www.thepeninsula.qa Wednesday 26 February 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8179 2 Rajab - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 01 SPORT | 12

Islamic finance FIFA praises vital for Qatar's Qatar's efforts diversification to host 2022 program World Cup

FREE Wi-Fi device! Ooredoo FREE installation! Full fun! ONE *Terms & Conditions Apply Amir: Qatar, Algeria to boost economic, investment ties further H H the Amir and H E the Algerian President discussed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, including the Palestinian cause and the Libyan crisis.

QNA — ALGIERS fields will be further developed, adding Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad that Qatar and Algeria agreed on many Al Thani and the President of the matters. People’s Democratic Republic of During the remarks, H H the Amir Algeria, H E Abdelmadjid Tebboune praised Algeria’s regional and Arab role held an official talks session at El and its honourable history in resolving Mouradia Presidential Palace in Algiers many of the existing conflicts, whether yesterday. in the region or in the Arab world, Talks during the session dealt with stressing the need for its role in this bilateral relations between the two regard and expressing his confidence brotherly countries and means of in the success of the upcoming Arab developing and strengthening them in summit to be hosted by Algeria. various fields, especially in energy, At the beginning of the press state- economy, investment, culture and ments, H H the Amir expressed his sports. The session discussed a number thanks to H E the Algerian President of regional and international issues of for the good reception and common concern, including the Pal- hospitality. estinian cause and the Libyan crisis. H E the Algerian President wel- Their Excellencies members of the comed H H the Amir and his accom- official delegation accompanying H H panying delegation, saying that his the Amir attended the session. On the talks with H H the Amir affirmed the Algerian side, it was attended by a full agreement of the two countries on number of Their Excellencies Ministers the issues raised during the talks, and senior officials. including economic and political fields, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H E Abdelmadjid H H the Amir, in joint press remarks and Arab, regional and international Tebboune, during a joint press conference in Algiers, yesterday. with Algerian President at the Presi- issues, while thanking H H the Amir dential Palace yesterday, said that their and the accompanying delegation for H H the Amir and his accompanying They were also welcomed by a the Ambassador of Algeria to Qatar, H E talks were constructive. His Highness the visit. delegation were welcomed upon arrival number of senior Algerian officials, the Mustafa Boutoura and members of the stressed that the two countries’ rela- Earlier yesterday, H H the Amir at Houari Boumediene International Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Qatari Embassy in Algeria. H H the Amir tions in the economic and investment arrived in Algiers on an official visit. Airport by the Algerian President. Algeria, H E Hassan Ibrahim Al Maliki, was accorded an official reception. `P2 Father Amir and Sheikha Moza grace opening of QF’s Tariq Bin Ziad School FAZEENA SALEEM present at the ceremony. bin Jaber Al Thani speaking at THE PENINSULA The school with a history of the opening ceremony held at almost six decades was previ- the school located in Al Saad Tariq Bin Ziad School, with ously run by the Amiri Diwan, area in Doha. strong legacy of excellence and brought under the QF’s “Through their constant dating back several decades, umbrella of Pre-PUE at the start support for the human devel- officially re-opened under the of the present academic year. opment of the children of this umbrella of Qatar Foundation At present it offers a bilingual country, the leadership of Qatar (QF) in the presence of Father co-educational Primary Years is demonstrating its recognition Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Programme that follows the that education is the path to Khalifa Al Thani and H H International Baccalaureate preparing and empowering our Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, curriculum, with additional young people, in terms of their Chairperson of QF, yesterday. aspects that reflect the impor- perspectives, their minds, their H H Sheikh Abdullah bin tance and the enduring rele- souls, their behaviours, and Khalifa Al Thani; H E Sheikha vance of Qatari heritage. their sense of national identity; Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, “I am honoured to be one of and that knowledge and faith Vice-Chairperson and CEO of the alumni of Tariq Bin Ziad remain the best way of QF; H E Sheikh Hamad bin School. We are here today to advancing and sustaining our Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, proudly relaunch this school as community. This community is several dignitaries, senior offi- it continues its journey of nur- built on cooperation, solidarity, Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with other cials at the QF, alumni of Tariq turing a new generation,” said and a commitment to serving officials during the opening of Tariq Bin Ziad School, yesterday. Bin Ziad School and others were H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim the needs of Qatar.” `P3 2nd Global Judicial Integrity Network meeting begins QA temporarily adjusts Iran,

IRFAN BUKHARI also attended by Speaker of the which aims to assist member judiciaries to address them; and South Korea flight schedules THE PENINSULA Shura Council states in implementing vital areas identify priority areas for the H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin of the Doha Declaration adopted Network beyond 2019. THE PENINSULA — DOHA International Airport are Under the patronage of Amir Zaid Al Mahmoud, a number of at the 13th United Nations Con- Addressing the opening accepted for travel from H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Their Excellencies Sheikhs, Min- gress on Crime Prevention and session, President of the Supreme Qatar Airways is making Incheon Airport. Al Thani, Prime Minister and isters, senior officials and heads Criminal Justice in 2015. Judiciary Council and the Pres- temporary hold and schedule For Iran, Qatar Airways’ Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh of judicial bodies, councils and The purpose of the second ident of the Court of Cassation adjustments to its operations scheduled passenger fre- Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz courts from around 120 coun- high-level meeting of the Network H E Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al to South Korea and Iran until quencies will be on temporary Al Thani yesterday attended the tries, and a number of officials is to take stock of the achievements Hassan Al Mohannadi said that further notice due to significant hold, effective from February opening session of the second from United Nations Office on of the Network since its launch and the State of Qatar’s hosting of the operational challenges caused 26 2020 (today), for an evalu- high-level meeting of the Global Drugs and Crime (UNODC). discuss the work conducted in the second high-level meeting of the by entry restrictions imposed ation period of two weeks up Judicial Integrity Network. The Global Judicial Integrity priority areas of the 2018-19 work Global Judicial Integrity Network by certain countries. to March 14, 2020. This will The meeting being hosted by Network is one of the key results plan of the Network; discuss carried a message of trust from An ongoing review of opera- affect flights to and from the Supreme Judiciary Council of the efforts of the UNODC Global existing and emerging challenges the international legal com- tions will be conducted regularly Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan. held under the title ‘Past, Programme for the Implemen- related to judicial integrity and munity in Qatar’s orientations with the intention to reinstate Frequencies to and from Present, Future’. The session was tation of the Doha Declaration, explore the efforts made by and just stances. `P2 flights as soon as the restrictions Tehran will temporarily move are lifted, said a statement issued from 20 weekly frequencies to yesterday by Qatar Airways. seven weekly. Adjustments to With travel restrictions on the schedule of flights to and Experts discuss media ethics at QU’s conference recent visitors to these coun- from Iran will take effect from tries, the airline is in a logisti- February 26, 7am Doha time. SACHIN KUMAR & SANAULLAH ATAULLAH people aware about the issues affecting cally challenging position to Qatar Airways’ all-cargo oper- THE PENINSULA media, misinformation and curbing the cir- schedule crew on certain ations will not be affected by culation of fake news. routes, limiting its ability to this temporary hold. The 3rd International Conference on Media “The objective of organising such con- maintain scheduled operations and Communication began yesterday with ference is that the researchers, academi- elsewhere. As a result, the participation of experts, researchers, acad- cians, students and the young generation airline will temporarily readjust emicians and media professionals from come and discuss these issues under one its services to South Korea and Arab and foreign universities and institutes. platform so that we learn from each other Iran from today (February 26). The first day of the conference gave and come up with the better under- Flights to and from South audience an opportunity to listen to standing,” Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham Korea to Doha are temporarily WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT thought-provoking speeches and discus- told The Peninsula. adjusted to operate with a sions about media ethics. The conference is being organised by smaller aircraft. An Airbus Included with today’s Speaking about the conference, Pres- Qatar University, represented by the College A350-900 will replace a Boeing edition is a ident of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Rashid of Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with 777-300 to meet demand while Al Derham (pictured) said that such con- Al Jazeera Media Institute. only passengers with onward special supplement ferences play a crucial role in making `P6 and 7 connections through Hamad 02 HOME WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 Amir: Qatar, Algeria to boost economic, investment ties further

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; President of the sisterly People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H E Abdelmadjid Tebboune; and their accompanying delegations, during an official talks session at El Mouradia Presidential Palace in Algiers, yesterday. BELOW RIGHT: H H the Amir and his accompanying delegation received upon arrival by H E the President at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers, yesterday. BELOW LEFT: H H the Amir and H E the President discussing ties at the Presidential Palace.

FROM PAGE 1 were seen off upon departure H E President of Algeria delegation met during the visit, concern and means of strength- also wished H E the President H H the Amir left Algiers on at the Houari Boumediene expressing deep thanks and which provided H H the Amir ening and promoting the the best of health and happiness yesterday evening after the Airport by President of Algeria appreciation for the warm hos- the opportunity to meet HE the bilateral relations in various and the brotherly people of official visit. H H the Amir and H E Abdelmadjid Tebboune. pitality and honour that H H the President, as well as exchange fields for the good and interests Algeria further progress and the accompanied delegation H H the Amir sent a cable to Amir and the accompanying views on issues of common of the two peoples. H H the Amir prosperity. Second Global Judicial Integrity Network meeting begins

FROM PAGE 1 State seeks to realize with all its justice, especially with the “Qatar has become a beacon institutions as a part of an ambi- presence of a large number of and an international destination tious program that continues to legal and judicial authorities for meetings, conferences and develop justice systems, from different legal schools of seminars in all fields and at including the judicial body.” the world. various levels, which reflects During his speech, he On the first day of the high- the keenness of the wise lead- emphasized the importance of level meeting, a number of the- ership and the State’s orien- the Network’s second meeting matic breakout sessions were tation to be an active member that brought together an elite also held on a number of of the international community of justice and law from more important themes including with anything that can bring than 120 countries, including ‘Selection and appointment of peace and goodness.” representatives from judicial judges and judicial inde- He affirmed that the State authorities and bodies and pres- pendence’, ‘The judges shall of Qatar would always meet idents of supreme courts, in hold their offices during good expectations. “Qatar, under the addition to representatives of behavior: codes of conduct and wisdom of its leadership and its the United Nations, interna- disciplinary measures’, ‘Us too? The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani; conscious people of citizens and tional bodies and organizations, gender-related integrity issues Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, and Their Excellencies residents, is and will continue civil society institutions and in the judiciary’, ‘Judicial inde- the Sheikhs, Ministers and senior officials as well as heads of judicial bodies, councils and courts to be an aid for the deprived,” international personalities that pendence: new challenges and at the opening session of the second high-level meeting of the Global Judicial Integrity Network. he added. are involved in international judicial governance innova- He also pointed out the judicial cooperation. tions’, ‘Enforcing judicial Affairs, UNODC lauded the integrity issues and had imple- preventing corruption in the efforts that were made to He expressed his hope that integrity through codes of achievements made on the mented training programs in judicial system by enhancing develop justice systems. “The the meeting would provide an conduct and ethics training’, ground since the establishment more than 45 countries. Bran- communication opportunities, basis of justice is an inde- opportunity to for constructive among others. of the Global Judicial Integrity dolino explained that the facilitating access to resources pendent, impartial, unbiased, communication, exchange of Addressing the opening Network. He added that they purpose of the Network was to and focusing on existing and advanced and efficient judiciary experiences and learn about session, John Brandolino, had developed a series of prac- assist judicial bodies in emerging challenges related to and it is a higher goal that the other experiences in the field of Director, Division of Treaty tical guides on emerging judicial enhancing judicial integrity and judicial integrity. Supreme Judiciary Council launches new code of judicial conduct QNA — DOHA countries of the world, included the judicial sector in the country principles are derived from that the judiciary is one of the the moral values of society, the the inauguration of the new in line with the rational vision domestic legislation in addition greatest, most honorable and law of the judiciary, the values The Supreme Judiciary Council visual identity of the council. of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin to international norms con- noble professions in which the and traditions of the Qatari judi- (SJC) yesterday inaugurated a The new Code of Judicial Hamad Al-Thani, in achieving cerned with the judicial sector homelands flourish and soci- ciary and relevant international new Code of Judicial Conduct Conduct aims to enhance the a prompt justice. and international treaties in eties develop due to its role in treaties and agreements. in a ceremony held on the side- independence, impartiality, and His Excellency added that this regard. resolving disputes between The new visual identity of lines of the second high-level competence of judges and their the new code of judicial conduct He explained that the Code people in order to achieve the Supreme Judicial Council meeting of the Global Judicial associates, the effectiveness of comes within the framework of of Judicial Conduct would bring security and safety and establish embodies the basic principles Integrity Network, currently in their procedures, and to this development, as it keeps benefit to all parties dealing justice and preserve freedoms, upon which the Qatari society session at Doha Sheraton Hotel. establish the rule of law in a pace with the global develop- with the judiciary, whether the property and lives. built its judicial system and The ceremony, which was manner that enhances the con- ments in the work of judges and judges themselves or the The new Code of Judicial reflects in its entirety the noble attended by President of the fidence of litigants in the judi- sets guiding principles that will society, so that the relationship Conduct derives its basic ref- mission of the judiciary across Supreme Judiciary Council and ciary and its role in establishing be a reference for judges in all between the two parties would erence principles from the pro- generations, history and the President of the Court of Cas- completed justice with matters related to their tasks be organized in a way that visions of Islamic law, the per- established principle in sation H E Dr. Hassan bin impartiality. and specialties. would benefit everyone in an manent constitution of the state, achieving justice. Lahdan Al Hassan Al HE Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan He pointed out that the independent judiciary and a Mohannadi, and a number of Al Hassan Al Mohannadi said code keeps abreast of every- completed justice that respected heads of courts and judicial that the Supreme Judiciary thing new and modern in the human rights. authorities from different Council is working to develop field of judges work, and its His Excellency pointed out Qatar and UN sign declaration of intent

THE PENINSULA — DOHA H E Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al to the efforts of the Supreme integrity, through what it will Hassan Al Mohannadi, and Rep- Judiciary Council and its inter- provide to world judges in The State of Qatar and the resentative of the United national partner in creating the terms of training, consultations United Nations yesterday Nations Office on Drugs and Global Judicial Integrity and opportunities to support signed a declaration of intent Crime (UNODC) John Network in 2018 and a fruit of academic and institutional to establish UN Judicial Integrity Brandolino. the judicial integrity pillar, one research projects in the relevant Center for Research and The declaration of intent of the four pillars included in fields. Training in Doha, on the side- between the Supreme Judiciary the global program to The new center will be part lines of the second high-level Council and the United Nations implement the Doha Decla- of the United Nations complex meeting of the Global Judicial Office on Drugs and Crime is a ration on Prevention and pledged by the State of Qatar, Integrity Network held at the prelude to the final signing Criminal Justice in 2015. which hosts a number of Sheraton Doha Hotel. between the two sides to create By hosting this UN center, centers and headquarters of The declaration intent was an international research and Doha will be a global center for international organizations, The President of the Court of Cassation and Chairman of Supreme signed by President of the Court training center specializing in enhancing judicial capabilities especially the specialized or Judiciary Council, H E Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, of Cassation and the President judicial integrity matters. and a reference for judicial those with a professional and Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, of Supreme Judiciary Council, This step is a complement institutional policies on personality. John Brandolino, exchanging documents after the signing of the intent. WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 03 Father Amir, Sheikha Moza grace opening of Tariq Bin Ziad School

Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, attending the official opening ceremony of Tariq Bin Ziad School, yesterday. RIGHT: H H the Father Amir viewing the pictures depicting the history of the school.

FROM PAGE 1 balancing knowledge, appre- was on display. The dignitaries “I would like to take this ciation of their cultural her- toured the exhibition and opportunity, while speaking itage, and answering the chal- school facilities following the about this historic school, to lenges of globalization, opening ceremony. emphasise that it has been according to Buthaina Ali Al Tariq Bin Ziad has become renewed under the umbrella Nuaimi, President of QF’s PUE. the 12 school under QF’s PUE. of Qatar Foundation, while “Tariq Bin Ziad School is At present Tariq Bin Ziad retaining its original spirit and seen as being one of the edu- School caters from students identity,” he said. cational edifices of Qatar, from PS3 to Grade 1, with one Eissa Bin Hazza, former embraced by generations of grade level being added each director of the school, young people who have gone year until Grade 5. addressing the ceremony said, on to become leaders and “I would like to thank eve- “The value of Tariq Bin Ziad impact-makers in many dif- ryone who has been part of School is a reality that eve- ferent sectors across the this school’s journey in the ryone can see, and it carries country,” she said. past, both those who have hope for future generations. The opening ceremony worked and studied here, Young people are the foun- featured a performance by stu- because they have contributed dation of Qatar and represent dents depicting the envi- to maintaining the proud name the future of our nation. As ronment of the school in the of Tariq Bin Ziad School, educators, we are responsible 1970s and present day. An created its legacy, and left an for creating this foundation, exhibition retelling Tariq Bin imprint for the future genera- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO of QF, attending the official opening because the better we are as Ziad School’s history through tions who will work and study ceremony of Tariq Bin Ziad School, yesterday. educators, the better our photographs, videos, artefacts, here,” said Maha Al Romaihi, future generations will be.” school magazines, and fur- Director of Tariq Bin Ziad Tariq Bin Ziad School niture which was once part of School. important, and nurture a new followed by the fifth edition of Development Institute, which reflects QF’s commitment to its learning environment, and “We will continue to carry generation of Tariq Bin Ziad the Education Forum on Her- celebrates learning initiatives equipping a new generation of a gallery of photographs of its forward the message of why School students,” she added. itage and Identity, organized focused on Qatari cultural her- leaders who are capable of current students and faculty quality education is so The opening ceremony was by PUE’s Education itage and national identity. Repercussions of blockade on Qatar still causing human rights violations, says Lolwah Al Khater

QNA — GENEVA Al Khater stressed Bahrain, and the Arab Republic of Egypt since 2017 are still The State of Qatar participated that the only and causing many violations of in the meetings of the high- human rights related to reli- level segment of the 43rd best way to reach a gious and educational rights, session of the UN Human just, comprehensive freedom of movement and fun- Rights Council, which began on damental freedoms, Her Excel- Monday in Geneva. and lasting solution lency pointed saying “Of par- Assistant to the Minister of should be based on ticular concern is the fact that Foreign Affairs and Official these violations are targeting Spokesperson for the Foreign human right. Qatari citizens on the basis of Ministry, H E Lolwah bint their Qatari nationality, which Rashid Al Khater, headed the constitutes a grave and direct The Minister of Public Health, H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, is briefed on the measures to State of Qatar’s delegation to cooperation and positive violation of all human rights curb the menace of coronavirus at the Hamad International Airport. the meetings. engagement with countries and instruments, particularly the Delivering the Statement of international organisations. In International Convention on the State of Qatar before the 2019, the State of Qatar signed the Elimination of All Forms of Quarantine applied to travellers from China, meeting, H E Al Khater said that an agreement to establish in Racial Discrimination.” the State of Qatar views this Doha a center for analysis and The Assistant to the Min- South Korea and Iran: Health Minister esteemed Council as a United communication that is affil- ister of Foreign Affairs referred Nations’ key mechanism that iated to the Office of the Special to the two decisions of the QNA — DOHA the equipment that includes precautionary and preventive can effectively contribute to Representative of the Sec- Committee on the Elimination thermal scan and the medical measures to deal with the changing the lives of millions retary-General for Children of Racial Discrimination on The Minister of Public Health, clinic at Hamad International COVID-19, which includes of people for the better, and Armed Conflict, an jurisdiction and admissibility H E Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Airport as well as the readiness examining all travellers pointing that Qatar is honoured agreement to establish an to consider complaints filed by Kuwari, was briefed yesterday of medical staff. coming from countries that to be a member of this Council. office for the United Nations Qatar against both Saudi Arabia on the equipment and proce- The Minister of Public have recorded a noticeable “This membership that we con- Development Program, an and the United Arab Emirates. dures applied at Hamad Inter- Health affirmed the impor- increase in the outbreak of the sider to be an extension of the agreement to open the United “I also recall the International national Airport for the tance of maintaining a state of virus and air and sea navi- State of Qatar’s national efforts Nations Office for the Alliance Court of Justice’s Interim prevention of coronavirus 2019 high alert to detect, isolate and gation crews through the to enhance the dignity of for Civilizations in Doha, and Measures regarding the dis- (COVID-19) as part of proce- report any suspected cases of country’s various entry points. humankind, safeguard and an agreement to establish an crimination suffered by Qatari dures to monitor and detect infection of the virus, and The Ministry reaffirmed that protect its rights, and achieve office to coordinate humani- citizens, as the court is still con- any suspected cases as early maintaining close cooperation no cases of COVID-19 have its development, security and tarian affairs.” sidering the case filed by the as possible and curb its trans- between the health sector and been registered in the State of well-being,” she said. “The State of Qatar has also State of Qatar against the UAE mission between members of all relevant authorities, with Qatar so far. Her Excellence went on continued to provide human- in this regard,” she said. the society. the application of basic pre- H E the Minister of Health saying: “Qatar’s national efforts itarian, developmental and She stressed that the Pal- During her tour at the ventive measures by all also recommended the post- have not only enhanced the relief assistance to those estinian cause is exposed to airport, HE the Minister of members of society, pointing ponement of travel to China, role of the State’s institutions, affected by disasters and con- many dangers, such as the Public Health was accom- out that disease prevention is South Korea, Iran, Singapore, but have also strengthened the flicts. In this respect, Qatar has biased unilateral decisions and panied by the Chairman of a shared responsibility of Japan and Italy. She explained legislative framework in many spent nearly two and a half projects, including the so- Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, everybody. that isolation or quarantine is areas, most notably the billion US dollars during the called “Deal of the Century”, H E Abdullah bin Nasser Turki The Ministry of Public applied to travellers from issuance of the Amiri Decision last three years in the areas of which violates all agreed laws Al Subaie, and was briefed on Health has tightened China, South Korea and Iran. establishing a higher com- economic development, edu- and agreements, and mittee to prepare for the Shura cation, health and infra- encourages the Israeli occu- Council elections, the cabinet’s structure. In addition, Qatar has pation to continue committing decision to form a committee continued its mediation role to further gross violations. QM's first 'Public Art Student Competition' to align national legislation bring views closer together, Al Khater stressed that the with the international cove- avoid escalation and find sus- only and best way to reach a THE PENINSULA — DOHA competition provides an oppor- country’s rising artists. This nants, the cabinet’s decision to tainable solutions to conflicts just, comprehensive and lasting tunity for students to propose competition is not only an establish the National Com- and disputes. The most recent solution should be based on Qatar Museums (QM) is inviting their ideas for a public art piece incredible opportunity for stu- mittee for Women, Children, is the State of Qatar’s mediation human right, the rules of inter- university students and alumni to be displayed in Qatar. The dents and recent graduates to the Elderly and Persons with between the United States of national law, international to participate in the first edition piece could span various contribute to enriching the Disabilities. In addition, Qatar America and the Taliban, which legitimacy resolutions and the of its Public Art Student Compe- mediums, from installations to nation’s arts and culture scene, has continued to develop and we hope will prove successful Charter of the United Nations tition. To promote the compe- interventions and perform- but it also prepares the next reform the legislative system in achieving the long-awaited in order to achieve security, tition, QM organised an orien- ances. The winners will gain generation of artists with that aims at protecting and sustainable peace in stability and enable the Pales- tation session yesterday at Fire financial support to realise their firsthand experience into the promoting the rights of expa- Afghanistan.” tinian people to realize their Station Cinema. proposal and exposure in the industry.” The deadline to triate workers.” The repercussions of the full legal and historical rights, The competition is aimed art industry. Abdulrahman Al apply is April 30. For more HE Assistant to the Minister blockade and the coercive including the right of return towards students currently Ishaq, Head of Public Art at QM, information, visit www.qm.org. of Foreign Affairs said: “ At the measures imposed on my and the establishment of an enrolled at a Qatari university said: “At Qatar Museums, we qa/en/publicartstudentcompe- international level, Qatar’s country by the Kingdom of independent State according and alumni who have grad- are proud to provide platforms tition and to apply, email pao- external relations are charac- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab to the 1967 borders with East uated in the last two years. The of self-expression for our [email protected] terised by constructive Emirates, the Kingdom of Jerusalem as its capital. 04 HOME WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020

