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Sunday 24 February 2019 | 19 Jumada II 1440 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7812 | 2 Riyals

Amir crowns winners of 31st equestrian race

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the winners during the prize distribution ceremony at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian racetrack in Al Rayyan yesterday.

QNA Racing and Equestrian racetrack Khalifa Al Thani, owner of the winners of the show jumping heritage race category. They are ceremony was attended by H H DOHA in Al Rayyan. French King, who won the event. Faleh Suwaid Al Ajami Nasser Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri, Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al H H the Amir awarded the seventh race. won the sword for coming in Abdulrahman Abdullah Faleh Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin golden sword to H H Sheikh H H the Amir also presented first place. Awad Al Qahtani Hajri, Thallab Ali Thallab Al Hajri, bin Khalifa Al Thani, and a Hamad Al Thani crowned Mohammed bin Khalifa Al His Highness’ Silver Sword to came second, while Salmeen and Salah Qasssim Mohammed number of Their Excellencies yesterday the winners of the 31st Thani, owner of Ebraz who won Khalifa bin Shuail bin Khalifa Al Sultan Al Suwaidi won the third Al Yafei. H H the Amir also hon- Sheikhs, Ministers, heads of dip- race of Arabian Purebred horses the eighth race. H H the Amir Kuwari after Fakhir won the place. oured the festival’s sponsoring lomatic missions accredited by competing for H H the Amir’s presented His Highness’ trophy sixth race. H H the Amir awarded prizes companies. the state, horse owners, and fans Trophy and Sword in Qatar to H H Sheikh Abdullah bin H H the Amir also awarded to the four winners of the The race and the award of horse racing. `P2

Amir assigns PM NHRC urges European Parliament to Sudan President meets to open Sabah Al send fact-finding mission to Saudi Defence Minister Ahmed Road today QNA QNA QNA good health and happiness and DOHA KHARTOUM BRUSSELS government and people of NHRC Chairman Dr Ali Sudan progress and bin Smaikh Al Marri The President of the Republic prosperity. Assigned by H H the Amir Chairman of the National of Sudan, Omar Hassan Ahmed For his part, the President Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Human Rights Committee called on the European Al Bashir, met here yesterday of the Republic of Sudan Thani, the Prime Minister and (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Smaikh Al Parliament to send a with Deputy Prime Minister entrusted H E Deputy Prime Interior Minister H E Sheikh Marri called on the European fact-finding mission and Minister of State for Minister and Minister of State Abdullah bin Nasser bin Parliament to send a fact-finding to Saudi Arabia in Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid for Defence Affairs to convey Khalifa Al Thani will inau- mission to Saudi Arabia to find order to find out the bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. his greetings to H H the Amir, gurate today morning in out the fate of three Qatari At the beginning of the wishing the Qatari people Sheraton Hotel the new road nationals who forcibly disap- fate of those Qatari meeting, H E the Deputy Prime more prosperity and which will carry the name of peared there since the beginning citizens who forcibly Minister and Minister of State progress. the Amir of Kuwait, H H of the blockade of Qatar on June disappeared in Saudi for Defence affairs conveyed During the meeting, they Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al 5 of 2017. Arabia, and to pressure the greetings of H H the Amir reviewed relations between the Jaber Al Sabah. The Sabah Al He called on the Qatari gov- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al two brotherly countries, partic- Ahmed Road will be one of ernment to take all legal the Saudi government Thani to the President of the ularly in defence and military the most important main measures to pursue their fate into releasing them. Republic of Sudan, wishing fields. `P3 roads in the state. and demand their immediate release, and to go to the Security Council to file a complaint or from the media. He noted that to pressure the Saudi gov- regarding the UAE’s failure to the stories the attendees will ernment into releasing them. Qatar-Kuwait relations hailed comply with the decision of the listen to today, mirror the stories He stressed that the National International Court of Justice. of thousands of other victims of Human Rights Commission had Al Marri was speaking at a the blockade who couldn’t come, provided all the information on SIDI MOHAMED political, economic, trade, and both occasions emphasize hearing at the European Par- because they disappeared for- the identity of the three Qatari THE PENINSULA investment, military and security the independence of the State of liament. He praised the initiative cibly with no clarity provided on nationals requested by the rel- cooperation, education, tourism Kuwait, its unity and solidarity made by the parliament’s human their fate. evant UN mechanisms, adding Ambassador of Kuwait to Qatar, and art. A joint high committee of the Kuwaiti people in the face rights committee to hold a series He highlighted the case of that the committee was on con- Hafeez bin Mohammed Al Ajmi, was established on June 18, 2002 of various challenges. of seminars to listen to the three Qatari citizens who for- stant communication with the praised the distinguished to create a partnership between “It is also as an opportunity struggles of the blockade’s cibly disappeared in Saudi UN team concerned with forcible brotherly relations between the two brotherly countries cov- to cherish the noble positions of victims. Arabia since the beginning of the disappearance. Kuwait and Qatar noting that ering all aspects of cooperation,” our brothers in the GCC coun- He also praised the move of blockade, with efforts made by He added that the committee everyone is witnessing the Ambassador said. tries and Arab countries and the European Parliament’s Com- the NHRC to push Saudi author- will continue its efforts in coop- remarkable development of the In a press statement to media friends from the coalition coun- mittee on Arab Peninsula affairs ities to declare their fates ending eration with other international relations between the leaders of on the occasion of Kuwait’s 58th tries. Qatar has played a prom- for responding, albeit belatedly, in failure. He called on the legislative authorities in order to both countries. National Day celebrations and inent role in this regard and eve- to the calls of the victims. He European Parliament to send a hold the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia “Since the establishment of 28th Liberation Day anniversary, ryone in Kuwait remembers with highlighted the big attendance fact-finding mission to Saudi accountable and in order to the two brotherly countries, there Al Ajmi said that these glorious pride the battle of Al Khafji, led of the first hearing session, Arabia in order to find out the pressure the country into releasing have been continuous efforts to national celebrations are a by the brave Qatari armed whether from parliamentarians fate of those Qatari citizens, and the Qatari citizens. `P4 enhance ties covering all areas supreme impact on our hearts, forces,” he noted. `P3 02 HOME SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 Amir crowns winners of 31st Equestrian Race

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani crowned yesterday the winners of the 31st race of Arabian Purebred horses competing for H H the Amir’s Trophy and Sword at Qatar Racing and Equestrian’s race track in Al Rayyan. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 03

Qatar affirms readiness Qatar and Sudan review relations OFFICIAL NEWS Amir congratulates to host IPU General Sultan of Brunei DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Assembly in Doha Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al QNA member states, and non-exploi- Thani sent yesterday cables NEW YORK tation of multilateral system as of congratulations to Sultan platforms for major powers to Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Shura Council Speaker H E seek influence or undermine the Darussalam on the occa- Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al entire system. He also pointed to sion of his country’s National Mahmoud affirmed that all prep- the urgent need for stronger ties Day. QNA arations for Doha’s hosting of the and bonds with civil society and 140th session of the General other stakeholders to create a Qatar to participate in Assembly of the Inter-Parlia- responsible multilateral system. Arab IPU meeting mentary Union (IPU) and its other The Speaker confirmed that meetings in April have been success in this endeavour opens DOHA: A delegation from completed in cooperation with great hopes for restoring confi- the Shura Council will par- the Inter-Parliamentary Union. dence in the multilateral system, ticipate in the 25th meeting The Speaker said in a speech, which has begun to erode and of the Arab Inter-Parlia- The President of the Republic of Sudan, Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir, with Deputy Prime Minister during the closing session of the cause loss of confidence in the mentary Union’s executive and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, in Khartoum. During two-day parliamentary hearing national and international committee, set to be held in held at the United Nations in New political institutions, due to the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two brotherly countries, particularly in defence the Hashemite Kingdom of York, that the State of Qatar looks tension and uncertainty. and military fields. Jordan today and will lasts forward to the participation of the He praised the valuable con- five days. The Committee world parliaments members non- tributions made by the partici- will examine the propos- members of the IPU as well as pants in the hearing, saying they als submitted on amending other stakeholders. are valuable contributions that the Charter and Rules of He added that participation serve as a good basis for moving Qatar takes part in 56th Paris Procedure of the Arab Inter- in IPU General Assembly meetings forward in the way of promoting Parliamentary Union. QNA shows commitment to the impor- and developing multilateral Sudan Commander tance of multilateral parlia- action. He noted the great work International Agricultural Show mentary work and its significance accomplished at the hearing this visits Staff College in developing a system of coop- year, and expressed hope that its eration that guarantees peace and outcomes would be in the interest THE PENINSULA CAIRO: The Commander of prosperity for the peoples of the of multilateral action. DOHA the Republic of Sudan’s Com- world at a time when conflicts The Speaker voiced thanks of mand & Staff College, Major have multiplied and generated the Shura Council’s members to Qatar is participating in the 56th General Ezzedin Othman unprecedented types of the Secretary-General of the UN Paris International Agricultural Taha, and his accompany- suffering. and the Presidency of the IPU for Show 2019 (SIMA) with a dele- ing delegation visited Joaan Talking about the parlia- organising the hearing. gation led by Minister of Munic- Bin Jassim Joint Command & mentary hearing entitled The Speaker and his accom- ipality and Environment H E Staff College. At his reception “Emerging Challenges to Multi- panying delegation participated Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki was the Commander of the lateralism: A Parliamentary in the meeting along with parlia- Al Subaie. Joaan Bin Jassim Joint Com- Response” H E Al Mahmoud said mentarians from around the The Minister of Municipality mand & Staff College Major that the valuable discussions world, to discuss the new chal- and Environment met with the General Mohamed bin Hamad showed that the international lenges facing the international Minister of Agriculture and Agri- Al Nuaimi. During the visit, community and stakeholders are community and national govern- Food of the French Republic, the delegation got to see the fully aware of the importance of ments to realise multilateralism Didier Guillaume. They dis- college’s facilities and capa- multilateralism in addressing as one global governance in cussed ways of enhancing coop- bilities. They also listened to a global issues and global tackling emerging challenges such eration between two countries briefing on the college’s aca- phenomena. as climate change, migrants, ref- in the agricultural and livestock demic program and the most The Speaker stressed that the ugees, sustainable development fields during the meeting. important courses it provides. discussions also showed that any and nuclear disarmament, to The Minister also met with The visit also focused on dis- attempts to weaken this system name a few. The hearing focused Catherine Jesselin-Lanel, the cussing bilateral cooperation or question its importance will on attracting parliamentarians’ candidate of France and the in the military academic field, only result in more instability and attention to issues of multilater- European Union, for the post of and ways to develop educa- mistrust, adding that multilater- alism in addressing global issues Director General of the Food and tion in that regard. QNA alism is the only treatment of the and global phenomena and advo- Agriculture Organization of the international problems facing the cating for the role of parliaments United Nations (FAO). President of Srpska world, stressing the importance and parliamentarians in urging The Paris International Agri- meets Qatar’s envoy of adhering to the multilateral their governments to attach cultural Show provides access agenda, and developing it. importance to multilateral col- to the latest developments and SARAJEVO: President The Speaker reviewed some lective action through the UN, as technologies in the fields of agri- Zeljka Cvijanovic of the of principles that must be considered an effective measure, instead of cultural and animal wealth, as Republic of Srpska, one of in the context of this development, individual, bilateral and regional well as the acquisition of more the two entities of Bosnia including the need to adhere to processes and procedures. expertise and increased trade and Herzegovina, has met French President Emmanuel Macron meeting Minister of Municipality the principles of global leadership, Permanent Representative of exchange opportunities among with the Ambassador of the and Environment H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie shared responsibility and col- Qatar to the UN Ambassador, H E participating countries. State of Qatar to Bosnia and lective action, emphasis that the Sheikha Alya Ahmed bint Saif Al A number of French and at the 56th Paris International Agricultural Show 2019. Herzegovina, Sultan bin Ali multilateral system should not Thani, and a number of the Shura international companies spe- Al Khater. They discussed the involve any threat to the sover- Council members attended the cialised in the field of agriculture exhibition. A number of min- academics and businessmen also bilateral relations. QNA eignty or national interests of closing session. and food are taking part in the isters and senior officials, attending the event. SC and WCM-Q embrace latest Qatar-Kuwait relations hailed technology to boost workers’ health FROM PAGE 1 On Qatar and Kuwait rela- THE PENINSULA existing health screening and emphasis on sharing information tions, Al Ajmi said the Kuwait’s DOHA medical care delivery for workers. about healthy lifestyle behaviour relationship with the people of Mahmoud Qutub, Executive and nutrition will enhance the Qatar dates back to the ages much State-of-the-art health moni- Director of the SC’s Workers’ ability of workers to optimise their before sixteenth century, and not toring technologies will be Welfare Department, said: “We own health, both here in Qatar only within the framework of deployed to track and support the are delighted to continue our and when they return to their official relations as is known in wellbeing of workers on Qatar engagement with the renowned home countries.” international relations or mutual 2022 construction projects in the team of experts at WCM-Q. Pro- The project will also incor- interests. “We in Kuwait thank the next phase of a program delivered tecting the health of our workers porate lessons learned from the State of Qatar for its participation by the Supreme Committee for is of paramount importance to the field assessments, provide nutri- in the national celebrations of the Delivery & Legacy (SC) in part- SC, and this innovative project will tional advice, video-based training State of Kuwait, whether in Doha nership with Weill Cornell further enhance our capacity to resources, and give workers or Kuwait, which includes many Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q). do that. This initiative is part of our access to nutritionists and relevant great and distinguished events A team of experts from the broader suite of health and safety information in their languages. that are being held under the Kuwait’s Ambassador to Qatar, Hafeez bin Mohammed Al Ajmi. globally renowned medical uni- initiatives and complements the Dr Shahrad Taheri, Professor slogan ‘Kuwait our home country’. versity will use evidence-based recent decision by the SC to of Medicine and Assistant Dean Also the gift by the State of monitoring technology solutions mandate the comprehensive for Clinical Investigations, who Qatar to the State of Kuwait and markets and its prices.” ability of the Qatari leadership and to undertake a three-year field medical screenings for all is leading the WCM-Q expert its people on its national day cel- About the volume of trade the organizers of the 2022 FIFA assessment for construction workers, currently being carried team added: “Our collaborative ebrations in the form of celebra- exchange, the Ambassador said World Cup to organize the mega workers on SC sites. out by the Qatar Red Crescent.” work aims to identify health tions being marked under theme that the bilateral investments sporting event in its best form.” Hi-tech devices will be used Health indicators such as body issues and physiological chal- ‘Kuwait and Qatar - One People’, exceeded $7bn in both the public The Ambassador also men- to monitor key health indicators weight, smoking status, muscle lenges in workers early on so we reflects the cohesion of the and private sectors in both coun- tioned that there is a great coop- such as heart rate and rhythm, strength, sleep duration and can put systems in place to peoples of the Gulf and empha- tries. “The two countries wit- eration between the two countries blood sugar levels, blood pressure, mental health will also be address these in a timely and sises the cohesion among the nessed strong growth in trade in the field of education and mil- body temperature and hydration, screened. The modern technology effective manner. people of the Gulf, which was exchange. The two chambers itary fields, in addition to the par- in order to identify individuals at and remote monitoring devices “Using technology will allow manifested in the participation of agreed to establish a joint ticipation of various departments risk and ensure preventive will allow the screening program scaling up of health monitoring the State of Qatar and the State of business council to promote of the Qatari military forces in the measures and care systems are to be scaled to cover larger quickly and efficiently. The work Kuwait. “The people of Kuwait cooperation between private joint exercises held in Kuwait. put in place. number of workers in the future. will have a strong legacy and can consider Qatar their second home sectors in both countries.” “Similarly, the Kuwaiti Armed The first phase of the initiative, Dr Javaid I Sheikh, Dean of play a role in further enhancing country,” he said adding, “We “In the end of 2018, the Forces are participating in exer- carried out in 2018, involved SC WCM-Q, said: “We are delighted health and welfare programs have seen the State of Qatar as one volume of trade with Qatar grew cises held in Qatar.” and WCM-Q partnering to to continue our engagement with across Qatar where large-scale of the top tourist destinations of by QR2.8bn (about $770m) and He added: “We are proud of conduct health checks for con- the SC and commend the forward- construction projects are the Kuwaiti tourists. Also Kuwait the number of Kuwaiti com- the presence of many of Kuwaitis struction workers, providing thinking efforts of the organi- underway. The collaboration is has always been a favorite desti- panies operating in Qatar who are studying here in Qatar health awareness and training sation. The use of hi-tech health a unique opportunity to make nation for Qataris as it is close to increased by 34% in 2018 com- in various universities in Qatar, campaigns, and working with monitoring systems places this an impact on improving the lives them geographically and cul- pared to 2017,” he said. and we encourage our sons and caterers to optimise the nutritional project at the forefront of global of workers and building on the turally. Kuwait has become one About the 2022 FIFA World daughters from both countries value of workers’ meals. This efforts to protect the health of welfare initiatives successfully of the most important markets in Cup, the Ambassador said: “We to study in the other country,” work also sets the standards for workers, while the continued implemented by the SC.” the region due to diversity of its confirm our confidence in the he said. 04 HOME SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 Sierra Leone President meets Attorney-General Qatar non-oil exports at QR1.6bn in January 2019 THE PENINSULA QR104.654m (6.47 percent). India European countries (including DOHA ranked fifth with exports Turkey) and 15 Asian countries amounting to QR92.719m (5.74 except for the Arab countries and Qatar’s non-oil exports reached percent of the total value of 12 African countries except for the QR1.6bn in January 2019, non-oil exports in January. Arab countries and two North recording a decrease of 23 percent The monthly report of the American countries. According to compared to QR2.1bn for the Chamber on foreign trade for the the QC report, France, Bangladesh, corresponding month last year private sector, prepared by the Sweden, Indonesia and China (January 2018), according to a Department of Research, Studies were also some of the important report released by Qatar Chamber and Management of Member destinations of Qatari exports of (QC), the country’s largest and Affairs said that 2,883 certificates non-hydrocarbon products, and oldest private industry represent- of origin were issued during last the first ten countries accounted ative entity. January, including 2,709 issued for 87.49 percent of total non-oil According to the report, Oman documented while 174 issued exports in the month, said the topped the list of non-oil exporting online. They include 2,629 general report. countries in January 2019 with the model certificates, 106 unified On the other hand, the Group total exports at QR625.733m, rep- certificates for the GCC countries of GCC countries (Oman and resenting 38.69 percent of the (industrial), 125 unified Arab cer- Kuwait) topped the blocs and the total value of non-oil exports tificates of origin and 23 certifi- economic groups receiving the during the month, followed by cates of origin for preferences. Qatari non-oil exports during Turkey with total exports of The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, met yesterday with the Attorney-General The report pointed to the trend January 2019 with total exports QR130.455m, or 8.06 percent. of non-oil exports to 55 countries amounting to about QR636.733m, of Qatar, H E Dr Ali bin Fetais Al Marri, who is also the UN Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption. Singapore stood at third place during January 2019, with 11 Arab then the group of Asian countries During the meeting, they discussed prospects for cooperation in the implementation of the contents of with QR126.564m, or 7.83 percent, countries, including the Gulf Coop- excluding Arab countries with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. followed by Germany eration Council countries and 15 exports worth about QR473.254m. QIIB honours winners of AFC Asian Cup

