BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Pakistan thrash sorry INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 3-10, 28 COMMENT 26, 27 Qatar Airways REGION 10 BUSINESS 1-6, 9-12 England to to unveil its fi rst 21,375.48 9,189.98 44.77 ARAB WORLD 10, 11 CLASSIFIED 7-9 +48.01 +94.53 -1.69 INTERNATIONAL 12–25 SPORTS 1–8 ‘Qsuite’-fi tted aircraft reach fi nal +0.22% +1.04% -3.64% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

THURSDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10485 June 15, 2017 Ramadan 20, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Emir meets Turkish ministers Blockade In brief violates QATAR | Diplomacy FM discusses crisis with Turkish minister HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday at his Al Bahr Palace off ice with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Cavusoglu and Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci. The meeting discussed developments of the Gulf crisis and means of solving Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- it, besides reviewing the strategic ties between the two countries and aspects of developing them on all fronts. GCC charter, Thani yesterday met his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations SC board meeting between the two fraternal countries and means of boosting them. The Turkish minister was briefed on world law, the Gulf crisis and all the illegal measures taken against Qatar. HE Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation for the Turkish stance towards the blockade imposed on Qatar. For his part, Cavusoglu says ex-PM reiterated his country’s solidarity with Qatar. HE the Minister of QNA tar’s support for the Muslim Brother- Economy and Commerce Sheikh Doha hood, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed said: “The Muslim Brotherhood is a al-Thani and Turkish Minister of name adopted by many groups, some Economy Nihat Zeybekci attended t the core of the present Gulf of whom represent the people in par- the meeting. Cavusoglu left Doha crisis is Qatar’s resistance to the liaments of some countries, and there yesterday evening. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani chaired yesterday at Al Bahr Palace this year’s second board meeting of the Adesire of some countries in the are some who pursue violence which Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, HH Sheikh Jassim bin region to dictate their policy to oth- we do not agreed with.” He stressed QATAR | Rights Hamad al-Thani, the personal representative of HH the Emir, and HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin ers, former prime minister and foreign the need to diff erentiate between Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, who is also a board member, attending the meeting which reviewed the progress of Qatar 2022 FIFA minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim these groups. UN offi cials given World Cup projects besides examining the work progress for all facilities, which are moving forward according to the schedule. bin Jabor al-Thani has said. “Qatar dealt with Muslim Brother- dossier on violations Qatar, an independent and sover- hood when they were elected by the National Human Rights Committee eign state, has the right to pursue its Egyptian people, and when the mili- (NHRC) Chairman Dr Ali bin Smaikh own policy and cannot accept such de- tary toppled them, Qatar was the fi rst al-Marri yesterday met a number of mands, he stressed. country to support the Government of off icials from the UN Commission President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, because on Human Rights and the Co- “Qatar dealt with Muslim it is an internal Egyptian aff air.” ordination Committee of the Special Qatar Airways’ global He said in Tunisia too Qatar sup- Brotherhood when they Procedures. Dr al-Marri handed to were elected by the Egyptian ported the two successive governments the UN off icials a dossier containing people, and when the military elected by the people, emphasising the violations that Qataris and some toppled them, Qatar was the that Qatar supported any country that GCC citizens working in Qatar were operations run smoothly fi rst country to support the asked for its assistance. subjected to due to the blockade Government of President On Syria, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jas- imposed on Qatar by the countries atar Airways’ operations to and ville (Gabon), Medan (Indonesia), Rio He added: “This blockade is unprec- Abdel Fattah al-Sisi” sim said everybody including the US of those GCC nationals. The from its Doha hub are running de Janeiro (Brazil), Santiago (Chile) and edented and it is in direct contradic- made mistakes while dealing with the meetings discussed the directions Qsmoothly, with the vast major- Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), as tion to the convention that guarantees The accusation of fi nancing terror- crisis in that country. “As time passed that UN mechanisms can move in so ity of fl ights operating as scheduled. well as many others. rights to civil overfl ight. We call upon ism levelled by some Gulf countries we discovered that some groups have as to address these violations. In the past week, the award-winning Earlier this week the airline released the International Civil Aviation Or- against Qatar has “no solid base”, he other agendas and we stopped deal- global airline has fl own about 1,200 its annual report for the fi scal year ganisation (ICAO) to declare this an said in an interview with the Charlie ing with them one after another.” He QATAR | Joint exercise fl ights between Doha and its network 2017, revealing a net profi t of $541mn, illegal act. We are not a political body, Rose show on PBS. stressed that these mistakes were not of more than 150 destinations around a 21.7% year-on-year increase. The we are an airline, and this blockade HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim de- intentional. the globe, with 90% of those fl ights results also show an annual revenue in- has stripped us of the rights which are manded the countries that cut off re- According to HE Sheikh Hamad bin departing within 15 minutes of their crease of 10.4%. guaranteed to us.” lations with Qatar should provide evi- Jassim, the measures taken by some scheduled departure time. Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- In light of the blockade, the airline dence of their allegations. Gulf countries against Qatar were “In the coming months, that net- tive Akbar al-Baker said: “Qatar Air- has signifi cantly increased the opera- The former prime minister demand- based on Doha’s support for the Gaza work will continue to grow,” Qatar Air- ways’ global operations continue to run tions of its global call centre and social ed that international law should tackle Strip, pointing out that some viewed ways said yesterday. smoothly, with the vast majority of our media to ensure concerned customers the violations, including cutting off this support as “a mistake”. Yesterday, the airline launched direct network unaff ected by the current cir- receive the best possible care, and has food supplies, separating families and With regard to Hamas, he said eve- Two US Navy vessels service to Dublin. Qatar Airways’ serv- cumstances. Our focus is on supporting even extended its commercial policy closing of airspace, made by the coun- ryone knows that Qatar helps in pro- ice to Nice, France, will commence on any passengers impacted by the current to ensure greater fl exibility for refunds tries that have isolated Qatar. viding electricity in Gaza Strip and has arrive at Hamad Port July 4, and fl ights to Skopje (Macedo- situation and ensuring that we contin- and rebooking for any passengers He expressed surprise at the position also reconstructed some houses and Two US Navy vessels arrived nia) on July 17. ue to deliver our award-winning serv- whose fl ight is impacted by the recent taken by Saudi Arabia and others soon hospitals that were destroyed by Israeli yesterday at Hamad Port to The other new destinations planned ice. Our network expansion continues travel bans. The airline has also intro- after the participation of HH the Emir forces in 2005. Everyone valued these participate in a joint exercise with for the remainder of this year and 2018 with two new destinations launching in duced new functionality on Facebook Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in eff orts and other GCC countries also the Qatari Emiri Navy, the Ministry include Las Vegas (USA), Canberra the next month. As far as we are con- to provide customers with fl exible call- the Riyadh Summit last month. have pledged to provide funds to the of Defence’s Directorate of Moral (Australia), Douala (Cameroon), Libre- cerned, it is business as usual.” back options. In response to the allegation of Qa- Gaza Strip. To Page 10 Guidance said. A number of Qatari Emiri Navy off icers received the crews of the two vessels. RAMADAN THOUGHT Qatar in $12bn deal with US for buying F-15 jets O Mankind, indeed We have cre- ated you from male and female QNA State of Qatar in jointly working with military in conducting operations and made you peoples and Washington our friends and allies in the United against violent extremism,” he said. tribes that you may know one States in advancing our military co- “Qatar and the United States have another. Indeed, the most noble operation for closer strategic collabo- solidifi ed their military co-operation of you in the sight of Allah is the atar signed yesterday an agree- ration in our fi ght to counter violent by having fought together side by side most righteous (Qur’an 49:13) ment with the United States for extremism and promote peace and sta- for many years now in an eff ort to erad- Qthe purchase of F-15 fi ghter jets, bility in our region and beyond.” icate terrorism and promote a future of Prayer times at an initial cost of $12bn. The minister added that the pur- dignity and prosperity,” he added. Fajr....3.14 Zuhr....11.34 Asr....2.57 HE the Minister of State for Defence chase agreement will directly contrib- HE Dr al-Attiyah noted that the Maghrib.....6.28 Isha.....7.58 Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah ute in the creation of 60,000 new jobs signing of the agreement is “yet anoth- signed the agreement in Washington with in 42 states across the United States. er step in advancing our strategic and Fasting times US Secretary of Defence James Mattis. “We believe that this agreement will co-operative defense relationship with Iftar today ...... 6.28pm Speaking to QNA, HE Dr al-Attiyah propel Qatar’s ability to provide for its the US and we look forward to continu- Imsak tomorrow...... 3.04am said the agreement underscores the own security while also reducing the ing our joint military eff orts with our HE the Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and US “longstanding commitment of the burden placed upon the United States partners here in the US.” Secretary of Defence James Mattis shake hands after signing the F-15 fighter jets deal. Cabinet move on draft law regulating real estate brokerage he Cabinet yesterday took the establishment of a real estate agents’ Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs The draft also exempts “community to a draft decision by HE the Minister and transportation fares of non-Qatari necessary measures to issue a committee at the Ministry of Justice, Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mah- schools, schools distinguished by the of Education and Higher Education on students who are not GCC nationals. Tdraft law regulating real estate QNA said. moud said the session approved a draft ministry and schools that do not aim to determining the prices of textbooks Pages 4, 9 brokerage in the country. The committee’s duties include decision by HE the Minister of Educa- make a profi t” from providing the bank The move came after the Cabinet re- reviewing complaints received from tion and Higher Education on the ex- guarantee. viewed the Advisory Council’s recom- the parties concerned regarding de- ecutive regulation of Law No 23 of 2015 HE the minister may exempt any Fee exemptions mendations on the draft law, the offi cial cisions made by the department in- regulating private schools. school from paying the bank guarantee The Cabinet yesterday approved a draft with the provisions of Law No 38 of Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported charge dealing with real estate bro- The draft includes provisions related wholly or partially if the reasons are for decision by HE the Minister of Interior 1995 on social security, from fees and yesterday. kers’ affairs. to the licensing of schools and docu- the public good. on exempting some sections of people certifi cates of the temporary residence The draft law deals with the provi- After HE the Prime Minister Sheikh ments that have to be attached to the li- The draft identifi es the conditions from the ministry’s service fees and permits campaign,” QNA reported. It sions of licensing to engage in real es- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- cence application, the licence duration, and specifi cations of the school build- certifi cates. “The draft decision exempts also exempts non-Qatari residents with tate brokerage, the obligations of a real Thani chaired the Cabinet’s regular bank guarantee in favour of the min- ing, school system, records and the fi les people with special needs and those special needs from residence permit estate broker, his/her disciplinary li- weekly meeting at Emiri Diwan yester- istry and retention of the bank guar- that the schools are committed to keep. eligible for pensions in accordance renewal fees. ability, revocation of the licence and the day, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and antee for the entire licence duration. Meanwhile, the Cabinet gave its nod

Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 3 QATAR

In brief HRW slams Turkish FM lauds Qatar’s ‘muzzling’ pro-Qatar handling of GCC crisis media outlets Emir issues decrees

QNA HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday issued Decree Doha QNA No 31 of 2017 adjourning the 45th regular session of the Advisory New York Council as of Tuesday, the 17th of Shawwal 1438AH, corresponding to the 11th of July 2017. urkish Foreign Minister HH the Emir also issued the following decrees: Mevlut Cavusoglu praised he Human Rights Watch 1. Decree No 32 of 2017 ratifying an agreement for the abolition of visa Tthe “wise and calm man- (HRW) condemned the requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports ner” in which Qatar has handled Trecent actions taken by between the governments of Qatar and Venezuela, signed in Caracas the current crisis that resulted in three GCC states to block media on 25/11/2015. the imposition of a blockade by outlets that have ties to Qatar or 2. Decree No 33 of 2017 ratifying an agreement between the Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bah- sympathise with it, describing it governments of Qatar and India on the abolition of visa requirements rain. as a “violation of freedom of ex- for holders of diplomatic, special and off icial passports, signed in New In a statement to Qatar News pression.” Delhi on 3/12/2016. Agency (QNA) upon arrival in In a report published on 3. Decree No 34 of 2017 ratifying a memorandum of understanding for Doha yesterday, Cavusoglu said its website yesterday, Human co-operation in the field of sport between the governments of Qatar that Qatar did not reciprocate Rights Watch said the United and Turkmenistan, signed in Ashgabat on 7/3/2016. and did not seek to escalate the Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and 4. Decree No 35 of 2017 ratifying a memorandum of understanding crisis, but took a wise position Bahrain have threatened crimi- for co-operation in the field of transport between the governments of praised by Turkish President nal sanctions under existing Qatar and turkmenistan, signed in Ashgabat on 7/3/2016. Recep Tayyip Erdogan and eve- laws against people who criticise 5. Decree No 36 of 2017 ratifying a memorandum of understanding ryone he spoke with about the the actions these governments for co-operation in the field of education between the governments of current crisis. have taken against Qatar and its Qatar and Turkmenistan, signed in Ashgabat on 7/3/2016. “All those we spoke to ex- Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Minister of Economy, Nihat Zeybekci, being welcomed citizens or who have expressed 6. Decree No 37 of 2017 ratifying an agreement for co-operation in the pressed their respect and appre- at the Doha International Airport by Director of Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, sympathy towards Qatar. legal field between the Ministry of Justice of Qatar and the Ministry of ciation of the Qatari position to- ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, and Turkish ambassador to Qatar, Fikret Ozer. “Individuals have a right to Justice of Azerbaijan, signed in Baku on 8/3/2016. wards this crisis as well as Qatar’s express a variety of perspectives ideal handling of the crisis, for the strong personal ties between He expressed Turkey’s soli- tries in the GCC.” on current events,” said Sarah Instruments of ratification which it earned the respect of all.” HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin darity with Qatar and its keen- “We do not want any dif- Leah Whitson, Middle East di- The Turkish Foreign Minister Hamad al-Thani and Turkish ness to communicate with it and ferences between our brothers rector at Human Rights Watch. HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has issued the following described relations between his President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with some GCC countries to fi nd in the GCC countries, and it is “Governments don’t have the instruments of ratification: country and Qatar as fraternal describing the relations as ideal. means to overcome this crisis, not enough to say that there is right to close down media out- 1. Endorsing a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on and excellent. Cavusoglu noted that Turkey, stressing his country’s keenness a problem without trying to re- lets and criminalise speech to co-operation in the field of health and food safety between the “The State of Qatar is sisterly under the leadership of President on the unity of the GCC coun- solve it,” he said. shut out criticism they fi nd un- governments of Qatar and New Zealand, which was signed in Doha on country and its people are our Erdogan, is exerting its utmost tries. Foreign Minister Mevlut Ca- comfortable.” March 5, 2017. brothers and our relations are eff orts to fi nd solutions to this He added: “Turkey seeks vusoglu and Economy Minister “The media need protection 2. Endorsing a draft MoU on co-operation in the field of transportation constantly growing,” he said. crisis, pointing out that his cur- to resolve the unprecedented Nihat Zeybekci arrived in Doha from political interference, not between Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications and In this context, he stressed rent visit to Doha is in this regard. crisis between brotherly coun- yesterday evening. offi cial muzzling,” Whitson said. Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Transport, which was signed in Baku on March 8, 2016. 3. Endorsing the ratification of a draft agreement on encouraging and protecting mutual investments between the governments of Qatar and Liberia, which was signed in Doha on May 21, 2014. Qatari businesses fi nd new suppliers after Gulf boycott Emir ratifies Cabinet decision

Reuters a bigger impact in the market. UAE, Egypt and Bahrain im- which could alter established Al-Kuwari says he will termi- HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani Wednesday ratified Doha With competing Saudi products posed an economic and dip- trading patterns in the Gulf. nate contracts for raw materials Cabinet decision No 23 of 2017 expropriating some real estate for the off the shelves, his business is lomatic boycott on Qatar. The Plastic and cardboard that al- from the Dubai-based conglom- public good. booming. measures disrupted imports in Kuwari’s company uses to make erate JRD International worth he sanctions imposed by “Our sales doubled! There’s Qatar, which bought most of its packaging are stuck in contain- QR30mn ($8.21mn) a year. In- FM briefs Argentine counterpart Saudi Arabia and other lots of production as you can see food from the neighbours that ers in Dubai, he said. stead, he is forging deals with TArab states on Qatar have and we have a big share in the imposed the blockade. “We were stunned at fi rst. Turkish, Indian and Chinese HE the Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani come as an opportunity for Mo- market now,” said the 30-year- Now, Qatar’s own mostly Our supply of raw materials was companies to secure future sup- yesterday held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of hamed al-Kuwari and his Al old dairy factory owner. small consumer businesses say completely cut off ,” he said. “But plies that will be shipped to Qatar Argentina Jorge Faurie. They discussed the latest developments in the Rawa brand of yoghurt to make Last week, Saudi Arabia, the they are fi nding new suppliers, we took action.” via ports in Oman and Kuwait. GCC in addition to issues of common concern. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, June 15, 2017 QATAR UN rights chief It’s ‘illegal siege’, not ‘boycott’: Qatar QNA scribed as a boycott. linking its name with false alle- with a strategy and plans of the Doha Rather, it is in accordance gations on fi nancing of terror- State in this regard. with the legal logic, a declared ism or even claiming its failure to He added that Qatar does not siege aimed at putting Qatar, fi ght terrorism. need food or medicine relief, it he Director of Informa- its citizens and residents un- The Director of the Foreign rather continues to provide as- ‘alarmed’ by tion Offi ce at the Min- der pressure to achieve political Ministry’s Information Offi ce sistance to the aff ected areas, Tistry of Foreign Aff airs purposes. said that in order to preserve based on its established princi- expressed Qatar’s surprise at de- fraternal relations with the ples of extending a helping hand scribing the move by Saudi Ara- Qatar does not need food countries, Qatar refuses to take to all humanity. bia and Bahrain to cut off dip- or medicine relief, it rather similar measures by accusing He also stressed that the of- lomatic and economic relations continues to provide the Gulf countries in this re- fer made by the Foreign Minister impact of crisis with Qatar and closing their land assistance to the aff ected gard, despite the fact that these of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and sea borders and airspace as areas accusations have been interna- to provide food and medical aid he United Nations (UN) Zeid warned that mix-nation- a boycott, despite international tionally proven against many to Qatar, unequivocally confi rms human rights chief said ality couples and their children, consensus that it is an illegal He described the position to persons and entities belonging that the closure of land, air and sea Tyesterday he was alarmed as well as people with jobs or siege, pointing to remarks made be contrary to fraternal ties, Is- to these countries according to ports by the Gulf States is a siege, by the possible impact of the businesses based in opposing by some offi cials in the GCC lamic principles, international the United Nations (UN’s) lists not a boycott, and refl ects the diplomatic isolation of Qatar, states and students studying countries that severed their re- law and the international hu- of terrorist organisations and in- clear contradiction in the remarks warning it could lead to wide- abroad, would likely be “badly lations with Qatar. manitarian law. dividuals. by offi cials of those countries. spread suff ering among ordinary aff ected”. He also said direc- In remarks to Qatar News He pointed out that mak- He stressed that Qatar, as He pointed to the cases of sep- people. tives issued by Saudi Arabia, the Agency (QNA), he said that the ing baseless allegation is unac- stated in the statement issued by arating families, forcing citizens He also said the UAE and Bah- UAE and Bahrain to address the closure of the Qatar’s only land ceptable nor it is logical in the the Cabinet on June 5, 2017, has to leave and preventing them rain appeared to be violating humanitarian needs of families port, as well as the closure of relations between the brotherly taken all measures and obtained from travelling between coun- people’s human rights by threat- with joint nationalities appeared the airspace and sea routes by countries and peoples, stress- all its needs of food and other tries, and asked: “Is this also just ening to jail or fi ne them for ex- to be inadequate. the Gulf states, cannot be de- ing that Qatar completely rejects items earlier and in accordance a boycott and not a siege?” pressing sympathy for Qatar. “I am also extremely troubled “I am alarmed about the to hear that the UAE and Bahrain possible impact on many are threatening to jail and fi ne Serbia’s mufti, people’s human rights in the people who express sympathy wake of the decision by Saudi Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein for Qatar or opposition to their Islamic community Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and own governments’ actions,” he support Qatar Cabinet backs Kuwaiti emir’s Bahrain to cut diplomatic and the move had “the potential to noted. economic ties with Qatar,” seriously disrupt the lives of This, he warned, “would ap- Grand Mufti of Serbia Dr Mevlud Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein said in thousands of women, children pear to be a clear violation of the Eff endi Dudic has met Qatar’s a statement. and men, simply because they right to freedom of expression or ambassador Sheikh Mubarak bin eff orts to resolve GCC crisis “It is becoming clear that the belong to one of the nationalities opinion.” Fahad al-Thani and expressed measures being adopted are involved in the dispute.” Zeid urged all the countries solidarity with Qatar in the face of overly broad in scope and imple- “We are receiving reports that involved to quickly resolve their the siege. QNA Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud list contained false and unfounded mentation,” he added. specifi c individuals have already dispute through dialogue and Meanwhile, the Islamic Doha said the Cabinet thanked friend- information and data, and that the His comments came after been summarily instructed to “refrain from any actions that Community in Serbia aff irmed its ly countries which have declared issuance of such a list “exceeded Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain leave the country they are resid- could aff ect the well-being, support and solidarity with Qatar their solidarity with Qatar and the international legitimacy” and and Egypt severed all ties with ing in, or have been ordered to health, employment and integri- in the crisis. he weekly Cabinet meet- called for the urgent need to lift was “inconsistent with interna- Qatar on June 5. return home by their own gov- ty of their inhabitants.” - Agen- Mufti of Belgrade and the Army ing, presided over by HE the siege on it and resolve the tional practice in that area”. Zeid warned yesterday that ernment,” he said. cies Mustafa Jusufspahic regretted Tthe Prime Minister Sheikh crisis through dialogue and dip- The Cabinet listened to re- and condemned the news to Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa lomatic action. ports from the Ministers regard- isolate Qatar and the attempts to al-Thani yesterday, welcomed ing the implementation of the find solutions to problems and and highly appreciated the ef- The Cabinet condemned plan to deal with the current conflicts through extortion and forts of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh the joint statement circumstances. The Cabinet was pressure. Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al- which included a list of assured of the success of the im- Qatar pulls out troops from Djibouti He called on all scholars, Sabah to resolve the crisis in individuals and entities plementation of the plan. intellectuals, writers and people the relations between Qatar and described as ‘terrorist’ and The Cabinet commended who love the nation to reject Saudi Arabia, the United Arab linked to Qatar the eff orts and sacrifi ces made atar has informed the The source told Qatar News jor player in the international the siege on Qatar and to Emirates and Bahrain, within by the Duty Force of the Qatari government of Djibouti Agency (QNA) yesterday that community. take measures to end it, and the Gulf framework and through Meanwhile, the Cabinet con- Armed Forces, which returned to Qthat it has withdrawn all Qatar has been an impartial The mediation of Qatar be- stressed that the siege and the dialogue. demned the joint statement the homeland after participating its troops deployed on the coun- diplomatic mediator in re- tween Eritrea and Djibouti to embargo imposed on Qatar are Giving details of yesterday’s which included a list of indi- in military operations within the try’s border, an offi cial source at solving crises and disputes settle the border dispute culmi- “inhumane” and that “Islam and meeting, HE the Deputy Prime viduals and entities described as Arab coalition forces to defend the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs between friendly countries nated in the signing of an agree- logic do not accept the siege of Minister and Minister of State ‘terrorist’ and linked to Qatar. the security and stability of the said. and will continue to be ma- ment in March 2011. - QNA any people or state”. for Cabinet Aff airs Ahmed bin The Cabinet stressed that the region.

