two murals by street artist Banksy have A landlord whose tenants paid £1,000 a month A British woman who vanished while canoeing Tate Modern received a record 6.4mn visitors in by travelling around the globe in 79 days — appeared at London’s Barbican centre to to live in “death trap” properties has been fined a in the Amazon may have been snatched by the past year, boosted by the opening in June beating the fictional exploits of Phileas Fogg by mark an exhibition of the work of Jean-Michel record £207,000. Jeff rey Hu’s company rented out pirates, according to the police chief leading the last year of its new Blavatnik Building extension. a day. Scottish adventurer Mark Beaumont rode Basquiat, a US artist who achieved fame two properties in a “pretty dreadful state”. One, investigation. The 43-year-old, who has not been The Tate’s annual report released yesterday into Paris 78 days, 14 hours and 14 minutes after through the New York graffiti scene. The a three-storey house in Bayswater, was rented to named, disappeared last Wednesday on the shows it received 8.4mn visitors across its four he set off from the French capital, smashing Barbican show “Basquiat: Boom for Real”, is at least six young professionals paying £1,000 a Solimoes River in Brazil’s northern jungle state of sites including, Tate Britain, Liverpool and St the previous record of 123 days for a round-the- the first large-scale exhibition in Britain of the month. But council inspectors found a dangerous Amazonas. The canoeist, who was alone, activated Ives — the most in a single year. The Blavatnik world bike trip. Arriving in evening rush hour work of the artist, who rose meteorically in electric cooker hob with a deadly exposed live an emergency locator at 10pm when she was Building alone received more than a million traff ic under light drizzle, the 34-year-old rode 1980s New York and died aged 27 of a drugs cable. The second-floor balcony was rotten and between the towns of Codajas and Coari, 150 miles visitors in its first month. The extension is the last cobbled mile to the Arc de Triomphe overdose. A 1982 Basquiat painting of a skull could have collapsed. The other property, in west of Manaus. Her canoe and belongings were named after the USSR-born billionaire oligarch with a 20-strong entourage on wheels. “I doubt sold for $110.5mn in May. Major new Basquiat Notting Hill had inadequate fire exits and no gas found on sandbanks on the side of the river. Civil Len Blavatnik, who made one of the largest I’ll ever do anything like it again,” said Beaumont, show opens at the Barbican - a place that is or electricity safety certificates. Judge Roscoe, at police chief Ivo Martins, who is leading the search, donations in Tate’s history. His gift, thought to be describing the journey as “definitely the longest normally very keen to clean any graffiti from Westminster magistrates’ court, told Hu, 40, he said that the area where she vanished was a drugs more than £50mn, played a key role in securing two-and-a-half months of my life”. its walls,” Banksy said. had been “endangering other people’s lives”. traff icking route and known for pirate attacks. the £266mn, gallery project Cyclist jailed Sculpture exhibition for 18 months over death of pedestrian

Guardian News and Media The judge said Alliston’s London “whole manner of driving” caused the accident. “If your bicycle had a front-wheel brake former cycle courier who you could have stopped but on knocked over and killed this illegal bike you could not Aa woman in east London and on your evidence, by this while cycling on a bike without stage, you were not even trying front brakes has been jailed for to slow or stop.” 18 months. In mitigation, Mark Wyatt Charlie Alliston, 20, was told told the court that an apparent by the judge Wendy Joseph QC lack of remorse shown by Allis- that he was “an accident waiting ton was a “coping strategy” de- to happen, the victim could have rived from the loss of his father, been any pedestrian” as he was who died of a heart attack in the sentenced at the Old Bailey. bathroom of the family home The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire walk through a piece by Robert Indiana entitled “One Through Zero” during the Beyond Limits sculpture exhibition at “You chose to ride at a speed when Alliston was 16. Chatsworth House, near Bakewell, yesterday. and on a bike which you could “It’s (pre-sentence report not stop, your attitude being that author) Ruth Smith’s opinion, everyone else would just have to having spent time with the de- get out of your way,” Joseph said. fendant and presenting this re- “Of course you did not set out to port to the court, that here we cause the harm you did – but the have a young man who presents jury have found that you were with emotional fl atness,” Wyatt aware of the risks and went on to said. take them.” Wyatt also told the court Alliston was travelling at that, following the death of 18mph on his secondhand fi xed- Briggs, Alliston spent nine ‘No proof’ to link Tube gear bike which had no front days in the Maudsley psychi- brakes when he collided with atric hospital, south London, Kim Briggs, 44, as she stepped having been taken there by out into Old Street. police who had found him out Briggs, a mother-of-two, who alone with a rope, apparently was on her lunch break on Feb- in preparation for a suicide at- ruary 12, 2016, sustained “cata- tempt. Wyatt said this episode, attack to militant groups strophic” head injuries and died and Alliston’s repeated calls to in hospital a week later. the hospital after the collision Agencies 30 people although it apparent- The police are questioning an national who had lived in Brit- The possibility that they be- Alliston was cleared of man- to check on Briggs’s condition, London ly failed to detonate fully. 18-year-old man arrested in the ain for a number of years, ac- came friends overseas was be- slaughter but found guilty of were evidence of the defend- Following the attack, Amaq, departure lounge of the port of cording to the media reports. ing actively investigated. causing bodily harm by “wan- ant’s remorse. the news agency of the Islamic Dover on Saturday and another Police have declined to con- Interior Minister Amber Rudd ton and furious driving”, a crime But Joseph, after reading the he police and spy agen- State militant group, claimed suspect, 21, detained hours later fi rm the identities of those be- said on Sunday the two arrests under the 1861 Off ences Against report for herself in court, said cies have not found evi- responsibility for the bombing. in the west London suburb of ing questioned, which is com- suggested it was not a “lone- the Person Act that carries a she saw no evidence that Allis- Tdence that last week’s Yesterday, fi ve US and Brit- Hounslow. mon practice. wolf” attack but there was no maximum sentence of two years ton had shown remorse over the attack on a London commuter ish government sources said it Offi cers are also conducting investigators are also probing evidence IS was involved. in jail. death of Briggs, “only self-inter- train was ordered or organised was possible that the attack was a major search of a property in whether the two men met each Friday’s bombing was the During the trial, jurors heard ested fear as to the diffi culties it by a recognised militant group, somehow “inspired” by Islamic Sunbury-on-Thames, a town other abroad, either in Calais or fi fth major attack regarded by that Alliston, a fan of “danger- is causing for you”. according to US and British State via its extensive array of just outside London and about elsewhere on the migrant route authorities as a terrorist inci- ous” bike racing videos, had been Whilst accepting that he had government sources familiar internet-based propaganda and 6km from Hounslow. to Britain — or in the extremist dent in Britain this year. riding a black Planet X carbon- suff ered mental ill health, in- with the investigation. instruction materials. Local media said the home heartlands of Syria and Iraq. Islamic State militants have frame track bike. Such bicycles cluding a diagnosis of depres- Counter-terrorism offi c- But they said no evidence had belongs to a couple who have Sources added that police claimed credit for other previ- are more commonly seen ridden sion, she noted the documented ers have arrested two men af- emerged of any direct connec- fostered hundreds of children, and intelligence offi cials be- ous attacks, including two in by the likes of Sir Chris Hoy and causes were “stress at the pros- ter a crude homemade bomb tion between the attack and IS, including refugees. The leader lieved that they had a good un- London and one at a concert by Laura Trott at the Olympic ve- pect of a trial, fear of being sent sent fl ames shooting through or any other organised militant of the local authority was quot- derstanding of the two men’s American singer Ariana Grande lodrome. Alliston had not fi tted to prison, and upset at your girl- a packed carriage at west Lon- group or faction. ed as saying the 18-year-old backgrounds, although they in Manchester. the bicycle with a front brake, as friend breaking off the relation- don’s Parsons Green under- “It doesn’t sound to me like a was an Iraqi who had come to emphasised that further infor- British offi cials have said is required to make them legal to ship,” rather than regret over his ground station during the Fri- centrally directed plot,” one of- Britain as an orphan aged 15. mation might emerge to alter there is scant evidence the group ride on the road. actions. day morning rush hour, injuring fi cial said. The 21-year-old is a Syrian the picture. orchestrated those attack. London house prices Film premiere Ryanair to publish see biggest fall in decade cancelled fl ights details Guardian News and Media hub in Ryanair’s home airport, London Dublin, said: “We can confi rm Guardian News and Media around 90% of the market. The unusual. Most of the rest of the that 140 pilots have joined Nor- London properties were put on sale be- country experienced smaller wegian from Ryanair this year. tween August 13 and Septem- monthly falls or – in the case of yanair has promised to to- Pilot recruitment is also under ber 9. A spokesman said its up- north-east England, Yorkshire day publish details of all way for more pilots for our new sking prices for homes dated methodology went back and Humberside and the east Rfl ights it plans to cancel Dublin base opening later this in London have record- to 2010, and the annual fall of Midlands – small rises. over the next six weeks follow- year.” Aed their biggest annual 3.2% for London was the larg- The typical price of property ing a passenger revolt, a slump Reports in the Irish media fall so far this decade and have est drop so far this decade. The coming to market in London in its share price and an expected suggest Ryanair has begun off er- dropped on average by £18,000 monthly fall in the capital is the has slipped to £610,912, down compensation bill of £30mn. ing pilots a £8,800 “signing-on in the space of just a month, the largest since December 2016. £18,358 on August’s fi gure of The airline said on Twitter bonus” to join. property site Rightmove said The fi gures come days after £629,270. Rightmove said the that “All fl ight cancellations up The airline said it expected to yesterday. the Halifax said house price fall had pushed the annual rate and until October 31 will be com- face a compensation claims of But this headline fi nding growth had picked up last for the capital well into negative municated.” Furious passengers up to €20mn, while analysts at masks much larger falls in some month, with a 1.1% rise in Au- territory, and that it now stood had been swamping the airline Dublin-based Goodbody Stock- of the capital’s most expensive gust. This surprised some ob- at -3.2%, the largest year-on- with demands to know if their brokers said the fi nal bill was boroughs. The average asking servers, because other surveys year decrease so far this decade. fl ight was among the 40 to 55 the likely to be £30.4mn as they price of a home in Kensington have suggested that the market The fi gures disguise wide airline said it would cancel every marked down Ryanair’s full-year and Chelsea plummeted by was running out of steam. Na- variations in the fortunes of the day over the next six weeks. profi t forecast by 2.3%. more than £300,000 between tionwide building society said capital’s boroughs. The table of Initially, Ryanair was making The threat of cancellations August and September, and property values had dipped the biggest movers was topped available only lists of cancelled sparked fury among passengers Camden was also hit hard. slightly by 0.1% to £210,495. by the UK’s most expensive fl ights up to tomorrow, Septem- as millions were left in limbo, That suggests that a slump Rightmove said the average place to buy a home, in Ken- ber 20. unsure whether their holidays in the high-end central London asking price for a home fell by sington and Chelsea. The royal Ryanair blamed rostering would go ahead. market, described by Right- 1.2%, or £3,660, over the past borough is now a little more problems for the delays. “We Many expressed their disgust move as a readjustment, may month to £310,000. This is the aff ordable because the typi- have messed up in the plan- on Twitter over how Ryanair was be gathering pace as Brexit fi rst fall recorded at this time of cal asking price for a newly- ning of pilot holidays and we’re handling the issue. One user said uncertainty continues and tax year since 2013. marketed home there currently working hard to fi x that,” it said she feared for her wedding, with changes prompt many wealthy The website said, however, stands at £1.8mn, compared on Facebook. 30 Ryanair fl ights booked for her investors to sit on their hands. that the national average fall with the £2.1mn that a typi- US actor Jeff Bridges poses upon arrival for the world There have been claims that party, while others said that even Rightmove said it meas- had been exacerbated by a 2.9% cal new seller was asking for in premiere of Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Golden Ryanair has been haemorrhag- if their outbound fl ight was not ured more than 98,000 ask- monthly drop in London, which August. That is a reduction of Circle in London yesterday. ing pilots to rival airlines. Nor- cancelled, they could not be sure ing prices, which represented it described as both large and £308,000 in a month. wegian, which is building a new if their inbound fl ight would be. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 15 EUROPE

