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Tuesday 20 February 2018 | 4 Jumada II I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 22 | Number 7443 | 2 Riyals

Enjoy the best Wi-Fi coverage with Orbi! Get it now from Ooredoo. Qatar and Emir receives written message from Sudan President Bosnia vow to boost ties Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani held official talks with the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdic.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations and signed a number of MoUs in various fields.

QNA memorandum of understanding Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from President of the Republic of the Sudan, Field Marshal on education, higher education Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, pertaining to the bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them. The message was handed over by DOHA: Prime Minister and and scientific research, in Dr Mustafa Othman Ismail, Permanent Representative of Sudan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Assistant to the President of Interior Minister H E Sheikh addition to a twinning Sudan and presidential envoy, when H H the Emir met him at the Al Bahr Palace yesterday. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa agreement between the munic- Al Thani held a session of ipality of Doha city and the city official talks with the Chairman of Sarajevo. of the Council of Ministers of A number of Their Excel- Republic of Bosnia and Herze- lencies the ministers attended govina, Denis Zvizdic, at the the session of official talks and Emir issues Emiri Diwan yesterday. the signing ceremony of the FM: No talks with siege nations During the talks session, the agreement and the memo- instruments of two sides discussed bilateral randums of understanding, relations between the two along with members of the ratifications brotherly countries, ways of accompanying official dele- at the cost of sovereignty developing and enhancing gation from the Bosnian side. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh them in various fields and The Prime Minister and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reviewed regional and interna- Interior Minister Sheikh and the QNA Speaking yesterday as he it is based on building friendly issued yesterday an instrument tional developments of Bosnian Chairman of the laid out the foreign policy of relations with world countries, of ratification approving a draft common concern, especially Council of Ministers also held a DOHA: Deputy Prime Minister Qatar before the Advisory protecting the interests of the agreement on air transport the situation in the region. bilateral meeting during which and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Council, the minister said that state, defending Arab and Islamic between Qatar and the USA, The Prime Minister and they reviewed a number of Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al the siege countries have violated issues and issues of the vul- signed in Washington on Interior Minister and the issues of common concern. Thani reaffirmed that any all articles of the Gulf Cooper- nerable, working to establish October 3, 2001. Chairman of the Council of The Prime Minister and dialogue with the siege coun- ation Council (GCC) Charter, international peace and security H H the Emir also issued Ministers of Bosnia witnessed Interior Minister also hosted a tries will not be at the expense reiterating the importance of through adherence to interna- an instrument of ratification the signing of a memorandum luncheon banquet in the honour of the sovereignty of Qatar, having a clear and binding tional laws, activating cooper- approving a draft MoU for of understanding on health of Chairman of the Council of stressing the need to have basic mechanism to settle GCC ation in multilateral frameworks cooperation in the field of field, drug production and Ministers of Bosnia and his principles for any dialogue, with conflicts. at the United Nations and spe- youth and sports between Min- employment of health workers, accompanying delegation. these principles shielded by a H E Sheikh Mohamed spoke cialised bodies. istry of Culture and Sports of memorandum of understanding clear mechanism to settle about the constants of the foreign Qatar and Ministry of Youth on cooperation in youth field, →SEE ALSO PAGE 2 conflicts. policy of Qatar, pointing out that →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 and Sports of Iraq, signed in Doha on January 16, 2018. The Emir issued an instrument of ratification approving an agreement on cancellation of Record decrease in traffic deaths, injuries visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and private or SIDI MOHAMED Abdullah Al Maliki, Secretary of World Health Organisation while figures recorded in Qatar accidents declined by 2.4 percent service passports between THE PENINSULA National Traffic Safety Committee (WHO) is 10 - 12 deaths, whereas were two deaths for the same and injuries declined by 1.3 Qatar and Ethiopia, signed in and other senior officials. Qatar has recorded 1.17 deaths number persons of injured. percent as 6,140 cases were Doha on November 14, 2017. DOHA: The average deaths in Al Sulaiti added that the for the same number of vehicles. Despite the number of vehicles reported in 2016 while it was road traffic incidents in Qatar last number of traffic deaths per ten Also, global figures recorded increased in 2017 compared with 6,061 in 2017. Serious injuries year were 5.4 per 100,000 thousand vehicles, as per the three deaths per 100 injured 2016, the number of traffic also declined by 14.8 percent Emir issues decrees persons, a figure far below than from 872 in 2016 to 743 in 2017 world average of 17.4 per and fatalities by 0.6 percent. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh 100,000 persons. About 97.5 percent of 240,333 Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani This was announced by the Smart device to impound cars at home traffic accidents reported in 2017 issued yesterday Decree No. 11 General Directorate of Traffic DOHA: The General Directorate fast completion of the task, and were without injuries. of 2018, ratifying a memo- yesterday in a press conference of Traffic has introduced smart the location of the seized Brigadier Muhammad Saad randum of understanding held at its headquarters about the device connected to Direc- vehicles and accessibility as Al Kharji said that the positive about cooperation in the traffic statistics of 2017 compared torate, which is capable of well as ensuring the safety of achievements were due to education, higher education to 2016. The traffic statistics 2017 tracking and locating the seized the property of others by con- enhancement of measures such and scientific research fields showed remarkable progress vehicle to ensure the period of fiscating the vehicle at home. as traffic awareness, road traffic between Qatar and Somalia, regarding reduction in the custody specified by the traffic. Previously people had to control, driver qualification, test which was signed in Doha on number of deaths and traffic With the introduction of the take the impounded vehicle to development, vehicle inspection March 18, 2015, annexed to this injuries. new device the motorists in police yard in Industrial Area and quality of ambulance decree and to have the force of Brigadier Ibrahim Saad Al Qatar will be able to keep for keeping these vehicles for services, which reduced the law in line with Article 68 of Sulaiti, Head of Statistical Analysis impounded vehicles at their the duration of punishment. The number of deaths as the ambu- the constitution. at Office of Interior Minister of own premises instead of leaving duration varies depending on lance response time reduced to The Emir also issued Interior said that the most it at police-designated the offence. 5 to 7 minutes in Doha. Decree No. 13 of 2018, ratifying important international indi- impounding yards. vehicle during house impound “The option to impound the Out of 177 died in road acci- a twinning agreement between cators achieved by Qatar last The announcement was to ensure compliance with the vehicle at the house of the per- dents in 2017, 45 percent were Doha Municipality and Bishkek year, is the reduction in the mor- made yesterday at the General specified duration of the petrator is not for all traffic vio- drivers, 23 percent passengers Municipality, which was signed tality rate due to traffic accidents Directorate of Traffic during a penalty. Captain Riyadh Ahmad lations,” Ahmad added. Text while 32 percent were pedes- in Doha on December 8, 2014, compared to global averages. The press conference at its head- introduced the smart device. He messages will be sent to the trians. He said the causes of mor- annexed to this decree and to press conference was attended quarters about the traffic sta- said that it is an electronic offender and the device will be tality were high speed and reluc- have the force of law in line by Brig Ibrahim Saad Al Sulaiti, tistics of 2017 compared the device connected to the General installed in the car by specialists tance to fasten seat belts. He said with Article 68 of the consti- Head of Statistical Analysis office, 2016. Directorate of Traffic. from the Traffic department. that the department has tution. The two decrees are Brig Mohammed Saad Al Kharji, ‘Smart Impound’ enables The purpose of the device The battery of the device can developed curricula in driving effective starting from their DG of General Directorate of tracking and locating the is to stop paper transactions, work more than six months. schools, which helped make date of issue and are to be pub- Traffic and Brig Muhammad drivers responsible. lished in the official gazette. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 02 PM, Bosnia & Herzegovina official hold talks Qatar adhering to GDA commitments SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Alliance was included that will be states or countries wishing to join THE PENINSULA signed by concerned authorities the Alliance, and the preparation in Qatar, so that the organisation of a paper on the sources of can have status of a full-fledged funding of the Alliance. DOHA: Qatar is working to fulfil legal body and benefit from the Al Dafa said that the activities its commitments for supporting advantages granted to similar of the Alliance also include the the Global Dryland Alliance international organisations. preparation of a proposal for the (GDA), said Minister of Munici- “The draft agenda also administrative and organisational pality and Environment H E includes the discussion of the structure of its executive secre- Mohamed bin Abdullah Al financial resources of the Alliance tariat, as well as the preparation Rumaihi. and the adoption of an innova- of a convention to be signed with “The Ministry of Municipality tive and sustainable mechanism the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of and Environment and other gov- that will contribute to the the country having its headquar- ernment sectors are working to financing of the programme and ters and the expansion of the tem- implement Qatar’s commitments projects required to be imple- porary headquarters. to GDA within the stipulated mented in our countries on pri- GDA is an international time,” said the Minister in his ority basis and to enhance the organisation of dryland countries inaugural speech at a meeting of financial resources of the Alli- established with the purpose of the First Ordinary Session of the ance,” said the Minister. achieving food security by sharing Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani held a session Executive Board of the Global Ambassador Bader bin Omar knowledge and best practices; of official talks with Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Drylands Alliance here yesterday. Al Dafa, Executive Director of the assisting in the development of Zvizdic, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister and the Chairman of the “We met four months ago to sign Global Dryland Alliance, spoke capabilities to prevent food crises; Council of Ministers witnessed the signing of memorandums of understanding on health field, drug the founding agreement of the about the activities of the execu- and by providing mutual assist- production and employment of health workers, memorandum of understanding on cooperation in Global Dryland Alliance in a bid tive secretariat of the Alliance ance needed at the times of emer- youth field, memorandum of understanding on education, higher education and scientific research, to have an effective framework during the past three months. gency such as natural disasters or in addition to a twinning agreement between the municipality of Doha city and the city of Sarajevo. to unite our efforts to meet the He added that this period wit- unrest. challenges,” said the Minister, nessed a number of activities On October 15, 2017, Doha adding that the first goal is to including the implementation of hosted the GDA’s founding con- ensure food security and mitigate the recommendations of the ference where the convention of the negative impacts of climate founding countries of the Alliance, the new international organisa- change on development in coun- working visits to some member tion based in Doha was signed. tries in general. The Minister highlighted Qatar to update laws the concerns of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to this inter- tied to children rights national organisa- tion, which was set AMNA PERVAIZ RAO up upon his initia- THE PENINSULA tive, adding that His Highness directed to DOHA: Minister of follow-up and sup- Administrative Devel- port it at all stages. opment, Labour and He said that Social Affairs H E Dr Issa within the frame- bin Saad Al Jafali Al work of the draft Nuaimi yesterday reit- agenda of the erated Qatar’s contin- council, a draft uous keenness to agreement for the Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi develop and update its headquarters of the speaking at a meeting of Global Drylands Alliance in Doha yesterday. laws and legislations related to children rights to comply with the related international standards. Don’t allow children to drive He was speaking Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs H E Dr Issa at a forum on ‘Children bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi and other dignitaries at the Forum yesterday. Safety’ organised by the PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA without licences, parents urged Department of Family Affairs at Ministry Of Administrative Develop- activities of the forum to be full of educational, SIDI MOHAMED ment, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) and social, health, cultural, skills, intellectual, creative THE PENINSULA Aman Centre (Protection and Rehabilitation Cen- and literary scenes among children in Qatar in var- tre) at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). ious fields. He said the forum will lead to the devel- The forum was aimed at enhancing the proce- opment of plans to achieve safety of children and DOHA: The Juvenile Police dures taken by the state institutions to enhance a promising future for children in Qatar. Department in collaboration safe childhood. It was also aimed at establishing Amal Abdullatif Al Mannai, CEO of QFSW, with Media and Traffic Aware- a platform for cooperation between state entities stressed on the importance of commitment to pro- ness section at the General and non-governmental organisations working vide a better and safer future for children as it is Directorate of Traffic yesterday in that field which would enable the exchange of the most righteous task in the world. She said: organised a discussion on expertise in order to promote safety for children. “Qatar is based on its national standards and its ‘driving without licence, risks The Minister said: “Under the wise leadership community culture has been supporting the inter- and solutions’. of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, national declarations and charters, including the The session focused on the Qatar does not spare any effort in giving impor- Convention on the Rights of children.” “The absence risks of driving without licence tance to children rights, on a legislative and insti- or weakness of parental responsibility has harmful and responsibility of parents in Officials at the event. tutional level. The Qatari constitution and other effects on the development of the child during the this regard emphasising that legislations included many provisions that con- early years of life. This may lead to emotional dis- parents must not give children parents who are lenient in this dangers, Sherida said the Direc- sider family, maternal and children rights”. “Qatar orders in adolescence and aggressive behaviour permission to drive before reach- matter. Al Ateeq called on all par- torate conducts many awareness has attempted to put into practice the basic prin- and introversion among young people,” she added: ing the legal age. The speakers ents to cooperate with security activities to educate school stu- ciples and provisions of the convention and its pro- Mansoor Al Saadi, Executive Director of Aman in the session included Captain services and not allow their chil- dents on various aspects of traffic tocols to protect and promote the rights of the Centre said: “All entities which come under the Shaheen Rashid Al Ateeq, Head dren to drive before the legal age safety, especially driving with- children.” umbrella of Qatar Foundation of Social Work which of Awareness and Media section to protect their lives and those out a licence. The Minister said importance of enriching cul- include, Aman Centre (Protection and Rehabilita- at the Juvenile Police Depart- of other road users. The speakers urged parents ture, consolidating, promoting and protecting child’s tion), Wifaq (Awareness and Consulting), Dreama ment, Captain Ali Hamad Al Al Aswad spoke on the role to guide their children and edu- rights and extracting their creative energy to create (Empowerment of the Orphans), Best Buddies Aswad, Head of Traffic Investiga- of traffic patrols to control the cate them on respect for the law, a new generation that is able to lead in the future. (Friendship, Support and Inclusion) and Nama tion section in Madinat Khalifa, cases of driving without licence which does not allow them to “This contributes to finding a generation which is (Empowerment and Entrepreneurship) have played and First Lieutenant Fahd Sher- in general, pointing out that when drive cars without obtaining a able to positively interact with the society and an important role in benefiting children as per their ida, Traffic Awareness official, traffic patrols catch a person driver’s licence. adheres to the culture of community which serves rights in the society.” He said: “ In the State of Qatar, among others. driving without a licence they Some students who attended the family and particularly children”. there are total of 4,211 children who have been part The speakers stressed that impound the vehicle, in addition the discussion raised questions It is also working on updating the programmes of QFSW entities and have benefited by the serv- the security services are not able to other procedures like refer- about the legal issues in obtain- that guarantee all rights, which complies with the ices of these entities, which include 424 children to fully play their role in raising ring the person to the public ing a driver’s licence, as well as Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to make at Aman Centre, 2,273 at Wifaq, 78 at Dreama, 99 awareness and educating the prosecution. the punitive measures that a per- the State able to achieve sustainable development. at Nama, 644 at Shafallah and 693 at Best Buddies youth about the dangers of driv- On the role of traffic in rais- son driving a vehicle without a The Minister also expressed his hope for the according to 2017 statistics”. ing without a license if there are ing students’ awareness of the licence can be subjected to.