THE PENINSULA by Jamal Abdullah Al Jamal, QIIB DOHA Deputy CEO; Ali Hamad Al Mesaifri, Head (Human QIIB celebrated some of its Resources and Administration); clients who are among the stars Zakaria Jallawi, Head (Retail of Al-Adam, winner of the 2019 Sector) and a number of other AFC Asian Cup, and who senior executives. honoured the Qatari and Arab Welcoming the players, Dr football and raised the name of Al Shaibei, said, “QIIB is proud Qatar high, in the presence of of the Asian Cup champions who bank’s Chief Executive Officer, brought us joy and we are hon- Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei. oured to have some of them as Players Tarek Salman, Khalid our clients. QIIB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei, with other officials and players, cutting a cake during a ceremonyo t Hassan, Abdul Aziz Hatem, They proved that willpower, honour the winners of AFC Asian Cup 2019. Akram Afif, Saad Al Sheeb and determination, hard work, Ali Afif were guest of honour at courage and bravery are the country, which is thriving and throughout the world”. play its role in corporate social The celebrated players a ceremony hosted by QIIB’s country’s best qualities that flourishing under the leadership Dr. Al Shaibei said, “In fact, responsibility and support all thanked QIIB for honouring them Executive Management, as they Al-Adam carried as a clear of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin we are unable to fully express activities that provide added and affirmed that their efforts as are clients worthy of all recog- message to the world by winning Hamad Al Thani”. our gratitude to these wonderful value to the Qatari community. part of the national team are a nition and appreciation. the Asian Cup”. He noted, “Our celebration young men who proved once There is no doubt that our deep duty and one that raises the “It was a significant accom- “By winning the Asian Cup today of Al-Adam players is a again that sports can be trans- belief in supporting sports stems name of their country high. It is plishment for our champions despite the circumstances that simple expression of appreci- lated into achievements, gener- from its importance, great impact a cherished goal for every player who won the most important accompanied this victory, ation for a group of citizens who osity, passion, patriotism, dedi- and message that transcends the and every citizen. championship in Qatar’s football Al-Adam brought joy and pride have made exceptional efforts cation and ideals to the ambi- borders and barriers between Players interacted with QIIB history, forever carving the name to every Qatari who are really with their teammates to raise tious youth who wish to serve nations and peoples as it is a officials and shared with them of Qatar in the history of the passionate about his / her the name of our dear country their country and raise its name message of dialogue, interaction, the experiences they had and Asian Football,” QIIB noted. country as well as every resident high, a great accomplishment among nations”. love and honest and fair challenges they faced during the The ceremony was attended of Qatar and person who love our that has resonated widely He stressed “QIIB is keen to competition”. highly successful AFC Asian Cup. European Parliament urged to send fact-finding mission to Saudi

FROM PAGE 1 Qatar was committed to dialogue and promising to do so. She added that she negotiations since the beginning of the will not return to the UAE because offi- He said that Saudi authorities were crisis, stressing that the region has suf- cials there did not discuss that prospect legally responsible for the fate of the fered from many wars and does not with them. She stressed that they three Qatari citizens, adding that the need more crises that civilians end up penalized the people and not just the NHRC will not remain silent on the paying the price for. government of Qatar. issue and will take all the legal and Dr Wafaa Al Yazidi meanwhile dis- The MPs said that they were ready judicial measures to release the three cussed her suffering as a result of the to act immediately to take effective citizens in question. He added that the blockade, saying she travelled from measures that would put an end to the way those citizens were arrested was the U.S. specifically to share her story suffering of the victims of the blockade, in clear violation of human rights and with European Parliament. She said highlighting that hearings had made international law. that her children are Bahraini nationals them understand what had happened. He concluded by saying that it is who lived with her in Europe and They also stressed their readiness to no longer possible to remain silent experienced what it was like to enjoy work to support Qatar, press to lift the when facing Saudi Arabia’s human freedom without discrimination. She blockade imposed on it, and take rights violations, calling on the inter- added that her life turned upside down effective and strong measures to end national community to move imme- following the blockade, and called on the suffering of the victims. diately to end those serious violations the European Parliament to do what European Parliament MP Isabella by Saudi Arabia and all the blockading it can to move children away from De Monte said that they can no longer countries. Qatar’s Ambassador to political conflicts. stand silent to the humanitarian vio- Belgium Abdulrahman bin Mohammed For her part, Qatari student lations resulting from the blockade Al Khulaifi said that holding hearings for Jawaher Mohammed Al Meer shared enforced on Qatar, stressing that the victims of the blockade helps creating a with the session her struggle after she parliament will move to help the real understanding of the blockade crisis was kicked out of Sorbonne University victims of the blockade. She stressed that faces Qatar. His Excellency said that Abu Dhabi after political ties with that their better understanding of what many MPs expressed their shock at what Qatar were severed. She criticized the is happening in Qatar will help them they heard. UAE for not carrying out the verdict of act, praising Al Yazidi as a courageous The Ambassador stressed that the International Justice Court despite woman. QC aid for flood-hit Syrians in Lebanon

THE PENINSULA / DOHA

Qatar Charity has provided relief aid for flood affected Syrians in Lebanon in coordination with the Union of Relief and Development Associations. The flood of the Litani River, which overflowed for the third time in a month, caused confusion in Syrian refugee camps along the Beqaa Valley, particularly Deir Zanoun, Marj and Bar Elias. Many refugee families were displaced after the floods engulfed their tents, causing damage to them. Qatar Charity’ field team dis- tributed prefabricated houses, caravans and tents, which were equipped with urgent supplies, heating fuel and firewood, with the support of the UNHCR and local authorities. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 05 384 students take part in QIB’s Holy Quran contest

THE PENINSULA Al Baker also praised DOHA QIB’s sponsorship of the contest and as For the second consecutive year, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has well as the Bank’s sponsored a Holy Quran reci- important role in tation contest, which was promoting such organised by Ahmed Bin valuable initiatives Mohamed Secondary School for Boys. that empower The contest was under the students and develop supervision of the Ministry of skills that will be Education and Higher Education useful to them in partnership with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. throughout their life. A total of 384 students par- ticipated from 134 schools, both male and female and from students to learn the correct rec- various age groups. Fawzia Al itation of the Holy Quran, as Khater, Assistant Under-Sec- well as develop students’ skills retary for Educational Affairs of in its vocal performance. the Ministry of Education and Al Baker also praised QIB’s Higher Education, honoured the sponsorship of the contest and winning students during a cer- as well as the Bank’s important emony at the Ministry. role in promoting such valuable During his speech at the cer- initiatives that empower stu- emony, Hassan Al Baker, Head- dents and develop skills that will The officials of QIB with the winners of the Holy Quran recitation contest organised by Ahmed Bin Mohamed Secondary School for ys.Bo master of Ahmed Bin Mohamed be useful to them throughout Secondary School, expressed the their life. pride his school holds for organ- Commenting on the spon- in educational programmes is which is faithful to its religion Ministry of Education to support other social programmes. The ising the contest for the second sorship of the event, Hassan part of our corporate social and proud of its Islamic values.” similar programs.” Since QIB’s Bank views this as an integral consecutive year, in cooperation Sultan Al Noaimi, QIB’s Assistant responsibility which is aligned He added: “We are pleased establishment in 1982, it has part of its mission and role in with Al Falah Primary School for General Manager — Personal with the social objectives of with the large participation in taken key roles in supporting the local community. The Bank Girls. Banking Group, said: “QIB’s Qatar National Vision 2030. this contest from students. QIB social activities in various also recently won Dar Al Sharq He stated that the purpose sponsorship of the Holy Quran This sponsorship contributes to is committed to strengthening sectors such as education, Award for the best Bank CSR of the contest is to encourage recitation contest and support building a gifted generation the cooperation with the health, sport, environment, and programme in Qatar. Over 1,200 benefit from HMC’s Postnatal Ooredoo updates Mobile Broadband packs THE PENINSULA three Mobile Broadband Arabic content in full HD and 4K. Midwifery Home Care Programme DOHA Unlimited data packs based on Speaking about the offer, their needs. Mobile Broadband Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, Ooredoo announced yesterday Unlimited Lite priced at QR250, Director PR and Corporate Com- it has updated its Mobile Mobile Broadband Unlimited munications at Ooredoo, said: Broadband packs to provide Standard at QR350 and Mobile “We’re delighted to be able to faster speeds and even more Broadband Unlimited MAX at offer our valued customers these value for money, offering QR500. updated Mobile Broadband customers more flavours of On top of that all customers packs, ensuring they can surf our unlimited packs to appeal to also enjoy a free Starzplay sub- Supernet at phenomenal speeds everyone. scription until June 31, 2019. right from the start with no lim- The new packs offer access Starzplay is an on-demand itations. We know superior to the Supernet at phenomenal entertainment service that offers service is hugely important to speeds from day one without over 10,000 hours of the best them, and we’re rightfully proud compromises, with up to 500GB Hollywood movies, documen- of our market-leading Unlimited data allowance at full speed. taries, children’s entertainment, Mobile Broadband packs and the Customers can choose one of our same-day-as-the-US series, and super-speed service we offer.”

Sister Haila Swaid Salim, Executive Director of Nursing, WWRC, with the team of Postnatal Midwifery Home Care Programme of Hamad Medical Corporation.