Ex-cop sentenced to 21 years in jail

A Norwegian court has sentenced a former top police off icer to 21 years in prison for allowing nearly 14 tonnes of hashish to be smuggled into the country over French unions, left-wing nearly a decade. Eirik Jensen, who was in charge of fighting organised crime, was given the country’s maximum sentence after his conviction for ties to organised crime, in particular the infamous drug traff icker Gjermund Cappelen, plan 10 days of protests widely known as the “hash baron”. Reuters ing easier, on September 22. the labour code changes. CGT offi cial. “We need to put an The extremely rare case of Paris But even if that battle may be “Today is a warning,” Patrick end to the destruction of our so- corruption has dominated lost for the unions, many work- Blaise, secretary general of cial model.” headlines in Norway, which ers, retirees, civil servants and CFDT’s truck drivers, told Le While Macron, 39, has seen international rankings routinely resident Emmanuel Ma- youth are not giving up as they Parisien newspaper. “If they his approval rating slump since list as one of the world’s least cron may have won the look warily towards Macron’s don’t listen to us, CFDT’s truck- his resounding election victory corrupt nations. Pfi rst round of his battle to longer-term plans to overhaul ers won’t stop there.” in May, he shows no sign of di- The judges ruled that Jensen overhaul France’s economy, but the unemployment benefi t and On September 21, the CGT luting his ambitious plans to helped Cappelen smuggle 13.9 the coming 10 days promise to pensions systems as well. union is calling for another retool the economy, including tonnes of hashish into Norway bring far more protests and un- Jean-Luc Melenchon, head of round of nationwide protests bringing down unemployment between 2004 and 2013 in rest to the streets as labour un- the left-wing La France Insou- and on September 25 truck driv- stuck above 9% for a decade. exchange for bribes of at least ions and the political left step up mise (France Unbowed) party, ers belonging to CGT and Force But both he and Prime Minis- 667,800 kroner (€72,000, their opposition. who sees himself as the main Ouvriere, the third largest un- ter Edouard Philippe acknowl- $85,000), which will be seized Last week’s demonstration voice of opposition, has de- ion, will begin rolling strikes, edge that the changes to the la- against his assets. by the Communist Party-linked scribed Macron’s proposals as a including targeting petrol sta- bour code are just the fi rst step Jensen’s lawyer said he was likely CGT union against changes “social coup d’etat”. tions. in a long programme, with the to appeal. to the labour code drew many He is calling for a mass march Keeping the pressure on, other measures likely to provoke fewer protesters than expect- on Paris by the party’s 530,000 union groups are calling on re- much greater opposition and ed, with police saying 220,000 mostly young members on Sep- tirees to demonstrate on Sep- cause more social disruption. people turned out nationwide, tember 23. tember 28 against increases to “This second phase is going Hike in asylum against union estimates of Yesterday truck drivers be- social charges, which in France to take longer than the current applications 400,000. longing to the CFDT union, the are applied to a variety of in- one,” Philippe said last week. Despite opposition, the largest in the country although come sources and used to fund “Behind these reforms isn’t The number of Turks seeking French government will adopt politically more centrist, healthcare and welfare. only the desire to relaunch the asylum in Germany is up sharply the labour reform, which is in- blocked some highways, includ- “We don’t intend to wait until economy,” he said. “It’s about A masked demonstrator holds a CFDT (French Democratic this year and has been rising tended to simplify employment ing in the busy Pas-de-Calais the pension reform proposals to our collective ability to be a Confederation of Labour) flag during a protest of lorry drivers in steadily since last year’s failed rules and makes hiring and fi r- area in the northeast, to protest act,” said Fabrice Angei, a senior country that acts decisively.” Paris against the government’s labour reforms. military coup in Turkey, German government data showed yesterday. Germany got 4,408 asylum applications from Turkish citizens between January and August, Turkey starts trial of 30 newspaper employees compared with 2,836 in the same period of 2016, an increase of 55.4%, according the Federal Reuters the constitutional order through for months, including 73-year- freedom of expression. nounced in July that more than Off ice for Migration and Refugees Istanbul their links to cleric Fethullah old columnist Sahin Alpay. “I accept that this is an armed 50,000 people had been arrested (BAMF). Gulen. “If it had ever crossed my terrorist organisation, but I was and 169,013 have been the sub- “There is an increase in asylum Zaman was affi liated with mind that the Gulenist move- never a member of it,” columnist ject of legal proceedings since applications by Turkish hirty journalists and Gulen, the US-based cleric and ment would take a role in a coup Ali Bulac told the court in Silivri, the coup attempt. applicants. However, I cannot newspaper executives former ally of President Recep attempt, I would never have the site of a large prison about The scale of the crackdown give the reasons for that because Tfrom a Turkish newspaper Tayyip Erdogan. written a column in the Zaman 60km (40 miles) west of the city. has drawn criticism from Tur- we do not make statistical which was shut down last year Gulen is blamed by Ankara for newspaper,” Dogan news agency He had not paid close atten- key’s Western allies and led surveys of why people flee,” a went on trial yesterday, facing instigating the failed July 2016 quoted Alpay as saying. tion to the Gulenist movement’s German Chancellor Angela spokeswoman of the German life sentences over charges that coup, but denies any involve- The indictment calls for three activities, he said. Merkel to call for Ankara’s Euro- interior ministry said. they had links to a failed coup ment. consecutive life sentences for “I missed the hole in the pean Union accession talks to be In April, the ministry said at attempt. Zaman was fi rst seized by the the Zaman personnel on charges ground when I was watching the called off . least 262 Turkish diplomats and The former employees of the Turkish government in March of attempting to overthrow the stars. But who did see it?” Bu- Turkey says that the sweep- army personnel have applied Zaman newspaper are charged 2016, months before the coup constitutional order, the Turk- lac said, adding that the group’s ing response to the coup refl ects for asylum in Germany since the with “membership of an armed attempt, and then closed down ish parliament and the Turkish operations were perceived to be the deep security challenges the Gulen: the US-based cleric is failed coup on July 15 last year. terror organisation” and “at- by a government decree. government, and says that the legal during the time he worked country has faced. blamed by Ankara for Less than a quarter of Turkish tempting to overthrow” the Twenty-two of the suspects newspaper had exceeded the for Zaman. The hearing will continue this instigating the failed July 2016 asylum-seekers have been government, parliament and have been in pre-trial detention limits of press freedom and the Turkey’s justice ministry an- week. coup. granted protection in Germany since the beginning of 2017, although that is almost triple last $100,000 in euro notes clog toilets in Geneva year’s 8.2%. Geneva prosecutors are investigating after toilets in a bank and three restaurants were blocked by about $100,000 in high- Iceland sets October 28 election date Fine for failing to denomination euro banknotes, they said yesterday. “We are not so interested in the motive but we want to be sure help dying man of the origin of the money,” spokesman Vincent Derouand said, AFP out government business until talks with party leaders, “it was victed in 2004 of having raped adding that neither throwing money away nor blocking a toilet Reykjavik the election. clear that no new majority would his stepdaughter almost every A German court has fined three was a crime. Benediktsson had called on have been possible”, he said. day for 12 years. people for failing to help a The Tribune de Geneve, which first reported the unusual deposit, Friday for new elections after The coalition held the slim- The situation has intensifi ed pensioner lying unconscious said the first blockage occurred in the toilet serving the vault at celand’s president has agreed the Bright Future party left the mest majority possible in parlia- a fi erce public debate over the on the floor of a bank, instead UBS bank in Geneva’s financial district, and three nearby bistros to dissolve parliament and set three-way, centre-right coali- ment, with 32 of 63 seats. procedure for rehabilitating con- walking around and even found their facilities bunged up with €500 notes a few days later. Inew legislative elections for tion, stripping it of its one-seat Bright Future, a centrist pro- victs – though it does not change stepping over him. Derouand said two people had agreed to compensate the October 28 after the collapse of parliamentary majority just nine European party, accused Ben- or reverse a verdict – which had In the nearly one-year-old restaurants for the costs of the blockage, and the restaurants the country’s centre-right gov- months after coming to power. ediktsson of failing to inform the fl ared in recent weeks over an- incident captured on video had withdrawn a complaint that they made when the incident ernment. On Saturday, Johannesson had government that his father had other convicted paedophile who camera, the 83-year-old man had happened in May. “I’ve accepted the prime min- accepted the government’s resig- signed a letter supporting a con- was granted an expunged record. collapsed and hit his head. The cash was confiscated during the investigation and it was ister’s proposal to dissolve par- nation and asked the prime min- victed paedophile’s bid to have A growing number of Iceland- He then fell unconscious on the unclear who would get it if it was found to be lawful. liament on October 28 and hold ister to stay on in a caretaker role. his criminal record erased after ers are opposed to the practice, floor of a cash machine room of a There was no immediate reason to think it was dirty money, legislative elections the same “I examined the possibility of a serving fi ve and a half years in known as “restored honour”. bank in the western city of Essen. Derouand said. day,” President Gudni Johannes- new government that would en- prison. Bright Future has accused “No one wanted to help,” said The European Central Bank said last year it had decided to son said in a statement yesterday joy the support of a majority in Benediktsson’s father, an en- Benediktsson of keeping his coa- trial judge Karl-Peter Wittenberg, discontinue the €500 note because of concerns that it was being after a meeting with Prime Min- parliament,” he said in his state- trepreneur named Benedikt lition partners in the dark after he who handed out fines of up to used too often for illicit activities including money laundering. ister Bjarni Benediktsson. ment yesterday. Sveinsson, had written a letter of was informed of his father’s let- €3,600 ($4,300) yesterday to one The current cabinet will carry But after the prime minister’s support for a man who was con- ter in July. 39-year-old woman and two men aged 55 and 61. Two of the defendants testified that they thought the man was homeless and just asleep. It took at least seven minutes Putin watches war games until another bank customer phoned emergency services. They arrived 20 minutes later to ferry the man to hospital, but he that have rattled the West never regained consciousness and died a week later. A medical expert testified in court Reuters ganisation (Nato) offi cials say command centre fl anked by his that the man would have died Moscow they are monitoring the “Za- defence minister and the chief of even if he had received medical pad-2017” (“West-2017”) war his General Staff , and used bin- attention more promptly. games with “calm and confi - oculars to peer through a cold resident Vladimir Putin dence”, but many are unnerved drizzle at the simulated confl ict observed Russia’s biggest about what they see as Moscow unfolding before his eyes. Critical journalist Pwar games in years yester- testing its ability to wage war The Russian leader has ap- day, watching as his forces suc- against the West. peared at similar events in the sent to prison cessfully repelled an imaginary Russia says the exercise is re- past, sometimes donning a mili- enemy and launched a tank-led hearsing a purely defensive sce- tary uniform, and uses them to A court in Azerbaijan has counter off ensive, part of an ex- nario. bolster his image among Rus- Helicopters and tanks in action sentenced opposition journalist ercise that has rattled the West. Putin, commander-in-chief sians as a robust defender of the during ‘Zapad-2017’ yesterday. Elchin Ismayilli to nine years in North Atlantic Treaty Or- of Russia’s armed forces, sat in a country’s interests on the world prison for extortion, in a case stage. The over-arching Zapad war his supporters slammed as This time, the 64-year-old games, which began on Septem- politically-motivated. president, who is widely ex- ber 14 and run to September 20, The 39-year-old journalist pected to run for re-election are taking place in western Rus- – whose website has often in March, wore a dark suit and sia, Russia’s exclave of Kalinin- criticised local authorities – was looked relaxed as the fi ring range grad, and Belarus, a Russian ally arrested in February for allegedly in front of him, in the Leningrad which borders Ukraine as well trying to coerce money from a region, was briefl y transformed as Nato member states Poland, top culture ministry off icial. into a war zone. Latvia and Lithuania. Allies of the reporter, who is also Tracer bullets lit up the murky Moscow says almost 13,000 disclosed, however, and have that threatens stability in east- a member of the opposition skyline, battle tanks churned Russian and Belarussian service complained about what they say ern Europe because Nato has put party National Front, insist that across muddy terrain, shells ex- personnel are taking part, as well is the lack of transparency about a 4,000-strong multinational he is just the latest reporter to ploded, helicopters fi red mis- as around 70 planes and heli- the exercise, an allegation Russia force in the Baltics and Poland, run afoul of the authorities for siles, planes roared overhead and copters. rejects. while the US Army has deployed investigating rampant corruption. hundreds of paratroopers and It says almost 700 pieces of As part of the same drills, 600 paratroopers to the Baltics “The case has been fabricated armoured vehicles were dropped military hardware are being de- Russia said yesterday that it had during Zapad. and he was arrested for his from the skies. ployed, including almost 250 successfully test fi red a ballis- As a precaution, the United professional activity,” Ismayilli’s The paratroopers, inserted tanks, 10 ships and various artil- tic missile capable of carrying a States has also temporarily tak- lawyer, Elchin Sadygov, told AFP. behind the lines of their “en- lery and rocket systems. nuclear warhead, hitting a target en over guardianship of the air- Azerbaijan has been accused by Putin, seen with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (left), observes the emy”, then waged war against Nato offi cials have said they at a fi ring range in Kazakhstan space of Lithuania, Latvia and rights groups of cracking down joint ‘Zapad-2017’ (‘West-2017’) military exercises at the Luzhsky what the defence ministry called believe the exercises involve about 480km (300 miles) away. Estonia, which lack capable air on dissent. training ground, in the Leningrad region, yesterday. “illegal armed formations”. more troops than Moscow has Moscow says it is the West forces and air defence systems. Gulf Times 16 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 INDIA

Tamil Nadu Roundup Shiv Sena mulls quitting Maharashtra govt By Umaima Shafiq IANS government, fi les didn’t move Party sources indicate a fi nal raling infl ation, zooming prices state and has slammed the bullet the poor who were not humiliated Mumbai and decisions were not imple- decision is likely to be announced of petrol and diesel, the issue of train project launched last week. to such an extent even during the Sasikala’s mented. at Thackeray’s annual Dassehra farmers’ loans remaining unre- Also yesterday, Sena in strong Congress rule,” the Sena said. Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Rally later this month. solved. editorials in the party mouth- “Listen to him! This bureau- husband in fter nearly three years in Raut and Environment Minister Kadam said Sena legislators’ The “Shiv Sena is not willing to pieces Saamana and Dopahar Ka crat-turned-minister with no hospital the ruling alliance in Ma- Ramdas Kadam, who interacted development work proposals were be a party to these sins,” they said. Saamana, said “achhe din” (good political experience is probably Aharashtra, the Shiv Sena separately with the media, con- not being taken up by the govern- Accordingly, diff erent wings of days) were being “murdered” full of the ‘merit’ that the BJP yesterday said it was “upset” with fi rmed the intra-party develop- ment and ministers did not have the party will launch statewide daily by the government. president Amit Shah said the Tainted and jailed AIADMK its partner the Bharatiya Janata ments. the powers to do their work. agitations from today to highlight The party also took to task new Congress is lacking,” the Sena leader V K Sasikala’s husband Party and Chief Minister Deven- “The legislators have author- “The elected leaders have ap- these aspects, Kadam added. federal minister K J Alphons who said. Natarajan was admitted to a dra Fadnavis and would consider ised the Sena president to review prised Thackeray about all this Earlier, the Sena had launched said recently that “those who can “Have they forgotten, how – Chennai hospital for multiple quitting the government. the situation and take an appro- and said the time has come to a statewide movement demand- aff ord high prices of petrol and when there was a fuel hike dur- organ failure last week. At a closed-door meeting of priate decision... The party will take a decision. The legislators ing implementation of the farm diesel are not starving. ing UPA, all top BJP leaders like Reports said that Natarajan had party leaders, legislators, MPs fully support him,” Raut said. are confi dent that Thackeray will loans waiver package announced “This Navratna (jewel) in the Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, been undergoing treatment for and ministers complained to Shiv “About (continuing in) the make the right move in the mat- in June by Fadnavis. cabinet is justifying the steep Smiri Irani and Dharmendra liver failure and was awaiting a Sena president Uddhav Thack- state government... we are on the ter,” Kadam said. In the past few weeks, the party high prices of fuel because he has Pradhan – jammed the streets donor when he fell critically ill. eray about how their develop- verge of taking a fi nal decision. Both Raut and Kadam said the has been sharply critical of the never paid for it from his pocket. protesting with empty gas cylin- He is in the liver intensive care ment works were held up by the Wait and watch,” Raut said. people were fed up with the spi- BJP both in the Centre and the This is like spitting on the face of ders?” the Sena asked. unit of the Gleneagles Global Health City. Natarajan, the son of a poor farmer from southern BJP chief appears in court Thanjavur district, entered politics by joining DMK leader M Karunanidhi’s anti-Hindi agitation in 1965. Karunanidhi gave him a clerical post but Natarajan came into mainstream politics by taking TN speaker advantage of the disunity in the rival AIADMK party after its leader M G Ramachandran died in 1984. He introduced his wife Sasikala, a video library owner in Chennai, to Jayalalithaa and united the AIADMK. After disqualifi es Jayalalithaa’s electoral sweep in the 1991 polls to become Tamil Nadu’s youngest chief minister, Sasikala became her closest friend and confidante. Natarajan also ensured that Sasikala’s relatives benefited from Jayalalithaa’s political 18 dissident power. The couple virtually ran a parallel government and amassed wealth through shell companies in landed properties, gold, silver and other assets. legislators Former deputy mayor convicted IANS Dinakaran, one of them, S T K Ja- the “collaboration” between the Chennai kkaiyan, shifted his loyalty to the speaker and the chief minister, chief minister. he said. Asick Meera, 32, the ex- The 18 MLAs have neither quit The high court had ordered deputy mayor of Tiruchi, was amil Nadu Speaker P Dha- the AIADMK nor joined any oth- that a fl oor test should not be convicted for cheating his napal yesterday disquali- er party, grounds on which a leg- held till tomorrow. girlfriend in a 2014 case by a Tfi ed 18 legislators owing islator can be disqualifi ed. Stalin had claimed earlier that court last week. allegiance to the All India Anna Reacting to the development, the Palaniswami government has The complainant Durgeshwari Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Dinakaran told reporters that his lost majority support after the alleged that Asick deserted her faction led by T T V Dinakaran, faction would fi le a case against legislators belonging to Dinaka- after she became pregnant. eff ectively giving Chief Minister the speaker’s action. “Justice ran group withdrew their sup- She later gave birth to a E Palaniswami a majority in the will triumph. Betrayal will never port. girl, while Asick married his assembly. win.” He said even the Supreme cousin. Durgeshwari filed the Assembly Secretary K Boopa- His loyalist MLA Thanga Court had ruled that the provi- complaint after Asick assumed thy said that after the disquali- Tamilselvan said in Kodagu in sions of the anti-defection law off ice as deputy mayor. The fi cation under the Tamil Nadu Karnataka, where the MLAs are would not be attracted if the leg- AIADMK government forced Legislative Assembly (Disquali- staying in a resort, that they were islators said that they have lost him to step down. His paternity fi cation on Ground of Defection) 100% confi dent they would get confi dence in their chief minister. was proved through a DNA Rules 1986, the 18 ceased to be justice in courts. According to Stalin, the speak- test. members from yesterday. They would not rest till the er had lost the moral right to con- The court has convicted Asick, With this, the eff ective chief Minister was removed, he tinue and asked him to resign. his mother Sharifa Meera and strength of the 234-member as- said. Palaniswami should also resign, his two friends to 10 years sembly (where late chief minister Last week, senior lawyer Kapil Stalin said. imprisonment with monetary J Jayalalithaa’s seat remains va- Sibal, who appeared for the DMK The DMK leader said no action compensation to Durgeshwari cant) has come down to 215. And on a petition seeking an imme- was taken against the AIADMK and her child. against a half-way mark of 109, diate fl oor test in the assembly, legislators including Deputy the chief minister claims to enjoy told the Madras High Court that Chief Minister O Panneerselvam the support of 114 MLAs. he feared the speaker could dis- when they voted against the con- High Court marks The opposition Dravida qualify these MLAs and conduct fi dence motion moved by Palan- 125th anniversary Munnetra Kazhagam and its al- a fl oor test to enable Palaniswami iswami some months back. lies have 98 members. to prove his legislative majority. Pattali Makkal Katchi founder The disqualifi ed MLAs are: The opposition parties have S Ramadoss said: “The murder The 125th year of the Madras Thanga Tamilselvan, R Muru- been demanding that the gov- of democracy is strongly con- High Court building was gan, Cho Mariappan Kennedy, ernment should prove its major- demned.” He said the reasons for celebrated at a function K Kathikamu, C Jayanthi Pad- ity on the fl oor of the house after disqualifi cation do not attract presided by Chief Minister manabhan, P Palaniappan, V 19 legislators asked the governor any provisions of the anti-defec- Edappadi K Palanisami, Chief Senthil Balaji, S Muthiah, P to initiate the process to install a tion law. Justice of India Dipak Misra, Vetrivel, N G Parthiban, M Ko- new chief minister. He also charged Governor Vi- Law Minister Ravi Shankar thandapani, T A Elumalai, M DMK leader M K Stalin told re- dyasagar Rao with “playing an Prasad and other legal Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah is accompanied by security off icers as he arrives at a Rengasamy, R Thangadurai, R porters yesterday that the speak- important role in the murder of luminaries on September 16. court in Ahmedabad yesterday. Shah was summoned by the court to depose in the 2002 Naroda Balasubramani, ‘Ethirkottai’ S G er’s action amounted to “cruel democracy in the state”. The court’s heritage red Gam case in which 11 people were killed and the key accused is former Gujarat minister Maya Subramanian, R Sundararaj and murder” of democracy and was Meanwhile Rao yesterday met coloured building built in Kodnani. Shah defended Kodnani and told the court the former minister was with him when the K Uma Maheshwari. an attempt by the chief minister President Ram Nath Kovind and the Indo-Islamic style was crime took place. The incident occurred on February 28, 2002, a day after a coach of the Sabar- Though notices were issued by to take a short cut to prove his Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in inaugurated on July12, 1892. mati Express train was set on fire at the Godhra railway station leaving 57 Hindus dead. the speaker initially to 19 AIAD- majority. New Delhi amid the political cri- It was built of locally made MK MLAs who took sides with The decision was a result of sis in the state. bricks, terracotta tiles and other materials. The court building consisting of 11 court halls, a lawyers’ chambers and a 125ft standalone lighthouse situated close to Nation bids adieu to Arjan Singh with 17-gun salute, fl ypast the Chennai harbour, was designed by British architect J W Brassington. He took four years IANS in a decorated gun carriage. the ceremonial battery of Indian to complete the building. New Delhi The tricolour-wrapped coffi n Army giving a 17-gun salute with was then placed atop a pedestal their 25-pounder guns. where top political leadership and Soon after, three Mi-17 V5 Girl stays awake undreds of mourners bid serving and retired military offi c- helicopters fl ew over with the IAF during brain op a tearful adieu to Marshal ers paid tribute to the fi rst and the insignia in a ‘vic’ formation, fol- Hof the Indian Air Force only fi ve-star offi cer of the IAF. lowed by three Su-30 fi ghter jets In a rare medical feat, a 10-year- (IAF) Arjan Singh whose last Sitharaman, Air Chief Marshal in a “missing man” formation. old girl remained awake rites were performed amid a 17- B S Dhanoa, Navy chief Admiral The formation is an aerial sa- throughout her brain surgery gun salute and a fl ypast at Delhis Sunil Lanba, Army chief General lute performed as part of a fl ypast for a tumour at a private Cantonment area yesterday. Bipin Rawat, Urban Development of aircraft at a funeral or memo- hospital in Chennai last week. Defence Minister Nirmala Minister Hardeep Puri, former rial event, typically in memory of Nandhini played a video Sitharaman, the three service prime minister Manmohan Singh a fallen pilot, a well-known mili- game on her smart phone chiefs, and several former chiefs and senior Bharatiya Janata Party tary service member or veteran, throughout the three-hour and senior offi cers were among leader L K Advani, besides several or a well-known political fi gure. surgery. Doctors Rupesh those who paid tribute to the sol- former service chiefs, relatives A military band played fare- Kumar and Sudhakar dier, mostly remembered for his and friends, were among those well tunes, as Arjan Singh’s son Subramaniam opted for military leadership during the present. Arvind, who had fl own in from ‘awake’ craniotomy to monitor 1965 war with Pakistan. After wreaths were laid and the US, lit the funeral pyre after Nandhini’s limb movements A fl ypast by India’s most po- tributes paid, a prayer was said religious rituals. during the procedure. They tent fi ghter jet Su-30 and Mi-17 by a Sikh priest, following which A tri-services guard lowered got her parents’ consent and V5 helicopters was carried out the tricolour was removed from arms as a mark of respect. counselled Nandhini besides and a 17-gun salute by the cer- the coffi n and handed over to his Born in Lyallpur (now Paki- The national flag flies at half-mast during the state funeral of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, keeping her own doctor in the emonial battery honoured the family. stan’s Faislabad) on April 15, 1919, in New Delhi yesterday. ward to reassure her. Marshal who died on Saturday The body was then placed on Arjan Singh was a fourth-gener- The operation was successful after a heart attack. He was 98. the funeral pyre. ation soldier. vision for modernisation of the tion at the fl ypast over Red Fort ties after retiring, and in 2002, he and Nandhini was discharged The mortal remains, kept at his Last honours were accorded Taking over as the chief of IAF Indian Air Force. on the fi rst Independence Day in became the fi rst and only offi cer after two days. She plans to Kautilya Marg residence on Sun- to the hero, who inspired gen- in 1964 when he was 44, Arjan A fi ghter pilot, Arjan Singh had 1947, and was still fl ying as the of the IAF to be promoted to fi ve- resume dancing Bharatnatyam day for visitors to pay their trib- erations of Indians in his years Singh led the force in the 1965 fl own over 60 types of aircraft chief of the IAF in the 1960s. star rank as Marshal of the Indian and rejoin school. utes, were brought to Brar Square of service to the nation, with war, and has been lauded for his during his career, led the forma- He served in diff erent capaci- Air Force. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 17 INDIA