Gulf Times 6 Thursday, June 15, 2017 QATAR Bahrain arrests Professional training lawyer for suing Manama govt on Qatar blockade

prominent human rights lawyer in Bahrain Qatar sympathiser detained who launched a lawsuit against the govern- Some of the 135 professionals from some of Qatar’s leading companies who participated in the final course session of Tafawoq, a leading Ament over its restrictions imposed on Qatar The Bahraini authorities have detained a citizen project management centre. A partnership among Qatar Shell, Qatar Petroleum and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Tafawoq is focused has been arrested, aljazeera.com reports. for sympathising with Qatar on social media, the on developing the competencies of project management professionals. Since its inception in 2012, Tafawoq has graduated more than Issa Faraj Arhama al-Burshaid was detained attorney-general said yesterday, after the authori- 800 professional students. after challenging Manama’s sanctions, which in- ties warned that sympathising with Doha was tan- clude blocking Qataris from staying in the country tamount to a criminal off ence, agencies reported along with other economic penalties. yesterday. Gulf Times had reported about the lawsuit yes- The department of cybercrime referred a case to terday, based on an article by local Arabic daily Al the public prosecutor’s off ice in which “a person of Arab. interest had posted comments to social networks He fi led the case with the Supreme Administra- that constitute a violation” of a ban against sympa- Qatari women back leadership New statistics tive Court in Manama against the Cabinet, Inte- thising with boycott-hit Qatar, said attorney-general rior Ministry and Foreign Ministry. Ahmed al-Hammadi, head of Bahrain’s Terrorist He described the measures taken by his country Crimes Commission. number of Qatari have already experienced how security strategy that could reveal youth against Qatar as “arbitrary”. “The prosecution has begun investigating the women have expressed it has been keen to give the secure the fl ow of goods and “This siege has broken up family ties and hurt matter, and the suspect has been interrogated and Atheir steadfast support best all the time. business is going on as best it all Bahraini families,” said al-Burshaid. is being held in custody,” Hammadi said. for the country’s leadership She pointed out that Qatari can be. fi scally active “The decision to cut diplomatic relations vio- Bahrain’s strict cybercrime law prohibits the stand regarding the prevailing women are able to deal with She described the accusa- lates Bahrain’s constitution and laws.” expression of dissent online, including via social GCC crisis, stressing that the the situation and create the tions directed against some Qa- Bahrain had earlier declared it a crime - pun- media. government has always given necessary atmosphere of con- tari charities of supporting ter- he number of economically ishable by imprisonment of up to fi ve years and a Manama had earlier announced it would jail priority to the welfare and fi dence and stability within rorism as futile and nonsense. active young people (aged 15- fi ne - to show “sympathy or favouritism” to Qa- Qatar sympathisers, following a similar decision by prosperity of its inhabitants. their families, letting things “We have dealt with the T24 years) in Qatar rose from tar or to object in any way to Bahrain’s decision to the UAE. In a report published by go on as normal as they have crisis with the utmost trans- 181,000 in 2012 to 238,000 in 2016, break relations and impose economic and border “Any expression of sympathy with the govern- local Arabic daily Arrayah always been. parency and respect,” she according to recent fi gures released restrictions on its neighbour. ment of Qatar or opposition to the measures taken yesterday, a cross-section of In addition, they can talk to stressed. by the Ministry of Development The UAE made a similar move - with a possible by the government of Bahrain, whether through Qatari women reaffi rmed their their children to enhance their Mythaa al-Buainain, a Qa- Planning and Statistics. 15-year penalty - prohibiting criticism of its gov- social media, Twitter or any other form of commu- confi dence that the country sense of pride in their country tari employee, also stressed The total number of young Qataris ernment or sympathy towards Qatar “whether it nication, is a criminal off ence punishable by up to would soon overcome the sit- and its wise leadership. that she is proud of her coun- among those accounted for 17% in 2016. be through the means of social media, or any type five years in prison and a fine,” the interior ministry uation. Meanwhile, she advised try’s stand and expressed her In the same year, the number of young of written, visual or verbal form”. said last week. Besides, they pointed out people to avoid promoting hopes that the situation would people in the country was 338,000, Bahrain’s director-general of the Anti-Corrup- This is the first time Bahrain has detained a that women has to play an ac- rumours that may create an be resolved soon, as the people representing 13% of the population in tion and Financial and Electronic Security agency citizen for violating a ban on support for Qatar that tive role through guiding their unnecessary atmosphere of of the GCC countries are con- the country, with 73% males and 27% said al-Burshaid was arrested because materials Manama imposed after it joined Saudi Arabia, the families to avoid listening to anxiety. sidered one people that have females. Besides, the rate of unemploy- were posted on social media that “damage the so- UAE and Egypt in severing ties with Doha. unfounded rumours and to Similarly, Qatari business- close blood and family rela- ment among young people dropped cial fi bre and national unity”. Quoting the prosecutor, state news agency take information only through woman Buthina al-Ansari af- tions. from 1.6 in 2012 to just 0.5 in 2016. The director-general said the necessary legal BNA said the prosecution “questioned the suspect the trusted and offi cial chan- fi rmed that Qatar should be She said that such good and The rate of literacy among young measures were being fi nalised to bring al-Bur- and ordered him detained protectively pending nels. proud of what it has off ered to warm relationships are deep- people (15- 24 years old) amounted shaid’s case to prosecutors. questioning”. Dr Sheifa al-Emadi, a psy- the world and humanity. rooted in history and would be to 98.8% in 2016 and 61% of them The Bahraini lawyer argued the sanctions chiatric consultant, said that Also, Qatar economy would infl uenced negatively by any have completed their secondary against Qatar violate articles of Bahrain’s consti- the current events would remain resilient and powerful political stands or visions. and preparatory school education tution, which clearly indicates the country must While the ban on Qataris staying in Bahrain only enhance the strength of in spite of the unfair blockade She also expressed her in the same year. In 2015/2016 the maintain economic unity among GCC states. breaks families up in the two countries, it also im- the Qatari society and would imposed by its neighbours. complete confi dence that Qa- number of young people registered Burshaid also noted the constitution prohibits poses restrictions on the free movement of Bah- make people more supportive Al-Ansari stressed that the tar has no relations whatso- at diff erent sport associations came imposing any bans on Qataris. raini citizens, al-Burshaid added. of the government, as they country have an active food ever as accused. to 8,278, with 91% males.

Gulf Times 8 Thursday, June 15, 2017 QATAR

Malabar Gold Proud of humanitarian & Diamonds begins campaign

alabar Gold & Diamonds, ‘one eff orts in Syria: offi cial Mof the big fi ve’ global jewellery retailers, he secretary-general of the knows the meaning of the struggle people of Aleppo who were sub- along with the United Nations, of the humanitarian response to has announced a campaign Ministry of Foreign Aff airs for the right and from this point, jected to the most severe repres- the European Union, the United Syria, he added. that will run at its outlets Tsaid yesterday that Qatar’s Doha has become known as the sion, displacement, and genocide, Kingdom, Germany and Norway The secretary-general said that in Qatar until July 8. hosting of the 10th meeting of the “castle of the oppressed”. he added. in Brussels on April 4 and 5 with the 17th Doha Forum, held on May With every purchase major donors group for Syria un- The secretary-general reviewed All Qatari institutions and min- an aim to mobilise support for 14 and 15, focused on develop- of gold jewellery worth stalments without paying der complex circumstances dem- some of Qatar’s development and istries were mobilised in an move- the resources of humanitarian re- ment, stability and refugee issues, QR500, customers get a any interest, in association onstrates its keenness to support humanitarian eff orts to support ment described as “the largest sponse, push forward the interna- refl ecting Qatar’s interest in this chance to enter raffl e draws with various banks. the Syrian people in light of the the Syrian people. Since the be- campaign of donations to support tional eff orts related to the politi- humanitarian issue. He noted in to win up to 75 gold bars, Malabar Gold & Dia- inability of the international com- ginning of the crisis, Qatari aid the Syrian people”. The donation cal track, reconstruction, and the this regard that Qatar hosts Syr- each weighing 100gm. monds have also unveiled munity to address the root causes to the Syrian people has reached drive continued until 20 Decem- post-confl ict political transition ians and provides them with a de- In Qatar, eight lucky the latest collection of of the seven-year crisis. more than $2bn. Its pledges and ber 2016 and the contributions process. cent livelihood of jobs, education customers can win 100gm jewellery in gold, dia- Addressing the meeting, Dr assistance in support of this reached approximately $330mn. Qatar pledged $100mn and and healthcare, which gives them gold bar each through this monds and precious gems Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi just cause have reached nearly After the donation campaign, the conference resulted in $6bn an opportunity for social integra- promotion. to suit the tastes of their underlined that Qatar is proud $1.6bn in the past year whether Qatar received a letter of thanks pledges to support Syria, as well tion and participation in the de- Those who buy diamond multicultural and multi- of its humanitarian eff orts, and through direct government sup- and appreciation from the United as a strong political statement velopment process, in addition to jewellery worth QR500 national customers. of the UN Secretary-General’s port or through civil society or- Nations, he said. acknowledged the eff orts of the the allocation of special projects will get two raffl e coupons. These designs are incor- envoy for Humanitarian Aff airs ganisations and Qatar’s humani- Dr al-Hammadi thanked the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) to support education and reuni- Customers also get a free porated as a part of various Dr Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Mu- tarian associations and donor charities, humanitarian organisa- countries and their generous sup- fi cation programmes for Syrian 1gm gold coin on diamond brands presented at Malabar raikhi, who has worked hard in the institutions. tions and national donor institu- port to alleviate the humanitarian families in Doha. jewellery purchase of Gold & Diamonds’ namely humanitarian fi eld. By the end of 2016, and on the tions in Qatar and the region for crisis. Dr al-Hammadi said that Syria QR3,000 and above. Ethnix – Handcrafted De- He stressed that the Syrian cri- directives of HH the Emir Sheikh their eff orts and contributions Doha also hosted a regional deserves more support than sym- They can avail the zero signer Jewellery, Era – Uncut sis, which has claimed the lives of Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, all to support the just cause of the meeting in early April, including pathy, and looked forward to the deduction off er on 22K Diamond Jewellery, Mine – half a million people, can be re- aspects of celebrating the Nation- Syrian people. the United Nations and 25 nation- positive role of all participants in (GCC) gold jewellery ex- Diamonds Unlimited, Divine solved only when the Syrian peo- al Day of the state were cancelled He noted that Qatar partici- al and regional non-governmental the meeting in order to mobilise change as well. Customers – Indian Heritage Jewellery, ple get the rights they deserve and on December 18 in solidarity with pated in the presidency of an in- organisations, which resulted in the greatest support possible for can enjoy fl exible payment Precia – Gem Jewellery and sacrifi ced for, noting that Qatar the Syrian people, including the ternational conference on Syria pledges of $262mn in support the Syrian people. options for up to six in- Starlet – Kids jewellery. Al-Nuaimi holds talks with Nepal envoy Sidra names programme director for research in children’s services

idra Medical and Research multidisciplinary team of con- Prof Hussain pointed out Center (Sidra) has ap- sultant endocrinologists and that over 1,200 children with Spointed Prof Khalid Hus- diabetologists, insulin pump diabetes are coming to Sidra sain as programme director for experts, endocrine nurses, clinics. “In collaboration with research in children’s services. diabetic educators and highly key scientists at Sidra, we are Prof Hussain is currently the specialised dieticians to pro- embarking on an ambitious re- division chief of paediatric en- vide care for children with all search project to understand docrinology and vice chair of endocrine conditions including the molecular mechanisms of paediatric research at Sidra. diabetes. these conditions in the chil- In his capacity as programme Dr Abdulla al-Kaabi, ex- Prof Khalid Hussain dren. We will be using the latest director, Prof Hussain aims is ecutive chair of the children’s research techniques to interro- to integrate the clinical services services clinical management al and international research gate the disease mechanisms,” with the ultramodern research group, executive vice chief partnerships and collabora- said Prof Hussain. facilities available at Sidra to lay medical offi cer and member tions to map out the availability Prof Hussain is a member of HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali the platform for undertaking of the board of governors said, of resources in Sidra and Qatar.” the European Society for Pae- al-Nuaimi yesterday held talks with Nepalese ambassador Ramesh Prasad Koirala over bilateral high powered translational re- “This is a very important ap- Diet, lifestyle factors and ge- diatric Endocrinology and the issues. During the meeting, Koirala thanked the Qatari government for hosting a large number search that will ultimately bring pointment at Sidra as we aim netic and environmental fac- Endocrine Society, the largest of Nepalese workers, and raised the recent labour issues. HE Dr al-Nuaimi spoke highly about tangible benefi ts to patients. to advance our clinical research tors have demonstrated that global membership organisa- hard-working and intelligent Nepalese workers. During the meeting both of them referred to the Prof Hussain and the endo- capabilities to bring in new diseases like diabetes and obes- tion representing professionals increased arrival of Nepalese workers to Qatar in the light of the signing of a bilateral agreement in crine team have established treatments and medication ity can have a long-lasting as from the fi eld of endocrinology. March 2005, and its additional protocol in January 2008. Regarding FIFA 2022 World Cup, Koirala specialist clinics for children capabilities to address com- well as generational impact. Prof Hussain is an interna- wished all the success to the Qatari side. The envoy reiterated that the Nepalis will follow the rules with diabetes at the Sidra Out- mon diseases like diabetes and Qatar has been listed with a tionally recognised expert in and regulations of Qatar. Dr al-Nuaimi and Koirala also discussed about easing procedures to bring patient Clinic and the aim is obesity that are aff ecting our high prevalence of diabetes the fi eld of childhood hypogly- more Nepalese workers to Qatar. also to establish specialised children in Qatar. Prof Hussain along with impaired glucose cemia and rare types of diabetes obesity clinics. He works with a is actively establishing nation- tolerance among its population. mellitus. Genesis providing limousine models to W Doha Hotel & Residences

uxury automotive brand Athenaeum: Museum of Archi- Doha has to off er, VIP guests at We believe the exceptionally said, “The opportunity to ride in Genesis is providing the tecture and Design and was a the W Doha Hotel & Residences high standards and wholeheart- a Genesis is in itself a chance to Lfl agship full-size G90 and fi nalist for North American Car can be sure to do so in style. The ed commitment to modern re- be part of automotive history in G90 limousine models to VIP of the Year in 2016, a prestigious G90 off ers the ultimate in pas- fi nement and customer-focused the making.” guests at the fi ve-star W Doha honour voted for by automotive senger comfort with heated and luxury off ered by the Genesis “Thanks to its superior design Hotel & Residences since March, journalists. ventilated rear executive seating perfectly match our promise to characteristics and innovative Skyline Automotive, the offi cial “Whether covering short dis- and exquisite wood and leather our customers,” said Safak Gu- features that meet the demands distribution partner of Genesis tances to experience the world- fi nishing,” a statement said. venc, general manager, W Doha of the most exacting motorist, in Qatar, has announced. class shopping and leisure ac- “As a luxury lifestyle hotel, Hotel & Residences. Skyline Automotive anticipates The G90 received the Good tivities, or looking to take part in our VIP guests expect to receive Paiman El Malla, general strong interest in the Genesis Design award from the Chicago arts and cultural highlights that the best in service and comfort. manager, Skyline Automotive, brand in Qatar. The Genesis G90 parked in front of W Doha Hotel & Residences. Second phase of work on Talib Street gets underway

ork on the second phase of Ali bin Abi Talib Street de- Wvelopment in New Salata has begun, Public Works Author- ity (Ashghal) said yesterday while an- nouncing the completion of phase one of the project. The Talib Street development is part of phase six of the project to develop roads and roundabouts in diff erent areas of Greater Doha. The phase one of the Talib Street development included conversion of both Al Maahed and Al Qafi la rounda- bouts to signal-controlled intersec- tions as well as development and opening of two lanes on Ali bin Abi Talib Street which connects C-Ring and D-Ring roads. The phase two includes the ad- dition of a third lane to Ali bin Abi Talib Street and a service road in each direction. This is in addition to de- veloping the infrastructure such as drainage system, street lighting, land- The renovated and widened Talib Street in New Salata. scaping, and installing interlock while protecting existing utilities. In order to enhance traffi c capacity open throughout the project period. The project also comprises the devel- and reduce any inconvenience resulting Ashghal has installed onsite sign- opment of Al Maahed Street in Salata from the implementation of the project boards to alert drivers during work area and Al Qafi la Street which connects work as much as possible, two lanes will period. All phases of Ali bin Abi Talib Salwa Road and Ali bin Abi Talib Street. remain open to traffi c in each direction Street and surrounding roads devel- Work includes widening of the streets and access roads to residential build- opment are expected to be completed to two lanes in each direction. ings and business institutes will remain on September 15. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 9 QATAR

