Amir Exchanges Eid Greetings with Leaders

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Sunday 11 August 2019 | 10 Dhul-Hijja 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 24 | Number 7980 | 2 Riyals

Amir exchanges Eid greetings with leaders QNA/DOHA cables of greetings on the of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al VI of the Kingdom of Morocco the occasion of the advent of the occasion of the blessed Eid Al occasion from a number of Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah; the and President of the Republic of blessed Eid Al Adha. H H the Amir Adha. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin leaders of friendly countries. President of the Republic of Iraq, Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, responded with a reply cable of Prime Minister and Interior Hamad Al Thani has exchanged H H the Amir yesterday Dr. Barham Salih; the President on the advent of Eid Al Adha. thanks. Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah cables of greetings with Their exchanged, in telephone con- of the State of Palestine, H H the Amir has also Deputy Amir H H Sheikh bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Majesties, Highnesses and versations, greetings with a Mahmoud Abbas; and the Pres- received a cable from the Speaker Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani has exchanged cables of Excellencies leaders of the Arab number of leaders of sisterly ident of the Federal Republic of of the Shura Council, has exchanged cables of greetings with Their Excllencies and Islamic countries, on the Arab countries on the occasion Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin greetings with Highnesses, Heads of Government of the sis- advent of the blessed Eid Al of Eid Al Adha. Farmaajo. Zaid Al Mahmoud, containing his Crown Princes and Vice-Presi- terly Arab and Islamic countries Adha. H H the Amir exchanged H H the Amir exchanged greetings and greetings of dents of the sisterly Arab and on the occasion of the blessed H H the Amir also received greetings with Amir of the State greetings with King Mohammed members of the Shura Council on Islamic countries, on the Eid Al Adha. MoI, Barwa to organise mega Eid celebrations for Asian communities THE PENINSULA The celebrations will The celebrations are DOHA organised in various locations include musical and of Qatar by the MoI with the aim The Public Relations Department traditional thematic of providing a safer environment of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) shows and cultural in a closer location for the will organise today ‘Mega Eid Al performances by members of the expatriate com- Adha Cultural Celebration for munities residing in Qatar Expat Communities’ at the Asian community orchestra including the employees and Town and Asian Accommodation teams and school workers of the companies to cel- City (Labour City) in Doha Indus- students, magic shows ebrate Eid Al Adha and to trial Area from 5pm to 10pm. and safety and security enhance and strengthen coop- The celebration at the Asian eration and communication Town will be held at the car related awareness between the MoI and expatriates parking area of the Cricket programmes by in Qatar by providing safety and Stadium, where entry for the different departments security tips during these events. public is free, while the entry to of the Ministry of The MoI has invited all Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat the celebration at Asian Accom- members of expatriate commu- Head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, Ali Erbas, leads a prayer after pilgrims gathered on modation City is restricted for Interior. nities to attend the events and Mount Arafat, in Makkah yesterday. Muslims take part in the main rituals of Haj on the eve of Eid Al the residents of the accommo- urges the managements of the dation city. companies to make necessary Adha today. Some 2.5 million people have arrived in Makkah for the annual pilgrimage. The Eid celebrations will Department of the MoI. arrangements for sending include musical and traditional Popular Asian orchestra maximum numbers of the workers thematic shows and cultural per- teams will present musical to different programmes arranged formances by community shows in multiple languages in various locations in order to get Qatar backs United Nation’s call orchestra teams and school stu- including Hindi, Urdu, Sinhalese, benefits of the awareness pro- dents, magic shows and safety and Nepali, Malayalam, Tamil and grams on various subjects related security related awareness pro- Bangladeshi languages in Asian with safety and security. for humanitarian truce in Libya grammes by different departments Town and Asian Accommo- The MoI has been organising of the MoI such as Traffic, Al Fazaa dation City. cultural events and awareness QNA In a statement on Saturday, the Khalifa Haftar launched their Police, Civil Defence, Community A variety of events from programs for the expatriate DOHA Foreign Ministry called on the offensive on Tripoli. The Ministry Policing Department, Search and magic show and songs in Hindi, communities on various national international community as well of Foreign Affairs greeted the Follow up Department, Drugs Bangladeshi, Nepalese and Bho- occasions such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid The State of Qatar has as the regional and international Libyan people on the occasion Enforcement Department and jpuri to thematic shows will be Al Adha and Qatar National Day announced its support for the actors, and the various compo- of Eid Al Adha, calling on the Human Rights Department. staged to entertain the people on for many years. call, made by the United Nations nents of the Libyan conflict, to join Almighty to bring security, peace Special prizes sponsored by Eid day along with educative This year’s Eid Al Al Adha Support Mission in Libya the initiative and make it a success. and stability to all of Libya. Safari group and Grand Mall awareness programmes. The celebration is organized in col- (UNSMIL), for a humanitarian The statement said that the Meanwhile, the Presidential will be gifted for the audience organisers expect a huge turnout laboration with Indian Cultural truce on the occasion of Eid Libyan people, which has suf- Council of Libya's Government of throughout the event through of the expatriate community Centre and is sponsored by Ibn Al-Adha, and welcomed the fered the scourge of war, deserve National Accord (GNA) yesterday raffle draw as well as through members including the Ajyan projects, Naaas Group, Government of National this truce especially since the announced accepting the human- the security awareness quiz by employees and workers of the Safari Mall, Grand Mall, Trsn- Accord’s acceptance to the truce. militias of retired Major General itarian truce proposed by UNSMIL. the Public Relations companies in the both events. scind Group and Emco Qatar. Signalised Al Gharrafa Interchange opens Travellers from Traffic moves at Al Gharrafa Interchange (known as Qatar exploring new Immigration Interchange) which was fully opened on Friday following the holiday destinations completion of works to convert Al Gharrafa FAZEENA SALEEM destinations for citizens as they Roundabout into a signalised THE PENINSULA tend to diversify their trips, with junction, in addition to introduction of several new developing parts of service Travellers from Qatar are flights to different cities. Citizens roads on 22 February Street. exploring new destinations also choose Scandinavian coun- The development of the worldwide to spend summer and tries and Sweden is one of the interchange contributes Eid holiday season. popular places, say industry signiﬁcantly to improving There has been a shift in prefer- sources. traffic and increasing its ences among citizens and expa- However, European cities capacity as this interchange triates depending on the demand such as London, Paris and connects Doha with the for air tickets and visa availability Madrid traditionally remain the northern areas of the country to various destinations, favourite holiday destinations of and provides easy access to according to travel industry most Qataris. Some of them also the surrounding areas such sources. go to Asian destinations like Al Luqta, Madinat Khalifa, Al Turkey is one of the newly- Bangkok, Singapore and Messila and Al Rayyan, in preferred and popular destina- Malaysia. addition to many services tions among both citizens and “We have seen a change in such as educational, health, expatriates. destinations people choose to commercial and residential Countries such as Australia, travel for holiday. Europe facilities. the US, Canada and Maldives remains the most preferred des- have become favourite tination for Qataris. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019

PRAYER TIMINGS Al Gharrafa Interchange fully open to traffic OFFICIAL NEWS FAJR 03. 43 AM SHOROOK 05. 05 AM THE PENINSULA on both sides, as well as Ashghal pointed out that Amir sends DOHA adding new light poles at the Al Gharrafa interchange congratulations to ZUHR 11. 39 AM MAGHRIB 06. 15 PM intersection, in addition to Bridge will be closed to traffic President of Ecuador ASR 03.08 PM ISHA 07. 45 PM The Public Works Authority the development of 22 Feb- heading north towards Al (Ashghal) has announced the ruary Street accesses in the Duhail for 4 days starting DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, full opening of Al Gharrafa area between Al Rayyan tomorrow. The closure is in WEATHER TODAY Interchange (known as Immi- Intersection and Rashida coordination with the Deputy Amir H H Sheikh gration Interchange) to traffic Intersection, and constructing General Directorate of Traffic Abdullah bin Hamad Al from Friday (August 9) additional parking on the and aims to renew the asphalt Thani and Prime Minis- following the completion of western side of 22 February layer of the bridge. ter and Interior Minister the works to convert Al Street. The project also During the traffic closure, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Gharrafa Roundabout into a included the development of motorists heading north to Al Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani signalised junction, in a stormwater drainage Duhail will have to use the sent yesterday cables of addition to the development accesses of the roads sur- system, and the protection of two-lane traffic signal congratulations to the Pres- of parts of the service roads rounding the interchange and existing services of Ooredoo, already opened at the ident of the Republic of on 22 February Street. developing the service roads Kahramaa and others. interchange. Ecuador, Lenin Moreno, on Eng. Mohamed Arqoub Al the anniversary of his coun- Khaldi (pictured), Head of try’s Independence Day. Doha City Section, Road QNA Projects Department at Qatar strongly Ashghal, said that the development of the interchange condemns attack on contributes significantly to UN convoy in Libya improving traffic and increasing its capacity, as it DOHA: The State of Qatar is located in an area with high has strongly condemned traffic density where large the attack on a UN mission number of vehicles uses this convoy in Hawari, west of intersection on a daily basis. Benghazi, Libya, killing two This interchange connects people and injuring others. Doha with the northern areas In a statement issued yester- of the country and provides day, the Ministry of Foreign o o easy access to the sur- Affairs reiterated the State of 32 C 42 C rounding areas, such Al Qatar’s firm stance rejecting Minimum Maximum Luqta, Madinat Khalifa, Al violence and terrorism, what- Messila and Al Rayyan, in ever motives and reasons. Strong wind expected at some places by addition to many service, The statement expressed the afternoon. Hot daytime with slight dust to State of Qatar’s condolences blowing dust at times at some places and educational, health, com- some scattered clouds. mercial and residential to the families of the two vic- facilities. tims, wishing the injured a

HIGH TIDE 15:04 – 00:00 LOW TIDE 07:36 – 22:46 QNA Al Khaldi added that the speedy recovery. Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department project improved the Al Gharrafa Interchange after Ashghal opened it to traffic following the completion of its works. Travellers from Qatar exploring new holiday destinations FROM PAGE 1 told The Peninsula. He said that According to travel industry Georgia excluding airfare would Doha to various destinations Colombo would cost 75 percent However, there is an increase South East Asian destinations like sources, a three-day visit to start from QR2000 and the abroad have shot up as families to 100 percent more during the in the number of citizens Malaysia, Singapore and Georgia including air fare would airfare would be an additional travel for the summer school travel season compared to the choosing other countries, as they Thailand have been traditionally cost around QR 3500 and even of QR1500 during the summer. holidays and Eid. The summer off-peak fares. tend to explore new destinations popular among expatriates. less to Azerbaijan at around QR The prices are similar to other vacation will end by the last “However flight fare varies and because new flights are However, recently, Eastern 2500. East European countries as well. week of August. depending on the destination, introduced to some destinations. European countries such as Georgia has established visa- But it could be cheaper than According to sources, flights airline, date of travel and date of For example like in the US, pas- Georgia, Armenia, Bosnia and free regime for Qatar as well as traveling to their home countries to European cities including booking. Therefore most passengers choose different cities Azerbaijan are fast gaining pop- for residents. An entry stamp during summer,” said a travel London and the Indian cities of sengers book their tickets in and states rather than going to ularity, mainly due to less cost upon arrival is enough to enter consultant. Chennai, Mumbai and Kozhikode advance to avoid high rates,” said the main places,” a travel adviser and easy visa processing. the country. “A travel package to Separately, air fares from and other destinations like a travel consultant. SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 HOME 03 04 HOME SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 Hotels line up enticing Eid Al Adha offers RAYNALD C RIVERA Club facility and hotel’s amen- As part of ‘Summer popular Eid Brunch on the package vailable during Eid hol- and guests can enjoy a festive THE PENINSULA ities. Guests will also be given in Qatar’ which runs second and third day of Eid Al idays, starting at QR880 per brunch on the first day of Eid free voucher for a one-day pool Adha priced at QR299 per night in a Deluxe Room and with wide variety of traditional Travellers who choose Doha as pass, which can be used during until August 16, many person inclusive of soft bev- includes 15% savings on all Arabic dishes, live cooking sta- Eid Al Adha destination as well their next visit. The hotel also hotels are offering up erages and QR399 per person rooms and suites, optional tions, seafood, and all-time as residents who opt for an stay- offers special discount of 50% to 25% discounts on for the enhanced package. Mar- breakfast at Lagoon restaurant favorite desserts for the price of cation during the holidays can on memberships at the Bod- their daily rates and riott Bonvoy Members will and a wide range of kids’ QR245 per person including soft take advantage of lavish buffet ylines Fitness & Wellness Club receive 30% savings on the soft activities. beverages and QR375 net per promotions and discounts in for its two months and six premium food and package while children from 5 Visitors and guests of City person including selected rooms and services hotels have months packages. beverage offerings. to 11 years old are charged 50 Centre Rotana Doha can indulge beverages. prepared for their guests. At The Westin Doha Hotel percent and children under 5 in wide selection of interna- On the second day of Eid, On the first day of Eid, Oryx and Spa visitors can book a years old eat complimentary. tional oriental and international Corniche Restaurant will offer Rotana Doha’s guests and vis- deluxe room for QR600 for from international cuisine along Ritz-Carlton, Spa has delicacies at “Olive Oil” res- a Mediterranean selection of itors can enjoy a wide selection single occupancy and QR700 for with an area dedicated for kids. created The Summer Rejuve- taurant from 12.30pm to 4pm dishes from 12pm until 3pm for of cuisines at Choices restau- double inclusive of breakfast In addition, Heavenly Spa is nation package, a 90-minute on the first day of Eid with prices QR198 per person including soft rant’s Eid lunch buffet at prices and lunch at Seasonal Tastes. offering treatments through the treatment including refreshing starting from QR269 per adult beverages and QR333 per starting from QR189 per adult Children under 12 can enjoy luxurious Hammam treatment back scrub, cooling algae body inclusive of soft drinks and person including selected inclusive of soft drinks with their meals complimentary from deep exfoliation, to hair wrap, cooling eye treatment and special discounts for kids. beverages. special discounts for kids. throughout the hotel venues. treatment completed with full facial cleanse, and back massage Guests can also avail one of As part of ‘Summer in Qatar’ In addition to breakfast and Seasonal Tastes Restaurant body mask and massage topped and moisturizer application at the multiple “Escape” packages which runs until August 16, lunch buffet for two, guests can will host a special brunch on the with nourishing body butter for QR500 per person available available to ensure a great and many hotels are offering up to avail 50 percent discount on first day of Eid in a traditional only QR1395. until August 31. special stay in the distinct Eid 25% discounts on their daily massage, complimentary usage ambience with a lavish buffet The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has atmosphere. rates and premium food and of Bodylines Fitness & Wellness featuring a wide array of flavors Lagoon Restaurant will serve its also launched ‘Summer Sale’ Doha Marriott Hotel visitors beverage offerings. Partial closure on Al Khaleej Street and The Centre Intersection