THE PENINSULA The programme, which is the first-of-its-kind DOHA in Qatar, is based on international best practice Since a pilot Postnatal Midwifery and adapted to support the local community. It Home Care Programme for new aims to provide postpartum care to women and mothers was launched at Hamad their babies within the comfort of their own Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Women’s Wellness and home in the days or weeks following the birth Research Center last year, more of their baby. than 1,200 new mothers and their babies have benefited from in improved patient outcomes. and supporting the safe early the service. We have been able to assist discharge of new mothers and The programme, which is women who were experiencing their babies, Sister Salim said the the first-of-its-kind in Qatar, is post-delivery complications to program has helped reduce hos- based on international best get timely and appropriate pital readmission rates through practice and adapted to support referrals to specialist care and the early identification of com- the local community. we have also helped new plications and prompt referral It aims to provide post- mothers navigate the various of patients to appropriate com- partum care to women and their care services available to them,” munity health service providers, babies within the comfort of noted Sister Salim. including mobile doctors. their own home in the days or She said the midwives are She said the programme has weeks following the birth of supporting mothers and their also resulted in reduced inci- their baby. While there are plans newborns to safely transition dence of postpartum infections to expand the service, it is cur- from hospital to home by iden- by providing reassessment of rently only available to new tifying and preventing many C-section wounds and follow- mothers who have a high-risk common maternal and newborn up instruction on wound care. pregnancy or caesarian delivery. health issues. She said the home According to Sister Salim, “A key feature of the service visits can also help boost new the programme has been well is providing important infor- moms’ confidence, especially received by patients, with one mation to new mothers, identi- with first-time mothers. Qatari mother who was strug- fying when additional support “The program is doing gling to breast-feed and who is needed, and intervening when exactly what it was intended to had a newborn with infant required. Our team, of four mid- do, which is helping new jaundice praising the knowledge wives, conducts an average of mothers address many of the of the midwives. 200 visits per month, with eight common issues encountered Another new mother who to ten visits each day,” said during the early postpartum used the service said it alleviated Sister Haila Swaid Salim, Exec- period by tailoring the care to many of her concerns and gave utive Director of Nursing, each patient. her more confidence in her own WWRC. The use of a postnatal care abilities. Sister Salim says during the pathway has been shown to be The topic of Understanding post-partum period new the best way of providing indi- and Advancing Patient Safety mothers and their newborns are vidualized care for mothers and at Home will be featured in a vulnerable, both physically and babies, according to interna- learning session at the emotionally. She says providing tional guidelines by the World upcoming Middle East Forum support during this time can Health Organization and the on Quality and Safety in help in the early detection and UK-based NICE programme Healthcare. diagnosis of postnatal (National Institute of Clinical The session will be jointly complications. Excellence),” said Sister Salim. presented on Sunday, March 24, “The early detection of post- In addition to increasing by Dr. Tejal Gandhi, Dr. Hanadi natal complications has resulted patient satisfaction Al Hamad, and Nadya Al Anzi. 06 HOME SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 HBKU event discusses Green Sukuk QNL workshop offers THE PENINSULA sheds light on how green sukuk Finance and Economy program; health advice for women DOHA could serve as a sustainable Dr. Ali Al Quradaghi, Sharia response to climate change, scholar; Eng. Meshal Al Shamari, The College of Islamic Studies helping Qatar to mitigate the director of the Qatar Green (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa effects of this global environ- Building Council; Irfan Aleem University (HBKU) has been mental phenomenon, and fulfil Qureshi, Chief Economist at the hosting a series of public events its Qatar National Vision 2030 Ministry of Economy and Com- to engage the local community and SDG objectives.” merce; and Karin Eberle, director in discussions on progressive The next public symposium, of environmental consulting and concepts in Islamic finance. Circular Economy: Sharia, Eco- business development at LL As part of the series, CIS nomic and Practical Perspec- Bolagen. hosted a public lecture, Green tives, will draw the link between CIS regularly host public lec- Sukuk and the Climate Change Sharia and financial practices tures and conferences to Challenge, on February 20 and and negatively affecting the that need to be tailored to mit- promote a deeper understanding examined how the financing United Nations’ Sustainable igate wasteful, linear of the various aspects of Islam mode can drive greener Development Goals (SDGs), and economies. among the wider community, economies. new approaches in redirecting Continuing the conversation, including within contemporary The Green Sukuk lecture, financing to environmentally the Circular Economy sym- fields such as finance, art, archi- presented by Dr. Dalal Aassouli friendly projects. posium will bring together dis- tecture, and global affairs. (pictured), assistant professor Speaking about the event, Dr. tinguished speakers of varying The Circular Economy public and programme coordinator for Aassouli said: “The environ- specialisations to share their per- symposium will take place on A workshop in progress during the QNL event. the Master of Science in Islamic mental and socio-economic spectives on Shari’a and sus- February 27 from 7pm until 9pm Finance Program at CIS, implications of climate change tainable finance. at the Auditorium, Minaretein examined the effects of climate are far-reaching, and are thus a The panel includes Dr. Tar- (formerly College of Islamic THE PENINSULA “I received detailed answers change on Qatar, how environ- crucial topic on the global devel- iqullah Khan, professor and Studies building). The lecture will DOHA to my questions at the workshop. mental challenges are directly opment agenda. The lecture coordinator of the PhD in Islamic be held in English. The speaker had full knowledge Participants learned about the of the topics. It was also a chance impact of women’s health and for me to share thoughts with well-being on their role in the other participants and learn from QAC bags ‘FUSO community during the recent their experience,” said Amra workshop at Qatar National Yasmin, a participant at the event. General Distributor Library (QNL). Another participant, Khadija Dr. Sahar Al-Ani, consultant Islow, a university student, said: in obstetrics and gynaecology at “It was beneficial for me to of the Year’ award the Middle East Healthcare attend this workshop, and Complex, shared valuable advice learned new topics about in Mideast & Africa with attendees of all ages on women’s health. The attendees how to best manage and came from different back- THE PENINSULA overcome common health chal- grounds, which made the event DOHA lenges in Qatar. even more useful.”

Qatar Automobiles Company (QAC), the authorised general distributor of FUSO in 150 students take part in Friends Qatar, and part of NBK Group; has been awarded ‘FUSO General Distributor of the of Environment Center campaign Year’ at the Daimler Commercial Vehicles Conference Middle East & Africa 2019 that QNA Raudat Wadi Lusail and was held earlier this month. DOHA explaining the importance of The awards recognises the dealers of The officials during the award ceremony. Qatari plants and ways to pre- FUSO in the Middle East in appreciation of The Friends of the Environment serve them. their hard work and commitment to the Center yesterday organised a Chairman of the Board of FUSO brand and customers. demonstrates our customer’s confidence and taining this relation in the future”. comprehensive environmental Friends of the Environment During the awards ceremony, Ewen trust in our products. Sebastien Henry, General Manager of campaign at Raudat Wadi Lusail Center Farhood Al Hajri said that Baxter General Manager for Commercial This award will motivate us to work even FUSO ME & Africa stated: “Over the past entitled “Our Environment Our preserving and protecting the Vehicles at NBK received in behalf of QAC harder to maintain this achievement in the years, Qatar Automobiles Company have Future” on the occasion of the environment is everyone respon- the trophy from Sebastien Henry, General following years, and enhance our strong rela- recorded outstanding results and showed celebration of the Environment sibility, pointing out that the rela- Manager of FUSO ME and Africa, who tionship with FUSO, one which is built on high capabilities of putting FUSO products Day of Qatar on February 26 each tionship between environment acknowledged their excellence in promoting confidence and mutual respect. We will stay on the top. year. and the human being is reciprocal FUSO in the market and their position as committed to 2030 Qatar National Vision This award is a recognition of their effort The campaign was organised relationship, and that duties market leader in Qatar’s Light Duty segment. and effectively contribute to the economic and role of making FUSO the reliable choice in cooperation with the Agricul- towards the environment do not The award ceremony was held alongside development in Qatar”. of companies and to acknowledge their lead- tural Affairs Department at the stop at the limit of the legal obli- the main conference, which featured a Hisham Al Sahn, General Manager, Qatar ership in the region”. Ministry of Municipality and Envi- gation, but reflects morality. diverse and dynamic group of keynotes’ Automobiles Company said: “This prestigious Qatar Automobiles Company, the ronment , the Qatari Society of Al Al Hajri said that Qatar’s envi- speakers and was also attended by a selection award from FUSO reiterates our premium authorised distributor of Mitsubishi FUSO in Gannas (Sniper Association), the ronment and its objectives include of the Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA position among the dealers in the region. Qatar, continues to supply the Qatari market Jamiliya Girls’ Centre and Al- identifying individuals’ responsi- senior management team, including Pres- Qatar Automobiles Company has the highest with buses and light trucks that are widely Jamiliya Youth Center, with the bility for their environment as the ident & CEO, Kay-Wolf Ahlden. market share in the segment of light duty recognised as durable, reliable and participation of foreign commu- only way to make the envi- Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani, Auto- trucks, accompanied by high-quality after- affordable. The FUSO trucks are well-suited nities and public and private ronment of Qatar an opportunity motive Operations Director at Nasser Bin sales services that give the customers the to meet the demands and requirements of schools. for all members of the Qatari Khaled Group said: “It is an honour to receive utmost care and top priority. various business sectors and provide services The campaign, in which 150 community to contribute to the such a prestigious award from FUSO. It is a This award is a result of our company’s for passenger and staff transport, commercial students have participated, benefit of their environment and true indication of our position in the light effort and the big support we always receive operations and various other kinds of included planting trees in the to spread a culture of responsi- truck segment in the Middle East and from FUSO and we look forward to main- business. Qatari environment, cleaning bility towards them. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 07 Doha Bank honours schools leading green initiatives THE PENINSULA The ECO-Schools project, Shantiniketan Indian DOHA programme encourages School for the ‘Save Greenery’ students of all ages project, Doha Modern Indian Doha Bank, one of the largest and abilities to work School for the ‘Go Green and private commercial banks in Save Nature’ project, Philippine Qatar, announced the 7th edition together and is designed International School Qatar - of its annual ECO-Schools to empower and inspire High School for the ‘Sustaina- Program Awards yesterday. The young children to make bility @PISQ’ project and awarding ceremony recognised positive environmental Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha students and schools in Qatar changes to their school for the ‘Keep the planet CLEAN, that play an active role in while building on their by going GREEN’ project. addressing environmental issues The following four schools and implementing sustainable key skills including were recognised under the practices. numeracy and literacy ‘Waste Management’ category, The ECO-Schools pro- and encompassing Doha British School for the gramme encourages students of Education for Sustainable ‘Bottle Cap Collection’ project, Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R Seetharaman along with guests, officials and the award winners. all ages and abilities to work Development. Olive International School for together and is designed to the ‘Working to Build Zero Waste empower and inspire young Community’ project, Birla Public School for the ‘DPS MIS Water among students and other sec- Chief Retail Banking Officer said, children to make positive envi- creativity and innovation of their School for the ‘Beat Plastic Pol- Management’ project. tions of the society. The annual “Doha Bank commitment to envi- ronmental changes to their students in successfully com- lution’ project and Philippine In addition, under the ‘Energy ECO-Schools Programme is a true ronment sustainability and live- school while building on their pleting their green projects as International School Qatar - Ele- Saving’ category, Bhavan’s Public testimony to our unrelenting lihood are key pillars of the key skills including numeracy part of the ECO-Schools mentary for the ‘Waste Man- School was acknowledged for the resolve to encourage schools to Bank’s CSR policy. This along with and literacy and encompassing Program. agement’ project. ‘Save today survive tomorrow’ reduce their carbon footprint and Qatar vision 2030 Environmental Education for Sustainable For the ‘Environmental Under the ‘Water Man- project. empower students to contribute Development to reduce the Development. Health’ category, the awards agement’ category, the awards Dr R Seetharaman, Group towards the well-being of the carbon footprint and developing The ECO-Schools Program were presented to 6 schools, Al- were received by Gheras Inter- CEO of Doha Bank, said: “As an environment.” greenery, highlights the Bank’s Awards presented to 14 schools Ahnaf Bin Qais Independent national School for the ‘GIS Water organization committed to Ivonne A Baki, Ambassador effort in undertaking partnerships in Qatar across four categories School for the ‘Environmental Conservation Program’ project, adopting sustainable practices of the Republic of Ecuador to with schools to implement the at a glittering ceremony at Doha Health, a great wealth’ project, Rajagiri Public School for the across its operations, Doha Bank Qatar was the Chief Guest of the ECO-Schools project that have a Bank’s headquarters. The Pakistan International School ‘Elixir of life, The future is safe’ has been at the forefront of pro- programme. real impact on the society at awards acknowledged the Qatar for the ‘Green House’ project, and DPS-Modern Indian moting environmental education Braik Ali H S Al Marri, Acting large.” QFBA launches certification program in digital marketing

THE PENINSULA partner of choice for all DOHA training and development needs, QFBA has brought a new Taking its league of leading certification for new age mar- financing and business courses keting professionals and digital forward, Qatar Finance & marketers.” Business Academy has “In this day and age of fast announced the launch of its changing economy, measurable latest certification program, marketing ROI is becoming ‘Certified Digital Marketing increasingly important and the Professional’. shift to digital marketing is on Officials with players during the conclusion of Aspire Academy’s Tri-Series tournament. This is the first of its kind the rise,” he said. course being launched in Qatar This is the first of its kind “Today digital marketing is to ace the digital marketing course being launched in becoming one of the best assets Aspire Academy concludes Tri-Series tournament skills. ‘Certified Digital Mar- Qatar to ace the digital for MCC department in main keting Professional’ is an marketing skills. ‘Certified corporates in Qatar.” THE PENINSULA opportunities to train with major Abdullah Al Ayoub was crowned important international Digital Marketing The new short program also DOHA clubs and teams from around the the best goalkeeper and Faisal accreditation by the Digital Professional’ is an falls in line with our mission to globe as well as compete against Al Mukahal the best overall Marketing Institute for mar- support Qatar National Vision Aspire Academy last week a wide range of opponents in player. keters seeking to develop in important international 2030,” he added. concluded the second Tri-Series order to instil a healthy, com- Speaking after the tour- their careers and achieve mar- accreditation by the The program is suitable for football tournament of the 2018 petitive spirit in players. nament, Aspire U-14 coach, keting growth in their Digital Marketing all professionals of all levels – 2019 season. The tournament The second Tri-Series tour- Oscar Garro said, “This tour- organisations. Institute for marketers and disciplines and will featured under-13 and under-14 nament ran from February 17 to nament is a good challenge for This training solution con- seeking to develop in prepare them to take up a more year-old players from Aspire 20. The tournament saw the us to evaluate our performance tains 10 modules that cover all their careers and achieve specialised role within the Academy, Kuwait’s U-13/14 three teams take part in a and know where we stand the disciplines involved in best overall marketing domain. national team and FC Dynamo number of hotly contested because we have a set target for practice: Digital Marketing marketing growth in their The course is ideal for Kyiv from Ukraine. games that featured a range of players and the team in general Foundation; Website Optimi- organisations. anyone involved in the The tournament aims to contrasting styles. that we wish to fulfil in a few zation; Content Marketing; planning, implementation or develop the professionalism of In the U-14 category, FC years.” Social Media Marketing; SEO; faculty with extensive expertise measurement of digital the young student-athletes at Dynamo Kyiv clinched victory Aspire Academy has installed Paid search; Display and Video provided by international strategies. Aspire Academy and helps build after defeating the teams from “Football Skills Development Advertising; Email Marketing; partner Morgan. Through dynamic lectures, the characteristics required of Aspire Academy and Kuwait. Centers” (FSDC) throughout Analytics; and Digital Strategy. On the launch of this short case studies and small group future champions, encouraging Dmytro Kosach was crowned the Doha for boys between 6 and 11 The program is instructor- program, Dr Mohammed discussions, participants will players to follow in the footsteps best goalkeeper while midfielder years of age. From the age of 8 led, with interactive online pro- Abdulla Al Emadi (pictured), be able to acquire the latest of the Aspire Academy graduates Yevhenii Mykytivk selected the years onwards, the most prom- grams and provides a mixture Head of Sales & Marketing, methods, techniques and tools that triumphed in the 2019 AFC best player of the tournament. ising boys are identified and of blended learning. QFBA, said: “In line with Qatar for improving their respective Asian Cup earlier this month. In the U-13 category, the invited to join “Aspire Feeder This 10-day short course Finance and Business Acad- organisations’ digital marketing Aspire Academy provides its national team from Kuwait Groups” in which they are pre- will be taught by international emy’s vision to become the and brand building efforts. student-athletes with a range of claimed the winner’s trophy. pared to join the Academy. Over 40 people participate in training programme for people with special needs