Qatar and Kuwait to enhance air transport ties

THE PENINSULA fields of civil aviation and air participation of Qatar in Kuwait safety systems and exchange of transport. Aviation Show, which was suc- experiences between the two KUWAIT: Chairman of Qatar’s Al Subaie stressed the cessful in its first edition, adding sides to hold joint technical Civil Aviation Authority H E strength of the social and eco- that this success gave a message sessions. Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al nomic relations between the two that Kuwait is ready to enter as Al Fouzan explained that the Subaie met with President of countries and the keenness to a major competitor in the avia- meeting also touched on the Directorate General of Civil upgrade them. tion market in the region. possibility of using the Fifth Aviation in Kuwait, Sheikh He expressed the hope that Following the meeting, the Freedom, which provides for Salman Sabah Al Salem Al this visit to the State of Kuwait Director General of Kuwait Civil transport exchange rights and Hamoud Al Sabah. will achieve the desired Aviation Eng. Yousef Al Fouzan the provision of facilities in a They discussed ways to objectives. said the meeting discussed manner that achieves flexibility enhance joint cooperation Al Subaie also expressed his means of cooperation in the for air carriers between the two Officials at the meeting. between the two countries in the happiness about the recent fields of air transport, countries. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 03 ‘No talks with siege nations at the cost of sovereignty’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 countries and is considering coop- the State of Qatar calling for a legitimacy. On the Qatari-Iranian Adherence to international eration in the framework of mul- political solution to the crisis and relations, he said the relationship conventions and international tilateral regional organisations to its stand with the Syrian people. between the two countries should development is also the basis of join and benefit from them. He said in this regard that the State be based on clear bases due to Qatar’s foreign policy, in addition The State of Qatar speaks with of Qatar had no motives to change geographical proximity and par- to the delivery of Qatari humani- the different world countries in the the Syrian regime and tried and ticipation in the largest gas field, tarian assistance to those affected language of interests rather than sought to have a solution to the which requires constant commu- anywhere in the world. threats as the siege countries do, crisis at the beginning, but there nication between the two sides. The Deputy Prime Minister the deputy prime minister and for- was no response. He added in this regard that and Foreign Minister described the eign minister said, adding that When the regime started using the State of Qatar and Iran have fabricated crisis of the siege as Doha has achieved many objec- violence against the people, Qatar many points of disagreement on unprecedented in the modern his- tives in this regard as major coun- stood by the Syrian people, he said, foreign policy, and Qatar still dis- tory of Qatar, labelling it as tries condemned the siege and adding that Qatar continues to agrees with Iran on them despite treachery. He said that Qatar, demanded its lifting. support the Syrian people by pro- the latter’s stand with Doha after under the leadership of Emir On the latest developments in viding humanitarian and political the siege. H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad the crisis, he warned that the siege support to reach a political solu- In response to a question on Al Thani, took a strategic decision countries are keen to normalise Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed tion in accordance with interna- the US-Qatari strategic dialogue, to deal with the siege in a civilised the crisis and continue it in an bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. tional decisions and the Geneva 1 he explained that this dialogue and legal way, and to rise above attempt to weaken the Qatari resolutions in particular. came in accordance with the the level of the siege countries in economy in the hope that Doha eight months, sought dialogue but adding that thanks to the wise On the Yemen crisis, he directives of the Emir to establish the way they treat the Qatari would make concessions, stressing the siege countries closed the door, policy of HH the Emir, the State of expressed his belief that it has a strategic platform to frame the people. that Qatar has thwarted all these noting that there are no endeav- Qatar has overcome many of the begun to take a controversial Qatari-American relations He also reviewed the stages of attempts to harm the economy. ours on Qatar’s side now in this negative aspects of the crisis and framework because of the contin- according to a clear and coordi- the crisis since its beginning and “The last of these attempts was regard but it welcomes any con- all countries that work with Qatar uation of the war. He added that nated mechanism that brings the measures the state took to pressuring the Qatari currency and structive efforts. are convinced that what is hap- Qatar’s participation in the Coali- together all the political, economic, counter the siege under directives bonds.” There are no new efforts now pening is a slander against the tion to Support Legitimacy was defence and energy sectors. He of the Emir, pointing out that there Sheikh Mohamed said that the except from the United States, state and unjust measures. based on the conviction that what added that there have been fruitful are no actual reasons for the crisis directives of the Emir are to move especially those related to the Sheikh Mohamed noted that happened was a coup against meetings with US counterparts, but it aims to place Qatar under forward without closing the door Camp David summit, he said, Doha understands that these legitimacy and should not be which produced positive results. the guardianship of these coun- to dialogue, stressing that the State noting that no one was invited to countries can not show a strong accepted. He stressed that Qatar’s In response to another ques- tries, and direct Doha’s internal of Qatar will pursue its rights to the summit yet, and if the invita- supportive position due to the bal- participation in the coalition was tion, he said the US will abide by and external policy and exploits obtain them if the siege countries tion was sent, the State of Qatar ance of interests with the siege based on its duty and commitment the declaration of joint defense its resources to serve the interests want to normalize the siege. will attend, adding that the US is countries and the pressures exer- to the collective security of the between the two countries to pro- of these countries. The Deputy Prime Minister in touch with Doha regarding pro- cised on them. GCC countries. vide all kinds of support to the Sheikh Mohamed hailed the and Foreign Minister stressed that posals to resolve the crisis. Speaking before the Advisory Sheikh Mohamed added that State of Qatar in the event of any great role of Emir of the fraternal the social and humanitarian ele- In a related context, he reiter- Council, he touched on the posi- Qatar sent its troops to the Saudi external attack and this agreement State of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah ment is what drives the State of ated that there are no positive tions of the State of Qatar on border to protect the kingdom and has been in place for years but was Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and Qatar to consider solutions to this indicators from the siege coun- regional and international issues, did not participate in the war in highlighted after the strategic his good endeavours to resolve the crisis. The rest of the situation is tries, but rather they move from particularly the Palestinian issue, Yemen. dialogue. crisis, noting that has welcomed stable, he said, warning that the an escalation to another and pre- the Syrian crisis, the war in Yemen, The Deputy Prime Minister He noted that this is a message and supported this role. He also siege countries went far and hoped pare new waves of future the situation in Libya and the rela- and Foreign Minister pointed out from the US to the siege countries pointed to the role of the different that Qatar will collapse and have escalations. tionship with Iran. that the war continues until today that Washington does not stand ministries and government enti- a new political regime, expressing As for participation in the He reiterated the State of and the Yemeni people suffer from by their side and that it will seek ties at the political, economic and regret for this unjustifiable upcoming Arab summit, he said Qatar’s firm position on the Pal- difficult humanitarian conditions, to resolve the crisis and will not legal levels to address the reper- hostility. that Qatar will attend the summit estinian issue and its support for noting that there are 20 million allow the escalation of the dispute cussions of the siege. In response to a question on regardless of its place, and if the a just solution according to the Yemenis below the poverty out of concern about its interests Asked about Qatar’s member- when the crisis would see a break- host state is one of the siege coun- Arab Peace Initiative, which guar- threshold as well as the spread of in the Gulf region. ship in the GCC, H E Sheikh through, he stressed that the State tries and does not provide the nec- antees the legitimate rights of the diseases and epidemics that kill On the performance of Hajj Mohamed said that Qatar does not of Qatar has moved on from the essary measures, that country will Palestinian people to establish thousands, while no political solu- this year, he said this matter is in intend to leave GCC and will con- issue of the siege but at the same be the violating state and not the their independent state with Jeru- tion looms so far. the hands of the Saudi govern- tinue to work through it as long as time the door remains open to dia- State of Qatar. salem as its capital, as well as sup- For Libya, he said that the ment, noting that the concerned the body remains. “If the siege logue in accordance with clear and The Deputy Prime Minister porting all the segments of the Pal- State of Qatar supported the parties in Qatar will communicate countries want to go and found transparent principles that respect and Foreign Minister said that the estinian people and the Palestinian Skhirat Agreement and committed with the channels set by the Saudi another entity, let them do.” He international law and the sover- State of Qatar continues to convey reconciliation efforts. to this support although there are authorities in this regard but said that Qatar is now strength- eignty of the state. Sheikh the correct picture regarding the With regard to the Syrian other countries that support par- attributed the last say on this issue ening its cooperation with Asian Mohamed added that Qatar, over siege crisis and its consequences, crisis, he reiterated the position of ties outside international to the Saudi government. Qatar begins distribution of $9m emergency aid for Gaza

MOHAMMED OSMAN THE PENINSULA

DOHA: The Chairman of the National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, Ambas- sador Mohammed bin Ismail Al Emadi, yesterday began the distribution of $9m of emer- gency aid for medicines, medical supplies, foodstuff and fuel to operate hospital generators in Gaza Strip. The emergency aid was based on the directives of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued on Feb- ruary 8 and is mainly for health sector in Gaza which suffers The Chairman of the National Committee for the Reconstruction from the siege imposed by the of Gaza, Ambassador Mohammed bin Ismail Al Emadi, and other Israel. Ambassador Al Emadi, officials at a press conference at Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza. speaking yesterday during a press conference at Al Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, the people of Gaza at a time that the State of Qatar is in con- revealed details of the disburse- when they suffer from stant contact with the Pales- ment of the recent Qatari grant oppression. tinian government, the United of QR31m ($9m). The Ambassador added that Nations and international insti- Al Emadi said that $2.6m H H the Emir’s move proves that tutions for joint coordination would be allocated for food par- he stood by the people of Gaza and cooperation so as to help cels, blankets and upholstery, before and now, and will con- the people of Gaza. $500,000 for hospital fuel, tinue to do that in the future. For her part the spokes- sewage pumps and the Ministry Ambassador Al Emadi person for the Ministry of For- of Health, noting that they will expressed hope that the State of eign Affairs, Lulwah Al Khater be good for a month. He added Qatar’s move to provide human- tweeted “Qatar has worked that $2m will be dedicated to itarian relief will act as a strong relentlessly on developing the medicines. incentive, after which an inter- infrastructure in Gaza; $407m As for renovating homes of national move would take place grant was allocated by Father the poor, Al Emadi said that $1 in order to save the people of Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin million was allocated for that Gaza from the humanitarian Khalifa Al Thani in addition to purpose, while another $1 mil- tragedy they are experiencing. $11m by Qatar Fund, to build the lion will be used to pay the fees He stressed the need to find Palace of Justice Complex”. of university students. Finally, a permanent solution to the She released several pic- $2m will be allocated for issue of Gaza employees within tures of the event and said humanitarian and morbidity the framework of the Pales- “Head of Gaza Reconstruction cases. tinian reconciliation, saying that Committee today distributing H Al Emadi said that under the if the reconciliation happens, the H the Emir’s grant. Qatar’s grant current difficult and compli- crisis of the employees will end. is primarily to support the health cated circumstances, Emir H H He added that there must be sector; medical supplies, hospi- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al radical solutions to the issue of tals’ needs etc. Deterioration of Thani was proudly at the fore- employees not only the salaries the health sector in Gaza has front of those taking the initia- of a month or two. been tragic due to the inhumane tive to extend a helping hand to The Chairman reaffirmed blockade”. 04 HOME TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 Ooredoo to showcase future of networking at MWC

THE PENINSULA Ooredoo will showcase the Smart Stadium experience, which enables an end-to-end DOHA: Ooredoo Group will showcase a wide range of trans- football fan journey from arrival to departure formative advanced and in Doha. The journey begins at the airport, emerging technology solutions where visitors receive a smart bracelet for at the Mobile World Congress digital payments and tickets, and then digitally (MWC) 2018, held under the theme of “Enriching People’s check in to a smart hotel. Fans can then take Digital Lives” in Barcelona, an autonomous vehicle to a smart stadium with Spain. smart gates, wayfinding, and concessions, and Ooredoo will highlight how take the connected metro on the way back with the latest innovations across the Smart Stadium, Smart City, personalised geo-targetted offers. Ooredoo Network 2022, Digital Partnerships, and Digital Cus- tomer Experience can transform are delivering seamless experi- infrastructure as the foundation customer and citizen experiences ences across smart cities, smart of Qatar’s nationwide digital across cloud, mobility, security stadiums, and engaging with transformation, in line with and the Internet of Things. communications companies,” Qatar National Vision 2030 and Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al added Sheikh Saud. push for a sustainable “green” Thani, Group Chief Executive Ooredoo will showcase the economy, along with smart irri- Officer, Ooredoo Group, said: Smart Stadium experience, gation and smart metering “Mobile World Congress presents which enables an end-to-end demonstrations. the global platform to demon- football fan journey from arrival Smart meters can display strate how Ooredoo is an inter- to departure in Doha. The real-time energy usage, and help A view of the Ooredoo Pavilion at Mobile World Congress 2018. national innovation leader in journey begins at the airport, city planners manage power and driving the future of digital solu- where visitors receive a smart water demand. Smart irrigation can support a city-wide Internet Driving new digital revenue Ooredoo will also demon- tions to transform daily lives and bracelet for digital payments and can also help farmers monitor of Things platform. streams, Ooredoo will also give strate how communications com- businesses, and to enrich peo- tickets, and then digitally check and limit their water usage for In securing mobile devices, a demonstration of sponsored panies can offer real-time control ple’s digital lives”. in to a smart hotel. supporting Qatar’s self-suffi- Ooredoo, will showcase how it data. Customers can opt-in to of core and digital services, from “Ooredoo is embracing the Fans can then take an auton- ciency in agricultural production can provide customers with a an Ooredoo app promotion in SMS to data, through a mobile app Digital Economy and Internet of omous vehicle to a smart and food security. security solution that protects which they can receive ads to transform the customer expe- Things exchanging best practices stadium with smart gates, way- Underscoring Ooredoo’s against viruses, fraud, and mali- when they unlock their phone. rience. At the Mobile World Con- from across our international finding, and concessions, and showcases will be the company’s cious software without cus- For every ad watched, they can gress, visitors can check the geography in the Middle East, take the connected metro on the “Evolution to 5G” and the tomers needing to download any earn points that can be turned Ooredoo pavilion in Hall 2 - Stand North Africa, and Southeast Asia. way back with personalised geo- network of the future in the year apps. Customers can opt-in with into free data or a reward via 2H60 at the Fira Gran Via in Bar- Our ecosystem of cross-con- targetted offers. 2022. The showcases will illus- a one-click solution and safely the customer loyalty celona from February 26 through nected merchants and partners Leveraging Ooredoo trate how ultra-fast 5G networks enjoy the Internet. programme. March 1 2018.

Ministry of Education takes MEC inspects food shops part in student robotics in Muaither; outlet fined meet in Kuwait QNA THE PENINSULA KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education and DOHA: In a bid to monitor compliance Higher Education participates in the student with intellectual property rights laws, the robotics conference in Kuwait, on the occasion Ministry of Economy and Commerce has of the 15th anniversary of the establishment carried out surprise inspection campaigns of Kuwait Robotic Center, which provides and targetting food shops in Muaither area implements activities for students of all levels, to monitor the compliance of retail in addition to the dissemination of culture and outlets with intellectual property rights awareness of robot science knowledge and laws and regulations. its role in scientific and technological progress. These ongoing inspection campaigns The conference aims to provide an incu- come within the framework of the Min- bator environment for students innovations istry of Economy and Commerce’s efforts in the field of robotics and to present dis- to monitor markets and commercial tinctive models in this field, as well as urging activities as part of an integrated plan students to take advantage of robot covering all retail outlets across the technology. country. The Qatari student delegation and its The campaigns are aimed at cracking supervisors stressed that the conference will down on counterfeit products and commod- allow them to exchange and discuss experi- ities in order to protect intellectual property ences in this field, as well as to learn and share rights and curb the proliferation of counterfeit experiences in the field of robot and its uses goods. in scientific field. The inspection campaign resulted On the first day of the event, Ahmed bin in a fine for one shop for importing and Hanbal Secondary School Team from Qatar distributing counterfeit canned fruits presented the project (Rapid Intervention for of various kinds bearing the mark of Counterfeit products displayed in a shop. Firefighting and Human Rescue) as a scien- an original National Product brand con- tific and technical project highlighting the role trary to the provisions of Law No. 9 of tolerate any violations of the intel- of robot and its importance in serving the 2002 regarding trademarks, com- lectual property rights laws and will community. The head of the Qatari student mercial records, geographic indicators, refer those who violate laws and min- delegation Mariam Al Awadhi will present a designs and industrial models. isterial decrees to competent working paper on robotics and its uses in The Ministry stressed that it will not authorities. education. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 05 QU meet discusses legal challenges in digital age

THE PENINSULA The program the digital world”, “Contempo- agenda featured rary trends on counter-cyber ter- DOHA: Qatar University (QU) rorism and cyber security”, “Data launched the international five panel sessions protection and privacy in the dig- Minister of Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohannadi (left), Minister of Transport and conference yesterday on “Law titled “Novelties ital age”, and “Electronic means Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti (second left) and QU President, Dr Hassan Al Derham, and Digital Age” organized under related to electronic of dispute settlement”. and other dignitaries during the conference. the patronage and in the pres- transactions”, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: ence of H E Jassim bin Saif Al “Community engagement is one of Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and “Rights related to the important goals of QU Strategy rights of digital age, privacy pro- is the source of legislative dis- access to safe services. With the Communications. the digital world”, (2018-2022). QU strives to excel in tection, and electronic means in course in civil, criminal and electronic threats faced by various Organized by QU colleges of “Contemporary serving th e society and to promote conflicts resolution. We look for- administrative responsibilities. institutions across the world, cyber Law (LAWC) and Engineering trends on counter- its role as a source of expertise to ward to the vibrant discussions Through organizing this confer- security has become an important (CENG) and sponsored by Ooredoo serve the nation’s needs in various and recommendations that will ence, the Colleges of Law and priority for the institutions working Qatar, the 2-day event aimed to cyber terrorism and areas. In this regard, the University emanate from the conference’s Engineering reveal the correlation in the field of law and other areas. highlight the fast development and cyber security”, “Data continues in its efforts to provide sessions.” between engineering and law as Hence, institutions need more than legal challenges in the field of dig- protection and privacy solutions to the society’s issues and Dr Mohamed Abdulaziz Al the design of digital applications ever to strengthen their informa- ital technology and to find ways in the digital age”, and challenges. Additionally, the Uni- Khulaifi said: “This conference and the usage of electronic devices tion security systems. Over the to develop the country’s legal versity offered sustainable solutions comes at a time when the world are at the heart of engineering sci- past few years, Ooredoo launched system. It also aimed to underline “Electronic means of to overcome the negative impact of is witnessing a major transition ences, and their usage and activ- a number of techniques for infor- the effectiveness of legal regula- dispute settlement”. the crisis. H H the Emir Sheikh towards digital knowledge and ities are subject to the rules of reg- mation security in Qatar, while its tions to solve these issues and Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stated technology. The world is currently ular assets that are addressed by data centers play an important challenges and the necessity to in his speech last July: “This crisis has facing serious challenges to legal sciences.” role in the provision of cloud com- propose legislative and technical Mohamed Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, driven Qatari society not only to manage knowledge, the methods Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin puting and security services. approaches that keep with the fast CENG Dean Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa, explore its human values as I have to deal with its tools, and how to Nasser Al Thani said: “In the light Ooredoo also provides various technological and technical devel- Ooredoo Qatar Chief New Busi- indicated, but also to draw on its invest it in engineering and legal of the current tremendous tech- institutions in Qatar with security opment in the area of information ness Officer Sheikh Nasser bin sources of strength that lie in its fields. The development of knowl- nological development, digital control through the Security and communication technology. Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, and unity, will and determination.”” edge in the field of digital technol- transformation is not only limited Operations Centre. This service Attending the opening cere- QU officials, as well as LAWC and He added: “This timely con- ogies should not make us forget to legal professions. However, it enables institutions to investi- mony were H E Jassim bin Saif Al CENG faculty, students and staff. ference highlights numerous the legislative wisdom to under- has become a necessity for var- gate and respond to the incidents Sulaiti, Minister of Justice, H E Dr The program agenda fea- issues that are of the interest of stand these phenomena. Despite ious institutions working in this to which they are exposed, con- Hassan Lahdan Saqr Al Mohan- tured five panel sessions titled society such as the contemporary their innovative characteristics, field in order to keep abreast of duct the necessary analysis, and nadi, QU President Dr Hassan Al “Novelties related to electronic trends to combat cyber terrorism digital programs remain a phys- the growing needs of their cus- maintain continuity of work, even Derham, LAWC Dean, Dr transactions”, “Rights related to and promote cyber security, the ical response to human will, which tomers and to facilitate their if their data are hacked.” Seek medical care if travel-related illnesses persist: Expert