Qatar’s resilience tackled blockade impact OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends congratulations to Amir of Kuwait DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent yesterday cables of congratulations to the Amir of the State of Kuwait, H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. The Prime Minister and Min- ister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, also sent a cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, H E Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. QNA Amir sends written Audience during a session titled “Qatar and the lessons from a 1000-day blockade” at Georgetown University in Qatar. RIGHT: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of message to State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, speaking during the session. Azerbaijan President SIDI MOHAMED Deputy Prime Minister cor- “Qatar has made many successful efforts to Minister of State for Defence Baku: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin THE PENINSULA rected the theme of interactive manage the blockade despite all attempts by Affairs added. Hamad Al Thani sent a written mes- session saying,”It should be the blockading countries to subjugate Qatar. He said that the siege had sage to the President of the Republic The Deputy Prime Minister and 1000-day of victory.” They failed due to wise command of Amir failed due to Qatar’s strong of Azerbaijan, H E Ilham Aliyev, per- Minister of State for Defence “Qatar has made many suc- alliances and strong policy. taining to the bilateral relations and Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin cessful efforts to manage the H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. At the “There is no longer in today’s means of promoting and enhanc- Mohammed Al Attiyah, has said blockade despite all attempts same time we have strengthened our security world the concept of “small ing them. The message was handed that since the crisis began by the blockading countries to defence and pursued a strategy of international states” where concepts have over by the Ambassador of the State almost three years ago, Qatar subjugate Qatar. They failed diplomacy with a firm belief that peaceful changed. Small countries can of Qatar to Azerbaijan, H E Faisal has demonstrated a consistent due to wise command of Amir become a force by using many bin Abdullah Al Henzab, during his willingness to negotiate a H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad negotiation is the only path to a resolution other axes such as the eco- meeting with the Assistant to the solution to resolve the situation Al Thani,” said H E the Deputy that benefits the entire region,” H E the Deputy nomic side and soft power.” President of Azerbaijan and Head with no preconditions. Prime Minister. Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Regarding the negotiations of the Department of Foreign Policy “At the same time we have The session was attended Affairs said. with Saudi Arabia, he said that Affairs of the Presidential Adminis- strengthened our security by students, faculty, staff, and it appeared that there was no tration, Hikmat Hajiyev. QNA defence and pursued a strategy special guests from the gov- serious intention (from block- Foreign Minister of international diplomacy ernment and diplomatic ading countries) to end the with a firm belief that peaceful sectors, as well as representa- His Excellency also spoke was imposed on Qatar is a crisis. “These countries do not sends message to negotiation is the only path to tives from across Qatar on the importance of the GCC change of principles through want Qatar to leave the GCC Pakistani counterpart a resolution that benefits the Foundation. as a framework for regional other parties (blockading and this is not because of love entire region,” H E the Deputy His Excellency shared economic and security coop- countries), and this what, for Qatar but to protect them- Islamabad: The Minister of For- Prime Minister and Minister of insights on Qatar’s role as a eration, as well as the need to according to my under- selves from Qatar’s eign Affairs of the Islamic Republic State for Defence Affairs said. powerful player in a changing build new frameworks and standing, that destroyed the approaching to international of Pakistan, H E Makhdoom Shah This came yesterday during political landscape, the coun- mechanisms that foster peace GCC and led to the destabili- courts and therefore they want Mahmood Qureshi, received a written a session titled “Qatar and the try’s continued focus on pur- and security across the wider sation of the region that was to keep the issue as an internal message from the Deputy Prime Min- lessons from a 1000-day suing a robust national devel- region. considered one of the most issues among the GCC ister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, blockade” with H E the Deputy opment plan, and the strategies “The blockade not only secure areas,” HE the Deputy countries.” H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- Prime Minister at Georgetown needed to pursue peace and affected Qatar but also affected Prime Minister said. H E Al Attiyah clarified that man Al Thani, pertaining to bilateral University in Qatar. H E the security in the region. the world as a whole. What H E Al Attiyah said: “We the mistake made by the block- relations and means of supporting have shown our allies that ading countries was that they and developing them. The message despite bad blockade, gas sup- had forgotten that the United was handed by the Ambassador plies were not affected. We are States is a state of institutions of the State of Qatar to the Islamic committed to our pledges and and what they guessed was Republic of Pakistan, H E Saqr bin have provided gas even to our wrong that the United States Mubarak Al Mansouri, during his enemies.” would be against Qatar. “The meeting with the Pakistani Minis- “H H the Amir looked at the US is a strategic ally of Qatar. ter of Foreign Affairs. QNA issue from a humanitarian per- Qatar has strong ties with spective. There are people in America in the areas of M sends message hospitals and there are stu- defence, foreign affairs, and to Turkmenistan dents, and these people use the with the White House, the Con- counterpart energy we export. If we cut off gress, and this turned their the energy resources, this will whole plan and 13 demands Ashgabat: The Deputy Prime affect them negatively,” HE the unsuccessful.” Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkmenistan, H E Rashid Meredov, has received Attorney-General meets French a written message from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of For- eign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed President’s Diplomatic Adviser bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, pertaining QNA — PARIS During the meeting, the to the bilateral relations and means of aspects of legal and judicial promoting them. The message was The Attorney-General, H E Dr cooperation between the State handed over by the Ambassador of Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, who is of Qatar and the French the State of Qatar to Turkmenistan, visiting Paris, met yesterday Republic were reviewed. The H E Mubarak bin Abdulrahman Al with the Diplomatic Adviser to meeting was attended by H E Nasser, during his meeting with the the President of the French Ambassador of the State of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Republic, H E Emmanuel Qatar to the French Republic, Minister of Turkmenistan, yester- Bonne. Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani. day. QNA Chief of Staff meets Commander of US Air Forces Central Command DOHA: The Chief of Staff of Qatari Armed Forces, Lieutenant General (Pilot) H E Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem, met yesterday with the Commander of US Air Forces Cen- tral Command, Lieutenant General H E Joseph Guastella. During the meeting, they discussed military rela- tions between the two sides and ways to enhance and develop them. A number of senior officers of the Qatari Armed Forces attended the meeting. QNA President of SJC meets officials from Turkey and Jordan DOHA: The President of the Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) and Pres- ident of the Court of Cassation, H E Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Has- san Al Mohannadi, met yesterday separately with President of Court of Cassation of Turkey, H E Ismail Rustu; President of the Council of State of Turkey, H E Zerrin Gungor, and President of the Supreme Court of Jordan, H E Mohammad Ghazou. The meetings were held on the sidelines of their participation in the ongoing second high-level meeting of the Global Network of Judicial Integrity in Doha. The meet- ings reviewed the legal and judicial relations between the State of Qatar and Turkey and Jordan and means to enhance and develop them, in addi- tion to discussing the issues on the agenda of the second meeting of the Global Network of Judicial Integrity. WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 05 Qatar Airways, American Airlines sign strategic partnership deal, codeshare pact THE PENINSULA — DOHA The codeshare arrangement will allow Qatar American’s network and create Airways’ passengers to travel on American more choice for our customers,” Qatar Airways has signed a said American’s Chairman and significant codeshare Airlines' several domestic and international CEO Doug Parker. agreement with American flights, while American Airlines passengers “The issues that led to the Airlines in a move that will suspension of our partnership increase commercial cooper- will be able to book travel on all Qatar Airways two years ago have been ation, bolster connectivity and addressed and we believe flights between the US and Qatar and beyond. The deal will bring together two of the world’s largest airline create hundreds of new travel resuming our codeshare networks, increasing choices for millions of passengers. options for millions of agreement will allow us to customers. secure this strategic partnership strategy." provide service to markets that The new agreement will with American Airlines — an “We have moved on from our customers, team members departing Boston (BOS), Dallas destinations in the Middle-East, establish a partnership at a agreement between two suc- past issues and look forward to and shareholders value, (DFW), Chicago (ORD), Los East Africa, South Asia, the global level between two of the cessful and ambitious airlines working closely with American including new growth oppor- Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Indian Ocean and South East world’s most connected airlines, with a shared common purpose Airlines to build a world-leading tunities for American Airlines. New York (JFK) and Phila- Asia. linking some of the largest to enhance the customer expe- partnership for all our cus- We look forward to the renewed delphia (PHL), as well as on Following the reactivation airport hubs in the US to Hamad rience. The deal will bring tomers. This agreement will cooperation between our air- American Airlines' international of the codeshare, both airlines International Airport in Doha, together two of the world’s harness our complementary lines and hope to build an even flights to and from Europe, the will also explore the oppor- voted the Middle East’s best hub largest airline networks, strengths and resources and stronger relationship with Qatar Carribean, and Central and tunity for American Airlines to and holder of a place in the increasing choices for millions enable more customers to expe- Airways over time.” South America. operate flights between the USA world’s top five airports for the of passengers and providing rience Qatar Airways’ award- The codeshare agreement American Airlines pas- and Qatar, along with a number last three years. seamless connectivity to a sig- winning product quality,” he with American Airlines (AA) will sengers will be able to book of joint commercial and oper- Qatar Airways Group Chief nificant number of new desti- added. “Our goal is to continue allow Qatar Airways’ pas- travel on all Qatar Airways ational initiatives to further Executive H E Akbar Al Baker nations, in line with Qatar to expand and deepen global sengers to travel on American flights between the US and strengthen this renewed said: “We are very pleased to Airways’ successful growth partnerships to complement Airlines' domestic flights Qatar and beyond to a range of partnership. Voting to select members of school advisory committees from today QNA — DOHA representing teachers, material of government schools, aid in a advisory committees in line with innovations of this session, as including developing a spirit of coordinators and academic rep- press statement that the process the academic, institutional and the advisory committee for teamwork among educational The Ministry of Education and resentatives at various academic of the elections of the advisory technological development of teachers consists of 19 members leaders and increasing their par- Higher Education has levels: primary, preparatory, committees is proceeding the ministry; taking the feedback instead of 18 members com- ticipation in developing the edu- announced the launch of the secondary and specialised according to the plans. More from the educational field into pared to the previous session. cational process, in addition to electoral campaign and elec- education. than 14,000 school adminis- consideration; and the stage of She added that 12 of them exchanging experiences and best tronic voting process to select The Ministry of Education trators and academics will par- preparation to open for nomi- are Qatari teachers and subject practices, which could benefit members of the advisory and Higher Education has ticipate in the electoral process. nations, including setting its con- coordinators, with four them in solving problems and committees for directors and invited school administrators In this context, the demo- ditions and requirements, which members for each educational obstacles. teachers of government schools and academics, who include cratic movement in the educa- continued for a period 10 days stage; three members repre- The committee also aims to at the Ministry of Education and teachers, material coordinators, tional environment is repre- from February 9 to 18. senting academic representa- strengthen the professional part- Higher Education today and academic representatives sented in nominating 236 can- She added that the accom- tives, with one member for each nership with the decision- (Wednesday) with the partici- in government schools to view didates for membership of the panying media campaign aimed educational stage; and one makers from the educational pation of more than 14,000 the information and data of the advisory committees, compared at enhancing awareness of the member representing spe- leaders in the Ministry to teachers and school principals. candidates, learn about their to 92 candidates in the previous objectives of the advisory com- cialised education. While the evaluate educational decisions, The process will continue capabilities, achievements, and session. She stressed that the mittees and the importance of advisory committee for school programmes and plans and con- until March 5. future visions and participate in principals and teachers of gov- participating in their mem- principals consists of 13 tribute to achieving the strategic The Ministry said the cam- the election campaign to select ernment schools have become bership and the final stage of the members, with four members plan of the Ministry to enhance paign is launched after the 19 members of the advisory essential partners in educational electoral campaign and voting for each stage of study (primary, the development of education approval of the names of 236 committee for teachers and 13 decision-making and in the edu- will begin today, lasting until preparatory and secondary); in the country. candidates who have met the members of the school directors cational process in general, March 5. and a member representing The teachers’ advisory com- conditions and requirements of advisory committee for a next whether at the academic or On the most important new specialised education, com- mittee seeks to foster a culture the nomination, and the publi- three-year cycle. administrative level. developments in the systems of pared to 12 members from the of dialogue and consultation cation of their data and infor- Adviser to the office of the Al Sulaiti said that the elec- advisory committees, Al Sulaiti previous session. among teachers, express their mation on the updated elec- Minister of Education and Higher toral process of the advisory explained that the represen- The advisory committee of concerns and proposals, involve tronic filtering and voting system Education, Aisha Al Sulaiti, who committees went through tation of specialised education school principals aims to foster them in developing the educa- at http://schoolvote.edu.gov.qa. is overseeing the elections of several stages: updating the in membership of advisory a culture of dialogue, consul- tional process, and instil confi- Among the candidates were members of the advisory com- administrative and electronic committees is considered one tation and expression of prin- dence between leadership and 27 principals and 209 academics mittees to directors and teachers systems of the of the most important cipals’ initiatives and proposals, the educational field. 06 Home WednesDAY 26 February 2020 WednesDAY 26 February 2020 Home 07 QU conference tackles issues of media ethics QU’s events crucial in finding Researchers, academics solutions to challenges and media professionals from Arab and foreign The universities and Traditional media is suffering from difficulty of objective of institutes participate in continuity due to the vastness of digital spaces. organising the two-day conference The gravity of the status quo lies in communicative such conference is to discuss issues related globalisation, which makes false news and media that the researchers, to media ethics and the practices not committed to professional ethics, academicians, challenges, especially spread throughout the world, and promotes the students and the young with the development drawing of negative mental images of societies. generation come and of modern means of discuss these issues communication and The conference would produce a new road map under one platform the emergence of new for media ethics appropriate to the digital spaces, so that we learn from media. which would put an end to the chaos that threatens each other and come the traditional role of the media in spreading the up with the better