THE PENINSULA Directorate of Traffic. During Street, then turn left at Al Diwan DOHA this period, a new traffic signal Intersection. Those coming from will also be installed at the inter- the B-Ring Road or Ibn Seena The Public Works Authority section of Ibn Mahmoud Street Street towards Al Jaidah Bridge (Ashghal) has announced that it with Al Rayyan Road. R/A, can use Bin Mahmoud Street will implement a partial closure Accordingly, traffic coming to reach Al Mannai Bridge. of the northbound lanes of Al from the White Palace Inter- During the same period, a Khaleej Street, leading from section towards Al Mannai R/A partial closure will be imple- Wadi Mushireb Intersection can use Ibn Mahmoud Street to mented at the intersection (known as Al Jaidah Bridge R/A) reach Al Jaidah Bridge R/A. known as The “Center Inter- towards Al Khaleej Intersection Traffic coming from Al Diwan section” on Salwa Road, where (known as Al Mannai R/A). Intersection towards Al Mannai the main lanes will be kept open This is in addition to closing R/A can turn right towards Qasr between Ramada Intersection the access from Al Mannai Al Marmar R/A and take a u-turn and Al Jaidah Bridge R/A. Those Roundabout to Al Khaleej Street. towards Al Mannai underpass coming from Al Kandi Street can The closure will start on leading to Al Jaidah Bridge R/A. only turn right into Salwa Road. Wednesday (August 14) and will Traffic heading from Al Kah- The closure aims to allow the Rush at HIA last for four months, in coordi- rabaa Intersection to Al Mannai installation of a bridge deck at Hamad International Airport (HIA) witnessed rush ahead of Eid. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA nation with the General R/A will have to use Al Diwan Al Mannai Roundabout.

MoI, Barwa to hold mega Eid Beauty salons witness huge rush ahead of Eid celebration for communities AYESHA MUZAFFAR various salons are slightly different Nora, another customer at FROM PAGE 1 THE PENINSULA from one another in normal days Rehab Beauty Salon, told The but on the occasion of Eid they Peninsula that the salon also used On the eve of Eid Al Adha, operate late at night to cater to provide services at home on cus- Also the Barwa Group in association with Waseef and customers’ rush at different beauty increased number of customers. tomers’ demand. in collaboration with Ministry of Interior will be con- salons witnessed a huge rise pushing Doha Beauty Center and Rehab The fees of different services ducting two mega cultural events on the occasion tar- the salons to extend their working Beauty Salon remained open till vary from one salon to another. geting the expatriate communities’ members today at hours. 2:30am. Tina, owner of Doha There are different prices for dif- Barwa Al Baraha in Doha Industrial Area and Barwa The beauty salons, which are Beauty Center at Lulu Hypermarket, ferent services as facial services start Workers Recreation Complex in Al Khor Industrial Area particularly for women in the said for the convenience of cus- from QR170 to QR450; waxing from from 5pm to 9pm. During the event, orchestra troupes country, received more clients due tomers her salon had extended QR30 to QR360; manicure& ped- and community artists will perform in both venues, where to Eid Al Adha. working hours to provide services icure from QR50 to QR180, haircut the audience will get enough chances for showcasing The Peninsula visited a number to growing number of customers. from QR70 to QR100, hair styling & their cultural talents on the stage in front of a huge crowd. of beauty salons to see the increased Different salons offered a variety treatments & colours start from In addition to the cultural events, various departments activity due to Eid celebrations. of services to their customers like women visit salons for threading, QR150 to QR2200. of the Ministry of Interior will present awareness tips on Layla, a worker at a local beauty facials, cleansing, manicure, ped- haircut, hair colour, facial manicure, Purnema, an employee at a local safety and security during the celebration. salon in a hypermarket, said that icure, haircut, haircolour, henna pedicure & henna. Sameera, a cus- saloon, in her message to all women they wanted to satisfy their cus- among others. A lady customer at tomer at Monalisa Beauty Saloon, said that booking an appointment tomers for which they were giving the salon said that she was satisfied was happy to get her services on the a few days in advance was helpful their 100%. The working times at with the services. Most of the given time. in receiving better service. Texas A&M at Qatar hosts annual SEA

THE PENINSULA/DOHA presented by Texas A&M at Qatar. Oxy Qatar teamed up with Texas The Summer Engineering Academy A&M to support Qatar’s efforts to (SEA) introduces rising seniors, attract young Qataris into STEM referred to as National Vision education and careers. Scholars — to advanced topics in This year’s academy led stu- The valedictory function of the Summer Camp at BPS. engineering and science while dents through a focused engi- teaching important problem- neering project in one of Texas A&M solving skills. at Qatar’s four engineering disci- BPS Summer Camp ends Students work with faculty plines. Participants worked with Participants at the annual Summer Engineering Academy. mentors and STEM experts Ben- Texas A&M faculty and staff THE PENINSULA jamin Cieslinski, Dr. Mohamed members on real-life, relevant, engineering); experimenting with Anand, Ghalya Al-Emadi, Haya DOHA Gharib and Tala Katbeh to develop hands-on research projects related building durable, robust furniture AlNaimi, Noor Al Banna and Ruba research projects and communicate to Qatar’s grand research chal- out of recycled water bottles Yousif won the overall competition The Birla Public School Summer Camp of fun frolic and their results through a presentation lenges. This year’s projects focused (mechanical engineering); and for their project. The team was learning came to an end on August 8, 2019 with the final in front of judgesm, including on investigating the value-effi- studying ways to maximize fuel mentored by Dr Nayef Alyafei and presentation by the students. It was the second presen- research posters and a video. ciency of alternative fuel sources recovery in complex reservoirs Dr Thomas Seers, as well as current tation in the 6 weeks Summer Camp. Occidental Petroleum of Qatar (chemical engineering); testing a (petroleum engineering). Texas A&M at Qatar petroleum Children were divided into different categories as Ltd. (Oxy Qatar) sponsored the new design for robust, secure cloud The petroleum engineering engineering sophomore Sara per their classes and they were taught various skills from Summer Engineering Academy storage (electrical and computer team of Abdulaziz Alderham, Dhruv Albanna. a wide array of skills like art, craft, dance, personality development, yoga, swimming and vedic maths, abacus and robotics. Vice-Principal (Co-Scholastic), Rajesh Pillai; Finance Manager, Vinod Kumar; Construction Manager, Jackson Solomon and a large number of parents were present to observe the one hour long closing ceremony. There were dances, yoga, speech, songs etc. which the children learnt during six weeks of Chill The Summer 2019. Robotics projects were displayed and were greatly appreciated by the audience. They also presented the Art and Craft work they made out of various materials which were of fine quality. Parents highly appreciated the work done by the students as well as teachers. The celebration ended with the presentation of participation certificates to all the children. SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 MIDDLE EAST 05 Separatists seize control of all Erdogan reiterates vow to fight govt military camps in Aden attacks on Turkey REUTERS ADEN ANATOLIA Yemen’s southern separatists ANKARA have taken effective control of Aden, seat of the internationally Turkish President Recep Tayyip recognised government, frac- Erdogan (pictured) yesterday turing the Saudi-led coalition reiterated determination to fight which is trying to break the grip against those targeting Turkey’s of the Iran-aligned Houthi development. movement on the country. “We will continue to let In a move that complicates those down who use many efforts by the United Nations to methods from terrorist attacks end a four-year war, the sepa- to economic traps to stop Turkey ratists seized control of all gov- in the period ahead of us,” ernment military camps in the Erdogan said in a video message southern port city yesterday and to mark the Eid Al Adha. surrounded the all-but empty The President said Turkey presidential palace, officials said. performed positive progress in “What is happening in the very matter compared the temporary (government) capital agenda of the Eid Al Adha last of Aden by the Southern Transi- year. tional Council is a coup against Turkey gains its power from institutions of the internationally unity, solidarity, and broth- as the “feelings of brotherhood recognised government,” the erhood, he stated. are reinforced” and the “desire Yemeni supporters of the southern separatist movement pose for a picture in Khor Maksar, in the foreign ministry said in a Twitter The country has experienced to live in peace” is refreshed. Yemeni southern port city of Aden yesterday. post. The separatists had been many victories in August “Thanks to Eid, we recall the part of the Saudi-led pro-gov- throughout its history, he said, importance of a moral under- ernment coalition that has been in control of all the military In a move that complicates efforts by the United referring to the Victory Day, the standing that does not discrim- battling the Houthis since March camps,” an official in Hadi’s gov- Nations to end a four-year war, the separatists 1922 defeat of Greek forces, inate people, fights without 2015. ernment said. seized control of all government military which falls on August 30 and compromise to overcome The war has killed tens of He said the two sides had camps in the southern port city yesterday and Turkey’s counter-terrorism poverty, rules with justice, and thousands and pushed the agreed the separatist forces operation Euphrates Shield which is also reliable and tol- poorest Arabian Peninsula would not try to seize the palace, surrounded the all-but empty presidential which was launched in August erant for everyone,” Kilicdaroglu nation to the brink of famine. located in the predominantly palace, officials said. 2016 in Syria. said. Four days of clashes between residential Crater district, while “I hope we will add a new Nationalist Movement Party the separatists and government government forces would refrain circle to our chain of victories (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli also forces have killed at least nine from attacking them. Abdullah bin Zayed urged UN complicity in a missile attack on in this August,” Erdogan said. shared an Eid message wishing civilians and more than 20 com- The separatists also took special envoy Martin Griffiths, a southern forces military parade He wished Eid Al Adha to Eid Al Adha to strengthen the batants, according to medical over the house of Interior Min- who is trying to de-escalate ten- in Aden, which was claimed by bring goodness to Turkish unity and solidarity of Turkish sources. The fighting, which has ister Ahmed Al Mayssari after he sions across Yemen, “to deploy the Houthis. nation, the entire Muslim world people. trapped civilians in their homes was evacuated with the help of efforts and exert pressure” to The UN is trying to and humanity. “We are experiencing a deep with dwindling supplies of water, coalition forces, government that purpose. The clashes implement a stalled peace deal Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the and immense sense of reaching resumed at dawn yesterday but officials said. President Hadi is between government forces and in the main port city of Hodeidah, main opposition leader of an exceptional period in which has since abated. based in the Saudi capital separatists began on Wednesday further to the north, to pave the Republican People’s Party the enthusiasm of Eid is experi- “It is all over, the (Southern Riyadh. after the latter accused an way for wider political negotia- (CHP), in a written statement enced spiritually, at heart and Transitional Council) forces are Foreign Minister Sheikh Islamist party allied to Hadi of tions to end the war. said that Eid holiday is special morally,” Bahceli said.