THE PENINSULA DOHA

The Qatar Society for the Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs has concluded a training programme for people with special needs. The four day programme entitled ‘skills of self-management and personality devel- opment and positive thinking and behaviour development for people with disabilities’ was held at the headquarters of the Society. Over 40 trainees from people with special needs, parents and specialists from a number of institutions working in this sector including the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), the Rawa Consultancy Center at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Sha- fallah Center for Persons with Disabilities of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, and a number of activists in the field of disability. Dr Mamdouh Riad, a qualified trainer con- sultant delivered lectures during the training sessions. Amir Al Mulla, Executive Director of the Qatar Society for the Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs honoured the lec- turer and the trainees the session and pre- sented them with certificates of participation at the conclusion ceremony. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 Trump steps back from the ESTABLISHED IN 1996 brink of disaster in Syria CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR JOSH ROGIN MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED THE WASHINGTON POST [email protected] n Thursday evening, Pres- ident Donald Trump sud- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR denly changed his Syria MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI Opolicy, for the better. The [email protected] president’s decision to leave at least 200 US troops there is the first sign that a post-caliphate strategy is emerging to make sure that the Islamic State doesn’t return, that the Turks don’t slaughter the Kurds and that Iran doesn’t take over the entire EDITORIAL country. There’s still a long way to go before the emerging plan to avoid disaster in Syria becomes a reality. Of course, Inclusive education system Trump deserved criticism for the way he handled the issue over the past few atar has established an education system that com- weeks - tweeting about a full US with- plies with the highest standards of international drawal without so much as consulting Qeducational systems. And school is an important his top military advisers. But if the element of country’s economy. The Ministry of Education president now agrees with most of his and Higher Education recently gave green signal to some officials and Congress that a total schools to run a two-shift system from the new academic withdrawal with no plan for what year (2019-20), starting from April this year. comes next is reckless and unwise, The Ministry’s preparations for the new season reflects there are grounds for hope. the commitment of the country’s leadership to education, The next step is to go back to as it is an important factor in realising Qatar National European countries and ask them to A man rides a scooter on a street during reported air strikes in the town of Khan Vision 2030 goals. The decision by the Ministry of Edu- up their troop commitments, as the cation and Higher Education to allow schools to operate rest of the 2,000 or so US forces in Sheikhun in the southern countryside of the Idlib province, yesterday. two shifts will create new job opportunities in country’s Syria depart. This is how an interna- education sector. Experts believe that new system will tional force could emerge to establish separate meeting where he asked Gen. The ranking Democrat on the provide a huge relief to students and will also solve the a “safe zone” on the Syrian side of the Curtis Scaparrotti, the commander of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, problem of shortage of seats for new students. Turkish border. It’s the plan that Sen. US forces in Europe, about the scheme Robert Menendez, D-N.J., told me Qatar has always been investing in education which Lindsey to leave 200 troops there. there’s very strong bipartisan anxiety promotes its human and knowledge capital. The State, Graham, “I said [to Scaparrotti], would a in Congress about withdrawing from through many initiatives, is also focusing on preserving R-S.C., spent couple of hundred of troops matter, Syria with no strategy in place. And national identity by promoting values of loyalty and last weekend make all the difference in the world? while most lawmakers favor the plan belonging and planting them in the youth. pitching in Do you think we could pull it off?” to build an international force, without The Ministry also recently Munich. Graham told us. at least some US troops, Europeans approved the requests of 28 Quietly, those “With this “Probably. I don’t have a better won’t sign on. private schools and kinder- around Trump are decision, idea,” Scaparrotti said, according to “If we are on the ground, we can gartens to increase their also trying to send President Graham. “If we leave, is it a s--- attract allies and finish the job,” tuition fees from three to 10 him a warning. If Trump has show?” Graham asked. Menendez said. “If [Trump] stays, percent for the academic year decided to “Big one,” Scaparrotti replied. there can be support, but if you leave The decision by 2019-20. “A total of 126 private there’s one Islamic follow sound Upon returning to Washington, and it goes bad, and you do it your the Ministry of schools and kindergartens, out State flag flying military Graham talked with Trump about the own way, you own it all.” Education and of 287 private schools and kin- over one Syrian advice,” idea as well as the need for European While it might seem as though Higher Education dergartens operating in the town in late 2020, Graham said countries to take back hundreds of Graham is freelancing, that’s not really country, applied seeking in a Thursday their citizens who joined the Islamic the case. He is working with adminis- to allow schools approval to increase the fees,” the president’s statement. State in Syria and are now held in tration officials and military officials, to operate said Hamad Al Ghali, Director reelection “This prisons run by the Kurdish Syrian who are also trying to persuade Trump two shifts will of Private Schools Licensing campaign could decision will Democratic Forces. (Trump tweeted to mitigate the Syria withdrawal to create new job Office at the Ministry of Edu- ensure that about that while we were in Munich.) avoid the worst outcomes. Graham is cation and Higher be in big trouble. we will not Graham previewed his pitch to the face of the operation, but he has a opportunities Education. But whatever his repeat the Trump, which included spelling out lot of internal support. in country’s After getting approval motivations, Trump mistakes of the risks for the president if he cuts In a sense, it’s classic Trump: education sector. from the Ministry, Olive Inter- made a good Iraq, in Syria. and runs from Syria (he would own Disrupt US foreign policy in a shocking national School announced For a small the disaster) vs. the benefits if he finds way and then have your people try to opening of registration and decision Thursday fraction of a way to get Europe to share the put it back together in a way that admissions from Grade 1 to 8 not to totally the forces we burden (he would avoid the disaster). addresses the promises Trump made for evening classes. The Ministry has also announced to abandon Syria. have had in “The Trump way is some of us, in the campaign, namely to roll back open the registration for the students of all grades in Now the ball is in Syria, we can most of them, and they do the American military adventurism and private schools and kindergartens for the academic year accomplish fighting,” Graham said. “That is a nar- share the burden of international 2019-20 from March 3, 2019 until October 17, 2019. Europe’s court. our national rative that shows he is a capable com- security with US allies. Qatar is witnessing rapid economic growth which is security mander in chief who can get results Quietly, those around Trump are attracting high number of skilled expatriates from across objectives. Well done Mr. President.” that eluded others.” also trying to send him a warning. If the globe. Qatar needs new schools and new initiatives to On the plan ride home from Back in Munich, I spoke with there’s one Islamic State flag flying create additional seats for new students. Realising the Munich, Graham told me and Breitbart several other lawmakers who told me over one Syrian town in late 2020, the growing demand for more schools and attract private News about this plan, including a con- that European nations were open to president’s reelection campaign could sector investment in the education sector, the Ministry of tentious meeting that he and other the idea (to varying degrees) of upping be in big trouble. But whatever his Education and Higher Education announced plans to build lawmakers had with acting defense their force presence inside Syria, but motivations, Trump made a good 45 schools in the coming years under public-private part- secretary Patrick Shanahan about US only if they could be sure that Trump decision Thursday not to totally nership. According to the plan, the first phase consisting policy on Syria. In that interview was going to leave at least some US abandon Syria. Now the ball is in of eight schools whose plots of land were allocated, are Sunday, Graham also told us about a forces there. Europe’s court. expected to be offered during the summer of 2021. The approved project system will include design, construction, finance, operation, maintenance of buildings and transfer of ownership of schools. Britain’s moderate mutiny is overdue Qatar has become an academic hub due to its inter- national reputation, its political, economic and social sta- BLOOMBERG such a brave stance at this point, but would be welcome. It could start with bility, richness and cultural diversity. Qatar is moving here we are. Nearly three years since a few plain truths: The Brexit process ahead to build a modern state that encourages education ll too late, the British political the referendum that set Britain’s has been a disaster, leaving the EU for all. system seems to be awak- departure from the European Union in without a deal would be grotesquely ening to the insoluble crises motion, there’s no consensus on what irresponsible, and progress begins by Aposed by Brexit. With negoti- Brexit should mean, no majority for ending the charade immediately by ations stalled and no obvious solution any available break-up deal, and no delaying the Article 50 process and QUOTE OF THE DAY at hand, both main parties are on the agreement on what the U.K.’s future starting anew. verge of historic break-ups. Squint and relationship with Europe should look Promisingly, many of the apostates you just might see some reasons for like. Without compromise, a crisis of have been outspoken supporters of a If major powers were optimism. some kind looks increasingly likely as second referendum, which remains allowed to intervene in This week, 11 legislators - three the exit date of March 29 approaches. the most responsible path out of this the region, countries from the Tories and eight from Labour A primary impediment to a deal is whole misguided project. A coherent - revolted from their parties to form a that no one can speak honestly about faction in Parliament that could forth- would face pressure to new centrist bloc, known as the Inde- Brexit. Both parties are split on the rightly defend the idea has been sorely stock up on weapons pendent Group. As the mild name sug- matter, and both are led by walking missing. and fight each other. gests, their broader agenda is one of contradictions. In Prime Minister Of course, this is leaping ahead of That would destabilise moderation, modesty and vague Theresa May, the Tories have a things. Eleven legislators out of 650 is broad-mindedness. They object to remainer who is singularly dedicated hardly a revolution. And so far, the Association of simmering fanaticism among their to leaving and dismissive of com- members of the new group have been Southeast Asia Nations. erstwhile colleagues, and share a promise. In Jeremy Corbyn, Labour thoroughly discreet about their goals; sense that the larger system is broken, has a lifelong euroskeptic who rejects in fact, they’ve said little at all about Mahathir Mohamad adrift and careening toward disaster. the only Brexit deal on offer yet can’t Brexit. What they have done, though, Malaysian Prime Minister Not coincidentally, they also specify any plausible alternatives. is take a stand on behalf of sanity and oppose Brexit. Into this puzzling void, a voting restraint. These days, that counts as Perhaps that shouldn’t count as bloc that could say what it means progress. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 OPINION 09 Even if Mueller’s probe concludes soon, things are far from over

redictions for when special Jonathan Meyer, a former Justice - significant enough that Mueller If Mueller has met his counsel Robert Mueller will Department senior official, said that, credited Flynn for his help in a mandate, what happens next? deliver his much-anticipated if the investigation is in fact ending, blacked-out portion of the Abramson said, “We always Preport to the attorney one reason is that Mueller may be document. assumed Mueller would prosecute general have yo-yoed between days bending over backward to stay At the time, former federal pros- any case brought during the and weeks. within the scope of his original ecutor Joyce White Vance said: investigation himself, but that was Two things are more definitive: mandate and make sure the probe “Flynn’s deal strongly implies there a presumption.” DEANNA PAUL In January, Mueller extended the doesn’t turn into a longer, more is more to come from Mueller. The Mueller has handed off cases THE WASHINGTON POST grand jury for an additional six wide-ranging investigation. memo, with its many redactions, to other prosecutors’ offices for months, and many pieces of the “He seems laser focused on his tells us something significant and months: Washington attorney probe will continue well past its con- assignment, which is to get to the important is coming, even though we Gregory Craig and Michael Cohen clusion, be it two weeks or two bottom of Russian involvement in don’t know exactly what it is.” were sent to the Southern District months from now. the 2016 election,” said Meyer, now a We still don’t know, Abramson of New York for federal prose- “Certain things can’t be wrapped partner at Sheppard Mullin. If Muel- said. No subsequent indictments can cutors to handle. Cases involving up yet,” said Seth Abramson, a ler’s learned everything there is to be linked to knowledge that in par- Tony Podesta and Vin Weber were former criminal defense attorney learn within his mandate, he may ticular Flynn would be privy to. also farmed out. Two things are more who is not involved in the probe and feel it’s time to wrap up. Up to this point there have also Former solicitor general Neal definitive: In January, has become popular for his online What is still outstanding? been no charges based on the Katyal, who drafted the special Mueller extended theories about President Donald Mueller issued a heavily redacted lengthy cooperation of George counsel regulations, said in a New the grand jury for an Trump and Russia. sentencing report on Michael Flynn Nader, the Lebanese American busi- York Times op-ed published There are uncharged crimes, out- in December. In it, Mueller outlined nessman who acted as an adviser to Thursday that “a short Mueller additional six months, standing subpoenas, pending coop- the former national security the United Arab Emirates. Last report would mark the end of the and many pieces eration agreements and unresolved, adviser’s “substantial assistance” in month, Mueller also re-extended a beginning, not the beginning of of the probe will possibly sealed cases, he said, which the Russia investigation and 19 sentencing hearing for Rick Gates, a the end.” would seem to be snipped in the meetings with federal prosecutors. top official to Manafort, and told the Katyal’s theory was that continue well past its middle if Mueller’s report was issued The memo was not shocking, court that Gates was still assisting Mueller viewed himself as the conclusion, be it two imminently. But if Mueller is about to although it confirmed that the inves- the special counsel in several chief architect of the investigation weeks or two months shut down the investigation, as a tigation was ongoing. It also revealed ongoing investigations. phase for a family of cases; he from now. slew of recent reports suggest, the that Flynn assisted in a mysterious, In several cases, additional infor- compared them to the internet, question is why. unrelated criminal investigation mation could still flow to prosecutors “with many different nodes, and - like the recently indicted Roger some of those nodes possess Stone, as well as Maria Butina, who potentially unlimited jurisdiction.” pleaded guilty in December, and her The report Muller submitted to boyfriend Paul Erickson, charged Attorney General William Barr will earlier this month. Even Trump’s detail not each witness’s testimony, former personal attorney, Michael but Mueller’s decision to indict or Cohen, and former campaign decline to indict the subjects of the manager, Paul Manafort, could investigation. He could file charges reveal new information after or unseal a large number of indict- sentencing. ments at the close of the investi- Abramson also mentioned indi- gation, then let the Department of viduals whom many attorneys antic- Justice prosecute them. ipated would be charged but have “Their powers and scope go not yet been, including Donald well beyond Mr. Mueller’s circum- Trump Jr. and Erik Prince, the scribed mandate,” Katyal wrote. founder of the former Blackwater “So whenever Mr. Mueller turns in contracting firm. He called conserv- his report, do not assume that ative writer Jerome Corsi the “most things are over.” obvious example.” Corsi himself expected to be indicted by Mueller’s office on charges of lying to investigators. After two months of interviews with the special counsel’s office, Corsi told his daily live-stream that Muel- ler’s team said he would be crimi- D-RING ROAD nally charged. POST BOX: 3488 “I’m going to be indicted. That’s DOHA - QATAR what we’ve been told. Everyone [email protected] A file picture of Special Counsel Robert Mueller (right) on Capitol Hill in Washington. should know that,” he said.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: AFP But Pyongyang’s weapons testing love” upon exchanging a series of 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: has created headaches for Beijing, letters following their meeting in +974 4455 7758 orth Korean leader Kim “and China felt North Korea was Singapore. Jong Un angered historic increasingly becoming a liability Personal chemistry aside, the MANAGING EDITOR TEL: ally Beijing in the past with rather than an asset,” he added. prospect of closer ties between 4462 7505 his weapons tests, but rela- Why have relations improved? Washington and Pyongyang is wor- N rying for Beijing, which wants to DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR tions have since improved, showing A turning point came when Kim TEL: 4455 7769 China remains a key diplomatic travelled to Beijing to meet with keep Pyongyang out of America’s player as he cozies up to Donald President Xi Jinping last year -- the sphere of influence but also wants LOCAL NEWS SECTION young leader’s first foreign trip since denuclearisation, analysts say. TEL: 4455 7743 he came to power. “Beijing fears a fundamental Since then, the leaders have met shift that would result in the US BUSINESS NEWS SECTION three more times in China, though Xi having a better relationship with TEL: 4462 7535 has yet to act on invitations to visit North Korea than China has,” said North Korea. Glaser, adding that this is an unlikely Why China remains SPORT NEWS SECTION A closer relationship with Beijing outcome in the near term. TEL: 4455 7745 gives Pyongyang leverage over the “A Trump-Kim deal in which the US, analysts say. As North Korea’s US and North Korea keep talking and key player as US, ONLINE SECTION main trading partner and sole major there is incremental progress toward TEL: 4462 7501 ally, China’s economic support and the goal of denuclearisation is bene- [email protected] diplomatic backing are also crucial ficial for China.” North Korea meet to Pyongyang in case talks with the How has China kept its PUBLIC RELATIONS US fall through. influence over North Korea? TEL: 4455 7613 “Kim may be working to play China’s influence is palpable as [email protected] China and the United States off of the summit approaches, with Kim making another trip to Beijing last Trump. Trump and Kim are due to each other — in making frequent ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT meet in Hanoi from February 27-28 visits to Beijing, Kim is signalling to month — seen by analysts as a TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 — their second face-to-face since a the Trump administration that he meeting to coordinate strategy with FAX: 4455 7870 summit in Singapore in June that has other options,” said Emily Wein- Xi. “China wants North Korea to [email protected] produced a vaguely worded stein, a research analyst at Pointe make some steps to denuclearise as agreement on denuclearisation. Bello. much as anyone else.” CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT Here is a look at how China con- But the improved ties should Kim could meet with Xi again TEL: 4455 7857 tinues to make its presence felt as not be exaggerated, said Bonnie before the summit, as his train [email protected] the summit approaches. Glaser, a senior adviser at the reportedly crossed into China late Why did the Cold War allies Center for Strategic and Interna- Saturday. SUBSCRIPTION & have a falling out? tional Studies. Though his presence on board DISTRIBUTION China has supported the Kim “I believe that Kim recognises the train was not confirmed, a long TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 dynasty since the Korean War, but that he must show some deference train ride across his giant neighbour FAX: 44557819 Pyongyang’s nuclear programme has to China, but he seeks to reduce his to reach Vietnam is another symbol [email protected] China has threatened Beijing’s desire for sta- country’s dependence on China and of China’s unavoidable role in the supported the bility in the region and strained the diversify its options,” she said. diplomatic shuffle. relationship between the Cold War Is China worried about Trump Beijing lent Kim a plane to travel Kim dynasty since allies. and Kim’s bromance? to Singapore in June. All thoughts and views the Korean War, Ties dropped to a low point in Despite the frequent meetings, China called for easing sanctions expressed in these columns but Pyongyang’s 2017 following a series of nuclear there appears to be little love lost on Pyongyang in September, under- are those of the writers, nuclear programme and ballistic missile tests, with between the Asian leaders. cutting US attempts to exert interna- China backing a raft of UN sanc- Former US ambassador to China tional pressure on Pyongyang to give not of the newspaper. has threatened tions, including bans on North Max Baucus told the BBC in 2017 that up its weapons program. Beijing’s desire Korean exports of coal, iron and Xi “does not like that man (Kim) at “China has resumed some of the All correspondence for stability in the seafood. all”, and analysts say their rela- economic and trading relationship tionship is strategic rather than one with North Korea and that has been regarding Views and region and strained “Previously China saw North Korea as a useful buffer against the based on trust. very helpful for North Korea to Opinion pages should be the relationship US,” said Zhao Tong, a nuclear In contrast, Kim and Trump have survive under the very harsh inter- send to editor-in-chief policy expert at the Carnegie- shifted from trading vicious personal national maximum pressure cam- between the Cold office or mailed to the War allies. Tsinghua Center for Global Policy in attacks to a budding bromance, with paign led by the United States,” said Beijing. the US president saying they “fell in Zhao. [email protected] 10 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 Sudan’s Bashir appoints first V-P and new PM