THE PENINSULA will experience only mild illness, “Persistent fever can be a abdominal pain, cough or quickly made if the patient is able it is important for residents to be symptom of serious disease. Any shortness of breath, and loss of to provide specific details DOHA: Hamad Medical Corpo- vigilant and to monitor their resident who has travelled appetite. It is important for regarding the destination ration’s (HMC) has urged resi- health. He says that while most abroad and is experiencing travelers to be educated about traveled to and the potential risk dents who are experiencing signs infections will result in symp- symptoms of illness or is gener- their risk of contracting dis- factors he or she has been of illness after travelling outside toms within two to six weeks of ally feeling unwell should seek eases and medical conditions exposed to. the country to seek medical travel, incubation periods vary medical advice, particularly if such as Typhoid Fever, Hepa- Dr Abu Khattab says it is attention, particularly if they’ve and some conditions can present they have not taken precautions titis A, Hepatitis B, and intes- important not to ignore per- travelled to a developing country months to years after initial before travelling to countries that tinal parasites. These conditions sistent symptoms of illness and or region known for mosquito- infection. have reported cases of Malaria, can be serious and require when seeking medical attention borne illnesses such as Malaria, Anyone who has travelled Dengue, West Nile Virus, and medical intervention,” added to inform the treating doctor of Dengue, West Nile Virus, and outside the country and is expe- Zika,” said Dr Abu Khattab. Dr Abu Khattab. any recent travel. To book an Zika. riencing persistent symptoms, “Other symptoms that An initial diagnosis for most appointment at HMC’s Travel Dr Mohamed Abu Khattab, specifically fever (high temper- Dr Mohamed Abu Khattab should not be ignored include travel-related illnesses can be Clinic, call 4025 4003. Consultant specialising in Com- ature) or diarrhoea, should municable Diseases and Travel immediately consult their doctor or another health center that Medicine at HMC, says although or visit the Travel Clinic at HMC’s provides travel medicine most travellers who become sick Communicable Diseases Center, services. Month-long awareness drive to detect cancer

THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Reminding people of the importance of the early detec- tion of cancer in saving lives, ‘Screen For Life’, Qatar’s National Breast and Bowel Cancer Screening program, is launching a month-long aware- ness drive to mark the interna- tional Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in March. Under the tagline ‘Don’t wait for symptoms’, Screen for Life’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is an initiative formed to tell people that because bowel cancer can be a non-symptomatic illness it is paramount not to wait until you feel the symptoms and to undergo screening as a precau- tionary measure. Bowel cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in of the PHCC screening centers at is somewhere people can turn for Qatar and a leading cause of Al Wakra, Leabaib and Rawdat help and advice,” said Dr Shaikha death among men and women in Al Khail Health Centers. The over- Abu Shaikha, Cancer Program the country. arching message of the ‘Screen Manager, PHCC. In line with the global Bowel For Life’ campaign will reinforce “We will be delivering pow- Cancer Awareness month, the the vital role screening plays in erful messages encouraging ‘Screen For Life’ campaign will the early detection of bowel people that everybody has a part involve a series of reminder mes- cancer. to play in raising awareness and sages urging both men and “Bowel Cancer Awareness sharing the importance of women, specifically in the target Month, and specifically the ‘Don’t screening as collectively we work age bracket of 50-74, to take a wait for symptoms’ tagline is a to tackle this illness and ease the proactive approach to their health great way for ‘Screen For Life’ to local and global burden of and book an appointment at one remind people that even though cancer.” of the three dedicated screening they aren’t experiencing any Bowel Cancer Awareness facilities at Al Wakra, Leabaib and symptoms they should still take Month will be marked by a dark Rawdat Al Khail Health Centers. the initiative and get screened. blue awareness ribbon which will The public will be reminded “It is a vitally important mes- be distributed in the screening that they can carry out the Fecal sage to get across. Our month- clinics, and throughout the Immuno-chemical Test (FIT) test long campaign is a great oppor- awareness activities. with ease in the privacy of their tunity to further remind people To book an appointment for own home and they can collect that screening is available now screening, call the dedicated call their complementary kit from one and all-year round, and that there center on 8001112. 06 HOME TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 Qatar Airways and QDF congratulate Kvitova THE PENINSULA

DOHA: Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the official airline and retail sponsor of the Qatar Total Open Women’s Tennis Tournament 2018, congratulated Petra Kvitova on The participants of “The Emergence of Art from the Desert” exhibition along with Katara General her victory in the tournament’s Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and other officials at the opening of the show on Sunday final match last night.  at Katara Building . The thrilling competition was held at state-of-the-art Khalifa International Tennis and Artworks reflect ‘Fath Al Kheir 3 Squash Complex in Doha from 12-18 February 2018, and proved to be a great success Voyage’ at Katara exhibition among international and local fans alike. The new champion THE PENINSULA on maritime voyages earned her title after defeating and point out that it Garbine Muguruza with a 3-6, DOHA: Qatari artist is not limited only for 6-3, 6-4 victory in the final Petra Kvitova with trophy after winning the Qatar Total Open Fahad Al Maadid docu- a sailor or a marine match of the competition. Women’s Tennis Tournament 2018. mented the month-long expert,” he explained. Qatar Airways Senior Vice- voyage of traditional He pointed out President Marketing and Cor- Qatari dhow Fath Al that the idea was also porate Communications, Salam Head of Qatar Duty Free, winning the Qatar Total Open Kheir to Oman and to revive the old Al Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways Thabet Musleh, said: “Qatar 2018. The championship was a Kuwait through his 50 method of recording is thrilled to congratulate Petra Duty Free is pleased to congrat- magnificent success and a sketches on display at events before Kvitova, winner of this year’s ulate Petra Kvitova on her thrilling competition for both “The Story of Fath Al cameras were annual Qatar Total Open, on incredible win at this year’s international and local fans. We Kheir 3 Voyage” exhi- invented, where her incredible victory. Qatar Qatar Total Open 2018. Thanks would like to thank all the par- bition which opened on painters or poets Airways prides itself on being to all the spectators who visited ticipating players and pas- Sunday at Katara documented events. a major sponsor of many our Qatar Duty Free booth and sionate spectators for making Building 19. Qatari artist Fahad Al Maadid and Katara General Another exhi- sporting events around the participated in our special com- this year’s Total Open a suc- The exhibition inau- Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti. bition titled “The world and of using sport as a petition. We would also like to cessful and unforgettable gurated by Katara Emergence of Art means of bringing people congratulate the lucky winners week.” General Manager Dr. Khalid bin nobody has done it before as it from the Desert” also opened on together. We look forward to who were awarded special Qatar Airways, the Official Ibrahim Al Sulaiti aimed at doc- tells the story of the voyage and Sunday focusing on supporting many more thrilling events prizes signed by the tourna- Airline partner of FIFA, is a umenting the third journey of conveys a message of love and young and amateur artists. coming up this year, including ment’s top players”. leading supporter of major Fath Al Kheir which was an peace to our brothers in Kuwait Fifty-five artworks by 11 stu- the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qatar Total Open Women’s global sporting events, important part of the seventh and Oman.” dents and alumni from the Al Russia, with Qatar Airways Tennis Tournament Director, including the 2018 FIFA World edition of the Katara Traditional Fahad explained that most of Jazeera Academy are on display leading the way as the Official Saad Al Mohannadi, said: “Con- Cup Russia™ and the FIFA Club Dhow Festival. the sketches were mainly of the at the exhibition located at Katara Air-line Partner of FIFA.” gratulations to Petra Kvitova for World Cup. The 50 artworks reflect the people he met and places he Building 22. major events of the voyage which visited during the voyage to Among the participants were aimed to revive Qatar’s ancient Kuwait and Oman. Jawhara Al Mana, a graduate who maritime heritage, and spread “I used English ink and contributed seven artworks at the love and peace to its neighbouring English handmade paper for their exhibition. Khalid Al Muraikhi, a Local languages countries. high quality and I didn’t limit my student, used faces as a main “The exhibition was a great work to this exhibition only. I element for his nine artworks at challenge. I wanted to document want this work to continue as I the exhibition. under threat: Expert the story of the voyage in all its am representing Qatar not only ‘My artworks are expressive. stages and details. It was a beau- myself,” he added. I want to give the viewers a Southern and Eastern Arabia”. Oman, National Research Uni- tiful and interesting adventure, “I had done many of my chance to see them from different This Symposium aimed to versity (Russia), Royal Botanical and a rare experience,” said sketches right on the spot where perspectives,” he said. examine the symbiotic rela- Gardens (UK), Sultan Qaboos Fahad. He added: “It is the first- the scene is, and I aimed to The exhibitions are open to tionship between local lan- University (Oman), University of-its-kind exhibition in Qatar as change the stereotypical picture public until February 28. guages and nature in southern of Carleton (Canada), and Uni- and eastern Arabia through a versity of Leeds (UK). multidisciplinary network of Discussions focused on a ecosystem and humanities. wide range of topics such as The event brought together “The Modern South Arabian experts from Canada, Oman, languages”, “Poetry, figurative Qatar, Russia, The Netherlands, language and nature in Modern Prof Janet Watson, Professor of the UK, and the USA. The South Arabian poetry”, “Is the Linguistics at Leeds University. opening session featured Qatari dialect an endangered remarks by CHSS Director, Prof language?”, “Kumzari and the THE PENINSULA Kaltham Al-Ghanim and Pro- languages of Musandam”, fessor of Linguistics at Leeds “Flora of Southern and Eastern DOHA: The Center for Human- University Prof Janet Watson. Arabia”, and more. ities and Social Sciences (CHSS) The event’s programme In her remarks, Prof at Qatar University College of featured numerous sessions Kaltham Al Ghanim said: “Local Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) delivered by speakers from QU, languages are under threat in organised a three-day Leiden University (The Nether- many parts of the world, this is (February 18-20) symposium lands), Middlebury College of global concern because these on “Language and Nature in (USA), Ministry of Education in languages reflect the close rela- tionship between people and their natural environment, embodying the complex rela- tionship with landscape and seasons. When the languages are lost, these connections are broken. Areas of the world which enjoy the greatest lan- guage diversity tend to exhibit the greatest biodiversity, and loss of the one commonly pre- cipitates loss in the other.” Prof Janet Watson said: “We are delighted that this symposium on the symbiotic relationship between language and nature in southern and eastern Arabia is being hosted by Qatar University. This event, which comes within an Arts and Humanities Research Council, UK funded interna- tional network, is the first interdisciplinary symposium to examine the language – nature relationship in southern and eastern Arabia. The symposium brings together participants from eleven different disciplines, from seven different states and speakers of eleven different languages. We envisage this initiative as taking forward an ambitious research agenda to make a significant societal impact, build capacity, and encourage interdisciplinary research through enabling international collaboration to develop major strategic partnerships.” TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 07 44 dead in regime strike in Syria’s rebel enclave

AFP Syrian government air the Britain-based group said. bom- strikes and artillery bardment of the insurgent-held HAMMURIYEH, SYRIA: Heavy enclave started escalating on Syrian bombardment killed 44 killed 71 people in the Sunday evening, wounding 325 civilians in rebel-held Eastern eastern Ghouta pocket people. There was no immediate Ghouta yesterday, as regime near Damascus over comment from the Syrian forces appeared to prepare for an military. imminent ground assault. the past 24 hours, the “The regime is bombing The escalation came as pro- Britain-based Syrian Eastern Ghouta to pave the way for government forces were expected Observatory for Human a ground offensive,” said Observ- to enter the northern Kurdish- Rights said. atory head Rami Abdel Rahman. controlled enclave of Afrin, to Residents of Hammuriyeh could take a stand against a month-old be seen rushing inside in a panic Turkish assault there. The Britain-based Syrian Observ- as soon as they heard the sound of Held by rebels since 2012, atory for Human Rights said 20 airplanes. Eastern Ghouta is the last opposi- were killed in air strikes on Ham- Alaa al-Din, a 23-year-old tion pocket around Damascus and muriyeh and nine others in bom- Syrian in Hammuriyeh, said civil- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad bardment on Saqba. ians were afraid of a potential gov- has dispatched reinforcements The rest were killed when ernment offensive. Syrian civilians and children run for cover amid the rubble of buildings following government bombing there in an apparent bid to retake other areas were pounded. Four “Ghouta’s fate is unknown. in the rebel-held town of Hamouria, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the it. A barrage of air strikes, rocket children were among the dead. We’ve got nothing but God’s mercy capital Damascus, yesterday. fire, and artillery slammed into Syrian government air strikes and hiding out in our basements,” several towns across Eastern and artillery killed 71 people in the he said. Shelling also hit the town hospital, covered in dust and them down, to no avail. Eastern control small pockets including Ghouta yesterday, killing 44 civil- eastern Ghouta pocket near of Douma, where a correspondent wailing uncontrollably. Medics Ghouta is held by two main one directly adjacent to the ians and wounding dozens more. Damascus over the past 24 hours, saw five toddlers brought to a offered them biscuits to calm Islamist factions, but jihadists capital.

Turkey renames street near US Israeli warplanes pound Gaza after new rocket attack Embassy AFP fought a war in 2014. The at farmland east of Rafah in the Saturday and Sunday, according were under way “to stop escala- Islamist militant group was quick south of the Gaza Strip. to the Israeli military. Israeli tion and a new war”, although he AP GAZA CITY: Israeli warplanes to say that it did not seek further No casualties were reported ground forces also killed two did not elaborate. Another source carried out a fresh round of confrontation. on either side. Yesterday’s strikes Palestinian teenagers in the close to Hamas said it was sending ANKARA: Turkish authorities strikes in the Gaza Strip Israeli fighter jets “targeted followed fierce exchanges over enclave in cross-border fire. messages to Israel through neigh- yesterday renamed a street yesterday after a rocket fired by underground infrastructure in the weekend after an improvised But senior Hamas official bouring Egypt, which frequently where the US Embassy is Palestinians slammed into the southern Gaza Strip, in bomb apparently planted by Pal- Mahmoud Zahar said that his mediates between the two sides. located with the name of southern Israel, the army said. response to the projectile that estinian militants exploded Sat- organisation had no wish to see The source said that Hamas rep- Turkey’s military offensive in The cross-border exchange was launched at Israel earlier,” urday, injuring four Israeli sol- fighting with Israel intensify. “The resentatives in Cairo “have offi- Syria that had led to tensions followed a weekend escalation an army statement said. diers inspecting the border fence. resistance does not want to waste cially informed the head of Egyp- between the allies. in violence seen as among the It did not give further details, Israel responded by its energy on this escalation,” he tian intelligence that the Ankara municipal most serious since Israel and the but Palestinian security sources pounding 18 Hamas facilities in told the Hamas-affiliated Al Risala movement is not interested in any workers put up the new sign coastal enclave’s Hamas rulers said several missiles were fired two waves of air strikes on website. He added that efforts escalation in Gaza.” in Turkish for Olive Branch Street, replacing the one named after late Ankara gov- ernor Nevzat Tandogan. Turkey launched Opera- Iranian rescuers find plane wreckage tion Olive Branch last month to drive a Syrian Kurdish militia AP Press TV said search teams reached out of northwest Syria. The the crash site before dawn yesterday. The militia group is a major US ally TEHRAN: Iranian search and rescue station said the weather had improved, in fighting the Islamic State teams yesterday reached the site of a though it was still windy. The semi-offi- group. Turkey regards them as plane crash that authorities say killed all cial Tasnim news agency cited the mil- terrorists. When asked last 65 people on board, Iran’s Press TV itary as saying Russia had helped locate week about the upcoming name reported. the crash site. Russia and Iran are close change, US State Department The Aseman Airlines ATR-72, a twin- military allies. spokeswoman Heather Nauert engine turboprop used for short-distance The TV broadcast footage of a heli- said that “they can call it what- regional flying, went down on Sunday in copter joining the search and showed ever they want. As long as it’s in foggy weather, crashing into Mount Dena ambulances and rescue vehicles pre- accordance with their own law, in a remote area of southern Iran. The paring to reach the site on Mount Dena, we’re fine with that.” airliner said all on board Flight EP3704 which is about 4,400 metres (14,400 feet) In November, Turkey were killed, including six crew tall. The site is reportedly at a height of renamed the street where the members. 3,500 metres (11,500 feet). United Arab Emirates has its The crash of the aircraft, brought Other Iranian news outlets and offi- embassy after a long-dead back into service only months ago after cials did not confirm that the crash site Ottoman military commander. Funeral parade for Tsvangirai being grounded for seven years, was yet had been reached. State radio said five It was a reaction to an Emirati another fatal aviation disaster for Iran, helicopters and five drones are active in Mourners watch as the coffin passes at the funeral parade held for the late minister’s retweet of a claim which for years was barred from buying the search operation. Iran’s semi-offi- Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai in Harare, that the Turkish president’s necessary airplane parts due to Western cial ISNA news agency said that more “forefathers” pillaged the holy Zimbabwe, yesterday. sanctions over its contested nuclear than 150 climbers have joined the city of Madinah. programme. operation. South Sudan rebels release Kenyan pilots after compensation paid

JUBA: South Sudanese rebels have released two Kenyan pilots they were holding after receiving compensation for the family of a civilian killed when their plane crashed last month, a rebel spokesman said. The plane came down in Akobo, in the Greater Upper Nile region in early January, and the rebels asked for compensation for the family of a woman who was killed, and for others who lost live- stock. Lam Paul Gabriel, deputy spokesman of the rebel SPLA-IO said that $107,700 had been paid. Govt steps up action against Zuma-linked family