AVIATION CORRUPTION APPOINTMENT RELIGION ADVISORY Domestic air passenger Ex-Bihar police off icer Y C Modi is new Yesudas gets nod to pray at No swimming off Goa traff ic up 16% in August jailed for three years chief of NIA Padmanabhaswamy temple beaches for next few days

Domestic air passenger traff ic rose to 9.69mn in A court in Ranchi yesterday sentenced Senior Indian Police Service off icer Y C Modi, Legendary playback singer K J Yesudas A private lifeguard agency appointed by the August - up 15.63% - from 8.38mn reported for former Bihar director general of police Ram who was part of a Supreme Court-appointed has been given permission to pray at the Goa government yesterday advised people the corresponding month of 2016, off icial data Chandra Khan and three others to three years’ probe team in the 2002 Gujarat riots cases, will famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in not to swim in the sea off the state for the next showed yesterday. On a sequential basis, total imprisonment for corruption. Central Bureau be the new chief of the National Investigation Thiruvananthapuram on the occasion of 96 hours in view of heavy rains in the Konkan domestic air passenger traff ic had risen by 12.43% of Investigation court Judge Ranjana Asthana Agency. Modi succeeds Sharad Kumar, who Vijayadashami, a member of the erstwhile region. “Locals as well as tourists have been to 9.56mn in July. Data given by the Directorate pronounced the judgment in the Rs3.5mn retires on October 30. The designate-director Travancore Royal family said yesterday. advised strictly not to venture into the sea or General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revealed that uniform scam, which took place in 1983-84. general will be an Off icer on Special Duty with Traditionally only those who believe in Hinduism indulge in water sports of any kind over the next passenger traff ic during the January-August According to the prosecution, police uniforms the NIA with immediate eff ect to ensure a smooth are given permission to pray. Yesudas, born to 96 hours as the weather and sea conditions are period grew by almost 17%. “Passengers carried were bought at higher rates in Ranchi, causing takeover. He will hold the post till May 31, 2021, a Roman Catholic family, sought permission to expected to be rough and heavy showers are by domestic airlines during January-August 2017 loss to the exchequer. The total cost of uniforms according to an order from the Department of pray. Vijayadashami falls on September 30, and expected to continue for the next few days,” were 754.11 lakh as against 644.68 lakh during the purchased was Rs4.5mn. Also yesterday, a Personnel and Training. Modi takes over the NIA at Yesudas will also render a song on that day at Drishti Lifesaving said in an advisory. Cautionary corresponding period of the previous year thereby municipal off icial was arrested in Tikamgarh, a time when it is probing the funding of separatists the temple. Aditya Varma of the royal family red flags have been posted on beaches as a registering a growth of 16.97%,” the DGCA said in Madhya Pradesh while taking a bribe of and stone-throwers in Jammu and Kashmir confirmed that the executive committee of the warning. The Indian Meteorological Department its monthly domestic traff ic report. Rs25,000 from a peon, an off icer said. allegedly by Pakistan-based terrorist groups. temple has given permission to Yesudas. has forecast heavy rains until September 21. All decisions by Nitish invalid, says Sharad faction of JD-U

IANS tish Kumar, Srivastava said: New Delhi “The MLAs and MPs do not form the party organisation. They are just the crop of the he Janata Dal-United party.” faction led by veteran “In the organisation, we Tleader Sharad Yadav has are strong. A majority of state declared as invalid all deci- unit presidents, the National sions taken by Nitish Kumar Executive and the National as party president, terming his Council members are with us,” election to the post as techni- he added. cally invalid. These are the same National The faction also elected Executive and National Coun- Gujarat legislator Chhotubhai cil that were formed when Vasava as JD-U acting presi- Sharad Yadav was president, dent, senior party leader Arun because Nitish Kumar did not Kumar Srivastava told report- form any party body, he said. ers here yesterday. He alleged that the fi ve state “Whatever decisions Nit- committees of which the Nit- ish Kumar has taken after be- ish Kumar faction is claiming People hold placards during a protest against Myanmar’s persecution of Rohingya Muslims, in Ahmedabad yesterday. ing elected party president support - Bihar, Jharkhnad, are invalid, because Nitish Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir Kumar’s election itself is not and Dadra Nagar Haveli - have valid,” he said about the deci- not been formed through fair sions taken at the National Ex- elections but “by cheating”. ecutive meeting on Sunday. A day after Nitish Kumar “It is so because the Elec- formally took over as JD-U toral Offi cer of JD-U, Anil He- president on October 16 last gde, was appointed in an offi ce year, a number of party leaders bearers meeting, though in staged a protest in New Delhi, Rohingya a sensitive fact only the National Execu- demanding that the Election tive can appoint the Electoral Commission declare the or- Offi cer. So all the elections ganisational election of the presided by Hegde are invalid,” party as “null and void”. he explained. Hundreds of party work- Asked why they were rais- ers had marched from Jantar ing the issue after Nitish Ku- Mantar to the EC offi ce and mar decided to align with the submitted a memorandum al- issue, says Congress Bharatiya Janata Party, and had leging that party constitution not done it earlier, Srivastava was not followed in the organi- Agencies sense on this very important and “Some of the Rohingyas Chief Minister Mamata Ban- aganda by the Bharatiya Janata said a large section of JD-U sational elections. New Delhi sensitive matter,” he said. with militant background are erjee yesterday asserted all Ro- Party-led government. members had protested and Interestingly, the press con- Singhvi said only a collective also found to be very active in hingya are not terrorists. Accusing New Delhi of look- petitioned the Election Com- ference yesterday where Vasa- consultation/participatory in- Jammu, Delhi, Hyderabad and She said the central govern- ing at the issue from a religious mission against Nitish Ku- va’s elevation was announced, he Congress Party yes- teraction will help the govern- Mewat and have been identi- ment had asked her state to angle, he said while amending mar’s election last year, but he the JD-U’s ‘Arrow’ symbol was terday said the Rohingya ment. fi ed as having a very serious and formulate a list of the children the Foreigners Act in 2015, it gave and a few others did not raise fl aunted on its banner, though Tissue was very sensitive “It will help to decipher, de- potential threat to the national residing in shelter homes and certain exemptions to Hindus, the issue publicly despite their the case for the party symbol and the government’s blanket lineate, and put boundaries on security of India,” Mittal said in prisons and share it with them to Sikhs, Parsis, Christians and reservations. is being heard by the Election approach will not help sort out where there are genuine national a written submission to the Su- execute the deportation. Jains arriving from Pakistan and “We did not fully condone Commission where both fac- matters. security problems and where preme Court. Asked about the numbers, Bangladesh the word Muslim his elevation, but did not raise tions have given their repre- The main opposition party there are none,” the Congress But the West Bengal Com- Chakraborti said 24 Rohingya was not included. the issue publicly. I raised it in- sentation. demanded that the government leader added. mission for Protection of Child children are present in shelter He said the refugees were enti- ternally in the meetings...Par- “We have given another take all parties into confi dence “A blanket approach is never Rights (WBCPCR) branded as homes and 20 in prisons with tled to protection of their funda- ties are not formed overnight; petition to the Election Com- on the matter. helpful.” “inhuman” and “anti-human” their mothers, adding that the mental rights under Article 12 and a lot of toil goes into it. And it mission on Friday. We have “It is a sensitive matter. All of Singhvi’s reaction came as the the governments’ stand on de- child rights protection body has 14 of the Indian Constitution. is not a child’s play to break a not received a communication us have to be very restrained and government told the Supreme portation and said it has refused also refused to share the list with The AIMIM leader urged the party. But there is a limit to regarding that from the EC so responsible... although there is Court that the Rohingya who to send back refugee children to central government. government to look at Rohingya everything,” he said. far. Our earlier petition was set much to say, I am deliberately have fl ed Myanmar are a seri- the neighbouring country. In Hyderabad, All India Majlis- as a humanitarian issue. Srivastava said the party’s aside by the EC on the grounds restraining myself and using ous security threat and sought “We have let the Chief Minis- e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president “They ran away from their National Council, which is the that it was not duly signed,” very measured terms,” Congress to justify moves to deport up to ter’s Offi ce know that we think Asaduddin Owaisi said the gov- country to save themselves from “supreme decision making Srivastava said. spokesman Abhishek Manu 40,000 of the refugees. it’s extremely inhuman and an- ernment had no legal leg to stand Myanmarese government. They body”, is going to meet on Oc- He insisted that the EC had Singhvi said. Mukesh Mittal, a senior home ti-human to send the Rohingya on over the Rohingya issue. have nothing to eat or wear and tober 8 and will make it clear not “rejected” their plea. “First, it is incumbent and ministry offi cial, said the Su- children back on the path to Reacting to the government’s are jumping into the sea to save which is the real JD-U. “We have sought some time obligatory on part of the govern- preme Court must let the gov- death. There is no question of affi davit in the Supreme Court themselves. To send them back Asked why all the Bihar from the EC to submit all the ment to take every part of the ernment take a decision in Indi- sending them back,” WBCPCR that Rohingya posed serious will be a great travesty of justice. JD-U MLAs and a majority of relevant documents. We will political spectrum and segment an interests because of Rohingya chairperson Ananya Chakraborti threat to national security, the I hope this will not happen,” he party MPs are siding with Ni- do that in due course,” he said. into confi dence in a collective links to extremist groups. said. Hyderabad MP said it was prop- said. Govt eyes spending cuts as Court again rejects GST glitches hit revenue Dileep’s bail plea IANS the order for yesterday. It is Reuters derpinned expansion were to be The main problem has been Kochi the second time the Anga- New Delhi slashed. the introduction of the GST, maly court has turned down “There is a concern over lower billed as India’s biggest tax re- Dileep’s plea. The high court tax collections,” a senior fi nance form in 70 years. court yesterday re- too had dismissed his bail plea ndia could be forced to cut ministry offi cial said. Ambiguous rules, an oner- jected Malayalam actor twice. spending on key infrastruc- The revenue shortfall could be ous return filing system and ADileep’s fourth bail plea During hearing on Nadir- Iture such as railways and at least Rs800bn ($12.5bn) if the glitches with its IT back-end as the Kerala High Court post- shah’s bail plea, the high court highways as lower-than-ex- current trend continues until the have made doing business far ed for next week the anticipa- yesterday asked the prosecu- pected tax collections and slug- end of the year, a second offi cial more complicated for many tory bail pleas of his actress- tion to fi le relevant details per- gish growth have upset the gov- said, forcing a re-think in gov- companies. wife as well as actor-director taining to his questioning in a ernment’s budget calculations, ernment spending. Frequent changes in tax rates Nadirshah. sealed cover and posted the two fi nance ministry offi cials He said receipts from indi- after the GST’s launch have All are allegedly linked to case for September 25. said. vidual and corporate income tax heightened business uncertain- the abduction and molestation The court directive came Tax receipts were about may slightly overshoot the tar- ty, resulting in many fi rms failing of an actress. after police said the probe $7.8bn in July - a little over half get of Rs9.8tn ($152.8bn) for the to register for the new tax. Dileep was questioned twice against him was on and that the monthly target - mostly be- whole year, partly due to a crack- Punjab Finance Minister and arrested soon after the sec- they required more time. cause millions of fi rms failed to down on tax evaders. Manpreet Singh Badal told Reu- ond round of questioning on The court also asked for comply with the new Goods and And in coming months, GST ters the new tax was launched July 10 on charges of conspiracy. prosecution’s response while Services Tax (GST) system that collections may pick up. in a “hurry resulting in a lot of His wife Kavya Madha- hearing Madhavan’s petition harmonises all state and federal Both offi cials spoke on condi- chaos and pandemonium”. van was questioned once and and posted the case for a fu- sales taxes but is still a work in tion of anonymity. Punjab, for example, had suf- Nadirshah twice. Both ap- ture date. It is likely to come progress. Without spending cuts, the fered a revenue shortfall of about proached the high court last up next week. The big worry is that eco- second offi cial said, the scal fi Rs8bn in the fi rst month of the week for anticipatory bail. Nadirshah was questioned nomic growth, which slipped to defi cit could slip to 3.5% of GDP, July-June fi scal year, he said as The Magistrate’s Court in on Sunday for the second time a three-year low in the last quar- from the target of 3.2% that the textile, engineering goods A cloth merchant wears a message pinned to his shirt during a Angamaly had heard Dileep’s for over four hours, and Mad- ter, could take a further hit if the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s and other small industries were protest against implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) bail plea and the prosecu- havan was questioned last public spending that largely un- government has set for 2017/18. hit. on textiles in Kolkata. tion on Saturday and reserved month. Gulf Times 18 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 LATIN AMERICA

DEMONSTRATION NEW FACE JUSTICE ELECTIONS SHOOT-OUT Mexicans march to protest Corruption-plagued Brazil Caracas indicts accomplice Leftist Obrador leads 6 people dead in Rio violence against women gets new chief prosecutor of June helicopter attack ahead of 2018 Mexico vote drug gang violence

Thousands of women of all ages marched Sunday Brazil’s newly sworn-in chief prosecutor Venezuelan prosecutors said on Sunday they Mexican leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Shoot-outs between drug gangs left at least six through Mexico City, demanding justice in the case of yesterday vowed that no one would be “above indicted a man for his alleged involvement in the who leads the National Regeneration Movement people dead over the weekend in two Rio de a young woman who was kidnapped and murdered. the law” but signalled a possibly less aggressive theft of a police helicopter and association with the (MORENA) party, is the front-runner ahead of Janeiro favelas, the latest in a flare-up of violence in “It wasn’t your fault, Mara,” read a sign carried by one approach to an avalanche of corruption pilot who led an attack on government off ices in next year’s presidential election, according to recent months. Through much of Sunday morning, marcher, rejecting attempts to shift the blame on investigations, including against President June. The state prosecutor’s off ice said via Twitter a newspaper poll published yesterday. The El heavy exchanges of gunfire terrorized residents the victim, 19-year-old Mara Castilla, for having gone Michel Temer. Raquel Dodge replaced the hard that it had charged Frank Cabana with “complicity Universal survey found that 23.3% of respondents of Rocinha, Rio’s biggest favela with 75,000 out alone at night. Castilla’s body was found Friday in hitting Rodrigo Janot who last week rounded and association with terrorism.” It off ered no would vote for MORENA in the 2018 vote, ahead inhabitants. “Clashes between traff ickers in Rocinha. Puebla, a week after she left a nightclub and got in a off his dramatic term in off ice by charging additional information. The government has said of the conservative National Action Party, which Avoid the area,” Rio’s military police warned on private vehicle. Prosecutors say the driver kidnapped Temer with racketeering and obstruction of that investigative police off icer Oscar Perez stole a had 20% support. President Enrique Pena Nieto’s the force’s Twitter account. Local security services her, sexually assaulted her and strangled and justice. Dodge was nominated by Temer. At her helicopter with an unidentified companion and used ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) told AFP that one person was killed in Rocinha beat her to death. The demonstrators marched swearing in ceremony in Brasilia, Dodge vowed it to fire shots and drop grenades on the Supreme was in third place, with 16.5%, the poll found. The on Sunday, the day after five other people were from Mexico City’s central plaza to the attorney to “defend democracy” and said that her off ice Court and Interior Ministry. After the attack, Perez major parties have yet to pick their candidates killed in neighbourhoods north of the city. Witness general’s off ice where they staged performances would make sure that “no one is above the law appeared in videos calling on Venezuelans to rise for the race, but Lopez Obrador is the de facto accounts on social media indicated more than denouncing the inaction of the authorities. and that no one is below the law.” up against President Nicholas Maduro. candidate of MORENA, which he founded in 2014. one person may have been killed in Rocinha.