REUTERS Mohamed Tahir Ayala, the governor of Gezira KHARTOUM state who was previously touted by Bashir Sudan’s President Omar Al as a potential successor as president, was Bashir appointed a first vice appointed Prime Minister. Defence Minister president and a new prime Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf, an ex-military minister yesterday, a day after intelligence chief, became first Vice-President declaring a state of emergency that did little to halt street while retaining his defence portfolio. demonstrations, the most sustained of his 30-year rule. Mohamed Tahir Ayala, the called on parliament to postpone he Bashir is toppled. The National governor of Gezira state who was constitutional amendments that Umma Party, headed by Sudan’s previously touted by Bashir as a would allow him to seek another last democratically elected prime potential successor as president, term in 2020, but he stopped minister Sadiq Al Mahdi, who was appointed prime minister. short of saying explicitly that he was toppled by Bashir in a 1989 Defence Minister Awad would not run. military coup, sharply criticised Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf, an ex- There was no sign Friday’s the speech in a statement military intelligence chief, speech had calmed the streets. yesterday. Sudan’s President Omar Al Bashir leaves after delivering a speech at the Presidential Palace in became first vice president while Protests continued late into the “It was a contradictory Khartoum, Sudan. retaining his defence portfolio. night across the capital speech and does not relate to the Bashir declared a one-year Khartoum. Stones and debris reality of the current crisis in our nationwide state of emergency from burned tyres and branches country in any way,” National toll at 32, including three security editor-in-chief of prominent him, his family said. As he has on Friday and set up a caretaker littered many streets on Umma, one of the main oppo- personnel. independent newspaper Al- faced mounting unrest at home, administration. He replaced all Saturday. sition parties, said. “It does not Sudan last had a nationwide Tayyar, late on Friday, his family Bashir has sought support abroad state governors with military The National Consensus fulfil the least of the Sudanese state of emergency in 1999. said. Mirghani appeared on from fellow Arab leaders. Earlier officials. Forces, one of the main oppo- street’s demands.” Activists say States of emergency had been regional broadcaster Al Arabiya this month, he struck a concili- In his televised speech he sition groups, said the state of nearly 60 people have been declared in several states as pro- Al Hadath and criticised Bashir’s atory tone towards the protests, urged his opponents to join a emergency was aimed at coun- killed since the protests began tests intensified. Friday evening speech. He then saying that young people caught “path of national reconciliation” tering a “popular revolution”, more than two months ago, Security forces arrested returned to Al Tayyar’s bureau up in the recent turmoil had and dialogue. He and vowed to push ahead until while authorities put the death Osman Mirghani, the where security forces detained “reasonable ambition”. Iran says it has various options to neutralise ‘illegal’ US sanctions

REUTERS Tasnim. “Iran has plans in place Washington tries to strangle DUBAI that will neutralise the illegal US Tehran’s oil exports. sanctions against Iran’s oil Carrying one-third of the Iran said yesterday it had many exports,” Shamkhani said. world’s seaborne oil every day, options to neutralise the reim- Tensions between Iran and the Strait of Hormuz links Middle position of US sanctions on its the United States increased after East crude producers to key oil exports, the semi-official US President Donald Trump markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, Tasnim news agency reported, pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal North America and beyond. adding that Tehran’s clerical between Iran and six world Shamkhani also said Iran has rulers had no plans to hold talks powers last May, and then reim- achieved 90 percent of its goals with Washington. posed sanctions on the Islamic in Syria, Tasnim reported. “Apart from closing Strait of Republic. The threat of direct confron- Hormuz, we have other options Washington aims to force tation between arch-enemies to stop oil flow if threatened... Tehran to end its nuclear pro- Israel and Iran has long sim- A truck, part of a convoy, transporting people who fled the Islamic State (IS) group’s last holdout of The US administration lacks gramme and its support of mil- mered in Syria, where the Baghouz in Syria’s northern Deir Ezzor province. ‘goodwill’, no need to hold talks itant groups in Syria and Iraq. Iranian military built a presence with America,” Secretary of Iranian officials have early in the nearly eight-year Iran’s Supreme National Security threatened to disrupt oil ship- civil war to help President Syria force to clear more Council Ali Shamkhani told ments from the Gulf countries if Bashar Al Assad’s government. civilians from last IS pocket 5 civilians dead by regime Hezbollah suspends AFP closer to retaking the less than the village of Baghouz near the official over OMAR OIL FIELD SYRIA half a square kilometre still Iraqi border. shelling in northwest Syria under IS control. Some 2,000 people are Parliament spat US-backed fighters said “On our side, the corridor is believed to remain inside ANATOLIA Helmets official in Idlib. He said yesterday they were keeping a open and we hope a larger Baghouz, according to the SDF. IDLIB four other civilians were also AP corridor open to rescue number of civilians will arrive The force says it is trying to injured in the shelling. BEIRUT remaining civilians from the but that depends on IS fighters evacuate remaining civilians At least five civilians were killed Regime attacks in the de- Islamic State group’s last sliver and whether they will give through a corridor before in artillery shelling by regime escalation zone of Idlib are esti- Hezbollah’s top commanding of territory in Syria, as the UN civilians a chance to exit,” SDF pressing on with a battle to forces and Iran-backed militias mated to have killed at least 80 body suspended the political appealed for urgent assistance. spokesman Adnan Afrin said crush the jihadists unless in northwest Syria yesterday, civilians and injured more than activities of a leading legislator The Kurdish-led Syrian yesterday. holdout fighters surrender. according to the White Helmets 200 people since the start of this because of his spat with rival Democratic Forces have evac- More than four years after Afrin said the SDF had evac- civil defence agency. year. The attacks in the politicians in Parliament last uated nearly 5,000 men, IS overran large parts of Syria uated “more than 2,000 people, The attacks targeted the city southeast Idlib have led to a new week, a Lebanese politician said women and children from the and neighbouring Iraq and including women, children and of Khan Shaykhun in Idlib and movement of migration from yesterday. militant holdout since declared a “caliphate”, they men” on Friday, mostly wives northern regions of Hama, said Khan Shaykhun and Maaret Al Legislator Sami Gemayel, Wednesday, bringing the SDF have lost all but a tiny patch in and children of IS fighters. Mustafa Haj Yousuf, the White Numan. who heads the Christian Phalange party, said last week that Hezbollah’s wide influence was seen when it got its ally elected president in 2016. Nigeria begins count in presidential polls Hezbollah legislator Nawaf Musawi responded saying “it’s AFP clashes elsewhere in Yobe and an honour” for the Lebanese ABUJA Borno states, including a rocket that President Michel Aoun attack in the town of Gwoza. came to his post alongside “the Nigeria began counting votes in More than 500 Chadian rifle of the resistance,” a ref- presidential elections yesterday, troops were deployed as part of erence to the Islamic militant even as many people had yet to the regional force fighting Boko group, and “not on an Israeli even cast their ballot because of Haram as reinforcements. tank.” Musawi’s last reference delays in the opening of polling An umbrella group of some was to late President-elect units and problems with staffing 70 civil society organisations Bashir Gemayel who was assas- and technology. monitoring the vote said 16 sinated in 1982 days after being The late start at some of the people had been killed in elected during Israel’s invasion nearly 120,000 polling stations election violence. of Lebanon. around the country forced an Nigeria’s Independent Gemayel’s son, Nadim, an extension to voting past the 2pm National Electoral Commission MP, called Musawi’s statements cut-off, just as others finished. (INEC) last Saturday announced “unacceptable.” Two days later, In some places, voting mate- a one-week delay to the election, the head of Hezbollah’s rials did not arrive until mid- just hours before it was due to 13-member bloc in parliament, afternoon, according to election get under way. That angered Mohammed Raad, apologised monitors, raising the prospect of voters who had already travelled during a meeting of the legis- voting continuing after dark. to their hometowns and villages lature saying that Musawi Official results are expected to participate, and saw the main “crossed lines.” People gather to vote during presidential elections at a polling station in Yola, Adamawa State, from early next week, with the parties accuse each other of con- The daily Al Akhbar, which Nigeria, yesterday. winner gaining control of Africa’s spiring with the INEC to rig the is close to Hezbollah, said most populous nation and result. Neither produced evi- Musawi will be suspended from leading oil producer for four home town of Daura, in the going to be the winner.” His main one soldier was killed and 20 dence and the elections taking part in parliamentarian years. The incumbent, northwest state of Katsina, challenger, Atiku Abubakar, 72, others injured as Boko Haram watchdog has worked round the and the group’s internal Muhammadu Buhari, was one of saying he was confident of voted in Yola, in the northeastern fighters tried to infiltrate the clock to overcome difficulties in meetings for one year. He will the first to vote, and emerged victory. “I will congratulate state of Adamawa. northeastern city of Maiduguri delivering materials, which it had also not be permitted to speak from the polling booth in his myself,” he told reporters. “I’m Shortly before polls opened, but were repelled. There were blamed for the postponement. to the media, it said. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 ASIA 11 Our fight is for Kashmir, not against Kashmiris: Modi