JOHANNESBURG: South African authorities are esca- lating an anti-corruption drive against a business family linked to former president Jacob Zuma, saying they could seek Interpol’s help to track suspects believed to be out of the country. Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said in an interview with state broadcaster SABC that the search for several suspects, including a member of the Gupta family, is focusing on India, China or Dubai. One of the missing suspects is India-born Ajay Gupta, accused along with his brothers of using connections to Zuma to manipulate state companies for their own financial benefit. Government and opposition begin talks in Togo

LOME: Long-awaited talks between Togo’s government and the opposition began yesterday to try to end a six- month political stand-off that has seen thousands take to the streets in almost weekly protests against the ruling party. President Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005, has faced calls to quit and instigate constitu- tional reform since last August. But after a stalemate, the two sides agreed to meet in talks brokered by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and Guinea’s Alpha Conde. 08 VIEWS TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 Syria’s future: A frozen conflict ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SAMUEL RAMANI DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI ANATOLIA [email protected] N January 30, the Sochi talks ACTING MANAGING EDITOR on Syria’s political future came to a frustrating MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED Oconclusion. Even though [email protected] Russian policymakers were initially optimistic that the Sochi framework would promote dialogue between Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s supporters and Syrian opposition factions, both the Sunni opposition and the Kurdish nationalist forces boycotted EDITORIAL the talks. As the Sochi talks broke down just weeks after both the Geneva and Astana processes failed to ease tensions Yet another milestone between the conflicting parties in Syria, prospects for the swift implementation of a Syrian peace settlement appear he transportation sector is a strong factor remote. This grim assessment is in terms of economic and regional substantiated by the unwillingness of development. It also plays a major role in both pro-Assad and pro-opposition national integration to the world economic factions to accept a military Tmarket. Sea transport, the cheapest available mode de-escalation, and the plethora of of transport, is a major catalyst for the economic competing interests within these development of a country. A sea port is not only the coalitions that hinder the development gateway to a country, but also the mainstay of of a viable peace deal. industrial and agricultural development and most Although the formal establishment importantly food security, if the country is dependent of de-escalation zones in Syria in undertake military actions to prevent on importing most of its foodstuff. September 2017 gained broad Assad from recapturing additional The opening of the Hamad Port on September 5, international support, actors on both Syrian territory. 2017 was a great leap for Qatar’s growth and sides of the conflict have violated these Turkey shares Washington’s prosperity as the country relies on imports for most agreements to combat perceived perspective on Assad’s illegitimacy, Even though the of its day to day requirements of supplies. Since the security threats. but opposes US military support for international community opening, the port has proved its efficiency consistently In recent weeks, Russia and Iran Kurdish factions and the creation of has launched numerous by the way it handles visiting vessels with the most have intensified their attacks on an autonomous Kurdish enclave in modern technology at the state-of-the-art facility. opposition targets in Idlib, and have Rojava. peace processes There has been a steady increase in the number of justified these military activities by The implausibility of a peace aimed at bringing rival ships calling at the $7.4bn port. claiming that a genuine de-escalation of settlement that sufficiently Syrian factions to the A report said that the port has has received a total the Syrian conflict can only be achieved accommodates the competing of 182 vessels in January, which was the highest once Jabhat Al Nusra is vanquished. interests of all major stakeholders in bargaining table and number of ships handled in a month since the start Some Kurdish factions, like the the Syrian conflict ensures that the achieving a durable of operations. The traffic at the port has increased Democratic Union Party (PYD) and most likely long-term outcome in significantly since the blockade was announced on People’s Protection Unit (YPG) militias, Syria is the establishment of a frozen political settlement, the June 5 last year. While just 99 vessels called at the have hindered international efforts to conflict. unwillingness of both port in June, the numbers create a This scenario would give Assad sides to de-escalate rose to more than 180 last de-escalation political hegemony over the majority month showing an zone in Syria’s of Syrian territory, and convert the their military campaigns impressive rise of 84 percent. northern Syrian civil war into a lower-intensity and competing interests The port has also region of Afrin. conflict with more sporadic violence. between rival international maintained a consistent rise These Yet Assad’s actual political power With the huge in vessels traffic, which The implausibility of obstructionist would be limited, as he would have to actors have stymied these logistic facility allowed uninterrupted a peace settlement policies caused constantly defend his authority efforts. and the opening supply of goods for the that sufficiently the Turkish against Sunni insurgents that aim to of economic residents. Goods ranging accommodates military to weaken his hold on power and from foods to raw materials intervene in Kurdish nationalists seeking to secede zones, Qatar is for construction projects the competing Afrin to secure from a fragile Syrian state. would exploit Assad’s fragile hold on fast emerging as continue to enter the country interests of all Turkey’s The establishment of a frozen power to weaken Iran and challenge a major trans- through the sea route. The major stakeholders border with conflict in Syria will influence the Tehran’s influence over other Middle shipment hub. The port is capable of handling in the Syrian Syria. Middle East geopolitical East states. 5,000 vessels per year and To further environment in three main ways. Third, implementing a peace leadership of the has a general cargo terminal conflict ensures complicate First, Russia will emerge as the chief settlement that gives Syria’s Kurdish country deserves that can handle 1.7 million that the most likely matters, guarantor of the Syrian state’s territories de facto autonomy without plaudits for their tonnes of general goods per long-term outcome leading Syrian stability and unity. A frozen conflict de jure recognition could create a year. opposition scenario would safeguard Russia’s permanent state of instability on Syria’s vision and the Being the largest port in in Syria is the factions have naval base in Tartus and air base in northern border with Turkey. efforts to make it the region with nearly six establishment of a refused to Khmeimim, giving Moscow To protect this volatile frontier, materialise in a months into operation, the frozen conflict. accept a considerable military resources to the Turkish military might need to timely manner. facility has already become political project power in Syria. engage in periodic military a centrepiece of regional settlement that If popular unrest were to break interventions in Syria that resemble transport and a bulwark for includes Assad, out in Syria, Russia would likely its 2015 operation against the Qatar’s economic growth and have utilise its military presence to Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and food security. attempted to preserve their remaining strengthen Assad’s position, while factions in eastern Turkey. With the opening of the flagship port, imports to territorial holdings through the use of using diplomacy to prevent the As YPG retaliations against the country has become much easier, cheaper and military force. re-escalation of the Syrian conflict Ankara’s military intervention in Afrin timely. It has liberated the country from dependence Even if both pro-Assad and pro- into a full-blown civil war. Moscow have caused civilian casualties in on UAE ports for imports and exports as well. The opposition factions eventually has been able to maintain this delicate Turkey, the Turkish government will country can now reach out to the international conclude that their goals cannot be balance in other frozen conflict zones likely be forced to militarise its border markets on its own. achieved through military force — like Nagorno-Karabakh and with Syria to prevent future terrorist With the huge logistic facility and the opening of alone and agree to a cease-fire, Eastern Ukraine — and it is well- attacks. economic zones, Qatar is fast emerging as a major competing interests within these equipped to achieve a similar Even though the international trans-shipment hub. The leadership of the country factions will likely stymie the outcome in Syria. community has launched numerous deserves plaudits for their vision and the efforts to implementation of a workable Syrian Second, a frozen conflict is likely peace processes aimed at bringing rival make it materialise in a timely manner. peace settlement. to make Syria a proxy in the Saudi Syrian factions to the bargaining table Within the pro-Assad bloc, Russian Arabia-Iran struggle for regional and achieving a durable political and Iranian policymakers disagree on dominance. As Riyadh remains settlement, the unwillingness of both what Syria’s post-civil war political staunchly opposed to Assad’s sides to de-escalate their military system should look like. Russia wants to retention of power, Saudi Arabia could campaigns and competing interests establish a federal system that provide financial support for Sunni between rival international actors have recognises Assad’s control over Syria’s opposition factions in Syria who reject stymied these efforts. QUOTE OF THE DAY largest cities, while giving Kurdish Assad’s legitimacy and disdain Iran’s As the establishment of an nationalists and selected Sunni hegemony over Syria’s political international consensus on what a opposition factions autonomy over their system. reconstructed Syria should look like Australia is very keen zones of influence. The Iranian These hardline opposition factions appears increasingly unlikely to occur, to pursue a free trade government opposes this compromise, could use Saudi financial support to the Syrian civil war is poised to agreement with the as Tehran rejects the legitimacy of any instigate an insurgency in the regions transition into a frozen conflict. This political settlement that does not held by the Assad regime. trajectory will ensure that Syria United Kingdom. I recognize Assad’s control over the If Assad struggles to unilaterally remains a fragile state and nexus of think that would be entirety of Syria. contain sectarian violence in Syria, instability in the Middle East for years precluded if the United Amongst anti-Assad actors, there Iran is likely to engage in a targeted to come. are similar disagreements on the ideal military intervention on behalf of Kingdom were to rejoin power balance within a reconstructed Damascus. The writer is a DPhil candidate in the customs union. Syrian state. Even though the United As an Iranian intervention to International Relations at St. Antony’s States has periodically acquiesced to support Assad would drain Tehran of College, University of Oxford. He is also Julie Bishop Assad playing a role in the peace critical military resources and a journalist who contributes regularly Australia’s Foreign Minister process, Washington views Assad as an potentially provoke unrest from to The Washington Post and The Iranian proxy and will likely continue to isolationists at home, Saudi Arabia Diplomat. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 OPINION 09 Stop abuse of Africa’s resources to end migration

N January 17, Italy’s carried out by European OPL 245 is hardly an coming decades? The answer is 5. Moving from crisis parliament approved countries in the region, offer exceptional case. Indeed, the to a large extent bound to management to crisis prevention. the deployment of long-term solutions to, and natural resources (fuel, gold, demographics. The total This includes rejecting the policy of up to 470 troops in deep understanding of, the key gas etc) of most, if not all, population of Africa will grow “outsourcing” migration O African countries and a number Niger to combat “irregular structural conditions at the from the current 1.2 billion to management, a short-term migrant flows” and the base of the ongoing migratory of the states in the Eastern 2.5 billion by 2050, while some “solution” that has created an LORENZO KAMEL trafficking of people towards waves. These short-term Mediterranean are still being European countries will see economic boom in a number of AL JAZEERA Libya, and, from there, to policies and analyses speak to syphoned off through offshore their populations decline or centres, some located in desert Europe. A number of other the “gut” of European public companies that, to a large stay relatively stagnant over areas, becoming an industry that European countries are opinion but fail to provide extent, are linked to European the same period. For example, profits off the most vulnerable. pursuing similar policies, structural answers to present and American companies and the EU predicts Italy’s It could be claimed that none of including France, Germany, and future generations. businessmen. As the Panama population to decline from these policies is realistic, or fully and Spain. The acronym OPL 245 Papers confirmed, anonymous nearly 61 million to under 59 feasible. If so, it is necessary to at These policies have been means little, if anything, to companies (about 1400) and million by 2050. least deconstruct the common image preceded, in recent years and most people. Yet, it is the name tax havens are used to exploit This further explains why of a generous Europe committed to months, by a plethora of of the deal for the acquisition of the natural wealth of some of tackling migration and the finding humanitarian solutions to studies and articles. Many of the largest oil block (over 9 the world’s poorest countries. trafficking of people by “millions of migrants”, and that has them were focused on billion barrels of crude) in Only by opening Europe to deploying troops or diverting to cope with the consequences of measures that differentiate Africa. It is situated off the coast African products beyond raw human flows is a red herring. “others’ problems”. between distinct migratory of Nigeria, from where, materials — while guaranteeing Only structural solutions will Indeed, too often we tend to waves, with the purpose of historically speaking, 12 million an equal share of the benefits to enable the EU and other approach the dramatic present of “divert[ing] migration rather slaves were exported to African populations — and international players to turn many Middle Eastern and African than attempting to stop it”. European colonies in the addressing the structural the challenges that these countries as something that pertains Others investigated the costs Americas beginning in the 15th conditions that undermine the numbers bring with them into to peoples and contexts that are and benefits of “outsourcing” century. It is the most populous development capacity of opportunities. From the largely detached from our political, migration control, the country in the continent and millions of people, will the EU perspective of the EU, these historical and economic past and European Union’s strategy for the one from which the largest be able to implement a vision structural solutions include five present. This mindset is often part of “Sahel Security”, and the number of migrants have based on sustainable solutions. main policies: an ongoing medievalisation of these It is necessary to at “financial” cost of the arrived by sea to Italy in 2016. Some of the countries are 1. Exposing and sanctioning regions, that is, the tendency to least deconstruct “migration crisis” for European The $1.1bn invested by among the major recipients of the ongoing exploitation of juxtapose an allegedly “medieval” the common image countries. European oil and gas the almost $1.5bn in rifles, Africa’s natural resources by Middle East and Africa with a of a generous No less attention was given companies in the acquisition of rocket launchers, heavy private and public European modern, secular, normative West. to the “lucrative business” of this oil block would have machine guns, mortar shells companies in order to tackle It is necessary to overcome this Europe committed to NGOs in relation to migratory covered over 80 percent of and anti-tank weapons some of the structural causes of segregated interpretation of “our finding humanitarian waves, to the role of organised Nigeria’s entire health budget currently exported from migration — those hindering history” and “their history”, paving solutions to ‘millions crime in the “smuggling of for 2015. The ordinary citizens Europe (largely via the Balkans) the development of many the way for a more humble of migrants’, and migrants” to Europe, and, last of Nigeria did not see a penny to the Middle East: some of countries in the region. approach towards the peoples’ but not least, to the importance from the deal. The acquisition, these arms are currently being 2. Overcoming the self- region and their sufferance. that has to cope with of “showing solidarity towards finalised through blackmail, in used in Syria and Yemen, serving cliche of “investing in This new attitude will help to the consequences of these desperate people”. benefitted only a very limited contributing to the African countries”, while reshape the paradigmatic schemes ‘others’ problems’. But none of these claims or number of corrupt officials and destabilisation of the region as opening Europe — including by through which to look at the efforts, nor the related policies money launderers. a whole. involving multinational “European Neighbourhood” and to And “destabilisation” is corporations — to African realise Eric Hobsbawm’s wish to indeed another key aspect to be products and enabling local rescue not only “the stockinger and considered when addressing the populations to sustain their the peasant, but also the nobleman structural conditions that are economies. and the king”. fostering “migration and the 3. Monitoring and trafficking of people”. It is a stemming the flow of weapons The author teaches History of story as old as the world: People produced in European Colonial Spaces at the University of tend to migrate when they feel countries and sold in African Bologna and is a senior fellow at IAI. unsafe or unable to fulfil their and Middle Eastern countries needs. In this context, it is affected by wars (Yemen first enough to mention that, and foremost). according to data provided by 4. Providing legal the US State Department, protection and opportunities — “incidents of terrorism” possibly using some of the 6bn D-RING ROAD increased by 6500 percent (199 euros ($7.5bn) allocated by the POST BOX: 3488 attacks in 2002, 13,500 in 2014) EU to strengthen Europe’s DOHA - QATAR since George W Bush started the external borders - for “climate so-called “war on terror” in migrants”, that is those [email protected] 2001. (millions of people) who flee How will migration affect African countries because of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE Africa and Europe in the theeffects of climate change. TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758

MANAGING EDITOR ALSEHOOD flies, and the of Missouri. A dispute over benefits for home and supportive allies abroad. TEL: 4462 7505 truth comes limping after graduate teaching assistants had Prier wraps up his paper by calling it,” wrote Jonathan Swift escalated into broad allegations of racism on social media companies, political DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR more than 300 years ago. on campus. Spotting the trending hashtag leaders and journalists to come to the aid TEL: 4455 7769 “F of the country. Twitter, he notes, faces a What would he have said in the age of #PrayforMizzou, a Russia-linked Twitter Twitter? account, @Fanfan1911, tweeted a photo particular quandary because bot LOCAL NEWS SECTION A sobering paper published in the of a bruised African-American youth that networks and the trending-topic feature TEL: 4455 7743 DAVID VON DREHLE winter edition of Strategic Studies was lifted from an unrelated story. “The — two key weapons in the enemy’s THE WASHINGTON POST Quarterly — the strategy journal of the cops are marching with the KKK!” the arsenal — are both integral to the BUSINESS NEWS SECTION US Air Force — explains how tweet declared. “They beat up my little company’s business model. Advertisers TEL: 4462 7535 propagandists manipulate social media brother! Watch out!” This untrue love Twitter bots, while the trending in their cyberwars against the United message, signed “Jermaine,” was algorithm lends an air of urgency and SPORT NEWS SECTION States. Hostile forces, employing retweeted hundreds of times by Russian authority that the platform would TEL: 4455 7745 bots — enough to unleash it as a viral otherwise lack. contagion among duped Americans, On the other hand, I see no good ONLINE SECTION including Missouri’s student body reason journalists can’t go straight to TEL: 4462 7501 president. work curbing our “overreliance on social [email protected] Fighting back against As other accounts in the orbit of @ media for breaking news,” as Prier puts Fanfan1911 added fake details, Jermaine it. Reporters should treat every tweet PUBLIC RELATIONS demanded the news media cover the with skepticism and demand real-world TEL: 4455 7613 the fabrications nonexistent Klan rampage. Twitter- confirmation of tweeted “news” before [email protected] obsessed reporters ran in search of a sharing it. story. Though the facts eventually came What we need from politicians is ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT automated bots, leverage the blind spots limping onto the scene, lasting damage sufficient leadership to raise the issue of TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 and biases of unwitting Americans to was done. Morale and enrollment sagged cyberdefense above the muck of partisan FAX: 4455 7870 help them send falsehoods flying to at the university. Trust in media and advantage. Sparring over the Trump- [email protected] spread division and demoralisation. police took another hit. The reputation Russia investigation is of passing Figuring out how to fight back, in a and economy of Missouri absorbed a importance compared with the survival CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT free society of open communication, is blow. of open societies. TEL: 4455 7857 the most urgent national security Not bad for a single shift at the Uncle Sam wants you, and your [email protected] challenge we face. Friday’s indictments disinformation factory. In each smartphone. It is up to this generation of by special counsel Robert Mueller III of a incarnation, the agent employs the same Westerners — every woman, man and SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION Russian trolling operation is a welcome tools: distorted or fabricated narratives, child — to show that self- government TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 sign that we are joining the battle. But so legions of retweeting bots, existing can survive the digital revolution. To FAX: 44557819 far, we are losing. And should we fail, the networks of unsuspecting partisans educate ourselves in the use and abuse of [email protected] future will belong to authoritarian states ready to believe the worst, allegations of personal tools of mass communication, that protect their virtual borders by elite corruption, and the viral engine of and to employ these tools without controlling Internet access. trending hashtags. stoking social division. All thoughts and views In his paper, “Commanding the Director of National Intelligence We are being tested. The authorities Trend: Social Media as Information Daniel Coats reported to Congress this are already taking the other path, expressed in these Warfare,” Lt. Col. Jarred Prier examines last week that such efforts are designed protecting their rule by controlling digital columns are those of the strategies and tactics used by both the “to exacerbate social and political access. The same will happen in the writers, not of the Islamic State and the Russian fissures in the United States,” “to create West, if we can’t control ourselves. newspaper. What we need government to seize command of wedges that reduce trust and confidence from politicians is trending topics on Twitter and, to a lesser in democratic processes,” and “to The author writes a twice-weekly column sufficient leadership degree, Facebook. By hijacking these encourage anti-US political views.” for The Post. He was previously an editor- All correspondence to raise the issue algorithms, enemy agents and their It’s working. That’s why this at-large for Time Magazine, and is the regarding Views and armies of bots inflame tension and erode challenge is critical to our national author of four books, including “Rise to Opinion pages should be of cyberdefence trust across American society. security. We cannot tackle either threats Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and above the muck of A striking example, which Prier or competition from China, North Korea, America’s Most Perilous Year” and send to editor-in-chief partisan advantage. documents in detail, came during the Russiaor violent Islamist extremists “Triangle: The Fire That Changed office or mailed to the November 2015 protests at the University without a common sense of purpose at America.” [email protected] 10 ASIA TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 Canada open to immigration, says Trudeau in Gujarat