Draft decision on panel for heavy Breast care clinic key transport regulation approved he weekly Cabi- sponsible for organis- tual recognition of certifi - net meeting, pre- ing, co-ordinating the cates in accordance with Tsided over by HE work between the Cen- Regulation 10/1 of the In- the Prime Minister Sheikh tral Municipal Coun- ternational Convention Abdullah bin Nasser bin cil and the ministries on Standards of Training, milestone: minister Khalifa al-Thani yesterday, and other government Certifi cation and Watch- approved a draft decision agencies and public keeping for Seafarers of he new Breast Care Clinic at of the Council of Ministers institutions. 1978 and its amendments Hamad Medical Corpora- to amend some of the pro- The Cabinet also ap- between the Ministry of Ttion’s (HMC) National Center visions of Resolution No 35 proved the validity of the Transport and Commu- for Cancer Care and Research (NC- of 2014 to establish a com- provisions of Law No 24 nications in Qatar and CCR) has been inaugurated by HE mittee for the regulation of of 2002 regarding retire- the Ministry of Transport the Minister of Public Health Dr heavy transport. ment and pensions to Qa- and Communication in Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari. The amendment in- tari employees in Qatar Oman, and a draft proto- Dr al-Kuwari described the open- cludes adding a repre- Institute for Exhibitions col amending some provi- ing as an important milestone in the sentative from the Public and Conferences Devel- sions of the Air Transport journey towards reducing the in- Works Authority (Ashghal) opment, and Al Sraiya Agreement between the cidence of breast cancer in Qatar. to the committee. Holding Group. governments of Qatar and Breast cancer is the most common The Cabinet approved a The Cabinet took the Oman. cancer among women in Qatar. draft decision of the Coun- measures to ratify the The Cabinet reviewed a “The new Breast Care Clinic at cil of Ministers amending agreement for the aboli- memo by HE the Minister NCCCR reinforces our commit- some provisions of De- tion of visa requirements of Education and Higher ment as a country to the provi- cision No 34 of 2001 on for holders of diplomatic Education on the results sion of excellent breast cancer forming the Co-ordination and special passports be- of the re-examination of a care, highlighted in our recently and Follow-up Commit- tween the governments of draft law amending some launched fi ve-year National Cancer tee provided for in the law Qatar and Poland. provisions of Law No 7 of Framework 2017-2022. It is our goal of organising the Central The Cabinet approved 2012 on the educational to utilise our leading specialists, Municipal Council. a draft memorandum of vouchers and took the world-class treatment techniques The committee is re- understanding on the mu- appropriate decision. and technologies to ensure as many women as possible are diagnosed as early as possible. This means that when treatment is necessary, it can be less invasive and outcomes can be more positive.” The Breast Care Clinic, which be- gan receiving referrals last Novem- ber from the National Screening Programme and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), provides HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari inaugurating the new Breast Care Clinic at HMC’s diagnoses and arranges treatment National Center for Cancer Care and Research. of breast cancer for women in one convenient location. Dr Amal al-Obaidli, deputy chair any required treatment immediately.” tion, breast imaging and or a core Women visiting the clinic will and senior consultant in radiology at According to Dr al-Obaidli, the biopsy, if a lump is found. have access to specialised services the NCCCR, said, “The Breast Care clinic conducts a triple assessment Last year, HMC collaborated with including ultrasound, core biop- Clinic has been specially designed to be test - currently the gold standard PHCC to promote breast cancer sies, clinical breast examinations a healing environment providing both internationally for thorough and ac- screening amongst women. Since and breast tomosynthesis - an ad- convenience and comfort for women. curate breast cancer diagnoses. The the clinic opened its doors to pa- vanced type of mammogram that As well as being a one stop location special assessment requires every tients they have performed the triple can off er better cancer detection for patients, the clinic off ers world re- patient referred to the clinic to go assessment test on over 500 women, resulting in the need for fewer nowned techniques to reduce the time through a series of diagnostic tests 38 of which have tested positive for biopsies. needed to diagnose women and start including a clinical breast examina- breast cancer. Ooredoo to boost education QIB off ers sector with technology oredoo yesterday solutions that can enable Ooredoo Smart Wi-Fi Visa Checkout announced that it connected education. allows students to easily Oplans to boost Qa- “With human develop- and securely collaborate tar’s education sector by in- ment a key factor of Qa- on class projects using vesting in world-class con- tar National Vision 2030, mobile devices and con- nectivity to prepare youth Ooredoo is committed to nect with students around service for the digital economy. delivering the smart edu- the world, while educators To ensure a fi rst-class cational tools that will en- can also distribute their education, Qatar’s schools hance Qatar as a global lead- content to students online. atar Islamic Bank aware that customer ex- and universities are rapidly er in connected education. On the back-end, edu- (QIB) yesterday an- perience has become cen- deploying the latest tech- Qatar’s educational institu- cational institution IT Qnounced that it is tral to e-Commerce and nology collaboration solu- tions will be able to man- staff using Smart Wi-Fi the fi rst bank in Qatar to the shift of consumption to tions to prepare students age their resources more can provide secure digital off er Visa Checkout, an in- mobile made us think about for the workplace. eff ectively and support records, support innova- novative digital payment a new and improved pay- In particular, Ooredoo students’ digital needs,” tive research and devel- service off ered to all QIB ment experience. As a lead- is seeing educational de- said Manar Khalifa al- opment in key industry credit and debit cardhold- ing card issuer in Qatar, we mand for its Smart Wi-Fi Muraikhi, director, PR and verticals, and monitor ers that makes online pur- are pleased to be the fi rst in solution, which delivers corporate communications and optimise Wi-Fi usage chases simpler, faster, and Qatar to introduce the Visa highly-available cloud at Ooredoo. during demand peaks. safer. Checkout service to our Visa Checkout is a new cardholders addressing their payment option that is demands to have a quick and available when carrying easy-to-use payment solu- out online purchases and tions,” said D Anand, general transactions. It is a global manager of QIB’s Personal product used by approxi- Banking Group. mately 300,000 websites He added: “Partnering worldwide, including Qa- with Visa allows us to pro- tar Airways and Aramex, vide a simple experience among others. across desktop, mobile, This feature enhances web, and apps to our cus- the customer experience tomers. Online shopping during online shopping has never been easier.” by reducing the number Besides making online of fi elds that a customer shopping faster, the feature must complete to carry also makes online shop- out a payment transaction. ping more secure because Previously, customers were Visa Checkout evaluates required to complete up to risks at every stage of the 44 fi elds, while with Visa online transaction and cre- Checkout, customers are ates a secure foundation only required to complete for a seamless shopping two fi elds. experience. Customers are no longer Visa Checkout uses a required to enter card de- combination of proprietary tails each time when an on- and advanced risk man- line transaction is carried agement tools to imple- out. Instead, customers are ment fraud checks while simply asked to enter a user processing transactions on ID and password eliminat- behalf of the user. The ‘3D ing the long process of en- Secure Technology’ is also tering their name, a card part of the service provid- number, expiry date, ship- ing a password-protected ping address among oth- authentication system to ers. The card visual is also confi rm the identity of the displayed while making the cardholder when a VISA online payment, making it card is used online. easier for the customer to This technology auto- identify the card to be used matically recognises any for the payment. QIB card when presented This new service is not at a participating online limited to one card only, store, and the cardholder is Visa Checkout allows con- prompted to input the ‘One sumers to bring the Visa Time Password’ (OTP) for card they prefer to use in the online purchase made the physical world to the through the QIB Visa card. online world, simply and To start exploring this easily. QIB customers can service, customer can enrol add multiple Visa cards using the QIB website, Visa (debit or credit) and choose portal, or the website of any the card they wish to use. online retailer subscribed “Online shopping has to the service. The whole been growing signifi cantly process of registration is in the last years, and we are very simple. Gulf Times 10 Thursday, June 15, 2017 RAMADAN/REGION/ARAB WORLD

A night view of Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil UN slams ‘staggering loss of civilian life’

AFP Geneva

nited Nations war crimes in- vestigators expressed alarm Uyesterday at the “staggering” number of civilian deaths as US- backed forces battle to oust the Islamic State group from its Syrian stronghold Raqqa. At least 300 civilians have been killed, although the actual number is likely higher according to UN offi cials. “Civilians are caught up in the city under the oppressive rule of (IS) while facing extreme danger...due to exces- sive air strikes,” Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, head of the UN Commission of In- quiry, told reporters. The COI said it had documented that hundreds of civilians had been Special virtues of killed in Raqqa province by air strikes carried out by a US-backed coalition supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces since March 1. “We recorded the civilians deaths A woman holds her injured child at a camp for people displaced from fighting in the caused by the coalition air strike, al- Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, in Ain Issa, Syria, yesterday. the Night of Decree together 300,” commission member Karen Abuzayd told journalists. city and its surroundings since the “The imperative to fi ght terrorism llah The Almighty has attached [Ibn Katheer] Jibreel is specifi cally Ramadhaan.”[Muslim] She said 200 of those deaths hap- push to retake the militant stronghold must not, however, be undertaken at a special value to the Laylat Al- mentioned as a sign of respect for him. It is more likely to be one of the odd- pened on a single day, in the March 21 began last November, and new waves the expense of civilians who unwill- AQadr, and has given this night 5. This night is described as peace, numbered nights, because of the nar- air strike on the town of Al-Masura, of displacement are expected as the ingly fi nd themselves living in areas special characteristics which make it i.e., it is safe, for the devils cannot ration of ‘Aa’ishah, radhiallah ‘anha, about 30 kilometres west of Raqqa. battle inside the city progresses. where ISIL is present,” Pinheiro said. unique, such as: do any evil or cause any harm on this who said that the Messenger of Allah, The investigators, who have never 1. It is the night on which the Qur’an night, as Mujaahid, radhiallah ‘anhu, , had said: “Seek Laylat Al-Qadr in the been granted access to Syria, stressed was sent down. Ibn ‘Abbaas, radhi- said: “On this night, many people are odd-numbered nights of the last ten that the death toll provided was only US moves long-range rocket launchers into southern Syria allah ‘anhu, said: “Allah sent down saved from punishment because of nights.” [Al-Bukhari] what they had managed to document, the Qur’an at one time from Al-Lawh what they do to worship Allah, The It is most likely to be on the night and that the true number was likely The US military has moved a new already been deployed in northern Al-Mahfooth (the Preserved Tablet in Most Exalted.” of the 27th, according to the saying of higher. truck-mounted, long-range rocket Syria with US-backed forces battling the Seventh Heaven) to Bayt Al-‘Izzah 6. Allah The Almighty Says (what the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sal- Earlier yesterday, Pinheiro told the launcher from Jordan to a US base Islamic State militants, he added. (House of Pride) in the fi rst Heaven, means): {“On that night is made dis- lam: “Laylat Al-Qadr is the night of UN Human Rights Council that the in Tanf, Syria, near the Iraqi and Washington deployed the HIMARS then it was revealed to the Messenger tinct every precise matter.” } [Qur’an the 27th.” [Ahmad and Abu Daawood] situation for civilians in Raqqa was Jordanian borders, stepping up its on the Turkish border to strike at of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, 44:4], the aff airs of that year are dis- This is the preponderant view of most alarming. presence in the area, two regional Islamic State outposts. in stages according to events over 23 patched from the Preserved Tablet of the Companions and the majority “In areas controlled by extrem- intelligence sources said yesterday. They were used several times from years.” [Ibn Katheer] to the angels who record the decrees: of scholars. Ubayy ibn Ka’b, radhial- ist factions, we are gravely concerned They said the (High Mobility Artillery the Jordanian border to hit militants 2. Allah The Almighty described who will live, who will die, what pro- lah ‘anhu, used to assert, without say- with the mounting number of civilians Rocket Systems — HIMARS — had who had a foothold in the south- it as being better than a thousand vision people will be given, what will ing “Inshaa’ Allah (God willing)” that: who perish during air strikes,” he said. moved into the desert garrison, eastern desert. months, as He Says (what means): happen until the end of that year, eve- “…it was the night of the 27th. Zurr “We note in particular that the in- which has seen a buildup in recent Under heavy pressure, the militants {“The Night of Decree is better than a ry matter of ordainment is decreed, ibn Hubaysh, radhiallah ‘anhu, said tensifi cation of air strikes, which have weeks as tensions escalate after have mostly retreated from the thousand months.”} [Qur’an 97:3] and it cannot be altered or changed. to Ubayy: ‘I said, What makes you say paved the ground for an SDF advance the US-led coalition struck Iranian- desert in the last three months. 3. Allah The Almighty described [Ibn Katheer] that, O Abu’l-Munthir (i.e. Ubay)?’ in Raqqa, has resulted not only in stag- backed forces to prevent them Now US-backed Syrian rebels are it as being blessed, as He Says (what 7. Allah The Almighty revealed a He said, ‘By the signs of which the gering loss of civilian life, but has also advancing towards the Tanf base. competing with the Syrian army and means): {“Indeed, We sent it down Chapter concerning this night which Messenger of Allah, told us: that the led to 160,000 civilians fl eeing their “They have arrived now in Tanf and Iranian-backed militias as they all try during a blessed night.”} [Qur’an 44: will be recited until the Day of Resur- sun rises that morning with no visible homes,” he added. they are a significant boost to the to recapture territory from Islamic 3] rection, in which Allah The Almighty rays.’” [Muslim] IS seized Raqqa in 2014, transform- US military presence there,” one State. Tanf is near a Syria-Iraq border 4. On this night, the angels and the Says (what means): {“Indeed, We sent The fact that it is more likely the ing it into the de facto Syrian capital senior intelligence source said, with- crossing on the main Baghdad- Spirit [Jibreel (Angel Gabriel)] de- the Qur’an down during the Night night of the 27th does not mean that of its self-declared “caliphate”. Tens out elaborating. The HIMARS had Damascus highway. scend, “i.e., many angels descend on of Decree. And what can make you this is always the case. It could be any of thousands of civilians have fl ed the this night because it is so blessed, and know what is the Night of Decree? of the other odd-numbered nights of the angels come down when the bless- The Night of Decree is better than a the last ten days of Ramadan. Some of ings and mercy of Allah The Almighty thousand months. The angels and the the scholars ruled that it is more likely come down, just as they come down Spirit descend therein by permission that it moves and does not come on a when the Qur’an is recited, and they of their Lord for every matter. Peace specifi c night each year. surround the circles of Thikr (gath- it is until the emergence of dawn.”} Article source: http://www.is- erings where Allah The Almighty is [Qur’an 97:1-5] lamweb.net/emainpage/ ‘Blockade on Qatar violates GCC charter’ mentioned), and they spread their The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wings for the one who sincerely seeks wa sallam, said: “Seek Laylat From Page 1 tion has changed many things for the making mediation eff orts, adding that knowledge, out of respect for him.” Al-Qadr in the last ten days of On the impact of the blockade, the members of the GCC. the two mediators, US and Kuwait, will former prime minister said the Qatari On the position of the US, he said: “I eventually come to the conclusion that people were proud to support HH the think any mediator should look into the all the allegations against Qatar are Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- matter from both sides equally until baseless. On how to get out of this cri- Thani, stressing that the people knew having the right evidence.” He said ul- sis, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said that HH the Emir was sincere and has timately the US will do the right thing the fi rst step is to activate the role of tried to build special relationships with because it has institutions that are able the GCC. He added that the US, as an his brothers in the GCC countries. He to fi nd out that the steps against Qatar ally of all parties, should stand at the pointed that the majority of the Gulf were taken on incorrect assumptions. same distance from everyone. “If there citizens did not support the steps taken On Qatar’s alleged support for Iran, is any problem, the Qataris will correct by their respective governments. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said: it without hesitation,” he stressed. He pointed out that the punitive “This is a big joke,” stressing that there On the presence of some members of measures against Qatar were taken was not a single incident where Qatar the Taliban movement in Qatar, he said without convening the Gulf Co-oper- supported Tehran. He added that Qa- that there are fi ve Taliban members, who ation Council (GCC). tar has normal relations with Tehran. are in Qatar at the request of the US. “If Saudi Arabia disagrees with any “Qatar is ready to hold an open dia- The former prime minister said there country, they will do what they want logue if the problem is related to Iran.” has not been any disruption in the Qa- without referring to the GCC,” he said He said Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah tari-US relations. He expressed confi - adding that he respected King Salman al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, who is dence that Washington will deal with the and Saudi Arabia, but the new situa- respected by all GCC member states, is Gulf matter fairly when the truth is clear.

CONFLICT Border guard dies Iran kills militant group after mine blast A mine blast on Saudi Arabia’s members in southeast border with Yemen killed a Saudi border guard yesterday, the day after a similar fatality. Reuters day, state media reported that secu- The latest explosion occurred at London rity forces had fought with members of 1:00 am (2200 GMT Tuesday) Ansar al-Furqan, a militant group, in during a patrol in the kingdom’s Chabahar, a city in southeastern Iran. southwestern Jazan region, the in- ranian forces killed three members State media said three militants had terior ministry said in a statement. of a militant group in the city of been killed and fi ve arrested. The border guard was wounded in IChabahar yesterday and arrested One security offi cer was also killed the blast and died when he arrived fi ve others, state media reported, as and one wounded. at hospital, it said. On Tuesday security forces stepped up measures to Authorities said they had found am- another Saudi border guard was prevent militant attacks. munition, explosive belts and weapons. killed when a mine hit his patrol, Last week, suicide bombers and gun- Ansar al-Furqan — or Partisans of also in Jazan. More than 130 sol- men attacked parliament and Ayatollah the Criterion — is a group based in Sis- diers and civilians have been killed Khomeini’s mausoleum in Tehran, kill- tan and Baluchestan province that has in Saudi Arabia’s southern border ing 17 people in what was an unprec- threatened to carry out suicide attacks regions since a coalition began air edented security breach for the Islamic on economic and military centres in re- strikes over Yemen in March 2015. Republic. venge for the government’s execution The coalition supports Yemen’s Islamic State claimed responsibility of prisoners. internationally recognised govern- and threatened more attacks against The group, which was formed by the ment of President Abd-Rabbu Iran. Iran has arrested almost 50 people merger of some insurgent groups in Mansour Hadi in the fight against in connection with the attacks. Yester- 2012, is not linked to Islamic State. Houthi rebels.