SACHIN KUMAR, truth out of its responsibility in society. understanding.” SANAULLAH ATAULLAH The Peninsula and foreign universities and The 3rd International Conference users from other parts of the world, from accuracy, institutes are participating in the on Media and Communication especially from Asia. objectivity and conference. organised by Qatar University, He said that the Internet has balance as stable He said that such events play represented by the College of Arts enormous information and it is professional foun- The Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, Dr. Khalid bin Mubarak Al-Shafi, with QatarU niversity President, important role in making people and Sciences, kicked off getting difficult for users to dations in the media work, And to Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, and Dr. O Omar Al Ansari, during the 3rd International Conference for aware about the menace of fake Media and Communication at Qatar University yesterday. yesterday in cooperation with Al President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham; Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr OmarA l Ansari; Professor Mariam Al Maadeed, Vice-President for Research & ascertain the authenticity of facilitate the hate speech in order news and related challenges. “The Jazeera Media Institute. Graduate Studies; Professor Ibrahim Al Kaabi, Dean of the College of Arts and Science; and Munira Al Subaie, Assistant Dean for Students Affairs at College ofA rts and Science; information. to achieve commercial, electoral, objective of organising such con- Researchers, academics and Addressing the conference, Dr. or political goals, without calcu- SACHIN KUMAR the Falsification of Consciousness these questions and to discuss it ference is that the researchers, and Professor Daya Thussu, Department of Journalism, from Hong Kong Baptist University at the opening of the 3rd International Conference on Media and Communication THE PENINSULA media professionals from Arab yesterday at Qatar University. Pics: Abdul Basit/The Peninsula Kamal Hamidou, Head of the lating the consequences of this for in a Turbulent World’, which and to come up with some solu- academicians, students and the and foreign universities and Department of Mass Communi- human relations between indi- began yesterday, will discuss tions, also to the policymakers young generation come and institutes participate in the Omar Al Ansari, Vice-President light on contemporary media status quo lies in communicative conference would produce a new Department of Journalism, cation, said that The importance of viduals, and not for relations Qatar University organises issues related to media ethics and how to deal with these new discuss these issues under one two-day conference to discuss for Academic Affairs at Qatar practices, and the extent of its globalisation, which makes false road map for media ethics appro- School of Communication, Hong this conference lies in the fact that between peoples and countries. conferences, seminars and the other challenges. social media tools,” President of platform so that we learn from issues related to media ethics and University, and other dignitaries commitment to professional news and media practices not priate to the digital spaces, which Kong Baptist University, the issue of ethics in media prac- The second day of the con- related events which play a “Qatar and the region went Qatar University, Dr. Hassan each other and come up with the the challenges, especially with were present at the conference. ethics. committed to professional ethics, would put an end to the chaos delivered the keynote speech at tices goes beyond the academic ference will see the Keynote Speech crucial role in finding solutions through a major crisis during the Rashid Al Derham told The better understanding,” said Dr. the development of modern Dean of the College of Arts He pointed out that the tra- spread throughout the world, and that threatens the traditional role the conference. He shed light on dimension in its implications, by Professor: Thomas Hanitzsch, to the ongoing challenges. Pres- last three-four years, and we Peninsula, speaking on the side- Hassan Rashid Al Derham. means of communication and the and Sciences at Qatar University ditional media is suffering from promotes the drawing of neg- of the media in spreading the the trends in Internet. He said because when media discourse is from Department of Media and ident of Qatar University, Dr. have seen how the media tried lines of the conference. He said that Qatar Uni- emergence of new media. Dr. Ibrahim Al Kaabi said that the the difficulty of continuity due to ative mental images of truth out of its responsibility in that the Internet, which was ini- freed from ethical standards and Communication, LMU Munich on Hassan Rashid Al Derham said to manipulate the people with Many international versity keeps updating curricula President of Qatar University, conference comes at a time when the vastness of digital spaces, societies. society. tially dominated by users from controls, it may push those who Context Matters: Journalists’ Pro- that the two-day conference on misinformation. It is our duty as researchers, academics and and study plans as per the Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham, Dr there is an urgent need to shed noting that the gravity of the Dr. Al Kaabi hoped that the Professor Daya Thussu, United States, will now see more place its contents to move away fessional Ethics around the World. ‘The Ethics of Media Practice and national university to address media professionals from Arab recent developments. Urgent need to conduct study on ethics of media Conference helpful for students, research scholars practice to check unethical practice of social media The Peninsula — DOHA Such conferences played key role in training students and Communication indicates the ability of Qatar University for holding Professor Mariam Al Maadeed, Vice- and research scholars on journalism and to educate such events successfully and making Sanaullah Ataullah addressing the opening ceremony used in political conflicts,” said turmoil and chaotic situations President for Research & Graduate them about the importance of scientific researches and partnerships with great organisations The Peninsula of 3rd International Conference Al Kaabi. which led to falsify consciousness Studies at Qatar University (QU), said like Al Jazeera Media Institute. for Media and Communication at He said that now the tradi- distorting the image of media that the 3rd International Conference relations between the universities and different State “Selecting such important subject Professor Ibrahim Al Kaabi, Dean Qatar University. tional media has become simple built in past centuries. for Media and Communication is very institutions, said Al Maadeed. ‘The Ethics of Media Practice and the of the College of Arts and Sciences He said that conference and fighting for survival due to “I hope that the conference important for students and research Falsification of Consciousness in a Tur- at Qatar University, has said that comes at a time when there is an widening spaces of digital media, will come up with a road map for scholars. bulent World’ which is the theme of the there is an urgent need to conduct urgent need to shed light on con- covering all people. a new media ethic for digital “Such conferences played key role conference, also indicates that the a study on the ethics of media temporary media practices and “The danger of current situ- spaces putting an end to chaos in training students and research the universities and different State insti- conference is being held at Qatar research scholars of Qatar University practice to check the unethical the extent of their commitment ation is caused by communi- which threats the role of tradi- scholars on journalism and to educate tutions,” said Al Maadeed while University. are able to solve the community practice of social media. to the ethics of the profession cative globalisation that makes tional media in spreading reality them about the importance of scien- speaking to The Peninsula on the side- She said that holding third edition problems in a great way,” said Al He said that digital social after growing number of cases of false news and media practices shouldering social responsibility,” tific researches and relations between lines of the conference. A two day of International Conference for Media Maadeed. Professor Mariam Al Maadeed media allows billions of users to fake news and manipulation of without abiding by professional said Al Kaabi. do the media practice without any the sources. ethics spreading worldwide, and He said that sessions of this knowledge of ethics of “Several entities unrelated deepening the drawing negative conference will make recommen- professionalism. to the media professions images of societies,” said Al dations that benefit decision “Neither the users abide by entered into media field sys- Kaabi. makers, scholars and interested Panellists during one of the discussions at the 3rd International Conference the rules of professionalism nor tematic processes, to produce He said that this is the way parties, for a better future for a Conference will help to regulate for Media and Communication titled: The Ethics of Media practice and the there are any authority to regulate false news in order to falsify such conferences are needed with media practice based on an ethic Falsification of Consciousness in a Turbulent World at Qatar University it properly,” said Professor consciousness and create fab- look into the reality of the ethics derived from values, morals and yesterday. Professor Ibrahim Al Kaabi Ibrahim Al Kaabi while ricated public opinion which is of media practices during the culture. media as per ethical, human charters The Peninsula — DOHA For the media ethics reflect values of Professor Dr. Fatma Al Sowaidi, Asso- ciate Dean of the Languages, Media civilization, and if society Governments should strike balance and Translation Sector at Qatar overlooks these values, University said that conferences on media ethics was needed to help it will necessarily impact regulate media practice according to civilization. in regulating social media ethical and human charters. “For the media — as we know SACHIN KUMAR This idea of self — ethics reflect values of civili- directed for immoral purposes, THE PENINSULA zation, and if society overlooks spread hate speech, Islamophobia, regulation that people these values, it will necessarily misinformation and many other Some sort of government are enlightened impact on its civilization, and we practices that reduce our sense of intervention is required to may notice this in many media humanity in this life,” she added. regulate the Internet. But, enough to know practices,” said Dr Fatma Al Dr Fatma Al Sowaidi hoped that instead of overstepping its that doesn’t work in Sowaidi while speaking to The Prof. Dr Fatma Al Sowaidi this conference will be an important powers, the government Peninsula on the sidelines of the pillar in providing a positive image of Issue of ethics in media practices should strike a balance in many cases. So some 3rd International Conference for where severe violations of media media practices, the basis for an regulating Internet and social sort of government Media and Communication. ethics and practices were noticed. image of credibility, objectivity, media, said Professor Daya The two-day conference is “I do not meant only what is impartiality and balanced media con- goes beyond academic dimension Thussu, Department of Jour- intervention is being held at Qatar University. She known as false or fabricated news, verge, away from any political vested nalism, School of Communi- essential. said that there are many cases but also those media which were interest for distorting moral system. The Peninsula — DOHA cation, Hong Kong Baptist Media passing University, yesterday. Dr Kamal Hamidou, Head of Many governments the Department of Mass around the world have used hopeful that the world will Communication at Qatar their power to stop the access keep seeing emerging of new Hosting conference on University said that the issue through difficult time to social media and they have Professor Daya Thussu at the 3rd International Conference for startups or platform that will of ethics in media practices their reasons for this. “The Media and Communication titled: The Ethics of Media practice eventually become big, goes beyond the academic The Peninsula — DOHA journalists in different sessions of idea is to get the balance right. and the Falsification of Consciousness in a Turbulent World at despite dominance few com- dimension in its implications. the conference. It cannot be free for all. There panies in online space. media ethics relevant “When media discourse Qatar University yesterday. Dr Ismail Ahmed (pictured), Coor- “I hope that the interventions has to be some regulations,” Answering a question is freed from ethical dinator of Mass Communication, presented at this conference will Professor Daya Thussu, told that, it is a question for dis- On the issue of curbing the about, which country or coun- standards and controls, it College of Arts and Sciences at leave a clear footprint on the media The Peninsula in an exclusive cussion,” he said. spreading of fake news, he tries is expected to emerge as in current scenario may push those who place its Qatar University said that the 3rd professional level,” said Ahmed. He interview on the sidelines of Elaborating on the issue of said that social media com- a big stakeholder in the world contents to move away from International Conference for Media thanked the management of Qatar conference on ‘The Ethics of government censorship, he panies are taking steps, but it of Internet, which is domi- accuracy, objectivity and and Communication comes at a University and its College of Arts Media Practice and the Falsi- said that there is an economic is very difficult for them to nated by US and Chinese com- The Peninsula — DOHA of the conference ‘The Ethics of Media balance as stable profes- time when the profession of jour- and Science for their help in fication of Consciousness in a aspect to the government totally stop circulation of fake panies, he said India is Practice and the Falsification of Con- sional foundations in the nalism and media is passing holding this conference. Turbulent World’. censorship. news. expected to be a major player Professor Dr Mohamed Kirat, sciousness in a Turbulent World’ media work,” said Dr. Kamal through tough time. “We also thank The Peninsula He said that there should “China is an interesting “They (social media com- in it in coming decades. Department of Mass Communi- addresses the issues of media prop- Hamidou, while addressing “The fabrication news, false represented by its Editor-In- be somebody who can stop case, there is censorship, it is panies) are trying but the scale “The current Indian gov- cation at Qatar University said that aganda and spread of false news,” Professor Dr Mohamed Kirat the opening ceremony of The allegation and manipulating the Chief, Colleague Dr. Khalid bin objectionable content, institutionalized, but because is so huge it is actually very ernment is very committed it is very important to hold a said Professor Dr, Mohamed Kirat 3rd International Conference Dr Kamal Hamidou, Head of the Department of Mass Communication feelings of the people have become Mubarak Al-Shafi, who played a whether it is the company or of that strict regulatory difficult if not impossible to to digital communications conference on media ethics amid while speaking to The Peninsula. He said that the conference is for Media and Communi- at Qatar University with Dr Abdullah Al Kindi from Sultan Qaboos a prominent feature of media prac- major role in the success of this the government. regime, they were able to control every bit of message and India has the infra- growing number of propaganda He said that nine sessions will helpful for faculty members activ- cation at Qatar University. University, Oman. tices, especially in many Arab press conference, and we thank the Al “This idea of self regu- develop their own Internet that is going through,” said structure and scale. If you see and manipulation of news be held at the 3rd International ities as it will discuss the recent He said that it facilitate institutions,” said Ahmed. Jazeera Media Institute for spon- lation that people are companies. So you could Professor Daya Thussu. many US tech companies, lot worldwide. Dr Kirat modulated Conference for Media and Com- development in the research. “It the hate speech in order to and not for relations between us as academic and media He said that this conference will soring this conference and organ- enlightened enough to know argue that it is not just about Replying to a question of of them are run by Indians. the first session of the conference munication and 46 papers pre- is also good for the students who achieve commercial, elec- peoples and countries. persons to give great impor- address the theoretical and prac- ising a dinner in honour of the that doesn’t work in many suppressing freedom of dominance few companies in With right policies and right on ‘False News, Electronic Flies sented. “The participants came are doing their assignments like toral, or political goals, “The 3rd International tance at a time when Arab tical aspects of journalism and the faculty members of the Media cases. So some sort of gov- expression, but there is also Internet, he said that it is a investment, India will be the and Falsification of Consciousness. from 11 countries who will discuss reporting and those related to without calculating the con- Conference for Media and region is facing social and related problems and challenges, Department as well as the partic- ernment intervention is economic logic to it. So that’s worrying trend and there are country which will provide a “We have policy in Qatar Uni- on nine topics like Islamophobia, media coverage as they get chance sequences of this for human Communication will discuss political problems,” said through interventions from a group ipants in the conference,” said essential. How that is exer- one model,” explained Pro- discussions going on to break different kind of Internet,” he versity which emphasise on organ- false news, electronic flies among to interact the experts from other relations between individuals, media issues which required Hamidou. of academic researchers and Ahmed. cised, what is the severity of fessor Daya Thussu. up Internet giants. He was said. ising such conferences. The theme many more,” said Kirat. universities,” said Kirat. 08 HOME WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 QF helps to grow the game of golf in Qatar

THE PENINSULA — DOHA integrated into the whole driving range – provides instant The Education City Golf Club, feedback to players. And not for the first time ever will host only does this allow for expe- the Commercial Bank Qatar rienced visitors to improve their Masters in March and the game, but, boasting games such facility has placed the as Bullseye, Hit-It, and Capture community at the heart of its the Flag, it enables friends to activities in a bid to help grow challenge each other in a fun the game of golf at grassroots and engaging manner. level in Qatar. “The TrackMan creates an “Although golf has been environment that is almost like played here for a number of a golf bowling alley where you years, it’s not in the mainstream,” Michael Braidwood, General can create different games, and said Michael Braidwood, the Manager, Education City Golf Club no matter what your golfing The members of HMC's Infection Prevention and Control team educating public on infection prevention club’s General Manager. ability is, you can participate in measures at City Center Mall. “Football or handball often take member of Qatar Foundation these games and have fun with the glory. So our number one is located in Education City and your friends,” said Braidwood. challenge is reaching out to the is set against the backdrop of A key objective of the club’s community to make people West Bay skyscrapers and min- community outreach program HMC's Infection Prevention and Control team aware that golf exists. arets. Home to an 18-hole is promoting the sport among “Golf is a sport, which a lot championship course, a nine- children. And through a series raises awareness on preventive measures of people don’t actually realise hole par three course, and a six- of initiatives, including hosting – it’s good for your health. hole championship course, it activities and competitions on THE PENINSULA — DOHA natural part of our daily lives and people follow a number of basic Unfortunately, it comes with a has been designed so that site as well as going into are present in the air, soil, and infection control practices to lot of preconceived miscon- anyone, of any age and ability schools, the club aims to help As part of Hamad Medical water, as well as in the human protect themselves and others ceptions. And what we are level, can play, from profes- empower the next generation Corporation’s ongoing body. Not all germs cause from the spread of infection,” trying to do at the Education sionals to complete novices. of golfers. community awareness infection and many germs live said Dr. Al Ajmi. City Golf Club is to make golf It also features a state-of- “We go out to schools, but campaign, members of the in and on the human body The IPC team at City Center more accessible – we’re really the-art Center of Excellence, a we also have our own junior Infection Prevention and Control without ever causing harm. Mall had given education to the trying to break down barriers,” putting green, and a driving programs where kids sign up (IPC) team are manning a booth However, a small number of public and raised awareness of said Braidwood. range that makes use of the and come at different times of at City Center Mall throughout germs are known to cause the following key tips, wash your The sporting facility, a TrackMan App, which – fully the week to learn how to play this week to educate the public infection, and this is why we hands regularly with soap and golf, and often that is where the about good infection prevention need to follow good infection water or use alcohol hand san- parent is already active in golf,” and control practices. control practices.” itizer, particularly after touching said Braidwood. The IPC team is offering “An infection can occur objects when you are outside or “The school outreach advices and handing out educa- when germs enters the body and after shaking hands, cover your program targets children who tional leaflets, highlighting key increases in number and causing mouth and nose when you come from families with no tips for people to follow reaction to the body. Common sneeze, and dispose used tissues, history of golf. Bearing in mind measures to protect themselves viral infections including avoid touching your eyes, nose that the majority of the popu- and others from infection. influenza, the common cold, and mouth with your hands, lation here comes from coun- Dr. Jameela Al Ajmi, Exec- chickenpox and measles can all avoid close contact with anyone tries where golf is not a main- utive Director of Corporate be transmitted from person to showing symptoms of respi- stream sport. So they are getting Infection Prevention and Control person via respiratory droplets ratory illnesses, if you experience to touch and feel golf within the at HMC, explained the impor- produced when an infected symptoms including cough, school gymnasium for the first tance of adhering good infection person coughs or sneezes. For sneezing, and fever, limit your A practising session at Qatar Foundation’s Education City Golf Club . time,” he added. control practices. “Germs are this reason it is essential that contact with other people Spotlight on ‘Young Qatari Designers’ at DJWE 2020

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Jewellery, Ghand Jewellery, Leila collection of fine jewellery Issam Fine Jewellery, Hairaat inspired by the beauty of nature The Young Qatari Designers Fine Jewellery, Sarah’s & Co, and consisting mainly of rubies (YQD) pavilion is one of the main AlGhala Jewellery, Hessa Jewels, and diamonds. highlights which attracts visitors Midad Jewelery, and Thameen Hamad Almohammad estab- at the 17th Doha Jewellery and Jewellery. lished his brand H Jewellery in Watches Exhibition (DJWE) being “Supporting Qatar’s entre- 2012 which is distinguished by held under the patronage of H E preneurs and talents is one of the pieces derived from Qatari culture Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin main goals of Qatar National and contemporary architecture, Abdulaziz Al Thani, Prime Tourism Council, and DJWE has such as a collection inspired by Minister and Minister of Interior, historically been a fruitful buildings on the Doha Corniche. at the Doha Exhibition and platform for these young artists,” The recently-launched Convention Center. said Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director Camelot brand was founded by In its fourth edition, the ini- of Exhibitions at QTNC, the Ebtisam Almuslmani. A lover of tiative has seen the participation organisers of the exhibition. “We precious stones. Ebtisam began of 18 talented local designers of are pleased with the continuous making jewellery as a hobby and 16 brands, including new partic- growth of both the exhibition and has turned it into a profession. “A ipants H Jewellery, Kaltham’s the participation of our young The Young Qatari Designers pavilion at the ongoing 17th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition at DECC. prestigious exhibition like DJWE Pavilion, Camelot Jewellery, Clair Qatari designers.” provides a great opportunity for De Lune Jewellery, and Letters Newcomers Kaltham Al her brand Kaltham’s Pavilion. “Pearl Gardenia,” “Royal Arches,” in 18-karat gold. me to showcase my collections, Passion Arts, and returning Majid, a descendant of the Her collection of rings, pendants, and “Qatar My Heart” and are Esma Al Saadi established her which I started out of a personal brands Trifoglio, Ghada veteran Al-Majid family jewelers, and bracelets include precious crafted from sapphire, diamond, brand, Clair De Lune, in 2017. At passion when I designed my own Albuainain Jewellery, Nouf joins the initiative this year with pieces entitled “Pink Obsession,” and other precious gemstones set the show, she will present a jewellery in Istanbul,” she said. HEC Paris in Qatar welcomes EMBA Class of 2021