Israeli forces shoot dead 4 Iran unveils homegrown radar air defence system REUTERS says the drone was over its ter- of the regular army’s air surface-to-air missile system establish a maritime security Palestinians DUBAI ritory, but Washington says it defences, was quoted as saying that Russia delivered in 2016, coalition to safeguard shipping near Gaza fence was in international airspace. by semi-official news agency state-run Press TV said. in the Gulf in a related standoff Iran unveiled yesterday what State television showed the Mehr. “The (Falaq) system was with Iran over oil supplies. ANATOLIA authorities said was a locally Falaq, a mobile radar and a Sabahifard said the Falaq developed in order to counter Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme GAZA CITY upgraded radar system with a vehicle housing a control room, was a locally overhauled version sanctions restricting access to Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei range of 400km that could help which it said was an improved of a system which had been out spare parts of a previously yesterday condemned a US Israeli forces shot dead four defend against cruise and version of the Gamma, a system of operation for a long time, foreign-developed system,” blueprint to end the conflict Palestinians near a security ballistic missiles and drones. that military experts said was of Mehr reported. He did not give Press TV said on its website. between Israel and the Pales- fence with the Gaza Strip, The announcement comes at Russian origin. the system’s country of origin. US President Donald Trump tinians and called on Haj pilgrims according to the army a time of rising tension between “This system has high capa- The Falaq is a phased-array reimposed sanctions on Tehran to oppose it, Iranian state media yesterday. Iran and United States. Iran shot bilities and can detect all types radar system which can be after pulling out of the nuclear reported. “We call upon eve- In a statement, the army down a US military surveillance of cruise and ballistic missiles incorporated into Iran’s larger deal, which its other signatories ryone to take an active part in said the four men were drone in the Gulf with a surface- and drones,” Brigadier General integrated air defence, which are struggling to maintain as defeating this deceit by the allegedly armed with AK-47 to-air missile in June. Tehran Alireza Sabahifard, commander includes an S-300 Washington also lobbies to enemy,” Khamenei said. assault rifles, hand grenades and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. The army said the remains Palestinian President visits of the four men are in Israeli custody. There was no comment refugee camp in West Bank from Palestinian authorities in Gaza on the Israeli claim. AFP often have significant influence, due to Israel and Palestinian group RAMALLAH, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES his administration’s perceived inability Hamas reached an informal to improve residents’ lives. cease-fire in May after the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas His tour follows a visit by Israeli worst bout of violence since yesterday toured the Jalazone camp in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to 2014. the occupied West Bank, official media the nearby Beit El settlement on Palestinians have been announced, in a rare visit to a refugee Thursday after the murder of an off duty staging weekly protests near camp. Israeli soldier close to the West Bank Gaza border to demand an end He was flanked by prime minister settlement of Migdal Oz. to a 12-year Israeli blockade on Mohammed Shtayyeh and Palestine Netanyahu again talked about the the Gaza Strip, which has shat- Liberation Organization (PLO) Sec- possibility of officially annexing settle- tered the coastal enclave’s retary-General, Saeb Erekat, official ments, a policy that critics say would economy and deprived its two news agency Wafa said. effectively kill remaining hopes for a million inhabitants of many Abbas reportedly met with local res- two-state solution. basic amenities. idents and officials, and posted several Mahmoud Mubarak, head of the Since the Gaza rallies began pictures. popular committee in Jalazone camp, last year, nearly 270 protesters His office said it was his first visit to said the visit was a “first political have been martyred — and a refugee camp in several years. response to the Netanyahu visit to Beit thousands more wounded — by Analysts say that Abbas’ Palestinian El two days ago.” “The visit was greatly Israeli troops deployed near the Authority (PA) is unpopular in several welcomed by the camp’s residents,” he buffer zone. camps, where other Palestinian factions added. Clashes leave 55 dead in northwest Syria

AFP dozens of air strikes against northern opposition to President Bashar Al BEIRUT Hama and southern Idlib, the Britain- Assad after eight years of civil war. based monitor added. Regime forces have closed in Kfar Clashes between regime loyalists and The latest violence came as forces Zeita and Latamneh over the past insurgents in northwest Syria killed loyal to Damascus pushed a days-long week, after capturing a string of 55 combatants yesterday, as advance towards a strip straddling nearby towns and villages, the government forces continued to the provinces of Hama and Idlib, it Observatory said. They are also trying nibble away at territory held by its said. They aim to capture Kafr Zita — to surround the nearby town of Khan opponents, a war monitor said. one of the largest towns in northern Sheikoun in order to wrest it from the Fighting in various parts of the Hama — and the nearby village of Al militants, Abdel Rahman said. The region yesterday claimed the lives of Latamneh from militants and rebels, latest advances come after the Syrian 23 pro-government forces as well as said Observatory head Rami Abdel government on Monday scrapped a 32 militants and allied rebels, the Rahman. Both lie on the southern brief three-day ceasefire for the Idlib Syrian Observatory for Human Rights edge of the militant-run bastion of region, accusing its opponents of said. The regime also launched Idlib, one of the last centres of refusing to abide by the truce. 06 AFRICA SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 64 dead in Tanzania fuel tanker blast, many injured AFP Officials and eye explaining that the explosion was MOROGORO, TANZANIA triggered when a man tried to witnesses said retrieve the truck’s battery. Sixty-four people perished in the explosion was “We arrived at the scene with Tanzania yesterday when a fuel triggered when a man two neighbours just after the tanker overturned and then tried to retrieve the truck was overturned. While exploded as crowds of people some good Samaritans were rushed to syphon off leaking fuel. overturned truck’s trying to get the driver and the The deadly blast, which took battery. other two people out of the truck, place near the town of Morogoro, others were jostling each other, west of the economic capital Dar were mainly drivers of the taxis equipped with jerricans, to es Salaam, is the latest in a series known as “boda-boda” and collect petrol,” teacher January of similar disasters in Africa. locals who flocked to the scene Michael said. “At the moment, there are 64 for the fuel. “At the same time, someone dead after two of the 72 people A video posted on social was trying to pull the battery out who were injured died from their media showed dozens of people of the vehicle. We warned that wounds,” the governor of carrying yellow jerricans around the truck could explode at any Morogoro, Stephen Kebwe, told the truck. moment but no one wanted to reporters at the scene in The tragedy has also trig- listen, so we went on our way, Msamvu, about 200km west of gered an outpouring of grief but we had barely turned on our Police and rescuers work at the scene of explosion, in Morogoro, eastern Tanzania, yesterday. Dar es Salaam. across the country, with Pres- heels when we heard the Footage from the scene ident John Magufuli and ordinary explosion.” showed the truck engulfed in citizens sending messages of Police managed to put out explosives, let’s stop this practice, the hospital, trying to get news phone, but I can’t get him,” she fierce flames and huge clouds of condolences. the flames and cordoned off the please,” he said. of family and friends who had told local media. Last month, at black smoke, with charred Magufuli also called for area. Governor Kebwe said that all gone missing. “I haven’t heard least 45 people were killed and bodies and the burnt-out people to stop the dangerous Magufuli said in a statement doctors at the regional hospital anything from my brother,” said more than 100 injured in central remains of motorcycle taxis scat- practice of stealing fuel in such he was “very shocked” by looting had been mobilised and patients one woman, Aisha Ramazan. Nigeria when a petrol tanker tered on the ground among a way, something that is common of fuel from damaged vehicles. not in a critical condition had “He was in his kiosk on the crashed and then exploded as scorched trees. in many poor parts of Africa. “There are vehicles that carry been moved to other sites to side of the road. I got a phone people tried to gather fuel. Regional police chief Wilbrod “The Morogoro region had dangerous fuel oil, as in this case make room for blast victims. calling saying no one had heard In May, a similar incident Mtafungwa described a “huge never experienced a disaster of in Morogoro, there are others A small crowd, mostly from him after the explosion. I’ve occurred in Niger leaving almost explosion” and said the dead such magnitude,” Kebwe said, that carry toxic chemicals or women, had gathered in front of been trying to reach him on his 80 people dead.