DISCLOSURE ‘Less than 30%’ of pledged Yemen international aid delivered

Less than 30% of pledged international the world”. But “only 25% of aid pledged lives”, according to the United Nations. aid has been delivered to Yemen this to the UN refugee agency and 29% of Yemen’s deadly war has seen more year, a UN off icial said yesterday, as aid pledged to the UN’s humanitarian re- than 8,000 people killed and millions millions across the country struggle to sponse plan have been delivered so far,” displaced since a coalition intervened survive. Donors in April pledged close to UNHCR’s Yemen spokesperson Shabia to support a government fight against $1.1bn (981,500 euros) in aid to war-torn Mantoo said. Houthi rebels allied with Iran. Yemen, which the UN Off ice for the Some 19mn people are in need of aid in Looming famine and an outbreak of Co-ordination of Humanitarian Aff airs Yemen, with 10.3mn requiring immedi- cholera in Yemen, are taking their toll on calls the “largest humanitarian crisis in ate assistance to “save or sustain their the population. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 11 ARAB WORLD

ICC seeks International groups warn ‘arrest’ of Gaddafi ’s of looming Gaza disaster son Saif AFP AFP The Hague Jerusalem he International Criminal sraeli and international Court chief’s prosecutor NGOS joined the UN yes- Tyesterday called for the Iterday in warning of a “total “immediate arrest and surren- collapse” in Gaza if Israel goes der” of Muammar Gaddafi ’s son ahead with plans to further cut Saif al-Islam, who was report- power supplies to the enclave. edly set free by a militia in Libya. A joint statement of 16 An arrest warrant issued by groups, among them Israel’s the Hague-based ICC against B’Tselem, Peace Now and Rab- Saif in 2011 “remains valid and bis for Human Rights along with Libya is obliged to immediately Amnesty International, said arrest and surrender Mr Gadd- they has asked Israel’s attorney afi ...regardless of any purported general to intervene. amnesty law in Libya,” Fatou Gazans currently receive only Bensouda said. three to four hours of mains Saif al-Islam, the second son electricity a day, delivered from and heir apparent of the late de- the territory’s own power sta- posed Libyan dictator, was said tion and others in Israel and to have been released on Friday Egypt. by a militia that controls the Senior Israeli ministers de- town of Zintan in western Libya. cided on Sunday to reduce the The group, which had held Saif amount of electricity supplied al-Islam for more than fi ve years, to Gaza by between 45 and 60 said he had been set free under minutes a day after Palestinian an amnesty law promulgated by president Mahmoud Abbas cut a parliament based in the coun- funding for it by his West Bank- try’s east during the holy month based Palestinian Authority. of Ramadan. The move was widely seen But the prosecutor general’s as an attempt by the Palestin- offi ce in Tripoli, where a ri- ian leader to step up pressure val UN-backed administra- on Hamas which runs the Gaza tion is based, said the amnesty Strip. could not apply to Saif al-Islam “A group of civil society or- because of the severity of his ganisations...sent an urgent Palestinian children at home reading books by candle light due to electricity shortages in Gaza City. crimes, saying he was still want- letter today to attorney general ed for a 2015 conviction. Avichai Mandelblit demanding to meet humanitarian needs. Piper, warned that fresh cuts situation in Gaza, which con- Israel had “no interest in an es- The World Food Programme, Bensouda said the world war that he advise the members of Amnesty warned in a sepa- would be disastrous. tinues to deteriorate in the ab- calation,” blaming internal Pal- however, said Gazans also face a crimes court is now “verifying” the security cabinet to imme- rate statement of a “looming “A further increase in the sence of a lasting political so- estinian disputes for the crisis. food shortage brought about by Saif al-Islam’s whereabouts. diately rescind (its) decision to humanitarian catastrophe”. length of blackouts is likely to lution,” said a foreign ministry “This decision aggravates the a drop in funding for its aid pro- She called on Libya, the UN reduce the supply of electricity It said additional reductions lead to a total collapse of ba- spokesman. situation and risks an explo- gramme. Security Council and “all other sold and provided by Israel to in power “will have a disastrous sic services, including critical Hamas has run Gaza since sion in the Gaza Strip,” it said on “Unless new funding quickly relevant” countries “to provide the Gaza Strip,” the NGOs said impact on Gaza’s battered in- functions in the health, water 2007, when it seized the terri- Monday. But yesterday Israeli arrives, the United Nations World my offi ce with any relevant in- in their statement. frastructure and cause a public and sanitation sectors,” Piper tory from Abbas loyalists. Defence Minister Avigdor Lie- Food Programme may be forced formation in their possession.” They said further cuts would health disaster.” “The move will said in a statement. The prospect of even berman dismissed the idea of a to suspend its voucher food as- The ICC also called for the contravene a 2008 Israeli su- also endanger thousands of lives “The people in Gaza should lengthier blackouts in Gaza humanitarian crisis in the tiny sistance in July,” it said. arrest and surrender of Libya’s preme court ruling that years of including those of hospital pa- not be held hostage to this has raised fears of a new up- enclave of some 2mn people. “The energy crisis has eroded former security chief Al-Tuhamy Israeli control over the strip had tients with chronic conditions longstanding internal Pales- surge in violence. Israel and “It is clear the Gaza Strip is not people’s purchasing power and Mohamed Khaled, who is wanted created near-total dependence or in intensive care, including tinian dispute.” Hamas have fought three wars Switzerland, but there is no hu- increased the prices of basic es- on similar charges as Saif for his on power supply from the state babies on life support.” The UN The French government also since 2008. manitarian crisis,” he said, citing sentials,” it added.”The poorest role in attempting to quash the and it must therefore continue humanitarian co-ordinator for expressed concern.“France Prime Minister Benjamin the “hundreds” of trucks deliver- families, including those assisted 2011 revolt against slain strong- to provide suffi cient electricity the occupied territories, Robert is following with concern the Netanyahu said on Tuesday that ing goods each day. by WFP, are aff ected the most.” man Gaddafi . Sudan begins trial of top Lebanon cabinet approves law, activist accused of spying expects election in May next year AFP in return for money.He is also causes in Sudan and in particu- Khartoum accused of publishing lies about lar in Darfur, has been arrested Reuters government forces using chemi- several times before for his work. Beirut cal weapons, and distorting the The government shut down he trial of a prominent image of the state. a development organisation he Sudanese human rights Under Sudanese criminal headed in 2009. ebanon is likely to hold Tactivist accused of spy- law, the charges against Ibrahim Ahead of the start of his trial, long-delayed elections in ing for foreign embassies opened Adam — winner of several hu- Amnesty International called LMay 2018, ministers said yesterday in Khartoum, as Am- man rights awards — are punish- for the immediate release of Ib- yesterday, after the cabinet ap- nesty International called for his able by death.Yesterday, a court rahim Adam and his colleague proved a new law for a legisla- immediate release. in Khartoum held a short open- Hafiz Idris Eldoma, who also tive vote that has spared the Mudawi Ibrahim Adam, an ing session in his trial at which has been detained. country a major political crisis. engineering professor at the the activist appeared before a “Unfortunately, this latest Recent disputes over an elec- University of Khartoum, was ar- judge, an AFP correspondent re- round sees the harassment take tion law that is at the heart of rested in December by security ported.The session was attended a more sinister turn as both he the nation’s sectarian political forces as part of a crackdown on by several Western diplomats and his colleague Hafiz poten- system had pushed Lebanon to opposition leaders and activists. and Sudanese activists. tially face the death penalty,” the brink of crisis, threatening Prosecutors have accused The next session in the trial Amnesty said in a statement. to leave it without a parliament him and some others of carry- has been scheduled for July 20. “Their arrest and continued for the fi rst time. ing out spying and intelligence Ibrahim Adam, who has worked incarceration is a miscarriage The new law will extend activities for foreign embassies extensively on human rights of justice, plain and simple.” parliament’s term by almost a year until next May, avoiding a legislative vacuum when the A handout picture shows Lebanese President Michel Aoun (centre-back) and Prime Minister Saad Hariri chamber’s current term ends (centre-left) attending a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace of Baabda, east of Beirut, yesterday. Syrian boy Omran appears in Russian Aleppo event on June 20. It will create a proportional meet tomorrow, must now also Parliament has extended its upheaval as an excuse to dodge Russia fought back yesterday against what it called the United Nations in Geneva. Russian ambassador representation system for par- approve the law. own mandate twice since cur- elections. “fake news” surrounding the battle for Aleppo, hosting Alexey Borodavkin said yesterday’s event was de- liament and alter the number of Elections are likely to take rent lawmakers were elected in Protesters took to the streets a UN event with a video appearance by the boy signed “to tell the truth about the events which took districts from which lawmak- place on May 6, 2018 and par- 2009 for what was meant to be of Beirut after the two previ- whose blood-streaked face became a symbol of place before and after Aleppo was safe from terror- ers are elected, among other liament could extend its term a four-year term. ous parliamentary extensions, the conflict. The August 2016 footage of the young ists”. Moscow was heavily criticised over its backing of changes. until May 20, Information Min- Sectarian divisions have long which critics, including the Eu- Omran Daqneesh, shell-shocked and covered in dust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in the brutal “Today, cabinet approved the ister Melhem Riachy told jour- plagued politics in Lebanon, ropean Union, condemned as while sitting in an ambulance after an air strike, made fight for eastern Aleppo, which had been a rebel law...with an extension of par- nalists earlier yesterday. exacerbated by the Syrian con- unconstitutional. headlines around the world. stronghold. The regime retook the area in December liament’s term by 11 months for Lebanon’s rival parties fl ict and complicated by rivalry Politicians had been unable The United States described him as “the real face” of following a five-month siege. technical reasons” to prepare agreed this week on the draft between Iran and Saudi Arabia, to agree on a new law for years the Syrian civil war. He looked dramatically diff erent The pudgy-cheeked Omran sat on the lap of his for the polls under the new law, electoral law after months of which back diff erent groups in because of fundamental disa- yesterday when he was featured in a Human Rights father Mohamed Daqneesh, who had been invited to Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri political wrangling, paving the the country. greements between the parties, Council side event hosted by the Russian Mission to speak by Russian off icials. said. way for the fi rst elections in Lebanese activists accuse including over representation Parliament, which is set to eight years. politicians of using regional and how to conduct the vote. Egypt’s parliament approves Red Sea islands transfer

Reuters last year, despite a court striking unanimously backed the plan Several legislators opposed to dates back to a treaty from 1906. tive court blocked the deal but risdiction but has not set a date Cairo it down in March. earlier yesterday and referred it the deal threatened to hold an Dozens of protesters gathered parliament insisted the matter or even started discussing the “I announce the House’s fi nal to the House for a fi nal vote. open-ended sit-in. Some said in downtown Cairo outside the was constitutionally within its issue. approval of the maritime de- A majority approved it less they were considering resigning press union on Tuesday evening. domain. It was not immediately clear gypt’s parliament yester- marcation agreement with the than four hours later. in protest. Eight were arrested, includ- Parliamentary leaders and what the legal situation of the day backed plans to hand Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed Those opposed to the measure Sisi’s government last year ing three journalists, and are government lawyers say the treaty was following yesterday’s Eover two uninhabited Red on April 8, 2016,” Abdelaal said stood up in protest and chanted announced the maritime de- being held for 24 hours to be House of Representatives is the vote.A government report ad- Sea islands to Saudi Arabia un- before adjourning the session. “Egyptian, Egyptian” in refer- marcation agreement with Saudi questioned on accusations of il- only entity allowed to rule on vising parliament on the terms of der an agreement. The treaty must now be rati- ence to the islands. Arabia, ceding control of the is- legally protesting and insulting matters of sovereignty while the the agreement said Egypt would House of Representatives fi ed by President Abdel Fattah “Today is a terrible day for the lands of Tiran and Sanafi r. the president, according to state Supreme Administrative Court keep administrative control over Speaker Ali Abdelaal said the al-Sisi, which is a formality. Egyptian people, one in which The plan triggered street pro- news agency MENA. insists it is within its jurisdiction the islands and Egyptians would required majority of lawmak- The vote came very swiftly. the nation has lost part of its tests last year from many Egyp- The treaty has been referred to to scrap the deal. not need visas to visit them if ers had voted for the agreement, The House Committee on De- land,” said lawmaker Haitham tians, who say their country’s the courts. The Supreme Constitutional they were transferred to Saudi which the government signed fence and National Security al-Hariri. sovereignty over the islands Egypt’s highest administra- Court will rule on who has ju- Arabia. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, June 15, 2017 AFRICA

DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE ELECTION WINNER TRAFFICKED TAX DISPUTE NO CASE UN: Kids ‘sexually abused’ in Lesotho king appoints Migrants abandoned in the Mining giant, Tanzania agree Nigerian Senate leader DR Congo militia violence new prime minister Sahara rescued by Niger to talks on gold fraud dispute acquitted in graft case

The United Nations has documented dozens of Lesotho’s King Letsie III yesterday appointed Authorities in Niger said yesterday they have Tanzania has agreed to negotiations with The leader of Nigeria’s Senate was cleared yesterday cases of serious child abuse including rape and Thomas Thabane as the country’s new prime rescued over 100 migrants in the past week Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold which it of corruption charges, ending of one of the most kidnap in five days of violence by Congolese minister, after Thabane’s party won the largest abandoned by traff ickers in the Sahara desert as accuses of operating illegally and evading taxes, high-profile trials in President Muhammadu Buhari’s militias, it said yesterday. The UN’s mission in DR number of parliamentary seats in a snap election. they tried to cross into neighbouring Libya. Soldiers a government statement said yesterday. Barrick anti-graft campaign. Lawyers for Bukola Saraki Congo, MONUSCO, said it had recorded 62 cases Thabane is scheduled to be sworn in tomorrow, rescued 25 migrants yesterday morning near a is the majority shareholder in London-listed argued prosecutors had failed to establish a case of “serious” child abuse by armed groups in the the off ice of the government secretary said in a well in northern Niger, the local prefect, Fatoumi Acacia Mining which a presidential commission alleging that he made a false declaration of his violence-wracked east, and by followers of slain statement. Thabane’s All Basotho Convention Goudou, said. It was not immediately clear what report said this week was not registered to assets before and after his tenure as governor of militia leader Kamwina Nsapu in the country’s (ABC) party received 48 seats during the June 3 their nationalities were. Another 92 migrants, most operate in Tanzania and had failed to pay taxes Kwara state. The case had been heard at the Code centre, between June 5 and 9. MONUSCO polls, the nation’s third election in only five years. of them Nigerian, were rescued on Friday by a team worth billions of dollars. Barrick refuted the of Conduct Tribunal, which tries cases of alleged spokesman Theophane Kinda told reporters in The ABC formed a coalition with several smaller from the International Organization for Migration allegations. Barrick “is ready to discuss with abuse in public off ice. Judge Danladi Umar said in Kinshasa that the UN had documented “25 cases parties to accumulate the minimum of 61 seats out (IOM) and Niger Republic soldiers, Giuseppe Loprete, the Tanzanian government the reimbursement his ruling that the prosecution “failed to link the of child kidnap and 16 cases of the recruitment of a total of 120 to form a government. Although head of the IOM mission in Niger, told Reuters. One of money lost by Tanzania as a result of the defendant with the commission of the off ences as and use of child soldiers by armed groups” in the new government nominates a prime minister, it of those migrants died shortly after arriving at an company’s operations in the country,” the charged. The tribunal has nothing to do other than both parts of the country”. is the king who formalises the appointment. IOM facility in the northeastern town of Dirkou. presidency said, without giving details. to discharge and acquit the defendant”.

Troubled waters Rescuers race to pull living from Nairobi building crash

AFP Nairobi

he mother of two children rescued from a collapsed seven-storey build- Ting in Nairobi has died in hospital, of- fi cials said yesterday, amid fears more people are trapped under the rubble. The woman’s daughter and son are in a stable condition after being pulled from the debris in a poor neighbourhood near Nairobi’s international airport, southeast of the Kenyan capital. “Unfortunately one female adult, believed to be the mother of the rescued children, suc- cumbed to the injuries while undergoing treat- ment at the hospital,” said Pius Masai, National Disaster Management Unit spokesman, who is co-ordinating the search and rescue mis- sion after Monday night’s tragedy. It means the death toll has risen to two, after a boy’s body was found dead in the rubble on Tuesday night. The incident has renewed criticism over unregulated construction in the city of more than 3mn people. Police and local residents said the authori- ties were alerted on Monday after cracks ap- peared in the building, sparking an emergen- cy evacuation before it collapsed two hours later. Offi cials said they evacuated most resi- dents, but at least two people are still feared to be missing, according to the Red Cross. In all, 128 tenants have been accounted for, but it was not immediately clear how many people lived in the building. Some local citizens have criticised offi cials for not doing more to ensure the safety of the structure, which was built in 2007 without of- fi cial approval, according to the authorities. People stand on a bridge after it collapsed late on Tuesday due to rainfall, in Bazza village, Adamawa state, Nigeria. 9 die in Mogadishu attack t least nine people were killed yester- day in the Somali capital Mogadishu Awhen a suicide bomber rammed a car into a hotel, police and witnesses said, in an attack claimed by militant Islamist group Shebaab. Gunfi re followed the attack on the Posh UN envoy fears ‘security Hotel, the only venue with a discotheque in the capital, a Reuters witness said. Witnesses said the whole district was cor- doned off by police, and that sporadic gunfi re could still be heard. “So far, we can confi rm that nine people — mostly women who were hotel staff — have vacuum’ in central Africa died,” said Mohamed Hussein, another police offi cer. AFP rebel groups, the Lord’s Resistance wrapped up their operation, which “I am concerned about the impact tions and the Central African Repub- Hussein told Reuters the suicide attacker United Nations Army has terrorised parts of central had cost $600mn to $800mn, the of this withdrawal as it will create lic national security forces, which rammed the explosive-laden car laden into Africa for 30 years. Since being set up same month. Kony remains at large. a security vacuum that may be ex- could in the long run fi ll the gap left the hotel’s entrance. by Kony in 1987, it is accused of slaugh- “The continued threat by the ploited by the LRA and other armed by the exit of the Ugandan forces, still Another police offi cer said gunmen had he United Nations said on tering more than 100,000 people and Lord’s Resistance Army to regional groups operating in the region.” require training and structural re- stormed a restaurant adjacent to the hotel in Tuesday it feared a “security abducting 60,000 children who were stability should not be underestimat- Only small contingents of the Cen- forms,” the UN envoy added. central Mogadishu. Tvacuum” in central Africa af- forced to become sex slaves and soldiers. ed, in particular as the Ugandan and tral African Armed Forces and the The operations to fi nd Kony, how- Shebaab claimed responsibility. “A muja- ter the withdrawal of Ugandan, South But on April 19, Uganda began the South Sudanese forces have now UN’s stabilisation force, MINUSCA, ever, produced other problems. hid with his car bomb martyred himself after Sudanese and US troops formerly withdrawing troops from the east- disengaged...along with the United remain in eastern Central Africa, but Ugandan troops were accused of he rammed into the Posh Hotel, which is a tracking Lord’s Resistance Army ern Central African Republic (CAR). States special forces,” said Francois they have limited capacity. sexually abusing local women and nightclub. The operation goes on,” Abdiasis leader Joseph Kony. And 100 special forces soldiers from Lounceny Fall, the UN special envoy “MINUSCA is not mandated to girls, Human Rights Watch reported Abu Musab, the group’s military spokesman, One of Africa’s longest-surviving US Africa Command (AFRICOM) for Central Africa. conduct anti-LRA military opera- last month. told Reuters. Nigeria sees massive surge in separatist sentiment

By Phil Hazlewood, AFP Osinbajo has moved to nip the is- people could be forgiven for feel- In the Yoruba-dominated “My sense of the situation is Lagos sue in the bud, warning the gov- ing a sense of deja vu. southwest, the Oodua Nation- that it is the consequence of a ernment “cannot control vio- A similar situation involving alist Coalition said it was time state that doesn’t really guar- lence once it begins”. Igbos in the north was a major to break free from the “Fulani antee social and economic op- igeria’s government is At a meeting with north- factor in triggering the civil war oligarchy” to create “the third- portunity for the majority of its calling for national unity ern leaders in Abuja on Tues- that left more than 1mn dead be- biggest nation in Africa”. people,” he said. Nafter southerners were day evening, he said the “noises tween 1967 and 1970. The separatist calls and the That has led to a rise of given an ultimatum to leave the of hate, of division” had been Tensions are also nothing new need for what one newspaper “demagogues and populists” country’s north, triggering re- “much louder...than perhaps had in a country with more than 250 said was to “clamp down on like the Igbo independence newed calls for independence been the case in the past”. ethnic groups, which is roughly those beating the drum of war” leader Nnamdi Kanu, who is elsewhere. But he said a common front split along religious lines be- have dominated headlines in Ni- testing the government in pow- The Arewa Youth Consultative and dialogue was needed to over- tween north and south. geria over the last week. er with political brinkmanship, Forum last week said Igbos liv- come nearly a year of crippling But there is clear concern be- To some extent, the situation he added. ing in the mainly Muslim north economic recession that has cause the AYCF represents the mirrors 2014, when the then- Grievances are frequently ex- should go back to the largely pushed up infl ation and wors- dominant ethnic group in the president Goodluck Jonathan pressed in ethnic and religious Christian south by October 1. ened unemployment. north, the Hausa-speaking Fu- ruled out discussion about Ni- terms and threats are a way of At least two other groups in the “Every form of violence, lani, and was made in the north- geria’s continued union at a na- negotiating, particularly at a south and southwest have since every form of hate speech, any ern city of Kaduna. tional conference. time when there is a “leadership revived their push for independ- stone that is thrown in the mar- Kaduna has been a powder keg The issue had come to the fore as vacuum”, he said. ence, underlining barely con- ket place will hit targets that are of ethnic, sectarian and religious Acting President Osinbajo ... clear speech it was 100 years since British colo- Osinbajo is deputising for cealed ethnic divisions in Africa’s not intended,” Osinbajo said in a tensions over the years, where nialists created Nigeria by amalga- President Muhammadu Buhari, most populous nation. speech. rivalries and grievances have What is eff ectively a resource publicly called for peaceful co- mating its linguistically, religious- who has spent much of this year In the Igbo-dominated south- He added: “This is not the time regularly boiled over into deadly confl ict has frequently been por- existence. ly and socially distinct northern in London receiving treatment east, there have been mounting to retreat behind ethnic lines. violence. trayed as a religious or ethnic But it has not stopped the Ni- and southern protectorates. for an undisclosed illness. calls for a separate state of Biafra, Moments like this are not for iso- Tit-for-tat attacks between dispute, because the herders are ger Delta Self-Determination Political commentator Chris “There’s no great hunger for 50 years after a previous declara- lating ourselves... it is a time for nomadic cattle drivers and farm- Muslim and farmers Christian. Movement to call for “political Ngwodo told AFP the current secession in the north, there real- tion of independence sparked a us to come together, to work to- ers have also killed thousands in The UN’s resident co-ordi- autonomy and 100% ownership situation was cyclical and much ly isn’t. National solidarity does civil war. gether.” Kaduna state and the wider cen- nator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, and control of our resources” in of it was “grandstanding, bluff exist. It might be dysfunctional Nigeria’s Vice-President Yemi Nigeria’s more than 180mn tral region for decades. has stepped in to the row and the oil-rich south. and bluster”. but it’s there,” Ngwodo added. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 13 AMERICA