IANS “We want our sisters Govt to deploy 100 TONK and brothers of Kashmir to be rid of more companies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday denounced the terrorism. Kashmiris paramilitary forces attacks on Kashmiris in the have suffered the wake of the Pulwama attack, most due to terrorism, IANS saying such things should not and the rest of the NEW DELHI happen in the country. “Our fight is for Kashmir, not country must stand In the wake of the Pulwama against Kashmiris,” Modi said at in their support,” the attack, the government has a Tonk public rally in Rajasthan, Prime Minister said. decided to deploy additional 100 adding: “We want our sisters and companies of the Central Armed brothers of Kashmir to be rid of Police Force (CAPF) on an urgent terrorism.” “Kashmiris have suf- basis in Jammu and Kashmir. fered the most due to terrorism, welcomed Modi’s remarks and A Home Ministry letter asked and the rest of the country must hoped the “forces targeting Kash- the Inspector General (Opera- stand in their support,” Modi miris will stop in their tracks”. tions) of the Central Reserve said, adding “Our fight is against “Thank you @narendramodi Police Force (CRPF) to ensure those who sponsor terrorism.” Sahib. Aaj aap ne hamaray dil ki immediate movement of the The Prime Minister cited the baat keh di,” tweeted Abdullah. forces in coordination with all Amarnath Yatra to emphasise “It’s been more than a week other forces. how Kashmiri youth look after since the terrible attack in The CAPF refers to the Hindu pilgrims. Pulwama and more than a week uniform nomenclature of seven He also said the time has that Kashmiris have been security forces in India under the come to test if Pakistan Prime bearing the brunt of the public authority of the Ministry of Home Minister Imran Khan is a man of anger. “Perhaps finally after PM Affairs (MHA). his word. “I did call Pakistan’s has spoken these forces tar- The Ministry said it was new Prime Minister to congrat- geting Kashmiris will stop in “urgently” deploying 45 com- Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel patrol a street in downtown Srinagar, yesterday. ulate him after his win, following their tracks,” Abdullah tweeted. panies of the CRPF, 35 companies the basic protocol. I told him that Both him and another of the Border Security Force we should join hands to erad- former Chief Minister Mehbooba (BSF), and 10 companies each of icate poverty and to fight illit- Mufti had criticised the Prime Jamaat-e-Islami chief among dozens detained the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) eracy. Answering this, Khan said Minister for his silence over the and the Indo-Tibetan Border that he’s a Pathan’s child and attacks on Kashmiri students IANS conducted in south, central and were necessitated on the oldest Police (ITBP). hence he never lies.” and businessmen in some states SRINAGAR north Kashmir districts to mop religio-political organisation Informed sources in the Home Former Jammu and Kashmir outside Jammu and Kashmir in up the senior-most members of which has over 5,000 cadres, in Ministry said that the factors Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the aftermath of the terror strike In a tough move, authorities have the political group. the state. responsible for the deployment of who has been a vociferous critic that took place on the Jammu- detained dozens of Jamaat-e- A spokesman of the Jamaat Jammu and Kashmir Liber- the additional companies in the of the Prime Minister for his Srinagar highway when a Jaish- Islami cadres in the Kashmir said those detained include the ation Front (JKLF) Chairman valley was taken keeping an eye silence on the attacks on Kash- e-Mohammad operative Valley, including its top lead- chief, (Ameer-e-Jamaat) Abdul Yasin Malik was also detained by on the upcoming elections, to miris following the February 14 rammed an explosive-laden SUV ership during a mass crackdown, Hamid Fayaz. the police in Srinagar on Friday. assist the state police force in their suicide attack that claimed the into a CRPF convoy, killing 40 police sources said. The authorities have given no He has been lodged in a police ongoing operations and following lives of 40 paramilitary troopers, CRPF men on the spot.w The nocturnal raids were explanation as to why the raids station. review of security. Seat-sharing blues hit Bihar grand alliance

IANS “Nothing is clear till now as far brother” in the Mahagathbandhan. The Mahagathbandhan in PATNA as seat-sharing in the Grand “The RJD is a mass-based party Bihar comprises the Congress, the Alliance is concerned. The picture and has 80 legislators in the RJD, the RLSP led by former Union The seat-sharing problems are is still hazy. The RJD and the Con- Assembly. We have a strong social Minister Upendra Kushwaha, the holding up the opposition unity in gress are busy bargaining with support base that will help other HAM led by former Chief Minister Bihar where a “Mahagath- each other over seats. While both allies too,” said RJD state President Jitan Ram Manjhi. bandhan” was formed in 2015 and need each other, they cannot Ramchandra Purbe. The Left parties, including CPI, only to be disbanded later. ignore other allies ahead of elec- According to RJD leaders close CPI-M and CPI-ML, too are likely The Congress is adamant to tions,” a senior Congress leader to Tejashwi, Lalu Prasad, under- to contest polls together as part of contest equal number of seats vis- said yesterday. going treatment at the Rajendra the Grand Alliance. a-vis the Rashtriya Janata Dal “All eyes are now on Congress Institute of Medical Sciences Manjhi has been demanding (RJD) in the Lok Sabha elections. President Rahul Gandhi, RJD chief (RIMS) in Ranchi, would decide on seats no less than the RLSP. His According to sources, it would Lalu Prasad and his son and number of seats to the Congress. bargaining power has gone up contest no less than 15 out of the former Bihar Deputy Chief Min- In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, ever since the BJP urged him to 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. ister Tejashwi Yadav to finalise the the RJD had contested 27 seats, join the NDA. “My party should get But the RJD is not ready to seat sharing,” he said. Congress 12 and one seat was left respectable number of seats. We offer more than 10 seats to the “We want to contest not less for Nationalist Congress Party’s have a large vote bank,” he said. Congress as it wants to contest 20 than 15 seats. We are sure of (NCP) Tariq Anwar who has joined A HAM leader said Manjhi is seats and leave 10 seats for other victory, as an internal survey con- the Congress. The RJD could win unhappy with the Grand Alliance allies, like the Hindustani Awam ducted by the party indicated pos- only 4 seats, the Congress 2 and for ignoring him and giving the Joy Alukkas bags award Morcha (HAM), the Rashtriya Lok itive results in favour of the Con- the NCP one. The Janata Dal party less seats than was Samta Party (RLSP), the Left gress,” the Congress leader said. (United), which contested sepa- demanded. Manjhi is staking claim Joyalukkas Group Chairman Joy Alukkas receiving a special award parties and the Vikasshil Insan But the RJD is reluctant to treat rately, also won only two seats. to 6 seats, followed by the RLSP from the International President of IAA, Sreenivasan Swamy, at Party (VIP), led by “Son of Mallah” the Congress as an equal partner The BJP-led NDA won 31 seats, (5), Left parties (4-5) and the VIP the 44th International Advertising World Summit held in Kochi. Mukesh Sahani. and has decided to play the “big with the BJP’s tally being 22. (2). Myanmar army warns against changing essence of constitution 1 dead, 2 hurt

AFP scripted by the military, the NLD the military will have eight and in Kathmandu YANGON was forced into an uneasy the remainder will be divided power-sharing agreement. between other parties. explosion Myanmar’s military yesterday The constitution grants the There has been no detail said they would thwart attempts armed services control of about the specific reforms, but AP by leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s security ministries and a quarter military MPs stood up in protest KATHMANDU party to alter the “essence” of the of unelected parliamentary when the idea was first mooted. country’s controversial consti- seats. That hands the military an Major General Tun Tun Nyi An explosion outside a telecom- tution, putting the army and effective veto over constitutional told reporters in Yangon that 45 munication company in Nepal’s civilian administration on a change. people is not enough to review capital killed one person and collision course over the politi- But the NLD-dominated par- the charter and the process injured two others, police official cally-charged issue. liament voted earlier this month “would not be fair”. said yesterday. Suu Kyi’s National League to form a cross-party committee Tun Tun Nyi said the army The victims were passing by for Democracy (NLD) dominated to look at reforms of the charter, is not opposed to amendments the main entrance of the Ncell Firefighters extinguish smouldering cars after a fire broke out in a 2015 elections ending decades a key campaign pledge. but “we are rejecting trying to mobile network operator parking lot during the Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force of military-backed rule. But The party will be allocated change the constitution this company on the southern edge because of a 2008 charter 18 out of 45 seats on the panel, way”. of Kathmandu when the blast Station in Bengaluru, yesterday. occurred, Nepal Police spokesman Uttam Raj Subedi said. The man who was killed, Fire destroys 300 cars Sri Lanka hunts former admiral linked to extortion deaths whose name police officials have not released, lost both feet in the parked near airshow AFP official said. “We have alerted all ports of exit.” One blast and died from excessive COLOMBO of Karannagoda’s successors, Admiral Ravindra Wije- bleeding. REUTERS burnt-out cars and huge flames gunaratne, the current head of Sri Lanka’s military, Subedi said the two people NEW DELHI and plumes of black smoke. Sri Lankan police yesterday hunted a former navy has been on bail since December after being accused who were injured remained in The Aero India show aims to chief linked to the kidnap and murder of 11 people of helping one of the suspects to avoid arrest. the hospital in stable condition. A fire at an airshow in India become one of the world’s in an extortion case that has attracted interna- Police told the court that the 11 victims were killed The explosion shook the destroyed 300 cars yesterday, premier aerospace events, but tional condemnation. while in the illegal custody of the navy, although their neighbourhood and shattered a senior fire official said, the has been troubled by accidents Wasantha Karannagoda, 66, was added to a bodies have never found. Investigators believe the windows in nearby buildings. latest accident to mar the this year. list of 14 men accused of abducting children from number of victims to be at least three times higher. Subedi said police have government-run event. On Tuesday, two Indian Air wealthy families in 2008-2009 and later killing Police said that the victims were not linked to Tamil detained six people for ques- The most likely cause was a Force planes collided in mid-air them. Colombo Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake rebels and had been kidnapped purely to extort tioning. No one has claimed “dry grass fire aided by heavy while rehearsing an aerobatic on Friday impounded the retired admiral’s passport money from their families. The killings of the young responsibility. winds”, said MN Reddi, a fire show, killing one pilot and as police feared he would attempt to flee the men have been widely condemned and international The company is mostly official in Bengaluru where the injuring two others. country. The four allegations against Karannagoda rights organisations have repeatedly demanded owned by Malaysia-based Axiata show is taking place. There were A spokesman for India’s include conspiracy to murder, which carries the accountability. The case was reopened only after Group Berhad. It is one of the two no reports of casualties, he defence ministry did not death penalty. President Mahinda Rajapakse lost his reelection bid biggest mobile network com- added in a tweet. respond to a request for “We have launched a search for him,” a police in January 2015 elections. panies in Nepal. TV footage showed rows of comment. 12 ASIA SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 Kim begins train trip for Vietnam summit

REUTERS The reports of Kim’s Korean capital of Pyongyang at HANOI around 5pm in an armoured departure from North train, Russia’s TASS news agency North Korean leader Kim Jong Korea came after said, citing a North Korean dip- Un set off by train for Vietnam Vietnam announced lomatic source. yesterday, for his second summit that Kim would make North Korea’s state media with US President Donald Trump has yet to confirm either Kim’s next week, media reported, and an official visit in trip to Vietnam or his summit hours later, two witnesses saw a “coming days”, as with Trump. Two witnesses in train crossing into China from the Southeast Asian the Chinese border city of North Korea. country prepares to Dandong, where the main rail The reports of Kim’s line from North Korea arrives in departure from North Korea host the summit with China, said a train had crossed came after Vietnam announced Trump on Wednesday the Yalu River into China at that Kim would make an official around 9.30pm. and Thursday. Conservative pro-US, anti-North Korea activists march through central Seoul yesterday. visit in “coming days”, as the South Korea’s Yonhap news Southeast Asian country pre- agency and broadcaster YTN also pares to host the summit with denuclearisation of the Korean reported that a train suspected Vietnam said that Hanoi had Vietnamese police have stepped China, South Korea’s Yonhap Trump on Wednesday and peninsula. to be carrying Kim had arrived been expecting a Vietnam-bound up security around the border News Agency reported on Sat- Thursday. But progress has been scant in Dandong. train to depart Pyongyang yes- station. On February 26, Vietnam urday citing archived Chinese No details of the leaders’ since then. The Trump adminis- Chinese security chased terday, but did not know if Kim will ban traffic on the road Kim media reports. travel arrangements, or for the tration has pressed North Korea away people trying to take pho- Jong Un himself was on board. is expected to take to Hanoi from The summit in Hanoi comes summit, have been officially to give up its nuclear weapons tographs, one witness said. Two sources with direct a station on the Chinese border, amid some questions about pros- released. programme, which threatens the It was unclear if Kim was on knowledge of security and state media said. pects for progress. American Trump and Kim will meet in United States, before it can the train. China has declined to logistics planning said on Travel by train has been a intelligence officials have said the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, expect any concessions. answer questions about Kim’s Wednesday that Vietnam was favourite mode of transport for they believe Kim is unlikely to eight months after their historic North Korea wants an easing travel plans via the country. preparing for Kim to arrive by Kim Jong Un, and his father, Kim ever relinquish all of his nuclear summit in Singapore in June — of punishing US-led sanctions, It could take Kim at least two train. His train was expected to Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il arsenal, and UN monitors have the first between a sitting US security guarantees and a formal and a half days to travel the stop at the Vietnamese border Sung. In 1958, Kim Il Sung went reported that in recent months president and a North Korean end of the 1950-1953 Korean thousands of kilometres through station of Dong Dang, where he from Pyongyang to Beijing by North Korea had taken steps to leader — at which they pledged War, which ended in a truce, not China by train to Vietnam. A will disembark and drive 170km train, then flew from Beijing to hide, disperse and protect its to work towards the complete a treaty. Kim left the North senior security official in to Hanoi by car, the sources said. Hanoi in a plane provided by weapons.