10 Turkish sailors Rival Libya forces agree to Eid truce; two dead in blast abducted off AFP of the truce and note any controlled Libya’s second city Nigeria freed TRIPOLI breaches”. since 2017, when he drove mil- Haftar’s spokesman said the itants out after a three-year AFP Forces battling for control of ceasefire was “out of respect for battle. ISTANBUL Libya’s capital agreed to a truce this occasion’s place in our But Benghazi, the cradle of yesterday, on the eve of the spirits... so that Libyan citizens the NATO-backed 2011 uprising Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha, can celebrate this Eid in peace”. that overthrew and killed dic- Ten Turkish sailors on a cargo but a car bomb killed two UN But in Haftar-controlled tator Moamer Kadhafi, has seen ship who were kidnapped by staff in the eastern city of Benghazi, a car bombing killed repeated attacks both before and “pirates” off the coast of Nigeria Benghazi. two UN staff — a Libyan and a since. last month have been freed, Military strongman Khalifa Fijian — as a UN convoy passed One attack on the US con- Turkey’s state news agency Haftar’s forces announced that through a shopping area, a sulate on September 11, 2012, Anadolu reported Friday. they would implement a security official said. killed US ambassador Chris- The sailors, who Anadolu ceasefire, after the unity gov- At least eight other people, topher Stevens and three other says are in good health, were ernment conditionally accepted including a child, were wounded Americans. seized by armed men who the truce for the three-day in the attack. A May 2018 attack left seven attacked the Turkish-flagged holiday which starts today. Thick black smoke rose from people dead. Paksoy-1 cargo vessel, operated Haftar’s self-styled Libyan the area and firefighters rushed A Libyan lawmaker is also by shipping company Kadioglu Security officials gather at the site of a car bomb attack in Libya’s National Army (LNA) has been to put out the flames that gutted feared to have been abducted by Denizcilik. eastern city of Benghazi, yesterday. fighting since early April to seize two cars. an armed group in the eastern No details were immedi- Tripoli from the UN-recognised No side had claimed respon- city, the UN and lawmakers said ately available on the release Government of National Accord. GMT) yesterday and would last be observed “in all combat zones, sibility for the attack, and the UN in July. of the captives. The United Nations had until the same time on Monday with a cessation of direct and did not immediately comment. Haftar, who backs an A company statement cited called on both sides to commit afternoon. indirect fire and movement of The blast came just months eastern-based administration by Turkish media last month to a humanitarian truce by mid- The GNA had said late Friday troops”. after the UN reopened its offices that opposes the Tripoli-based said the ship was attacked by night on Friday. it was keen to “ease the suffering It also said the truce must in Benghazi, which had been unity government, advanced into “pirates” on its way from Cam- Haftar’s spokesman Ahmad of the citizens and allow rescue include “a ban on flights and closed for security consideration, the country’s desert south this eroon to the Ivory Coast. It was al-Mesmari yesterday workers to accomplish their reconnaissance overflights” and less than a month after a car year before turning his sights on carrying no freight. announced “a halt to all military mission” and would accept “a across the country’s entire bombing at the funeral of an Tripoli. Over the past four Pirates normally seize operations... in the suburbs of humanitarian truce for Eid Al airspace. ex-army commander killed at months, 1,093 people have been sailors for ransom. Nigeria Tripoli”. Adha”. The GNA also called on the least four people and wounded killed in the fighting and 5,752 reported 14 pirate attacks in the Mesmari said the truce had But it listed several condi- UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) more than 30 others. wounded, according to the first quarter of 2019 compared gone into effect at 3:00pm (1300 tions, saying the ceasefire must to “ensure the implementation Haftar’s forces have World Health Organization. with 22 in the same period in 2018. An International Maritime Nigeria: Atiku’s Bureau (IMB) report in April 80 more migrants rescued in the Mediterranean attributed the drop to the lawyer charged Nigerian navy’s increased AFP efforts to “actively respond to with money ON BOARD THE OCEAN VIKING reported incidents by dis- patching patrol boats.” laundering More than 80 migrants were rescued in the Mediterranean AFP yesterday as Hollywood star Dozens dead LAGOS Richard Gere highlighted the plight of those stranded after in fresh Chad Nigerian anti-corruption inves- boarding a charity ship. tigators have charged the The migrants, mainly ethnic fighting lawyer of defeated presidential Sudanese men and adolescents, challenger Atiku Abubakar with were picked up by the Ocean AFP money laundering. Viking ship from a rubber dinghy N’DJAMENA Legal adviser Uyi Giwa off the coast of Libya, according Osagie is accused of handling to Doctors without Borders At least 37 people have been $2m without going through a (MSF), which operates the vessel killed in fresh fighting this week “financial institution”, a lawyer along with the French charity between farmers and herders for the Economic and Financial SOS Mediterranee. from rival ethnic groups in Crimes Commission (EFCC) The rescue operation comes Chad, President Idriss Deby said said. as a dispute escalates over who on Friday. Election runner-up Abu- will take in migrants rescued by The violence broke out over Migrants stand on an inﬂatable boat during the second rescue operation of crew members of the bakar has launched a legal another charity ship, with mild three days in the province of ‘Ocean Viking’ rescue ship in the Mediterranean Sea, yesterday. challenge against the result of Mediterranean weather Ouaddai, a strategic area on the the fiercely contested poll in increasing the number of people eastern border with Sudan, he February that saw him lose out trying to make their way to “The anxiety levels of these Salvini sent a warning to Oslo or Libya”. “They should not be said. to incumbent President Europe from Africa. people is unbearable,” he this week. sent to Europe because then this “The intercommunal con- Muhammadu Buhari. Malta said yesterday it would tweeted. “Italy is not legally bound, action will be an extension of the flict has become a national Several people close to the take in 39 migrants picked up by Malta said the 121 migrants nor disposed to take in clan- refugee route instead of a rescue concern,” Deby told a press defeated candidate have been the Open Arms ship in the coun- “were intercepted in an area destine, unidentified migrants operation.” conference to mark the coun- targeted by the anti-graft try’s rescue zone the day before, where Malta is neither respon- from on board the Ocean European parliament try’s independence day. “We agency since the vote, in what but refused entry to 121 others sible nor the competent coordi- Viking,” wrote Salvini, who has speaker David Sassoli wrote to are witnessing a terrible phe- Abubakar’s supporters have who have been on board the ship nating authority”. taken a hard line against EU Commission President Jean- nomenon.” Eastern Chad is in described as a witch hunt. for nine days. The Ocean Viking rescued 85 migrants and this week sparked Claude Juncker on Thursday the grip of a cycle of violence Osagie was first detained in However Spanish charity people including four children a political crisis by pulling his urging immediate aide for the between nomadic camel February after his house was Proactiva, which operates the on Friday, so the latest group support from Italy’s governing migrants and a quick deal herders — many from the raided in Lagos but released ship, rejected the offer, insisting means a total of around 170 are coalition. between the member states to Zaghawa ethnic group — and from custody several weeks Malta also take the 121 migrants, now on board, all from sub- Salvini has said the same take them in. sedentary farmers from the later. Boladale Adekoya, a including 30 children. Saharan Africa. about the Open Arms migrants. However a commission Ouaddian community. spokesman for Abubakar’s Proactiva founder Oscar An AFP journalist is also on Norway’s minister of justice spokesperson admitted Friday Drought and population campaign accused anti-cor- Camps said the decision not to the ship, which left Marseille on and immigration, Joran Kallmyr, that no mediation effort was growth have aggravated the ruption investigators of being take in all the migrants “caused Sunday. The Ocean Viking is reg- said on television that the under way in Brussels to allow conflict. The latest fighting “more dedicated to partisanship a serious security problem on istered in Norway, and Italy’s migrants should be “transported the Open Arms group to dis- erupted on Monday in the Wadi than rule of law”. board” the Open Arms. far-right Interior Minister Matteo back to Africa, either to Tunisia embark on dry land in Europe. Hamra district. SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 ASIA 07 India floods: At least 95 dead; thousands evacuated REUTERS/IANS Cochin International number of relief camps had been KOCHI/BENGALURU Airport will resume set up in Kozhikode, followed by operations from 0630 Wayanad. The death toll from floods in Vijayan had earlier said 80 Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala GMT today, the airport landslides had been reported and Maharashtra rose to 95, management said. from eight worst-hit districts. official figures showed yesterday, “Authorities are yet to ascertain as heavy rain and landslides which employs nearly half of its the actual number of missing in forced hundreds of thousands to 1.3 billion people. the landslides at Meppadi in evacuate their homes. Lathe said his sugar cane Wayanad district and Kavalapara Seasonal monsoon rains plantation of around four acres in Malappuram district. from June to September are a was submerged. According to unconfirmed crucial lifeline for agrarian In the southwestern state of reports, 41 were missing in Kav- Indian society, delivering 70% of Kerala, floods death toll has alapara, he added. the country’s rainfall, but they reached 55 and over 1.5 lakh The state was opening the also bring in their wake death people have been shifted to gates of Banasurasagar dam in and destruction every year. around 1,300 camps across the Wayanad district yesterday to “Our entire village is under rain-battered state. manage water levels and avoid water for the last eight days but The maximum deaths — 15 serious damage. still we haven’t got any assistance — were reported from Wayanad, Last year, more than 200 from the government,” said while Malappuram, Palakkad, people were killed and over five farmer Prashant Lathe, 35, from Idukki, Kozhikode were other million affected in one of Ker- a village in one of the flood-hit worse-hit districts, officials said ala’s worst floods in 100 years. districts of the western state of yesterday. Some residents said the Volunteers, local residents and members of National Disaster Response Force search for survivors in Maharashtra. A red alert for today has been sudden opening of dam gates the debris left by a landslide at Meppadi in Wayanad district of Kerala, yesterday. The district has lost access to issued in Kasargode, Kannur and without proper warnings to those all basic amenities such as Wayanad. More rain is predicted living downstream was a big drinking water, power supply, in a few other districts. factor in the devastation. resume operations from 0630 have died in what chief minister several dams were reaching their cooking gas cylinder and petrol Kerala Chief Minister The state’s busiest airport, GMT today, the airport man- BS Yeddyurappa said yesterday full capacity, and over 200,000 for running vehicles, Lathe said. Pinarayi Vijayan yesterday took Cochin International Airport, agement said. In neighbouring were the worst floods in 45 years. people had been evacuated, he Excessively strong rains can stock of the situation. Officials closed since Friday as the Karnataka, home to India’s tech Around 1,024 villages have added. In Maharashtra, 29 people also harm India’s farming sector, informed him that the maximum taxiway was water-logged, will hub Bengaluru, some 24 people been inundated due to the rains, have died this week. Some signs of normality return Six petitions filed in Sonia named interim chief to J&K, but clampdown still strict SC over Article 370 of Congress REUTERS IANS Citing ‘Swaraj’ or self-gov- SRINAGAR NEW DELHI ernance, the petition said the IANS right to autonomous self-gov- NEW DELHI For the first time in six days, Half-a-dozen petitions have ernment within a federal India eased travel restrictions in been filed in the Supreme Court framework is an essential fun- After day-long deliberations, some parts of Srinagar yesterday, — four in the past 24 hours — damental right. These valuable the Congress Working and people flooded the streets opposing the Centre’s decision rights have been taken away Committee (CWC) yesterday of Kashmir’s summer capital to revoking Article 370 and the without the “procedure estab- appointed Sonia Gandhi as the buy provisions ahead of the curfew imposed to curb lished by law” in a manner that interim Congress President and Muslim festival of Eid Al Adha attempts at disturbing law and violates every canon of Consti- accepted Rahul’s resignation. tomorrow. order in Jammu and Kashmir. tutional morality. With all the five party sub- But with public mobile, Three of the petitions chal- Similarly, two other petitions groups unitedly proposing landline telephone and Internet lenge the presidential order filed by advocates, one of Rahul Gandhi’s name as party connections still severed by the making Article 370 a dead letter Kashmiri origin, challenge the chief, and Rahul refusing to go authorities in most of Jammu in the Constitution and the Centre’s decision making Article back on his decision, the mantle and Kashmir state, many people others are connected with the 370 redundant. fell on Sonia Gandhi again to were still struggling to make imposition of curfew and its Executive Editor of Kashmir shepherd the party as an contact with relatives to plan the consequences in the region. Times, Anuradha Bhasin, moved interim measure. People purchase food and vegetables in Srinagar, yesterday. holiday. The National Conference the top court seeking its Randeep Singh Surjewala, On Friday, police used tear petition, leading the lot, direction to relax the movement the Congress communications gas and fired pellets to control a Signs of Friday’s protest out the few policemen who have underpins the genesis and evo- of media personnel as well as in-charge and CWC member, protest after Friday prayers. were visible in the Soura area of been provided with mobile lution of Article 370 and its pro- photojournalists for free said the party decided on Sonia Seeking to tighten its grip on Srinagar yesterday. phones. At a crossroads in Sri- vision Article 35A. The petition reporting on the situation. Gandhi’s name as it wanted a the region, New Delhi on Large rocks, wooden plat- nagar’s Nowhatta area, a police contended that framers of the A law graduate in Delhi has strong leadership, one whose Monday scrapped the state’s forms, poles and boulders official said around 78 people Constitution advocated for a also filed a petition in the top command would be accepted right to frame its own laws and blocked the main street, and had used his phone yesterday to pluralistic federal model. court seeking information on the by all. allowed non-residents to buy shops were shut. At least 10,000 contact relatives outside Article 370 was extensively whereabouts of his family in Congress leader KC property there. Prime Minister people were involved in Friday’s Kashmir. considered and carefully drafted Kashmir. Raising issue of Venugopal, said the CWC Narendra Modi’s government protest. In a tweeted statement Inside a second-floor in order to ensure the peaceful lockdown in the region, Tehseen “unanimously resolved to also locked down the revolt-torn yesterday, the Ministry of Home meeting room at Srinagar’s dis- and democratic accession of the Poonawalla, a social activist, request Sonia Gandhi to take region, cutting off communica- Affairs said that the estimate of trict administration office, more formerly princely state of claimed the imposition of unde- over as the interim president, tions, detaining more than 500 10,000 was “completely fabri- than 100 people crowded Jammu and Kashmir to the clared curfew/restrictions, arbi- pending the election of a political leaders and activists, cated & incorrect”. There had around two mobile phones to Indian Union, drawing out the trary arrests, shutdown of phone regular president by the AICC.” and putting a ‘virtual curfew’ been a few “stray protests” in the make calls outside the valley. significance of Article 370, services and snapping of Earlier, the CWC decided into force with numerous police area but “none involved a crowd An official said 354 people which defines and regulates the Internet and TV, amounts to sus- that Rahul Gandhi “should con- and army roadblocks stopping of more than 20 ppl”, the min- had registered their names to use relationship between J&K and pension of Article 19 and 21 of tinue as Congress president, as movement by many residents. istry said. Many people sought the phones. the Union of India, it said. the Constitution. desired by all who were con- sulted today, and requested him to accept this decision”. CM: 8 TMCft However, Rahul “declined to Govt signs peace pact with Tripura terror outfit withdraw his resignation”. Krishna water The CWC also put on record IANS an official release said. Kajal Debbarma on behalf of the surrendered members of the “its profound sense of appreci- to reach NEW DELHI After the signing of the MoS, NLFT (SD faction). outfit would be given surrender ation and gratitude for the the NLFT (SD) representatives “NLFT (SD faction) has benefits as per the Surrender- exceptional leadership pro- Chennai soon In a major development, a called on Home Minister Amit agreed to abjure the path of vio- cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, vided by Rahul Gandhi as tripartite Memorandum of Shah in New Delhi. According to lence, join the mainstream and 2018 of the Union Home Min- president”. IANS Settlement (MoS) was signed in the official release, the MoS was abide by the Indian Constitution. istry. “The Tripura Government It said that Rahul gave the CHENNAI New Delhi yesterday between signed by Union Home Ministry’s It has agreed that the 88 NLFT would help the surrendered Congress “a new sense of the Central and Tripura govern- Joint Secretary (North-East) cadres would surrender soon cadres in construction of their aggression and modernity to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K ments and National Liberation Satyendra Garg, Tripura govern- with their arms and ammu- houses, recruitment in gov- the party organisation and Palaniswami said yesterday Front of Tripura (NLFT) facili- ment’s Additional Chief Sec- nition,” the release said. ernment jobs, and educational opened up numerous opportu- that 8 TMCft (thousand million tating the surrender of 88 retary (Home) Kumar Alok and The government also told the facilities to their children, the nities to the younger cubic feet ) Krishna river water terrorists of the banned outfit, Sabir Kumar Debbarma and NLFT (SD) leaders that release added. generation”. will soon reach the city. Speaking to reporters after naming three lion and four tiger cubs at the Arignar Anna Sengar not named in death Zoological Park, Palaniswami said two ministers had recently met Andhra Pradesh Chief case of Unnao victim’s father Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan IANS Reddy and requested for NEW DELHI Birendra Singh, Shailendra Singh and Ram release of water. Sharan Singh are the other accused. Reddy agreed to release 8 A Delhi court yesterday reserved its order A special hearing was conducted yes- TMC feet water for Chennai, on the framing of charges in the alleged terday after permission from the Delhi High which would reach the state assault and framing of the Unnao victim’s Court in order to complete the trial in 45 capital soon, he said. father in an Arms Act case. days as per the orders of the apex court. On the AIADMK’s loss in the District and Sessions Judge Dharmesh Ten people, including expelled Kuldeep Vellore Lok Sabha elections, the Sharma reserved its order on the framing Singh Sengar and his brother Atul Singh result of which was declared on of charges for August 13. Sengar, are accused in the Arms Act case. Friday, Palaniswami said in the The court also heard the death case of The counsel appearing for the survivor six Assembly constituencies the the victim’s father who died in custody last told the court that the CBI has deliberately party had polled more votes year. However, the Central Bureau of Inves- not named Kuldeep Sengar and his brother than the DMK. tigation (CBI) has not made BJP MLA in the murder case of the victim’s father. He said DMK leader M.K. Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his brother A public prosecutor said investigation Stalin had claimed the victory Eid cattle market accused in the case. In this case, eight people was still underway and so far nothing has margin in Vellore would be in Livestock vendors sell animals at a make-shift market set up ahead of Eid Al have been named as accused, including come before the investigators which sug- lakhs, but it was just over 8,000 Adha in Kolkata, India, yesterday. three police officers, but not Kuldeep gests Kuldeep Sengar’s involvement in the votes. Sengar. Shashi Singh, Vineet Mishra, death of the victim’s father. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 Kashmir status could bring demographic

ESTABLISHED IN 1996 change, drawing comparisons to West Bank

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI CLAIRE PARKER [email protected] THE WASHINGTON POST