IANS firmly believed that the new reality for 21st century is going to be heterogeneous AHMEDABAD: Dressed in traditional societies. Indian attire, Canadian Prime Minister “India has done fairly well and Canada Justin Trudeau, his wife and three chil- On trade front, Trudeau too has done fairly well to see that differ- dren landed in Prime Minister Narendra said that current bilateral ences can become source of strength and Modi’s homestate Gujarat yesterday. not weakness. As you get more pluralistic, The visiting Prime Minister and his trade of $8bn in goods language, religion, ethnicity, ideology family, here on a day-long visit, were & $2bn in services had a should be anchored in shared values that received at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Inter- potential to grow. society subscribes to.” Trudeau went on national Airport here by Gujarat Minister to say that dividing society on the basis of Ganpat Vasava and State Chief ethnicity and religious lines was a “tribal” Secretary. proceeded to the Akshardham Temple in approach to civilisation that has over The first engagement of the Trudeau state capital Gandhinagar and spent about thousands of years ripped apart these family, dressed in shades of festive yellow 40 minutes there. beliefs. and red, was a visit to the Sabarmati His last destination was the premier “There are two paths - you can either Ashram. After paying tributes to Mahatma B-school Indian Institute of Management, amplify the anxiety in the world by Gandhi, the Canadian Prime Minister tried Ahmedabad, for a townhall where he had blaming a particular ethnic or religious his hand at the spinning wheel. a lively session with the students, taking group for all the troubles in the society or Trudeau appeared at ease as though questions and replying in great detail. you can take a more successful pluralistic on a family tour instead of an official visit Trudeau said Canada was open to approach, when you actually meet people and sported an attractive red bandhgala immigration and trade. On trade front, with different story and believe that we kurta accompanied by a cream-coloured the Prime Minister said that current bilat- meet them and grow.” The Canadian churidar and even a matching stole. eral trade of $8bn in goods and $2bn in Prime Minister also had a word for the Similarly, his wife Sophie Gregoire services had a potential to grow. media, which he called “frustrating” at Trudeau was in a bright yellow long kurta “When you think of natural connec- times but in the same breath said that it which she teamed with white palazzo tions between India and Canada, espe- was important to support it as it tells the pants. She wore drop-down earrings, gold cially in field of agriculture or pulses, governments where it is wrong. “Inde- bangles and a little bindi to give her a com- where we have slight challenges. We are pendent media is essential for a successful pletely traditional Indian look. discussing potential of growth in pulses.” democracy.” Trudeau again summoned Writing in the visitor’s book at the Referring to the issue of immigration, the name of Mahatma Gandhi to be his Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (third right) and his wife Sophie Gregoire Sabarmati Asrham, Trudeau said: “A beau- especially in context of most of the coun- inspiration. “He should be an inspiration Trudeau (left) with their daughter Ella-Grace (second left) and their sons Xavier tiful place of peace, humanity and truth tries globally looking inwards and raising to all. Idea of extraordinary strength in (right) and Hadrien pose for a photo during their visit to Gandhi Ashram in that is as needed today as ever.” He then barriers, Trudeau said that he and Canada compassion, peace and non-violence.” Ahmedabad, yesterday.

India to host PNB fraud points to ‘supervisory failure at central bank’ World REUTERS quoted the letter as saying. The of the holiday. A source at the belonging to Modi and another employees who were working at Environment RBI did not immediately respond Central Bureau of Investigation jeweller Mehul Choksi, who the Brady Road branch in south MUMBAI: India’s government to a request for comment yes- (CBI) said the branch was likely heads jewellery retailer Gitanjali Mumbai. Day 2018 has said the $1.77bn fraud at terday, which was a holiday in to resume operations today. Gems Ltd and other companies. PNB shares slid for a fourth state-run Punjab National Bank Mumbai. A finance ministry Besides searching the Jeweller Modi, whose clients straight day yesterday, closing 7.2 IANS was a ‘manifestation of supervi- spokesman declined comment. premises, the police also ques- include Hollywood stars such as percent lower. The sell off has sory failure’ at the country’s Rajeev Kumar, the top gov- tioned more PNB officials on yes- Kate Winslet and Dakota Johnson, wiped out about $1.7bn, or more NEW DELHI: India will host central bank, local media ernment bureaucrat overseeing terday, the CBI source said, taking has not commented on the alle- than a quarter of the bank’s the World Environment Day reported yesterday. banks, said in New Delhi the the total number bank staff who gations. Police have said Modi market value, since it disclosed 2018, Union Environment In a letter to the Reserve Bank finance ministry had written to have been questioned so far to 13. and his family left India before the fraud last Wednesday. Minister Harsh Vardhan and of India (RBI), the government the country’s banks to take effec- Three people, including two PNB filed a complaint on the Meanwhile in a sign of the United Nations Environment said the failure to detect the fraud, tive steps to avoid a repeat of a employees of PNB, India’s second alleged fraud. widening fallout from the PNB Program chief Erik Solheim the biggest ever in India’s banking PNB-like fraud. Kumar declined largest state-run lender, were Choksi has also not com- case, shares of Choksi’s Gitanjali said yesterday. sector, raised questions about the to comment if the government arrested and presented before a mented, and police have said he Gems fell 9.9 percent after its The theme for the World central bank’s ‘efficacy of super- had written to the RBI. Mumbai court over the weekend also left India last month. chief financial officer and com- Environment Day-2018, held vision to detect and check sys- The government action in the case that involves billion- PNB has said the two bank pany secretary resigned every year on June 5, is ‘Beat temic failure’, NewsRise and comes as federal police briefly aire jeweller Nirav Modi. officials issued fraudulent letters yesterday. Plastic Pollution’. Canada other local media reported. locked down the PNB branch in Police also questioned some of undertaking to overseas In a letter shared with stock hosted the event in 2017. “Either the framework south Mumbai that was at the executives from Nirav Modi’s branches of other Indian banks exchanges, Company Secretary Calling the announce- designed by RBI to prevent and heart of the scam and continued group, the source said. which lent money to the jewel- Pankhuri Warange said she was ment the ‘beginning of the detect such frauds is inadequate searches yesterday to gather evi- The bank has said that the lers based on the guarantee from resigning because of the compa- end of plastic’, Harsh Var- or RBI is unable to ensure its dence. The bank would have been two employees arrested by police PNB. All the letters of under- ny’s lack of disclosure despite her dhan said the ministry will effective implementation,” they closed yesterday anyway because colluded with companies taking were issued by the two advice to be forthcoming. take the lead in discouraging the use of plastic. “For India, World Envi- ronment Day 2018 is not a Bangladesh to meet with Myanmar symbolic celebration but a mission,” the Minister said, adding that environmental on Rohingyas trapped on border issues are not merely tech- nical but real moral issues. REUTERS line’ near a place called Voicing concern over the Gundum. oceans being polluted due to DHAKA: Representatives from A spokeswoman for the plastic, Erik Solheim said that Bangladesh and Myanmar will United Nations High Commis- plastic pollution is a huge meet today to discuss the repa- sioner for Refugees (UNHCR), environment and health triation to Myanmar of more which will not be involved in issue. than 6,500 Rohingya Muslims the talks, said the agency was “When big plastics trapped on a strip of unclaimed concerned the Rohingya may degrade into small pieces, it land between the two countries, be forcibly returned to gets into the ocean. Small Bangladeshi officials said. Myanmar without due consid- plastic particles are eaten by “It is about taking them eration for their safety. fish. We eat fish and the back to Myanmar,” Relief and Nearly 700,000 Rohingya plastic gets into our body. So Refugee Repatriation Commis- have fled Myanmar’s Rakhine plastic pollution is a huge sioner Mohammad Abul Kalam, state and crossed into Bangla- environment and health said yesterday. “They are on the desh since last August, when issue,” Erik Solheim said. zero line and actually on the attacks on security posts by Meanwhile, Harsh Var- Protest in Srinagar Myanmar side.” However, sev- insurgents triggered a military dhan also launched the first eral officials contacted in crackdown that the United Kashmiris, with injuries sustained by pellet guns during the 2016 unrest, protest to draw attention to electric charging facility at neighbouring Myanmar said Nations has said amounts to their plight in Srinagar yesterday. Rough estimates put the number of people with pellet shell injuries the Lodhi Road UN office -- they were not aware of plans ethnic cleansing, with reports during the 2016 unrest at more than 6,000, with more than 1,100 sustaining injuries to their eyes. the first ever in a UN office in for a meeting, which Kalam said of arson attacks, murder and India. would take place on the ‘zero rape.

Maldives leader seeks nod Arrested accused real culprits in Kannur murder case to extend emergency IANS arrest has been recorded and When we began the case, the earlier statement from the they have been taken for med- only thing we knew was that a Kannur unit of the party, which REUTERS Fathmath Niusha told the legis- KANNUR: The two CPI-M men ical check-up,” said the officer. white car had been used. Today, denied any role in the murder, lature Yameen wanted its vote to arrested in connection with the What has shocked many is we have two people in custody has fallen flat. MALE: Maldives President prolong the emergency. murder of a young Congress a picture of the two accused and they are CPI-M workers and Senior Congress leader K Abdulla Yameen yesterday sought The opposition responded worker are the real culprits and with Chief Minister Pinarayi they are the real culprits. Sudhakaran, who is the senior- parliamentary approval to extend that this would not be possible not ‘dummy accused’, said a Vijayan and Communist Party The probe is going forward most Congress leader in Kannur, a state of emergency for 30 days without a quorum of at least 43 senior police official yesterday. of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state and I personally assure that we yesterday launched a 48-hour in the Indian Ocean archipelago MPs in the 85-member parlia- Youth Congress worker secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, will not fail in our duties,” said fast to protest the ‘callous atti- as “the situation has not changed”, ment. No opposition MPs showed Shoaib, 30, was waiting at an which has appeared in the state. Diwan. tude’ of the police. a top parliamentary official said. up for yesterday’s session, leaving eatery near Mattanoor around Speaking to the media here The Congress party has “It’s strange that although Yameen imposed the emer- only 39 present from the ruling 10:45pm yesterday last week for the first time since the inci- begun a huge protest in Kannur CPI-M Kannur district secretary gency on February 5 for 15 days party. In its ruling late last month, when four persons riding a car dent, Director General of Police and in the state capital, saying P Jayarajan says the party has to annul a Supreme Court ruling the high court also ordered the hurled bombs to create panic (North Zone) Rajesh Diwan said that the police were not doing a no role in this murder case, one that quashed convictions against reinstatement, on constitutional and then fatally slashed him he decided to speak to the press ‘clean job’ and that ‘dummy of the arrested persons is a close nine opposition leaders and grounds, of 12 lawmakers stripped with a sword. to clarify some false news accused’ were being framed. aide of Jayarajan and is very ordered his government to free of their parliamentary seats by “Accused Akash and Rijin appearing here and there. With the police clearly active in the cyber world for the those held in prison. Deputy Par- Yameen’s party for defecting last Raj were also involved in “for some reason, politics is stating that the arrested accused CPI-M, yet he says he has no liamentary Secretary General year. another murder case. Their getting mixed with this case. were CPI-M workers, the clue,” said Sudhakaran. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 ASIA 11 Pakistan seeks China’s help to soften US stance

INTERNEWS As part of a diplomatic out- reach, Islamabad has requested ISLAMABAD: State officials Saudi Arabia to talk to the US from Pakistan have sought to lower the rhetoric for assistance from its long- Relations between Pakistan. standing strategic partners Pakistan & the US As both countries maintain China and Saudi Arabia to a strategic relationship, Paki- convince US to soften its have been tense since stan is hoping Riyadh could be aggressive approach against President Donald of great help. Pakistan. Trump announced Pakistan has decided to The move comes after the a new strategy for send additional troops to Saudi efforts to iron out differences Arabia, signaling improved ties. with Washington by Islamabad Afghanistan & South The officials hope that Saudi are making headway. Asia. Arabia would urge the US to An official said the decision stop putting further pressure on Imran Khan ties the knot yet again was made to acquire more with UK moved the Paris based them. weightage to Pakistan’s per- Financial Action Task Force Relations between Pakistan A picture released by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) yesterday shows Pakistani cricketer-turned- spective. He complained that (FATF) to place Pakistan on the and the US have been tense opposition leader and head of the PTI party Imran Khan (second right, sitting) posing for a photograph the United States was only global watch-list of terror since President Trump with his new wife Bushra Wattoo (second left, sitting) along with relatives during their wedding giving selective hearing to their financing countries. Pakistan is announced a new strategy for ceremony in Lahore. concerns. worrisome because US has suc- Afghanistan and South Asia “We hope China being a cessful attracted other key where he said Pakistan pro- major international player can western countries including UK, vides safe haven to agents of talk to the US directly on our Germany and France on this chaos, violence, and terror. legitimate concerns,” said the matter. US President Donald official, who has asked to The intergovernmental Trump’s New Year tweet in Afghan nomads trapped, hungry as remain anonymous as he is not organisation that sets global which he accused Pakistan for authorised to speak to the standards against illicit finance ‘lies and deceit’ gave further Pakistan blocks access to grazing land media. is- FATF is set to consider the blow to the already fragile The official reiterated that US request in the upcoming relationship. REUTERS to graze their herds in frontier two weeks, said Kinga Pakistan has its own list of meeting in France. The foreign Trump’s tweet was followed areas inside Pakistan. Komorowska, country director grievances but at the moment office has called it a ‘politically by a White House announce- PHNOM PENH: Donors have This year, Pakistan has closed for French charity Action Against it is concerned about the motivated’ move to undermine ment that it was suspending refused to support 200,000 its border crossings amid tensions Hunger. manner in which the US is not Pakistan’s economic progress. entire security assistance to nomadic herders in Afghanistan with its neighbour. Afghanistan She said her charity had only putting pressure through He states this has been one Pakistan until it decides to take who are running out of food and accused Pakistan of failing to approached two major aid unilateral actions but also of the reasons that prompted action against the alleged safe stranded with their dying animals move against the Taliban after donors, which she declined to seeking multilateral organisa- Pakistan to go for this step. heavens of Haqqani network. after Pakistan closed the border, two attacks in January that killed name, with requests for assist- tions on board. When asked how China could Pakistan has repeatedly blocking access to pastureland, hundreds in the Afghan capital ance. One donor said there was Washington is currently play a positive role in this, he denied the allegations of double an aid group said yesterday. Kabul. A recent assessment by a not enough data - despite the making efforts to place Paki- replied, “Beijing has many play and insisted that it cannot The Kuchi nomads number German aid group found that needs-assessment - while stan on the list of countries that levers up in its sleeves to per- be made scapegoat for the about 2.4 million and tradition- 200,000 Kuchis were trapped in another said the situation ‘fell out- finance terrorism. suade Washington to review its America’s failure in ally migrate in winter from Afghanistan’s eastern province of side its mandate’, according to A few weeks back, US along tough stance towards Pakistan.” Afghanistan. eastern and central Afghanistan Khost with enough food for only Komorowska.