Kuczynski swears in Hurricane Maria churns new team

Reuters Lima through the Caribbean eruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski made Reuters PVice President Mercedes Bridgetown, Barbados Araoz his new prime minister in a cabinet shuffl e on Sunday that won praise from the opposition urricane Maria yesterday picked — a sign his year-old govern- up strength and roared towards ment will likely avoid a fresh Hthe Leeward Islands on a track standoff with Congress. that could whip several eastern Carib- Kuczynski also swore in Dep- bean islands with their second major uty Economy Minister Claudia storm this month. Cooper as his new fi nance min- Maria grew into a Category 3 storm on ister and replaced his justice, the fi ve-step Saffi r-Simpson scale, with education, health and housing maximum sustained winds of 195kph. ministers. It was located about 95km east of The new, more socially con- Martinique, the US National Hurricane servative Cabinet sparked criti- Center said at 1500 GMT. cism from Kuczynski’s centrist It was headed west-northwest at and leftist supporters that he had about 17kph on a track that would put it caved into the right-wing party over the US territory of Puerto Rico by Popular Force, which has an ab- tomorrow. solute majority in Congress. Maria was expected to be the second But opposition lawmakers major hurricane this year to hit the Lee- said they welcomed the change. ward Islands, which were hammered by “I wish success to Meche Hurricane Irma earlier this month, the (Mercedes Araoz) and the new centre said. cabinet,” Luis Galarreta, the Streets were fl ooded in some resi- head of Congress and Popular dential parts of the island of Barbados, Force lawmaker, said on Twitter. which had been experiencing heavy rain “The country needs change and since Sunday as the storm approached. the government needs a chance Maria was expected to bring storm to mend its ways.” surges — seawater driven ashore by Kuczynski was forced to form wind — of up to 1.8m to 2.7m, the NHC a new cabinet after Congress re- said. voked its confi dence in the out- Parts of the central and southern going one on Friday following a Leeward Islands could see as much as dispute over a teachers strike and 51cm of rain, it said. his government’s education pol- Hurricane and tropical storm warn- icies that stress gender equality ings and watches were in eff ect for a in the school curriculum. string of islands in the area, including Congress ousted Kuczynski’s the US and British Virgin Islands, Anti- former education minister late gua and Barbuda and the French-Dutch last year and was preparing to island of Saint Martin. censure his second education Several of those islands were dev- minister last week. astated earlier this month when Hur- Kuczynski’s new education ricane Irma rampaged through the minister, Idel Vexler, previously Caribbean as one of the most powerful criticised the education reforms Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, kill- that Kuczynski vowed to defend in ing more than 80 people on the islands a message to the nation on Friday. and the US mainland. “We have to work with them Puerto Rico, a US territory which to keep making progress on the Irma grazed as it headed toward Cuba country’s development,” Araoz and Florida, opened shelters and began said in televised comments after to dismantle construction cranes that being sworn in. could be vulnerable to high winds as it A Nasa satellite photo of Hurricane Maria over the Atlantic Ocean about 145km east of Martinique. Kuczynski’s approval rat- prepared for Maria. ing dropped seven points to a “It is time to seek refuge with a family Rossello told reporters yesterday. More than 1,700 residents of Barbuda tracking Category 1 Hurricane Jose, remain off the east coast of the United new low of 22% in Ipsos’ latest member, friend, or move to a state shel- Some 450 shelters were open, includ- were evacuated to neighboring Antigua which was carrying 120kph winds and States for the next few days, bring- monthly poll, which was taken ter because rescuers will not go out and ing one in San Juan that is already hous- after Irma damaged nearly every build- was located about 430km east-south- ing dangerous surf and rip currents to from September 13 to 15 and risk their lives once winds reach 50 miles ing people evacuated by nearby islands ing there. east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. beaches from Delaware through Mas- published on Sunday in daily per hour,” Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo hit by Irma, the government said. Further north, forecasters were also The eye of that storm was forecast to sachusetts. newspaper El Comercio. Rio’s bid to wrest ‘favelas’ from gangs loses steam

By Carola Sole, AFP neighbourhoods was born a dec- One way to visit them is by lice in Rocinha, another favela. Rio de Janeiro ade ago with a view to the 2014 taking the ‘Rio Top Tour’, an ini- In August, Rio’s public secu- World Cub and the 2016 Olym- tiative launched in 2010 by local rity department announced it pics. residents. was withdrawing 3,000 police nown as the setting of a The state government decided A cable car takes visitors up the from the pacifi cation units to re- Michael Jackson video clip the way to go was to install so- hillside, past a living postcard of inforce patrols in metropolitan Kin the late 1990s, Santa called Police Pacifi cation Units colourful hand-built houses with areas where 86 % of the crime is Marta is Rio’s best known favela, inside the ‘favelas’. million dollar views of Christ the concentrated. a hillside community perched Some 9,500 police have been Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. Security Secretary Roberto between Sugarloaf and a colossal deployed in 38 communities un- The last stop is at the summit, Sa pledged, however, not to dis- Christ the Redeemer. der the programme. where a police pacifi cation unit is mantle the police pacifi cation With doors open even to for- Accusations of abuses have stationed. units “as long as I am secretary.” eign tourists, its been a showcase accumulated since 2013, but the Agents go in and out of the sta- About 60% of favelas with since 2008 when Rio began em- program nevertheless allowed tion, past what appears to be an a police pacifi cation unit want bedding police pacifi cation units Santa Maria to go six years with- abandoned guard house. them to stay, even though most in poor communities to wrest out a shot being fi red. Lower down the hill, at the believe they have failed, according them from drug lords and armed It was visited by the likes of Michael Jackson plaza, fi ve police to a study by the Center for Stud- gangs. Madonna and former US vice offi cers in bullet-proof vests and ies on Security and Citizenship. But a decade on, things are president Joe Biden. rifl es guard the statue. Silvia Ramos, a coordinator of changing. And it had all the ingredients Just before sundown, only one the study, regrets that the po- Last month, a bronze statue for success: only 5,000 inhabit- Brazilian visitor takes the cable lice pacifi cation units weren’t of the ‘king of pop’, the pride of ants, a border on Rio’s wealthy car up the hill. accompanied by social pro- Santa Marta, appeared with a ri- Botafogo district, and the support “With everything that is go- grammes. fl e slung around its neck. of strong community leaders. ing down in the favelas, I imagine “I don’t want to say that the The ominous image showed Once the mega sporting events that the tourists are wary,” says pacifi cation project is a failure, who was back in charge. were over, however, Rio was left Andrea Miranda, who sells sou- because it might then be aban- Since then, there have been at mired in budget woes and with venirs in the plaza. doned. And if it is abandoned, least six shootings and one po- police pay in arrears, causing se- A woman waits for the elevator ‘Plano Inclinado’ at the Santa Marta favela in Rio de Janeiro. Minutes later, the statistics the message we would be send- liceman wounded. curity to deteriorate. come exploding to life: three or ing is: turn the favelas over to the Once a model of pacifi cation, “Santa Marta is no longer paci- Though the violence in the “Here it’s better to say ‘I don’t With more than 100 police four shots ring out — loud, and armed gangs and let’s keep Rio Santa Marta has now become a fi ed. They say it is a pacifi ed fave- favelas on Rio’s outer periphery know, I did not see’,” says a woman offi cers assassinated this year, very close. for the rich. That would be a dark symbol of decline and the uncer- la, but we no longer have peace. is far worse — with daily gunbat- waiting in line at a beauty salon. eight of them in the police paci- Drug traffi ckers have been moment,” she said. tainties facing the 1.5mn people At any moment there could be a tles and a rising toll of casualties The offi cial fi gures are hair- fi cation units, Rio’s public secu- trying to reassert control over Ze Mario still has hopes and — a quarter of Rio’s population — shooting,” says ‘Ze’ Mario Hi- from stray bullets — the tension raising: in the fi rst three months rity department no longer allows the favelas since 2013, taking ad- refuses to accept that the song who live in favelas. lario, the embattled 57-year-old in Santa Maria is palpable. of this year there were 623 shoot- journalists to visit the units or vantage of police scandals, like Michael Jackson recorded in The strategy for restoring or- president of the neighbourhood Hardly anyone dares to speak ing incidents in the “pacifi ed” interview the agents, not even in the disappearance of a bricklay- 1996 is still valid today: “They der in Rio’s most impoverished association. out, for fear of reprisals. favelas, or seven a day. Santa Maria. er, Amarild Dias arrested by po- don’t care about us.” Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 19 PAKISTAN New authority to Ousted PM’s wife wins regulate private hospitals, labs

Internews this regulatory authority will Islamabad also look over homeopaths, Lahore by-election ayurvedics and various health facilities,” he said. DPA/Reuters vast Punjab province. A general or the fi rst time, the Dr Hafeez said the au- Lahore election is due next year. federal government of thority’s policy board will be The election commission’s pre- FPakistan will have the comprised of nine members liminary results released yester- power to hold private hospi- of which seven will be elected he ailing wife of ousted day showed that the candidate of tals and testing laboratories and two will be nominated by Pakistani prime minister Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf accountable and will be able to the federal government. The TNawaz Sharif yesterday (PTI) party took 37.6% of the vote, help patients seek compensa- post of chairperson of the won the parliamentary seat va- up from 35% in the last poll. tion against negligence as last board will be ceremonial as the cated by her husband in the wake Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the week, the federal cabinet de- chairperson will not be paid a of a Supreme Court decision in a PTI deputy chairman, said the cided to establish a healthcare salary, though the CEO will be crucial by-election seen as a test shrinking of the PML-N’s win- commission or a federal health paid. for the future of the Sharif family ning margin from 26% points to regulatory authority. “Teams from the regulatory in politics. about 12 in a constituency where The summary for this will authority will visit health fa- Kulsoom Nawaz, who is un- it has been so dominant showed be tabled in parliament and cilities and issue them licenc- dergoing treatment for throat its vulnerability in closer-run the commission or authority, es for performing only those cancer in London, represented races in Punjab in 2018. whichever is decided on, will procedures and providing only the ruling Pakistan Muslim “If this happens in one of be established by the Ministry the treatments for which they League-Nawaz (PML-N) in a the strongest constituencies of of National Health Services are equipped,” he said. by-election from the eastern city PML-N, the prime minister’s (NHS) if granted approval. The “There will be separate hos- of Lahore and secured 61,254 constituency which they’ve had regulatory body will be run by pitals for major surgeries. The votes, according to unoffi cial re- since 1985 … That means there is a chief executive offi cer and proposed authority will con- sults reported by local media late a surge for PTI, there is a tilt for will have nine members in its duct regular inspections and Sunday night. PTI,” said Qureshi. policy board. will have the power to look Her rival Yasmeen Rashid PTI candidate Yasmin Rashid, There is currently no regu- into complaints,” he added. from the Pakistan Tehreek-e- a gynaecologist from the area, latory authority at a federal A doctor of the Pakistan Insaaf (PTI) got 47,066 votes. disputed the count and fi led a level to look into the com- Institute of Medical Sciences The vote was seen as a barom- petition with the electoral com- plaints received against pri- said that in addition to regu- eter of support for Nawaz in the mission to suspend the results. vate medical facilities includ- lating health facilities, hos- wake of his disqualifi cation by “We will continue our struggle ing hospitals and laboratories. pitals, diagnostic laborato- the Supreme Court in July, and for verifi cation of the contro- NHS Director General Dr ries and radiological centres, an indication of whether the versial votes which played an With Kulsoom Nawaz on the poster, workers of the PMLN political party guide voters and share voting Asad Hafeez said that the the regulatory authority will corruption allegations levelled important role in the PML-N lists before voting in Lahore. medical facilities will also also be formulating a stand- at the Sharif family have had an victory,” Rashid said. have to get licenses from the ard treatment protocol in impact in their power base in the It was two candidates backed three stints as prime minister. PML-N offi cials tout Kul- who Washington accuses of be- regulatory authority for pro- order to ensure the provision vast Punjab province. A general by religious parties that ap- Nawaz denies any wrongdo- soom’s victory as proof that Na- ing the mastermind behind the viding certain services such as of quality health facilities to election is due next year. peared to most chip away at ing and his family have alleged waz remains popular with vot- 2008 attacks in Mumbai that caesarean sections. patients and protect their PTI leader Imran Khan said PML-N’s vote share, however, a conspiracy led to the Supreme ers and say the closer margin is killed 166 people. He said the ministry had interests. his party had built momentum together winning about 11%. Court disqualifying him for not largely due to the strong showing A retired general and ana- started working on this in 2014 “Health institutions are in the by-election, despite fi n- Neither party - one of which is declaring a small source of in- by the two candidates backed by lysts have said that the MML and that the draft was tabled misused by people who make ishing second, but the biggest linked to US-designated terrorist come, which he denies receiving. religious parties. - which has yet to be legally in the federal cabinet for ini- money by playing with the inroads were made by two new Hafi z Saeed - existed in 2013. Nawaz’s daughter Maryam, One of the surprises of yes- recognised, forcing Sheikh to tial approval after which it was health and lives of people Islamist groupings. Analysts say the by-election who spearheaded the campaign terday’s offi cial results was the appear on the ballot as an in- sent to parliament and was and there is no regulatory Kulsoom secured 49.3% of result will certainly concern as her mother is receiving can- third-place fi nish of Shaikh dependent - was likely part refi ned based on the amend- authority to look into this. the vote - a handsome margin of Sharif’s party. cer treatment in London, had Azhar Hussain Rizvi, an inde- of a “mainstreaming” project ments suggested by parlia- “There are also no laws victory but down from the 61% “The committed and hardline framed the by-election as a pendent candidate backed by envisioned by the military to ment’s standing committees. and regulations for estab- garnered by the ruling PML-N in vote did not shift from PML-N, chance for voters to reject the Tehreek-i-Labaik, a coalition of draw some militant groups “It was sent to the federal lishing hospitals and for the constituency in an election but others who are not hard core Supreme Court’s verdict against Islamist groups. into politics. cabinet for fi nal approval to running them. There is a in 2013. or are somewhat independent, her father, and late on Sunday The Labaik-backed candidate The MML yesterday said it table as a government bill in mushroom growth of diag- The vote was seen as a barom- they seem to have shifted,” said suggested some PML-N work- won 6% of the vote. planned to contest another by- parliament. We expect that nostic labs and radiological eter of support for Nawaz in the Hasan Askari, a political analyst. ers had been threatened and ab- Yaqoob Sheikh, who was him- election in the northwestern city it will sail through parlia- centres in the country and wake of his disqualifi cation by PTI offi cials are betting that ducted. self designated a terrorist by the of Peshawar next month. ment smoothly after which no one knows what types of the Supreme Court in July, and corruption trials against Nawaz Maryam did not name anyone, United States in 2012, captured Despite their relatively strong we will fi nalise a regulatory procedures are conducted an indication of whether the and his family due to start before but PML-N sources said she was nearly 5% of the vote. gains, neither the MML nor the authority,” he said. in them, what sort of pro- corruption allegations levelled the next poll, likely in mid-2018, accusing elements of the military Sheikh is backed by the new Tehreek-i-Labaik is seen as hav- “The Pakistan Medical and fessionals are working there at the Sharif family have had an will further erode support for the establishment. The military has not Milli Muslim League (MML) ing much chance of winning Dental Council (PMDC) regu- and what equipments they impact in their power base in the veteran leader who has served commented on Maryam’s remarks. party that is loyal to Hafi z Saeed, many seats in 2018. lates health professionals and are using,” he said.