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR hile India’s sudden MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED decision to revoke Kash- [email protected] mir’s autonomy has Winflamed tensions with neighboring Pakistan, critics say the DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR move could also drastically alter the MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI demographic composition of the dis- [email protected] puted territory itself - and some have warned it could come to resemble Israeli settlement in the West Bank. By stripping Kashmir of its special status, India’s government has done Kashmiri Muslims shout pro-freedom slogans during a protest in Srinagar. away with a law that allowed Kashmir to limit land ownership and per- not permanently settle, buy land or migration of Hindus to the region will EDITORIAL manent residency to natives of the hold government jobs in Kashmir. The materialize. country’s only Muslim majority state. provision also blocked female resi- Ganguly said it could remain a Analysts say the change could bring dents of Kashmir who married out- dream of the BJP rather than a reality. about a profound transformation of siders - and the children of such “Why would you move hearth and Another Haj sans Qataris Kashmir’s population that would exac- unions - from owning property in home from a distant part of India to a erbate unrest there. Kashmir. The article had faced legal part of India where you don’t under- round 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims gathered on With Monday’s decision to down- challenges on grounds that it was stand the language, where you will be Mount Arafat, which is also known as Jabal Al grade Kashmir from a state with a exclusionary and sexist. met with hostility by the local popu- ARahma (Mount of Mercy), yesterday for an intense degree of autonomy to a “union ter- The Indian government has lation?” he said. day of worship and reflection of what is considered the ritory,” India has opened the door for described its rollback of Kashmir’s Still, the ethnic and religious climax of Haj pilgrimage. Indians from anywhere in the country autonomy as an effort to promote undertones of India’s actions this week The gathering which took place amid the summer to settle in Kashmir. development and quell a separatist have breathed new life into analogies heat and regional tensions, witnessed heavy rainfall yes- Mihir Sharma, an Indian columnist insurgency in the region, where to the West Bank, the Palestinian terday evening on the holy sites, including Mina, Mount for Bloomberg, wrote that such a met- Pakistan and India have long vied for region Israel has occupied since the Arafat and Muzdalifah. amorphosis could mirror Jewish set- control. Separatist groups with ties to 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The Israeli gov- This largest religious gathering on earth is taking place tlement in the West Bank or Beijing’s Pakistan have fought the Indian government has built settlements there while Qatari pilgrims and residents have been deprived efforts to encourage Han Chinese to ernment in the Kashmir Valley for that the U.N. Security Council has con- from performing Haj for the third year in a row. move to Xinjiang, a northwestern decades. demned as illegal. Israel encourages The Haj is the fifth pillar of Islam which every Muslim region home to Muslim ethnic groups. “Recent decisions by the Gov- Jewish Israelis to move to the West is required to perform at least once in their lifetime if they “Whether Kashmir will end up ernment and Parliament of India are Bank, and settlement expansion has are healthy enough and have the means to do so. looking like those restive, semiauton- driven by a commitment to extend to boomed under Israeli Prime Minister Since the outbreak of Gulf crisis in June 2017, Qataris omous provinces, or more like the Jammu and Kashmir opportunities for Benjamin Netanyahu. have been unable to perform the Haj. The Saudi author- West Bank - development that were earlier denied Obvious differences between ities categorically reject the existence of an official Qatari with armed by a temporary provision in the Con- Kashmir and the West Bank abound: Haj mission like the rest of the world, according to official settlers living stitution,” a Ministry of External Affairs Kashmir is not “occupied territory” statements while the Qatari national Haj mission is in highly pro- news release said. “Its impact would but, rather, “disputed territory,” responsible of taking over the affairs of the pilgrims and tected col- also result in the removal of gender Ganguly said, rejecting the com- take care of their interests, onies amid a and socio-economic discrimination. It parison. Jammu and Kashmir has been safety and well being. For all the talk larger, disen- is also expected to result in an upswing part of India since 1947. How can pilgrims from about promoting franchised of economic activity and improvement Moreover, residents of Kashmir Qatar, whether they are cit- investment population in the livelihood prospects of all hold Indian citizenship, unlike Pales- izens or residents, reach the and economic subject to people of Jammu and Kashmir.” In a tinians living in the West Bank, who This largest Holy Land for Haj or Umrah arbitrary speech Thursday, Indian Prime Min- aren’t Israeli citizens. development in religious under the continuing land, justice - is not ister Narendra Modi called the move While Ganguly said he does not sea and air siege imposed on Kashmir, the real clear at the to revoke Kashmir’s autonomy “a his- find the occupation comparison valid, gathering on the country? The Saudi goal is to change moment. toric decision” and asked those who the situation in the West Bank offers earth is taking Those are, oppose it to “treat the national interest some lessons for India, particularly if authorities are still pre- the demography place while venting Qatar Airways from however, the as paramount.” But critics have Kashmiris receive Hindu settlers that of the state,” said Qatari pilgrims entering its airspace and most likely decried it as an attempt by India’s may arrive with violence. landing at its airports, in Sumit Ganguly, a options,” he ruling party, the Hindu nationalist “There is going to be hostility on and residents addition to prevention of political science wrote. Bharatiya Janata Party, to dilute the the part of the local population, who have been direct flights between the two Rana concentration of Muslims there and will resent the coming in of settlers professor at Indiana deprived from countries. Ayyub, an further its project to enshrine the from different parts of India,” he said. University at “While Modi may be a great admirer of performing Haj The authority controlling Indian jour- Hindu identity of the nation. the holy sites and exploiting Bloomington who nalist, put it “For all the talk about promoting Benjamin Netanyahu and his policies, for the third year it for political interests is also specializes in South more bluntly investment and economic devel- the significant difference is that the in a row. denying Qataris using their in a Tweet opment in Kashmir, the real goal is to Indian state does not have the same currency (Qatari Riyal) inside Asia. Wednesday: change the demography of the state,” kind of security forces that Israel can the Saudi territory, or “Kashmir is said Sumit Ganguly, a political science deploy.” Still, some analysts say, the transfer money from home. now Westbank,” she wrote. professor at Indiana University at means by which Kashmir found its At the same time, the Saudi authorities are indulging The changes India announced Bloomington who specializes in South legal status upended this week have in politicisation of this religious ritual. The State of Qatar Monday overturned Article 370, a con- Asia. Demographic change - particu- rendered the analogy fitting. is continuously exposing the violations committed against stitutional provision that gave what larly, bringing Hindus to the Kashmir “It’s an important comparison. It’s it including the blatant violation of the right to perform was previously the state of Jammu and Valley - would allow Modi’s party to not one to be shrugged off,” said the rituals. Kashmir the ability to make many of consolidate political control over the Rochona Majumdar, an associate pro- As the Saudi action faced wide international condem- its own laws. They also effectively area, Ganguly said. fessor at the University of Chicago. nation, there is no response from the Saudi authorities struck down Article 35a, which The move is “designed to break the “This is about the future of self- and they have gone too far in disregarding the teachings granted Kashmir’s legislature juris- stranglehold of the politicians in the determination of the world that we of Islam and disrespecting international conventions and diction over residency and land Valley” and establish India’s firm terri- live in,” she added. “The Kashmir human rights laws. ownership. torial grip, he added. problem, in some ways, it just became Yesterday, after the sunset prayers, pilgrims made Under Article 35a, outsiders could But it’s not yet clear that a mass a global issue.” their way down Mount Arafat to Muzdalifah, another holy site where they will sleep under the open sky to prepare for the final stage of Haj, the “stoning of the devil” ritual. That marks the beginning of Eid Al Adha, the festival A grave threat to public safety of sacrifice, being marked today which we hope will bring peace, prosperity and good for everyone including our THE WASHINGTON POST been one almost every six “very meaningful back- assault-style firearms, along readers. weeks. And these data reflect ground checks.” McConnell with large-capacity maga- he time of mourning a restrictive definition of says such a proposal could zines. Both should be banned, for the victims of mass shootings: those that be “front and center” at the as assault weapons were at mass shootings in claimed at least four lives, not Senate in September. Yet the the federal level between America, including including perpetrators, in president threatened to veto 1994 and 2004, and as the T law in several states already those a week ago in El Paso public places or large private a bill providing for back- and Dayton, Ohio, may never gatherings. GunViolenceAr- ground checks on private provides. end. The time for policy- chive.org’s broader defi- gun sales when the House If anything, the large- making action, though, has nition, which encompasses a passed it in February; McCo- capacity magazine ban may be QUOTE OF THE DAY definitely arrived. It is long wider-range of multiple- nnell froze it out of the upper the highest priority: Such overdue. victim shootings, fatal and chamber. If the National devices, which augment the If it comes to a hard The United States faces a nonfatal- including those tied Rifle Association’s ham- lethality of semiautomatic grave threat to public safety. to such crimes as robbery and merlock on GOP politics has weapons, were involved in half Brexit, that is in no The Post reports that mass domestic abuse- produces loosened, maybe the results of the 62 mass shootings one’s interest, but the shootings took place roughly 254 just this year, through last will be different now. We’ll between 1982 and 2012, British would be the twice a year between 1966 Wednesday. believe it when we see it. according to a 2013 report for and the massacre at It is a measure of public Background checks and Mother Jones. A 100-round big losers. They are Columbine High School in outrage at this situation that so-called red-flag laws, the drum of bullets enabled the acting as though Littleton, Colorado, in 1999. President Trump and Senate subject of another bill backed Dayton shooter to fire 41 shots that were not the case Between Columbine and the Majority Leader Mitch McCo- by Sens. Lindsey Graham, in less than 30 seconds. “It is but it is. slaughter at a predominantly nnell, R-Ky., now feel politi- R-S.C., and Richard Blu- fundamentally problematic,” African American church in cally constrained to mouth menthal, D-Conn., represent the city’s police chief observed, Charleston, South Carolina, in interest in Senate consider- only the bare minimum of “to have that level of weaponry Jean-Claude Juncker June 2015, the pace was ation of federal gun laws of reform. To tackle the specific, in a civilian environment, European Commission roughly five times a year. the kind they have opposed acute problem of mass public unregulated.” Could the pres- President Since the white-supremacist or allowed to fail in the past. shootings, Congress must ident or McConnell look him in attack in Charleston, there’s Trump says he supports address the actual hardware: the eye and deny it? SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 ASIA 09 Pakistan formally suspends trade relations with India ANATOLIA Islamabad has Khan, Gilgit-Baltistan Governor ISLAMABAD suspended all exports Raja Jalal Hussain, Federal Min- ister for Law Farogh Naseem, Pakistan has formally suspended to India and banned Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Senator its trade relations with India imports from the Sirajul Haq, Attorney General after New Delhi’s move to scrap neighbouring country. Anwar Mansoor Khan, director the special status of Indian- general of Inter Services Intelli- administered Kashmir, an gence (ISI), director general of official statement said yesterday. body of top civilian and military Military Intelligence (MI) and, A statement issued by the leadership in the country. director general of Inter Services Commerce and Textile Ministry On Wednesday, the NSC Public Relations (ISPR) are said the bilateral trade with India announced to downgrade dip- included in the committee. has been suspended lomatic relations and suspend Tensions between Islamabad immediately. bilateral trade with India. and New Delhi have further “The Federal Government Later that evening, escalated following India’s move has been pleased to suspend Islamabad asked India to to revoke the special status of bilateral trade with India with withdraw its High Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir — which immediate effect and until and announced that Islamabad allowed Kashmiri citizens to further order”, read the would not be sending its High enact their own laws and pre- statement. Commissioner-designate to New vented outsiders to settle and The ministry issued two dif- Delhi. own land in the territory. Supporters of ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party carry placards as they march during a rally ferent statements amending the The move from Islamabad Kashmiri leaders and cit- to show solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in Islamabad. country’s import policy order came days after New Delhi izens fear this step is an attempt 2016 and added “India” in the revoked the special status of by the Indian government to list from where import of goods Jammu and Kashmir and divided change demography of the is banned. the Muslim-majority state into Muslim-majority state, where Kashmir issue: Pakistan to move UN Security Council Islamabad also suspended all two unions. some groups have been fighting kinds of exports to India. PM Imran constituted a high against Indian rule for inde- REUTERS/AP “I have shared with China said he planned to approach Earlier, this ban was only level committee on Kashmir, pendence, or for unification with KARACHI that the Pakistan government Indonesia and Poland, both limited to Israel with which which will be led by Foreign neighbouring Pakistan. has decided to take this issue to non-permanent members of Pakistan has no diplomatic rela- Minister Shah Mahmood The Himalayan region is held Pakistan has said it will move UN Security Council. We will be the 15-strong Security Council, tions and trade ties. Qureshi, to review “bilateral by India and Pakistan in parts the United Nations Security needing China’s help there,” for their support. The statement issued after arrangements” with India and and claimed by both in full. Council with China’s support Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Qureshi said that while the federal cabinet meeting, come up with recommendations According to several human with a motion to condemn India Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a Pakistan is not planning to take chaired by Prime Minister Imran on how to take up the Kashmir rights organisations, thousands for its decision to strip its press conference yesterday. any military action, it is ready Khan on Friday, endorsed the issue at the international level. of people have reportedly been portion of the Kashmir region “China has assured full to counter any potential decision taken by the National President of Azad Jammu killed in the conflict in the region of special status. support to Pakistan.” Qureshi aggression by India. Security Committee (NSC), a and Kashmir, Sardar Masood since 1989. Pakistan opposition alliance to convene again after Eid Remittances to Pakistan grow INTERNEWS the wake of the misunder- senators who did not vote in condemned the arrest of PML-N economic crisis because of its ISLAMABAD standings that developed favour of the no-trust motion Vice-President Maryam Nawaz. flawed policies and wants the by 24% in July between the main component and take action against them. It “Corruption is at its peak in blame to be pinned on the army Opposition alliance in Pakistan parties of the alliance, the is also considering moving Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and has as well,” PML-N leader Ahsan INTERNEWS has decided to organise another Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) another no-confidence motion swept away the Billion-Tree Iqbal said. KARACHI all parties conference (APC) and the Pakistan Muslim against the Senate chairman. Tsunami and BRT projects,” said Mian Iftikhar of the ANP after Eid Al Adha, to be chaired League-Nawaz (PML-N), fol- The Rahbar committee met at Durrani. questioned as to why Maryam Pakistan’s remittances from by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl lowing the joint opposition’s the Parliament House. The JUI-F leader said the was arrested in such haste. overseas workers increased 24 (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur failure to unseat the Senate Speaking to reporters after opposition parties were united He also demanded that percent to $2.039bn in the first Rehman, apparently in an chairman through a no-confi- the meeting, committee and would consult with each National Assembly speaker issue month of the current fiscal year attempt to send a message to the dence motion. members Akram Durrani of the other to set the date for the production orders for detained from $1.645bn in the previous government that the alliance The opposition’s Rahbar JUI-F, Ahsan Iqbal of the PML-N APC. members National Assembly month, central bank’s data was still intact. Committee has agreed on iden- and Mian Iftikhar Hussain of the “The PTI government is from Waziristan, Mohsin Dawar showed. The development comes in tifying the 14 opposition Awami National Party (ANP) responsible for the country’s and Ali Wazir. However, July remittances were slightly higher than the same period last year, when Uzbek reception Pakistani expatriates sent home Conjoined twins stable $1.981bn. for Taliban irks A month-on-month increase in remittance flows Afghan govt after separation: Doctors reflects economic recovery in AFP part in the delicate procedure source markets and the govern- ANATOLIA DHAKA which they dubbed “Operation ment’s efforts to encourage KABUL Freedom”. overseas Pakistanis to remit Conjoined Bangladeshi twins The girls were in stable con- through legal means. Afghanistan government who were separated last week dition after the final separation, Moreover, overseas Paki- yesterday expressed disap- are in a stable condition, the the last phase in a lengthy series stanis sent home more remit- proval for the nature of “formal team of Hungarian and Bangla- of surgeries since last year, said tances to their families to buy reception” Uzbekistan gave to deshi doctors who carried out Gergely Pataki, founder of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid the Taliban’s deputy chief the marathon operation said Action for Defenceless People Al Adha. The festival of sacrifice earlier this week. yesterday. Foundation (ADPF) which led is due in Pakistan tomorrow. The Foreign Ministry said Three-year-old Rabeya and the huge team of doctors. The State Bank of Pakistan’s in a statement that Afghanistan Rukaya who were joined at the “But keeping in mind that (SBP) country specific data has always welcomed interna- head suffered from a rare such rare complicated surgical revealed that the major inflows tional and regional cooperation, embryological disorder affecting procedures has its risks, com- came from the Gulf Cooper- particularly that of the neigh- an estimated one in every five plications might still occur,” he ation Council (GCC) and the bouring countries in the peace. to six million births. told reporters at a press con- non-GCC corridors. “However, the formal The girls were recovering ference. The girls have Pakistani workers living in reception of the Taliban repre- after the 30-hour operation to undergone two neurosurgical the United States of America sentatives and the dynamics of Eid rush in Dhaka separate their skulls and brains operations and 44 plastic sur- sent home $332.37m in July the talks (in Tashkent earlier at the Combined Military Hos- geries so far. Before the surgery 2019. Remittances from the An overcrowded train approaches the station to carry passengers this week) do not demonstrate pital in Dhaka. A surgical team doctors had said there was only United Kingdom rose to to their home to celebrate Eid Al Adha festival, at a railway station as facilitating peace talks of 35 Hungarians and more than a 50 percent chance of the twins $299.27m in July from between the Government of the in Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday. 100 Bangladeshi doctors took surviving. $268.98m in June. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Taliban representatives, by the Republic of Uzbekistan”, it said. The statement called on Myanmar landslide toll rises to 41, many still missing all countries, particularly Afghanistan’s neighbours, to AFP cows and goats, were found bodies wrapped in plastic to respect the leadership and MAWLAMYINE, MYANMAR alive, but “there are no humans waiting ambulances, wading ownership of the people and left alive,” he said, adding that through pools of water and government of the Islamic The death toll from a landslide the search operations will push ankle-deep sludge. Republic of Afghanistan in the triggered by monsoon rains in through for a second night. Crying relatives of the peace process. eastern Myanmar rose to at least So far, 47 people have been missing watched on helpless On Thursday, Uzbekistan’s 41, an official said late yesterday, injured while officials believe under a steady torrent of rain, as Foreign Ministry hosted a del- as emergency workers continued that about 80 people could still nearby floodwaters edged closer egation of the Taliban led by for a second night their desperate be missing. to the village. their deputy leader Mullah search through thick mud for the Myanmar is battered Tin Htay, who escaped with Baradar Akhund. scores feared missing. annually by a monsoon season his family from their home, Taliban chief was received A huge brown gash on the which strikes countries across described his efforts to rescue by Uzbek Foreign Minister hillside marked where the deluge Southeast Asia, leaving tens of others trapped by the mud. Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kemalov of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar thousands displaced from “I dragged a woman and two during his visit. Kone village in Mon state on flooded homes and setting off children from a car but I could The Taliban insist that after Friday, wiping out 27 homes. deadly landslides. not reach two other people, so I a proposed deal with the Amer- Search and rescue teams Aerial pictures of Ye Pyar had to leave them,” the 30-year- People watch rescue efforts after a landslide in Paung township, icans, the intra-Afghan peace worked through Friday night and Kone village showed shattered old said. Emergency crews had Mon state, Myanmar, yesterday. dialogue with the Afghans into late Saturday, using exca- remnants of rooftops and other to unblock the main highway would begin in which the gov- vators and their bare hands to debris from the houses strewn from Yangon to Mawlamyine, ernment officials can partic- recover bodies from the deep next to trucks knocked over by Htay Htay Win, 32, said two nearby. “I heard a huge noise and buried under six feet of sludge. ipate only in personal capacity sludge. the force of the onslaught. of her daughters and five other turned round to see my home Torrential downpours have and not represent the “The death toll has risen to Its hillside temple was left relatives had still not been found. being hit by the mud,” she said, burst riverbanks across the government. 41,” township administrator Zaw inundated, leaving the pagoda’s She only survived because crying. country while coastal commu- This remains the bone of Moe Aung said yesterday. golden spire peeking out from she had left her home minutes Rescue workers yesterday nities have been warned of contention in the peace process. Some farm animals, like beneath the mud. earlier to look at the flooding continued to carry out excavated higher tides. 10 ASIA / EUROPE SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 North Korea tests short-range missiles to protest war games