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

HEC Paris, ranked #3 worldwide for Executive Education and #1 for the Inter- national Executive MBA by the Financial Times in 2019, has officially welcomed the HEC Paris International Executive MBA (EMBA) Class of 2021, during a launch event held at its Doha campus at Tornado Tower on February 20, 2020. The new members of EMBA Class of 2021 of HEC Paris in Qatar pose for a group photo. The new EMBA cohort was welcomed by Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris in representing a diverse range of new participants during launch This is proof of HEC´s multi- Qatar; Dr. Andrea Masini, Asso- leading sectors which include ceremony of the program, Dr. cultural identity and respect ciate Dean MBA Programs, HEC telecom, real estate, finance, Martin de Holan said: “The for diversity and it is also a tes- Paris; and Mr. Abdallah Abdel- tourism, construction, 2020 intake of our Interna- tament of the growing popu- Daem, Director of Programs, insurance, banking, logistics, tional Executive MBA (EMBA) larity of this program, which HEC Paris in Qatar. energy, education, and airlines, program once again features has in many ways become syn- The participants in this among others. participants from very diverse onymous with the existence of program are senior executives Welcoming the backgrounds and perspectives. HEC Paris in Qatar.” Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha is set to take back a world record for Qatar THE PENINSULA — DOHA cooking process will be done under strict General Manager, Gordon MacKenzie. supervision and in compliance with the “Mobilizing my teams across every Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha will challenge highest standards of hygiene and Hazard department in setting a new world record the current world record on the largest Analysis and Critical Control Point reinforces our team spirit. It’s amazing to serving of fried chicken on February 29 (HACCP). After the event, the fried see the positive impact we can make when at the Giwana Ballroom, Radisson Blu chicken will be distributed free to the vis- we all come together” he added. Hotel from 2pm to 6pm itors on a first come, first serve basis. “I am grateful to our partners Sadia, A leap year special will be held at the Qatar was the first to hold this world Ola, Rayyan, Integral Uniforms, Spirit renowned Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha title in 2008 when Kentucky Fried Events and Radio Olive for helping us where over 2,000 kilos of fried chicken Chicken (KFC) Doha in Villagio Mall suc- realizing this challenge; without them, will be prepared with the intent to break ceeded in achieving the Guinness World this effort will not be possible” says Exec- the current record for the “World’s largest Record at 336 kilos. Last year, Japan utive Chef Kulvinder Chandhok. serving of fried chicken”. bagged the world record at 1667.301 kilos The team will come to know the Approximately 2,600 whole chickens set by the Karafesu Project Council in result in the weeks to follow after will be cut into pieces and fried by a team Nakatsu, Oita. Guinness World Record adequately of chefs culminating on a fabricated “This year, Qatar will regain the world reviews the submitted evidence of the platter where it will be weighed. The title record” says Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha record attempt. WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 09 HMC to hold Middle East Forum on Quality & Safety in Healthcare THE PENINSULA — DOHA specialist centers. and safety personnel from Care Corporation, Qatar Red in the field of quality and safety He stated that the educa- Hamad Medical Corporation and Crescent, Sidra Medicine, Qatar of healthcare, adding that this Hamad Medical Corporation will tional tours aim to highlight the health and educational institu- University, World Innovation year the focus will be on dis- organise the 8th Middle East experiences of these centers in tions in Qatar, such as the Min- Summit for Health (WISH) and cussing patient-centered Forum on Quality and Safety in developing the healthcare istry of Public Health, Primary others. The Knowledge Zone will healthcare services, as a lecture Healthcare from March 19 to 22 system and reaching the highest Health Care Corporation, Sidra also have more than 150 research will be organized in which a with the participation of nearly levels of safety in patient care. Medicine, Qatar University, posters regarding quality and number of patients will partic- 3000 physicians, nurses, phar- The tours will visit the Ambu- World Innovation Summit for safety in healthcare. ipate and talk about their expe- macists, specialists and those lance Service, Itqan Clinical Sim- Health (WISH), and Hamad Nasser Al Naimi pointed out riences of Qatar’s healthcare interested in this field. ulation and Innovation Center, Healthcare Quality Institute, in that 60 percent of the research system. Nasser Al Naimi (pictured), Center for Patient Experience addition to speakers from dif- posters will be provided by Al Naimi explained that a the Deputy Chief of Quality, and Staff Engagement and the ferent countries such as the Hamad Medical Corporation number of new initiatives will be Director of Hamad Healthcare Trauma and Emergency Center. United Kingdom, Kuwait and and the rest will be provided by announced during the Forum, Quality Institute and the Co- Al Naimi said that the Forum Oman. health organizations inside the which will focus on improving Chair of the Middle East Forum, is organized annually by Hamad He explained that the Forum country and medical research quality and safety in healthcare, said that this year’s Forum will Healthcare Quality Institute in opment sciences. will also have the ‘Knowledge institutions from outside Qatar, pointing out that the Middle East be held at Qatar National Con- collaboration with the US He revealed that the Forum Zone’ exhibition organized with all of which cover various topics Forum is an important platform vention Cente (QNCC) under the Institute for Healthcare this year includes the largest the participation of 15 institu- that reflect the goals of the for exchanging experiences slogan “Igniting Change, Shaping Improvement (IHI). It involves educational program by organ- tions, including the Ministry of Forum. between all those concerned in the Future Together,” adding that more than 20 educational and izing 60 lectures and 50 inter- Public Health, Hamad Healthcare He indicated that the Forum this field and looking at the latest the forum will include, for the training workshops supervised national lecturers from the Quality Institute, Center for will also include many discussion innovations and modern first time, four educational tours by local and international experts Institute for Healthcare Patient Experience and Staff sessions that focus on the latest methods that contribute to pro- to Hamad Medical Corporation’s in the field of healthcare devel- Improvement as well as quality Engagement, Primary Health developments and experiences viding high quality healthcare. CNA-Q announces winners of first CCQ marks International Mother Language Day Business Gateway Competition THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Community College of THE PENINSULA — DOHA Qatar (CCQ) recently marked International Mother Language College of the North Atlantic- Day with an array of activities Qatar (CNA-Q), in collaboration that celebrated the richness and with Qatar Development Bank aesthetics of the Arabic (QDB) and Qatar Petrochemical language. Company (QAPCO) Q.P.J.S.C. held The event, held at CCQ’s a final ceremony for the winners Lusail Female Campus and of the first ever Business Gateway themed ‘Our Language..Our Competition on Monday. Refuge’, featured a cultural Business Gateway is a pre-incu- session on Qatar’s role in pre- bation business hub, established serving the Arabic language, led on the CNA-Q campus aimed at by Dr. Jathnan Al-Hajri, Pro- encouraging and supporting Winners of Business Gateway Competition. fessor of Law and board entrepreneurship. member of the Qatar Lawyers Experts during a discussion on International Mother Language Day For the past several months, Khazami Abdalhamid AlBrahim, marketplace, as well as help all Association, and Professor at CCQ’s Lusail Female Campus. students have been working on Aya Badureldin Elhadi Abdalla, entrepreneurial students, faculty Mohamad Saleh, presenter at projects ranging from innovative and Moustafa Montaser Noufal. staff and alumni tap into the Al Jazeera TV. recycling projects to an idea for “This is exactly what I had in “innovation ecosystem.” In addition, CCQ students Commenting on the event, Qatar’s rich linguistic and cul- a fuel-preserving vehicle. A total mind when Business Gateway “At Qatar Development Bank displayed their projects related Dr. Mohamed Al-Naemi, Pres- tural heritage, while at the same of five teams were awarded with was conceived,” said Dr. Khalifa we support initiatives that seek to the Arabic language, ident, CCQ, said: “As the lan- time providing students with a 20,000 QAR each for their Bin Naser Al Khalifa, President to embrace the ideas and inno- alongside an Arabic calligraphy guage of the Holy Quran, one global outlook, as well as the winning entries. Winners will of CNA-Q. “It offers Qatari entre- vations of entrepreneurs. The exhibition. The event also of the United Nations’ 6 official opportunity to strengthen their also receive space at Business preneurs who have innovative goal of partnering with CNA-Q included a poem recitation, languages and a language English skills and study other Gateway to enable them to con- ideas a space, and mentorship to in the Business Gateway was the both written and recited by a spoken by over 400 million languages, such as French, tinue to grow their ideas. enhance their capabilities and creation of profit-generating CCQ student and theatrical per- people, Arabic is held in high Spanish or Turkish. Today’s Winners included Hibatallah support their projects.” business projects that are based formances by students from the esteem around the world. Part event celebrates the beauty of Muwaffaq Y Ghosheh, Noor Business Gateway is a pre- on research and innovative College’s Theatre Arts Program, of CCQ’s mission is to provide the Arabic language and the Rashid Al Mulla, Ibrahim Khalid incubation program designed to ideas,” said Abdullah Falih Al following which the College quality student-centered edu- contribution that it has made I Al-Sulaiti, Abdul Rahman Al support entrepreneurship, and Saeed, Director of the QDB honored participating students cation in response to the needs to science, medicine, mathe- Jandali, Ahamed Yaseen Salim, to accelerate research innova- Learning and Development and the winners of its Arabic lit- of the Qatari community and a matics and literature, as well as Mahnoor Shahid, Syed Maaz Ali, tions and promising ideas to the Department. erature writing competition. great part of this is reinforcing other languages.” 10 VIEWS WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected] EDITORIAL A fruitful Arab tour Qatar, Algeria enjoy historic brotherly AMIR H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani wrapped up a visit to the Arab region with spending the last leg relations, promising strategic partnerships of the three-nation tour in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. H H the Amir’s visit assumes greater significance this time as the region is passing QNA — DOHA of Arab brotherhood and between Qatar and Algeria also through a struggling and precarious situation as several solidarity. witnessed a qualitative leap that countries in the Arab region are suffering from domestic After two successful visits to the The session discussed a was well reflected by the estab- turmoils, international isolation and regional squabbles, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan number of regional and interna- lishment of the Algerian-Qatari such as in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen to and the Tunisian Republic, the tional issues of common concern, Steel Company in the Bellara name a few. As such, H H the Amir’s tour to the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin including the Palestinian cause Steel Complex in the Jijel region, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Tunisian Republic Hamad Al Thani began yesterday and the Libyan crisis. eastern Algeria, with an and the Republic of Algeria focused more on urgent an official visit to the People’s The Qatari-Algerian relations investment cost of about two and pressing international and regional issues as well Democratic Republic of Algeria. are historical and growing and billion dollars, as well as as bilateral relations between Qatar and the three H H the Amir held a session characterized by decades of Ooredoo, a leading company in brotherly countries. of talks with Algerian President cooperation between the leader- the telecommunications sector, The visit will result in establishing stronger part- H E Abdelmadjid Tebboune on ships of the two brotherly coun- which has achieved considerable nerships, broadening prospects of cooperation and bilateral relations between the tries. The State of Qatar is one of success in Algeria. launching joint projects for the benefits of the brotherly The Qatari- two brotherly countries and the countries that supported the The iron and steel plant is peoples. H H the Amir’s tour will add impetus to the Algerian means of enhancing and struggle of the Algerian people the largest Arab joint venture in unified stance and efforts towards challenges the Arab advancing them to the level of and their revolution from the Algeria, and it was built on an countries are facing. The Palestinian issue, the hapless relations are ambitions, especially in the eco- very beginning and stood with area of about 216 hectares, struggle of the defenceless people for their own piece historical and nomic, commercial and Algeria and has been continuing making it the largest industrial of land plundered by the Zionists, is at the core of the investment fields, in addition to this way, which indicates the complex for steel in Algeria and Arab aspirations. Qatar has been at the forefront in growing and reviewing and discussing depth of the strong relationship, the region. The factory the fight for freedom and dignity for the Palestinians. characterized political issues, developments brotherhood and mutual trust employed more than 1,000 The country has been the most vociferous advocate and current issues in the region, that unites the two countries. people and is set to rise to 1,800 of the cause in every regional and international fora by decades of and international issues of Relations between the two employees. It is intended to and has extended its helping hand whether it is in cooperation common concern. sides have strengthened, produce pure quality iron with financial, material or humanitarian aspects. It is no between the The official talks took place at expanded and consolidated rare direct reduction technology wonder that the Palestinian cause was a central theme El Mouradia Presidential Palace through a series of exchanged in the world that depends on of H H the Amir’s talks with leaders of the three coun- leaderships in Algiers yesterday and dealt visits between the leaderships of gas, which made the factory tries covered by the visit. of the two with bilateral relations between the two countries, the most have a global reputation and Cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, the two brotherly countries and recent of which were the visits of concludes agreements with sport, culture, industry, military etc also featured in brotherly means of developing and the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin international companies for the talks with the leaders. Qatar has significant invest- countries. The strengthening them in various Hamad Al Thani to Algeria in export after entering the local ments in Jordan, Tunisia and Algeria and the coun- fields, especially in energy, April 2014 and in November market with new products. The try’s relations with these brotherly states are bolstered State of Qatar economy, investment, culture 2016. project was designed to produce with the signing of several agreements, memoranda is one of the and sports. Such visits and those by the approximately two million tons of understanding and setting up joint groups of coop- countries that The two leaders said during a ministers and senior political and of iron annually, including 1.5 eration in various fields. joint press conference their talks military officials of the two coun- million tons of reinforced iron Qatar is very keen on strengthening the joint Arab supported the were constructive. His Highness tries confirm the great keenness and 500,000 tons of steel wire. cause and at the same time enhancing relations with struggle of stressed that the two countries’ to nurture, upgrade and enhance The prospects for future eco- every country in the world. The country’s diplomacy relations in the economic and these relations in all sectors. This nomic and investment cooper- has proven its significance time and again and has the Algerian investment fields will be further was reflected in the results of the ation between Qatar and Algeria drawn widespread acknowledgement from across the people and developed, adding that Qatar and meeting of the fifth session of the are promising in the light of the world. Exchanging high-level visits will definitely help Algeria agreed on many matters. Qatari-Algerian Joint Higher capabilities of the two countries. countries in playing their roles in finding solutions to their revolution During the remarks, H H the Committee held in Doha in Algeria is the gateway to Africa, conflicts, bringing peace and prosperity and most from the very Amir praised Algeria’s regional November 2014. given its important geographical importantly developing the much needed harmony in and Arab role and its honorable The Qatari-Algerian relations location between the European the global stage. beginning and history in resolving many of the have their own uniqueness, con- and African continents and it stood with existing conflicts, whether in the sidering that the two countries has excellent relations with the Algeria. region or in the Arab world, are one of the largest natural gas countries of the two groups. stressing the need for its role in exporters in the world, and they The Algerian market has this regard and expressing his are also pivotal countries within natural capabilities ranging confidence in the success of the the Arab League and in the from climate diversity and agri- upcoming Arab summit to be regional setting, and they are cultural lands, in addition to the D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR hosted by Algeria. united by common visions, availability of specialized and common positions and firm prin- skilled Algerian labor, which EMAIL: [email protected] It is certain that H H the Amir’s tour of the three Arab ciples towards bilateral and provides many investment pos- countries will establish new part- national interests, towards Arab sibilities and opportunities in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 nerships, open up broad pros- and international issues, and various sectors such as mining, FAX: +974 4455 7758 pects for further cooperation and towards international security medicine, tourism, industry, launch joint projects of mutual and peace. services and agriculture. MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 benefits that meet the needs and Relations between Doha and It is expected that the aspirations of brothers Algiers are organized by a set of coming period will witness a DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 everywhere. signed agreements and memo- doubling of Qatari investments The tour of His Highness at randums of understanding that in Algeria and an increase in LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 this particular time is gaining its cover many areas, including Algerian exports to the Qatari great importance, not only in economy and trade, industry, market, where the possibility of BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 terms of strengthening bilateral mining and investment, agri- opening a line for Air Algerie, as relations with these countries, culture and tourism, health, well as a shipping line linking SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 but also in terms of unifying media, youth, sports, urban the ports of Algeria and Hamad positions and efforts towards the planning, customs, justice and will be studied. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 most important issues, crises and economic control, anti-com- This will contribute to email: [email protected] challenges facing Arab countries mercial fraud, avoidance of strengthening bilateral relations and peoples. This confirms that double taxation, sea fishing, in many areas and promoting PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 the whole Arab region is one water resources and natural exchanges between economists email: [email protected] nation that has shared hopes, reserves. and investors from both coun- aspirations and common goals, These agreements have tries. There are about 115 Qatari- ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 and that being far away and con- strengthened and cemented fra- Algerian joint companies oper- FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] cerned with local national ternal relations between the two ating in the markets of the two requirements do not prevent the countries from bilateral cooper- countries. The volume of trade CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 State of Qatar and its leadership ation to an ambitious and con- exchange between them email: [email protected] from performing its national role fident strategic partnership. exceeded QR163m during the and satisfying the requirements The economic cooperation past few years. SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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+974 6698 6188 WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 GULF / MIDDLE EAST 11 Gulf states cut Iran links as coronavirus cases rise Over the past two days, Kuwait, Confirmed cases in Kuwait rise to 8

Bahrain and Oman QNA — KUWAIT CITY have reported 29 Kuwait Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed three new cases cases of the novel of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infecting Kuwaiti citizens, coronavirus among bringing total number of confirmed cases to eight. The three new cases were from passengers arriving from people returning from Iran and who were in compulsory quarantine, the ministry pilgrimages to Iran, said in a statement carried by Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA). which is battling the All patients were rushed from airport directly to hospitals specially designed and equipped for receiving COVID-19 cases, deadliest outbreak the Ministry pointed out. outside China. Oman identifies two more cases

REUTERS — DUBAI AFP — DUBAI Oman has identified two more cases of the new coronavirus, Gulf countries announced new bringing the total number to four, its ministry of health said measures yesterday to cut links Turkish citizens and crew members returning from coronavirus-hit Iran are dispatched to Dr. Zekai Tahir in a tweet yesterday. Oman — which on Monday reported its with Iran to prevent coronavirus Burak Hospital for a 14-day-quarantine in Ankara, Turkey, yesterday. More than 100 Turks are being first cases of coronavirus, two Omani women who had returned spreading after the confirmation from Iran — said it had detected an additional two cases. quarantined after returning from coronavirus-hit Iran, Turkey’s health minister said. of 20 new cases, all of them The two new cases are “linked to travel to Iran”, the ministry said. people returning from the Islamic republic. large Shia populations who fre- Shortly after, the Bahraini republic, the foreign ministry The United Arab Emirates quently travel to Iran to visit authorities said citizens were said, a day after it suspended all People in 11 virus-hit Iranian suspended passenger and cargo shrines. The UAE General Civil banned from travelling to Iran flights to and from Iran. states urged not to go out flights to Iran, while Bahrain Aviation Authority “suspended “until further notice” and sus- Oman also announced that closed schools and nurseries for all passenger flights and cargo pended “all public and private it would suspend trade with TEHRAN two weeks. This came after Gulf to and from Iran starting today schools as well as nurseries for Iranian goods from Wednesday. ANTOLIA — countries Kuwait and Bahrain and for one week,” a statement two weeks”, according to the The UAE has already announced additional cases of carried by the official WAM official news agency. announced 13 coronavirus cases, The Iranian health minister said yesterday that people should COVID-19. news agency said, adding that The first case of coronavirus all foreigners, including an avoid going out in 11 states where coronavirus has been found. Over the past two days, the ban could be extended. in Bahrain was of a man who Iranian couple who had trav- Saeed Namaki warned the Iranian people about the coro- Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman have Bahrain’s health ministry had transported children to elled from Iran. navirus outbreak via the state TV. He urged the citizens to reported 29 cases of the novel said 15 more people — including three schools after returning Kuwait has cancelled cele- mark the advices by the Health Ministry not risk a mandatory coronavirus among people six Saudi women — had tested home from Iran on February 21 brations for national holidays quarantine. With intense precautions in 11 states, including returning from pilgrimages to positive for the virus after via Dubai airport. yesterday and today and also Qom where the novel virus started to spread in Iran, the Iran, which is battling the dead- returning to the kingdom from Muscat was making scrapped all sports events to current situation is under control, Namaki said. liest outbreak outside China. Iran via Dubai and Sharjah in the arrangements to bring back its counter the spread of the The death toll in Iran from the coronavirus outbreak has The three countries have UAE. citizens from the Islamic disease. risen to 15, with 95 confirmed cases. Iran’s neighbors closed their borders to the country amid mounting concerns over the spread of the virus. Iran minister, MP test positive as toll climbs to 16 The coronavirus has sounded global alarm, with China REUTERS — DUBAI tarian from Tehran, wrote on Twitter. Saveh. Some unconfirmed reports gave a reporting 2,665 deaths on Tuesday and nearly 80,000 con- Also among the infected was the deputy higher death toll. firmed cases. Iran’s deputy health minister and a member health minister, who posted a video online The outbreak in Iran has coincided with of parliament have tested positive for the announcing his infection which was shown mounting US pressure on Iran’s clerical coronavirus as the death toll inside the on state media. rulers that has hit the economy hard. In the military took three days to admit was caused by an Iranian country rose to 16 and Iranians worried that “Among those who had been suspected 2018, the United States exited Tehran’s missile fired in error. authorities could be underestimating the of the virus, 35 (new cases) have been con- nuclear deal with major powers and reim- The incident revived anti-government protests that rocked scale of outbreak. firmed and two died of the coronavirus posed sanctions. the country in November against a hike in fuel prices, which swiftly Iran has the highest number of corona- infection,” said Health Ministry spokesman Worried that official numbers could turned political with calls for Iran’s rulers to step down, before virus deaths outside China, where the virus Kianush Jahanpur. underestimate the scale of Iran’s outbreak, authorities cracked down. emerged in December and more than 2,600 He said 95 people had been infected many Iranians took to social media to accuse The head of the Medical Science University in the holy Shi’ite have died. across Iran. authorities of concealing facts. city of Qom, Mohammad Reza Ghadir, expressed concern over “My corona test is positive... I don’t Jahanpur put the death toll at 15, but the Popular anger has been high for “the spread of those people infected by the virus across the city”, have a lot of hope of continuing life in this state news agency later said one person months over the handling of a Ukrainian adding the Health Ministry had banned releasing figures linked world,” Mahmoud Sadeghi, the parliamen- infected by the virus had died in the city of passenger plane crash in January, which to the coronavirus. Netanyahu pledges new Iraq reports 4 more cases of settler homes ahead of vote coronavirus REUTERS — RAMALLAH settlers, living in more than 250 settlements and outposts REUTERS — BAGHDAD An election in Israel next week among towns where 3 million could bring many settlers in the Palestinians reside, make up An Iraqi family of four who occupied West Bank closer to a only about five percent of returned from a visit to Iran long-held goal - annexation of Israel’s population. But the tested positive for the corona- the settlements where they live. settler movement is influential, virus, the first Iraqis known to But for hardline settlers, with a high voter turnout, and have caught the disease, Iraq’s that prize could come with an is powerful within Netanyahu’s health ministry said yesterday, unacceptable price — the cre- Likud party. as the authorities rushed to ation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu goes on trial on prevent its spread from its Their dream of consoli- March 17 on corruption charges neighbour. dating Israel’s hold on the West he denies. But opinion polls The four cases in Kirkuk Bank and their nightmare of show Likud inching past the province brought Iraq’s total giving some of it up are both centrist Blue and White party to five after it reported its first included in the pages of US of former armed forces chief case on Monday, an Iranian President Donald Trump’s plan Benny Gantz, though neither is theology student in the Shi’ite for the Middle East, announced likely to win a solid parlia- holy city of Najaf. Iraq is deeply in January. mentary majority. concerned about its exposure Fighting for his political The settlements tradi- to the Iranian outbreak, as it survival in Israel’s third election tionally vote right-wing, with has deep cultural and religious in less than a year, Prime Min- Likud mainly competing with ties with its neighbour and typ- ister Benjamin Netanyahu has religious and ultra-religious Kuwaitis mark Independence Day ically receives millions of pledged, if he wins Monday’s parties for votes. Every vote Iranian pilgrims each year. Kuwaitis celebrating 59th Independence Day and the 29th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War vote, to apply Israeli sover- could be vital as the last two The Iraqi government, with the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, in Kuwait City, yesterday. Kuwait cancelled official eignty to the settlements, built elections were extremely close which has already banned all on land captured in a war in — a single seat in parliament celebrations for national holidays on February 25-26 and scrapped all sports events to counter the travel from China and Iran, 1967. could prove decisive when it spread of the novel coronavirus. added Italy, Thailand, South His frequent campaign comes to coalition-building. Korea, Singapore and Japan to stops in settlements and Seeking to shore up settler its travel ban list on Tuesday. promises of de-facto annex- support, Netanyahu has held Returning Iraqi citizens are ation — which Palestinian Pres- almost daily events in settle- UN reiterates support for two-state exempt, as are diplomats. ident Mahmoud Abbas said ments, including visiting Ariel International experts would create a fragmented and on Monday with Trump- worry that official numbers unviable “Swiss cheese” of a appointed US Ambassador solution to Israel-Palestine conflict could underestimate the scale Palestinian state — could draw David Friedman. of Iran’s outbreak, because of votes from the far-right. Still, some settlers are scep- AP — UNITED NATIONS of many of the more than abstained on, reaffirms that any a high number of cases reported But Netanyahu’s annex- tical he will make good on his 700,000 Israeli settlers from Israeli settlement in “Pales- among people travelling from ation promises do not go far annexation promise. The UN Security Council reit- these areas. tinian territory occupied since Iran. The four new cases in Iraq enough for some settlers. They “He talks about it a lot but erated its support for a two- But the UN statement did 1967, including East Jerusalem, were placed in quarantine, the believe God promised the land something always comes up at state solution to the Israeli- voice the council’s support for has no legal validity and con- health ministry said. to their forefathers and want the last minute,” said Yoni Palestinian conflict, in its first a “negotiated two-state stitutes a flagrant violation Schools and universities all the West Bank, for which Novick, from Karnei Shomron statement following the solution, recalling previous rel- under international law and a were suspended for 10 days in they use the Biblical name settlement. Novick, 43, had unveiling of the US plan for evant UN resolutions, and in major obstacle to the Najaf, and citizens urged to Judea and Samaria, not just the come to the settlement’s pub to resolving the decades-old accordance with international achievement of the two-State avoid travelling there. Public settlements. listen to a leader of Yemina, a struggle three weeks ago. law, where two democratic solution.” The council also gatherings in Najaf were “Rest assured that we will far-right party competing with President Donald Trump ‘s states, Israel and Palestine, live “underlines that it will not rec- banned until further notice and not stop claiming every single Likud for the settler vote. Asked plan sided with Israel on most side by side in peace within ognize any changes to the June the ministry advised that they inch of this land when for whom he would vote, he of the conflict’s main sticking secure and recognized 4, 1967 lines, including with not be held throughout Iraq. Netanyahu, please God, is said: “I really don’t know.” points, and the Palestinians borders.” The statement was regard to Jerusalem, other than Fears of a coronavirus elected,” said Daniella Weiss, a Further south, in Maale rejected it outright. drafted by Belgium, which those agreed by the parties pandemic have grown sharply settler leader from Kedumim Adumim, a settlement of more The UN statement, which holds the council presidency through negotiations.” this week after sharp rises in who helped establish the than 40,000 people about 15 was approved by all 15 council this month. The council statement came new cases in Iran, Italy and nearby settlement outpost of minutes drive from Jerusalem, members including the US, Security Council resolutions amid two days of intense South Korea. Har Hemed. the red-roofed homes, made no mention of Trump’s have in the past called for a fighting between Israel and the Najaf attracts millions of The provisions of Trump’s shopping mall, flowerbeds and plan. It also didn’t directly two-state solution based on Islamic Jihad militant group in Shi’ite pilgrims each year. It is plan will for the first time be a traffic make it look like many address Palestinian demands 1967 lines, and the UN has the Gaza Strip. There were no a global centre of learning for factor for voters as the contents other Israeli cities. But most of for an independent state repeatedly called Israeli settle- reports of civilian casualties on Shias and home to the world’s were announced after Israel’s the international community including all of the West Bank ments illegal. either side, but an informal biggest cemetery, where Shias inconclusive elections on April regards it and other settlements and east Jerusalem - areas cap- A December 2016 reso- cease-fire aimed at ending the from around the world, espe- 9 and September 17 last year. as a violation of international tured by Israel in the 1967 lution, frequently cited by the fighting appeared to be taking cially Iran and Iraq, are sent to The West Bank’s 450,000 law. Mideast war - and the removal Palestinians that the US hold early yesterday. be buried. 12 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 Turkish-backed fighters seize town in Syria's Idlib REUTERS — ANKARA/AMMAN Regime bombing kills 19 Syrian fighter backed by the Turkish military have seized the AFP — BEIRUT town of Nairab in northwest Syria’s Idlib province, Turkish Regime air strikes and artillery fire in northwestern Syria, and rebel officials said including on schools in the city of Idlib, killed 19 civilians yesterday, the first area to be yesterday, a war monitor said. taken back from advancing The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said eight children Syrian government forces. were among those killed in the raids on Idlib city and the towns Syrian President Bashar Al of Binnish and Maarat Misrin. Assad’s forces, supported by It said schools were hit in Idlib, the main city in the densely Russian air power, are trying to populated, ever-shrinking enclave of the same name -- the last retake the last large rebel-held major territory in Syria still controlled by rebels and jihadists. region in Syria after nine years At least six children were among 10 civilians killed in Maarat of war. Nearly a million Syrians Misrin, a town just north of Idlib city on the road to the Turkish have been displaced by the border, the Observatory said. Smoke billows above buildings during an air strike by pro-regime forces on the village of Nayrab, latest fighting. “Among the six killed in Idlib were one schoolchild and about 14km southeast of the city of Idlib in northwestern Syria, yesterday. US Secretary of State Mike three teachers,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the UK- Pompeo criticised the offensive, based monitoring group. saying the Syrian government Another three people, one of them a child, were killed in the next target of the campaign of conflict with our NATO ally Erdogan said that a Russian could not achieve military strikes on Binnish, northeast of Idlib city. is Saraqeb,” said Syrian military Turkey. The answer is a per- delegation was set to come to victory and that Washington Save The Children called for schools to be spared. defector general Ahmad Rahhal. manent ceasefire and UN-led Turkey today to discuss the was working with Ankara on “Schools must be safe havens for children, even in a con- About 20km south of the negotiations under UN Security situation. how to resolve the crisis. He flict zone,” the charity’s Syria response director Sonia Khush border, 10 civilians including Council resolution 2254,” On Saturday, Erdogan said provided no details. said. “Today’s attacks are another sign that fighting in North seven children were killed in a Pompeo said. Turkey had set out a “road map” Turkey has sent thousands West Syria has reached catastrophic levels of violence against Russian air strike on a shelter The fighting has strained for Syria after calls with the of troops and equipment into children and civilians.” for displaced families in the ties between Turkey and Russia, three leaders, while the Kremlin the region to support the rebels opposition-held town of Maarat which although backing has said it was discussing the in resisting the offensive. Misrin, said Yahya Jaber, a opposing sides in Syria’s con- possibility of holding a four- “With the help of our supported the rebel offensive the road west to the rescuer in the civil defence flict had worked to contain the way summit. Turkish friends, we have with shelling and that bomb dis- Mediterranean. emergency response force. violence until the latest Turkey has already taken in regained control of the strategic posal teams and the rebels were Rebels said the capture of Since Turkey poured troops flare-up. about 3.7 million Syrian ref- town of Nairab, the gateway of clearing the town, located about Nairab put the M5 road within into northwest Syria to halt the Turkish President Recep ugees and says it cannot handle Saraqeb, after expelling the ter- 12 miles southeast of rebel-held range of their guns, just days Syrian government forces’ cam- Tayyip Erdogan said there was another wave, and has closed rorist Russian militias,” Yusef Idlib city. after the government in paign, 17 members of the not yet agreement on holding a the border. Syrian government Hamoud, spokesman for the Their next goal was the stra- Damascus declared it fully open Turkish forces have been killed. March 5 summit he proposed forces are advancing closer to Turkish-backed National Army, tegic town of Saraqeb where the to traffic for the first time in The United States has with Russia, France and the camps for displaced persons said. M5 highway, Syria’s main years. expressed support for Turkey’s Germany on the Idlib conflict, near the Turkish border, where A Turkish security official north-south artery linking “The capture of Nairab has stance on Idlib. “The regime’s but he may meet Russia’s the migrants fear being caught said the Turkish military had Damascus and Aleppo, meets restored opposition morale and offensive only heightens the risk Vladimir Putin on that date. up in the fighting.