Sindh to boost Morning ride girls’ enrolment Parliament to take up bills in school The provincial education and literacy department in Sindh to increase graft sentences province of Pakistan yesterday inaugurated its new gender unit in the city aimed at encouraging Internews agenda issued for the meet- members have suggested that girl students’ literacy in Sindh. Islamabad ing by the National Assembly the sentence to a public servant The unit was the joint initiative Secretariat. for committing “criminal mis- of the Sindh government, Indus The committee will also re- conduct” by accepting or at- Resource Centre (IRC) and Oxfam. he National Assembly’s view two bills protecting the tempting to obtain “gratifi ca- “It aims to mainstream gender Standing Committee on rights of the children and seek- tion” be enhanced from “seven within the education system in TInterior will take up to- ing prohibition of children’s years” to “10 years, but not less the province,” a panel discussion day two separate bills seeking employment. than seven years”. was told. enhancement of sentences in Both the bills seeking en- The movers have also sought Sindh Education Minister Jam corruption cases. hancement in the sentence in amendments to Sections 5-B Mehtab Dahar, Oxfam chair- Besides, the committee corruption cases had been in- and 5-C of the Act which au- designate Caroline Thomson will receive a briefi ng by the troduced in the National As- thorise a provincial govern- and IRC executive director head of the Federal Investi- sembly as private member’s ment to seek details of the as- Sadiqa Salahuddin led the gation Agency (FIA) on the bills by Jamaat-i-Islami mem- sets from a public servant on panel discussion on promoting working and progress of his bers. Through the bills, the JI receipt of information that the gender equality in schools and department. members have sought amend- said public servant possess- empowering women. The committee headed by ments to the Prevention of the es assets beyond the known Panellists said the provincial Rana Shamim Ahmed Khan Corruption Act, 1947. sources of income. education department gave an of the ruling Pakistan Mus- One bill had been in- On the other hand, Aliya annual stipend to female students lim League-Nawaz (PML-N) troduced by Aliya Kamran Kamran of the JI, through her to encourage them to pursue had called the FIA head to the whereas the other had jointly bill, has suggested that the their education. meeting to brief it on “pending been tabled by Sher Akbar jail term for a public servant An amount of Rs1.5bn had been and closed cases” in the last 10 Khan, Sahibzada Muhammad found guilty of receiving grat- allocated for 275,000 female years as well as the cases regis- Yaqub, Sahibzada Tariqullah ifi cation or bribe be increased A man rides his bicycle as the morning sunlight illuminates smoke from burning trash in a students in 2015-16 and 280,000 tered and investigated over the and Aisha Syed. from the existing seven years park in Islamabad yesterday. female students for 2016-17. past fi ve years, according to the Through the bill, the four JI to 14 years. “The girls’ stipend is an incentive programme to ensure greater transition and retention of female Bomber kills man, students post-primary education,” said an off icial. wounds 12 Minister Dahar said that initiative A man was killed and 12 others Ride-sharing apps draw small vehicle users was reflective of the Sindh wounded in a suicide bomb blast government’s commitment to near a security forces vehicle in increasing the enrolment of southwest Pakistan yesterday, Internews ging back the service is that it was also working in other ma- who would be willing to con- riding in the congested areas girls in school. “If you educate a off icials said, AFP reports from Islamabad is not preferred by women in jor urban centres of the coun- tribute their services and vehi- of the city but during rain or woman, you educate a nation, for Questta. the fast-expanding but largely try including in Karachi and cles to the economic cycle. thunderstorm, you cannot take that reason we are encouraging The explosion occurred in a town conservative cities. Lahore. “We have over 3,000 part- the risk (to travel by bike) and girls to stay in school and benefit in Balochistan province near the s more and more users sign “Women and senior citizens “You can order a movie ners across the country. Af- are forced to opt for another our society.” border with Afghanistan, police up for ride-sharing appli- are not our potential clients ticket, a meal from a restau- fordable investment and option.” However, off icial figures and and local government said. Acations in the twin cities because of our eastern values rant, deposit utility bill or ask self-employment are attrac- But the service is not break- those compiled by independent A spokesman for the of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it and safety concerns, thus lim- for anything from the bazaar or tive, encouraging unemployed ing new ground in the country organisations put Sindh on paramilitary Frontier Corps seems the future for such appli- iting the facility to male youth from your home or offi ce to be youth from the lower middle with others like Cargar hav- the bottom of the literacy confirmed the attack and said cations lies in going small with only,” explained Ahmed, an delivered to any required des- class to opt for becoming a ing launched in the capital last rankings, much lesser than the their vehicle was the target of existing and new services fo- employee at the new service tination, it’s all in one facility.” partner in the app-based facil- year to much fanfare but then national aggregates and, in the bombing but personnel cusing on vehicles with smaller Bykea at its offi ce nestled in a Addressing safety concerns ity,” said Rameez, an associate dropped off the radar. most indicators, it is just better remained safe as the driver footprint - and bills. Rawalpindi neighbourhood. for those willing to share the trainer at Bykea’s Rawalpindi In a move which is likely to than the figures of Fata and managed to speed away. The latest addition to the lit- Espoused from the culture of ride, he said that they had terminal. further infuriate taxi drivers Balochistan. No groups immediately claimed any of ride-sharing services in bike riding by infamous ‘Pindi taken specifi c measures to en- “I am a partner here. I can in the capital, ride-sharing gi- The last Pakistan Social and responsibility but Taliban the twin cities is the motorbike boyz’ or copied from other sure health and safety of both make seven rides a day over ant Uber has decided to open Living Standard Measurement militants have previously carried taxi-service Bykea. ventures internationally, Bykea partners (the bike rider) and nine hours and earn around up the fi eld to smaller cars, shows a bit more than half of out several bomb attacks in the It joins the likes of Al-Byke is trying to not keep its prover- customers. Rs1, 250,” remarked Zeeshan, a inducting the Suzuki Mehran Sindh’s population is literate with area. and Wheels which were all bial eggs in one basket. “The company provides ac- partner. into its fl eet and off ering prices a greater gender disparity. Balochistan, which borders Iran rolled out to much fanfare but “Bykea is basically an all-in- cidental insurance,” he added. Qasim, a client, pointed out which are “cheaper than a cup Thomson of Oxfam supported and Afghanistan, has oil and have since found it diffi cult one-app for transportation, While securing a customer a potential fl aw in the system of coff ee”. the minister’s views and said gas resources but is aff licted to grab as big of a foothold as delivery and payment serv- base is looked as the golden where competitors such as The base fare for UberMINI poverty and inequality were by Islamist militancy, sectarian their more illustrious cousins ices,” noted its Marketing and goose for any company, for Uber and Careem win. is priced at Rs50, with a per present around the world but violence and a separatist in Uber and Careem. Operations Assistant Manager startups like Bykea, a key chal- “This facility is a fair- kilometre charge of Rs4 and a they aff ected girls and women insurgency. One of the reasons peg- Danish, noting that the app lenge is to also secure those weather choice especially for minimum rate of Rs75. the most. Gulf Times 20 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 PHILIPPINES Napoles to seek bail in fund misuse case

By Ma.Reina L Tolentino “The legal defi nition of Manila Times plunder is…the main plunder- er cannot be a private person, it should be a public offi cer ork barrel scam mas- so if at all, if it appears like termind Janet Lim- that, this is not plunder, this PNapoles will ask the is something else, very diff er- Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Divi- ent,” he said. sion anew to let her post bail in Last year, Estrada fi led an the plunder case she is facing omnibus motion asking the along with former senator Jose court to, among others, dis- “Jinggoy” Estrada and several miss the plunder case and/ others for the misuse of pri- or grant him bail in light of ority development assistance the Supreme Court decision, funds (PDAF). which dismissed for lack of “We will fi le here with the evidence the plunder case fi led Fifth Division fi rst then we against Arroyo. will also see about the others,” Estrada’s lawyers also said Napoles lawyer Dennis claimed the former sena- Buenaventura, two days after tor had endured varied ail- Estrada was allowed by the ments or diseases during his anti-graft court to post bail. detention that have deterio- The court, in a special divi- rated his physical, mental and sion of fi ve justices, voted 3-2 emotional state, “accented by to let Estrada, in detention his indescribable deepening Marawi’s vicar-general Father Teresito “Chito” Soganub waves to the media and soldiers at a military camp, after soldiers rescued him from the Islamic State-linked rebels’ since 2014, gain provisional depressions and disturbing stronghold in Marawi, during a news conference in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. liberty on September 15. emotions, triggered by the ab- Estrada posted bail of sence/longing of the members P1.3mn. of his family…aggravated by Reversing previous deci- his lonely and sleepless nights, sions, the Sandiganbayan etc to live a life and liberty that took as precedent last year’s he used to enjoy before his un- Supreme Court ruling that warranted confi nement.” acquitted former president Napoles — who is detained Priest rescued as troops Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of at a Bureau of Jail Management plunder in connection with and Penology facility in Camp the supposed misuse of the Bagong Diwa, Taguig City — is Philippine Charity Sweep- also facing a plunder case along stakes Offi ce’s intelligence with former senator Ramon funds. The Sandiganbayan cit- “Bong” Revilla Jr. retake militant stronghold ed the prosecution’s failure to before the Sandiganbayan’s identify Estrada as the “main First Division and with former Reuters and seizing arms in a well- The appearance of Soganub a week after his capture, urg- the lakeside town and sur- plunderer” and the supposed senator Juan Ponce Enrile be- Manila planned assault. Soganub, is some rare good news for a ing the government to stop the rounding areas. Military chief lack of evidence that he stole fore the court’s Third Division. flanked by Defence Secretary military that has suffered a military operation in Marawi Ano said about 10 foreigners at least P50mn in public funds The court’s Fourth Divi- Delfin Lorenzana and military string of setbacks in Marawi, in exchange for sparing lives of were still in the battle among – the legal threshold for plun- sion and Fifth Division ear- hilippine troops rescued chief General Eduardo Ano, ap- from deadly accidents during hostages. some 50-60 rebels, who were der. lier granted her bail petitions in a Catholic priest held peared to be in good health and a controversial campaign of air The priest was among scores holding 45-50 hostages. Buenaventura said: “In so the plunder case fi led against Phostage for almost four high spirits when he was pre- strikes to repeatedly missing held by militants at the Bato Hapilon was among those far as we’re concerned, this former Masbate representative months by Islamic State-linked sented to the media in Manila. deadlines on when the battle mosque, one of Marawi’s larg- still fighting but several of the (Estrada ruling) is favourable.” Rizalina Seachon-Lanete and rebels after an off ensive that He expressed his thanks but would be won. est, which troops captured on Maute brothers were likely “Supposedly the nature of that against former Association captured a stronghold of the gave no statement. The siege of the city by an al- Saturday afternoon. dead, Ano added, citing infor- the information doesn’t really of Philippine Electric Co-oper- militants in southern Marawi “Our troops gained the up- liance of rebels from the island He was rescued along with mation provided by civilians amount to plunder, the nature atives representative Edgar Val- City, defence offi cials said yes- per hand, the terrorists were of Mindanao, and numerous another hostage, Lordvin Oco- who escaped and some cap- of who the main plunderer is dez, respectively, in connection terday. forced to withdraw to nearby foreign fighters, has been the pio. The rebels who laid siege tured rebels. and everything. with the PDAF scam. Marawi’s vicar-general Fa- structures on the periphery of biggest internal security crisis to Marawi are from an extrem- As of yesterday, 149 members It became clear in the GMA But she remains detained be- ther Teresito “Chito” Soganub the mosque,” Lorenzana told a in years for the Philippines, a ist faction of the Abu Sayyaf of government forces had died (Arroyo) case,” he added. cause the court’s First, Third, was kidnapped along with media briefing in Manila, re- country used to separatist and group, led by Isnilon Hapilon, in combat, along with 47 civil- Buenaventura also pointed and Fifth Divisions have denied other Christians as militants ferring to the Bato mosque held communist rebellions. the so-called “chief” of South- ians. More than 670 militants out that Napoles cannot be her pleas for bail in the respec- rampaged through the city on by the rebels for 117 days. Soganub made an appear- east Asia, and members of the have been killed, according to a charged with plunder because tive plunder cases fi led against May 23, burning churches and “Troops had opportunity to ance under duress in a mili- militant Maute family, which military estimate of bodies re- she is not a public offi cial. Revilla, Estrada and Enrile. schools, releasing prisoners snatch Father Chito...” tant propaganda video about has deep clan connections in covered and targets hit. Duterte invites UN rights group to Bautista’s estranged wife summoned over probe open offi ce as drug killings climb By Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino Last month, former Negros Manila Times Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Par- as and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio Reuters war on drugs. Thousands of pesos ($19.55), which critics at fi led an impeachment complaint Manila people, mostly poor urban Fili- home and abroad said would he Offi ce of the Ombuds- at the House of Representatives pinos, have been killed since he be tantamount to destroying a man has started its fact- against Bautista. took offi ce in June 2016. constitutional body. Tfi nding investigation into They accused the poll body hilippine President Rod- The OHCHR had no immedi- The fi rebrand leader in a allegations that Commission on chief of betrayal of public trust rigo Duterte yesterday in- ate comment on Duterte’s re- speech on Saturday taunted Elections (Comelec) chairman and culpable violation of the Pvited the United Nations’ marks. CHR head Chito Gascon by ask- Andres Bautista amassed ill- Constitution. human rights monitor to set up Duterte has also made a pub- ing him if he was gay, or a pae- gotten wealth. “Bautista culpably violated offi ce in the country and join all lic debate with UN envoys a dophile, and if he was “smitten The Ombudsman issued a the Constitution and/or be- anti-narcotic operations, amid prerequisite for any visit or in- with teenagers”, referring to his subpoena to Bautista’s estranged trayed the public trust when he growing public and global criti- vestigation related to the anti- comments about the latest in- wife Patricia, her lawyer Lorna failed to truthfully, accurately, or cism of his bloody war on drugs. drug campaign. cident. Kapunan said. completely disclose to the public “I will personally through an His outreach to the United Duterte yesterday said he had Patricia has claimed that his statement of assets, liabili- offi cial channel invite the hu- Nations comes as the Philippine no plan to abolish the CHR. Bautista amassed nearly ties and net worth,” they said. man rights commission to set National Police (PNP) comes He also said the proposed P1bn in ill-gotten wealth. The House committee on jus- up a satellite offi ce here,” Du- under heavy criticism over the 678mn peso budget would be “She was subpoenaed by the tice will determine today wheth- terte told reporters after at- deaths in August of two teenag- used to buy body cameras for OMB (Ombudsman offi ce) in er or not the impeachment com- tending the wake of a slain ers. the PNP during anti-drug op- line with its fact fi nding inves- plaint is suffi cient in form and policeman, referring to the Police say they were killed in erations, to show transparency. tigation and out of respect to the substance. Offi ce of the United Nations self defence, but activists and More than 3,800 people have OMB, we brought our client,” The Comelec chief had said High Commissioner for Human political opponents have said it been killed in police anti-drugs Kapunan told reporters. that he will face the allegations Rights (OHCHR). was cold-blooded murder. operations in the past 15 months “We informed them there is “at the right time and in the right “I will tell police station com- Duterte: rare gesture Duterte and his allies were and at least 2,100 other homi- already an investigation being place.” manders, do not operate with- chided last week after lawmak- cides were likely drug-related. conducted by the NBI and there- In August, the Department of out a representative of the UN The comments were a marked withdraw from after UN human ers allied with Duterte sup- Police reject allegations by fore we don’t want to pre-empt Justice admitted Patricia to the human rights commission and change from Duterte’s usual rights experts and rapporteurs ported giving the Philippines human rights groups that they whatever the results will be,” she Witness Protection Programme everybody must wear a camera disdain for the United Nations, expressed concern about the Commission on Human Rights are executing suspected users added, referring to the National and granted her request for pro- so it will all be transparent.” which he once threatened to huge death toll in his signature an annual budget of just 1,000 and dealers. Bureau of Investigation. tection. Father claims brutal hazing caused law freshman’s death

By Jaime Pilapil on Sunday at a sidewalk in Ton- Joel Coronel, head of the Ma- the school authorities of the he added. The father of alleged while bruises and candle wax The mother, Carmina, said Manila Times do, Manila. nila Police District (MPD), told University of Santo Tomas to hazing victim Horacio Tomas burns were seen in diff erent Horacio 3rd dreamed of be- “We are looking at the in- reporters yesterday. provide us the details on that. Castillo said the fi rst-year law parts of the body. coming a senator and president volvement of at least six Aegis Police have obtained the Because under the anti-haz- student was a victim of hazing “These people are animals…I someday. aculty members and alum- Juris members who are offi cers names of some of the fraternity ing law, the school authorities based on autopsy results. don’t know how they can do this “They took that away from ni of the Aegis Juris law or members of the organisation offi cials “but we are keeping it should be informed if there are The fi ndings showed he suf- to people,” he fumed. him,” she told radio station dzBB. Ffraternity of the University and also the possibility of the confi dential as of this moment such activities by any organisa- fered cardiac arrest as a result of “We want justice for our son. Police said the victim, a resi- of Santo Tomas (UST) may have involvement of faculty members because follow-up operations tion under their jurisdiction, and severe trauma. You don’t bury your sons and dent of San Lorenzo Village in been involved in hazing rites that and alumni, graduates of UST and investigations are ongoing,” that they have to tell us who are Horacio Castillo told report- daughters. They are the ones Makati City, was declared dead led to the death of a 22-year-old who are members of Aegis Juris,” Coronel said. the offi cers and members of the ers his son and namesake had that should bury you,” he said in on arrival at Chinese General law school freshman abandoned Chief Supt. “We are co-ordinating with fraternity, those who attended,” hematomas on both upper arms, a radio interview. Hospital on Sunday at 11.45am. Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