REUTERS SEOUL Trump says Kim wants North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range missiles to resume nuclear talks yesterday, South Korea said, in AFP a “show of force” against WASHINGTON nicely, that he would like to US-South Korea joint military meet and start negotiations as exercises. US President Donald Trump soon as the joint US/South More missile launches are said yesterday that North Korea joint exercise are over,” highly probable, as the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un Trump wrote. The exercises Korean military is conducting its wants to resume denucleari- began on Monday and are due own summer drills, South sation talks after US-South to end on August 20. Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said Korean war games end. North Korea, which has People watching a news showing the ﬁle footage of North Korea’s missile launch, at a railway station in a statement. Trump tweeted that in a furiously protested such exer- in Seoul, yesterday. The launch came a few hours letter to him, Kim issued “a cises in the past, has said its after US President Donald Trump small apology” for a recent recent short-range missile tests The launches were called for North Korea to stop it,” Hamhung, South Korea’s Joint said he had received a “very spate of missile tests, the latest are designed to protest the war apparently testing the Blue House said, citing a Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. beautiful letter” from North of which came at daybreak yes- games. meeting of South Korea’s top Large solid-fuel rocket Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. terday Korean time, and said “It was a long letter, much capabilities of a security officials. engines for North Korea’s bal- North Korea has fired a they were to protest these joint of it complaining about the new short-range Kim has said the weapons listic missile programme are series of missiles and rockets military drills. ridiculous and expensive exer- missile Pyongyang tests were a response to US- most likely being produced at a since Kim and Trump agreed at Trump said he looks cises. It was also a small apology is developing, South South Korean military drills factory complex in Hamhung, a June 30 meeting to revive “forward to seeing Kim Jong-Un for testing the short range mis- being held this month. monitoring group 38 North said stalled denuclearisation talks. in the not too distant future!” siles, and that this testing would Korea’s presidential The United States and South last year. Hamhung also has a A US official said that at least “In a letter to me sent by stop when the exercises end,” office said. Korea have kicked off largely testing site for those engines. one projectile was launched and Kim Jong-Un, he stated, very Trump said. computer-simulated exercises Kim Dong-yup, a former that it appeared to be similar to South Korea called for as an alternative to previous naval officer who teaches at previous short-range missiles saying: “I say it again: There have “All the facts prove that the Pyongyang to stop such launches. large-scale annual drills that Seoul’s Kyungnam University, fired by Pyongyang. been no nuclear tests. The missile South Korean authorities are The launches yesterday were were halted to expedite denu- said the weapons tested yes- Two missiles flew about tests have all been short-range. hell-bent on arms buildup apparently testing capabilities of clearisation talks. terday could be related to the 400km at a height of around No ballistic missile tests. No long- against their dialogue partner,” a new short-range missile North Korea decries such completion of North Korea’s new 48km, according to the South range missiles.” the state-run KCNA news agency Pyongyang is developing, South exercises as a rehearsal for war rocket artillery system that Korean military. North Korea’s state media said. “(South Korea is) the arch- Korea’s presidential office said. aimed at toppling its required multiple launches of the Trump played down the has yet to confirm the launch, but criminal escalating tension in the “Because of concerns that leadership. same kind. recent North Korean weapons in a commentary yesterday it Korean peninsula and the North Korea’s series of launches The projectiles were fired at Japan’s ministry of defence launches when he spoke to blamed the South for “building wrecker of its peace and can raise military tensions on the dawn yesterday from an area said the projectiles did not pose reporters earlier on Friday, up arms against dialogue”. stability.” Korean Peninsula, ministers around the northeastern city of an immediate security threat.