Nigeria’s former UN urges Libya rivals to engage as doubts hang over talks oppn spokesman jailed for graft AFP — TRIPOLI a joint statement. “We call on all parties to reject obstruc- AFP — ABUJA The UN’s Libya mission and tionism and engage in good world powers yesterday urged faith as Libya moves forward A Nigerian court yesterday the country’s warring parties to with its democratic transition.” sentenced a former engage in peace efforts, as Haftar’s forces launched an spokesman of the country’s doubts hung over talks set to offensive against Tripoli, seat main opposition party to seven start today in Geneva. of the UN-recognised Gov- years in prison after convicting The negotiations are sup- ernment of National Accord him of corruption and money posed to gather delegates from (GNA), last April. laundering. a Tripoli-based unity gov- His rebel fighters have since Judge Okon Abang of the ernment and representatives of stalled on the edges of the federal high court in the an eastern-based parliament capital, but fighting has left capital Abuja pronounced backed by military commander more than 1,000 people dead Olisa Metuh guilty of all seven Khalifa Haftar, who is leading according to the UN. charges put to him by Nigeria’s a months-long offensive to A joint military commission anti-graft agency, the Eco- seize the capital. with five members from each nomic and Financial Crimes Both sides had said on side wound up talks on Sunday Commission (EFCC). Monday they would not take in the Swiss city with a “draft Metuh was convicted of part in the negotiations in Swit- ceasefire agreement” to be fraudulently receiving 400m zerland, citing different reasons. finalised in March, according to naira ($1.1m, ¤945,000) from The eastern-based par- the UN mission. ex-president Goodluck liament said the United Nations But the pro-GNA High State Jonathan’s national security Support Mission in Libya Council said it would not be adviser, Sambo Dasuki. (UNSMIL) had not approved all bound by the outcome of of its representatives. political talks if they went ahead People celebrate the upcoming ninth anniversary of the Libyan revolution which toppled strongman Ex-Egypt president Meanwhile the High State “before knowing the military Muammar Gaddafi, in Tripoli’s landmark Martyrs Square, yesterday. Council, the equivalent of a dialogue’s conclusions”. Mubarak dies at 91 senate which backs the unity Libya has been rocked by government, said it would not Dialogue will start today as said that UN officials were Germany, Italy, the United violence since a NATO-backed AP — CAIRO participate in the talks until planned.” The UN’s Geneva working to salvage the talks and Kingdom, and the United States uprising in 2011 overthrew and progress was made in military spokesman Rheal Leblanc also persuade both sides to take part. (as well as the EU mission) killed veteran dictator Moamer Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian negotiations. confirmed the talks would take Five western powers and the welcome the considerable Kadhafi. Since 2015, the GNA leader who was the autocratic But UNSMIL spokesman place today. European Union also voiced progress in the UN-facilitated — headed by Fayez Al Sarraj — face of stability in the Middle Jean Alam insisted yesterday Political sources in Tripoli support for the talks. talks in Geneva toward a lasting has been vying with Haftar’s East for nearly 30 years before that the “Libyan Political and the eastern city of Benghazi “The embassies of France, ceasefire in Libya,” they said in forces for control. being forced from power in an Arab Spring uprising, died yesterday, state-run TV announced. He was 91. Locust outbreak now spreads to Congo Bashir’s handover decision Mubarak is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his two sons and four AP — KAMPALA that parts of East Africa have vulnerable people across the to ICC divides Sudanese grandchildren. seen in 70 years also recently region. The UN’s Food and Agriculture reached South Sudan, a country Uganda’s government said ANATOLIA — KHARTOUM US kills militant Organization says a small group where roughly half the popu- Tuesday it was trying to contain of desert locusts has entered lation already faces hunger a large swarm and will need A decision by Sudan’s rulers to hand over former President Omar leader behind Congo, marking the first time after years of civil war. more resources to control the Hassan Al Bashir to the International Criminal Court (ICC) has attack in Kenya the voracious insects have been Kenya, Somalia and Uganda infestation that has spread to drawn mixed reactions in the country. seen in the Central African also have been battling the over 20 districts in the north. Earlier this month, Sudanese authorities said they agreed to REUTERS — NAIROBI country since 1944. locust swarms, which can reach Soldiers have been battling hand over four officials, including Bashir, to face “genocide and The agency says the mature the size of major cities. swarms using hand-held spray war crime” charges in the western Darfur province. A US air strike over the locusts, carried in part by the The insects can destroy pumps, while experts have said The decision marks a major policy shift as Sudan refused any weekend in Somalia killed an wind, arrived on the western crops and devastate pasture for aerial spraying is the only cooperation with the ICC during Bashir’s rule, insisting that the Islamist militant who helped shore of Lake Albert on Friday animals, and experts have effective control. court had no jurisdiction as Khartoum was not a signatory to the plan last month’s attack on a near the town of Bunia. warned that the outbreak is The U.N. recently raised its Rome Statue founding the ICC. “There is no way for peace in military base in Kenya in The worst locust outbreak affecting millions of already aid appeal from $76 million to Darfur unless justice is achieved,” Ahmed Abakar, a refugee in which three Americans died, $138 million, saying the need South Darfur, said over the phone. “The only way for justice is the US military said. for more help is urgent. Experts through the prosecution of all those wanted by The Hague.” The military’s Africa have warned that the number Thousands of displaced people in several camps in Darfur Command (AFRICOM) said in of locusts if unchecked could staged a rally last week to celebrate the decision to hand over al- a statement the strike carried grow 500 times by June, when Bashir to the ICC. “We don’t trust the Sudanese court that has out on Saturday killed a senior drier weather is expected in the been dominated by the old regime and politicised by its agents,” member of the Somalia-based region. A changing climate has Abakar said. Mohamed Musa, another refugee in West Darfur militant group al Shabaab contributed to this outbreak as state, was also jubilant over the decision. “who was in charge of a warming Indian Ocean means “We are celebrating this moment, but we are still worried that planning and directing terrorist more powerful tropical cyclones the government may back down on the decision, especially the operations on the Kenya border hitting the region. A cyclone late military component in the transitional government as those gen- region, including the recent last year in Somalia brought erals were actually part of the old regime,” he said. attack on Manda Bay” and his heavy rains that fed fresh vege- Supporters of the former president, however, decried the wife. The statement described tation to fuel the locusts that decision to hand over him to the ICC as illegal. “Bashir is a brave the wife as a “witting and active” were carried in by the wind from leader and still challenges that the court has no jurisdiction to try al Shabaab member. the Arabian Peninsula. any Sudanese citizen,” Mohamed Al Bashir, a brother of the former In the January 5 attack, A new generation of the president, said. “He still believes that the Sudanese judiciary is three Americans—one US mil- locusts has been growing up in qualified enough to carry any investigation or trial of those itary service member and two the Somalia desert in recent involved in Darfur,” he said. The head of Bashir’s defense team, contractors - were killed weeks, preparing to take flight for his part, described the handover decision as “political”. “We during an attack by al Shabaab as the next wave headed reiterate that it is impossible to hand over Al Bashir or any other on the Manda Bay military Locust nymphs aggregated in shrubbery at a hatch site, near Isiolo toward Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudanese to this court because it’s political and has no jurisdiction,” base in Kenya used by both town in Isiolo county, eastern Kenya, yesterday. beyond. Mohamed Hassan Alamin said. U.S. and Kenyan forces. WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 ASIA 13 13 killed, 150 hurt as riots in Trump reiterates mediation offer on India overshadow Trump visit Kashmir issue A fire department official said that AGENCIES — NEW DELHI his teams were Describing the new contro- responding to more versial citizenship law as India’s internal matter, visiting than a dozen separate US President Donald Trump calls relating to arson (pictured) yesterday said that incidents yesterday, he raised the issue of religious freedom during his discussions as fresh protests with Indian Prime Minister flared around Delhi. Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, India and the US yesterday concluded AGENCIES — NEW DELHI defence deals worth over $3bn for 24 MH-60R Seahawk Multi- meeting with Imran on the Role Helicopters for the Navy sidelines of the World Eco- Thirteen people have been and six AH-64E attack heli- nomic Forum assembly in killed and over 150 injured in copters for the Army on the Davos, Switzerland. clashes between opposing sidelines of the discussions However, India has cat- groups of protesters in Delhi, the between Prime Minister egorically rejected the offer, police said yesterday. The riots Narendra Modi and US Pres- calling the issue an internal have overshadowed US Pres- ident Donald Trump. matter. ident Donald Trump’s first visit Trump, who held compre- As communal violence to India. hensive talks with Modi on the engulfed parts of the Indian The clashes, the worst in the second and the last day of his capital, Trump said he dis- Paramilitary troops patrol in a riot affected area after clashes between people demonstrating for capital since unrest over a new visit, said the Kashmir issue as cussed the issue of “religious and against a new citizenship law, in New Delhi, yesterday. citizenship law began in a “big problem” between India freedom” at length with Modi December, started at the and Pakistan. and that the Indian leader weekend but turned deadly on responding to more than a deployed,” said Alok Kumar, the casualties,” said Dr Rajesh Kalra, Describing it “a thorn in a wants people to have this Monday. Fresh violence erupted dozen separate calls relating to joint commissioner of police. the additional medical superin- lot of people’s sides” he also freedom. in multiple areas of northeast arson incidents yesterday, as “The situation is definitely tendent at Guru Teg Bahadur reiterated his offer to mediate “We discussed it. Prime Delhi yesterday, just miles away fresh protests flared around tense, but we are on top of the Hospital in New Delhi. between the two countries to Minister Modi said they work from where Trump and Indian Delhi. situation.” “There are all kinds of ease the tension. very closely with Muslims,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi “We have sought police pro- Police fired tear gas and injuries — many pellet injuries “If anything, I can do to Trump replied when asked if met for talks. tection as our vehicles are being pellets to scatter demonstrators and some from sharp weapons, meditate, I will do,” he said, raised the allegations of dis- Local television showed blocked from entering the protesting against the citi- too,” said Kalra, adding some of adding that both sides had a crimination against Muslims in huge clouds of smoke billowing affected areas. The situation is zenship law in the Jafrabad the injured brought in on lengthy discussion on Pakistan. India. from a tyre market that had very grim,” said Delhi Fire neighbourhood of northeast Monday had gunshot wounds. “I have a good equation He also praised India for been set ablaze. Witnesses saw Department Director Atul Garg. Delhi yesterday. A young man On Monday police used tear with Pakistan Prime Minister having worked hard for reli- mobs wielding sticks and stones He said the violence had not suffered a pellet wound to his gas and smoke grenades but Imran Khan. They are working gious freedom. walking down streets in parts diminished since Monday thigh, while another sustained struggled to disperse stone- to control cross-border ter- “We did talk about religious of northeast Delhi and further despite authorities imposing an injuries to his eyes, leaving his throwing crowds who tore rorism,” he said while freedom. Prime Minister Modi incidents of stone-throwing. emergency measure prohibiting face bloodied. down metal barricades and addressing at a news con- wants people to have religious "I can now confirm 13 any gatherings in the violence- In New Jafrabad, local resi- torched vehicles and a petrol ference at the US mission in freedom in India...If you look deaths. At least 150 people have hit areas. One fire department dents patrolled the street with pump. New Delhi. back India has worked hard for come to our hospital with vehicle was torched by pro- sticks and metal rods. Two Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Trump has offered to religious freedom,” he said. injuries," Guru Teg Bahadur testers on Monday and a small reporters with the local NDTV Kejriwal appealed for calm. mediate between India and On India’s new citizenship Hospital official Rajesh Kalra number of firemen were news channel were attacked “Whatever problems people Pakistan on Kashmir on mul- law, he said, “I don’t want to said yesterday. injured, Garg added. and badly beaten by a mob. have can be resolved peacefully. tiple occasions. say anything on this. It is up to A fire department official “We have about 3,500 “There is a flow of injured “Violence will not help find a Earlier this year, he reit- India. I hope it will take the said that his teams were police and paramilitary people still coming in. There are solution,” he said yesterday. erated the same during a right decision for its people.” South Korea to launch Chinese court jails Hong Kong mass coronavirus testing bookseller REUTERS — SEOUL/BEIJING Korea’s cases are linked to the for 10 years Shincheonji Church of Jesus, South Korea aims to test more where the outbreak is believed REUTERS — BEIJING than 200,000 members of a to have begun with a 61-year- church at the centre of a surge old woman. It is not known how A Chinese court sentenced in coronavirus cases, as coun- she became infected. Chinese-born Swedish citizen tries stepped up efforts to stop a The church said it would Gui Minhai to 10 years in jail for pandemic of the virus that provide authorities the names of illegally providing intelligence emerged in China and is now all its members in South Korea, overseas on Monday, the Ningbo spreading in Europe and the estimated by media at about Intermediate People’s Court said Middle East. 215,000 people. The government in a statement on its website. More than 80,000 people would test them all as soon as Gui, a bookseller previously have been infected in China possible, the prime minister’s based in Hong Kong who sold since the outbreak began, appar- office said. books critical of China’s political ently in an illegal wildlife market “It is essential to test all of the leadership, was detained by in the central city of Wuhan late church members,” it said in a mainland police in 2018. He was last year. statement. Authorities said they US First Lady Melania Trump meets children at the Sarvodaya Co-Education Senior Secondary School seized by plainclothes police China’s death toll was 2,663 were testing up to 13,000 people in New Delhi, yesterday. while with Swedish diplomats by the end of Monday, up 71 from a day. on a Beijing bound train. the previous day. But the World The US and South Korean Relations between Sweden Health Organisation (WHO) has militaries have said they may cut and China soured in the months said the epidemic in China back joint training due to the US First Lady meditates, relaxes leading up to Monday’s sen- peaked between January 23 and virus, in one of the first concrete tencing, with Chinese officials February 2 and has been signs of its fallout on global US warning Swedish counterparts declining since. military activities. at ‘happiness’ class in New Delhi of meddling in China’s internal However, fast-spreading The disclosure came during affairs. Swedish foreign minister outbreaks in Iran, Italy and South a visit to the Pentagon on AP — NEW DELHI Mrs Trump stopped at a hearing from their teachers Ann Linde said Gui Minhai Korea, and first cases in several Monday by South Korean reading room, spent time with proved to her “that the principles should be released, sticking by Middle East countries, have fed Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong- US first lady Melania Trump kindergarten students and of ‘Be Best’ are not just limited to a position that Sweden has held worries of a pandemic, or doo, who said 13 South Korean relaxed yesterday by meditating watched a yoga practice. She also the United States but can be throughout. worldwide spread of the virus. troops had the virus. with students participating in a meditated with students as part found throughout the world.” “We also require access to “We are close to a pandemic, The US military said a “happiness class” during a tour of a “mindfulness” activity and The New Delhi state gov- our citizen to provide the con- but there is still hope the epi- woman who tested positive for of a government-run school in said after the exercise that she ernment began offering “hap- sular support he is entitled to,” demics in Iran, Italy, South the virus had visited one of its the Indian capital. felt relaxed. The first lady said piness” classes 18 months ago to Linde said in a text message sent Korea, etc. can be controlled,” bases in the hard-hit city of The class curriculum dove- during brief, formal remarks that teach students meditation, basic by her spokesman. said Raina MacIntyre, head of the Daegu. It was the first infection tails with her “Be Best” initiative it inspired her to know that stu- obedience and other methods to “We have not had access to Biosecurity Programme at the connected to U.S. Forces Korea, to teach children and young dents start each day by practising help reduce their levels of anxiety or knowledge of any trial. Thus, Kirby Institute at the University which has about 28,500 adults to be kind, avoid drugs and mindfulness. and stress. we have not been able to review of New South Wales. American troops on the take care of themselves. “From mindful breathing, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister the indictment nor been able to South Korea has the most peninsula. The US military urged A student band at the Sar- telling a story to a friend, listening Manish Sisodia tweeted that the offer access to legal counsel,” virus cases outside China and troops to “use extreme caution” vodaya Co-Educational Senior to another classmate or simply programme’s early results had she said. reported its tenth death and 144 off base, while the US Centres for Secondary School played bag- connecting with nature, I cannot inspired confidence among local The Ningbo court statement new cases, for a total of 977. Disease Control and Prevention pipes as they greeted their think of a better way for all of us officials that “happiness” classes said Gui, 55, had stated that he President Moon Jae-in said the said Americans should avoid American visitor at the school, to start our day,” she said. are the “ultimate solution to all would not appeal the sentence situation was “very grave”. non-essential travel to South which was decorated with floral She also told the students that violence and hate in mindsets and had asked to have his About 68 percent of South Korea. garlands. seeing the programme and that we are facing worldwide.” Chinese citizenship reinstated. Fourth person from quarantined ship Australia spy chief warns of foreign espionage threat dies as Japan plans new measures REUTERS — SYDNEY working hard to influence law- Burgess did not identify the coun- agencies has concluded China AFP — TOKYO tested positive for the virus. makers, government officials, tries infiltrating Australia, a was responsible for a cyber- Four people who were hos- Australia is under an “unprece- media figures, business leaders staunch ally of the United States, attack on the Australian par- A fourth person has died in pitalised after being taken off dented” threat of foreign espi- and academics. though analysts said it was a liament and three largest political Japan after becoming ill aboard the ship have died, the latest a onage and interference, one of “The level of threat we face thinly veiled outing of China. parties just months before a a coronavirus-stricken cruise man in his 80s, according to the country’s most senior spy from foreign espionage and “It’s very reasonable to general election in May 2019. ship, local media reported local media. chiefs said in a rare speech, citing interference activities is currently assume that China was the China, which is Australia’s yesterday, as the government The Yomiuri Shimbun daily the case of a “sleeper agent” who unprecedented,” Burgess said at country in question,” said Rory largest trading partner, has vowed new measures to fight said the man had tested pos- spent years building business ASIO headquarters in Canberra Medcalf, head of the National denied responsibility for the the outbreak. itive for the new coronavirus links. on Monday evening as he Security College, Australian attack. Australia decided not to Nearly 700 people on and died of pneumonia. Australian Security Intelli- unveiled the agency’s annual National University. reveal the identity of the board the Diamond Princess, The health ministry gence Organisation (ASIO) threat assessment. ASIO is Australia’s domestic attackers in order to protect its which spent two weeks quar- declined to comment on the Director-General Mike Burgess “It is higher now, than it was intelligence agency. trading relationship with China, antined off Japan, have so far reports. said several nations were at the height of the Cold War.” Australia’s intelligence sources said in September. 14 ASIA WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 Mahathir proposes ‘unity govt’ to strengthen grip REUTERS — KUALA LUMPUR Mahathir proposed a claim to be prime minister. The realignment could give Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohammed the idea of a grand Mahathir greater authority than is trying to form a national unity coalition at meetings even during a previous spell as government under his personal prime minister from 1981 until authority, drawing together rival yesterday with his retirement in 2003, during parties, political sources said leaders of major which he is credited with turning yesterday, following his shock political parties, a farming backwater into an resignation as prime minister. industrial nation. The world’s oldest gov- including Anwar and “He has total freedom to ernment leader at 94, Mahathir those he defeated decide as he pleases,” said stepped down on Monday, but Ibrahim Suffian, director of Malaysia’s king immediately in the election, four pollster Merdeka Center. named him interim prime min- political sources with Two of the sources said ister, which lets him retain the Mahathir’s resignation meant a authority of a permanent leader. knowledge of the pre-election promise to hand The move effectively shat- matter said. power to Anwar was no longer tered a fragile coalition Mahathir valid. had formed with old rival Anwar entity. We might be a gov- The former medical doctor Ibrahim, 72, to win a 2018 ernment of no parties.” returned as prime minister after election on an anti-graft The sources declined to be the 2018 election defeat of Najib platform. It also appeared to identified because they were not Razak, ringing down the curtain nullify Mahathir’s promise to authorised to speak to media. on more than six decades of rule eventually hand power to Mahathir’s office made no by the party he had once led. Anwar. immediate comment on the “Just another day in the Mahathir proposed the idea plan. office,” Mahathir said on his of a grand coalition at meetings “He is the person most likely official Twitter account, accom- Malaysia’s King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah hands out packages of fastfood to reporters yesterday with leaders of major to be the next prime minister,” panied by photographs of him outside the National Palace, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. political parties, including Anwar said Democratic Action Party reading papers at the prime min- and those he defeated in the parliamentarian Ong Kian Ming. isterial desk. would hold individual interviews choice of prime minister, or 2018. Anwar had been election, four political sources Parties across the board Malaysia’s constitution pro- with all 222 elected members of whether they would prefer par- Mahathir’s deputy before the with knowledge of the matter rallied to say they would support vides that any lawmaker who parliament’s lower house yes- liament to be dissolved. latter arrested and jailed him in said. Mahathir’s return as full-time can command a majority in par- terday and today, to assess who Mahathir and Anwar formed the late 1990s over abuse and “It appears that Mahathir is prime minister, with Anwar’s the liament can stake a claim to was likely to succeed. the Pakatan Harapan coalition corruption, charges that Anwar poised to form the government,” only major party not to offer a form a government, which must Lawmakers leaving the to defeat the United Malays and his supporters maintain one source said. public endorsement. then be approved by the king. palace said they been given a National Organisation and its were aimed at ending his “There won’t be any political No one has publicly staked The palace said the king form on which to indicate their Barisan Nasional alliance in political career.