Democratic lawmakers sue Trump over foreign state payments

Reuters January, even though the Constitution ers who are among the plaintiff s. Trump has confl icts of interest in at incentive to give Trump-owned busi- sions the legislators can cite to prove Washington requires him to do so. The Constitution’s “foreign emolu- least 25 countries, and it appears he’s nesses special treatment. their legal standing to bring the case, The White House did not immedi- ments” clause bars US offi ceholders using his presidency to maximise his In a motion to dismiss one such said Leah Litman, an assistant profes- ately respond to requests for comment from accepting payments and various profi ts.” lawsuit on Friday, the Justice Depart- sor specialising in constitutional law ore than 190 Democratic but has said Trump’s business inter- other gifts from foreign governments The Justice Department declined ment argued that the plaintiff s had at the University of California, Irvine. lawmakers sued President ests do not violate the Constitution. without congressional approval. to comment. Similar lawsuits have not shown any specifi c harm to their “But the constitutional provision MDonald Trump in federal The Trump Organization has said “The president’s failure to tell us been fi led in recent months by parties businesses, and that Trump was only they’re suing to enforce gives them a court yesterday, saying he had accept- it will donate profi ts from customers about these emoluments, to disclose including a nonprofi t ethics group, a banned from receiving foreign gov- role in how it’s carried out, and that ed funds from foreign governments representing foreign governments to the payments and benefi ts that he is restaurant trade group, and the attor- ernment gifts if they arose from his gives them a powerful standing argu- through his businesses without con- the US Treasury but will not require receiving, mean that we cannot do neys general of Maryland and the Dis- service as president. ment,” Litman said. gressional consent in violation of the such customers to identify them- our job. We cannot consent to what trict of Columbia. On Monday, White House press The lawmakers will be represented US Constitution. selves. we don’t know,” said Senator Richard They allege that Trump’s accept- secretary Sean Spicer said “partisan in court by the Constitutional Ac- The complaint said Trump had not At least 30 US senators and 166 rep- Blumenthal, one of the lawmakers ance of payments from foreign and politics” was behind the lawsuit by countability Center, a public interest sought congressional approval for resentatives are plaintiff s in yester- bringing the lawsuit, in a conference USgovernments through his hospi- the Maryland and District of Colum- law fi rm in Washington. any of the payments his hundreds of day’s lawsuit, representing the largest call today. tality empire puts other hotel and bia offi cials. Each lawmaker is paying a share of businesses had received from foreign number of legislators ever to sue a US Representative John Conyers, an- restaurant owners at an unfair disad- Lawmakers rarely sue the president, the legal fees from personal or cam- governments since he took offi ce in president, according to two lawmak- other plaintiff , added: “President vantage and provides governments an so there are few federal court deci- paign accounts. Collusion Four killed in allegations UPS shooting Reuters San Francisco a detestable t least four people were killed, including the gunman, when a disgruntled United AParcel Service Inc employee opened fi re at a company package sorting hub in San Francisco, two local TV news stations reported. lie: Sessions After fi ring on co-workers, the suspect turned a gun on himself when confronted by police, ac- cording to NBC Bay Area and ABC 7. AFP Trump — which he refused to He later died at an area hospital, they said, cit- Washington provide in the name of confi - ing law enforcement sources. dentiality. San Francisco police said the building was se- Some Democrats grew im- cure but off ered no immediate information on S Attorney General Jeff patient, warning Sessions was victims. Sessions on Tuesday stonewalling on vital issues. Live video showed a massive police presence Uvehemently denied any “You are obstructing that near the facility that employs 350, with workers collusion with Russia to tilt congressional investigation by being led out and embracing each other on the last year’s election in Donald not answering that question,” sidewalk outside. Trump’s favour, branding the charged Senator Martin Hein- “The company is saddened and deeply con- suggestion an “appalling and rich. “Your silence...speaks US Vice President Mike Pence and White House Senior Advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner listen as President Donald cerned about aff ected employees, family members detestable lie”. volumes.” Trump delivered a statement following the shooting. and the community we share. In closely-watched con- Sessions responded: “I am gressional testimony, Sessions not stonewalling. I am follow- angrily denounced allegations ing the historic policies of the he acted improperly during Department of Justice.” meetings with Russian offi - Testifying last week before cials — or that he knew of any the same committee, Comey attempt at collusion by mem- recalled that Trump had asked bers of the Trump campaign him to “let go” of a probe into team. onetime national security ad- Republican wounded And he repeatedly refused viser Michael Flynn. to reveal whether he had spo- Flynn was sacked two weeks ken to the president regarding into the job amid concerns he James Comey’s handling of the lied over his Russian contacts, probe into Russian election becoming the fi rst high-pro- meddling — which the former fi le victim of the scandal that FBI director believes to be the has overshadowed Trump’s as gunman opens fi re reason he was fi red. young presidency. A Trump loyalist and early Trump has recently ex- The gunman fired several dozen Some 25 to 30 Republican members of the scene to provide security for the law- backer of the billionaire busi- pressed frustration with Ses- rounds the House and Senate had gathered for makers engaged the gunman with pistols, nessman’s presidential bid, sions, who has come under an early morning practice a day before Brooks said, adding both the offi cers were the 70-year-old Sessions has pressure over his own Russia Reuters the annual charity congressional baseball wounded. recused himself from all ongo- contacts. Alexandria, Virginia game pitting Republicans against Demo- “But for the Capitol police and the her- ing Russia investigations. While the Justice Depart- crats, said Representative Mo Brooks of oism they showed, it could very well have But the nation’s top law en- ment has said Sessions rec- Alabama. The game is scheduled to be been a large-scale massacre. All we would forcement offi cial — who rec- used himself in March because gunman opened fi re yesterday on played at Nationals Park, home of the have had would have been baseball bats ommended Comey’s dismissal of his involvement in Trump’s Republican US lawmakers practis- Washington Nationals Major League versus a rifl e. Those aren’t good odds,” last month — has himself be- campaign, Comey testifi ed Aing near Washington for a charity baseball team. Brooks said. Brooks estimated that there come a focal point in the crisis that the FBI knew of informa- baseball game, wounding senior Republi- James T Hodgkinson was a fervent fan Two lawmakers who were at the scene, were 50 to 100 shots fi red. roiling the White House. tion that would have made it can leader Steve Scalise and several others of leftist Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Ron DeSantis and Jeff The shooting was certain to raise again Sessions kicked off his tes- “problematic” for Sessions to before being fatally shot by police. disdained President Donald Trump. Duncan, indicated there might have been the contentious issue of gun violence in timony before the Senate In- be involved. The shooter fi red repeatedly with a rifl e a political motive in the attack. the United States. telligence Committee by as- But the attorney gen- at the baseball fi eld in Alexandria, Vir- mine a motive in the shooting or whether Duncan said that as he left the fi eld the At a news conference near the scene of serting that he had “never met eral pushed back hard when ginia, before being wounded in a gunfi ght the attack was an attempted political as- man who would later open fi re approached the shooting, Virginia’s Democratic gov- with or had any conversations asked what those problematic with Capitol Hill police who were at the sassination. him in the parking lot. “He asked me who ernor, Terry McAuliff e, urged gun con- with any Russians” about in- matters could be, retorting: scene, lawmakers said. Trump announced the gunman’s death was practising this morning, Republicans trol measures. “This is not what today is terference in the 2016 presi- “There are none. I can tell you Scalise, No 3 in the House of Represent- and called Scalise, a 51-year-old Louisiana or Democrats, and I said. ‘That’s the Re- about, but there are too many guns on the dential race. that for absolute certainty. atives Republican leadership, was shot in congressman, a good friend. Speaking at publicans practising,” Duncan told re- street,” McAuliff e said, citing a statistic “I have no knowledge of any “This is a secret innuendo the hip. He was tended to by fellow law- the White House, Trump said Scalise was porters. DeSantis gave a similar account. that 93 Americans are killed with guns such conversations by anyone being leaked out there about makers including Brad Wenstrup, an Ohio “badly injured” but in stable condition Brooks said the shooter said nothing daily. connected to the Trump cam- me, and I don’t appreciate it,” congressman who is a physician, before and would recover. during the rampage. Scalise has been a strong opponent of paign,” he said. “The sugges- he added. being transported to a hospital. “He’s a patriot and he’s a fi ghter. He will The shooting took place at Eugene gun control measures and has earned an tion that I participated with Barely a month after Trump Also wounded were one current con- recover from this assault,” Trump said. Simpson Stadium Park in the Del Ray “A+” rating from the National Rifl e As- any collusion, that I was aware dismissed Comey, rumours gressional staff er and one former staff er. Trump, who has been in offi ce since neighbourhood of Alexandria, which is sociation – the infl uential lobby for ex- of any collusion with the Rus- have been circulating that he Two Capitol Hill police offi cers were hos- January, also called for unity at a time of across the Potomac River from Washing- panding gun ownership rights. He has sian government to hurt this may yet seek to sack Robert pitalised after the incident but it was not sharp political divides in America, saying, ton. co-sponsored legislation to weaken gun country...is an appalling and Mueller, the special coun- clear if both were wounded by gunfi re. “We are strongest when we are unifi ed Brooks told CNN that during bat- control laws in the District of Columbia. detestable lie.” sel appointed following the The gunman, identifi ed by a senior US and when we work together for the com- ting practice he heard a “bam” and then Yesterday’s incident was the fi rst The appearance was Ses- FBI chief’s ouster to head the offi cial as James Hodgkinson from the St mon good”. a quick succession of shots and saw the shooting of a member of the US Congress sions’s fi rst sworn public tes- agency’s Russia investigation. Louis suburb of Belleville, Illinois, died of Hodgkinson had raged against Trump gunman shooting through the holes in a since January 2011, when Democratic timony since being confi rmed Sessions declined to com- his injuries. Media reports said Hodgkin- on social media and was a member of chain link fence. Representative Gabby Giff ords was seri- as attorney general in Febru- ment on those reports, stating son, 66, owned a home inspection busi- many anti-Republican groups on Face- When Scalise was shot he went down ously wounded in an assassination at- ary. During the two-and-a- only that he had “confi dence” ness. book including “The Road to Hell Is Paved on the infi eld between fi rst and second tempt at a gathering of her constituents in half hour hearing, he engaged in Mueller and would not be His social media presence indicated he With Republicans”, “Terminate The Re- base, then dragged himself into the grassy Tucson, Arizona. in testy exchanges with several involved in any eff ort, should was strongly opposed to Republicans, in- publican Party”, and “Donald Trump is outfi eld as the incident unfolded, leaving She survived, but six people were killed. senators who pressed him for it arise, to fi re the special cluding President Donald Trump. Police not my President”, a search of what ap- a trail of blood, Brooks said. Giff ords resigned from Congress and be- details on his discussions with counsel. and the FBI said it was too early to deter- peared to be his profi le showed. Two Capitol police offi cers who were at came an activist for gun restrictions. Apple is working on ‘mother of all’ AI projects

Guardian News and Media ple’s ability to strike out into new territo- Bob Mansfi eld was put in charge of the extremely friendly for a passenger in a your smartphone or now in your car.” Silicon Valley’s other behemoth, New York ry by giving his most detailed comments programme, dubbed Project Titan. way that other tech companies haven’t One analyst said Apple may have aban- Google parent company Alphabet, has yet about a car venture that has been While Cook was cagey about how been able to do.” doned plans to build a car after realising it also shifted the focus of its driverless ve- shrouded in secrecy. Project Titan will evolve, his comments He added: “Autonomous systems can was lagging behind Detroit-based rivals. hicle plans towards technology for instal- pple has shed new light on its “We’re focusing on autonomous sys- suggest that Apple’s primary focus is open up mobility to people who don’t “They were slow to begin testing au- lation in cars built by established auto- top-secret driverless car project, tems,” said Cook in an interview with on AI technology that could be sold or use cars but it needs to be accessible and tonomous systems, and they now have motive fi rms. Aas chief executive Tim Cook de- Bloomberg TV. “Clearly one purpose of adapted for use in other industries. user-friendly. Apple’s expertise is in that a considerable innovation gap to close,” The company’s Waymo division con- scribed the challenge of building autono- autonomous systems is self-driving cars. “We’re not really saying from a prod- area, they have a knack of making some- said James Hodgson of tech consultancy fi rmed on Monday it is phasing out its mous vehicles as “the mother of all” arti- There are others. uct point of view what we will do, but we thing intuitively very easy to use.” ABI Research. “Previous attempts by “Firefl y” bubble car and has instead fi cial intelligence projects. We sort of see it as the mother of all AI are being straightforward that it’s a core Dr Nick Reed, academy director at Apple to address personal mobility and sought to highlight its partnership on the Cook said Apple was ploughing re- [artifi cial intelligence] projects.” He add- technology that we view as very impor- transport research group TRL, said Apple automation have been marred by high Chrysler Pacifi ca minivan. sources into developing technology to ed: “It’s probably one of the most diffi cult tant,” said Cook. was smart to focus on technology rather turnover in specialist staff .” YooJung Ahn, lead industrial designer control driverless vehicles, although he AI projects actually to work on.” David Bailey, a motor industry expert than going head-to-head with car manu- Referring to reports that Apple had and Jaime Waydo, lead systems engineer refused to rule out the Silicon Valley fi rm When reports of Apple’s interest in at Aston University in Birmingham, said facturers. attempted to form alliances with two for Waymo, said in a blogpost: “Now that building its own car at some point. cars started to emerge in the media, it was Apple’s ability to come up with user- “It would be diffi cult for them to revo- German carmakers, Hodgson added: “In we’ve moved to our next phase — letting The Apple boss spoke as shares in his initially thought that the company was friendly products, such as the iPhone, lutionise the production of cars but in use addition, previous talks with BMW and members of the public use our self-driv- company and other US tech fi rms came going to challenged the automotive giants iPad and iPod, could give it an edge over and operations, there’s a great opportu- Daimler allegedly broke down over data ing cars in their daily lives — we’re ready under pressure this week amid investor of Detroit, which are racing to build their rivals. nity. protection and control. to retire our fl eet of Firefl ies and focus on concerns that a sector-wide boom is los- own self-driving cars. “They can off er a number of things Their strength is in integration with It seems Apple has decided that devel- integrating our latest technology into ve- ing steam. But the spectrum of Apple’s ambitions such as the software systems that enable digital lifestyle — a seamless experience, oping their own autonomous system is hicles like our new self-driving Chrysler Cook attempted to restore faith in Ap- narrowed last year after Apple veteran the tech to function but also making that whether it’s at home, on your desktop, or preferable to partnering.” Pacifi ca minivan.” Gulf Times 14 Thursday, June 15, 2017 ASEAN

AMNESTY CHARGE BACK TO BASE MONEY WOES ESCAPE DISPUTE Myanmar soldiers accused Travel ban on Cambodian Thai junta defends buying Jailbirds swim to freedom Google agrees future tax of committing war crimes opposition leader lifted Chinese military vehicles as floods hit Indonesia payments with Jakarta

Myanmar’s army has committed human rights The Cambodian government yesterday lifted Thailand’s military government yesterday publicly Dozens of inmates swam to freedom from a Alphabet Inc’s Google Asia Pacific abuses that could amount to war crimes during travel restrictions on opposition leader Sam defended its decision to purchase 34 Chinese flooded Indonesian jail after one of its walls headquarters has agreed on future tax ongoing campaigns against ethnic minority Rainsy, clearing the way for him to possibly return armoured personnel carriers at a cost of more than collapsed, police said yesterday, the latest payments with the Indonesian government, armed groups in the north of the country, a new to the country ahead of next year’s national $67mn. Army Chief Chalermchai Sitthisart told breakout to hit the country’s creaking prison the country’s communications minister report by Amnesty International has alleged. elections. The decision reverses an October 2016 reporters that the decision to purchase the vehicles system. At least 32 inmates escaped from the jail said yesterday. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Government troops tortured and killed civilians, ban on Rainsy from re-entering the country, was financially sound. “Right now with the current in Jambi city on western Sumatra island late on Indrawati had said on Tuesday that Indonesia indiscriminately shelled villages and blocked according to Fresh News, a government-linked financial strain it is better to buy more cost eff ective Tuesday by swimming through the floodwaters had reached a tax deal with Google for 2016, humanitarian access in Kachin and northern Shan Khmer news outlet. The dual French-Cambodian vehicles from the Chinese,” he said. Chalermchai after they smashed through the wall. Most were following a months-long dispute over states during fighting in recent months, according citizen has been living in self-imposed exile in acknowledged to reporters that the current political recaptured but about 10 are believed to still be allegations that the search giant had not made to the report published yesterday. “Since late France since November 2015 after a series of situation in Thailand, under military rule since a May on the run after the breakout from the jail, said enough annual payments. A tax off icial had said 2016, the conflict has intensified in northern lawsuits were filed against him by members of 2014 coup, made it “diff icult” to purchase hardware Jambi police spokesman Kuswahyudi Tresnadi. last year that Jakarta planned to pursue Google Myanmar, and civilians have often suff ered the the ruling Cambodian People’s Party. At the time, from the West. Thailand has sought balance by Security forces are using rubber dinghies for for five years of back taxes and the company most,” Matthew Wells, senior crisis adviser at he was head of the Cambodian National Rescue courting China and Russia through diplomacy and the search operation in Jambi, which is still could face a bill of more than $400mn for 2015 Amnesty and the report’s author, told DPA. Party, the largest opposition party. military co-operation. inundated with floodwaters. alone. Smooth sailing Indonesians decry IS ‘lies’ after fl eeing Syria’s Raqqa city