WB stresses on transparent fiscal system in Nepal As Nepal is adopting a federal system of government, closer Nepal holds fi nal phase of attention to sequencing political, financial and administrative decentralisation will be important, the World Bank has said in its latest “Nepal Development Update.” The World Bank said in a statement that a large proportion of federal spending is expected landmark local elections to be passed on to subnational governments, ultimately AFP The local polls had been increasing public spending from Kathmandu repeatedly delayed in fiscal year 2018. a southern province However, the Update cautioned bordering India which that unresolved issues surrounding epal yesterday complet- was the scene of deadly the implementation of the new ed its fi rst local elections ethnic turmoil two federal system could challenge Nfor nearly two decades, years ago budget execution, particularly a key step in the country’s pro- during the upcoming year. tracted post-war transition to a new national constitution was “Nepal’s new fiscal federalism federal democracy. adopted in 2015, nearly a dec- system suggests a marked Most of the country has al- ade after a long-running civil asymmetry between stronger ready voted, but the local polls war ended with a fragile peace decentralisation of spending had been repeatedly delayed in a agreement. responsibilities and relatively southern province bordering In- Ethnic minority groups, es- unchanged low decentralisation dia which was the scene of dead- pecially in the south, said the of tax collection powers,” the ly ethnic turmoil two years ago. charter left them marginalised statement read. The government deployed and agitated for a greater stake Takuya Kamata, World Bank’s troops and sealed the border in Nepal’s future governance. country manager for Nepal, said before the ballot, fearing vio- Simmering tensions have re- that the subnational governments lence in the third phase of voting mained. A political party repre- will play an increasingly critical role which covered around 2.6mn senting the Madhesi ethnic mi- in Nepal’s public expenditures. people. nority, who live in the lowlands “A system of fiscal transfers that The election commission that border India, had refused is designed for transparency and put turnout at just over 60% as to take part in the local polls predictability and supported by booths closed. There were a few unless an amendment to the a small set of simple rules, could arrests for voter fraud but no re- constitution was passed. go a long way in helping meet the ports of unrest, it said. The party later softened its development objectives of federal The province around the city stance, angering some voters Nepal,” the statement quoted of Janakpur was hardest hit by who still refused to vote yes- Kamata as saying. deadly monsoon fl ooding last terday without those crucial Meanwhile, in its semi-annual month which killed over 150 concessions being made. assessment of economic in Nepal and more than 1,200 “The big parties have always performance, the Update noted across South Asia. pushed our agendas away and that economic activity in Nepal Some aid agencies, includ- now the Madhesi party has also has been highly impacted by ing the UN’s World Food Pro- betrayed us by going to elections severe floods aff ecting over a gramme, suspended aid distri- without amending the constitu- third of the country. bution before the polls. tion,” said Saroj Mishra, a resi- “Economic growth is expected to “Political tensions have been dent of Janakpur, who refused to Voters queue before casting their ballots during the third phase of the Nepalese local elections at a polling station at Birgunj Parsa district, be lower than earlier forecast and running high in these districts in vote yesterday. some 150km south of Kathmandu, yesterday. is expected to average 4.5% over the run-up to the September 18 The local polls are among the the next two fiscal years,” the elections, giving rise to security fi nal steps in the agreement that country has suff ered persistent the height of the civil war. as a bellwether for the national – dominated the fi rst two rounds statement said. concerns that caused delays to ended a brutal 10-year Mao- instability, cycling through nine Observers are split on whether elections later this year. of voting. Over 80% of land in the southern scheduled food distributions,” ist insurgency in 2006. They governments in a decade. the large national parties or lo- The nationalist Communist But anger over the margin- Terai, the country’s food basket, Pippa Bradford, WFP’s Nepal paved the way for provincial and The last municipal represent- cal ethnically-affi liated parties Party Nepal-Union Marxist Len- alisation of ethnic minorities was aff ected in the August floods head, said. general elections later this year. atives were elected in 1997 but will perform more strongly in inist (CPN-UML) – currently the continues to rally some voters in that killed over 100 people and Protests erupted after a Since the end of the war, the their fi ve-year terms expired at the fi nal round of voting, seen second largest bloc in parliament Nepal’s south. displaced thousands of families.

Bangladesh sets aside rift with Beach cleaning Myanmar to ease rice shortage

Reuters shipment will start,” he told after Bangladesh and other Dhaka reporters. countries in South Asia saw Rice is a staple food for their worst monsoon fl oods in Bangladesh’s 160mn people years. angladesh is to buy rice and high prices pose a prob- Bangladesh seeks to import from Myanmar, putting lem for the government which 1.5m tonnes of rice in the year Baside worsening rela- faces a national election next to next June. tions over the Rohingya refugee year. The government also started crisis as the government races The deal with Myanmar is selling rice at a subsidised rate to overcome a shortage of the the fi rst state-to-state rice deal on Sunday and last month cut a country’s staple food. between the two countries, duty on imports of the grain for Normally the world’s and comes amid increasingly the second time in two months. fourth biggest rice producer, strained relations. However, prices of rice Bangladesh has become a Bangladesh recently fi nal- have not budged, a situation major importer this year after ised a deal to import 250,000 largely blamed on hoarding by fl oods hit its crops, sending tonnes of white rice at $453 a middlemen. domestic rice prices to record tonne from Cambodia, follow- National police chief A K M highs. ing a comparatively cheaper Shahidul Hoque said yester- The government has already deal with Vietnam. day that tough action would secured deals to buy rice from It is also engaged in a sec- be taken against those found Vietnam and Cambodia as do- ond round of discussions with hoarding rice in order to later mestic stocks diminished. Thailand for rice after its initial make windfall profi ts. “We’ll buy 100,000 tonnes talks with Bangkok, and India, Bangladesh produces around of white rice from Myan- suff ered a setback over high 34mn tonnes of rice annually mar at $442 a tonne,” its food prices. but uses almost all its produc- minister, Qamrul Islam, said High demand from Bangla- tion to feed its population, yesterday. desh could further lift Asian and often requires imports to “It will take some time to rice prices, which hit multi- cope with shortages caused by Workers collect garbage on the beach during an event to mark International Coastal Conservancy Day in Mount Lavinia, near Colombo. complete formalities. Then year highs in recent months fl oods or droughts. 70,000 new and expectant Anti-graft watchdog mothers among refugee infl ux ‘traps’ bribe-takers

AFP fort yesterday, Information “Bangladesh wants a dip- The existing camps are full, By Mizan Rahman drive against corruption, es- a trap committee after get- Dhaka Minister Hasanul Haq said a lomatic – not military – but Bangladesh has issued Dhaka pecially bribery in the public ting allegations of bribery and huge number – roughly one in solution,” Haq said. strict orders that the Rohingya sector. then conducts an operation to six – of the new arrivals living The government has prom- do not leave designated areas, On the day of getting 20 po- round up the corrupt offi cers and angladesh said yesterday in the camps were expectant or ised to build new camps large fearful that nearby cities could he Anti-Corruption lice personnel for its armed unit, employees in line with the law. there were 70,000 preg- new mothers. enough to host 400,000 refu- be swamped. Commission (ACC) of the ACC conducted a drive un- The commission has already Bnant and breastfeeding “Special care has been un- gees, but has also rehashed an Some 200 Rohingya have TBangladesh has launched der the trap case mechanism at instructed the corruption pre- mothers among the wave of dertaken for 70,000 pregnant old plan to turn a desolate is- been sent back to the camps af- a campaign against bribery in Bangladesh Road Transport Au- vention committees at sub-dis- Rohingya refugees who have and breastfeeding mothers,” land into a new home for the ter relocating to nearby towns the public sector by conducting thority (BRTA) offi ce in Dhaka’s trict and district levels to take entered the country after fl ee- Haq told reporters. Rohingya. in recent days, police say. 16 ‘trap’ operations in the last Mirpur area. measures to make people aware ing violence from Myanmar in The United Nations has nine months. “The anti-graft body has once so that they lodge complaints the past three weeks. warned of intolerable condi- Two refugees trampled by wild elephants On Friday, the anti-graft body again started trap case system about any incident of bribery. The UN says 415,000 civil- tions in camps around the bor- arrested three government offi - after getting allegations against Mainly due to lack of com- ians from the Rohingya Mus- der town of Cox’s Bazar. Wild elephants trampled two killed by wild elephants,” local police cials with bribed money in three government offi cials demand- plaints and legal limitations, the lim minority have arrived in Haq added that roughly elderly Rohingya refugees to chief Abul Khaer said, adding both the separate raids under the ‘trap ing bribes. And it has conducted ACC had almost stopped one of Bangladesh since August 25, 16,000 toilets have been built death yesterday as they slept deceased were Rohingya civilians. case’ mechanism in three dis- 16 ‘trap’ cases in the last nine its eff ective systems ‘trap case’ overwhelming refugee camps across the sprawling camps underneath a plastic sheet near Rohingya elder Kamal Hossain tricts – Dhaka, Narsingdi, and months,” ACC Deputy Director to catch bribe takers red-handed. near the border that were un- to improve woeful sanitation a forest in Bangladesh, police said. said the two refugees killed by Tangail. Pranab Bhattacharjee said. ACC offi cials said they have prepared for the sudden infl ux. standards, and check-posts The incident occurred on the elephants had taken refuge Introduction of the ACC hot- “Under the trap case mecha- been facing issues to carry out The majority of those cross- erected to ensure security for outskirts of Kutupalong refugee in a forested area near the line number 106 has added dy- nism, we have carried out three drives in catching bribe-takers ing have been women and chil- those camping in open spaces. camp in Cox’s Bazar district, sprawling Kutupalong camp. namism to this end as one of the drives in each in the months of as a very few people come to its dren, with aid agencies warning The minister ruled out a where tens of thousands of “It happened early Monday trap cases was conducted after September and July,” he said, offi ces with such complaints. of an unfolding humanitarian military solution to the crisis, Rohingya have set up makeshift morning when the Rohingya getting information of bribery adding that the people are now People do not complain to the crisis as authorities struggle to defl ecting calls from hardline shelters since fleeing violence were sleeping under plastic tents. demand over the hotline. coming forward to lodge com- ACC as they would have to de- provide basic facilities for the Islamists for Bangladesh to across the border in Myanmar. The wild elephants trampled the The ACC’s newly formed unit plaints with ACC following the posit the bribe money to the state desperate civilians. defend the persecuted Muslim “We can confirm that two people were two elderly civilians to death.” with 20 police personnel is an- introduction of the hotline. coff er as evidence for a long time In a briefi ng on the relief ef- minority. other move to strengthen the Usually, the commission forms and face harassment, they said. Gulf Times 22 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 COMMENT

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

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] for refugee children Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) The promise of education Fax 44350474 for all school-age refugees is not being fulfi lled. No amount of goodwill can overcome an international GULF TIMES aid architecture that remains stacked against children Singapore win By Gordon Brown London