Scooter rider US, China step up war of words over Hong Kong dead in Paris AFP reports on our diplomat in Hong US Consulate General in Hong jobs, just like diplomats from Ortagus responded at the WASHINGTON Kong have gone from irrespon- Kong, Julie Eadeh, had met with every other country.” time: “I don’t think that that’s a motorway crash sible to dangerous. This must members of the political party “Foreign diplomats in the formal protest, that is what a The United States and China stop,” State Department spokes- Demosisto — including prom- United States, including Chinese thuggish regime would do. That AFP have stepped up an increasingly woman Morgan Ortagus posted inent democracy activist Joshua ones, enjoy open access to all is not how a responsible nation VERSAILLES harsh war of words over pro- on Twitter. Wong. elements of American politics, would behave.” democracy protests in Hong Beijing has increasingly It shared details on Eadeh’s civil society, academia, and A State Department official The rider of an electric scooter Kong, as Beijing seeks to push its pitched the anti-government career as well as her family business,” she added. said that representatives of the was killed early yesterday on a accusations that the mass protests in the semi-autonomous members’ names. On Thursday, China US government “meet regularly Paris highway, one of the demonstrations are being fuelled city as funded by the West, at one The Office of the Commis- demanded that US diplomats with a wide cross section of busiest in France, when he was by foreign powers. point describing violent unrest sioner of the Ministry of Foreign based in Hong Kong “stop inter- people across Hong Kong and in a collision with a motorcycle, In the latest exchange, Wash- in the city as “the work of the Affairs of China in Hong Kong fering” in the city’s affairs. Macau.” rescue services said. ington called out Beijing-backed US.” denounced Ortagus’ remarks as In a statement, the Chinese Tensions are high in the The man, aged about 30, news outlets for sharing “dan- But China has provided little “blatant slander against China” foreign ministry urged the US Asian financial hub after two was not wearing a crash helmet gerous” reports after a news- evidence for the claim beyond that had “again exposed US diplomatic office in Hong Kong months of protests and clashes when the accident happened paper revealed personal infor- supportive statements from gangster logic.” to “immediately make a clean triggered by opposition to a just after midnight on A86 Paris mation about an American dip- some Western politicians. Ortagus, however, said that break with various anti-China planned extradition law that outer ring road, a fireman said. lomat in Hong Kong who met The Hong Kong-based, pro- “Chinese authorities know full rioters” and “stop interfering in quickly evolved into a wider There was no immediate with pro-democracy activists. Beijing Ta Kung Pao reported well, our accredited consular Hong Kong’s affairs movement for democratic explanation as to why the man “Official Chinese media that the political unit chief of the personnel are just doing their immediately.” reforms. was on the motorway where electric scooters are banned. The rider of the motorcycle, Malaysia worried for survival of missing Irish girl which crashed into the back of the scooter, suffered multiple REUTERS Search and rescue efforts where Seremban is located, said. injuries and has been KUALA LUMPUR involving more than 300 Police also confirmed they hospitalised. searchers thus far have not led were looking into people with Electric scooters are Police in Malaysia said they were to any clues, the police added. criminal backgrounds around increasingly popular in major concerned about the survival of Nora Anne Quoirin, a the area and had searched the cities and especially Paris but an Irish teenager who went 15-year-old who has learning homes of hotel staff. there have been several acci- missing on holiday as search disabilities, was reported missing The family issued a dents, some fatal, since their efforts continued into their last Sunday, a day after her statement through the Lucie introduction. seventh day. family had arrived at the Dusun Blackman Trust late on Friday In June, a man died when In a statement, police said resort in Seremban, about 70km saying Nora “is not like other his scooter was in collision with they had narrowed the search south of Malaysia’s capital of teenagers. She is not inde- a lorry in central Paris, the first area believing the girl could not Kuala Lumpur. pendent and does not go any- fatal scooter accident in the have gone far, adding the search “We are very worried about where alone.” French capital. was focused on steep areas, (her) welfare and we don’t know The family said Nora had In April, an elderly pedes- shrubs and rocks as well as how long (she) can survive,” been to Asia and many European trian died after being knocked Cars are damaged after typhoon Lekima made landfall in Wenling, around the family’s holiday Mohamad Mat Yusop, police countries and had never wan- down by a scooter in a Paris Zhejiang province, in China, yesterday. accommodation. chief of Negeri Sembilan state dered off or got lost. suburb. At least 18 dead as Typhoon Teen activist questions Germany’s 2038 fuel exit date Lekima slams eastern China REUTERS 2020, although it had hoped to fossil fuels, ham- AFP landslide on a mountain that FRANKFURT clear it for brown coal mining pering progress SHANGHAI blocked a river below,” it said, and burning activities. in the reduction adding that the resulting “dam” Swedish teenage climate activist “If we are to stay below 1.5 of greenhouse At least 18 people were killed created a lake which swept Greta Thunberg, on her visit to degrees of temperature rise, then emissions that and 14 others missing as downstream when it burst. a German anti-coal protest science says that Germany can contribute to Typhoon Lekima lashed eastern More than a million people camp, questioned whether the probably not continue to burn climate change. China yesterday, downing thou- were evacuated from their country should continue to use coal. I mean, another 20 years,” Thunberg sands of trees and forcing more homes ahead of the storm, the the fuel to generate power for Thunberg said. “That is not my called it “dis- than a million people from their official Xinhua news agency another 20 years as the opinion or what I think, that’s turbing” that homes. reported. Some 110,000 people government plans. what science says.” ecosystems and Waves several metres high were housed in shelters. Thunberg, the most visible Plans to stop using coal by villages in the hit the coastline as the storm The monster storm made spokeswoman of the ‘Fridays for 2038, recommended by a gov- Hambach forest made landfall in Zhejiang landfall in the early hours in Future’ movement of students ernment-appointed commission region should province, south of Shanghai. Wenling City, packing winds of striking to demand climate in January, and to abandon give way to Swedish teenage climate campaigner Greta The deaths were caused by 187kph, and was expected to action, was talking to reporters nuclear by 2022 are part of Ger- coal-related Thunberg (left front) during her visit to the a landslide triggered by the churn up the east coast towards at the western German Hambach many’s costly transition to activities and storm’s downpours in the Shanghai, Xinhua added. forest near Cologne. renewables, known as the said the protest Hambacher Forst forest, in Kerpen, western municipality of Wenzhou, China issued a red alert as The area has become a Energiewende. was “very Germany, yesterday. around 400km south of the storm approached on Friday, symbol of protest against the While details still have to be admirable”. Shanghai, national television before downgrading the level to coal industry, prompting utility worked out, critics of the She plans to cross the there, in order to speak at a station CCTV reported. orange as winds eased yesterday RWE to give assurances it would schedule say the country is not Atlantic to New York on a racing climate summit and join “Torrential rains caused a morning. not touch the forest until late moving quickly enough to ditch yacht next month, to avoid flying demonstrations. SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 EUROPE 11 5 dead in blast at Russian N-agency test site

AFP The authorities in Rosatom said its staff were quoted a defence ministry source He said this exceeded the Institute for Nuclear Research, MOSCOW Severodvinsk, 30km providing engineering and tech- as saying both defence ministry permitted limit of 0.6 micro- Boris Zhuikov, said that isotope from the test site, said nical support for the “isotope and Rosatom employees were sieverts, TASS reported. power sources are mainly used Russia said yesterday an on their website that power source” of the engine killed. Greenpeace Russia published in spacecraft and are not usually explosion at an Arctic missile being tested. The authorities in Severod- a letter from officials at a dangerous for people working testing site killed five nuclear automatic radiation The authorities have released vinsk, 30km from the test site, Moscow nuclear research centre with them. agency staff and involved radi- detection sensors in few details of the accident at the said on their website on giving the same figure, but saying “If they are damaged, people oactive isotopes after a nearby the city “recorded a Nyonoksa test site on the White Thursday that automatic radi- higher radiation levels lasted for who are nearby could be hurt. city reported a spike in radiation brief rise in radiation Sea, used for testing missiles ation detection sensors in the city an hour. The officials said this did Isotope sources use various types levels. deployed in nuclear submarines “recorded a brief rise in radiation not present any significant risk of fuel: plutonium, promethium In a statement, Russia’s levels” around noon and ships since the Soviet era. levels” around noon that day. to public health. or cerium,” Zhuikov said. The nuclear agency Rosatom said the that day. The defence ministry said six The post was later taken Russian online media pub- radioactivity levels involved are accident on Thursday at a secret defence ministry employees and down and the defence ministry lished unattributed video that “absolutely not comparable with military facility also left three staff that radiation levels were briefly a developer were injured while said that radiation levels were journalists said showed a line of those during serious accidents with burns and other injuries. raised after the accident. two “specialists” died of their normal after the accident. ambulances speeding through at reactors.” The military had not previ- The accident occurred in the wounds. An official responsible for Moscow to take the injured to a The news of the accident ously described the accident as far northern Arkhangelsk region It was not immediately clear civil defence, Valentin centre that specialises in the prompted residents of Severod- involving nuclear fuel and said during testing of a liquid pro- whether the death toll reported Magomedov,said on Thursday treatment of radiation victims. vinsk to rush to pharmacies on radiation levels were normal pellant jet engine. An explosion by Rosatom included the fatal- that radiation levels rose to 2.0 Rosatom said that the injured Thursday to stock up on iodine, afterwards. sparked a fire, killing two, the ities announced earlier by the microsieverts per hour for half were being treated at a “spe- which can be taken to stop the But officials in the nearby defence ministry said in a brief defence ministry. an hour from 11:50am (0850 cialised medical centre”. thyroid gland absorbing city of Severodvinsk reported statement. Russian state news agencies GMT), before falling sharply. An expert from Moscow’s radiation. No-deal Brexit will hurt Man arrested in Greece after UK the most: Juncker boat accident REUTERS has put together her VIENNA Commission. AFP The EU has said the with- ATHENS A no-deal Brexit would hurt drawal agreement negotiated by Britain more than the rest of the previous British adminis- A French man was arrested in Europe no matter how much tration led by Theresa May will Greece yesterday after a boat Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s not be re-opened. Johnson said accident that left two dead and government pretends otherwise, it wants a key element of that another person seriously outgoing European Commission deal, the so-called Irish injured, the coastguard said. President Jean-Claude Juncker “backstop”, to be scrapped. The 44-year-old said he said in remarks published The backstop, agreed was the driver of a 10-metre yesterday. between Brussels and May’s speedboat which was in col- Britain has been pressing the government, aims to keep the lision with a smaller wooden European Union to amend the border between the Republic of vessel on Friday evening near terms of Britain’s withdrawal Ireland and British-ruled the Peloponnese resort of Porto agreement, saying Brussels Northern Ireland open, and Heli, 170km southwest of would have to take responsi- would effectively keep Northern Athens, a coastguard spokes- bility for a no-deal Brexit if it Ireland within the EU’s single Law enforcement officers detain protester during a rally in Moscow, yesterday. woman said. does not compromise. market if no alternative The collision killed two But at the end of the day that arrangement can be found. elderly Greek men on board. A would do the most harm to “We have made clear that 60-year-old Greek woman, Britain, Juncker told a regional we are not prepared to hold new Tens of thousands rally in Moscow reportedly their sister, was seri- newspaper in the Austrian negotiations on the withdrawal AP An arrest monitoring group sandwiched between two busy ously injured and taken to province of Tyrol, where he reg- agreement but only to make MOSCOW said 70 people were arrested thoroughfares. Athens for treatment. ularly spends his summer certain clarifications in the yesterday in St. Petersburg at an A group that monitors “The first indications point holiday. framework of the political dec- Tens of thousands of people unsanctioned demonstration in attendance of public meetings, to excessive speed by the pow- “If it comes to a hard Brexit, larations that regulate future rallied yesterday in one of support of Moscow protests. Beliy Schetchik, said it counted erboat driver,” Merchant that is in no one’s interest, but relations between the United Moscow’s biggest political OVD-Info said 10 people about 50,000 people at the dem- Marine Minister Yiannis Plaki- the British would be the big Kingdom and European Union,” protests in recent years, were detained in connection with onstration; a police estimate put otakis said. losers. They are acting as though Juncker said. “We are well pre- denouncing the exclusion of the Moscow rally, but it was not the crowd at 20,000. Officials could not imme- that were not the case but it is,” pared (for no deal) and I hope opposition and independent immediately clear on what Some opposition figures diately clarify when the French he told the Tiroler Tageszeitung the British are too.” candidates from the Russian grounds. Unlike the previous two called for an unauthorised man, who had evaded arrest for newspaper. On Thursday, Britain’s capital’s city council ballot. Moscow rallies, where police march to follow the permitted several hours after the accident, “We are fully prepared even Foreign Minister Dominic Raab The rally was the fourth con- harshly dispersed the crowds rally, but it was unclear if the would appear before a prose- though some in Britain say we pressed the European Union to secutive weekend demon- and detained thousands of dem- action would materialise. cutor. He is expected to be are not well set up for a ‘no deal’. amend the terms of Britain’s EU stration in Moscow over the local onstrators, yesterday’s gathering Lyubov Sobol, one of the city arraigned tomorrow. But I am not taking part in these withdrawal agreement, saying election. The determined oppo- in a neighbourhood with rela- council candidates denied a Ten other French nationals little summer games,” said Brussels would have to take sition has prompted protests in tively few passers-by was offi- place on the ballot and a who were also on the speedboat Juncker, who is due to be suc- responsibility for a no-deal other cities, reflecting wide- cially sanctioned. spearhead of the election protest, — two men, three women and ceeded by German conservative Brexit if it is not prepared to spread frustration with Russia’s It was held on a street was among those detained in five children aged three to 14 — Ursula von der Leyen once she compromise. tightly controlled politics. flanked by high buildings and Moscow yesterday. were initially taken to Porto Heli for questioning after helping to bring the injured woman and Tornado injures 19, damages up to 100 homes in Luxembourg one of the bodies to shore, the coastguard officer said. AP The tornado in the south- “Architects are going to come local media there reported that Friday. Lightning struck a soccer The minors were with their BERLIN western Luxembourg commu- and survey the damage. Mean- dozens of roofs were destroyed field in Rosenfeld-Heiligenz- parents at the Porto Heli coast- nities of Pettingen and Kaerjeng while, we will coordinate to and cars were damaged in the immern where 15 players were guard offices. They were all A rare tornado injured 19 people, left a path of destruction that cover the roofs,” Paul Schroeder, communities of Longwy and exercising. They were injured released yesterday afternoon, two of them severely, in Luxem- made up to 100 homes uninhab- director general of Luxembourg’s Herserange. Tornadoes are a only slightly but were taken to the press officer said. bourg, while 15 soccer players itable, local media reported yes- fire and rescue service, told res- very rare weather condition in the hospital as a precaution. Also Friday, another were injured by a lightning terday. Debris and damaged cars idents, according to Luxembourg Europe, which is more typically Severe weather warnings speedboat injured a 32-year- strike in southern Germany as were left strewn around the newspaper L’Essentiel. hit by gales. have already led to the cancel- old swimmer at the Athens unseasonal storms hit northern area, while at least four power In nearby eastern France, Southern Germany was also lation of a number of outdoor coastal suburb of Glyfada. The Europe late Friday. poles were destroyed. the tornado was less severe, but hit by severe thunderstorms late events in Britain this weekend. driver was arrested. Richard Gere, Italy’s Salvini clash over migrant ship UK energy firm says power cut was not caused by cyberattack REUTERS millionaire is voicing concern for LAMPEDUSA the fate of the Open Arms AP farm in the North Sea. He said it migrants, we thank him: he can LONDON was unclear whether the two Hollywood star Richard Gere take back to Hollywood, on his near-simultaneous outages yesterday urged the Italian private plane, all the people A power cut that affected a were connected or was a government to stop “demonising aboard and support them in his million people and caused travel coincidence. people” and instead help villas. Thank you Richard!” he chaos was not the result of a Britain’s energy watchdog, migrants who have been said in a statement. cyberattack, operators of Brit- Ofgem, said it has asked for “an stranded on a Spanish charity Standoffs with non-govern- ain’s electricity network said. urgent detailed report from boat in the Mediterranean for mental organisation boats have National Grid operations National Grid so we can under- more than a week. become common in the last year director Duncan Burt said that stand what went wrong and Gere, who visited the Open as European states at odds over Friday’s blackout was caused decide what further steps need Arms ship in a show of support who should be responsible for when two power stations failed to be taken. This could include on Friday, joined a news con- accepting migrants have refused almost simultaneously, leading enforcement action.” ference on the Italian island of port to vessels carrying rescued the system to cut off power to The cut hit a large swath of Lampedusa to call for the 160 people, often leaving them some parts of the country in England and Wales, knocking migrants stuck on the boat to be stranded at sea for days awaiting order to preserve the rest. out traffic lights and railway allowed to disembark. a solution. He said the company was signals and bringing electric- The actor compared the US actor Richard Gere (centre) and Italian Chef Gabriele Rubini, The boat was at sea near “very confident that there was powered trains to a standstill. political situation in Italy, where also known as Chef Rubio, (right) and Proactiva Open Arms NGO Lampedusa with 121 people no malicious intent or cyber- Electricity was restored within League leader and Interior Min- officials attending a news conference, in Lampedusa, Italy, yesterday. aboard from earlier rescues attack involved,” adding that the 90 minutes but many travellers ister Matteo Salvini has when, late Friday evening, loss of two power plants at once were stuck for hours on trains. repeatedly refused requests by going through here,” he said, help people and not get into a Maltese authorities asked it to was a “very, very rare event” Andrew Adonis, a former migrant ships to dock, to that of accusing politicians in both Italy political fight. assist 39 people in a wooden raft. and something similar happened chairman of Britain’s National the US administration of Donald and the US of demonising Salvini, who this week Malta had offered to accept in 2008. Infrastructure Commission, said Trump. migrants. pushed through parliament the 39 people from this rescue Tim Green of the Energy National Grid had “some big “We have our problems with “This has to stop everywhere tougher sanctions on charity but not the 121 already aboard, Futures Laboratory at Imperial questions to answer” about how refugees coming from Honduras, on this planet now. And it will ships that seek to bring migrants among them 32 minors, they College London said failures a relatively brief power cut had Salavador, Nicaragua, Mexico... stop if we say stop,” he said, rescued at sea to Italy, was quick added, saying the NGO had were at a gas-fired power plant caused nationwide mayhem on It’s very similar to what you are adding that he only wanted to to reply. “Given this generous refused the offer. in southern England and a wind the railways. 12 AMERICAS SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2019 Democratic Presidential hopefuls seek action to curb gun violence