By Ayhem al-Mohamed, AFP “When we enter Daesh, enter their Ain Issa, Syria country, turns out all of them very diff er- ent from what they said on the Internet.” Nur said she and her family expected hen Leefa set out from In- the male relatives among the group to donesia for the Islamic State have jobs. Wgroup’s Syrian stronghold But when they arrived they were told of Raqqa, she says she thought she was that all men were obliged to join the headed to an earthly paradise for the ranks of IS fi ghters. faithful. “Our men enter to the jail, my father, my She and her family imagined being brother,” she said, speaking a mixture of Ara- surrounded by true believers and ex- bic and English, without explaining when pected free healthcare and jobs pay- her relatives were imprisoned and why. ing salaries they could only dream of in And she found she was constantly People travel on a ferry over the Tonle Chaktomuk river, in Phnom Penh. Indonesia, the world’s most populous pursued by IS fi ghters seeking to marry Muslim-majority country. her, she said. But now, as IS battles to defend its “There are many divorced (IS fi ght- onetime bastion, Leefa and 15 other In- ers), just married for two weeks or two donesians are among thousands who months,” she said. have fl ed Raqqa in northern Syria. “Many men come to my house and tell They are sheltering at a camp for the to my father, I want your daughter,” she displaced in Ain Issa, 50km north of said with disgust. Raqqa, waiting to learn their fates as the Her brother was even stopped by a US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces stranger in the market in Raqqa, who (SDF) advance inside the militants’ bas- asked him “do you have some girl or Singapore rocked by tion. some sister, I want a wife.” In broken English, scattered with “Everywhere they talk about women,” Arabic words picked up during their 22 she said bitterly. months in Syria, Leefa and her compa- The stories told by members of the triots admit they chose to travel to IS group, among them eight women, three territory. children and fi ve men, are impossible to They tell piecemeal stories, with de- confi rm. open Lee family feud tails missing and lost in translation. But they match accounts by some other “When we in Indonesia...we read, we foreign escapees from IS territory who By Elizabeth Law, AFP The pair said their brother Lee had cation overseas, fi red back with his watch in the Internet, Dawlah Islamiya describe being seduced by online depic- Singapore defi ed their father’s instructions to own statement, saying he was “deep- is a place to live, to become a real Mus- tions that diff ered vastly from the reality tear it down. ly saddened by the unfortunate alle- lim,” said Leefa, 38, using the Arabic for they discovered upon arrival in the ex- A cabinet statement however said gations”. Islamic State. tremist group’s self-declared “caliphate.” ightly-ruled Singapore was yesterday that PM Lee has “recused “Ho Ching and I deny these allega- “I have health problems, I need an opera- The SDF fi ghters now advancing in- rocked yesterday by an unprec- himself from all government deci- tions, especially the absurd claim that tion in my neck and it’s very, very expensive side Raqqa against IS are interrogating Tedented political drama when a sions” about the fate of the former I have political ambitions for my son,” in Indonesia,” she added, her eyes downcast the members of the Indonesian group feud between the children of the late family home. Lee said in a statement issued by his behind her black-rimmed glasses. but expect to free them, said Ain Issa founding leader Lee Kuan Yew over Lee Hsien Loong’s wife Ho Ching offi ce. “But in Daesh, there’s all free, all free,” camp offi cial Fayruz Khalil. his legacy burst into the open. Lee Hsien Loong ... eye of the storm is the chief executive of state invest- The same statement was put up she said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “From what I understood from them... The founder’s oldest child, Prime ment fi rm Temasek Holdings, which on Facebook where it gathered more “We come to Daesh for become a real they were tricked,” she told AFP. Minister Lee Hsien Loong, came un- dom have stifl ed political dissent. had global assets worth S$242bn than 17,000 reactions and 1,500 com- Muslim and for my health,” she added, “They discovered that the picture the der attack online before dawn from “The timing is important as Sin- ($180bn) as of March 2016. ments, mostly supporting him. her face framed by a green headscarf. Islamic State group has painted for them his younger brother Lee Hsien Yang, gapore has been facing more uncer- “We have felt threatened by Hsien “Since my father’s passing in As she speaks, a young girl with the was false...For the last 10 months they and younger sister Lee Wei Ling. tainty both in terms of the current Loong’s misuse of his position and March 2015, as the eldest son I have group wearing a purple headscarf uses a were trying to leave, but they only man- They accused him of exploiting and future leadership as well as the infl uence over the Singapore gov- tried my best to resolve the issues fl attened plastic bottle as a makeshift fan aged in the last few days to fl ee.” their father’s legacy for his own po- economy and regional situation,” ernment and its agencies to drive his among us...out of respect for our par- to battle the heat. The SDF plans to send the group of litical agenda, a charge the premier said Southeast Asia watcher Bridget personal agenda,” read the statement ents,” he added. Ain Issa is overfl owing with people Indonesians over the border to the Iraqi quickly denied. Welsh, a visiting professor at John posted online by his siblings. “My siblings’ statement has hurt displaced by the campaign to oust IS city of Arbil and hand them to the Indo- The pair also claimed that their Cabot University in Rome. “We have observed that Hsien our father’s legacy.” from Raqqa province. nesian embassy. brother had abused his powers to har- “An attack from trusted family Loong and Ho Ching want to milk Lee The premier’s siblings also alleged Leefa explains haltingly that she was According to Indonesian authorities ass them — and Hsien Yang said he members is impactful and legitimate- Kuan Yew’s legacy for their own po- they were being closely monitored, in contact with IS members in Syria over around 500-600 Indonesians are be- had decided to leave the country as a ly raises questions. Some will see this litical purposes,” the statement said, adding they had lost faith in their the Internet, who told her that those who lieved to be in Syria at the moment. result. as a family squabble but it is clearly adding that they harbour political brother’s ability to lead. made it to Raqqa would be reimbursed Around 500 more have sought to reach The feud had simmered following more than this,” she told AFP. ambitions for one of their sons. “We feel hugely uncomfortable and for their tickets and would enjoy good Syria but were deported before reach- the death in March 2015 of the elder “The eff ects are to raise questions Michael Barr, associate professor closely monitored in our own coun- lives. ing IS territory. So far, authorities have Lee, who ruled Singapore with an iron about how Lee Hsien Loong is using of international relations at Flinders try,” they said. But upon arrival, they found the situ- registered over 60 people returning hand but transformed the city-state his father’s legacy...also attention University in Adelaide, said “normal “We do not trust Hsien Loong as ation harshly diff erent from their expec- from Syria, who mostly face light vetting from a relatively poor British colony will be brought to (Lee’s) wife and her people who try to do something simi- a brother or as a leader. We have lost tations. before being released without further into one of the world’s wealthiest and power and legacy...It will cause in- lar would’ve been dealt with by the confi dence in him.” Leefa discovered the operation she monitoring, experts say. most stable societies. trospection about whether Singapore courts by now”, referring to the strong Hsien Yang, currently the chair- needed was not free after all, and went Indonesia has long struggled with Is- But the quarrel intensifi ed early yes- can be separated in the future from criticism of Lee. man of aviation regulator Civil Avia- untreated. lamic militancy. IS has provided a potent terday with the issuance of the extraor- the Lee family.” “Ultimately, how much damage to tion Authority of Singapore, added “Everything is lies,” said 19-year-old new force for the country’s radicals to dinary statement, which immediately The siblings’ grievances largely the Lee brand is done is another ques- that he “will leave Singapore for the Nur, another of the Indonesians at Ain rally around, and there has been a string went viral in a country where tough laws centre on the fate of the family’s home tion,” he added. foreseeable future” over the widen- Issa, her beige headscarf pinned neatly of plots by local militants linked to the against protests and curbs on press free- after their father’s death. The prime minister, who is on va- ing rift. below her chin. militants. Lawless waters test SE Asia in battle against IS

Reuters The danger of global militants attacks have been relatively conduct patrols in our own ter- has really gone up,” Noel Chung, part retarding closer co-opera- on land,” the Malaysian offi cial said, Singapore establishing a base in the Philip- small-scale in Indonesia, the ritory. We have not discussed the Kuala Lumpur-based Asia tion. declining to be identifi ed because of pines, running satellite cells to country with the world’s largest exchanging personnel,” said First head of the International Mari- But seeing the black fl ags of Is- the sensitivity of the issue. launch attacks across Southeast Muslim population. Admiral Ferial Fachroni, com- time Bureau, said. lamic State raised in Mindanao Philippine offi cials said security ilitants, pirates, drug Asia, made governments in the But they have become more mander of Indonesia’s Tarakan “They started off with tug- could have shocked the region’s agencies are “doing everything” traffi ckers, gun runners region realise just how vulnerable frequent. Last month, suicide naval base in North Kalimantan. boats and went on to merchant governments into moving from co- to address the surge in militancy M— the waters between they could be. bombers killed three police offi c- He told Reuters joint opera- ships, so they’re targeting big operation to actual collaboration. in Muslim-majority areas of the Borneo and the southern Phil- “It’s easy to jump from Ma- ers at a Jakarta bus station. tions would begin this month. ships out at sea. It’s diff erent “There are still some lingering mostly Catholic country. ippines have them all, but as an rawi to Indonesia and we must Malaysia, meanwhile, has used Situated on Borneo’s north- from years ago when the attacks trust issues but now there is also an “This is a holistic eff ort, not Islamic State faction burst on the all beware of sleeper cells being draconian security laws to detain east coast, Tarakan is the nearest were more localized.” understanding of the consequenc- only in the military but in the scene in recent weeks, this corner activated in Indonesia,” General scores of suspected militants and Indonesian naval base to kid- Chung saw comparisons with es if they don’t develop this col- government,” armed forces chief of Southeast Asia plumbed new Gatot Nurmantyo, Indonesia’s Islamic State sympathisers. nappers’ hunting grounds in the the Gulf of Aden, where Somali laboration,” said Singapore-based General Eduardo Ano told re- levels of insecurity. military chief said earlier this Next week, the three countries, Celebes and Sulu Seas. pirates operate, but the diff erence security analyst Rohan Gunaratna. porters last week. The mostly Muslim countries week. with Singapore’s assistance, will Keeping tabs on hundreds of is that the Sulu Sea is not a major Beyond enhancing air and sea Describing the Philippines as a of Indonesia and Malaysia, and According to the general, there begin joint air surveillance over merchant ships, fi shing boats and trading route so the international patrols, the countries’ security “weak link”, regional terrorism ex- those with sizeable Muslim mi- are Islamic State sleeper cells in the Sulu Sea, using reconnais- ferries plying routes between the community is disinclined to in- agencies need to coordinate bet- pert Sidney Jones criticised a lack norities, like the Philippines, almost all of Indonesia’s 34 prov- sance planes and drones, and en- islands, deciding when and who vest in providing security. ter and act faster on shared intel- of cooperation between its police, have been on high alert for fi ght- inces. hance joint naval patrols. to stop and search will be a tall Experts say the number of vessels ligence. military and intelligence agency. ers returning home from Islamic Indonesia has called for a con- Their navies planned joint pa- order even for three navies work- needed to police the seas and costs A Malaysian government of- “More so than other South- State frontlines in Syria and Iraq. ference with the Philippines and trols last year after a spate of kid- ing together. incurred would be prohibitive. fi cial said that while information east Asian countries, the secu- So when dozens of Malay- Malaysia to discuss events in nappings by Abu Sayyaf, a well The archipelagos’ heavily for- Despite the long history of was shared on militant suspects, rity agencies are completely silo- sians, Indonesians, Arabs and Marawi — where the Philippine established militant group that ested coves and inlets provide militancy and banditry in the there was some frustration over a ized,” Jones said. Chechens showed up in Marawi military, backed by US special has declared support for Islamic excellent cover for any fast vessel area, it has taken the Philippines, perceived lack of follow up in the “The fact that the Philippines City on Mindanao island, fi ght- forces are still battling after more State. looking to escape closer scrutiny. Malaysia and Indonesia a long Philippines. has been dealing with insurgen- ing alongside a Philippine fran- than three weeks to retake the But there are plenty of gaps to “The Sulu Sea area has always time to pool resources. “One of the challenges is track- cies for so long meant that it’s chise of Islamic State, a night- town from fi ghters led by the IS- fi ll. had sporadic incidents like kid- Largely dormant territorial dis- ing militants once they’re in the somewhat blinded to this new mare scenario suddenly took inspired Maute brothers. “We don’t have communica- nappings of tourists before, but putes, mutual mistrust, and lim- southern Philippines. Only the phenomenon of pro-IS groups,” shape. So far, Islamic State-inspired tions via radio at this point. We starting last year and this year, it ited capabilities have all played a Philippine army can confront them she added. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 15 AUSTRALASIA/EAST ASIA

S Korean director urges new rules over Netfl ix fi lms at theatres

AFP versy at this year’s Cannes fi lm form,” Bong told reporters. Bong rea but the three top multiplex to premiere at Cannes this year controversy at Cannes, describ- Netfl ix may be temporary as the Seoul festival over Netfl ix’s policy of re- said he pushed for the general chains have decided to boycott and competed unsuccessfully for ing it as unusual for the interna- industry adapts to new technol- leasing its movies in cinemas and release of Okja in cinemas due to it. The $50mn action-adventure the Palme d’Or at the world’s top tional fi lm festival to change rules ogy, pointing out that the advent online on the same day. his “artistic ambition” to make it fi lm starring Oscar-winner Tilda fi lm festival. due to the host nation’s domestic of television did not kill fi lmmak- top South Korean director The policy drew angry protests available across many platforms, Swinton is now expected to be The controversy over the mov- regulations. ing as feared by many in the past. called yesterday for new from cinema owners in France, but he found the arguments from screened at a handful of small in- ies even forced Cannes to change “It would have been good had Netfl ix is also locked in a simi- Arules on screening Netfl ix which does not allow online both sides “understandable.” dependent movie theatres across its rule, to require that every Cannes invited us after sorting lar battle against big US cinema fi lms in cinemas as local chains streaming until three years after “I think that Okja will pave the the South beginning June 29. fi lm in competition be shown in out potential legal problems at chains. In 2015 most major mul- boycott his blockbuster over the a fi lm’s release in movie theatres. way for eff orts to establish new South Korean movies are cus- French cinemas afterwards. The home,” said Bong, who has di- tiplex chains refused to screen US streaming giant’s online pol- “I think the movie came out too rules and regulations over screen- tomarily made available online at rule will apply from next year, rected several highly-acclaimed the long-awaited Netfl ix-made icy. early... before the whole industry ing of Netfl ix movies in theatres,” least three weeks after their gen- potentially preventing future and award-winning fi lms at sequel to martial arts blockbuster The movie Okja, directed by reached a consensus on how to he said. Netfl ix was seeking gen- eral release in cinemas. Okja was Netfl ix movies from competing. home and abroad. The 47-year- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Bong Joon-Ho, sparked contro- regulate this new form of plat- eral release for Okja in South Ko- one of two Netfl ix-backed movies Bong said he felt “baffl ed” by the old has argued that the row over for the same reason. Beijing protesters clash with police

on school dispute Police detain protesters as people raise slogans against a local authoritiy’s decision to reassign their children to an undesired school in Beijing. Reuters standoff , protesting residents of they showed Reuters depicted a Police briefl y detained at least Beijing the city’s northwestern district single-storey brick building on a three protesters beside a police of Changping skirmished sev- street littered with rubbish and van nearby. eral times with more than 20 un- advertising fl yers off ering forgery “If you make this even bigger, bout a hundred protest- armed police offi cers outside the services. it won’t be just one person (be- ers clashed yesterday offi ce of the Beijing municipality. “How can we send our kids to ing dragged away),” the leader of Awith police in downtown “Our kids need to go to school! this kind of school?” asked one the police team told protesters Beijing after authorities abruptly We demand a response!” shouted upset mother, Wen, who works who refused to disperse, after reassigned their children to a some of the gathered protesters. at tech giant Baidu and only gave authorities had detained one of school in a rough neighbourhood, The protesters, who included her last name. the three. a rare display of public anger in many white-collar professionals “We fought and worked so An offi cial from the Beijing the Chinese capital. in their 30s working at Chinese hard, and put down millions to municipality offi ce addressed the Large protests are rare in heav- technology fi rms, said they were buy a house to earn a decent life protesters in the early afternoon, ily-guarded and affl uent Beijing, outraged after district authori- in Beijing. And now our kids will urging them to resolve the issue but the reassignment plan comes ties suddenly reassigned their have to go to this kind of school?” with the Changping district gov- at a time when educational re- children to a school in a decrepit “I used to think I have a nice ernment on Thursday. sources have become increasing- neighbourhood. life but now I think I’m just one Reuters could not immediately ly stretched, while home prices About 3,000 families are esti- of those at the bottom. We are reach municipal and district gov- have soared. mated to be aff ected by the deci- really powerless and don’t know ernment authorities for com- During their hours-long sion, protesters say. Photographs what to do,” Wen told Reuters. ment outside of business hours.

Prized Hong Traffic ladies of Pyongyang Kong parking Australia faces potential space sold for summer power crunch $664,000 Its property prices are Reuters tor outages and three gas-fi red famously sky-high but now a Melbourne generators return to service as Hong Kong parking space has promised. been sold for an eye-watering The market will need more HK$5.18mn ($664,200) in astern Australia’s power coal-fi red power in the state of what local reports said was grid will be stretched New South Wales, more renew- a world record. The space is Eagain if fi erce heatwaves able power and higher output on the first floor at a luxury hit over the next two summers, from gas-fi red generators to re- apartment complex near the despite recent government place a 1,600 MW plant shut by harbourfront in the west of steps to beef up supply, the na- France’s Engie SA in neighbour- Hong Kong Island, according tion’s electricity market opera- ing Victoria in March. to records from the city’s Land tor said. The grid would be most vul- Registry. The latest outlook from nerable in extreme heat on Measuring 188 sq ft (17.5 sq the Australian Energy Mar- weekday afternoons and eve- m), it was bought by Kwan ket Operator (AEMO) comes nings when people switch on Wai-ming, an executive direc- three months after it warned air conditioners, with the risk tor at an investment firm, said that Australia’s most populous rising if the wind drops and the the South China Morning Post states face a gas shortfall from sun is down or other generation which called the sale a world the end of 2018 that could spark is disrupted at the same time, record. It tops the HK$4.8mn power or gas cuts to homes and the AEMO said. Gas supply paid for a parking space last businesses. for two power stations that are October. The sale comes a That warning, a string of being resuscitated to stabilise month after a Hong Kong blackouts and soaring energy the grid will be key to avoiding tycoon paid US$3bn for a prices led the Australian gov- power cuts, the body said in its prime commercial lot in the ernment and states to step in to Energy Supply Outlook (ESO). Central business district. Small shore up supply, including re- “The ESO analysis suggests businesses are being forced starting a mothballed gas-fi red gas supply remains tight, how- to close due to spiralling rents power plant, funding huge stor- ever, the latest industry pro- Traff ic security off icers stand at an intersection in Pyongyang. Off icially known as traff ic security off icers but universally referred to as and many residents cannot age batteries and limiting gas jections of gas production are traff ic ladies, they are chosen in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects. They must leave the role if they marry, and have aff ord to buy or rent decent exports. just suffi cient to meet current a finite shelf-life, with compulsory retirement looming at just 26. The 300-odd ladies are unique to Pyongyang, which North Korean homes, despite a series of “This latest analysis indicates projections of gas demand,” the authorities are always keen to present in the best possible light despite their nuclear-armed country’s impoverished status. measures aimed at cooling there will be challenges that will AEMO said. Companies ranging runaway prices. need to be managed proactively from the world’s biggest miners, on days of extreme conditions BHP and Rio Tinto, to steelmak- to maintain secure, reliable and ers and brickmakers have raised aff ordable energy to Australian alarm over unstable power sup- consumers,” AEMO Chief Ex- plies and soaring prices, which ecutive Audrey Zibelman said in are threatening jobs. Asylum-seekers in Australia win multi-million dollar payout a statement. The AEMO’s outlook comes The AEMO said power sup- on the heels of a call by Austral- ply should be adequate in nor- ia’s chief scientist calling for the AFP conditions in which they were Immigration Minister Peter mal summer weather, assum- federal government to set a “fuel Sydney held. It also called for a payout Dutton said the payout was not ing 140 megawatts (MW) of neutral” clean energy target that for false imprisonment after the an admission of liability, but to energy storage backed by the provides an incentive to build Papua New Guinea Supreme avoid a costly six-month trial. South Australian and Victorian new generation to cap soaring etainees at an Australian Court ruled last year that holding “In such circumstances a settle- state governments is in place, power prices, cut carbon emis- asylum-seeker camp in asylum-seekers on Manus Island ment was considered a prudent there are no planned genera- sions and keep the lights on. DPapua New Guinea won was unconstitutional and illegal. outcome for Australian taxpay- millions of dollars in compensa- Law fi rm Slater and Gordon ers,” he said in a statement. “The tion for “degrading and cruel” said they believed it was the larg- Commonwealth strongly refutes treatment yesterday, in a deci- est human rights class action and denies the claims made in Australia mulls tougher sentences for paedophiles sion hailed as an important hu- settlement in Australian history, these proceedings. Settlement is man rights victory. with the defendants also agree- not an admission of liability in The Australian government is monitored and where child Abuse, self-harm and mental ing to pay more than A$20mn in any regard.” considering a plan for tougher sexual exploitation is rampant,” health problems are reportedly costs. Slater and Gordon lawyer Rory sentences for paedophile sex Bishop told parliament in rife in off shore processing cen- “The people detained on Walsh said the government and offenders that would include Canberra. tres, with detainees resorting to Manus Island have endured ex- its contractor’s defence “was that the denial of passports, in a bid Bishop said existing measures desperate protests like sewing tremely hostile conditions, but Australia’s regional processing centre on Manus Island. it was the PNG authorities doing to tackle child sex tourism. were ineffective and the proc- their own lips together to raise they will no longer suff er in si- the imprisoning and detaining Foreign Minister Julie Bishop ess resource-intensive. awareness of their plight. lence,” said the fi rm’s Andrew ple trying to enter Australia by rious health problems. and not them”. “The denial of lia- introduced draft legislation The legislation would give the Yesterday’s AUS$70mn Baker. boat, under a tough immigration Amnesty International called bility allows the Commonwealth in parliament yesterday that foreign minister the power to (US$53mn) conditional settle- “While no amount of money policy that sends them off shore the decision “historic” and “a and the defendants to run those would prevent some 20,000 deny passports to convicted ment, to be shared by 1,905 peo- could fully recognise the ter- to be processed. They are blocked major crack in the Australian positions in any other cases and registered child sex offenders paedophiles, without the pos- ple who have been held on Manus rible conditions the detainees from resettling in Australia even government’s crumbling system maintain that position,” he told in Australia from travelling sibility of appeal, automatically Island since 2012, averted a pub- endured, we hope today’s settle- if found to be refugees. Condi- of abuse”. the Australian Broadcasting Cor- abroad without government prohibiting them from travel- lic trial against the government ment can begin to provide them tions in the camp, and another “It must be a turning point poration. permission. ling abroad in what is being and security providers Transfi eld with an opportunity to help put one on Nauru in the Pacifi c, have towards a better solution for Lead plaintiff Majid Kamasa- “These offenders have a high touted as a “world-first” move. and G4S. this dark chapter of their lives been widely criticised by refugee refugees— one that is grounded ee, an Iranian, welcomed the set- propensity to re-offend in The potential law could affect A class action had sought behind them.” advocates and medical profes- in protection, not abuse,” said tlement as an overdue acknowl- countries where they are not at least 3,200 sex offenders. damages for what claimants said The Manus detention facil- sionals, with reports of maltreat- Amnesty Pacifi c researcher Kate edgement of the suff ering he and was suff ering due to the harsh ity opened in 2012 to hold peo- ment and neglect, leading to se- Schuetze. others endured. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, June 15, 2017 BRITAIN