Pakistan court Partial truce in Afghanistan holds despite Taliban attacks orders release of AFP — KABUL has fallen dramatically. in Kabul. The militants have Speaking on condition of ano- ‘Reduction in violence is complicated negotiations former PM jailed A partial, week-long truce nymity, an Afghan security between the US and the between the Taliban, source said Taliban attacks working’, says Pompeo Taliban. While the Taliban for corruption American and Afghan forces had dropped from an average want all American forces out, held tenuously for a fourth day of 75 a day to about 15 since AFP — WASHINGTON the Pentagon insists thousands AFP — ISLAMABAD yesterday, despite several the truce began on February A partial truce in Afghanistan between the Taliban, American must remain in Afghanistan to insurgent attacks and the US 22. and Afghan forces is holding, US Secretary of State Mike tackle IS and other jihadist Pakistan’s former prime hitting Islamic State targets. But underscoring the fra- Pompeo said yesterday, despite insurgent attacks and US strikes groups. minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi If the so-called “reduction gility of the situation, the against Islamic State targets. “We continue to eliminate was granted bail yesterday after in violence” continues, the interior ministry said five “So far the reduction in violence is working — imperfect, IS terrorists wherever they months in detention on graft United States and the Taliban security personnel were killed but it’s working,” he told reporters at a news conference in hide to protect Afghanistan charges. are expected to sign a historic in three attacks in rural areas Washington. Pompeo said the two sides were on the cusp of while honoring US-Afghan- Abbasi was one of several deal in Doha on Saturday that yesterday. Meanwhile, US an “enormous political opportunity.” Taliban agreement to reduce senior political figures arrested would see the Pentagon pull forces announced the death of “Make no mistake about it: we want to make sure that those the violence,” US Forces- in a corruption crackdown thousands of troops from four IS members in two air- who want the status quo — bloodshed, tears, economic chal- Afghanistan spokesman Sonny overseen by the government of Afghanistan after more than strikes in Kunar province. lenges — all of those people who have an interest, whether Leggett said on Twitter. his successor, former World Cup 18 years of war. IS are not part of the that’s because of corruption or because of some ideological The Afghan government cricketer Imran Khan. While the agreement “reduction in violence” and views, can’t spoil what it is that the Afghans so richly deserve,” said in November that its Allies of Abbasi’s Pakistan doesn’t amount to a full are being separately pursued he added. forces had largely defeated IS, Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ceasefire — the insurgents by the US and the Taliban. but many of the group’s party claim the current premier insist it only covers certain They first became active in members fled from Nangarhar has mounted a witch hunt urban and military areas — Afghanistan in 2015 and for eastern province of Nan- responsibility for a string of to bordering Kunar in pursuit against his opponents. the number of Taliban attacks years held territory in the garhar, while claiming horrific bombings, including of safety. The Islamabad high court’s decision was “a victory of the righteous and a blow to the regime,” party spokeswoman Kazakh activist known for Marium Aurangzeb said. Abbasi was set to be protests dies in jail: Police released from custody today. His former interior minister Agadil’s death to heart failure and fellow PML-N heavyweight AFP — NUR-SULTAN and said his cellmates had tes- Ahsan Iqbal, detained on similar tified that Agadil had not been graft allegations, was also bailed A Kazakh activist who was harmed while in the prison. by the court. repeatedly detained for partici- Agadil was most recently Corruption is deeply pating in and calling for peaceful detained after opposition groups entrenched in Pakistan, and demonstrations has died in jail, staged unsanctioned rallies on Khan was elected to replace police said yesterday. Saturday. Abbasi in 2018 after running a Dulat Agadil, 42, was Police said 53 people were fiery campaign vowing to clean detained at his home and taken detained across the country as up the government. to a jail in the capital Nur-Sultan they tried to hold rallies without Former leader Nawaz Sharif on Monday night on charges of official permission, 10 of whom and ex-president Asif Ali Zardari disrespecting and insulting court were held and charged with were both arrested for cor- officials, a police statement said, administrative offences. ruption last year but later without providing further details A witness saw more than a released from prison. of the charges. hundred detentions in Kaza- Sharif has since relocated to Video footage shared on khstan’s largest city Almaty London for medical treatment. social media showed men in alone. Activists also rallied yes- plainclothes apprehending a terday in Nur-Sultan, not far half-dressed Agadil before from Agadil’s village home, as a Pakistan’s new leading him out of his flat delegation from the European towards a black vehicle. Parliament paid a visit to the Pakistan troops patrol border over coronavirus Attorney-General The police statement said country. Agadil was in a “drunken state” Agadil gained fame in seeks autonomy at the time and that there were November last year after he Pakistani soldiers wearing face masks patrol near the closed Pakistan-Iran border in Taftan, yesterday, “no injuries on the man’s body”. escaped from detention, only to as fears over the spread of coronavirus escalate following an outbreak in neighbouring Iran. INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD The statement attributed be rearrested two days later. A day after assuming charge of his office, Pakistan’s fresh Attorney-General Khalid Jawed Thousands caught in floods in Indonesian capital Khan sought complete autonomy of his office from the control of the law ministry and AP — JAKARTA The heavy downpour that hit sparsely populated East Kali- an explanation over the move the capital on Sunday had sub- mantan province on Borneo to appoint law officers without Floods that have crippled much merged the state-run Cipto Man- island, known for rainforests and his consent. of Indonesia’s capital worsened gunkusumo hospital, the coun- orangutans. In a letter to the law min- yesterday, inundating thousands try’s largest hospital, damaging Severe flooding and land- ister, which was also issued to of homes and buildings, including medical machines and slides that hit greater Jakarta the media, the AG referred to his the presidential palace, and para- equipment, Wibowo said. early last month killed more than meeting with the law minister lysing transport networks, offi- Wibowo said the floods yes- 60 people, displaced hundreds and requested him to issue an cials and witnesses said. terday inundated scores of dis- of thousands and forced an appropriate formal clarification Overnight rains caused more tricts and left more than 300 airport to close. at the earliest since a news rivers to burst their banks in people homeless, forced author- Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan, report regarding appointment greater Jakarta starting Sunday, ities to cut off electricity and par- who was criticised when massive of law officers had created con- sending muddy water up to 1.5 alysed transportation, including floods struck the city last month, fusion between the law division People go on a boat on flood waters after heavy rains hit Jakarta, metres deep into more residential commuter lines, as floodwaters blamed widespread deforestation and the AG office. Indonesia, yesterday. and commercial areas, said Agus reached as high as 1.5 metres in in the southern hills, saying it had He was referring to a local Wibowo, the National Disaster places. destroyed water catchment media report that the gov- Mitigation Agency’s spokesman. Television footage showed next two weeks. The flooding has uncontrolled extraction of areas. ernment was trying to appoint Floodwaters entered parts of soldiers and rescuers in rubber highlighted Indonesia’s infra- groundwater. Seasonal downpours cause a number of law officers without Indonesia’s presidential palace boats struggling to evacuate structure problems. Jakarta is Congestion is also estimated dozens of landslides and flash the AG’s consent and that a complex yesterday morning but children and the elderly who home to 10 million people, with to cost the economy $6.5bn a floods each year in Indonesia, a number of lawyers from dif- the situation was brought under were holding out on the roofs of a total of 30 million in its greater year. sprawling archipelago of 17,000 ferent cities had been control with water pumps, said their squalid houses. metropolitan area. It is prone to President Joko Widodo islands where millions of people approached by the law division Bey Machmudin, an official at the Indonesia’s meteorological earthquakes and flooding and is announced in August that the live in mountainous areas or near to submit their CVs to fill the Presidential Office. agency is predicting rain for the rapidly sinking due to capital will move to a site in fertile plains. vacancies. WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Croatia reports first case of coronavirus in Balkans

AFP — ZAGREB Health Minister Italy in recent days. Albania, which has hun- Croatia reported the first Vili Beros vowed dreds of thousands of its cit- known case of the new coro- to raise the level izens in Italy, announced navirus in the Balkans region increased border controls. yesterday after a man who preparedness and In Bosnia, some 20 people recently returned from Italy defence against the including Chinese workers who was found to be infected. spread of the disease. recently returned from China The announcement comes have been placed under as Italy battles an outbreak of surveillance. the virus, named COVID-19, soon as possible. Also yesterday, two people with infections surging to There are fears northern in Austria have tested positive nearly 300 in a matter of days, Croatia could be hit by the virus for the new coronavirus, making it the hardest-hit as many locals go to Italy for according to authorities, country in Europe. work. marking the country’s first cases “It has been confirmed that Local media reported that after an outbreak. the first patient was infected nine Croatian citizens who The two 24-year-olds have People are evacuated from the security zone where a bus coming from Milan is blocked at the train with the COVID-19 virus,” recently returned from Italy’s been quarantined in a hospital and bus station of Lyon Perrache, due to suspected COVID-19 on board, in Lyon, on Monday. Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej worst-hit Lombardy region in Innsbruck, the capital of Plenkovic told a press con- have been hospitalised in the Tyrol province, which borders ference. The patient is a young northern city of Rijeka. Italy, according to Tyrol Gov- man “showing mild symptoms”. “One patient who has ernor Guenther Platter. France releases last quarantined patient The man, who is in hospital symptoms is isolated, we expect One of them is from Lom- in the Croatian capital Zagreb, results of (tests) in the bardy, one of the Italian regions ANATOLIA — PARIS cases in January and February on Monday was halted in Lyon spent several days in Milan last afternoon,” said Rijeka hospital hit with the outbreak, but it is in France, each patient has in light of the driver, an Italian week, said Health Minister Vili chief Davor Stimac. not yet clear how the two con- The last of the patients quaran- healed except for one man who national, exhibiting a strong Beros. Italy, which lies across the tracted the virus. Both are suf- tined in France due to corona- died on February 14, an cough and other symptoms of “At this moment we will Adriatic from Croatia, has seen fering a fever but are in a stable virus infection has been treated 80-year-old tourist of Chinese the virus. He was taken to hos- concentrate on the contacts this a huge surge in cases in recent condition. and released from a hospital in origin. pital for evaluation. The pas- young man had,” said Beros. days — from six to more than According to the World Lyon, the country’s health Regardless, France remains sengers were held at a station “For now, he shows signs of 283 since Friday. Health Organization (WHO), the minister has said. on alert as the disease has for several hours, finally disem- a milder disease and we hope Seven people have died epidemic has peaked at its epi- The man, a British national spread close to home: seven barking, each person with a it will remain that way,” he said, after catching the virus, all of centre in China, where it has who contracted the virus while people have died in Italy over protective mask. vowing to “raise our level pre- whom were either elderly or killed more than 2,600 people vacationing last month in the the past few days in the The French government has paredness and defence” against had pre-existing conditions. and infected more than 77,000 French Alps, is deemed no northern regions of Lombardy issued a series of recommenda- the spread of the disease. Across the Balkan peninsula others. longer infectious, Oliver Vera and Veneto. Some 283 positive tions for those returning from At the moment, however, in southeast Europe, countries But the situation has said. “There are no identified cases have also been detected, northern Italian regions, face masks are sold out across including Croatia, Serbia and worsened elsewhere with patients” or circulation of the according to Italy’s Health including an incubation period the nation, Beros said, prom- Montenegro have been on high nearly 2,700 other cases and virus in France”. Ministry. of 14 days and a prohibition of ising to get new supplies as alert, cancelling school trips to more than 40 deaths globally. After the initial 12 diagnosed A bus returning from Milan children returning to school. Pantsir-S1 defence Graft trial begins for Armenia’s ousted president system serves as

AFP — YEREVAN sparked mass protests led by “president! president!” as the could face up to eight years in jail. deterrent: Serbia journalist-turned-politician trial got underway. Prosecutors have said that Former Armenian president Nikol Pashinyan. Sarkisian initially adopted in 2013 Sarkisian helped to ANATOLIA — BELGRADE Serzh Sarkisian (pictured) Sarkisian, clad in a navy a low profile in the months after organise a scheme for a private yesterday went on trial charged suit, thanked dozens of sup- his resignation. But over the last company to supply diesel fuel The Pantsir-S1 air defence with corruption in a case porters who braved cold tem- year he has reemerged and for the government’s agricul- system serves as a deterrent, supporters claim is politically- peratures and sleet outside the harshly criticised Pashinyan, tural assistance programme at Serbian Defence Minister motivated, nearly two years Yerevan district court to support who succeeded him as premier. a deliberately inflated price. Aleksandar Vulin said. after his ousting from power in him. The 65-year-old former The surplus of $1m was then Vulin’s comments came a popular uprising. “I hope that in Armenia military officer was charged in pocketed by the officials and after Serbia on Saturday Sarkisian — who dominated there are still judges for whom December with organising an businessmen involved in the received the first of six ship- Armenia in two consecutive justice is above everything,” embezzlement scheme that scheme, prosecutors have said. ments of the anti-aircraft terms as president from 2008 said Armenia’s third post-Soviet allegedly helped enrich gov- There is no direct indication defence system under an — resigned in 2018 when his president as he headed into the ernment officials. in the indictment over whether agreement signed with Russia plan to stay in power by taking courthouse. He was banned from leaving Sarkisian had personally ben- in late 2019. the post of prime minister Supporters chanted the country and if convicted efited from the plot. President Aleksandar Vucic emphasised that with the delivery of the system, Serbia continues to strengthen Germany tightens carnival its ability to remain militarily neutral. security after driver with Serbia is currently the only country with such a system in the region. 'dead' expression injures 60 Vulin told the media that the purchase of the Pantsir-S1 REUTERS — VOLKMARSEN the man while he tried to choke system sends a message to her as she leaned into the car to both friends and foes that no Germany increased security at remove the key after his vehicle one can “talk to Belgrade by some carnival parades crashed. force.” yesterday after a local man “He didn’t say a word. He “Pantsir is a serious anti- ploughed his car into a parade looked at you empty and dead aircraft system, but the main in the western German town of and seemed so satisfied,” Lea- purpose of our army is deter- Volkmarsen, injuring around 60 Sophie Schloemer told Welt tel- rence. You prepare yourself for people, including at least 18 evision. “It was really unnerving the worst during peacetime, children. how satisfied he seemed.” not when the worst happens,’’ The incident on Monday The prosecutors’ he said. shook Germans still struggling spokesman said the driver was Vulin also announced that to take in last week’s racist gun not yet in a fit state to be ques- on April 23, the Army of Serbia attack on two clubs in the town tioned, but was not drunk at the Day (VS), they will exhibit eve- of Hanau which left 11 people time of the incident. Initial tests rything new in the military. dead. for alcohol were negative but Meanwhile, Nato expressed While the driver was that was not a final assessment Firefighters secure the crash site, in Volkmarsen, yesterday. support for Serbia’s move. detained at the carnival on sus- and there were as yet no results “Serbia has the right to picion of attempted homicide and from the drug test. processions in the state of organisers to review their Italian police after fleeing. freely choose its political and was being treated for his own The motive was still unclear. Hesse, home to Volkmarsen, security arrangements and A police spokesman said he security arrangements. Nato injuries, townspeople puzzled “We are investigating all possi- were cancelled, others were due adjust them if necessary. could not rule out that some of and Serbia are close partners, over why he had done it. bilities,” he said. to take place in the region yes- Security at public events in the injured in Volkmarsen were and we are committed to “You have to be crazy or He said earlier there was no terday. A police spokesman said Germany has been tightened in a life-threatening condition. strengthening our partnership blinded by rage to do something sign the investigation would be security would be intensified. since a Tunisian man with IS Police had detained the with Serbia with full respect like this,” said Volkmarsen handed to national prosecutors, Prosecutors said there was militant ties ploughed a truck driver, a 29-year-old German for its policy of neutrality,” the native Rainer Bellmann. suggesting they did not see a no concrete reason to think the into a Christmas market in from the town who had been military alliance said in a An emergency responder political motive. risk of attacks at parades had Berlin in 2016, killing 12 people. driving a silver Mercedes car, statement to Radio Free said bystanders had punched While some carnival increased, but they urged He was later shot dead by state prosecutors said. Europe/Radio Liberty. Study finds drop in life expectancy for poor English women