REUTERS The Democratic reporting on multiple gun pur- DES MOINES, IOWA presidential chases, and expand age restric- contenders called tions to limit teenage access to Democratic presidential for the imposition of guns. contenders urged Congress She said she would also push yesterday to take action to curb universal background to do away with the filibuster, gun violence in the wake of mass checks on gun buyers, which would allow gun legis- shootings last weekend in Texas so-called “red ﬂag” lation to pass the Senate by a and Ohio that left 31 dead. laws, and ultimately a simple majority vote. Speaking at a hastily con- Iowa is a key focus of cam- vened forum in Iowa, they called ban on military-style paigning because in February the for the imposition of universal assault weapons. state will hold the first nomi- background checks on gun nating contest in the Democratic buyers, so-called “red flag” laws, presidential primaries ahead of and ultimately a ban on military- advocacy group founded by the 2020 presidential election. style assault weapons. former New York Mayor Michael Many have called for They also said they believed Bloomberg. measures such as an assault Families of victims of gun violence holding up photos of their loved ones as 2020 Democratic US the long-standing debate on gun In the shootings in El Paso, weapon ban, universal back- presidential candidates speak during the Presidential Gun Sense Forum in Des Moines, Iowa, yesterday. violence in America was shifting Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, the ground checks and other gun in favour of stronger gunmen used semi-automatic control reforms long stymied by restrictions. weapons with high-volume partisan fighting in Washington. of the NRA,” she said. frontrunner, touted his work in continue to purchase firearms if “We are going to make magazines. Democrats have criticised She and others also criticized the Senate in the 1990s passing they were not married to their change. We are going to pass gun Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of Republican President Donald Senate Majority Leader Mitch an assault weapons ban that has victims. safety laws in this country,” said South Bend, Indiana, called for Trump’s mixed messaging this McConnell, a Republican, for since expired. Media magnate Bloomberg US Senator Elizabeth Warren of those weapons to be taken off week on possible support for refusing to bring a background “I’ve taken on the NRA has pledged to use his well- Massachusetts. the streets. some gun control measures. check bill and other legislation nationally, and I’ve beaten funded political action com- “The heat’s been on like it’s “They have no basis in our Trump on Friday suggested to the floor for a vote. them,” Biden said. “Red flag” mittee in next year’s elections to never been on before,” said neighbourhoods in peacetime in that he could sway the nation’s US Senator Bernie Sanders laws would allow the police to defeat candidates who resist fellow Senator Amy Klobuchar the United States of America,” powerful gun lobby, the National of Vermont called on McConnell temporarily confiscate guns from gun-reform legislation. of Minnesota. Buttigieg said. Rifle Association, to drop its to immediately reconvene the people deemed by a judge to be If the current push for new The candidates took ques- Warren said if she wins the opposition to gun restrictions. Senate, which is in recess for a a threat to themselves or others. restrictions fails, as has hap- tions from gun-control advocates White House she would use Klobuchar suggested Trump month, to debate gun Candidates also want to close pened in the past, Bloomberg and shooting survivors at a executive powers to impose would not stand up to the group, legislation. the so-called “boyfriend said, “We have make sure all program sponsored by Eve- increased background check however. “We have a guy in the Former vice-president Joe loophole,” which permits con- those who stood in the way face rytown for Gun Safety, an requirements and more White House who is afraid, afraid Biden, the current Democratic victed domestic abusers to the consequences.”

Universal Pictures cancels release of Pelosi sceptical on Trump migration plan for El Salvador ‘The Hunt’ after REUTERS president is pushing Mexico and I think it remains to be seen as Representative Henry revoking their residency under SAN SALVADOR Central America to clamp down to whether that is even a good Cuellar, a Democrat from a so-called Temporary Protected Trump pressure on asylum-seekers. idea and I would not encourage Texas, added: “We are of the Status. US House of Representatives The group raised scepticism it.” opinion that it would be very “El Salvador would not be BLOOMBERG Speaker Nancy Pelosi raised about an agreement aimed at Under that deal, Guatemala difficult to do this, and for that able to absorb all those who are WASHINGTON concern about El Salvador’s curbing migrant flows which the agreed to become a so-called reason we would like to do eve- in the United States at this time,” ability to cope with a tough White House is seeking with El “safe third country,” meaning rything ... to not have this type said Lucille Roybal-Allard, a Universal Pictures cancelled the migration deal being pursued Salvador and Honduras, similar migrants would be required to of deal.” Democratic representative from release of “The Hunt” after the by the Trump Administration as to one reached with Guatemala seek asylum in Guatemala rather Pelosi and other members of California. movie’s liberals-hunting- she led a US congressional late last month under the threat than in the United States. the delegation denounced the Representative Jim conservatives storyline sparked mission to the Central American of economic sanctions. Guatemala suffers from Trump Administration’s policy McGovern, a Democrat from backlash from critics, including country. “I don’t consider it a rampant poverty and violence, of separating migrant families, Massachusetts, offered a stark President Donald Trump. On the second leg of a bipar- solution,” Pelosi said. “When we and critics question its capacity which she called “totally com- assessment of US foreign policy The film was accused by tisan delegation to the region, were in Guatemala yesterday, we to handle a surge in asylum pletely unacceptable.” around El Salvador’s 1980 to some of playing up the nar- Pelosi and other Democratic asked what the terms were of applications from its impover- Some also criticised the 1992 civil war, which pitted rative of “deplorables” versus lawmakers criticised Donald that agreement and they said it ished, crime-wracked neigh- administration’s efforts to leftist rebels against a string of liberal “elites.” Democrat Trump’s immigration agenda at hasn’t really been written down, bours, El Salvador and Honduras, remove 200,000 Salvadorans US-backed military Hillary Clinton famously called a time when the Republican we haven’t seen what that is. So which Pelosi will visit today. from the United States by governments. Trump supporters “deplorables” during her 2016 presidential campaign. Trump derided “Liberal Germany to suspend aid Hollywood” and referred to an upcoming movie as “made in to Brazil forest projects order to inflame and cause chaos.” He didn’t mention “The AFP environmental protection pro- Hunt” by name, but commented BERLIN grammes in Brazil. after segments about the film Germany nonetheless plans had aired on Fox News. Germany said yesterday it would to continue supporting the “We stand by our film- suspend Brazilian aid aimed at Amazon Fund, a forest preser- makers and will continue to helping to protect the Amazon vation initiative created in 2008. distribute films in partnership forest in light of data that Norway, which has con- with bold and visionary cre- showed deforestation had tributed the most to the fund, ators, like those associated with surged since President Jair has threatened to withdraw, and this satirical social thriller, but Bolsonaro took office. said last year that payments to we understand that now is not “Brazilian government pol- Brazil would be cut in half and the right time to release this icies in the Amazon raise doubts might be eliminated film,” a Universal Pictures about continued, sustained altogether. spokesperson said yesterday. declines in the rate of deforest- Concern about the forest has Universal had already ation,” Environment Minister grown since Bolsonaro took halted its marketing campaign Svenja Schulze told the tele- office in January. Brazil is home for the film following the El vision news show Tagesspiegel. to more than 60 percent of the Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, It said a first step would be Amazon forest, which is being shootings last weekend. to block payment of $40m for cleared at an increasing rate to The retailer Walmart Inc. Guatemala run-off polls today forest conservation and biodi- create more cropland. said it would remove displays versity programmes until the The National Institute for of violent video games and Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal employees preparing the electoral material for its distribution in rate of decline attained encour- Space Research (INPE) said this movies in its stores as part what Guatemala City, yesterday. Guatemala holds a run-off election today between Guatemalan presidential aging levels once again. week that roughly 2,254 sq km it termed a “thoughtful and candidate for the Vamos (Let’s Go) party Alejandro Giammattei and the presidential candidate for From 2008 until this year, of the Amazon were cleared in deliberate response” to recent the Union Nacional de la Esperanza (National Union of Hope) party Sandra Torres. Berlin has paid 95 million euros July, a spike of 278 percent from incidents. in support of various a year earlier. ‘US financier Epstein committed Woman pleads guilty in Minnesota smuggling case suicide in prison awaiting trial’ AP was indicted in 2015 in Min- extradition. She arrived in the US fine up to $200,000. AFP/NEW YORK morning, The New York Times MINNEAPOLIS nesota and arrested in Australia last month. “We intend to ask the judge and other media said, quoting in 2017, where she became the Under the plea agreement to sentence her to time served,” The wealthy US financier Jeffrey officials. An Iranian woman pleaded subject of a long extradition fight. filed Friday, Ghodskani agreed Richman said. “She has already Epstein, indicted on charges he Epstein, 66, had been found guilty in Minnesota to conspiring She entered her plea before US to plead guilty to one count of been in custody for over two trafficked underage girls, in his cell in late July with marks to facilitate the illegal export of District Judge Joan Ericksen in conspiracy to defraud the US, years. ... By the time she gets sen- committed suicide in prison, US on his neck after an apparent communications technology Minneapolis. A sentencing date which carries a maximum tenced it will be 2½ years in news media reported yesterday. suicide attempt. from the US to her home country. was not set. potential sentence of five years custody. She had a baby while Epstein, who had hob- The hedge fund manager Federal prosecutors said Her attorney, Robert in prison and a $250,000 fine, she was in custody. She has gone nobbed with politicians and was denied bail in late July after Negar Ghodskani, 40, and others Richman, said she accepted the and prosecutors agreed to through a huge amount. We celebrities over the years and appearing at a New York court established a front company in plea agreement “because she dismiss the other charges. The believe the appropriate dispo- was already a convicted charged with one count of traf- Malaysia to illegally obtain wanted to accept responsibility plea agreement does not include sition is to release her and send offender, hanged himself in his ficking of minors and one count restricted technology from com- and be sentenced.” a sentencing recommendation, her on her way back to Iran.” cell at the Metropolitan Correc- of conspiracy to commit traf- panies in Minnesota and Massa- Richman indicated the toll of but the nonbinding federal sen- A co-defendant, Alireza tional Center and his body was ficking of minors. chusetts, in violation of US law the long legal fight was why she tencing guidelines suggest a sen- Jalali, pleaded guilty in found around 7:30 yesterday He denied the charges. and international sanctions. She decided to stop resisting tence of 46 to 57 months and a November 2017.