12 die as fire engulfs tower z Many residents asleep when blaze broke out z One of worst fires in London for a generation

Reuters London

ire engulfed a 24-storey housing block in central FLondon yesterday, killing 12 people and injuring dozens more in an inferno that trapped residents as they slept. More than 200 fi refi ghters, backed up by 40 fi re engines, fought for hours to try to bring the Grenfell Tower block blaze — one of the most treacherous seen in London for a generation — under control. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the fi re raised questions about the safety of high-rise blocks like Grenfell Tower while the scale of the disaster could delay the announcement of a deal by Prime Minister Theresa May to stay in power. Some residents screamed for A man comforts a boy after their home was damaged in the fire yesterday. help from behind upper-fl oor windows, some tried to throw children to safety, as fl ames raced through the high-rise Grenfell Tower block of apart- ments in the north Kensington district just before 1am (0000 GMT). “We could see a lot of children and parents screaming for ‘Help! Help! Help!’ and putting their hands on the window and ask- ing to help them,” Amina Sharif, a witness, said. “We could do nothing and we could see the stuff on the side was falling off , collapsing. We were just standing screaming and they were screaming.” Another witness, Saimar Lleshi, saw people tying together sheets in an attempt to escape. “I A man wrapped in a towel speaks on a phone near the scene of the blaze. Right: Clothing and refreshment are laid out near the tower block yesterday. saw three people putting sheets together to climb down, but no sioner Dany Cotton told re- from the block, one witness called on the government to make said they had been advised they one climbed down. I don’t know porters. said. a statement in parliament. should stay in their fl ats in the what happened to them. Even The cause of the inferno, “I spoke to a lady that lives Firefi ghters rescued large event of a fi re. when the lights went off , people which left the tower block a on the 21st fl oor. She has got numbers of people — some of A local residents association were waving with white shirts to charred, smoking shell, was not six kids. She left with all six of them in their pyjamas — from had previously warned it was be seen,” Lleshi said. immediately known. them. When she got downstairs the 43-year-old block, a low worried about the risk of a seri- The ambulances service said Some residents said no alarm there was only four of them with rent housing estate which over- ous fi re in the block. 69 people had been taken to hos- had sounded. her. looks upscale parts of the Ken- “What we can’t have is a situ- pital and 18 were in critical care. Residents who escaped told She is now breaking her sington area. ation where people’s safety is Police Commander Stuart how they woke up to the smell heart,” Michael Paramasivan, a The block had recently un- put at risk because of bad advice Cundy cautioned the death toll of burning and rushed to leave block resident, told BBC radio. dergone an £8.7mn refurbish- being given or if it is the case, as was likely to rise. through smoke-fi lled corridors Other witnesses spoke of ment of the exterior, which in- has been alleged, of tower blocks Firefi ghting crews were still and stairwells. children, including a baby being cluded new external cladding not being properly serviced or trying to douse fl ames as they Black smoke billowed high thrown to safety, from windows and replacement windows. maintained,” Khan said. sought to reach the top fl oors of into the air for hours after the high up. Residents said they had The local council of Kensing- the building over 10 hours after blaze broke out. There were re- Prime Minister May said her warned repeatedly over fi re ton and Chelsea, which owns the fi re started. ports that some residents leapt thoughts were with all those af- safety in the block. the block, said it was focusing “In my 29 years of being a out of windows to escape the fected by the fi re. Khan, the London mayor, on supporting the rescue and firefighter, I have never ever fl ames. Opposition leader Jeremy Cor- said questions needed to be an- relief operation. seen anything of this scale,” One woman lost two of her six byn said sprinkler systems should swered about the safety of tower It said the causes of the fi re London Fire Brigade commis- children as she tried to escape be installed in such blocks and blocks after some residents would be fully investigated.

Local campaigners voice anger over tragedy

Reuters Collins said residents of the tower were wealthy Borough of Kensington and A blog post on the Grenfell Action London particularly concerned about the lack of Chelsea. It neighbours the chic district of Group blog last year warned about a po- fi re exits in the building. He said there Notting Hill. tential fi re risk caused by rubbish being were also faults in the heating and lighting “If the same concerns were had in a allowed to accumulate during the works. ampaigners for residents of the systems, and 90% of residents had signed wealthy part of Kensington and Chelsea “This matter is of particular concern as London tower block that went up a petition in 2015 that was ignored. they would have got resolved, but here they there is only one entry and exit to Grenfell Cin a giant blaze yesterday spoke “There were so many concerns,” Collins didn’t get resolved,” said Collins. “This is a Tower during the improvement works,” it angrily about long-standing fi re safety said. “The telling thing this morning is multi-ethnic, multicultural, diverse com- said. concerns, saying they were ignored be- that when I woke up I wasn’t surprised... munity that just didn’t get served by the “The potential for a fi re to break out cause the community was not rich. Shocked, terrifi ed for all the people living people representing them,” he said. in the communal area on the walkway Damian Collins, former head of the here, not surprised,” he said. Eddie, a 55-year-old resident from the does not bear thinking about as residents Grenfell Tower Residents’ Association, said Grenfell Tower is a concrete tower block Grenfell Action Group, said he too had would be trapped in the building with no residents had complained to the local coun- built in 1974. Its £8.7mn refurbishment been complaining for years in particu- way out,” it said. cil over the handling of a major refurbish- was completed last year and included new lar about work at the base of the build- Nana Akuff o, 46, a chef who lives near- ment of the building completed last year. cladding covering the whole of the exte- ing which he said blocked access for fi re by said council tenants had been treated “We used to say that...it’ll take a trag- rior, which residents blamed for spread- trucks. harshly. “Kensington and Chelsea are edy before the people wake up and before ing the fi re. “This is mass murder and these peo- moving out people who grew up in this the people managing the building get held The tower was built as public hous- ple need to be put into court for the way area and building plush houses for the Fire rages through the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block killing trapped to account,” Collins said as the 24-storey ing and is located in a working-class but they’ve treated this community,” he said rich people. Hopefully this will be a wake- residents in one of London’s worst fires. building smouldered nearby. rapidly gentrifying part of the mostly at the scene of the blaze. up call for them,” he said. ‘Parents were throwing kids out of windows to save them’

London Evening Standard Jessica Urbano, who lives on Negste Semra, 36, another sis- night and he said they could only Another witness, Daniel, David Benjamin was asleep in alarms anywhere, because we London the 20th fl oor, phoned her moth- ter, said: “I live locally. I saw the get to the 11th fl oor, that was as said: “They were trapped. They the tower when the fi re began. He don’t have a kind of integrated er from a fi re escape at 1.39am fi re and rang. My sister did not far as they got.” couldn’t come downstairs, espe- said he believed it had started in a fi re system — it’s just everyone’s but she has not been heard from answer. Someone banged on her A neighbour called Tamara cially from the top fl oor.” neighbouring fl at. house for itself. But I could smell raumatised residents of since. door and told her to get out. We said: “You could hear people Jody Martin added: “I watched They only had minutes to fl ee the smoke. I started looking Grenfell Tower yesterday Her auntie, Sandra Ruiz, said don’t know if she left.” screaming, ‘Help me, help me’. one person falling out, I watched after someone banged on their down the window from the 17th Tdescribed how the inferno her family were “desperately Some residents said they could There were people throwing another woman holding her door to rouse them. fl oor, and I see the fi re blazing, swept through their building. worried”. not hear fi re alarms as the blaze their kids out (of windows), baby out of the window, hearing He said: “We literally had to and coming up really fast. Families were heard scream- Arsiema Alula said her sister took hold in the early hours, with they were shouting, ‘Save my screams. run downstairs and we got out “The smoke was already strong ing for help as fl ames ravaged the and nephew were missing. They those trapped shining torches children’.” “I was yelling at everyone to of the block just in time. The fi re when I was getting out.” building. Others used bed sheets live in the block and have not and mobile phone lights to at- Rose Collier, 53, said: “It was get down but they were saying, spread really quickly. I’ve never Holding his one-year-old baby as makeshift ropes in an attempt been in contact. tract attention. appalling. People were scream- ‘We can’t leave our apartments, seen a fi re spread that quick be- in his arms, Karim Jackson, 25, to scramble to safety. She said Berikti Habtom, 35, One witness, named Joe D, ing. A six-year-old girl jumped the smoke is too bad in the cor- fore.” said: “I was home on the second Panicked parents tried to drop and Buroke, 12, were believed to said he saw several people die. out. They were images I will nev- ridors’.” Residents described the panic fl oor and they told us there was a children out of windows into the be at home when the fire start- He told BBC Radio London: “I er forget.” Another witness told how a as people pushed through thick, fi re. They told me stay inside and arms of people below. ed. She said: “We are desperate. saw jumpers. I saw one jump Resident Paul Littlejohn, 41, woman jumped from one of the black smoke fi lling rooms and to close my door. Many of those with relatives in We have heard nothing — we out, he landed on a fire officer. said: “I heard windows popping middle fl oors as her room was corridors as they tried to escape “I climbed through my win- the block are desperately waiting have been calling and calling There was another guy who and screaming. There were peo- engulfed in the fl ames. down stairs. dow to get out. My wife is still for news of their loved ones. but nothing. We have no news. died in the fire exit. ple tying sheets together to try He said: “She was crying out One man managed to fl ee with traumatised.” The family of one 12-year-old We are appealing for informa- “Afterwards I spoke to the fi re to climb down, it was pandemo- help, help, help. And then she his 68-year-old aunt from his Large numbers of residents girl has not seen her since the fi re tion. Please help, they are lovely offi cer, the same one. He had nium. A lot of people jumped. It threw herself down. It was hor- home on the 17th fl oor. were yesterday still unaccounted broke out. people.” been working right through the was horrifi c.” rible.” He said: “There were no fi re for. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 17 BRITAIN/IRELAND Thames Water fi ned £8.5mn for missing target to cut leaks

Guardian News and Media Leaks from Thames Water’s which also showed profi t before on to customers and Thames Wa- “Thames Water’s failure sends Thames Water’s chief execu- tional expenditure clearly points London network rose by 5% in the last tax fell by 86% last year. In March, ter said the money would be re- completely the wrong message tive Steve Robertson said: “We’re to the need to improve both our year, or 35mn litres per day. Thames Water was hit with a turned to customers in the form of to its customers at a time when working hard to get back on track planning and delivery.” In May, the Guardian revealed record fi ne of £20.3mn after huge lower bills from 2020. households are being encour- after hitting our leakage targets for Thames Water revealed it hames Water will pay a that amid fears of a drought and leaks of untreated sewage into the “The failure by Thames Water aged to use water more wisely,” 10 years in succession, and reduc- caused 315 pollution incidents last £8.5mn penalty after fail- with some water companies ask- Thames, its tributaries and on to meet the leakage commitments said Sir Tony Redmond, London ing leakage by a third from its peak year, higher than the year before Ting to meet its target to cut ing customers to save water, the to land, a failure the judge called it has made to its customers is and south east chair for the Con- in 2004.” but below its 340 target. In the water leakage from its pipes. vast amount of water that leaks “shocking and disgraceful”. unacceptable,” said Ofwat chief sumer Council for Water. “We “The reasons for missing it are annual report, Robertson said: Ofwat, which regulates the pri- from company pipes every day The increased leakage from executive Cathryn Ross. Ofwat have repeatedly called on water complex, and the evidence is be- “We’re paying a high price both vatised water industry, called the across England has not fallen for Thames Water pipes means 180 li- has also opened an investigation companies to show more ambi- ing examined carefully in order to fi nancially and reputationally for failure “unacceptable” and said at least four years. tres per day is leaking per property to consider whether enforcement tion in reducing leakage, which learn as much as we can,” he said. major pollution incidents (which the penalty was the maximum The missed target was revealed that the company supplies. The action is needed over and above is an issue that really matters to “But the fact that the target was led to the £20.3mn fi ne) between possible. in Thames Water’s annual report, £8.5mn penalty cannot be passed this automatic penalty. consumers.” missed despite signifi cant addi- 2012 and 2014.”

Borough Market Govt policy reopens after terror attack on criminals’

London Evening Standard London deportation defiant Borough Market reopened “as a stronger A family” yesterday with a one minute silence to hon- our the victims of the terror- ists who rampaged through it 11 days ago. ‘unlawful’ Business owners and market stallholders linked arms during Guardian News and Media of the Nationality, Immigration Immigration Minister Brandon the tribute before ringing a bell London and Asylum Act 2002. This had Lewis said: “The government has at 10am to declare the venue the eff ect of ensuring that they consistently taken the view that back open for business follow- could only appeal against their foreign criminals have no place ing the atrocity. he Home Offi ce’s “deport deportation after they had re- in the UK, and we will continue Within minutes, the familiar fi rst, appeal later” poli- turned to Kenya and Jamaica. to take action to remove them. hubbub broke out across the Tcy for removing foreign However, the Supreme Court “We are disappointed by the 1,000-year-old marketplace criminals has been ruled unlaw- said that even if either man was Supreme Court’s judgment and close to London Bridge where ful by the Supreme Court. able to secure legal representa- are carefully considering the im- the attack began. More than 1,100 foreign crim- tion they would still face formi- plications.” Eight people were killed by inals have been removed from dable diffi culties in presenting a But Manjit S Gill QC, of No5 three terrorists armed with Britain under the system, which case. Barristers’ Chambers and the knives before the terrorists were was introduced in July 2014. It “Further, the eff ectiveness leading counsel for Byndloss, shot dead by police on June 3. was a Conservative manifesto of an arguable appeal is likely said the ruling would halt the use Chair of Borough Market, pledge and denies foreign crimi- to turn on the ability of the ap- of the power in the deportation Donald Hyslop, introduced the nals the right to launch an appeal pellant to give live evidence of foreign national criminals. minute’s silence and at just be- against deportation while they to assist the tribunal in its as- “The Supreme Court’s judg- fore 10am, the crowds bowed are in the country. sessment of whether he is a re- ment will very heavily limit, if their heads to remember the But lawyers say that the rul- formed character and the qual- not entirely curtail, the home victims. Poet Suley Muhidin ing handed down yesterday was ity of his relationships with secretary’s use of the controver- then performed a piece about expected to “very heavily limit, if others in the UK, in particular sial ‘deport fi rst, appeal later’ the market. not entirely curtail” the routine with any child, partner or other power for ‘foreign criminals’ Addressing the crowds, Hys- use of the controversial power. family member.” who wish to challenge deporta- lop said: “We will not forget The ruling, handed down by The court ruling says the fi - tion decisions on the basis that those who lost their lives. We the deputy president of the Su- nancial and legal barriers to the deportation will infringe the welcome you back to Borough preme Court, Lady Hale, and men giving their evidence live on right to family or private life. The Market. We welcome and we four other justices, said the sys- screen are almost insurmount- court has made clear its disap- thank from the bottom of our tem breached foreign criminals’ able. The justices say the minis- proval of the routine use of such hearts the police force and human right to an appeal as their try of justice’s failure to provide a power,” he said. emergency services. We are ability to present their case from facilities abroad to enable them The lawyers said that the home thinking of them at north Ken- abroad was likely to be obstruct- to give evidence means they have secretary had certifi ed 1,175 for- sington this morning. ed in a number of ways. been deported without any hu- eign national off ender deporta- “We thank you for your love The case involved two men man rights-compliant system in tions as “deport fi rst, appeal lat- and support our fellow citizens convicted of drug off ences who place that enables them to con- er” cases between 2014 and 2016. from our diverse city. We give had both served prison sen- duct their appeal. Only 72 of those individuals had this place back to you with love.” tences. The fi rst, Kevin Kiare, The Supreme Court ruling fi led a notice of appeal with the To the sound of applause, came from Kenya in 1997 with stresses that their decision was tribunal from abroad by the end he added: “Come here today. his family at the age of three. The not about whether they could of 2016. Come here at the weekend, second, Courtney Byndloss, a resist deportation on family “As the Supreme Court noted, come when you can. London is father-of-eight, came to the UK grounds but whether the home this is probably due to the prac- open. Borough Market is open.” in 2002 and was later given leave secretary had breached their hu- tical, fi nancial and logistical dif- The market will also open on to remain as the spouse of a Brit- man rights by deporting them fi culties involved. As of February Sundays for the next two weeks. ish citizen. before they could bring an appeal 13, 2017, not one of the 72 appeals Traders said the lifting of po- In both cases the home sec- in Britain and without making had succeeded. This too refl ects lice cordons and the return of retary issued certifi cates that proper provision for them to take the diffi culties in appealing suc- customers marked the begin- their human rights claims were part in appeal from abroad. cessfully from abroad,” said their ning of a healing process. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan attends the re-opening of Borough market in central London yesterday. “clearly unfounded” under 94B Responding to the ruling, the statement. Professor trampled Varadkar elected Irish prime minister to death by cattle AFP inclusive Ireland and speaks for Dublin them like no other,” Kenny said. He added Varadkar would Guardian News and Media cattle at Church Lane, Guestling, He became an emeritus fellow meet “head on” the challenge London on Monday. in 2004 after retiring from the eo Varadkar promised a of Brexit, an issue of particular “Police and paramedics per- university. “republic of opportunity” concern to Ireland as it shares the formed CPR after being called The academic devised a device Lyesterday after he became only EU land border with Britain. former Oxford academic at 11.02am and an air ambu- that delivered needle-free injec- Ireland’s youngest prime minis- Varadkar did not mention the whose invention made him lance landed at the scene, but he tions. The company formed to ter. government’s Brexit strategy in Aan overnight millionaire was sadly pronounced dead at commercialise the invention fl oat- The Dublin-born politician’s his speech, but has previously has been trampled to death by a 11.46am. ed on the London stock exchange Indian immigrant father and warned against taking too tough herd of cows. “There are no suspicious cir- in 1997 and six years later was sold Irish mother were in parliament a line with London in negotia- Brian Bellhouse, 80, was killed cumstances and the matter has to US pharmaceuticals group Chi- to watch as the 38-year-old was tions due to begin next week. by the animals while walking alone been passed to the coroner’s of- ron for £542mn. The sale triggered formally confi rmed as taoiseach. “It has always been the view of in a fi eld in Guestling, near Hast- fi cer.” a £100mn windfall for Bellhouse, Varadkar, who won the lead- the party that we don’t want to ings in East Sussex, on Monday. A spokesman for Magdalen his son-in-law Paul Drayson – ership of the ruling centre- see Britain being punished” for The alarm was raised by anoth- College confi rmed the death of PowerJect’s chief executive – and right Fine Gael party earlier this voting to leave the European Un- er walker after his screams were professor Bellhouse. He began a their families. month, was confi rmed by 57 ion, he said on June 2. heard. It is thought that the cat- degree in mathematics in 1957 and Drayson, who put £250,000 votes to 50, with 47 abstentions. “We regret that decision but tle became agitated and charged obtained his DPhil in engineering into PowderJect when he joined In his acceptance speech, we do respect it and a ‘hard at him. Paramedics administered science in 1964 and became an of- the company in 1993, collected Varadkar emphasised youthful Brexit’, whether it’s a hard Brexit CPR and an air ambulance attend- fi cial fellow in engineering science almost £43mn from his 8% stake, energy, arguing that the politics driven from London or forced on ed, but Bellhouse was pronounced two years later. while Bellhouse got £19.5mn for of the past were no longer fi t for London, is one in which Ireland dead at the scene. “Brian co-founded the com- his 3.6% stake. Their family trusts purpose. could be a big loser,” he said. He lived about fi ve miles away pany PowderJect in 1993, which received a £41mn payment. “The government that I lead Varadkar confi rmed he would in Winchelsea and it was not clear became one of the fi rst companies Although PowerJect initially fo- will not be one of left or right be- meet this week with Sinn Fein why he was walking in the fi eld. to be spun-out successfully from cused on the needle-free injection cause those old divisions do not leader Gerry Adams and Arlene Police said the death of the the University of Oxford and was technology, it later concentrated comprehend the political chal- Foster, leader of the Democratic former Magdalen College aca- based at our Oxford Science Park,” on making infl uenza vaccines, lenges of today,” he said. Unionist Party (DUP) in North- demic was not suspicious and the college spokesman said. which attracted the takeover in- Varadkar takes over a minority ern Ireland to discuss Brexit. details have been passed to the “Brian was a major donor to the terest. A year after the sale Pow- government from Enda Kenny, Although regarded as relative- coroner. college and endowed the Oxford- derJect’s former research chief, who said his successor refl ected ly liberal on social issues, Varad- A Sussex police spokesman said: Bellhouse graduate scholarship at Clive Dix, raised £20mn in venture a changed Ireland. kar has been criticised by oppo- “An 80-year-old man died after Magdalen in biomedical engineer- capital to buy back the injection Ireland’s new Prime Minster Leo Varadkar waves to colleagues as “As our youngest taoiseach, he sition parties for his right-wing being found trampled in a fi eld of ing.” technology from Chiron. he leaves the parliament in Dublin yesterday. represents a modern, diverse and economic views. Gulf Times 18 Thursday, June 15, 2017 EUROPE