Air New Zealand Philippine arrests alleged former IS commander warns of flight AP Lassoued stood with his head often bowed militants, reinforced fears that the Islamic Southeast Asia following battle setbacks disruptions in front of a table where bomb-making State group was gaining a foothold in in Syria and Iraq. MANILA: Philippine police and army parts and other evidence were displayed REUTERS troops have arrested an Arab man they at the news conference. believe was a former commander of the Salipada is from the southern town of WELLINGTON: Air New Islamic State group along the Syria and Upi in Maguindanao province, where Zealand warned yesterday Turkey border in a raid on a Manila apart- Muslim militants operate, according to her flights in and out of New ment, where they found bomb-making identity card. Lassoued apparently entered Zealand faced major disrup- materials and an IS-style flag, the national the Philippines in July 2016 from Iran using tions this week due to Cyclone police chief said yesterday. a fake passport which Philippine immi- Gita, set to hit the country Police Director General Ronald dela gration personnel failed to detect, dela today, and encouraged Rosa said Fehmi Lassoued, who is report- Rosa said, adding that he traveled to Kuala passengers to defer travelling. edly from Egypt, and his Filipina com- Lumpur in Malaysia and the Turkish city “We are anticipating sig- panion, Anabel Moncera Salipada, were of Istanbul from 2016 to 2017. nificant disruption to our arrested last week based on intelligence Investigators were also trying to deter- domestic network as well as provided by foreign counterparts. mine if Lassoued was involved in a siege some international services He said investigators were looking into by hundreds of Islamic State group- over the coming week,” the possible links between the two suspects aligned militants on the southern Islamic airline said in a travel alert on and local and foreign militant groups, and city of Marawi last year, dela Rosa said. its web site. whether they were involved in any ter- The five-month uprising left more than Air New Zealand said it rorist activity. Dela Rosa said at a news 1,100 combatants dead, mostly Muslim would not reimburse passen- conference that Lassoued has a fake Tuni- militants, and displaced hundreds of thou- gers for any costs or penalties Egyptian national Fehmi Lassoued is presented to members of the media after sian passport and may be a militant sands of villagers before troops crushed like hotels and meals if flight being arrested allegedly in possession of assorted explosives and bomb-making recruiter, but did not offer any evidence. it with ground assaults and airstrikes. schedules were disrupted. Clad in an orange detainee shirt, hand- The Marawi siege, which was joined paraphernalia during a press conference at the Philippine National Police general “Any customer who cuffed and held on both sides by soldiers, by several Indonesian, Malaysian and Arab headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila, yesterday. chooses to commence their journey as planned must be advised that they do so at their own risk,” the airline said. Two-thirds of Australians Afghan political crisis deepens as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government want deputy PM to resign was keeping a close eye on second governor refuses to resign the cyclone and urged people REUTERS ministership. The scandal has to take local civil defence damaged the government’s re- AFP government. Khadam’s decision country that have laid bare its warnings seriously. SYDNEY: Two-thirds of election chances, according to to follow suit has deepened the inability to protect civilians. New Zealand’s MetService Australian voters want Deputy Newspoll. The government, KABUL: A governor in northern crisis and threatened to further Ghani, who belongs to the issued severe weather warn- Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to which has only a one-seat Afghanistan has become the ethnic divisions between Tajiks country’s largest Pashtun ethnic ings for most of the country’s resign following his extramarital majority, now trails the main second in the region to defy an and the Pashtun-dominated group, took the presidency in South Island, expected to be affair with his former press opposition Labour Party by a order by President Ashraf Ghani south, which often dominate 2014 in a US-brokered power- hit by heavy rain and gale- secretary, a poll showed margin of 53-47 percent on a to step down, deepening a polit- Afghanistan’s politics. sharing deal with his rival, force winds, while it said yesterday, adding pressure on a two-party basis. ical crisis facing the US-backed An ethnic Turkmen, Khadam Jamiat-backed Abdullah western areas of the North government already fractured by The government must call an government in Kabul. belongs to the Tajik-dominated Abdullah, who was named chief Island will face strong north- the scandal. election by May 2019. Abdul Karim Khadam, the Jamiat-e-Islami party, of which executive. erly winds. Joyce, a Catholic who cam- With mounting public pres- governor of northern Samangan Noor is also a member. Jamiat has accused Ghani of Cyclone Gita hit the paigned on ‘family values’ and sure, Joyce sought to turn the tide province, was sacked along with “The decision is unfair and failing to fulfil the terms of the Pacific island nations of Fiji who has been married for 24 of public opinion, giving a rare four other provincial governors unjust. It is against the princi- agreement and has submitted and Tonga last week, packing years, refused to resign when it interview yesterday with the last week. ples. I condemn this decision demands to the president’s winds up to 275 km per hour was made public he was Sydney Morning Herald news- But he followed Atta and don’t accept it. I will wait negotiators, including a restruc- and causing widespread expecting a child with his former paper, where he blamed public Mohammad Noor, the heavy- for Jamiat party stance about turing of parliament. destruction and flooding. It staffer. life for the breakdown of his weight governor of neigh- this,” he told reporters late on Noor has used the ongoing earlier caused extensive Some 65 percent of voters marriage. bouring Balkh province, who Sunday. crisis to show off his strength, damage in Samoa and Amer- want Joyce to step down as Joyce has began a highly refused to leave office after he Jamiat in a statement yes- holding televised rallies and ican Samoa. leader of the rural-based unusual week-long leave of was also sacked in December. terday said his removal was meeting representatives of var- Authorities along the National Party, the junior partner absence at the urging of Prime Noor’s refusal to step down “unjustified and yet another step ious ethnic groups and political country’s remote West Coast in the government led by the Lib- Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who has turned the so-called ‘King toward increasing tension in the parties from across the country. were meeting on Monday eral Party, The Australian news- will this week travel to Wash- of the North’ into one of Afghan- country”. The dispute comes at But as the talks drag on evening to decide whether to paper’s Newspoll showed. ington, which would have typi- istan’s most infamous politicians a bad time for Ghani’s US- there are growing fears the crisis declare a state of emergency The Liberal-National coali- cally seen Joyce installed as and a potential contender in backed government, which is could turn violent, sparking calls for the region, parts of which tion has existed since 1923, with acting prime minister. Finance presidential elections due in facing growing public fury over from the White House and were still reeling from a huge the National leader usually taking Minister Mathias Cormann will 2019, while underscoring the recent deadly attacks in Kabul others for a peaceful storm that hit at the start of on the deputy prime now be acting leader. weakness of Ghani’s and elsewhere in the war-torn resolution. February. 12 ASIA TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 Duterte plays down China’s sea militarisation REUTERS Philippine leader worth of goods passes investment. China to assign Chinese names played down concerns every year. Brunei, In 2014, Beijing started to several undersea features in MANILA: Philippine President Malaysia, the Philip- expanding the seven features it Benham Rise, an area the size of Rodrigo Duterte (pictured) about the recent pines, Taiwan and occupies in the Spratlys, Greece in the Pacific Ocean sought yesterday to allay fears moves by China to Vietnam also have reclaiming and building artifi- which the United Nations about China’s construction of assign Chinese names overlapping claims. cial islands which are now awarded to the Philippines as military bases on manmade to several undersea The United States becoming military bases with part of its continental shelf. islands in the South China Sea, has criticised China’s airstrips, ports and anti-air and “That is ours, period,” he saying these were built to defend features in Benham build-up of military surface-to-surface missiles sites said. “I am not allowing any against America rather than Rise, an area which facilities on the islands based on satellite and aerial expedition anymore. China went confront neighbouring states. the United Nations and is concerned they photos. there and put up markers. Those Duterte also blamed past awarded to the could be used to Duterte defended himself are just directions and of course, governments for not building- restrict free move- from critics who say he is not they can do it in Chinese, it’s their up the country’s defences in the Philippines as part of ment along the trade doing enough to protect the dialect.” Spratly archipelago at a time its continental shelf. route. country’s interests in the South Before ending his speech, he when Beijing was only starting China and the China Sea. He said he “will not cracked a joke offering the Phil- to build its artificial islands and Philippines have long commit the lives of the Filipinos ippines to become a province of turning them into military bases. that, “It’s not intended for us. The Chinese think would destroy sparred over the South China only to die unnecessarily, I will China. “If you want, you can “We did nothing,” the fire- contending ideological powers them and that is America.” Sea, but relations have improved not go into a battle which I can make us a province, like Fujian. brand leader said in a speech to of the world or the geopolitics China claims almost the considerably under Duterte, who never win.” Province of the Philippines, Chinese-Filipino businessmen. has greatly changed. It’s really entire South China Sea, a stra- has been courting Beijing in He also played down con- Republic of China,” he added On China’s construction, adding intended against those who the tegic waterway where $3 trillion hopes of winning business and cerns about the recent moves by yesterday.

Former Thai premier Tourists trapped in Malaysia cable calls for party unity car accident REUTERS Dubai, continues to loom large AFP over Thai politics and remains BANGKOK: Fugitive former popular in the northeast ‘Isaan’ KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds Thai Prime Minister Thaksin region which, along with the of tourists were stranded for Shinawatra met lawmakers north, forms the stronghold of hours after a cable car broke from his Puea Thai Party in parties aligned with Thaksin down on the Malaysian island Hong Kong where he called for which have won every election of Langkawi, authorities said party unity ahead of an since 2001 by appealing to yesterday, with some left approaching general election, poorer voters. dangling in cabins over a party members said yesterday. Thaksin was convicted in jungle-clad mountain as night Many are watching to see absentia in 2006 on conflict of fell. how Puea Thai Party performs interest charges. Over 1,000 tourists and in a vote which the military Prayuth Siripanich, a Puea scores of cable car workers government has promised to Thai Party member and its were trapped on Sunday hold in November but which former representative for the when a faulty part caused the could be delayed. northeastern province of Maha popular attraction to grind to Thaksin, who founded Sarakham, said ten lawmakers a halt, officials said. Advance Info Service Pcl, Thai- flew to Hong Kong on Saturday Almost 90 people were land’s largest mobile phone and returned yesterday. travelling on the cable car -- operator, was prime minister “Thaksin asked lawmakers which is on the island’s second- from 2001 to 2006 when he was to be united and not to break highest peak and offers pano- overthrown in a military coup that unity,” Prayuth said. “He ramic views over the supported by the Bangkok- asked that lawmakers meet Diplomacy palm-fringed tourist hotspot based establishment. their constituents because the -- at the time of the accident. The US Army’s Chief of Staff, General Mark Milley (left) with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during Thaksin, who is based in election is fast approaching.” The majority were at the top of their meeting at Abe’s official residence, in Tokyo, yesterday. Mount Machinchang, or at a station halfway down.

Duterte aide faces frigate deal probe Indonesia steps up effort to curb online content REUTERS “We just put some sort of key year to block Facebook Inc’s REUTERS words there, most of them are WhatsApp Messenger, which is JAKARTA: Indonesia has pornographic,” said Minister of widely used in the country, MANILA: Philippine senators began a public inquiry yesterday blocked more than 70,000 Communication and Informa- unless obscene Graphics Inter- into the $300m purchase of two navy frigates, to determine websites displaying “negative” tion Rudiantara (pictured), who change Format (GIF) images whether President Rodrigo Duterte’s closest aide had inter- content such as pornography or uses one name. provided by third parties were fered in the procurement process. extremist ideology in the first “Because after 2017 we have removed. The inquiry was prompted by media reports that carried a month of using a new system to blocked almost 800,000 sites Authorities also blocked leaked document with an annotation that links the president’s help purge the internet of and more than 90 percent (of access to some channels on longtime special assistant, Christopher “Bong” Go, to the process harmful material, the commu- these were) pornographic,” said encrypted messaging service Tel- of procuring a combat management system for the frigates nications minister said. the minister. egram last year, saying it had sev- from a South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries. The world’s most populous According to ministry data, eral forums that were “full of rad- The hearing called by the Senate committee on national Muslim-majority country has the system, installed at a cost of ical and terrorist propaganda”. defence and security is looking to establish whether or not Go stepped up efforts to control around $15m, helped block The minister also said that had gone beyond his remit by getting involved in a defence online content after a rise in 72,407 pornography sites in nine tech companies, including contract. He has not been accused of corruption. hoax stories and hate speech, state-run Telekomunikasi Indo- January. Google and Facebook, had Go denies any wrongdoing and read a statement critical of and amid controversial anti-por- nesia Tbk (Telkom) was The ministry also acts to get recently pledged to help author- the media, calling it “fake news”. He said he was simply passing nography laws pushed by launched in January, using 44 content removed from social ities fight fake news and hate on to the defence department a “complaint” the Office of the Islamic parties. servers to search Internet con- media platforms if there are speech during upcoming elec- President had received. The so-called “crawling tent and issue alerts when inap- complaints from the public. tions in the world’s third-biggest system” developed by a unit of propriate material is found. Indonesia threatened last democracy. Indonesian volcano erupts, spews ash Cambodia found nest of endangered ‘royal turtles’ AFP disaster mitigation agency offi- cial Nata Nail Perangin-angin. REUTERS “Everyone can help con- KARO: An Indonesian volcano “In some villages the visi- serve our national reptile by not erupted yesterday, sending a bility was barely five metres PHNOM PENH: Wildlife purchasing or eating their meat massive column of ash and after the eruption -- it was pitch experts in Cambodia have and eggs.” smoke some 5,000 metres into black,” Perangin-angin added. discovered a nest with 16 eggs Wildlife rangers in the the air, leaving local villages “Pressure inside the crater built by the nearly extinct “royal southwestern province of Koh coated in debris and officials was threatening to spark col- turtle”, in the first such Kong, where the eggs were dis- scrambling to hand out face lapses in its dome,” the official discovery this year, the non- covered along a river by vil- masks to residents. said. profit Wildlife Conservation lagers and conservationists, Mount Sinabung on Sumatra Sinabung roared back to life (WCS) Society said yesterday. including the WCS, are guarding island, which has been rumbling in 2010 for the first time in 400 The southern river terrapin, them until they hatch, the con- since 2010 and saw a deadly years. After another period of known in Cambodia as the servation group said in a eruption in 2016, spewed the inactivity it erupted once more “royal turtle” because its eggs statement. thick plume after activity picked in 2013, and has remained highly were historically reserved for Populations of Batagur up recent days. active since. royalty, is one of the world’s 25 affinis, as the species is known “This was the biggest erup- In 2016, seven people died most endangered freshwater to zoologists, are “severely tion for Sinabung this year,” said in one of Sinabung’s eruptions, turtles, the WCS says. depleted”, it added, as it is volcanology agency chief Kas- Schoolchildren walk together as thick volcanic ash from Mount while a 2014 eruption left 16 Over the past two years, just hunted for its flesh and large bani, who like many Indonesians Sinabung rises into the air following another eruption, in Tiga people dead. three such nests have been eggs, and faced with habitat goes by one name. Pancur village, in Karo, North Sumatra, yesterday. Indonesia is home to around found in Cambodia, it added. destruction. There were no reports of 130 volcanoes due to its position “Illegal clearance of flooded The turtle was believed injuries or deaths. But hundreds of houses out- Officials have distributed on the “Ring of Fire”, a belt of forest and illegal fishing puts extinct in Cambodia until No one lives inside a previ- side the seven-kilometre danger face masks and urged local res- tectonic plate boundaries cir- this species at risk,” said Som 2000, when a small popula- ously announced no-go zone zone were covered in volcanic idents to stay indoors to avoid cling the Pacific Ocean where Sitha, a technical adviser to the tion was rediscovered by around the volcano. ash. respiratory problems, said local frequent seismic activity occurs. WCS. conservationists. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 EUROPE 13 US indictment lacks evidence: Kremlin REUTERS Kremlin spokesman The US indictment of Prig- Dmitry Peskov said ozhin, nicknamed ‘Putin’s cook’ MOSCOW: The Kremlin said that the US indictment because of his catering business yesterday that US charges that has organised banquets for against 13 Russians and several centred purely on the Russian leader and other Russian companies accused of individuals and senior political figures, is meddling in the 2016 US presi- presented no tangible uncomfortable for the Kremlin. dential election campaign Prigozhin, 56, has boasted of contained zero proof of Russian proof that the Kremlin meeting Putin and of the Russian state involvement. itself or Russian leader being impressed with his The comments were the government agencies business acumen. The Kremlin Kremlin’s first reaction to were involved. did not refer to Prigozhin by name charges drawn up by the office in its yesterday’s comments. of US Special Counsel Robert The US Treasury had sanc- Mueller which centred on a Rus- new sanctions as well as pres- tioned Prigozhin previously, in Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May addressing students and staff during her visit to Derby College, sian businessman nicknamed sure for more restrictions. 2016, for providing material in Derby, Britain, yesterday. ‘Putin’s cook’ by the Russian Kremlin spokesman Dmitry support to senior Russian gov- media who US officials say has Peskov said yesterday that the ernment officials, saying he has extensive ties to the country’s US indictment centred purely on extensive business dealings with military and political individuals and presented no the Russian Defence Ministry. UK reviews high tuition fees establishment. tangible proof that the Kremlin Friday’s indictment accused The full indictment, released itself or Russian government him of funding the St Peters- REUTERS to prepare the country for life students and graduates con- on Friday, said that a Russian agencies were involved. burg-based Internet Research after Brexit in the high-tech age. tribute to the cost of their propaganda arm funded by the “They (the Americans) are Agency, known for its trolling LONDON: British universities Her pitch was also aimed at studies,” she said, dodging a businessman, Evgeny Prigozhin, talking about Russian citizens, on social media. must offer students value for the opposition Labour Party, question whether taxpayers oversaw a criminal and espio- but we have heard in announce- Companies which he money, Prime Minister Theresa which, some pollsters say, won would have to pay more towards nage conspiracy to tamper in the ments from Washington accu- directly or indirectly owns or May said yesterday, launching over young voters by promising the university education of 2016 U.S presidential campaign sations about the involvement controls are listed in an official a review that could reduce fees to get rid of student fees and students. to support Donald Trump and of the Russian state, the Kremlin corporate database as having and restore grants in a bid to which threaten to force the Con- Labour’s education policy disparage Hillary Clinton. and the Russian government,” won lucrative state contracts for entice younger voters who servatives out of several London adviser, Angela Rayner, The charges are awkward Peskov said during a conference the Russian presidential admin- helped punish her party at an councils in local elections in May. described the speech as an for the Kremlin which is keen call. istration, parliament, and the election last year. “We now have one of the admission by May “that her gov- to try to build a relationship with “There are no indications defence ministry. In a speech designed to most expensive systems of uni- ernment got it wrong” Trump in the hope that could that the Russian state could have His biggest business appears show her programme for Britain versity tuition in the world,” she “This long-winded review eventually lead to U. sanctions been involved in this and nor to be supplying food to state-run is more than just its departure said at a college in the northern is an unnecessary waste of time. imposed over its role in Ukraine can there be any. Russia did not schools and universities. One of from the European Union, May English city of Derby, adding Labour will abolish tuition fees, being lifted. meddle, does not have the habit the firms he owns and manages said she wanted not only to look that she shared the concerns of bring back maintenance grants The election-meddling alle- of meddling in the internal won contracts in that sector at the funding of education but students and their carers. and provide free, lifelong edu- gations have soured US-Russia affairs of other countries, and is worth $8.15bn between 2011 to also at ways of raising the “The review will now look cation in Further Education ties further however, triggering not doing so now.” 2017, the same database shows. importance of technical studies at the whole question of how colleges.”