rom Syria to Myanmar, puts Hamilton children caught in the crossfi re of confl ict are victims of a Fdouble betrayal. Forced out of their homes in the biggest refugee in pole position crisis since World War II, they have now become the innocent victims of a broken promise that they would, even Lewis Hamilton can go to the next Formula One race as refugees, be able to attend school. in Malaysia with huge confi dence after everything And, even as their circumstances worsen and their numbers increase, came together for the Mercedes driver at the Singapore their plight is going all but unreported. Grand Prix. The loud cheering that has greeted past humanitarian aid pledges has Wet conditions and a stunning starting accident, given way to a shameful silence. As which took out three drivers, including his main title the news cycle churns on and coverage shifts to more sensational events, rival Sebastian Vettel, gifted Hamilton victory in a race the 75mn children and young people where damage limitation had originally been the only worldwide whose education has been aim for the team. interrupted by forced displacement become less likely ever to return to the The Briton now leads the championship 28 points classroom. Children inside a classroom at Za’atri refugee camp, host to tens of thousands of Syrians displaced by conflict, near Mafraq, ahead of Ferrari’s Vettel with six races left, the biggest Perhaps it is no accident that the Jordan. promise of education for all school- gap of the year. age refugees is not being fulfi lled. No dampened ECW’s ambition under Syrian refugee children in Lebanon such as the Platform for Education He has won all three races after the summer break to amount of goodwill can overcome an its new director, Yasmine Sherif. The are at the sharp end of this failure. in Emergencies Response (PEER), international aid architecture that young fund has swiftly marshalled To be sure, an innovative initiative aimed at linking young people to go top and dominating the Grand Prix where Vettel and remains stacked against children. its initial $120mn to promote quality to ensure educational access for higher-education courses, thousands Ferrari were big favourites along with Red Bull made it Education spending is still caught education for 3.2mn displaced these children – a two-shift school of qualifi ed young people have been between humanitarian aid, which children and, in turn, to support programme that uses the same unable to secure college and university all even sweeter. focuses on the most basic necessities 17,000 teachers, with investments in classrooms as Lebanese children – places. This does not just undermine But the win in Singapore means Hamilton now for survival, such as food, shelter, and around Syria, as well as in Chad, frees up valuable space and materials, their own futures; it will impede their remains the overwhelming favourite to win the title. and medicine, and development aid Ethiopia, and Yemen. making it possible to deliver an ability to use their skills to aid in their programmes, which are planned over Working with a network of education for only about $600 per countries’ reconstruction. Hamilton was well aware that the Formula One gods years and are slower to respond to partners focused on helping Syria’s pupil. The goal is to provide 540,000 People are not broken just by the had been on his side during a weekend where he crises. As a result, education is often refugees, ECW is addressing Syrian and vulnerable Lebanese wave that submerges the life vest or treated as a lower priority, the last structural challenges, such as teacher children aged 3-18 some form of the convoy that does not make it to the managed no better than fi fth in qualifying. to be funded and the fi rst to have its remuneration and certifi cation education this year, with 220,000 besieged town. They are broken by the The rain on Sunday changed the conditions to such fi nancing redirected. processes, while helping to create a benefi ting from the double-shift absence of hope – the soul-crushing A case in point: the UN Emergency new curriculum based on coexistence. system. certainty that there is nothing ahead an extent that any advantage the Ferraris and Red Relief Co-ordinator, recognising Together with Lebanon’s Ministry of Yet donors have contributed only for which to plan or prepare, not even Bulls may have had was erased. The accident involving gaps in aid spending, has, to its Education and Higher Education – a $200mn so far – $100mn less than a place in school. Vettel, his teammate Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull’s credit, just allocated an additional department under stress from the is needed. As a result, hundreds of The world’s refugee children typically $45mn to support relief operations infl ux of a half-million Syrian refugee thousands of vulnerable children could lack passports that would enable them Max Verstappen seconds into the race was then simply in Afghanistan, the Central African children – ECW is also helping to be left without access to education. to cross borders more freely. But their too good to be true for Hamilton. Republic, Chad, and Sudan. But these fulfi l the goal of delivering a quality Already, Lebanon is being forced real passport to the future is stamped in funds, while vital, are not nearly and relevant education for all young to make painful cuts and surrender the classroom, not at a border crossing. “What a day – I suffi cient, and only a tiny fraction people aged 3-18. precious ground. Jordan and Turkey, Infrastructure can be rebuilt. But can’t believe it, I’m so will go toward education provision. Such innovative initiatives which have also embraced the double- children can never get back years of He has won all Meanwhile, organisations like the represent important progress. But shift model, are facing similar dilemmas. education they have missed. happy!” he said. United Nations Refugee Agency meeting the needs of the children who Similarly, most of the 500,000 We must act now to ensure that this three races aft er “I came in today (UNHCR), the UN Offi ce for the Co- have been left out and left behind will South Sudanese refugee children young generation of refugees is learning, and I saw that it was ordination of Humanitarian Aff airs take far more funds than ECW so far who have poured across the border not lost. Only then can we provide a the summer break (OCHA), Unicef, and Unesco are doing has at its disposal. into Uganda are unable to receive an foundation for true reconstruction raining and I knew laudable humanitarian work, but In Syria, a devastating and education – despite the Ugandan and unleash the hope that all children to go top of the that this balances remain underfunded. protracted civil war has left more than government’s generous plan to provide deserve. – Project Syndicate Last year, the Education Cannot 7mn children in need of humanitarian them with places in schools – owing standings everything out. I love Wait (ECW) fund was created to assistance, and some 2.5mn without to a lack of funding. Then there are the zGordon Brown, former Prime racing in the rain, close the fi nancing gap and ensure homes. In February 2016, the thousands of children who are being Minister and Chancellor of the that education is protected when Supporting Syria and the Region besieged in Mosul, Iraq; shelled in Exchequer of the United Kingdom, then everything unfolded in the beginning.” disaster strikes. It was a heartening conference in London attracted $1.4bn Sana’a, Yemen; and forced to fl ee into is United Nations Special Envoy Hamilton easily held off Daniel Ricciardo in the development, supported by all UN in pledges for education, but only a Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine for Global Education and Chair agencies. But the disheartening reality fraction of those funds have so far State. And so the cycle of under- of the International Commission other Red Bull in the diffi cult conditions with three is that fi nancing has not kept pace made it to the front lines. The country provision and despair continues. on Financing Global Education safety car stages as he celebrated his seventh season with need. remains in ruins, and reconstruction Yet the problem extends beyond Opportunity. He chairs the Advisory win and became only the second driver to win 60 Yet funding headwinds have not has yet to begin. schooling. Despite major initiatives, Board of the Catalyst Foundation. career races, the other being record champion Michael Schumacher who has topped 91 Grands Prix. But Hamilton is fi rmly keeping his feet on the ground when it comes to winning a fourth world title, Ambitious 1.5C Paris climate target ‘is still possible’ as there are still six long races to contest. By Damian Carrington produced the new analysis published to happen sooner rather than later, temperature was more than 1C above “Whatever it is with the approach that I have, London in the journal Nature Geoscience. starting with countries strengthening pre-industrial levels for the fi rst time. there’s no reason to change it,” he said. “It’s a perfect In 2015, Grubb said the massive their Paris pledges in 2018. 2017 was the warmest July in 137 scale and speed of carbon cuts A commonly used scenario for years of modern record-keeping, at balance of being aggressive and cautious at the same he highly ambitious aim of needed to meet the 1.5C target were ambitious carbon cuts, called about 0.83C warmer than the mean time. So, the formula works at the moment, so I’ll just limiting global warming “incompatible with democracy”. RCP2.6 by the Intergovernmental July temperature of the 1951-1980 to less than 1.5C remains But the new work has changed Panel on Climate Change, projects period continue with it. Right to the last race.” Tin reach, a new scientifi c his mind, showing there is more ever bigger carbon cuts as time However, increasing air It was only the second time that both Ferrari drivers analysis shows. room for emissions than thought. passes. But Grubb pointed out that temperatures only account for about The 1.5C target was set as an He also said carbon emissions this would eventually require annual 3% of the heat trapped by greenhouse failed to fi nish in 11 years and Verstappen rubbed it in aspiration by the global Paris climate have stopped growing sooner than drops in carbon emissions only gases. The other 97% is absorbed by suggesting that Vettel was to blame for the incident change deal in 2015 to limit the expected, especially in China, and previously seen when economies by the oceans and the rising global because he moved to his left, leaving no place for him damage wreaked by extreme weather that renewable energy costs are collapsed in the 1930s depression, warming experienced by the planet and sea level rise. plummeting unexpectedly quickly. World War II and at the end of the as a whole has remained unchecked with Raikkonen on the other side. It was widely seen as impossible “We are in the midst of an energy Soviet Union. Instead, he said, for decades. Evidence of this is the And while Hamilton is the favourite for the because analysis at the time indicated revolution,” he said. cutting carbon by smaller amounts inexorable rise of sea levels, caused it required carbon emissions to Prof Myles Allen at Oxford but starting much sooner could by melting ice caps and the thermal championship crown by a long mile, Ferrari would fall to zero within seven years, University, who was part of the team deliver the 1.5C goal. expansion of sea water. still be fancying their chances. If things can go wrong a speed deemed “incompatible that produced the new analysis of Grubb said the “politics is still not The slowdown in rising air with democracy” by one climate the 1.5C goal, said they used several easy”. But he downplayed the impact temperature between 1999 and for them, they can also for Mercedes in a sport that is economist. methods to make a fresh estimate of President Donald Trump’s decision 2014 resulted from a natural prone to springing surprises. However, an updated analysis of the necessary carbon budget, to take the US out of the Paris deal, decadal cycle in Pacific, the Met using the latest data shows the global including updating measurements of saying other nations, as well as states Office scientists said. This led to carbon emissions budget that meets the emissions and warming that have and cities in the US, were pressing the ocean circulation speeding up, the 1.5C goal is signifi cantly bigger already occurred. Previous computer ahead regardless, not least because enabling it to drag more heat down To Advertise than thought, equivalent to 20 years of models had also projected more rapid of the economic attraction of ever into the deep ocean and away from current annual emissions. warming in the expectation that, for cheaper green energy. On Sunday, the atmosphere. But that cycle has [email protected] The scale of the challenge remains example, sun-blocking pollution both US Secretary of State Rex now ended, returning temperature Display huge but it means that, if the world’s particles would be cleaned up more Tillerson and national security adviser rises to their long-term gradually Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 nations ratchet up their emissions quickly than it has in reality. HR McMaster indicated the US is open accelerating trend. cuts in future as intended under the “A lot of people said 1.5C is simply to negotiations on staying in the Paris The temporary slowdown does Classified Paris deal, the expected “severe, not possible,” said Allen. But the new deal. not mean the challenge to tackling Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 widespread, and irreversible impacts” work revealed that for a 66% chance As the new work was published, climate change will be any easier, on people and the natural world could of meeting the 1.5C target in 2100, the UK’s Met Offi ce said that the said Allen: “The slowdown has not Subscription be avoided. the budget is 240bn tonnes of carbon, “slowdown” in the rate of global helped us in any way.” This is because [email protected] “It is looking more hopeful that we assuming that other greenhouse gases temperature rises seen in the fi rst it merely refl ects a natural variation can really achieve the Paris goals,” said such as methane are also controlled. decade or so of this century was superimposed on the strong warming professor Michael Grubb, a climate This means the target could be met if over, with 2014, 2015 and 2016 all trend driven by the carbon emissions 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved economist at University College strong action is taken. The scientists setting new heat records. In the latter from human activities. - Guardian London and one of the team that also warned that carbon cuts need two years, the world’s surface air News and Media Gulf Times Tuesday, September 19, 2017 23 COMMENT The Saudi crown Why tech companies prince’s vision may should fear backlash turn into a mirage Tribune News Service Washington, DC The Guardian domestic terms, Saudi Arabia London is a mess. The kingdom is the world’s largest oil exporter, with our years ago, a columnist for reserves of 260bn barrels – but it The Economist predicted a huge he ascension in June of is a one-trick economy. Oil prices “tech-lash” against America’s Mohamed bin Salman have plummeted from the highs Fgiant technology fi rms. Adrian as crown prince of Saudi of 2014, forcing Riyadh to spend Wooldridge considered it inevitable that TArabia was an instant some $200bn from its foreign executives at Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Rorschach test for observers of the exchange reserves to cover its Google and Microsoft would be seen by desert kingdom. Is he a reformer defi cit. In response the crown the public in the same malign fashion prepared to drag his kingdom, a prince instigated a Thatcherite as bankers and oil barons – symbols repressive regime that writes very programme of privatisation and of a greedy nerd version of avaricious large welfare cheques, into the 21st Mohamed bin Salman subsidy cuts to balance the books. capitalism. century or a callow princeling whose But these moves threatened the Wooldridge was right about the rise to power could destabilise the reports, sourced from within the social contract between the royal backlash – but he probably didn’t count region? The 31-year-old prince has court, claiming the other leading family and its subjects, the majority on how broad an indictment critics undoubtedly amassed great power contender for the throne had a drug of whom are under 35. of the tech giants would bring. It was and dominates Saudi economic, problem. Last week it emerged that On the world stage, Saudi Arabia predictable that big tech companies diplomatic and domestic policy. Saudi authorities had launched a has been forced on the back foot by would stand accused of operating in commentary and enabling the far right Foundation think tank – which Google The crown prince, known as MBS, crackdown on dissent, targeting events and its own incompetence. monopolistic ways and of stealthily to spread election-skewing “fake news” has supported fi nancially – to push out is also the architect of the bloody Islamic thinkers, public critics and The war in Yemen, costly in civilian monetising information about individuals and bigotry. ProPublica provided a new scholar Barry Lynn and his Open Markets quagmire of the Yemen war and political rivals. Two prominent lives, and a blockade of Qatar are a acquired from their online activities. example Thursday when it showed research team. Lynn’s sin? Publicly a hardliner in the current Gulf clerics were taken away for failing result of two draining infatuations: But it’s not just these practices that Facebook provided tools for advertisers to applauding the EU’s fi ne against Google. row with neighbouring Qatar. His to publicly declare their support curbing Iran’s infl uence in the Arab have poked holes in Silicon Valley’s reach anti-Semitic hate groups. Such bullying will haunt Google – at least father, King Salman, 81, is not in for the crown prince’s stance world; and snuffi ng out any whiff of bubble of public regard and admiration. Now the backlash may be moving if the anti-monopoly backlash plays out good health, walks with a stick and toward Qatar. Neither cleric is political Islam. Neither has resulted It’s also how the tech giants have behaved beyond rhetoric. In June, European according to the traditional American suff ers from brain fades in meetings. refl exively conservative . Both are in much success. Instead, both have in other ways. Union regulators slammed Google with a script. By anointing his seventh son as the popular with the Saudi public, been embarrassments for the crown With the release of its iPhone X, Apple record $2.7bn fi ne for seeking to profi t by But that’s a huge if. Standard Oil youngest heir apparent in Saudi with millions of Twitter followers. prince. Riyadh is now courting joined Facebook and Google as companies manipulating online search requests. and AT&T had monopolistic control of history, the ailing monarch has Another journalist has been banned Iraq’s leadership – especially those pursuing facial recognition technologies In the US, the traditional American gasoline supplies and telephone service, signalled a decisive break with the from writing opinion columns, close to Iran. It has withdrawn that portend an end to old concepts fear of giant Corps has begun to manifest respectively – major bills most American past. while human rights activists have from Syria, leaving that country’s of privacy. Despite their insistence itself. The same impulse that led to the households pay. Google’s and Facebook’s If the fi rst few months are a been given outlandish eight-year future in the hands of Moscow, otherwise, those fi rms and Microsoft have break-up of Standard Oil in 1911 and chief services are addictive – and free. reliable guide, then the omens for prison sentences for peaceful Ankara and Tehran. Now Riyadh been called de facto silent partners to US AT&T in 1982 is fl aring as awareness Still, as everyday life makes clear, the future are not good. The palace campaigning. Whatever MBS’s faces a tough choice on Afghanistan intelligence agencies’ attempts to vacuum grows of Google’s and Facebook’s Americans are stirred up. The Trump and coup that saw MBS take power was public face, this intolerance of between its ally Pakistan and up information from people around the hegemony in advertising and the Sanders wings of the two largest political bloodless. In the summer’s Game dissent is almost paranoid. Donald Trump, on whom the world without their consent. And despite realization sets in that Amazon may parties want and expect dramatic change. of Thrones, his powerful uncles If there was time for Saudi crown prince ill-advisedly models all the benefi ts they bring, Facebook and destroy more American jobs than China. If they get their way, the most powerful and rivals were either sidelined society to debate how to proceed, himself. The crown prince has the Google are villains to both sides of the Google’s troubles continued with an forces in this country are likely to feel the or placed under house arrest. The it’s probably now. Saudi Arabia vision thing. But his impetuous culture wars. Aug. 30 report in The New York Times that fallout. And that is a category that very sense of how riven the Saudi royal was the cradle of jihadism so its lack of judgment risks turning it They’re accused of enforcing left- Eric Schmidt of Google’s parent company much includes Amazon, Apple, Facebook, house is could be gleaned from stability is a global concern. In into a mirage. wing speech codes on acceptable Alphabet had pressured the New America Google and Microsoft. Weather report Saudi Arabia wasn’t always this Three-day forecast TODAY High: 38 C Low : 32 C Inshore: Hazy to misty at places at first becomes hot daytime with chance of local rainy clouds by afternoon and repressive. Now it’s unbearable humid by night.

By Jamal Khashoggi Several others, myself included, are in growth and diversify our economy? opinions from public fi gures such as WEDNESDAY High: 38 C Washington Post self-exile and could face arrest upon The crown prince is popular, and his Essam and other economists, clerics, returning home. reform plan was supported by most of intellectuals and businesspeople who Low: 31 C It anguishes me to speak with other the 30 clerics, writers and social media have instead been swept up in these Sunny hen I Saudi friends in Istanbul and London superstars who were rounded up in the arrests. speak of who are also in self-exile. There are at middle of the night. My friends and I living abroad the fear, least seven of us – are we going to be In recent months, Saudi Arabia has feel helpless. We want our country THURSDAY intimi- the core of a Saudi diaspora? We spend instituted several new and extreme to thrive and to see the 2030 vision High: 38 C W Low: 31 C dation, arrests and public shaming of endless hours on the phone trying to policies, from full-throated opposition realised. We are not opposed to our intellectuals and religious leaders who understand this wave of arrests that of Islamists to encouraging citizens government and care deeply about Sunny dare to speak their minds, and then I have included my friend, businessman to name others to a government Saudi Arabia. It is the only home tell you that I’m from Saudi Arabia, are and thoughtful Twitter personality blacklist. Those arrested were on that we know or want. Yet we are the you surprised? Essam al-Zamil. It was just last list. Columnists close to the Saudi enemy. Under pressure from my Fishermen’s forecast Tuesday that he returned home from leadership repeatedly demanded that government, the publisher of one of With young Crown Prince OFFSHORE DOHA Mohamed bin Salman’s rise to power, the United States, having been part Islamists be “eradicated”. It’s no secret the most widely read Arabic dailies, Wind: SW-NW 03-12 KT he promised an embrace of social and of an offi cial Saudi delegation. That is that the crown prince despises the Al-Hayat, cancelled my column. Waves: 1-3 Feet economic reform. He spoke of making how breathtakingly fast you can fall Muslim Brotherhood, yet it is actually The government banned me from INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 04-14 KT our country more open and tolerant out of favour with Saudi Arabia. It is a strange contradiction to identify Twitter when I cautioned against an Waves: 1-2 Feet and promised that he would address all quite shocking. But this has not a person as a Muslim Brotherhood overly enthusiastic embrace of then- the things that hold back our progress, been business as usual in my country. activist. I always found it ironic when president-elect Donald Trump. So I Around the region such as the ban on women driving. In 2003 and again in 2010, I was a Saudi offi cial bashes Islamists, spent six months silent, refl ecting on Weather Weather But all I see now is the recent fi red from my job as editor in chief given that Saudi Arabia is the mother the state of my country and the stark today Max/min tomorrow Max/min wave of arrests. Last week, about 30 of a “progressive” paper, Al-Watan. of all political Islam – and even choices before me. Abu Dhabi Sunny 37/31 Sunny 37/31 people were reportedly rounded up During the years in between, I served describes itself as an Islamic state in It was painful for me several Baghdad P Cloudy 46/28 P Cloudy 46/27 Dubai by authorities, ahead of the crown as media adviser to Prince Turki its “Higher Law.” (We avoid the term years ago when several friends were Sunny 40/29 Sunny 41/30 Kuwait City Sunny 44/28 Sunny arrested. I said nothing. I didn’t 43/28 prince’s ascension to the throne. Some al-Faisal, the Saudi ambassador to “constitution” because of its secular Manama Sunny 39/31 Sunny 39/31 of the arrested are good friends of Britain and then the United States. interpretation and often say that the want to lose my job or my freedom. I Muscat Sunny 34/27 Sunny 34/27 mine, and the eff ort represents the Perhaps it seems odd to be fi red by the Qur’an is our constitution.) worried about my family. Riyadh Sunny 41/27 Sunny 42/26 public shaming of intellectuals and government and then serve it abroad. Regardless of who is being targeted, I have made a diff erent choice now. Tehran Sunny 31/18 Sunny 31/18 religious leaders who dare to express Yet, that is truly the Saudi paradox. this is not what Saudi Arabia needs I have left my home, my family and opinions contrary to those of my In the starkest terms, Saudi Arabia right now. We are going through my job, and I am raising my voice. To country’s leadership. The scene was is trying to moderate the extreme a major economic transformation do otherwise would betray those who quite dramatic as masked security viewpoints of both liberal reformers that is supported by the people, a languish in prison. I can speak when so men stormed houses with cameras, and conservative clerics. And the transformation that will free us from many cannot. I want you to know that fi lming everything and confi scating arrests span that spectrum. total dependence on oil and restore a Saudi Arabia has not always been as it papers, books and computers. Why would this climate of fear and culture of work and production. is now. We Saudis deserve better. The arrested are accused of being intimidation be so prevalent when a This is a very painful process. recipients of Qatari money and part young, charismatic leader is promising Mohamed bin Salman is best served zJamal Khashoggi is a Saudi journalist of a grand Qatari-backed conspiracy. long-awaited reforms to spur economic by encouraging constructive, diverse and author. Trump, Haley to share spotlight at UN