AP — LONDON population’s health and well- same time, child poverty While researchers cannot centers, education funding growing up under its effects.’’ being from the failure to reduce increased, with 70% of children say definitively that cuts in gov- decreases, greater use of pre- Health Secretary Matt Life expectancy for English economic health disparities is who are raised by unemployed ernment spending following the carious employment practices Hancock responded by noting women in the most deprived unprecedented, he said. single parents living in poverty. global financial crisis are to such as zero-hour contracts, a that Prime Minister Boris John- communities outside London “The UK has been seen as a Across England, life blame for widening health gaps, shortage of affordable housing son’s Conservative government declined over the last 10 years world leader in identifying and expectancy for men rose by the data suggests a clear link, and a rise in homelessness, has pledged to spend an addi- and stalled a century-long trend addressing health inequalities, about six months during the Marmot said. Marmot said. tional $44bn a year on the toward longer lives, according but something dramatic is hap- period to 79.6 years, while the “Austerity has taken a sig- He also noted that many National Health Service. to a report that suggests pening…,’’ Marmot said. “Put figure for women increased by nificant toll on equity and health, people don’t have enough “The prime minister has government austerity was simply, if health has stopped about four months to 83.2 years. and it is likely to continue to do money to lead a healthy lifestyle been very clear from his very partly to blame for a widening improving it is a sign that During the previous so,’’ he said. ``If you ask me if and large numbers are forced first day in office that he is com- health gap across England. society has stopped improving.’’ century, life expectancy gen- that is the reason for the wors- to turn to food banks to feed mitted to leveling up the whole University College London Life expectancy for women erally improved by about one ening health picture, I’d say it is their families. country,’’ ” Johnson spokesman epidemiology professor Michael in the most deprived areas of year every four years. highly likely that is responsible “Austerity has adversely James Slack said. Marmot, who led the research England fell by 0.3 years The report is a follow-up to for the life expectancy flat-lining, affected the social determinants The Labour Party’s and directs the university’s between 2010-12 and 2016-18, an earlier review of health ine- people’s health deteriorating and that impact on health in the spokesman on health issues, Institute of Health Equity, compared with an increase of qualities published in 2010 that the widening of health short-, medium- and long- Jonathan Ashworth, described described the findings about about 0.5 years for those at the was conducted at the request inequalities.” term,’’ he said. “Austerity will the report as a “devastating England’s “lost decade” as top of the socioeconomic of the British government when Government cutbacks have cast a long shadow over the verdict on 10 years of austerity shocking. The damage to the ladder, the report said. At the it was led by the Labour Party. led to the closure of children’s lives of the children born and under the Conservatives.’’ 16 EUROPE WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 Lawyer complains of prison treatment of Julian Assange AP — LONDON Attorney Edward lawyers argue that the US Fitzgerald told a judge charges — which carry a A lawyer for Julian Assange maximum sentence of 175 years complained yesterday that the that the treatment of in prison — are a politically WikiLeaks founder was hand- Assange at London’s motivated abuse of power. cuffed 11 times, stripped naked Defence lawyers also deny twice and had court papers Belmarsh Prison that Assange put lives at risk. taken away on the first day of a “could be a contempt Attorney Mark Summers said hearing on his extradition to the of this court”. that in 2010 WikiLeaks worked United States. with international news organ- Attorney Edward Fitzgerald izations to publish the trove of told a judge that the treatment US on espionage charges over files in edited form. of Assange at London’s Bel- the leaking of classified gov- He said that the following marsh Prison “could be a con- ernment documents a decade year Assange phoned the White tempt of this court.” The extra- ago. House to warn that a password dition hearing opened on US prosecutors accuse published in a book about Monday at Woolwich Crown Assange of conspiring with US WikiLeaks by journalists from Court, which is located next to Army intelligence analyst The Guardian newspaper — one the prison. Chelsea Manning to crack a of WikiLeaks’ then-media District Judge Vanessa password, hack into a Pentagon partners — could allow people Baraitser, who is hearing the computer and release hundreds to view the full unredacted case, said she had no power to of thousands of secret diplo- cache of documents. Summers act unless Assange became matic cables and military files said Assange had warned that A supporter of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange holding a sign outside Woolwich Crown Court, unable to participate in the pro- on the wars in Iraq and “unless we do something, then ahead of a hearing, in London, yesterday. ceedings, which are expected Afghanistan. people’s lives are put at risk.” to last several months. They allege that WikiLeaks’ WikiLeaks’ relationship Guardian’s 2011 WikiLeaks book said in a statement. “The book being sent to Sweden over alle- “If it comes to that, please publication of the unedited doc- with its media partners, which led to the publication of unre- also contained no details about gations of absued and assault. let me know,” the judge said. uments put US intelligence included The Guardian and The dacted US government files.” the whereabouts of the files.” A British court handed him Another lawyer for Assange, sources who were mentioned New York Times, soon soured, “The book contained a Assange has been jailed in a 50-week sentence for jumping Gareth Peirce, told the judge in them at risk of torture of and in 2011 WikiLeaks began password which the authors England since April 2019, when bail in 2012. yesterday that Assange was death. releasing large numbers of the had been told by Julian Assange he was evicted from the Ecua- The extradition hearing is “struggling” and finding it hard Assange says he was acting uncensored documents. was temporary and would dorian Embassy in London. He expected to continue for the rest to concentrate. as a journalist entitled to First The Guardian said it was expire and be deleted in a took refuge in the embassy of the week, then take a break Assange, 48, is wanted in the Amendment protection. His “entirely wrong to say the matter of hours,” the newspaper seven years earlier to avoid before resuming in May. Russian activists back in court on controversial ‘terror’ trial Children under 12 banned from AFP — SAINT PETERSBURG the military court in Saint outcry, with rights groups beaten and subjected to electric between society and the state,” Petersburg to support the young saying the young men had been shock. said a petition signed by heading soccer Two Russian leftist activists men, with some chanting convicted of organising a non- After the hearing, Filinkov’s lawyers. returned to court yesterday to “Russia will be free!” and “Free existent “terrorist” group and mother Natalya wept, said: “I The Kremlin has sought to balls in practice face controversial terror political prisoners!” tortured to incriminate them- only saw him for a second and distance itself from the case, charges of belonging to a group The defendants appeared selves in a throwback to Stalin- waved at him.” with President Vladimir Putin’s AP — LONDON that plotted attacks but who for a long-delayed brief hearing era practices. This month hundreds of spokesman Dmitry Peskov supporters say are victims of a yesterday evening, with the Filinkov, a programmer, people protested the heavy jail saying the convicted men could Children up to the age of 12 security services conspiracy and next hearing set to open today. and Boyarshinov, an industrial terms handed down to the file an appeal. will be banned from heading torture. Their trial began in spring abseiler, have been charged young anarchists outside the Memorial, a top rights a soccer ball in practice Viktor Filinkov, 25, and Yuli last year but proceedings then with participating in a terrorist headquarters of the FSB group, has said there is a clear sessions in England, Northern Boyarshinov, 28, stand accused stalled. organisation and illegal explo- security services in Moscow. political motive behind the Ireland and Scotland as of being members of the so- The hearings resumed after sives storage. Various professional groups Network case, pointing to authorities look to address the called Network terrorist group earlier this month a court in the Both residents of Saint including those of scientists, increasing “repression against potential long-term impact on which allegedly plotted an central city of Penza jailed Petersburg, they were arrested doctors and teachers have anarchists and anti-fascists”. health of head injuries. armed uprising during the pres- seven co-defendants in the in January 2018 and face up to signed petitions calling on the The Liberal Mission Foun- The governing bodies of idential election in 2018 as well same case for between six and 10 years in prison if convicted. authorities to release them. dation said that while the case the three regions announced as terror attacks during the 18 years on terror and other While Boyarshinov made a “If the existing situation is targeted a minority it posed an the new heading guidelines, World Cup the same year. charges. confession, Filinkov, a national left unchanged, it will cause “existential threat” to entire months after a Scottish study Some 100 people came to The verdict sparked a huge of Kazakhstan, said he was irreparable damage to relations Russian society. found former professional players there were less likely to die of common causes such as heart disease and cancer Slovak Parliament rejects compared with the general population but more likely to die with dementia. treaty on women’s rights The guidelines say there will be a “graduated approach” to AP — BRATISLAVA heading in practice for kids from 12-15, while the heading Slovakia’s lawmakers voted yesterday to reject an international will be restricted to one practice treaty on women’s rights. session per week for kids 16 and In the 150-seat parliament, 96 of the 113 lawmakers present 17. There will be no change in voted to reject the ratification of the treaty known as the Istanbul terms of heading in matches, Convention. taking into consideration the The document was adopted by the Council of Europe in 2011 extremely limited number of in a bid to fight violence against women throughout Europe. headers which actually occur in The rejection was proposed by the ultra-nationalist Slovak youth matches. National Party, a member of the ruling coalition with support of The study did not state that the senior ruling party, the leftist Smer-Social Democracy. heading a ball was the cause Their lawmakers also called on President Zuzana Caputova to of the increased prevalence of inform the Council of Europe that Slovakia will stay out of the treaty. neurodegenerative conditions The opposition far-right People’s Party Our Slovakia also voted among soccer players, but the against it. decision to update the guide- Opponents of the convention in Slovakia charge that some lines was taken to “mitigate provisions would violate the Slovak Constitution — for example against any potential risks”, because the constitution defines marriage as a union of a man the English Football Associ- and a woman. ation said in a statement. In a separate vote just days before Saturday’s parliamentary “This guidance is a respon- elections, the two coalition parties also voted with some others sible development to our A file photo of a general view of the entrance to the international gene bank Svalbard Global Seed to approve legislation that gives retirees an extra monthly pension grassroots coaching,” FA chief Vault (SGSV), outside Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen, Norway. — 13 instead of 12. executive Mark Bullingham The centre-right opposition parties that stand a good chance said, “without impacting the to form a government condemned the move as populistic. enjoyment that children of all ‘Doomsday vault’ in Arctic stocks It wasn’t immediately clear if Caputova, the president, was ages take from playing the up on 60,000 more food seeds ready to approve it. game.” Clashes on Greece islands over new migrant camps AFP — LONGYEARBYEN crops at risk of extinction,” said exhausting and often demoral- Stefan Schmitz, who manages ising task to persuade people AP — LESBOS move ahead with plans to build years,” he told state-run TV. A “doomsday vault” nestled the reserve as head of the Crop of the utterly essential role the new facilities and has “But the closed facilities will be deep in the Arctic received Trust. played by all this diversity in Riot police and residents promised to replace existing built and we are calling on the 60,000 new seed samples “The large scope of today’s maintaining vibrant, healthy clashed for several hours on the camps where severe over- public to support this.” yesterday, including Prince seed deposit reflects worldwide ecosystems that sustain both Greek islands of Lesbos and crowding has worsened in Petsas claimed that the gov- Charles’ cowslips and Cherokee concern about the impacts of people and our planet,” the Chios yesterday, as protesters recent months. ernment was also compelled to sacred corn, increasing stocks climate change and biodiversity Prince of Wales said in a tried to prevent authorities Many island residents as act because of heightened con- of the world’s agricultural loss on food production,” statement. from bringing excavating well as local authorities vehe- cerns over the widening coro- bounty in case of global catas- Schmitz added. “It’s more urgent than ever machines from the mainland to mently argue that the migrants navirus outbreak, arguing that trophe. A total of 36 regional and that we act now to protect this build new migrant detention and asylum- seekers should proper health checks couldn’t Mounting concern over international institutions have diversity before it really is too camps. be moved to the Greek be carried out at existing over- climate change and species loss contributed to the 60,000 late”. Police fired tear gas to dis- mainland. crowded camps. is driving groups worldwide to samples that were to be The latest shipment will perse the crowds that gathered The standoff between police Greece is the busiest entry add their seeds to the collection deposited. bring the number of seed vari- to try and stop police from dis- and protesters continued point for illegal migration in the inside a mountain near Long- Among the seeds are beans, eties, stored in three under- embarking from government- Tuesday near the areas where European Union with most yearbyen on Spitsbergen Island squash and corn from the ground alcoves at an optimum chartered ferries. the new camps will be built, as arrivals occurring on eastern in Norway’s Svalbard archi- Cherokee Nation — the first minus 18 degrees Celsius (-0.4 On Lesbos, protesters set police cordoned off areas Greek islands. Under a 2016 pelago, about 1,300km from the Native American group to send degrees Fahrenheit), to 1.05 fire to trash bins and used around roadblocks set up over agreement backed and funded North Pole. crops to the vault — including million. municipal garbage trucks to try the past few days by demon- by the EU, the movement of The “Noah’s Ark” of food their sacred White Eagle corn. The seed bank has the and block off the port area. strators on the two islands. migrants is restricted to those crops is set up to preserve Britain’s Prince Charles, capacity to hold up to 4.5 Police on Chios also used Stelios Petsas, the gov- islands until their asylum claims plants that can feed a growing who is known for his environ- million samples. tear gas and flash grenades. At ernment spokesman, argued are processed. population facing climate mental advocacy, sent the seeds Around two or three million least three people,including the that authorities couldn’t impose Nearly 60,000 migrants change. of 27 wild plants, including samples “would be a good idea island’s mayor, were hospi- any order on the situation and refugees arrived on Greek “As the pace of climate cowslips and orchids collected to make the future of the food of talised for breathing difficulties without the new camps. islands last year, almost double change and biodiversity loss from the meadows of High- mankind even more secure,” caused by the extensive use of “We understand that there the number recorded in 2018, increases, there is new urgency grove, his country home. Stefan Schmitz said in the tear gas, local officials said. is a problem of trust that was according to the UN refugee surrounding efforts to save food “It has proved to be an freezing cold of Longyearbyen. The government says it will created over the previous agency. WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17 Trump: No election Trump suggests Democrats leaked help received from intel to hurt Sanders any country AP — NEW DELHI President Donald Trump suggested REUTERS — NEW DELHI The US intelligence yesterday that Democrats who don’t want community concluded Bernie Sanders to win their party’s presi- US President Donald Trump dential nomination tried to hurt the sena- said yesterday that no country that Russia had tor’s chances by leaking information about was trying to help him win the meddled in the 2016 Russian activities promoting his campaign. November election, after a top Trump gave no evidence for his claim. intelligence official told election, though “Bernie is probably winning — looks lawmakers Russia was inter- Moscow has denied like he’s winning and he’s got a head of fering in the 2020 presidential steam,” Trump said during a news con- vote to help Trump win a the assessments. ference near the end of his two-day visit to second term. India. “And they maybe don’t want him for “I want no help from any obvious reasons.... So they put out a thing country and I haven’t been doubts over the legitimacy of that Russia is backing him.” Democratic presidential candidate and former vice-president of US, Joe Biden, speaks given help from any country,” his win, has questioned those Trump accused California Represent- to guests during a campaign stop at a college in Charleston, South Carolina, on Monday. Trump told reporters at a news findings and repeatedly criti- ative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman briefing as he concluded a cized American intelligence of the House intelligence committee, of two-day visit to India. agencies. leaking the information to the media. Schiff “Nice deflection, Mr. President. But your officials who briefed the committee, did After the congressional US officials have also said has denied the allegation. false claims fool no one,” Schiff tweeted not tell lawmakers that Russia is aiding briefing, Trump ousted the recently that Russia has been Sanders has confirmed that US officials over the weekend. “You welcomed Russian Trump’s reelection. The officials spoke on acting intelligence chief, Joseph mounting disinformation and told him last month about Russian efforts help in 2016, tried to coerce Ukraine’s help the condition of anonymity to discuss the Maguire, and replaced him with propaganda campaigns to help to boost his chances to challenge Trump in in 2019, and won’t protect our elections in sensitive information. a political loyalist. Vermont Senator Bernie November. 2020.” A nearly two-year investigation led by At the news conference, Sanders, who is seeking the Trump said he thought it was “strange” Trump’s comments come amid con- special counsel Robert Mueller concluded Trump denied reports that Democratic presidential nom- that US officials told Sanders but nobody flicting accounts about what US election that there was a sophisticated, Kremlin-led Maguire had been ousted from ination in this year’s election. told him. security officials told members of the House operation to sow division in the US and the top spy job, saying he The United States would act “It’s highly exaggerated. I think it’s dis- intelligence committee during a recent upend the 2016 election by using cyberat- needed to be replaced because against Russia or any other graceful. I think it was leaks from the intel closed-door hearing and how sensitive tacks and social media as weapons. of “statute". Trump has said he country if they tried “to committee,” Trump said. election security information has leaked Election security experts say it is clear will announce his pick soon for undermine our democratic “I think probably Schiff leaked it. He into the public domain. that Russia is again trying to influence the the job, which requires Senate processes,” US Secretary of shouldn’t be leaking things like that.” It People familiar with the congressional US election, including through the spread confirmation. State Mike Pompeo told wasn’t the first time that Trump levied the briefing earlier this month said election of misinformation to raise skepticism about The US intelligence com- reporters in Washington. accusation against Schiff. He earlier tweeted security officials indicated that the Kremlin the US electoral process. But top US offi- munity concluded that Russia He did not provide details that election security officials “supposedly was looking to help Trump win reelection. cials, including Trump’s national security had meddled in the 2016 on what responses Washington told Crazy Bernie (Sanders) that Russia was But a senior official with the Office of the adviser Robert O’Brien, have said they have election, though Moscow has would consider, or what kind looking at him, not me. This is all a big scam Director of National Intelligence said on not seen any intelligence or analyses indi- denied the assessments. of activities by foreign actors between Intel and the Democrats. They Monday that Shelby Pierson, a top election cating that Russia has been specifically Trump, who is sensitive to would solicit a US. retaliation. want Bernie OUT & hate ‘Trump.’” security official who was one of the aiding Trump’s reelection. Washington urges Canada court Afghans to unite Coronavirus ‘very well under control’ in US: President rules carbon tax for Taliban talks AP — NEW DELHI individuals were placed into “They’ve had a rough patch preparedness account that’s unconstitutional amid poll dispute quarantine and “we think and... it looks like they’re been a top priority of Demo- President Donald Trump they’ll be in very good shape getting it under control more crats. Democrats said Trump’s BLOOMBERG — CALGARY AFP — WASHINGTON sought yesterday to minimise very, very soon.” In earlier and more,” Trump said. attempt to tap existing Ebola fears about coronavirus remarks yesterday, Trump said “They’re getting it more and prevention funding was dead Canada’s federal carbon tax is The United States yesterday spreading rampantly he wants the additional $2.5bn more under control so I think on arrival. unconstitutional, a court has urged Afghan leaders to unite throughout the US, saying the to shore up defenses “in case that’s a problem that’s going to “All of the warning lights ruled, handing a legal victory for upcoming talks with the situation is “very well under something should happen” and go away, but we lost almost are flashing bright red. We are to opponents of the plan. Taliban, pointedly not congrat- control in our country.” to help other countries. 1,000 points yesterday on the staring down a potential pan- The national levy repre- ulating President Ashraf Ghani At the same time, the The White House budget (stock) market.” demic, and the administration sents “a constitutional Trojan on his disputed victory. Trump administration on office said the funding would The funding request has no plan,” said Senate horse,” the Court of Appeal of In a statement a week after Monday asked Congress for an be used for vaccine devel- released on Monday evening Minority Leader Chuck Alberta said on Monday. the results were published, additional $2.5bn to prepare in opment, treatment and pro- came as key government Schumer, who blasted a “Buried within it are wide State Department spokes- case of a widespread outbreak tective equipment, but Demo- accounts were running low. shortage of kits to test for the ranging discretionary powers woman Morgan Ortagus said and to assist other nations. crats immediately slammed the The Department of Health virus and Trump’s proposed the federal government has the US “notes” the “We have very few people request as insufficient. and Human Services had budget cuts to health agencies. reserved unto itself. Their final announcement and warned with it,” the President said at a The budget request came already tapped into an emer- “We have a crisis of coro- shape, substance and outer against “destabilizing actions.” news conference in India. as coronavirus fears were gency infectious disease rapid navirus, and President Trump limits have not yet been She confirmed that Ghani Trump referenced a group credited with Monday’s response fund and was seeking has no plan, no urgency, no revealed.” The ruling repre- had agreed to postpone the of 14 Americans who tested 1,000-plus-point drop in the to transfer more than $130m understanding of the facts or sents a legal victory for oppo- presidential inauguration that positive for coronavirus and Dow Jones Industrial Average. from other HHS accounts to how to coordinate a response.” nents of one of Prime Minister had been set for Thursday — were among hundreds of US The rapid spread of the combat the virus but is pressing Trump said a “lot of talent” Justin Trudeau’s signature two days before the expected citizens recently evacuated virus around the world and its for more. and a “lot of brainpower” was policy initiatives. The carbon US signing of a peace deal with from a cruise ship off the Jap- threat to the global economy The Trump administration being tapped for the corona- tax is imposed on provinces the Taliban. anese coast and brought to US has rocked financial markets, is requesting $1.25bn in new virus response. He criticized that haven’t introduced their “The Afghan people want facilities. but Trump said China is getting funding and wants to transfer Schumer for panning the own plans meeting certain peace,” Ortagus said. Trump said those the epidemic under control. $535m more from an Ebola budget request. requirements. “It is time to focus not on electoral politics, but on taking steps toward a lasting peace.” She called for feuding Violent crime surges in Brazil leaders to set up “an agreed national framework for peace state as police stay on strike that is fully representative” to prepare for talks with the AP — RIO DE JANEIRO annual Carnival and led to nine Taliban, which are expected cities in Ceara canceling cele- to begin in March. Violent crime has been rising brations, citing security con- The State Department spe- in Brazil’s northeastern state of cerns. The military police are cifically warned against “pur- Ceara amid a police strike in its responsible for patrolling the ported efforts to establish par- seventh day, federal Justice streets. allel government structures,” Minister Sergio Moro said on Moro, along with two other in a clear reference to a call by Monday. federal Cabinet ministers, met Ghani’s rival Abdullah Security officials said the with Ceara’s governor on Abdullah to set up a rival state had recorded 147 homi- Monday to oversee security government. cides in the past five days, a operations. The federal gov- “Such moves call into fivefold increase from the same ernment has deployed 2,500 question the country’s sover- five-day period last year. soldiers to the state to maintain eignty and unity that the “There are signs that some order. United States strongly sup- violent crimes have been Military police officers in ports,” Ortagus said. increasing, but it’s not a situ- Ceara began the strike on Feb- The US stance is in sharp ation of total disorder in the ruary 18, demanding a pay contrast with that of the streets,” Moro said, though he increase. Masked protesters European Union, whose top conceded the situation was slashed police vehicle tires and diplomat Josep Borrell quickly “relatively difficult” given the forced stores to close, while a congratulated Ghani in a tel- Canada indigenous groups keep up protests partial paralysis of policing in senator was shot while trying ephone call. Ceara because of the walkout. to drive a backhoe through a Supporters of the indigenous Wet’suwet’en Nation’s hereditary chiefs block access to the Port of The strike by military police police-run protest. He was hos- Vancouver as part of protests against the Coastal GasLink pipeline, in Vancouver, Canada, on Monday. officers comes during Brazil’s pitalized for five days. Driver in Tesla crash was playing video game: NTSB Kobe Bryant's widow sues helicopter operator over fatal crash