Pakistan urges UN to monitor ‘hatred’ against Kashmiris IN SHORT UN Secretary-General ANATOLIA Human Rights regarding “the accusation, offering to open Kashmiri students have the concerns expressed by you lauds Bangsamoro ISLAMABAD deteriorating human rights situ- investigation if “actionable evi- reportedly been suspended from on February 19 on the use of ation” particularly in Jammu and dence” is provided by New Delhi. various colleges in India. Pulwama attack by such ele- government Pakistan has called on the UN Kashmir. “Given the active nature of However, the Indian gov- ments as justification for threats WASHINGTON: UN Sec- High Commissioner for Human Tensions between India and armed conflict in Indian ernment denied there were any and violence against Kashmiris retary-General Antonio Rights to take notice of “discrim- Pakistan have risen after New Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, attacks on Kashmiris in the and Muslims in various parts of Guterres congratulated ination” against Kashmiris across Delhi blamed Islamabad for the it is imperative to impress upon aftermath of last week’s bombing. India,” Qureshi said in his letter. the Philippine govern- India, a statement said yesterday. February 14 attack in which an India to faithfully adhere to its India has launched “a concerted “We would request you to con- ment and Moro Islamic According to the statement explosive-laden vehicle rammed obligations under the Conven- campaign to whip up hatred and tinue monitoring of the situation Liberation Front (MILF) on issued by Pakistan’s Foreign into a paramilitary bus in tions to which it is a party,” violence against Kashmiris and and call for protecting people establishing the Bangsam- Office, Foreign Minister Shah Pulwama district of Jammu and Qureshi said in the letter. discrimination against them from all forms of harm on oro Transition Authority, the Mehmood Qureshi wrote a letter Kashmir, killing at least 40 Indian Meanwhile, Indian media across India,” the Pakistani account of their identity and eth- interim government of the to the UN High Commissioner for troops. Islamabad denied the have reported that scores of foreign minister said. “I welcome nicity,” he added. newly-formed Bangsam- oro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “This is a landmark achieve- US charges man accused ment on the road to lasting peace in the Southern Philippines, as well as a of Singapore HIV data leak historic occasion for all peo- ple from the Philippines,” AFP that (Brochez) illegally pos- Guterres’ spokesman, SINGAPORE sessed and intended to dis- Stephane Dujarric, said in a tribute data containing sen- statement. An American man accused of sitive medical and other iden- MILF chairman Al-Hajj leaking data of thousands of tifying information,” it said. Murad Ebrahim was sworn HIV-positive people in “While living in the eastern in as chief minister of the Singapore has been charged district of Kentucky, (Brochez) interim government in in the United States with sent links to the data from his Bangsamoro on Friday possession and unlawful e-mail account to several following a two-round ref- transfer of stolen documents, news outlets. “He also sent erendum held on January authorities said. e-mails to several government 21 and February 6 in south- Singapore announced last officials in Singapore con- ern Mindanao to grant Moro month that confidential infor- taining links to the data.” He Muslims autonomy. mation of 14,200 people diag- will appear in court again on nosed with the virus that Wednesday. Speaking earlier Mahathir warns causes AIDS had been dumped in February to Singapore’s against foreign online, with most of those Straits Times newspaper, affected foreigners. Brochez maintained his inno- meddling in Asean Authorities accused Mikhy cence. Health Minister Gan KUALA LUMPUR: South- Farrera Brochez, an HIV-pos- Kim Yong said this month that Viewers’ spot east Asian countries should itive American who was jailed Singapore would “spare no People gather at a viewing deck before the city skyline in Hong Kong yesterday. guard against the involve- in the city-state and deported effort” to bring Brochez back ment of big powers in the in 2018, of leaking the data and prosecute him, and denied region, as such meddling after obtaining it from his Sin- the government had sought to may fuel conflict and lead gaporean doctor partner. cover up the leak. Singapore to an arms race, accord- The data leak, which and the US have an extradition Pompeo to visit Philippines next week ing to Malaysian Prime included people’s HIV status, treaty. Minister Mahathir Moha- names and addresses, has pro- Brochez was jailed in Sin- AFP Manila on February 28 and with North Korean leader Kim mad. Mahathir said if major voked an outcry in Singapore, gapore in 2016 for lying about WASHINGTON March 1 for talks with President Jong Un. After winning the pres- powers were allowed to especially among the NGOs his HIV status, drug-related Rodrigo Duterte, State idency in 2016, the brash Phil- intervene in the region, involved in the fight against offences and fraud, and was US Secretary of State Mike Department spokesman Robert ippine leader threatened to split countries would face pres- AIDS. Brochez was charged deported after his sentence. Pompeo will travel next week to Palladino said. with the United States and patch sure to stock up on weapons Friday, according to a HIV is a sensitive issue in the Philippines, the State The top US diplomat will be up with China by ending a long- and fight each other. That statement from the US attor- socially conservative Sin- Department said yesterday, as paying the visit on his way back running sea dispute. President would destabilise the Asso- ney’s office for the eastern dis- gapore, with critics saying the former US colony increas- from Hanoi where he is joining Xi Jinping visited Manila in ciation of Southeast Asia trict of Kentucky. “The there is still much stigma sur- ingly flirts with regional giant President Donald Trump for his November, offering trade and Nations, he added. criminal complaint alleges rounding the virus. China. Pompeo will travel to closely watched second summit investment incentives. His remarks appeared in the text of a speech to be deliv- ered on his behalf by Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdul- Two former communications ministers arrested in Vietnam lah at a conference in Kuala Lumpur. “We are already beginning to see the seeds AFP Nguyen Bac Son are under inves- jailed in Vietnam since 2016 the end but officials said it would Pham Thi Phuong Anh were both of confrontation and rivalry HANOI tigation for “violation of regula- when the campaign took root. have caused $300 million worth arrested in November and in our region,” Mahathir said. tions on the management and Some observers say the drive is of losses in state funds. remain under investigation in “Lines are being drawn. Two former communications use of public capital causing politically motivated. Son, who was minister from connection to the AVG case. Bases are being built. Arma- ministers were arrested in serious consequences,” the Min- Tuan and Son are accused of 2011 to 2016, was accused of Vietnam is one of Asia’s das are being readied. The Vietnam yesterday for misman- istry of Public Security said. illegally approving the purchase signing off on the deal with fastest growing economies, but pressure is on to take sides.” aging public funds over their Their arrests come amid an of private television company support from Tuan -- his deputy has long been plagued by Malaysia will not take sides alleged roles overseeing the unprecedented anti-corruption Audio Visual Global (AVG) in at the time who took over as endemic corruption. Trans- in rivalries between major purchase of a loss-making TV drive that echoes China’s 2015 by the state-run telecom- minister until he was fired in July parency International ranks powers, and won’t rely on firm that would have cost the crackdown on graft. munication firm Mobifone. last year. The former director Vietnam 117 out of 180 countries military alliances or strategic state millions of dollars. Dozens of bankers, busi- AVG and Mobifone did not general of Mobifone Cao Duy Hai on its corruption index, behind partnerships, Mahathir said. Truong Minh Tuan and nessmen and officials have been go through with the purchase in and deputy director general Thailand and the Philippines. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 EUROPE 13 Russia showcases Syria war ‘trophies’

AFP MOSCOW

A train carrying war “trophies” captured in Syria left Moscow yesterday on a two-month tour to parade Russia’s military gains in the eight-year conflict. The train went on show at Moscow’s Kazansky station, before heading to Crimea. It will then make its way to the Russian Far East, before returning to Moscow in April via Arctic, vis- iting 60 cities along the way. The Russian defence ministry said in a statement that it will travel 28,500km carrying Muscovites were military holiday still celebrated “trophy weapons”. invited to see the on February 23. Yesterday, Muscovites were train, which carries Aleksey, a 31-year-old invited to see the train, which railway worker from Moscow Some items from the “Syrian turning point” exhibition organised by Russian Defence Ministry standing carries tanks and other military tanks and other mili- who refused to give his last on an open goods truck at Kazansky railway station, in Moscow, yesterday. LEFT: A Russian officer vehicles — many with Arabic tary vehicles — many name, brought his toddler son to standing inside a carriage with “Syrian turning point” exhibition. writing on them — captured from with Arabic writing on see the train. Syrian rebels and IS militants. them — captured from “I am really proud that they was also brought to the station Vladimir Putin congratulated Russia has been a key player Visitors could board car- (the Russian army) are winning to see the train depart. Russian war veterans and in the Syrian conflict since riages displaying captured AK-47 Syrian rebels and IS in this far away region,” he said. “The aim is to show a serving soldiers on their role in launching a military intervention assault rifles and drones. The militants. He brought his son “so that maximum amount of people in Syria. in 2015 in support of President train also has a shop selling mil- he can see that we have a strong our country the success of the “By freeing Syrian lands from Bashar Al Assad’s regime, which itary souvenirs. weaponry to visitors. army” and said that he was Russian army in the fight with bandits and saving peaceful now controls almost two-thirds Singers performed patriotic The event was planned for “impressed” with the weapons international terrorism,” Colonel civilians, our soldiers are acting of the country. songs at the train station as sol- Russia’s Defender of the on show. Dmitry Serobaba said. boldly, decisively and effec- The eight-year conflict has diers presented the heavy Fatherland Day — a Soviet-era A group of army conscripts On Friday, President tively,” he said at a ceremony. left more than 360,000 dead.

Bus accident in Three UK ministers urge May to delay Brexit Ukraine region

REUTERS leaving without a divorce deal and Gauke wrote that a no-deal will increase, businesses that rely referendum, although May has leaves two dead LONDON on March 29 if necessary, adding exit was a risk to business, on just-in-time supply chains ruled such an option out. their weight to calls for May to security and British territorial will be severely disrupted and Lawmakers from both REUTERS Three British cabinet ministers rule out a no-deal departure. unity, and accused some par- investment will be discouraged,” parties, however, are deeply split YELENOVKA have publicly indicated they will May is struggling against the liament colleagues of they wrote. over how or even whether back plans to delay Brexit if clock to get a deal with Brussels complacency. The ministers called on Britain will leave, and no A minibus hit a landmine while lawmakers vote down Prime on Britain’s exit from the world’s “Far from Brexit resulting in members of the European majority has so far emerged in crossing the border between Minister Theresa May’s plan for largest trading bloc that will pass a newly independent United Research Group, formed by Con- parliament for any compre- Ukraine and the breakaway a new deal with the European parliamentary muster. She will Kingdom stepping boldly into the servative pro-Brexit lawmakers, hensive Brexit strategy. Donetsk region yesterday, Union, writing a column in a meet European Council Pres- wider world, crashing out on to back the government’s deal in May has promised that if she killing two civilians and injuring national newspaper yesterday. ident Donald Tusk on the side- March 29 would see us poorer, parliament or risk seeing Brexit does not bring a revised deal a third, local authorities and Business Minister Greg Clark, lines of an EU-League of Arab less secure and potentially delayed. back by February 27, parliament witnesses said. Work and Pensions Minister States summit on Sunday, but EU splitting up,” they said, referring Both May’s Conservatives will have an opportunity to vote The bus, carrying three Amber Rudd, and Justice Min- diplomats are not expecting any to the threat of a new bid for and the main opposition Labour on the next steps. people, hit the mine after ister David Gauke signalled in a imminent breakthrough. Scottish independence. Party are formally committed to Some lawmakers are swerving off road in the buffer Daily Mail column that they will In the column headlined “If “Our economy will be delivering Brexit. In recent days expected to use that to try to zone between two border posts, side with rebels and opposition we don’t get a deal next week we damaged severely both in the Labour has appeared to soften wrest control of the process from a statement on the breakaway parties next week to stop Britain must delay Brexit”, Clark, Rudd short and the long term. Costs its stance on a second the government. Donetsk People’s Republic official website read. The driver was killed along with one passenger. Three dead as strong The other passenger, a 61-year-old man, was being winds hit Italy, Croatia treated in hospital. He said that the passenger who was killed AP Rome suburb. was his mother. ROME Near Naples, a falling tree The incident occurred near injured a woman and her the village of Yelenovka, Winds gusting to 50km per hour teenage daughter. outside Donetsk. toppled trees and walls in Italy Port authorities said a The passengers were yesterday, causing at least three Turkish cargo ship ran aground returning to the rebel-con- deaths. due to strong winds near the trolled region after collecting Gale force winds also swept Adriatic city of Bari, Rough seas their pensions, the statement across much of the Croatian thwarted a tugboat’s efforts to said. Adriatic coast, damaging cars free it. Fighting broke out in 2014 and shattering windows and dis- Gusts forced cancellation of between separatist forces in rupting traffic. ferries to Capri, Ischia and the eastern Ukraine backed by Croatia’s weather bureau Aeolian archipelago, where a Moscow and forces loyal to the said yesterday that gusts in the rare snowfall dusted the volcano pro-Western Ukrainian gov- region of the Adriatic port of Stromboli. ernment in Kiev. Split reached 191kph. Several small wind-driven Despite an internationally Italian news agency ANSA fires have erupted on the central brokered ceasefire that ended said winds toppled a wall on Dalmatian coast. One firefighter major fighting in 2015, deadly farmland near Frosinone, was slightly injured while flare-ups of fighting occur central Italy, killing two men in tackling the blaze. regularly. their 70s. Some streets in Split and The unresolved conflict will State TV RaiNews24 said a surrounding towns have been be an issue when Ukraine holds French President Emmanuel Macron with exhibitors during his visit to the International Agriculture driver died when a falling tree closed because of flying glass a presidential election in late Fair (Salon de l’Agriculture) at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, yesterday. crushed his car in Guidonia, a and tiles. March. Macron visits farm fair amid anger Spain proposes climate change strategy AP powers that pursue aggressive must be on the offensive, car- PARIS trade policies and “consider food rying out a deep reform of trade REUTERS emission-free by 2040, Energy “This is not pie in the sky,” a product like any other,” without policies,” said Macron, who MADRID Minister Teresa Ribera said, she told a news conference. President Emmanuel Macron taking into account environ- didn’t shy from engaging in tech- saying this followed a proposal “There is no reason for us to pledged yesterday to protect mental, health or culinary con- nical conversations with farmers Spain’s government presented by the European Union. delay this debate. I am convinced European farming standards and cerns, Macron said. as he walked past their stands. a draft proposal on how to tackle The ruling Socialists have that whoever (is in government) culinary traditions threatened by Macron proposed using Around midday, Macron was climate change, less than two emphasised their green ambi- this will be approved and aggressive foreign trade prac- blockchain technology to trace offered a mini hamburger made weeks before parliament is due tions since taking power last broadly supported by all Span- tices that see food as a “product the source of food and putting of Cantal cheese and Salers beef, to be dissolved ahead of a summer, promising support for iards and political forces.” like any other.” Europe in the “avant-garde of a famous breed native of central general election that may nix its renewable energy generation Ribera said that the obli- Macron’s speech at his coun- agricultural technology.” France. chances of becoming law. and passing measures aimed at gation for cars to be emission- try’s premier agriculture fair was He spoke amid European He appealed to French The package includes a draft cooling Europe’s fourth-highest free did not imply a prohibition aimed at assuaging French Union talks on its next agricul- farmers to view their livelihoods law and a national plan all EU electricity prices. of any type of vehicle, but did farmers’ anger at government tural aid plan, a major source of in a global context, but many are countries are required to send But the long-promised draft not explain how such a result policies seen as favouring urban funding for French farmers. He struggling under day-to-day to Brussels, as well as a strategy has reached parliament two would be possible without a elites and neglecting the appealed for unity at those talks debt and uncertainty about the to offset job losses in polluting months before an April 28 snap ban. heartland cherished for pro- and argued against calls to re- future. Macron is seen by many industries. It aims to make Spain election that Sanchez was forced A previous draft of the law ducing famed cheeses and nationalise French farming in rural France as epitomising carbon neutral by 2050, Prime to call after a spat with his which said new petrol, diesel wines. policy. out-of-touch city elites, and Minister Pedro Sanchez said this regional separatist partners. and hybrid cars would not be Europe’s “civilisation of eating “In agriculture just like in many French farmers want more week. Presenting the package, allowed in Spain from 2040 well, of gastronomy, of the art of many other areas, we must government help to face growing Under the new law, all new Ribera insisted it was worth- caused some consternation in living” is now threatened by world invent a new global deal. Yes, we foreign competition. cars would need to be while to forge ahead. the industry. 14 AMERICAS SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 Trump nominates envoy to Canada for top UN post