French violinist Merkel taps close ally for CDU party head Didier Lockwood REUTERS The chancellor has been Though Merkel has said she under pressure from within the is available as chancellor for four dies at 62 BERLIN: German Chancellor CDU to bring fresh faces into years, the succession debate has AFP Angela Merkel put forward close senior positions and to begin been supercharged by the inclu- ally Annegret Kramp-Karren- planning for her own succession. sion of a clause in a coalition deal PARIS: Noted French jazz bauer yesterday to take over as By promoting Kramp-Karren- with the Social Democrats (SPD) violinist Didier Lockwood, a secretary-general of her Chris- bauer she achieves both, and that envisages a review of the disciple of the late Stephane tian Democrats (CDU), heeding moves an ally into a key role. next government’s progress after Grappelli, has died of a heart calls from within the party to “We have known each other two years to assess whether any attack in Paris, his agent said. inject new blood and groom a a long time and can rely on each changes to its mission are needed. Lockwood, who turned 62 successor. other, even if we have our own Kramp-Karrenbauer is on February 11, died on The decision to entrust views,” Merkel, 63, told a joint expected to be voted into her Sunday. The night before his Kramp-Karrenbauer with bol- news conference with Kramp- new role at a February 26 party death, he had performed at stering the CDU after it lost German Chancellor Angela Merkel (centre); State Premier of Karrenbauer, 55. congress. Her promotion is a set- Paris jazz venue Bal Blomet. ground in last year’s election is Saarland, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Peter Tauber (left), Asked if she saw Kramp- back to Jens Spahn, a 37-year- “His wife, his three significant as some party mem- Secretary-General of Christian Democratic Union (CDU), pose ahead Karrenbauer as a possible suc- old arch-conservative long seen daughters, his family, his bers are starting to look ahead of leadership meeting at the CDU headquarters, in Berlin, yesterday. cessor, Merkel replied: “It is your as a rising star in the CDU with agent, his co-workers and his to a post-Merkel era. privilege that you are always an eye on the succession. record label are sad to Merkel, who was CDU sec- Kramp-Karrenbauer, premier of weight” to the role in what she three laps ahead of others ... We Outgoing secretary-general announce the sudden passing retary-general before the tiny western state of Saar- called “difficult times, uncertain have our hands full managing Peter Tauber is giving up the role of Didier Lockwood,” his becoming chancellor, said land, would bring “a lot of times”. the business of the day.” after a period of illness. agent said in a statement. Lockwood was playing at a jazz festival when he met Grappelli, another French jazz great who founded a France urges UN court string quintet the Hot Club of France in 1934. The violinist invited the to dump E Guinea case then 20-year-old Lockwood to join him on a European tour, kicking off an interna- AFP Pellet, who said Paris chal- tional career in which he gave lenged the ICJ’s jurisdiction. around 4,500 concerts and THE HAGUE: France accused “France has not accepted released more than 35 records. Equatorial Guinea yesterday of the jurisdiction of this court “That was the start of my wanting to “paralyse” French under any title whatsoever to career, the launchpad that got criminal procedure in a top- entertain those facts on which me into the world of popular level corruption probe, as it Equatorial Guinea seeks the jazz,” Lockwood told Radio urged judges to throw out a court to rule,” French repre- France in 2008. case against it before the UN’s sentative Francois Alabrune Lockwood was com- top court. added. mitted to music education, in Malabo has dragged Paris Obiang, 48, was tried in 2001 setting up the Didier before the International Court absentia and sentenced in Lockwood Music Centre in a of Justice in a bitter diplomatic October to a three-year sus- town south of Paris teaching row, accusing it of violating the pended sentence for improvisation. diplomatic immunity of its vice corruption. French culture minister president Teodorin Obiang. The top official from the Francoise Nyssen described Son of Teodoro Obiang, small central African state was Lockwood as “deeply gen- long-time leader of the oil-rich also given a suspended fine of Basel carnival erous and outgoing” and said central African country, Teo- $35m for money laundering, Revellers with lanterns parade through the streets of Basel during the traditional ‘Morgestreich’ he would be missed by “his dorin Obiang has been prose- corruption and abuse. His procession, in Switzerland, yesterday. Hundreds fife and drum players parade with illuminated friends, music and all the chil- cuted by a French court on lawyer has said he will appeal. canvas lanterns in the old town with public lights turned off. dren he wished to enlighten charges of embezzling $180m But Equatorial Guinea has with his passion”. of public funds to finance his also lodged a complaint with jet-set lifestyle. the ICJ in The Hague, the UN’s France’s representatives top court set up to resolve dis- however hit back as a hearing putes between countries. opened before the Hague-based Four days of hearings Serbia arrests four foreigners over drone flight ICJ, with delegation member opened yesterday, with France Alain Pellet saying Equatorial setting out its reasons why it AP A Serbian state TV report month for possession of an Aleksandar Vucic mentioned the Guinea attempted to “slow believed the ICJ is not compe- yesterday did not identify the unmarked gun. arrest of a “group” of foreigners, down, or even paralyse the tent to hear the case. BELGRADE: Two US and two four or give details, saying only Pro-government media but added that their case is criminal procedure launched Paris has challenged the Ukrainian citizens have been that the two Ukrainians are alleged that he was a former “nothing especially serious.” in France.” Malabo’s decision ICJ’s jurisdiction in the case arrested in Serbia for trying to women and that they are all in Navy SEAL and had planned the The arrest took place amid to take the matter to the ICJ is since it first opened, citing the photograph the military secu- police custody. assassination of unidentified a mounting anti-Western media an attempt “to give their case UN’s Convention against Tran- rity headquarters in downtown Another American was Serbian officials. campaign in Serbia and more prominence” argued snational Organised Crime. Belgrade with a drone. arrested in Serbia earlier this Serbian President increasing Russian influence. 14 AMERICAS TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 Trump backs efforts to bolster FBI gun checks

AP Trump has been a publicly Friday night when he strong supporter visited Parkland. He fired off WEST PALM BEACH, of gun rights and tweets Saturday and Sunday and FLORIDA: President Donald the National Rifle met House Speaker Paul Ryan Trump offered support Sunday afternoon. He also vis- yesterday for an effort to Association. Last year, ited the golf club Sunday night. strengthen the federal gun back- he signed a resolution President Barack Obama took ground check system as he blocking an Obama- heavy criticism in 2014 when he hunkered down at his private era rule designed went golfing during a vacation Florida golf course just 40 miles to keep guns out of just minutes after denouncing the from last week’s deadly school the hands of certain militants who had beheaded an shooting. American journalist. He later Press Secretary Sarah Huck- mentally disabled regretted playing golf so soon abee Sanders said the president people. after the killing. spoke on Friday to Sen. John Trump has grown increas- Cornyn, a Texas Republican, ingly frustrated since the indict- about a bipartisan bill designed high school. He made little men- ment from special counsel to strengthen the FBI database tion of the nearby school Robert Mueller on Friday Residents stand out in the street following a 5.9 magnitude quake in Mexico City early yesterday. A of prohibited gun buyers. shooting victims and the esca- charged 13 Russians with a plot medium intensity earthquake struck southwestern Mexico, scaring residents already shaken by a “While discussions are lating gun control debate. to interfere in the U.S. presiden- powerful quake two days earlier, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. ongoing and revisions are being Surviving students have tial election. considered, the President is sup- called for tougher gun control On Twitter, Trump stressed portive of efforts to improve the and are planning a march in that the Russian effort began Federal background check Washington next month. Trump before he declared his candi- system,” Sanders said in a has focused his comments on dacy and asserted that the 5.9 quake hits southern Mexico statement. mental health, rather than guns. Obama administration bears Trump, who is spending the The White House said some blame for it. He also AP schools were cancelled across Pinotepa Nacional and 111km weekend at his private Palm Sunday the president will host insisted he never denied that the the state yesterday. southwest of the state capital, Beach estate, started President’s a “listening session” with stu- Kremlin interfered in the 2016 MEXICO CITY: A magnitude 5.9 It was felt in Mexico City, Oaxaca city. Day at his nearby golf club. The dents and teachers this week, U.S. campaign, although in fact earthquake shook the southern where quake alarm sirens had It appeared to be an after- White House did not immedi- but offered no details on who he has frequently challenged the Mexican state of Oaxaca yesterday, people springing out of their shock of a magnitude 7.2 earth- ately answer questions about would attend or what would be veracity of the evidence. days after a more powerful temblor beds and into the streets. quake that struck near the same whether he was playing golf. discussed. Trump tweeted about the hit the same area. The US Geological Survey area on Friday. The president spent most of the The bipartisan background nation’s “heavy heart” after the State and national emer- said the quake hit at 12:57 am That quake caused no weekend at Mar-a-Lago, as check legislation would be shooting in Parkland. But he also gency officials said they had no (0657 GMT). It was centered deaths, though 13 people were White House aides advised aimed at ensuring that federal sought to use the shooting to immediate reports of damage 40km beneath the surface at a killed in the crash of a helicopter against golfing too soon after the agencies and states accurately criticize the nation’s leading law from the latest shake, but point 54km east-northeast of sent to assess the damage. shooting at a Parkland high report relevant criminal infor- enforcement agency. school that left 17 dead. mation to the FBI. It was intro- Trump said late on Saturday Trump spent much of the duced after the Air Force failed that the FBI “missed all of the holiday weekend watching to report the criminal history of many signals” sent by the sus- cable television news and the gunman who slaughtered pect and argued that agents are Fire destroys 5 ambulances, causes $2m damages grousing to club members and more than two dozen people at “spending too much time trying advisers about the investigation a Texas church. to prove Russian collusion with WOODSTOWN, NEW JERSEY: Authorities say the fire began, helping the flames to quickly of Russian election meddling. Trump has been a strong the Trump campaign.” a fast-moving fire gutted an ambulance squad’s spread. In a marathon series of supporter of gun rights and the The FBI received a tip last building in New Jersey, destroying five ambu- Four squad members who were on duty at the furious weekend tweets from National Rifle Association. Last month that the man now lances and causing at least $2m in damage time were inside the building when the fire erupted Mar-a-Lago, Trump vented year, he signed a resolution charged in the school shooting overall. but were able to safely escape. Authorities say one about Russia, raging at the FBI blocking an Obama-era rule had a “desire to kill” and access The fire at the American Legion Ambulance of the workers smelled smoke and soon discov- for what he perceived to be a designed to keep guns out of the to guns and could be plotting an Association, in Woodstown, broke out around 4am ered the fire, then alerted co-workers to leave the fixation on the Russia investi- hands of certain mentally disa- attack. But the agency said yesterday and was extinguished about two hours building. gation at the cost of failing to bled people. Friday that agents failed to later. Officials say oxygen tanks inside some of The cause of the blaze remains under deter the attack on a Florida Trump was last seen investigate. the squad’s ambulances exploded shortly after investigation.

Bodies found in Mexico Trump revives push for limits on immigrants bringing family belong to 2 kidnapped NEW YORK: When the US passed, what will happen for people can come from a given that mirrored Trump’s overall out in the wilderness” in a federal agents government approved Ricardo them?” said Magpantay, a country in a given year, which immigration proposal. The lack of policy sense, and something Magpantay, his wife and young 68-year-old mechanical engi- has created decadeslong back- resolution on an issue that was only its advocates were really MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s children to immigrate to America neer in the Southern California logs for citizens of some pivotal to Trump’s election leaves talking about, said Mark federal Attorney General’s from the Philippines, it was 1991. city of Murrieta. “I won’t be able countries. it as potential tinderbox for the Krikorian, executive director Office says two bodies found By the time a visa was available, to bring them forever.” Self-described “restriction- midterm congressional elections of the Center for Immigration in a car have been confirmed it was 2005, and his children For the past 50-plus years, ists,” including President Donald this fall. Studies, which has long to be those of two prosecu- couldn’t come with him because family reunification has been cen- Trump, want a narrower, nuclear In his State of the Union pushed for limits on family tion agents kidnapped Feb. 5 they were now adults. tral to US immigration law. Those definition of family, making speech last month, Trump ref- sponsorships. and forced to appear on a More than a decade later, his who become naturalized citizens spouses and minor children the erenced an attempted bombing “He has forced issues to the video by a drug gang. children are still waiting. can bring spouses and minor chil- only relatives a citizen could by a Bangladeshi immigrant in forefront that need to be The office called it “a ter- Magpantay gets worried dren and petition for parents, adult sponsor. New York in December as proof debated,” Krikorian said. Advo- rible act,” but didn’t release when he hears the White House children and siblings to get their That’s a central plank of the of the need to curtail what he cates of family reunification call details Sunday on how they is aiming to limit the relatives own green cards and become sweeping immigration overhaul and others term “chain migra- the rhetoric around merit and died. The remains were found that immigrants-turned-citi- Americans in their own right, with Trump has proposed, a move that tion” in favor of a more skills- skills a smoke screen. “They’re in Xalisco, a town in the zens can sponsor, a profound their own ability to sponsor. activists say could cut legal immi- based system. being disingenuous - their goal Pacific coast state of Nayarit, change to a fundamental piece Many on opposing sides of gration in the US by half. “This vital reform is neces- is to reduce immigration which known for trafficking of the American immigration the immigration debate have Congress rejected competing sary not just for our economy, overall,” said Anu Joshi, director heroin to the United States. system. long felt the family reunification bills last week meant to resolve but for our security and for the of immigration policy at the New They worked for the “It is really frustrating and it system needs reform. Immigra- the status of hundreds of thou- future of America,” he said. York Immigration Coalition. Criminal Investigation is very dreadful for me, because tion advocates want a reassess- sands of young people brought to Trump is giving a spotlight “This is just about cutting family, Agency, a kind of federal after a long wait, if this will be ment of the quotas on how many the US illegally, including one plan to an idea that “was clearly it’s a family ban.” detectives’ bureau. The video showed them bound and on their knees, confessing sup- posed rights violations while masked men pointed guns at Guards retake control them. The gunmen thought they were undercover intel- after Brazilian prison riot ligence agents, but the office said the two were off duty when they disappeared. AFP prevented an escape attempt by inmates.” RIO DE JANEIRO: The last of Most Brazilian prisons are Inmate in landmark 18 hostages seized in a prison seriously overcrowded and riot near Rio de Janeiro have plagued by gang violence. In Supreme Court case been freed and guards have one of the bloodiest episodes, denied parole retaken control of the facility, 56 people were killed in an officials said. uprising at a prison in the NEW YORK: A 71-year-old The uprising in the over- Amazon city of Manaus early Louisiana inmate whose case crowded prison began Sunday last year. led to a landmark US Supreme and was quelled after a few The Rio prison unrest came Court decision on juvenile- hours, the state penitentiary two days after President Michel offender sentences was administration said in a state- Temer signed a decree putting denied parole on Monday, ment late Sunday. the army in charge of security more than a half-century Eight guards and 10 across the state, where crime after he killed a sheriff’s inmates had been held hostage. is spinning out of control and deputy at age 17. Three prisoners were injured one policeman is killed on A three-member panel Anti-Temer protest in Brazil during the incident, the state- average every three days. from the state parole board ment said. Brazil’s lower house of voted 2 to 1 to keep Henry A man cleans a client’s shoe next to a banner and stickers that read, “We Are on Strike”, at Itau According to authorities, Congress was expected to vote Montgomery imprisoned. The Unibanco bank, at a protest against Brazil’s President Michel Temer’s proposal to reform the social the riot began “when security on the decree late Monday, with hearing was his first chance security system in Sao Paulo, Brazil, yesterday. inspectors and administrators the Senate due to consider the at freedom since his convic- from the penitentiary measure afterwards. tion decades ago. TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 15