AP — WASHINGTON REUTERS — LOS ANGELES memorial service at the Staples aircraft” and “in providing conditions that require Administration rebuked Center, the team’s home arena. proper and safe aircraft instrument-guided navigation. Zobayan for violating visual The National Transportation The widow of Los Angeles The lawsuit, which seeks services.” The crash occurred “as a direct flight rules during a 2015 Safety Board in the US has said basketball great Kobe Bryant unspecified general and Among the specific allega- result of the negligent conduct incident in which he entered the driver of a Tesla SUV who has filed a wrongful death punitive damages, named as tions made in the lawsuit, it says of Zobayan for which defendant restricted airspace without died in a Silicon Valley crash lawsuit against the operator of defendants Island Express Hel- Zobayan “failed to properly Island Express Helicopters is authorization. two years ago was playing a the helicopter that crashed in icopters, its holding company monitor and assess the weather vicariously liable in all The luxury Sikorsky S-76B video game on his smartphone foggy weather last month, and the heirs of its pilot, Ara prior to takeoff,” “failed to abort respects,” the lawsuit said. helicopter slammed into a at the time. killing her husband, their Zobayan, who was one of those the flight when he knew of the Although Zobayan was hillside northwest of Los Chairman Robert Sumwalt 13-year-old daughter and all who died in the January 26 cloudy conditions” and “failed licensed to fly by instruments Angeles and burst into flames said at the start of a hearing seven others aboard. crash. to keep a safe distance between in poor weather, Island Express while Bryant and his entourage yesterday that partially auto- The 72-page complaint was Island Express declined to the helicopter and natural was only permitted to fly by were en route to a youth sports mated driving systems like filed in Los Angeles County comment on the litigation. obstacles.” visual flight rules when carrying academy for a girl’s basketball Tesla’s Autopilot cannot drive Superior Court on Monday as The complaint alleges 28 It also alleged that Zobayan, paying passengers, the National tournament. themselves. Vanessa Bryant was joined by counts of negligence and breach an experienced pilot and Transportation Safety Board Gianna Bryant, the second Yet he said drivers con- thousands of mourners paying of duty, accusing the defendants instructor, improperly piloted (NTSB) said in its initial report of Kobe and Vanessa’s four tinue to use them without tribute to the former Los of failing to exercise “ordinary the helicopter by visual orien- on the crash. daughters, was a member of the paying attention. Angeles Lakers star at a care in piloting the subject tation under limited-visibility The Federal Aviation team due to compete that day. 18 AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 Colombia to probe vote-buying claims against Duque REUTERS — BOGOTA Aida Merlano, captured and that Merlano is being used by requested Merlano’s extradition Venezuelan President Nicolas through Venezuelan opposition A committee in Colombia’s lower in Venezuela after she Maduro to put on a “media show.” leader Juan Guaido, whom it con- house of Congress will investigate escaped custody in The investigation comes after siders to be Venezuela’s legitimate allegations by a former senator leftist Representative David Racero head of state. who fled the country that President Bogota, also claimed requested an inquiry into Mer- It is not clear how Guaido will Ivan Duque participated in vote- the President sought to lano’s accusations. handle the request given that buying and sought to have her “In my capacity as the pres- Maduro retains control of most assassinated, the head of the panel assassinate her. ident of the investigations com- government functions including said on Monday. mittee, after reading the complaint the police and judiciary. Former Conservative Senator in Caracas, Merlano, who was con- by Representative David Racero The Colombian house com- Aida Merlano was captured by victed of vote-buying, accused against the President of the mittee regularly investigates Venezuelan police last month after Duque of wanting to kill her to republic, we have taken the Colombian presidents. Ernesto she escaped custody in Bogota last protect the country’s political class. decision to open an investigation,” Samper, who governed from 1994 year by climbing out of her den- In a recent interview, she also John Jairo Cardenas, of the centrist to 1998, was the subject of inquiries tist’s office while on a medical alleged he benefited from Partido de la Unidad, told local surrounding accusations he leave from prison and fleeing on vote-buying. radio. financed his campaign with drug the back of a motorcycle. Duque’s government has said Colombia does not recognize trafficking money. He was At a recent court appearance the accusations are a fabrication Maduro’s government and has exonerated.

US grants political asylum to Guatemala’s former prosecutor

AFP — GUATEMALA CITY

The United States on Monday granted political asylum to Guatemala’s former anti-corruption prosecutor Thelma Aldana, who fled to the US last year after a warrant was issued for her arrest over graft. Aldana was accused in March 2019 of the irregular purchase of a building for the public prosecutor and the cre- ation of fake jobs during her 2014-18 tenure. She denied the accusations and claims they were aimed at punishing her for fighting graft in the Central American country. The House Foreign Affairs Com- Chile anti-government protest mittee announced Aldana’s asylum on Twitter. Riot police confront demonstrators on Monday during clashes which erupted during a protest against “Thelma is a champion for justice Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera in the country’s seaside resort of Vina del Mar, where the Vina del and this is a major victory in the inter- Mar International Music Festival is being held. national fight against corruption,” com- mittee chairman Eliot Engel said. Aldana, 64, won the Swedish Rights Two Colombian students among four slain in Mexico Livelihood Prize in 2018 for her work against corruption and abuse of power. AP — MEXICO CITY program. The Puebla state uni- Puebla has been plagued by Aldana left Guatemala for El Sal- versity said a Mexican medical violence that in 2019 forced vador after the accusations, which also Two Colombian exchange student was also killed. astronomers to reduce staff at forced her to abandon a run for the students, a Mexican student and Gilberto Higuera, chief a remote observatory. presidency. She subsequently traveled an Uber driver have been found prosecutor of Puebla state, east The Popular Autonomous to the US. slain in central Mexico after of Mexico City, said the Uber University of Puebla identified In 2017, Aldana allegedly approved they attended Carnival celebra- driver who picked them up in the Colombians as Ximena the purchase of a building for around tions, officials said on Monday. the city of Huejotzingo was also Quijano Hernández and José 10 percent more than its true value, The Popular Autonomous slain. He did not reveal the Antonio Parada Cerpa. according to investigators. University of Puebla said the cause of death or the possible The university expressed its Aldana says the accusations against two dead Colombians, a man motive in the killings. "profound indignation and her are retribution for her collaboration and a woman, were exchange Higuera said three suspects concern over the escalation in with the UN’s International Commission students in the medicine had been detained in the case. crime and violence" in the state. against Impunity in Guatemala.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 2:00pm; Freakens (2D/Malayalam) 2:00pm; VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 2:15pm; VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 2:00pm; Frozen II (2D/Animation) 4:45pm; Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 5:45pm The Call Of The Wild (2D/Adventure) 6:30, 8:15 & Elcano & Magellanes (2D/Animation) 4:15pm 9:30pm; After Midnight (2D/Drama) 10:00pm The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 9:15pm; Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 11:30pm Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 11:15pm Mafia (2D/Tamil) 2:00, 4:15 & 11:30pm Emma (2D/Comedy) 5:30pm Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Arabic) 3:30 & 7:45pm; Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 4:00 & 5:45pm Color Out of Space (2D/Horror) 9:30pm Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 7:30pm Mafia (2D/Tamil) 11:30pm LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 2:00 & 11:00pm; After Midnight (2D/Drama) 0:30am VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 2:00 & 4:45pm; Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 6:15 & 7:45pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 11:40am, 2:10, 4:40, 7:05, 9:30 & The Call Of The Wild (2D/Adventure) 8:00 & 9:45pm; 11:55pm Mafia (2D/Tamil) 2:00 & 11:30pm Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 3:10, 5:40, 8:10 & Elcano & Magellanes (2D/Animation) 3:30pm 10;40pm Emma (2D/Comedy) 5:15pm Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 6:10, 10:10pm & 12:00 midnight Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 7:30 & Color Out of Space (2D/Horror) 4:00 & 8:00pm 10;45pm; Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) Emma (2D/Comedy) 10:50am, 1:15, 3:40 & 6:05pm 4:00pm; Color Out of Space (2D/Horror) 9:00pm Birds Of Prey (2D/Action) 11:00, 1;10, 3:25, 5:35, 7:45, 9:55 & Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 6:30pm 0:05am Jumanji: The Next Level 11:10am, 1:35pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 10;20am, 11:20am, 12;20, 1:20, AL KHOR 2:20, 3:20, 4;20, 5:20, 6:20, 7:20, 8:20, 9:20, 10;20, 11:20pm & Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 12:15, 6:00 0:20am & 11:45pm; Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 11:45am & 8:00pm Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Arabic) 8:30, 10;20pm & 0:10am The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:45, The Call Of The Wild (2D/Drama) 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 6:30, 5:00 & 9:15pm; Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/ 8:30 & 10:30pm Malayalam) 2:45 & 8:30pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 2:45 & VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 10:10am, 11:50am & 1:30pm 11:00pm; Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) 3:00, 7;15 & 11:30pm; Al Mallu (2D/Malayalam) 5:15pm ASIAN TOWN ROXY Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 2:45, 3:45, 7:00, Al Mallu (2D/Malayalam) 10:15pm; Ayyappanum 8:30, 8:45, 10;15, 11:15pm Koshiyum (2D/Malayalam) 11:00, 2:30, 6:30 & Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 1:15pm 10:10pm; Bheeshma (2D/Telugu) 1:00, 3:40, 7:30 & Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 8:30pm 10:10pm; Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) Bhoot Part 1: The Haunted Ship (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm 3:00, 5:30 & 8:00pm; Brahms: The Boy 2 (2D/Horror) Mafia (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 4:00 & 8:45pm 11:30am, 1:00 & 9:00pm; Emma (2D/Comedy) 7:50 & Freakens (2D/Malayalam) 6:15pm 10:00pm; Mafia (2D/Tamil) 12:30, 8:00 & 10:30pm; Al Mallu (2D/Malayalam) 6:00 & 11:45pm Sonic: The Hedgehog (2D/Action) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:10, 1:30, 2:40, 3:00, 3:30, 5:40, 6:50, 7:50, 8:00, 9:00 & 10:20pm; Sundooq Al Dunya (2D/Arabic) 3:40, 5:00, 5:15, 7:00, 10:00, 11:00 & 11:10pm; Varane Avashyamund (2D/Malayalam) 11:30am & 10:30pm VIC The Viking (2D/Animation) 11:00am, 12:30, 1:00, 2:30, 3:00 & 4:30pm

FREAKENS Freakens is a Malayalam movie released on 13 Dec, 2019. The movie is directed by Anish J. Kar- rinad and featured Anandhu Mukundan, WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 19

Big Bang Sang Bleu II ore ambitious than the Big Bang Sang Bleu launched in 2016, the new Big Bang Sang Bleu II passionately channels the design skills of world famous tattoo artist MMaxime Plescia-Buchi. A case with more finely-chis- elled lines, conveyed in three dimensions. An expression of the passage of time, the hands - two elongated diamonds and an arrow - are stylised fragments of tattoos, set above a hypnotic chronographic movement. Even more disruptive, the Big Bang Sang Bleu II channels the creative inspiration of Maxime Plescia-Buchi into its three-dimen- sional angles and edges. The motif spans the case, cutting into its hexagonal bezel, and carving into the sapphire crystal, juxta- posed against the hands with their geometric lines, and moulded onto the interchangeable bracelet. The dial plays with transparency, allowing glimpses of the Unico movement. It is feat of construction, almost architectural in scope, in a 45-mm case. Within the meticulously interlaced geometric lines of this new case lies the HUB1240 Unico manufacture self-winding chrono- graph movement: the chronograph seconds are tracked along a straight hand, A Circle of Diamonds from Hublot whilst the chrono- graph minutes n emblem of the Art of Fusion, Hublot collection, the Classic Fusion marries complete their laps the Classic Fusion encircles the the brand's original codes with its technical on one of the two wrist in a diamond riviere. Two and stylistic research. The diamond setting discs on the dial. It 18-karat rose King Gold Full Pavé of this Haute Joaillerie interpretation creates oscillates at a fre- models sparkle with a bracelet, a dazzling fusion between the case and quency of 28,800 case, bezel and dial set with a bracelet. There are two versions measuring vibrations per hour, Athousand brilliant-cut diamonds. 38 and 33 mm in diameter; both are made for a period of 72 Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, said: from 18-karat polished rose King Gold and hours. Two "Hublot's defining concept of the Art of Fusion sparkle with over a thousand round diamonds hundred titanium marries traditional watchmaking with inno- (~10.5 cts and ~7.3 cts respectively) set onto and one hundred vation by combining brand-new and precious every part of the dial, case and integrated King Gold pieces materials. This Haute Joaillerie Classic Fusion bracelet. will be released. showcases the unique brilliance of Hublot's With its comfortable, flexible links, the A key component of contemporary Pop Culture, tattooing is exclusive 18-karat King Gold with a "full pavé" bracelet alone features some thousand dia- no longer the sole preserve of a largely masculine underground setting. The philosophy remains the same as monds, for a total of ~6.8 cts and ~5.3 cts on scene. From a primitive practice to a celebrated field of Art, and ever: to be the first, unique and different. And the respective models. A fusion of rose King cultural phenomenon, its growing creative influence shows tat- to create emotion." Gold, diamonds and fine mechanical work, tooing is not merely a trend but a cultural shift which will last and each of these two models is equipped with a influence all generations to come. Gold and diamonds self-winding movement displaying the hours, The new Big Bang Sang Bleu II is the horological expression Classic Fusion King Gold Full Pavé minutes, seconds, and date at 3 o'clock, which of a tattoo, set in motion with timeless precision, unifying mate- Bracelet, 38 mm and 33 mm, 1517 diamonds draws its energy from the skeletonised rials and crafts through geometry by Sang Bleu’s founder. (~10.5 cts) and 1380 diamonds (~7.3 cts) tungsten rotor visible through the sapphire A timeless must-have model from the case back.

PRODUCTS ARE DISPLAYED AT AL MAJED JEWELLERY PAVILLION AT DJWE Hublot celebrates the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari cuderia Ferrari is cel- for Formula 1 brake discs. stitched perforated strap. Its Scuderia Ferrari. Today, ebrating the 90th year The first version is inspired dial evokes old-fashioned research into new composite since its foundation in by the early years of Scuderia speedometers with its calendar materials and high-technology 1929. Hublot is Ferrari and its glorious past. The underlined in yellow. In this are all powerful in competition marking the occasion visible metal parts, the peccary way, it falls in-line with the driving. Its strap is made from Swith the Big Bang Scuderia leather from the bucket seats purest traditions of car racing. Nomex — the fire-resistant syn- Ferrari 90th anniversary watch, and the brushed look of the The 3D carbon that is used thetic fibre used to make racing a new model that is available in dashboard are represented here to make the case of the second driver’s suits — on which the three exclusive versions, pro- by the platinum case and the edition reflects the present day red and black stitching makes duced in limited editions. a striking contrast. Its colour To celebrate this birthday, code is black and red, the Hublot, which has been a long- colours currently used by Scu- standing partner of Scuderia deria Ferrari for its single- Ferrari, is proud to present the seater Formula 1 cars. Big Bang Scuderia Ferrari 90th The third model is instantly Anniversary watch. This is a recognisable by its transparent model that reflects the rich case made from sapphire, an history and heritage of Scuderia innovative material that is hard Ferrari realized in three limited to work, giving it a resolutely editions conceived in collabo- futuristic style. It demonstrates ration with the Ferrari Design the extreme sophistication that K di Kuore’s creations Centre. These pieces illustrate technology is heading towards the development of the mate- and the possibilities it offers for rials used in car racing over the the future. years. This is a permanent quest A promise of innovations he K di Kuore design, K di Kuore leaves a of both companies, as illus- that will apply to both car man- brand has become modern imprint on the most trated by Hublot’s motto “The ufacture and watchmaking. Its synonymous with classic designs. The Art of Fusion”. strap adopts a highly futuristic elegance and company plays an No future and no victories Kevlar look. Each of the three glamour. Each of important role as innovator without innovation. It is only versions of the Hublot Big Bang KT di Kuore’s creations is a and trendsetter thanks to its through technical and techno- Scuderia Ferrari 90th Anni- story to be worn, to elicit dynamic spirit and its young logical research that the two versary watch bears one of the emotion in the wearer, The and exclusive designers. houses have been able to three colours of the Scuderia on entirely handcrafted work- Each year, K di Kuore maintain their respective posi- its border, the numbers and the manship is one of K di presents two new collec- tions in their respective worlds. index. Yellow for the platinum Kuore’s strengths. The tions on the occasion of the The 45mm diameter of each edition, red for the 3D carbon company has always relied most important interna- of the three editions houses the edition and black for the sap- upon handcraftsmanship and tional trade fairs, enabling famous UNICO movement, a phire edition. All three will be each of its pieces is, in fact, the company to continually flyback chronograph that offers produced in a limited edition of unique. renew itself, while a 72-hour power reserve. Their 90, and 10 ‘collector’ sets with K di Kuore’s jewellery is remaining faithful to its bezel is cut in ceramic carbon, all three watches will also be an example of contemporary own style guide. the same material that is used available. 21st Century craftsmanship. Nature is the brand’s The mastery of handcrafts- main source of inspiration. manship is the soul of the The sun, its light and its vital brand. This craftmanship is energy, the sea and the our most appreciated distin- power of the waves are the guishing characteristic, in the fundamental elements in K eyes of our customers. Every di Kuore’s creative process. gesture of our craftsman The company's product shapes the gold, making each design is defined by inter- piece they create unique and twining elements that wrap unrepeatable, proudly Made around each other, symbol- in Italy. ising the bonds of human All of K di Kuore’s relationships. products are in 18 carat gold, K di Kuore’s jewellery with precious and semi-pre- tells a story. The company cious stones which have been believes that cultural com- ethically sourced through a parisons between people Conflict Free supply chain. from all parts of the world All of our jewellery comes and their different traditions with a lifetime guarantee. leads to new ideas and Through its study of increased inspiration. 20 HOME WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2020