REUTERS Pompeo and national security continue, like Nikki Haley, to be end to Pyongyang’s nuclear and WASHINGTON adviser John Bolton in the Oval a bridge between Washington, missile programmes. Office on Friday, a source DC and the UN at a time when The United States has also President Donald Trump said he Trump said on Twitter: familiar with the situation said. we more than ever need an gone to the United Nations in is nominating Kelly Craft She was seen as a tough America that is engaged with the recent weeks to seek interna- (pictured), currently the US Kelly has done an negotiator in a new US trade deal UN in world affairs and com- tional recognition of opposition ambassador to Canada, to outstanding job with Canada and Mexico and as mitted to our shared values, leader Juan Guaido as Vene- replace Nikki Haley as his envoy representing our ambassador to Canada estab- beginning with human rights,” zuela’s legitimate president over to the United Nations after a lished decent working relation- Delattre said. socialist leader Nicolas Maduro. four-month search. Nation and I have no ships with both Republicans and Haley, a rising Republican Craft was Trump’s second Craft, a top Republican donor doubt that, under Democrats in Congress, the star who resigned in October and choice for the UN position. He from Kentucky, rose this week her leadership, our source said. left in late 2018, was seen by her had planned to nominate former as a serious contender for the Country will be If confirmed, Craft will have counterparts at the United State Department spokeswoman post based on a recommendation the difficult job of defending Nations as a voice of clarity in a Heather Nauert, but she by Senate Majority Leader Mitch represented at the Trump’s “America First” foreign US administration that often withdrew her name from con- McConnell, a fellow highest level. policy and navigating Trump’s gave off mixed signals on foreign sideration last week for family Kentuckian. a tweet announcing his decision. criticism of the world body while policy, diplomats said. reasons. Craft will not hold a Cabinet- Secretary of State Mike getting global diplomats to back Craft will face a variety of A person familiar with the level position, as Haley did, a “Kelly has done an out- Pompeo called Craft “extremely US policies. challenges, including champi- matter said Nauert withdrew senior White House official said, standing job representing our well-qualified” and an “out- French UN Ambassador oning US efforts to contain Iran’s from consideration because she after Trump decided to down- Nation and I have no doubt that, standing advocate for America’s Francois Delattre said he looked influence in the Middle East and had a nanny who was in the grade the post. Regardless, she under her leadership, our national security and economic forward to working with Craft if ensuring the global body main- United States legally but did not will need to be confirmed by the Country will be represented at interests in Canada.” she was confirmed by the Senate. tains tough sanctions on North have the proper work visa. US Senate. the highest level,” Trump said in Craft met with Trump, “I hope that Ms Craft will Korea as US tries to negotiate an Nauert did not comment. Owners vote to Furore as aid moves strip Trump’s name to Venezuela border from condominium REUTERS “The humanitarian aid is def- AP CUCUTA initely on its way to Venezuela, NEW YORK in a peaceful manner, to save Venezuelan opposition leader lives right now,” Guaido said in Big, brassy letters spelling Juan Guaido gave a personal a news conference in Cucuta “Trump” will be ripped off send off to an aid caravan from flanked by three Latin American another New York City the Colombian city of Cucuta presidents, including Colombia’s apartment tower, the last of six toward the border between the Ivan Duque. luxury condominiums that once two countries yesterday, A humanitarian aid truck displayed the president’s name. pledging to bring food and also crossed the Brazilian border, Owners got an email from medicine to a hungry population an opposition leader in Caracas the board of a high-rise on despite President Nicolas said. A witness said that while Manhattan’s west side con- Maduro’s resistance. the truck was on Venezuelan soil, firming that “Trump Place” will Guaido, who most Western it had not passed through the disappear from the facade in nations recognise as Venezuela’s customs checkpoint. coming weeks. legitimate leader, briefly boarded In the town of San Antonio The move comes after the one of a dozen trucks carrying on the Colombian border, troops majority of owners at 220 Riv- US-backed humanitarian aid repelled a group of activists erside Blvd voted to remove the toward Venezuela’s borders. including opposition legislators Venezuela citizens standing at the Simon Bolivar bridge after President Nicolas Maduro’s government Trump name, though the Venezuelan troops just who had gathered on the other ordered a temporary closure of the border with Colombia, in Cucuta, yesterday. Trump Organization still across the border fired tear gas side of a bridge linking the two manages the condo. The board at opposition leaders seeking to countries, according to a witness. armed forces, which have stood A social media video showed Colombian side. announced it would no longer receive the aid, a witness said. In the nearby town of Urena, by Maduro despite growing the troops driving armoured “What we did today, we did be called Trump Place. Demonstrators in barricaded angry protesters clashed with international isolation. vehicles across a bridge linking for our families, for the Vene- streets burned a bus and hurled security forces, barricading Colombia’s migration the two countries, knocking over zuelan people,” said one of the stones at security forces to streets with burning tires. One authority said four Venezuelan metal barricades in the process, four men in a video. “We are not Two more charged demand that Maduro allow aid group torched a military uniform soldiers defected yesterday and then jumping out of the terrorists.” into the country. in a symbolic protest against the morning. vehicles and running to the in Queens subway station murder

AP Trump to veto Democrats’ move on emergency order NEW YORK

AP to pass, and the GOP-run Senate dedication to that oath of office A staff aide introduced the Prosecutors said two more WASHINGTON may adopt it as well. Trump himself.” measure during a short pro MS-13 gang members have been quickly promised a veto. Speaking to reporters in forma House session in which charged in a killing on a New Democrats controlling the House “Will I veto it? 100 percent,” Laredo, Texas, she said, “This is Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., pre- York City subway platform. have teed up a vote next week Trump told reporters at the a path I would not recommend sided over an almost-empty Victor Lopez and Tito Mar- to block President Donald Trump White House. he go down. I don’t expect him chamber. tinez-Alvarenga were arraigned from using a national emergency Any Trump veto would likely to sign it, but I do expect us to “What the president is yesterday on charges including declaration to fund a wall along be sustained, but the upcoming send it” to him. attempting is an unconstitutional murder and gang assault in the the US-Mexico border, acceler- battle will test Republican House GOP leaders will urge power grab,” said Rep Joaquin shooting death of 20-year-old ating a showdown in Congress support for the president’s move, rank-and-file Republicans Castro, D-Texas, the sponsor of Abel Mosso in a Queens subway that could divide Republicans which even some of his allies tomorrow to oppose the the resolution, on a call with station on February 3. and lead to Trump’s first veto. view as a stretch - and a slap at measure, Republican aides said. reporters. “There is no emer- Ramiro Gutierrez was Trump refuses to The Democrats introduced lawmakers’ control over the If all Democrats and at least 55 gency at the border.” arrested shortly after the killing. a resolution on Friday to block power of the federal purse. Republicans vote for it, it would Trump’s declaration of a Queens District Attorney meet Puerto Rico Trump’s declaration, and House Pelosi, D-Calif., said she’d pass by a veto-proof margin - a national emergency gives him Richard Brown said all three Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the honour her oath of office and two-thirds majority. The aides access to about $3.6bn in funding defendants participated in governor over House would vote on the uphold the Constitution, adding, spoke on condition of anonymity for military construction projects assaulting Mosso before Guti- hurricane relief measure on Tuesday. It is sure “I wish he would have the same to describe leaders’ plans. to divert to border fencing. errez fired the final shot.

AP WASHINGTON Manafort ‘brazenly violated SpaceX set to test new crew capsule President Donald Trump has refused to meet privately with the law’ for years: Mueller AFP Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo WASHINGTON Rossello (pictured), the AP campaign chairman and later governor said, as he WASHINGTON while on bail, and who does not Nasa gave SpaceX the green condemned Trump adminis- deserve any leniency. light to test a new crew capsule tration for not providing more Former Trump campaign “For over a decade, Man- by first sending an unmanned disaster relief in the 17 months chairman Paul Manafort afort repeatedly and brazenly craft with a life-sized since Hurricane Maria devas- committed crimes that cut to violated the law,” prosecutors mannequin to the International tated the US territory and left “the heart of the criminal justice wrote. “His crimes continued up Space Station. thousands dead. system” and over the years through the time he was first “We’re go for launch, we’re The Democratic governor, deceived everyone from book- indicted in October 2017 and go for docking,” said William who has been reluctant to lash keepers and banks to federal remarkably went unabated even Gerstenmaier, the associate out at the Trump administration prosecutors and “members of after indictment.” administrator with Nasa Human at times, said the Republican the executive branch of the Citing Manafort’s lies to the Exploration and Operations. president himself bears respon- United States government,” FBI, several government agencies A Falcon 9 rocket from the sibility for the slow pace of dis- according to a sentencing memo and his own lawyer, prosecutors private US-based SpaceX is aster relief. filed yesterday by special said that “upon release from jail, scheduled to lift off, weather “Eventually the buck has to counsel Robert Mueller’s office. Manafort presents a grave risk of permitting, on March 2 to take stop somewhere,” Rossello said The memo, in one of two recidivism.” the Crew Dragon test capsule to The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company’s Crew Dragon Friday on the opening day of criminal cases Manafort faces, The memo was filed in the ISS. attached, rolling out of the company’s hangar at Nasa Kennedy the National Governors Asso- does not take a position on how federal court in Washington, Nasa signed contracts in Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A. ciation meeting in Washington. much prison time he should where Manafort last September 2014 with SpaceX and Boeing “It has to stop with the serve or whether the pun- pleaded guilty to two counts of for the companies to shuttle US Soyuz rockets to send US astro- The March 2 flight will be president.” ishment should run at the same conspiracy arising from astronauts to the ISS. nauts to the orbiting ISS. identical to a flight that is set to Rossello said he made time or after a separate sentence Ukrainian political consulting This will be the first time the “This is an absolutely critical take two astronauts to the ISS public and private requests in he will soon receive in a Virginia work. As part of that plea, he US space agency lets a private- first step that we do as we move later in the year, possibly in July. recent weeks to meet with the prosecution. But it does depict acknowledged that he had tam- sector company transport their towards returning the crewed The Crew Dragon capsule president. Manafort as a longtime and pered with witnesses even after astronauts. Nasa ended its launch capability back here to has seven seats. It should dock The White House denied unrepentant criminal who com- he had been indicted by encour- space-shuttle programme in the US,” said Gerstenmaier, with the ISS on March 3, then the requests without giving a mitted “bold” crimes, including aging them to change their 2011 and since then has relied speaking at a press conference detach and return to Earth on reason, he added. under the spotlight of his role as testimony. on buying spots on Russian in Cape Canaveral, Florida. March 8. SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019 HOME 15

eading timepiece and Naturally, Lionel Messi wanted diamond jewellery house to personalize his watch, so he put Jacob & Co, has begun a his iconic number 10 in red on the momentous partnership flange ring, his logo – a stylized M with legendary football – on the dial at six o’clock, and his Lstar Lionel Messi by introducing signature on the blue sapphire glass their first limited edition collection: at the back of the case, which offers The Epic X Chrono “Messi” watch. a view of the automatic bi-compax To many soccer fans, Lionel skeleton chronograph movement Messi is the greatest player in the (JCAA05). This unique Jacob & Co. history of the beautiful game: nine- manufacturing gauge operating at time champion of the Spanish 4 Hz reveals its sophistication with soccer league, four-time winner of a column wheel and 48-hour power the European Champions’ League, reserve. five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or The Epic X Chrono “Lionel as the best player in the world, five- Messi” marks the beginning of an time winner of the Golden Boot as exclusive three-year timepiece the top goal scorer in Europe, and partnership between the football winner of Olympic gold, Messi is great and Jacob & Co. and will be widely admired for his speed on the the first of several limited edition attack, efficiency of motion, and designs to be released from the col- breathtaking creativity. laboration. At December 18th’s Paying tribute to a player of this Golden Boot Gala, Messi sported the magnitude required a truly excep- SF24 Tourbillon, the next watch tional timepiece. Jacob & Co model to be featured in a limited therefore designed the Epic X edition collection. Chrono “Lionel Messi” to feature a “The Epic X Chrono ‘Lionel polished grade-5 titanium case, Messi’ is recognizable anywhere,” Jacob & Co kicks off anti-reflection sapphire glass, white says Jacob & Co founder Jacob ceramic chronograph bezel and Arabo, “and for us, it was the buttons, titanium and blue-rubber perfect way to begin a partnership horns, and red-rubber crowns. This with Lionel Messi and a true asso- eye-catching wonder is also water ciation of champions. The beauty partnership with resistant to 200 meters, guaranteed of this finished product and our shock resistant, and available in a overall experience with the Messi strictly limited edition. Its immedi- Brand thus far have also signifi- ately distinguishable light blue and cantly raised our expectations for white colour was derived from the future releases. Admirers of the flag of Argentina, which is Messi’s Epic X Chrono will surely be football legend Messi home country. pleased with what’s to come.” All Jacob & Co and IWC Schaffhausen products are displayed at the Al Majed Jewellery pavilion at DJWEWE

Infinia Baguette Collection

The Big Pilot’s Watch from IWC Schaffhausen was sup- plied to the Luftwaffe German Air Force in 1940 in an edition Big Pilot’s of 1,000 pieces. Constructed according to strict criteria for Jacob & Co’s Infinia collection captures the impassioned feeling of falling in love and encapsulates it in everlasting form. observation watches, it is the Available in tapered baguette cut rubies, and white diamonds, interwoven with round cut white diamonds, the Infinia collection Watch ( 1940) biggest wristwatch ever built is reflective of the universal symbol for “infinity,” from which it draws its name. The deep colour and timeless nature of the stones, by IWC, with a case diameter combined with the collection’s circular designs, symbolise a cycle of endless infatuation – an infinite love that lasts forever. First manufactured in 1940 of 55 mm, a height of 16.5 mm, Set in 18k white gold, the Infinia collection features heirloom-quality earrings and rings in two available sizes large and small. and a weight of 183 g.

IWC Schaffhausen expands Portugieser family

WC Schaffhausen is expanding visible through a see-through sap- Arabic numerals, the railway track its Portugieser family to include phire glass back. chapter ring and the slim feuille Itwo classically elegant models. hands. The IWC 52010 manu- The Swiss luxury watch manufac- facture calibre has a Pellaton turer is launching the first Por- Perpetual Calendar winding with ceramic components. tugieser watch in the current col- with Double Moon The oscillating weight is fitted with lection to have a perpetual cal- an 18 carat gold medallion and endar and platinum case. In Display builds up a power reserve of seven addition, IWC is introducing the The main feature on the dial of days. The watch is worn on a black new Portugieser Automatic in a this watch is the perpetual calendar. alligator leather strap. stainless steel case with a silver- Developed by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s, plated dial and rhodium-plated the mechanism consists of around 80 hands. parts and displays the date, day, IWC Schaffhausen The Portugieser Perpetual Cal- month and moon phase, as well as With a clear focus on tech- endar is the first watch in the the year in four digits. It can be easily nology and development, the Swiss current Portugieser Collection to adjusted using the crown. watch manufacturer IWC Schaff- have a perpetual calendar and a The mechanism identifies dif- hausen has been producing time- platinum case. ferent month lengths and leap years pieces of lasting value since 1868. Platinum is inherently a par- automatically and will work until The company has gained an inter- ticularly corrosion-resistant and 2100 without needing any cor- national reputation based on a hypoallergenic material. Thanks rection. This version of the calendar passion for innovative solutions and to its high density, it is extremely comes with a double moon display technical ingenuity. robust and durable. The gleaming that gives an inverted view of the One of the world’s leading whitegrey platinum case perfectly moon phases for both the northern brands in the luxury watch segment, matches the silver-plated dial, as and southern hemispheres. Thanks IWC crafts masterpieces of Haute well as the rhodium-plated hands to a special reduction gear, the Horlogerie at their finest, combining and appliques. The case houses display is so accurate that it will supreme precision with exclusive the IWC 52615 manufacture only deviate from the actual orbit design. As an ecologically and calibre. of the earth’s satellite after 577.5 socially responsible company, IWC The Pellaton winding is fitted years, and then only by one day. is committed to sustainable pro- with ceramic components that are In addition, IWC also unveiled duction, supports institutions practically wear-free, and builds a Portugieser Automatic in a around the globe in their work with up a power reserve of seven days stainless steel case with a silver- children and young people, and with its oscillating weight made plated dial and rhodium-plated maintains partnerships with organ- from solid 18 carat red gold. The hands. This variant most particu- isations dedicated to environmental highly embellished movement is larly showcases the appliqued protection. 16 HOME SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2019