By Michelle Nichols assertive,” said a senior European say the president, happy with her replace Tillerson as secretary of state. United Nations diplomat, speaking on condition of performance, views her as both tough “She would lose the independence anonymity. and smart. she enjoys in New York and (it would) “I see her potentially taking over He speaks regularly with Haley, tie her more closely to the president’s Around the world hen President Donald from Tillerson at some point. It’s his fellow Republican, one US agenda. But it is an off er that she could Weather Weather Trump takes the world clear her long-term objective is the administration offi cial said. not refuse. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min stage at the United presidency,” the diplomat said. Twice in fi ve weeks she persuaded It’s an irony that the one way Trump Athens Sunny 35/22 Sunny 32/19 Nations for the fi rst time Haley dismisses speculation she the 15-member UN Security Council to can hurt Haley is to promote her,” he Beirut M Sunny 27/24 Sunny 28/25 W Bangkok S T Storms 34/26 S T Storms 33/26 this week, he will share the spotlight could replace Tillerson, the country’s unanimously boost sanctions on North said. Berlin M Sunny 18/07 P Cloudy 17/08 with his envoy Nikki Haley, who has top diplomat, who has at times Korea. Haley credits Trump with any US Cairo Sunny 35/24 P Cloudy 37/23 emerged as the surprising public face publicly diff ered with Trump during Her blunt language has raised achievements at the United Nations. Cape Town Cloudy 17/13 Sunny 24/13 of US foreign policy. the president’s eight months in the eyebrows among diplomats. After the Security Council Colombo P Cloudy 29/26 T Storms 29/26 Haley, the 45-year-old former White House. At the same time she has been toughened sanctions on North Korea Dhaka T Storms 30/26 T Storms 31/26 Hong Kong P Cloudy 31/28 S T Storms 31/28 South Carolina governor, has proven On Sunday, she told CNN that careful not to steal the limelight from this month, she praised his “strong Istanbul Sunny 29/20 Sunny 33/23 to be a high-profi le member of Tillerson is “not going anywhere and I Trump, a wealthy businessman and relationship” with his Chinese Jakarta P Cloudy 35/24 P Cloudy 34/24 Trump’s administration, at times continue to work well with him.” former reality television star. counterpart for the result. Karachi Sunny 35/26 Sunny 36/26 overshadowing Secretary of State Rex Trump’s speech today at the UN “I personally think he slaps the right When he dismissed the Sept. 11 UN London P Cloudy 17/09 M Cloudy 18/13 T Storms T Storms 31/26 Tillerson, the former chief executive General Assembly will be his highest people, he hugs the right people, and resolution, which had been weakened Manila 32/26 Moscow Cloudy 14/08 M Cloudy 18/09 of Exxon Mobil Corp, despite her lack profi le opportunity to explain his he comes out with the US being very by China and Russia, as “just another New Delhi P Cloudy 36/26 S Showers 33/26 of previous foreign policy experience, foreign policy vision couched in his strong in the end,” Haley told White very small step, not a big deal,” Haley New York Rain 23/20 Cloudy 29/21 diplomats say. America First agenda. House reporters on Friday. jumped to his defence and dismissed Paris S Showers 17/06 P Cloudy 18/08 “For the US, Nikki Haley is Haley arrived at the 193-member European Council on Foreign any suggestion they were not on the Sao Paulo Sunny 28/15 Sunny 28/15 Seoul T Storms 24/13 Sunny 24/13 remarkable. It’s hard to fi nd in the world body in January pledging to Relations UN expert Richard Gowan same page. Singapore S T Storms 29/26 S T Storms 29/26 Trump administration. “take names” of allies who did not said Haley’s success could make “If we have to go further, this is Sydney Cloudy 21/09 P Cloudy 18/08 It’s someone who is very have Washington’s back. Trump nervous and that it would be a going to look small compared to what Tokyo Clear 29/22 Cloudy 29/21 approachable and politically very Trump administration offi cials “bad deal for her” if she was asked to we do,” she said at the time. Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 QATAR NHRC moots S’hail 2017 starts tomorrow compensation panel under

Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation is all set to host the Katara International Hunting and Falcon Exhibition, ‘S’hail 2017’, from tomorrow. The event will feature local, Arab and international participants, including 54 from Qatar, 15 from Kuwait, five UN patronage from Spain, and four from Pakistan. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

QNA of the Human Rights Council at its civil, economic, social and cultural Geneva 36th session in Geneva. rights of individuals and groups In its comments on the recom- and it is unacceptable to punish mendations and proposals con- people under any pretext. he National Human Rights tained in the report, the NHRC In the same context, the NHRC Committee (NHRC) has welcomed mechanisms to redress stressed that unilateral coer- Tpresented a proposal to con- the victims of coercive measures cive measures by several nations sider the possibility of establish- and appreciated the considerable against the State of Qatar aff ected Qatar leading region on ing a compensation commission eff orts made by the Special Rap- a very wide range of human rights, within the framework of the United porteur since taking offi ce in May including the right to residence, Nations General Assembly, whose 2015. work, health, mobility, family re- decisions represent the authority It noted that those eff orts culmi- unifi cation, property, education of the international community. nated in the Special Rapporteur’s and others. counter-terror eff orts In this context, the NHRC noted most recent and detailed report The NHRC called upon the Hu- that the conditions referred to in containing proposals for the estab- man Rights Council to assume its QNA tions, and key allies to address terrorism sharing on known or suspected terrorists the report of the Special Rappor- lishment of mechanisms for eff ec- responsibility in this context, in Doha and extremism wherever it exists at home, and terrorist organisations with the US teur on the negative eff ects of uni- tive remedies for victims of unilat- accordance with General Assem- in the region, globally,” said Abdulaziz al- Department of Homeland Security. lateral coercive measures for the eral coercive measures, as well as bly resolution 60/251, “that the Ansari, chairman of National Counter- There is also the enhanced implemen- establishment of specialised com- his proposals for the establishment Council takes the responsibility he State of Qatar is a regional leader Terrorism Committee. tation of UNSC resolution designation mittees to compensate victims of of a United Nations Register of to promote universal respect for in countering terrorism and has “This year Qatar was presented with the groups and regular reports to the UN 1267 coercive measures contain strict unilateral action and a declaration the protection of all human rights Tmade signifi cant contributions to opportunity to further enhance co-oper- committee as well as the enhancement of procedural rules which can only on unilateral coercive measures. and fundamental freedoms for all global eff orts to defeat terrorism. ation with American intelligence and law border controls and aviation security on be guaranteed by the extension of The NHRC affi rmed its full without distinction of any kind and In addition to hosting Al Udeid Air Base, enforcement agencies around counter- adherence with UNSC 2178. decision-making power. agreement with the proposals in a just and equitable manner”. the forward headquarters for US Central terrorism and be the fi rst and only coun- Qatar has also made progress in the This came in the comments of and recommendations included It also called on the Council to Command, Qatar is a signifi cant support- try in the region to commit to this memo- establishment of a fully functional and the NHRC on the report of Special in the report, considering unilat- activate the international mecha- er of the Global Community Engagement randum of understanding. We signed the operational domestic designations re- Rapporteur Idris El-Jazairy on the eral coercive measures as a fl agrant nisms available or proposed to and Resilience Fund (GCERF). MoU because we seek to defeat terrorism gime; Independent audits and review of negative eff ects of unilateral coer- violation of human rights conven- redress the harm caused by these Qatar is the only Arab state to join in all forms and bring those that support informal fi nancial and charitable sector; cive measures during the meetings tions, they directly aff ect political, coercive measures. GCERF and will host the December 2017 it to justice.” Protocols for capacity building, technical GCERF board meeting. Since the signing of the MoU, Qa- assistance and training expertise with the On July 11, the State of Qatar and the tar has built on its strong foundational Department of Justice and Department of United States of America signed a historic programmes to address terrorism and Treasury. Memorandum of Understanding govern- extremism with direct co-operation be- Under the MoU, Qatar and the United ing the principles of mutual co-operation tween the Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Af- States also committed to periodic coun- on counter-terrorism. The purpose of the fairs, Ministry of Interior, Central Bank, ter-terrorism focused discussions that Qatar winning war MoU is to further advance the signifi cant State Security, Public Prosecution and will be attended by all relevant depart- progress that Qatar has made to counter the US State Department, Department of ments and agencies in both countries. terrorism and create a template for others Treasury, Department of Homeland Se- The meetings will be used to set target in the region to replicate. curity, Department of Justice and Federal dates and deadlines for initiating and/or “For two decades, Qatar has partnered Bureau of Investigation. completing all activities agreed upon be- of words: analyst with the United States, the United Na- There is also increased information tween the countries.

Qatar is winning the war of words The dispute has worried western The global hubs will produce in its ongoing dispute with the diplomats who see their allies press releases, publish content on Saudi-led bloc and has tried to take pitted against each other and are social media and invite ‘social influ- the moral high ground, feel some concerned about what they view as encers’ to visit Saudi Arabia. Need to swiftly resolve Gulf crisis: Germany analysts. the overly aggressive action taken The ministry wants to use public “While Riyadh has gone on a very against Doha, according to the relations firms to set up operations negative PR off ensive in Washington report. to “distribute the Saudi perspective erman Chancellor Angela Merkel tar by air, land and sea. Germany is not Yemen and the current cholera epidemic and London against Qatar, Doha Besides leading the unjust siege on global developments”, the docu- is pushing for an end to the Gulf party to this confl ict, said the chancellor, there. has avoided the temptation to go of Qatar, Riyadh has also faced ment says. Gcrisis, the German Federal Foreign but in line with its values it aims to help “In the view of the German govern- low and has tried to take the moral criticism over its role in a devastat- The conservative kingdom has Offi ce has said in a statement on the re- resolve the confl ict. ment, all countries in the region must re- high ground,” said Andrew Bowen, ing war in Yemen, where it has been for years struggled to improve its cent visit of His Highness the Emir Sheikh She urged the actors involved to identify double their eff orts to halt the funding of a visiting scholar at the American accused of bombing civilian targets. image in the west. Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Germany. fair compromises and that no party should terrorism,” the statement added. Enterprise Institute, a think-tank, Now, in a bid to improve its stand- It has been criticised for its treat- All sides, she said, should come togeth- lose face. Federal Minister for Foreign Aff airs Sig- as reported in the Financial Times ing, Saudi Arabia is reportedly plan- ment of women, who are banned er around the negotiating table as soon as She said His Highness the Emir made it mar Gabriel visited the Gulf at the begin- recently. ning to set up public relations hubs from driving, and alleged human possible, and Germany, too, would like to clear that the Qatari side is doing all it can ning of July. “As a result, Qatar so far is win- in Europe and Asia as part of a new rights abuses. help resolve the confl ict. to make progress. During his visit he said: “We fi rmly be- ning the war for western hearts and off ensive to counter negative media A more interventionist The chancellor reported that her “ex- “In the Qatar crisis, the German gov- lieve that stopping the fi nancing of ter- minds, much to the chagrin of the coverage of the kingdom. foreign policy, led by Crown tremely frank talks with the Emir” focused ernment is supporting Kuwait’s eff orts to rorist organisations and extremists – no quartet (imposing the embargo).” The Saudi information ministry Prince Mohamed bin Salman, has on the situation in the Gulf – the crisis be- mediate. The chancellor expressed Ger- matter by whom or from where – is abso- Private surveys in Europe could set up “hubs” in London, Ber- put Saudi Arabia under greater tween Qatar and its neighbours. many’s appreciation of American eff orts lutely essential: with no ifs and buts, and indicate that Saudi Arabia’s image lin, Paris and Moscow as early as this scrutiny. It is a matter of concern, she said at a to mediate in this confl ict as well,” noted in a practicable and transparent manner. If has been tarnished by its perceived month, according to a document Riyadh is leading a coalition of press conference with His Highness the the statement, issued through the German better mechanisms for this can be devel- bullying of Qatar and its military seen by the Financial Times. states in Yemen in a conflict that Emir, that “even one hundred days after embassy in Qatar. oped, then this crisis could even ultimate- intervention in Yemen, according to The initiative could be expanded is entering its third year and has the crisis erupted, there are still no signs There is agreement that it is extreme- ly strengthen our instruments in the fi ght a pollster. to Beijing, Tokyo, Mumbai and triggered one of the world’s worst of a solution”. ly important to fi ght terrorism, Merkel against terrorism. However, this requires On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, other big cities from next year, the humanitarian crisis, with millions of She reported that they also discussed stressed, and His Highness the Emir as- goodwill, de-escalation and a dialogue on Bahrain and Egypt imposed an em- document adds, although people people facing food shortages and at the situation in Libya and Syria. sured her that Qatar too intends to do eve- all sides.” bargo on Qatar, triggering the Gulf’s familiar with the plan say it is in its risk of cholera. On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt rything it can to fi ght terrorism. In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and worst diplomatic crisis in decades. early stages. Courtesy: The Financial Times and Bahrain broke off diplomatic relations The region is facing “enormous chal- Qatar, Gabriel urged all parties to the con- with Qatar and suspended all links to Qa- lenges”, said the chancellor, and pointed to fl ict to embrace the will to compromise. Stage set for ‘Symphony of Films’

week-long celebration of fi lm will be the highlight of the evening, Thieves (1948/Italy), directed by Vit- and music awaits audiences as with an array of epic and microscopic torio Di Sica and with music by Ales- Athe Doha Film Institute Cin- forms of composition. Among the sandro Cicognini. The fi lm won the ema (DFI Cinema) presents the sec- pieces to be performed are the open- honorary Oscars, regarded as the pre- ond edition of the thematic series, ‘A ing titles from The Boys of Sunset cursor of the Academy Award for Best Symphony of Films’. Ridge, The Irish Empire, East is East, Foreign Film category. The six-day series will take place Infi nite Justice, Tied to a Chair, Wild Stalker (1979/Russia), by the mas- from Thursday at Katara Drama The- Weather and the end theme from ter director Andrei Tarkovsky and Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti with Turkish atre and Opera House. Heather’s Painting. with music composed by Eduard Ar- ambassador Fikret Ozer. The seven featured fi lms include The masterclass on Saturday, at temev, will be screened on Sunday at Score: A Film Music Documentary, 5.30pm, will see Dr Mollison investi- 7.30pm. Katara to showcase Turkish maritime heritage Batman, Bicycle Thieves, Stalker, gating the journey needed to become The classic Indian fi lm Pather Pan- Pather Panchali and Metropolis. a fi lm composer. chali (1955, India) by auteur Satyajit Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation Dr al-Sulaiti praised the role of the The specially curated programme She will refl ect on how her own ca- Ray will be screened on Monday at and the Turkish embassy in Doha have Turkish embassy in highlighting Turkish will also include a masterclass by reer took shape and the evolution of 7.30pm, with music composed by si- agreed to promote and develop cultural folklore and culture through hosting British composer and songwriter Dr her work. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is tar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. co-operation between the two sides in a wide range of events, festivals and Deborah Mollison on ‘Becoming a She will discuss the impact of mu- set to perform during the thematic ‘A Symphony of Films’ concludes marine heritage by presenting diff erent cultural weeks. Film Composer.’ sical processes and techniques used in series, ‘A Symphony of Films’. next Tuesday with the screening of aspects of the Turkish maritime culture at In addition, the Katara GM stressed The masterclass is presented in fi lm composition, with regards to the Metropolis (1927, Germany) directed Katara’s heritage festivals. that culture builds real communication collaboration with the British Council language of fi lm music in general and mer, Danny Elfman, John Williams by Fritz Lang and presented with live The matter was discussed during a bridges between people from all walks and the Department for Culture, Me- in her own fi lm compositions. and Alexander Desplat. accompaniment by the Qatar Philhar- meeting that brought together Katara of life. dia and Sport. The second season of ‘A Symphony Also on Thursday, at 10pm, fami- monic Orchestra. This Cine Concert general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim The Turkish ambassador expressed On Friday, ‘A Symphony of Films: of Films’ will kick off on Thursday lies can enjoy a screening of Batman is presented as part of Qatar Germany al-Sulaiti, Turkish ambassador Fikret Ozer happiness at the fruitful co-operation with Music from Britain and Qatar’ will at 7.30pm with Score: A Film Music (1989/US, UK) directed by Tim Burton 2017 Year of Culture and in collabo- and the director of Yunus Emre Turkish the Cultural Village and highlighted the see a special performance at 7.30pm Documentary (2016/US), directed by with music by Danny Elfman. On Sat- ration with the Goethe-Institut, the Cultural Centre in Doha, Mehmet Aykac, importance of strengthening cultural ties by Dr Mollison, Dana al-Fardan (Nec- Matt Schrader, an American docu- urday at 3pm, there is a free screening German Embassy, Qatar Museums the off icial Qatar News Agency reported between the two countries by opening romancer and Intertwined), Nasser mentary fi lmmaker and three-time of Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Quest and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. yesterday. new horizons of co-operation through Nasseb (Four Seasons) and Wael Binali Emmy Award winning news producer. (2006/France, Belgium, Spain, Italy), Tickets can be purchased from Ka- The agreement reaff irms the impor- participation in upcoming festivals hosted (Earth and Niramaya. Score is an exploration in the power, a delightful animation directed by tara Drama Theatre (Building 16) and tance of cultural ties between the Qatari by Katara. The concert will be accompanied infl uence and evolution of music in Michel Ocelot, followed by the Debo- Drama Theatre entrance from Friday and Turkish people, especially that Qatar Such initiatives reflect the strong and by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. modern motion pictures and features rah Mollison masterclass. to Monday. Tickets are also available and Turkey “enjoy excellent and growing friendly Qatari-Turkish relations that have A selection of works from Dr Mol- some of cinema’s most recognised Also on Saturday, at 8.30pm, is for purchase online at www.doha- ties on all fronts”. been consolidated over the past years. lison’s career spanning two decades names in fi lm music like Hans Zim- the screening of the classic Bicycle fi lminstitute.com