Cuban Hospital sees sharp rise in patient visits

FAZEENA SALEEM services and reducing the more evening clinics, laser eye hospitals,” said Mohamed Amer THE PENINSULA waiting list for patients. Mainly surgeries and dental in plant Al Marri, Assistant Executive the hospital receives patients services this year. Also a bone Director Business and Staff DOHA: The Cuban Hospital has from the western part of the and joint centre will open Services, Top Administration seen a sharp rise in the patient country as well as some from aiming at providing comprehen- Department , Cuban Hospital. visits over the past five years. The Doha,” said Dr Angel Mario sive orthopaedic services In 2016, the Cuban Hospital hospital recorded 74,331 outpa- Felpe Garmendia, Medical including surgeries and a full started providing bariatric tient visits and 4,536 inpatients Director of the Cuban Hospital, cycle of rehabilitation,” said Dr (weight loss) surgeries and con- in 2017, compared to 256 inpa- speaking to media recently. Garmendia. ducted 176 procedures within a tients and 17,345 outpatients it Located in Dukhan, The The Cuban Hospital mainly year. registered in 2012. Cuban Hospital was officially serves people in Dukhan which “Initially we conducted bar- The number of surgeries opened in January 2012, as a has about 5,000 staff of Qatar iatric surgeries only once a week performed at the hospital joint project between the gov- Petroleum and Zekreet which and increased it to twice a week increased from 259 in 2012 to ernment of Qatar and Cuba. It has about 7,000 labour camps, in March 2017. Also the outpa- FROM LEFT: Mohamed Amer Al Marri, Assistant Executive Director 3,100 in 2017. It also recorded functions in collaboration with Shahaniya, the biggest city close tient clinic for bariatric services Business and Staff Services, Top Administration Department , Cuban 677 births in 2017 a major jump the Hamad Medical Corporation to Dukhan and Umm Bab a see 10 to 14 patients per week,” Hospital, and Dr Angel Mario Felpe Garmendia, Medical Director of from nine births in 2012, (HMC) and has around 450 nearby small town. said Al Marri. the Cuban Hospital during a media briefing held recently. according to senior officials at Cuban staff including doctors, “We also receive many Concept of the Cuban Hos- PIC: ABDUL BASIT / THE PENINSULA the Cuban Hospital. nurses and technical staff. The patients from Doha seeking pital was created by the Father “Cuban Hospital provides all hospital has 75 beds and seven services in all specialties. About Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Kha- medical and surgical services in operating theatres. 35 percent of all patients are lifa Al Thani when he visited Cuba construction in 2009. The soft Health, (then Supreme Council of more than 25 specialties. We “We are working on to coming from Doha and are in 2002. It was been built by opening was in May 2011 and was Health). Later it was brought aim at providing improved expand our services and open referred from by HMC Qatar Petroleum and completed run the by Ministry of Public under the HMC in January 2012. Farewell for MES Class XII DOHA: MES Indian School bade The students also expressed realities of the world, be digni- farewell to its current batch of their sense of gratitude towards fied in your action, adorn noble Class XII students at a ceremony the institution. qualities of trustworthiness and held at the school’s KG Audito- “In the cycle of life, accom- piety and exercise utmost rium recently. plishing success is an ongoing respect to elders and parents”, A total of 516 students and process which is assuming dif- said A P Khaleel, Director, Cul- over 150 school staff took part ferent shapes and forms. Its tural/Co-Curricular Activities, in a function that marked the requirement differs from one MES Governing Board. culmination of schooling term. period of time to other. You can Hameeda Kadar, the school Mixed emotions was high as accomplish it with your unlim- principal, after announcing the students fondly recollected their ited talents and potential. As you names of the best students cherished moments at school. are in the threshold of facing remarked, said, ‘The school on its part equips you with the Orientation for DPS-MIS Class XII students held required knowledge and skill to confront the world outside DOHA: An orientation seminar, Headmistress (Sr Sec) Soma written practice and time man- and thus preparing you for the focusing on preparation for the Bhattacharjee; School Counsellor agement are factors not to be next phase of life with the guid- Board exams was organised for Sumati Ramachandra and HoDs ignored. They were also given ance and blessings of parents, DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS- of all subjects shared tips to guide tips on relaxation techniques. teachers, and well wishers. We MIS) students of Class XII recently. students to face examination and At the end of the orientation, are also fulfilling our obligation The orientation aimed at score well in the exams. the students took home the mes- as trust worthy custodians of preparing the students to cope The students were briefed sage that being in extreme pres- the parents, who have entrusted with pressure of competing on subject-specific strategies to sure and stress won’t get you you all for the intellectual with other students across India be adopted to get higher marks. good marks; instead proper time growth and the holistic devel- and abroad. They were advised that a management and smart work opment at the formative years Principal Asna Nafees; thorough revision of syllabus, will fetch you the best score card. of your life.

CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Black Panther (2D/Action) 10:00, 10:30, 11:30am, 12:45, 1:15, Aadhi (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 6:30 & 11:00pm 2:30, 3:30, 4:00, 5:30, 6:15, 6:45, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 11:30, Black Panther (2D/Action) 2:15, 4:30, 6:30, 8:45 11:45pm & 12:15am & 11:15pm Den of Thieves (2D/Action) 10:30am, 1:00, 330, 6:00, 8:30 Okdet El Khawaga (2D/Arabic) 4:45 & 9:15pm & 11:00pm The 15.17 To Paris (2D/History) 10:00, 2:15, All I See Is You (2D/Drama) 4:45pm 6:30 & 10:45pm Rupture (2D/Horror) 7:00pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 12:00noon, 4:15, Aiyaary (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 11:00pm 6:30 & 8:30pm Naachiyaar (2D/Tamil) 9:00pm Rupture (2D/Horror) 10:00am, 12:10, 2:20, 4:30, 6:40, 8:50 & 11:00pm Braven (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, ASIAN TOWN 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Aadhi (Malayalam) 5:30, 7:00, 8:30, 9:00, 10:00, 11:30, 11:45pm Winchester (2D/Horror) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, Naachiyaar ( Tamil) 7:30 & 9:45pm 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Aiyaary (2D/Hindi) 6:00pm All I See Is You (2D/Drama) 10:00am, 12:00noon, 2:00, 4:00, 6:00, 8:00, Awe (Telugu) 5:00pm 10:00pm & 12:00midnight Black Panther (2D IMAX/Action) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm AL KHOR Early Man (Animation) 10:30am & 1:45pm Black Panther (Action) 11:15am, 2:15, 5:15, 8:15 & 11:15pm Aadhi (Malayalam) 12:30noon, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30pm & 12:30am MALL Naachiyar (Tamil) 11:30am, 6:30 & 11:30pm Awe (Telugu) 3:45 & 8:45pm Aadhi (2D/Malayalam) 2:15, 8:45 & 11:30pm Black Panther (2D/Action) 2:15, 4:45, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:30pm ROXY Aiyaary (2D/Hindi) 2:15 & 11:30pm Awe (2D/Telugu) 5:00pm The Bread Winner (Animation) 12:30, 4:30 & 6:30pm All I See Is You (2D/Drama) 5:00pm Aadhi (Thriller) 10:30am, 1:20, 4:10, 7:00 & 10:10pm Rupture (2D/Horror) 7:00pm Naachiyar (Tamil) 10:30am, 12:45, 5:15, 7:30 & 11:50pm Okdet El Khawaga (2D/Arabic) 7:15pm Black Panther (Action) 10:30am, 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30pm Naachiyaar (2D/Tamil) 9:30pm & 12:15am Awe (Telugu) 8:30 & 11:15pm Okdet El Khawaga (2D/Arabic) 3:00 & 9:45pm

LANDMARK Note: Programme is subject to change without

Black Panther (2D/Action) 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 8:45 & 11:15pm Aadhi (2D/Malayalam) 2:15, 8:30 & 11:15pm den of thieves Aiyaary (2D/Hindi) 2:15 & 11:15pm Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2D/Action) 5:00pm All I See Is You (2D/Drama) 5:00pm Okdet El Khawaga (2D/Arabic) 6:45pm Rupture (2D/Horror) 7:00pm Naachiyaar (2D/Tamil) 9:15pm

A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the 16 HOME TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018

PRAYER TIMINGS FAJR 04.49am World’s first-ever SHOROOK 06.05 am

ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.32pm Angry Birds World ASR 03.04 pm ISHA 07.02pm WEATHER TODAY to open at DFC

Joe Lahoud (third left), Group CEO, Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding; with (from left) Saju Eapen, Retail Manager, Q-Tire; Carine Nehme Kassis, Group Marketing and Communication Director of Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding; Abdullah Al Mohtaseb, Drifter; Nada Zeidan, Rally Driver; and Alaa Zarif, Drifter; pose after a media briefing at the Q-Tire headquarters in Doha yesterday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA visitors on a national level. It is a pioneering concept intro- Q-Tire is partner in Red DOHA: The world’s first ever duced and developed by Angry Birds World, a one-of-a Trimoo – the world’s ground- kind entertainment park, will breaking experience innova- Bull–Qatar ‘Car Park Drift’ soon open at Doha Festival City tors; in collaboration with Talal (DFC), it was announced bin Mohammed Trading THE PENINSULA 22), and provision of tires changing facility yesterday. (TBMT), the exclusive licensee on qualifier (February 23). Designed and developed for Qatar, and Rovio Entertain- DOHA: Q-Tire, a renowned, original-concept Q-Tire will also be sponsoring “The over a sprawling 17,000 square ment Corporation, the world’s retail and servicing chain providing adequate Brother Team”. 1. Abdullah Al Mohtaseb 2. A meter area at DHFC, Angry biggest mobile game brand automotive solutions and services, will be a Zarif. And for the first time, Nada Zeidan, the Birds World will draw visitors licensor and the developer and o o partner in the Red Bull–Qatar “Car Park Drift” archer and road racer, will be taking part in into a maddening adventure distributor of the hugely pop- to be held on February 23. the Car Drift as the first female contributing. with the furious flock through ular Angry Birds game that has 17 C 25 C Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding is Q-Tire is expanding with two new a range of over 20 high-thrill 4bn downloads since 2009. Minimum Maximum the parent company of Q-Tire. The high-pro- branches at Aziziya and Old Airport. It also rides for all ages. The park will Riad Makdessi, CEO of file motorsports event is to be held under the launched a new retail concept which is cus- also have a large array of F&B Trimoo, said: “With this enter- Hazy at places at first becomes mild day- support and supervision of Qatar Motor and tomer centric. It also marked the launch of outlets, retail shops, edutain- tainment park, we aim to offer time with slight dust at times and scat- Motorcycle Federation, and in partnership Q-Lube. Q-Tire launched its first service outlet ment activities and a host of our visitors a uniquely immer- tered clouds, cold by night. with Vodafone Qatar, Losail Circuit Sports in Qatar in 2005.The Q-Tire retail and serv- attractions that will engage and sive experience that will delight Club, TOTAL, and Falken Tires. The annual icing chain acts as a one-stop-shop that offers entertain the whole family. the whole family – children and

HIGH TIDE 07:45 - 20:15 LOW TIDE 00:45 – 14:30 drift showdown will be held at the Losail Cir- a wide-range of internationally renowned The park’s indoor section is adults alike.” COURTESY: Qatar Meteorology Department cuit Sports Club at 7pm and is expected to tire and battery service options, such as: Good- quickly shaping up for a launch Simo Hämäläinen, Senior attract dozens of contestants as well as thou- year, Falken, Bosch, Amaron and Sonax, to within the upcoming months, Vice President, Brand Licensing sands of motorsports fans. individuals and businesses that range from followed by the opening of its at Rovio said, “Opening world’s Contestants are expected to display their fleet operators to car rental companies. outdoor area. Its anticipated first Angry Birds World™ is an proficiency behind the steering wheel as they Q-tire outlets, some of which are open till inauguration will mark a his- exciting new chapter for Rovio will take on a challenging new course inspired 3am, are equipped with state-of-the-art tech- toric milestone for the country and Angry Birds brand.” by the masterful Red Bull Athlete; Abdo nologies and products, to ensure exceptional as the world’s first-ever Angry The unique entertainment Feghali, who will be supervising and per- world-class solutions for all automotive com- Birds World in Qatar. The destination will be home to– forming at the event. plications. Among these innovative technolo- mega-million project is being Snow Dunes™ – the country’s “We’re going to be setting up at the Losail gies are The Hunter Perfect 3D Alignment developed in line with the Qatar first indoor snow park set in an Circuit Sports Club, which means we have system and a Compu-centric wheel balancer. National Tourism Sector ancient Arabian village; Vir- even more space for the drifters to comfort- Q-Tire retail and servicing chain outlets Strategy 2030 (QNTSS). It aims tuocity – the region’s first dig- ably demonstrate all their skills, techniques are strategically located across the country, to drive the country’s revenue ital and eSports gaming park; and control. I’m looking forward to crowning to supply the market’s ever evolving demands by actively contributing and Juniverse™ – the world’s Qatar’s next King of Drift that will qualify for and maintain a far reach. With sites in Al towards boosting tourism in first city in space that aims to the grand finale in Lebanon.”, said Drift Cham- Ruwais stretching far to Mesaieed, Q-Tire is Qatar, while building novel inspire and entertain pion Abdo Feghali. The contestants are judged continuously expanding their network. experiences for residents and children. based on their skills, precision and creativity Q-Tire is the first retail chain of its stature as they aim to attain the highest scores. The to be awarded with a TIA (Tire Industry Asso- higher the score, the closer they become to ciation) certification, which signifies the tech- Suzuki GSX-R1000 2017 recalled being crowned Qatar’s 2018 King of Drift. nicians’ excellence in strictly adhering to the The Red Bull Car Park Drift Series has highest of standards in delivering quality THE PENINSULA become critically acclaimed by thousands of service and innovation. fans and motorsport enthusiasts in Qatar. This Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding, DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collabora- comes with a high standard of safety and secu- an internationally renowned organisation tion with Teyseer Motors, dealer of Suzuki motorcycles in Qatar, rity that guarantees an entertaining environ- established in 1958, specialises in providing has announced the recall of Suzuki GSX-R1000 model of 2017 ment for both the participants as well as the automotive and luxury retail services, as well because of a fault in the ECM and drive chain inspection. audience. as engaging in Industrial and logistics oper- The ministry said the recall campaign comes within the frame- Aligned with its strategy to spread road ations. The group has maintained its position work of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and ensure that safety awareness #QtireOnTheRoad & sup- as a leader in local and international luxury dealers follow up on bike defects and repairs. port young Qatari automotive sports initia- markets. Under the helm of Marzooq Al The ministry said that it will coordinate with the dealer to tive and after the successful contribution in Shamlan, the Group’s Founder, and under his follow up on the maintenance and repair works and will commu- “Qatar Custom Show”, Q-Tire will be having creative vision and leadership, the group has nicate with customers to ensure that the necessary repairs are its presence in the VIP area as Q-Tire Service continuously revitalised and revolutionised carried out. The Ministry urges all customers to report any viola- Vehicle will take care of provision of tires the nation’s commercial, industrial and service tions to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud changing facility on Prequalifier (February sectors. Department. ‘Video Games Live’ concert on Friday RAYNALD C RIVERA national and international THE PENINSULA festivals. There is more to the DOHA: Gamers and music enthusiasts concert as Virtuocity pro- in Qatar are in for treat as globally vides gamers attending the acclaimed “Video Games Live” concert show three activities which spectacular returns for the third time at will be open before the Qatar National Convention Center concert, during the inter- (QNCC) on Friday. mission, and after the con- Dr R. Seetharaman (centre), Group CEO of Doha Bank, receives ‘Excellence The phenomenal video game music cert ends. The first area Award’ from ASP Liyanage, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar, and Sanath show will play well-loved music from will offer free play on the Kohowilage, President Sri Lanka Coordinating Committee Qatar, during the most popular video games of all time latest game systems. A  the cultural event held to celebrate Sri Lankan’s th Independence Day such as Super Mario Bros, Halo, Warcraft, second, music-based area at QNCC. PIC: BAHER AMIN / THE PENINSULA Award winning Irish composer and conductor Eimear Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, Sonic Noone conducts Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at the includes the opportunity the Hedgehog, among others. This is the Video Games Live concert last year. for concertgoers to gamify Sri Lankan community marks I-Day third consecutive year the concert will music and play through be staged in Doha following the success favorite songs. A third area THE PENINSULA Manager SriLankan Airlines, as well of the previous shows. ASCAP Composer’s Choice Award for showcases ways to see video game music as officials from Public Relations With the Qatar Philharmonic Game Score. in a new light in an interactive setting. DOHA: The Sri Lankan community Department at the Ministry of Inte- Orchestra providing the music under the To be held at QNCC Al Mayassa The- Video Games Live is an immersive in Qatar celebrated its 70th Inde- rior. The event featured lighting of baton of award winning Irish composer atre, the concert hosted by Laura Intravia concert event created and produced by pendence Day which fell on the traditional oil lamp, speeches by and conductor Eimear Noone, the con- will highlight performances by Qatar game industry veteran Tommy Tallarico. February 4, with a cultural dignitaries, presentation of Awards cert promises a dazzling show featuring Philharmonic Choir with the participa- The show has seen top orchestras and programme recently at Qatar of Excellence and unveiling of the synched video, lights, lasers, and effects. tion of Qatar Concert Choir. Giovanni choirs around the world perform along National Convention Centre (QNCC). 70th Independence Day souvenir. Noone is known for composing Pasini will be the music director and with exclusive synchronized video The event was organised by the The ‘Pathum Danansooriya Cul- music for video games, feature films, tel- Felicitas Fuchs the choirmaster. footage and music arrangements, syn- Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha in col- tural Ensemble’ who were flown in evision, and commercials, and con- German soprano Fuchs has appeared chronized lighting, well known Internet laboration with Sri Lanka Coordi- from Sri Lanka for the first time for ducting classical and game music con- on numerous occasions with the Qatar solo performers, electronic percussion, nating Committee Qatar. Sri the celebrations and performed certs. Most recently, she composed and Philharmonic Orchestra, including Magic live action and unique interactive seg- Lankan Ambassador. A S P Liya- many traditional dance and drum- conducted for the iconic video game, Flute, Hänsel and Gretel, as well as ments resulting to a complete entertain- nage, was the chief guest. Also ming items. Sri Lankan singer Tissa World of WarCraft and its new expan- Mozart arias under the baton of James ment experience. It has performed more present were Dr R Seetharaman, Jayawardana also performed during sion, Warlords of Draenor, the score of Gaffigan. A versatile concert artist and than 400 international shows and has Chief Executive Officer, Doha Bank; the celebrations. Ooredoo was the which received the 2014 Hollywood committed recitalist, she has performed set several Guinness World Records titles. R. Kohularangan, Minister Coun- Platinum sponsor of the event Music in Media Award for “Best Video at renowned places such as Philhar- Concert tickets can be purchased at sellor, Embassy of Sri Lanka; together with St. Regis Doha as the Game Score” and was nominated for five monie Warschau, Herkulessaal München http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/ Balakrishnan Pirathapan, Country hospitality partner. Annual Game Music Awards, and the and has been a welcome guest at many concerts/purchase_tickets