MUSIC GRAFT EDUCATION AVIATION SECURITY Metallica drummer Lars 23 arrests in crackdown on French aviator crosses Finland raises terror threat Ulrich knighted border corruption Channel in flying car level by a notch

Danish drummer Lars Ulrich, member of US Twenty-three customs off icers and businessmen A French pilot crossed the English Channel Finland’s intelligence and security agency Supo heavy metal band Metallica, has been conferred have been arrested in a probe into corruption yesterday in a flying car that looks part dune yesterday raised the country’s terror threat level knighthood, the Danish royal palace said at a major checkpoint on Bulgaria’s border buggy, part paraglider. Under a clear blue sky, by a notch, seeing an increased risk of an attack yesterday. The 53-year-old is now a knight of with Greece, prosecutors said yesterday. The Bruno Vezzoli launched his flying machine down committed by the so-called Islamic State (IS). The the Order of the Dannebrog, a recognition of his investigation focusses on alleged kickbacks an abandoned wartime runway near Calais, threat level was raised from “low” to “elevated”, contribution to the arts. Crown Prince Frederik by Bulgarian transport firms to let trucks pass lurching from side to side as he slowly gained the second notch on a new four-tier scale just of Denmark on Tuesday presented the badge of through the Kulata border point without a check. altitude suspended beneath a giant canopy. “I introduced, Supo said in a statement. “Supo has decoration to the musician on behalf of Queen Police carried out 83 raids on the homes of would say that the biggest risk, just like with become aware of more serious terrorism-related Margrethe II during a visit to the United States, customs off ices and transport firms in Kulata and any engine-powered machine, would be a projects and plans in Finland. Foreign terrorist according to a post on the royal palace Facebook. Sofia, and seized 63,000 leva ($36,000) in cash, breakdown,” Vezzoli told Reuters TV as he made fighters (who have) left from Finland have The ceremony took place in San Francisco, where the spokeswoman of the public prosecutor’s his pre take-off checks.Vezzoli landed safely gained significant positions within IS in particular Ulrich lives. Ulrich was off icially named on May off ice, Rumiana Arnaoudova, said. The operation, 59km away, near the English port town of Dover. and have an extensive network of relations in the 26, but the palace did not release the information launched on Tuesday, led to a 6km tailback of Elsa Verhoye, 13-years-old, the youngest Named Pegasus, the flying car is the brainchild organisation,” it said in its new assessment. The until the handover took place. Metallica — one of trucks and buses. The Bulgarian authorities have candidate to sit France’s 2017 baccalaureat of Jerome Dauff y, an entrepreneur inspired by agency said it was keeping a particularly close the world’s biggest rock groups — was formed in been embroiled in a years-long eff ort to stamp out exams in a classroom at the Lycée of Baimbridge early aviators such as Brazilian Alberto Santos- eye on around 350 individuals, an increase of 1981 by Ulrich and US guitarist James Hetfield. graft, smuggling, tax fraud and human traff icking. in Pointe-à-Pitre. Dumont and Frenchman Louis Bleriot. 80% since 2012.

Austrian party drops Protester held ban on coalitions with far right

Reuters tion talks with but to say what Vienna we want to talk about,” Kern told reporters. “We are not rolling out the red carpet for ustria’s ruling So- the Freedom Party.” cial Democrats have Alongside the values com- Adropped a 30-year ban pass, which included broad on allying with the far right, principles such as support for saying yesterday they would human rights, gender equality be prepared to enter a coalition and the European Union, Kern with anyone on certain terms. outlined separate but more After a party leadership specifi c points he wanted to meeting, Chancellor Chris- be part of any coalition deal, tian Kern presented a “values such as raising the minimum compass” of principles that his wage to 1,500 euros ($1,692) a Social Democrats (SPO) would month. require of any future coalition “Anyone who is prepared to partner. implement this catalogue is a That eff ectively swept aside welcome partner,” Kern said, a self-imposed rule against tie- while also outlining diff er- ups with the anti-immigration ences between his party and Freedom Party (FPO) before a the FPO on issues including parliamentary election in Oc- gender equality, taxation and tober, although diff erences be- integration. tween the two parties remain “For the FPO to become a Interior Ministry off icers detain a man during a protest against a housing resettlement programme to resettle citizens from Soviet-era apartment blocks outside the building stark in several areas. possible partner they must of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in central Moscow, Russia. Opening the door to an alli- move signifi cantly,” he added. ance with the far right is a rare Kern said other parties should step for a European centre-left decide after the election party but it could be the cost of whether to hold talks. Any deal staying in government. would then be submitted to The SPO and its coalition SPO members for a vote. partner, the conservative Peo- He also hinted at a tactical ple’s Party (OVP), are at log- motivation, saying the SPO gerheads and their government had previously only had the is deeply unpopular. The Octo- OVP as a potential partner and ber 15 election is shaping up to coalition talks were less “suc- ‘Fines for racist posts be a three-horse race between cessful” than they could have those parties. been. The OVP went into coa- The OVP, less torn over the lition with the FPO in 2000, idea of forming coalitions with triggering European sanctions the far right, is leading in opin- against Austria, and the far- ion polls. right party is still a prominent “What we want to do today feature of Austrian politics. For in Germany illegal’ is not to answer the question of years, polls have shown a quar- whom we want to enter coali- ter of voters or more support it. The government was keen to look at private messages and Last December’s lorry attack to curb online debate on fi ngerprint children as young as on a Berlin Christmas market, in migration 6, the interior minister said yes- which 12 were killed and Germa- terday after the last government ny’s struggle to integrate thou- Reuters gathering before a national elec- sands of refugees, have put secu- Berlin tion in September. rity high up the political agenda Tensions in Macron’s Ministers from central govern- before an election in which Ger- ment and federal states said en- man Chancellor Angela Merkel is draft law approved by the crypted messaging services, such seeking a fourth term in offi ce. government ‘calmed’ German government al- as WhatsApp and Signal, allow Ministers also agreed to lower Alowing social network militants and criminals to evade the age limit for fi ngerprinting companies to be fi ned if they traditional surveillance. minors to 6 from 14 for asylum AFP he had called as a “citizen”, not failed to remove racist posts and “We can’t allow there to be seekers. Paris as minister, but he was pub- fake news quickly infringes on areas that are practically outside Bavarian interior minister licly reprimanded by right- the constitutional right to free- the law,” interior minister Tho- Joachim Herrmann, a Merkel ally wing Prime Minister Edouard dom of expression, a parliamen- German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and German Chancellor mas de Maiziere told reporters in whose south-eastern state is the he fi rst tensions in Philippe. tary body has found. Angela Merkel at Meseberg Palace near Berlin. the eastern town of Dresden. entry point for many refugees French President Em- “Every time there is some- Politicians fear that a prolifer- Militant attacks in France, fl eeing war in the Middle East, Tmanuel Macron’s cross- thing to say, I’ll say it,” Bayrou ation of such posts directed at the useful to provide data as well as its aim as a private company Britain and Germany have said on June 3 he wanted security party government have been replied defi antly on Tuesday. more than 1mn Muslim migrants studies to help make a proper as- should not decide what is legal or prompted European govern- services to be allowed to monitor resolved following talks be- Macron appointed a rainbow who have entered Germany in the sessment of the danger posed by illegal,” he said. “This is the job of ments to tighten up on surveil- children. tween the prime minster and government of rightwingers, last two years might sway public the dissemination of punishable courts.” lance of suspected militants. That proposal encountered justice minister who clashed centrists and former Socialists opinion in the September elec- hateful content and fake news A justice ministry spokes- Britain has proposed forcing strong opposition in Germany, this week, a spokesman said after his victory in the presi- tion. and the assumed destructive ef- man said the research body’s messaging services to let author- where the memories of spying yesterday. dential election last month as Critics said the government fect they have.” reservations would be taken into ities access encrypted communi- in the Communist and Nazi run Centrist Justice Minister he sought to broaden his ap- was rushing through legislation Under the law, Facebook, consideration and any proposed cations. deep. Francois Bayrou faced criti- peal as far as possible. that could damage free speech. Twitter and Google-parent Al- amendments would be debated Among the options Germany “Children are victims of ex- cism for calling a director of The tactic appears to have The proposal known as the phabet Inc would face up to by parliamentary committees. is considering is “source telecom tremism,” said Social Democrat state-funded Radio France last worked, with his Republic On “Facebook Law” had not clearly 50mn euros in fi nes for not re- The draft law would give social surveillance”, where authorities family aff airs minister Katha- week to complain about cover- The Move (REM) party set for defi ned what constituted a pun- moving posts promptly. networks 24 hours to delete or install software on phones to re- rina Barley, who said authorities age of alleged expenses fraud at a landslide in parliamentary ishable off ence, the Wissen- Martin Ott, Facebook’s chief block obviously criminal content lay messages before they are en- should be protecting children not his MoDem party. elections this weekend, but schaftlicher Dienst said in a non- in Germany, told Handelsblatt and seven days to deal with less crypted. That is now illegal. spying on their friends. Bayrou defended himself managing the diff erent fac- binding opinion. newspaper in an interview pub- clear-cut cases, with an obliga- Austria is also planning laws Ministers also agreed to im- from allegations of trying to tions will be one of his chal- “The draft law doesn’t specify lished on Tuesday that the draft tion to report back to the person to make it easier to monitor en- prove communication between pressure journalists by saying lenges. guidelines, examples or refer- law was problematic because it who fi led the complaint about crypted messages as well as the many diff erent regional and ence points to defi ne criminal shifted the legal responsibility how they handled the case. building out a linked network of national police and investigation or punishable content,” it said. from the courts to companies. Germany is planning a new cameras and other equipment to agencies in the highly decentral- “It would have been extremely “We don’t think the law meets law giving authorities the right read vehicle licence plates. ised country. Elections Munich considers diesel ban to tackle pollution

Reuters said violated European air quality A spokesman for BMW, whose home of Mercedes-Benz and VW’s In response the states’ environ- Frankfurt standards well beyond busy trunk products range from electric i3 Porsche subsidiary, is already pre- mental ministers have already pro- roads, the mayor said: “The results compact cars to luxury gasoline- paring to ban some diesel vehicles posed retrofi tting Euro-5 vehicles are shocking, nobody expected and diesel-powered sedans and from next year which do not meet to meet the stricter Euro-6 stand- unich, home to carmaker this.” SUVs, said encouraging electric the latest emission standards. ard but it is not yet clear how costs BMW, has become the lat- The scandal over rigged diesel vehicle use was a better way to im- Sueddeutsche Zeitung said be- will be split between the state, car- Mest German city to con- emission tests at Volkswagen has prove air quality than imposing a tween 133,000 and 170,000 vehi- makers and owners. sider banning some diesel vehicles already thrown the future of diesel ban on diesel cars. cles could be aff ected by a ban in Due to the more effi cient fuel amid “shocking” nitrogen oxide engines into doubt, and has high- Germany’s federal government Munich, depending on how strict it burn and lower carbon dioxide emissions in the Bavarian capital. lighted carmakers’ struggle to com- was also against individual states will be, but cars meeting the latest emissions compared with gasoline- “As much as I would welcome ply with ever stricter rules on the and cities banning diesel cars, a Euro 6 emission standard would be powered cars, Germany’s three ma- avoiding such bans, I think it is just nitrogen oxides emissions. transport ministry spokesman said exempt. jor carmakers have invested heavily as unlikely that we can continue to Shares in German carmakers yesterday with regard to the pos- German environmental cam- in diesel technology. do without bans in the future,” Mu- BMW, Volkswagen and Daimler sibility of a ban being imposed in paign group Deutsche Umwelth- While only a niche market in the Former Labour minister and French left wing Socialist Party nich mayor Dieter Reiter was quot- initially dropped between 0.7 and Munich. ilfe has launched a legal challenge United States, about half the new candidate for the upcoming legislative elections in the 18th ed as saying by the Sueddeutsche 1.6% amid gains in the broader Ger- “Driving bans are the wrong po- against Germany’s regional states, cars sold in Germany were diesel- constituency of Paris, Myriam El Khomri, meets people during Zeitung newspaper yesterday. man market, with traders pointing litical approach,” the spokesman pushing for measures to improve powered before the VW scandal her campaign in Paris. Asked about the latest nitrogen to the prospect of diesel bans, but said. the air quality in more than two broke, but the market share has oxide readings, which the paper later recovered some of their losses. However, the city of Stuttgart, dozen cities. since declined to just over 40 %. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 19 EUROPE

Estonia against taking Dairy driven funds over migration

Reuters arm-wrestling, the bloc’s ex- Brussels ecutive European Commission on Tuesday lost patience and launched legal cases against stonia, the next country Budapest, Warsaw and Prague to chair European Union over the matter. Emeetings, opposes pun- The allied, nationalist- ishing eastern EU states that minded governments in Poland refuse to host refugees by pull- and Hungary refuse to host a ing their funds. single person via the EU relo- Interior Minister Andres cation programme and their Anvelt told Reuters that such neighbours Slovakia and the a move divided Europe rather Czech Republic have also been than united it. stalling. “I don’t think any punish- The easterners cite security ing through budget or through concerns for refusing to ad- some fi nancial punishment is mit people from the mainly- good because we understand Muslim Middle East and North Europe is a family of very diff er- Africa, given recent Islamist at- ent countries,” he said in a tel- tacks in Europe. ephone interview from Tallinn. So Anvelt said Estonia, which “We have to look very much prides itself in its advanced into the future not to break digital agenda, would push for something. We don’t need any better and more interlinked more exits, it would make the databases to help law enforcers European Union weaker.” address security concerns. Estonia, a former Soviet re- Plans include setting up an public of 1.3mn people that EU travel pre-authorisation joined the EU in 2004, will as- system and an “Entry-Exit” sume the rotating presidency tool to better track third-coun- for the fi rst time in the second try nationals travelling on a half of the year, with one big visa. challenge being to break an im- The bloc also wants to better passe over handling immigra- connect a dozen-or-so diff er- tion. ent databases for border man- Italy is furious with peers like agement, law enforcement and Poland and Hungary for declin- customs. A boy drinks milk in the village of Zhadeny, some 300km southwest of Minsk. A spat between Russia and Belarus seems to have spilt over into the dairy sector, as Moscow ing to help by taking in some of “If you give a clear message has whipped up a conflict that is pushing its neighbour to export its products to China. Ex-Soviet Belarus’s dairy producers accuse Russian food hygiene off icials of the African refugees and mi- that Europe is really, really deliberately sabotaging them by issuing multiple bans against various dairy plants and abattoirs. grants arriving to its Mediterra- starting to change its external nean shores, despite benefi ting border policy...it would be from EU payouts that wealthier much easier to make internal states provide. policy decisions,” Anvelt said. Some 1.7mn refugees and “IT systems used in the fi elds migrants have arrived in the of home aff airs and justice...it’s EU since 2014 and the bloc has quite a good toolbox that the EU been at loggerheads over how is not using today as much as it to handle them, the bitter disa- could.” greements eating at the mem- Similar ideas often got stuck ber states’ unity they desper- in the past in the EU, partly Turkey arrests main ately need to handle the loss of because of fears such powerful member Britain. tools would infringe on citi- Britain also accounts for zens’ privacy. Anvelt said that some 15% of the bloc’s common had not proven true for Estonia. budget, so negotiations over He said another area of focus future fi nancial allocations will was arresting smugglers’ mon- be harder. ey made on traffi cking refugees opposition lawmaker Anvelt said Estonia would and migrants to Europe, their focus on further tightening the lives in peril in unfi t rubber The lawmaker is from the The case relates to the contro- Kemal Kilicdaroglu said “we ab- Berberoglu’s wife, Oya, was vent journalism in this country. bloc’s external borders, hop- dinghies daring the Mediter- party established by Ataturk versial publication by the Cum- solutely, certainly do not accept quoted by Dogan news agency Journalism is really in a grave ing that would eventually con- ranean. “We have a lot more to huriyet daily in 2015 of images this” decision, which he accused saying that her husband’s mo- situation,” Gul said. vince Warsaw and Budapest to do in tracking down this money. AFP purportedly showing the Turk- of being infl uenced “by the pal- rale was “good” but added: “I am “We are seeing an injustice be- change tack. We need IT systems fi t for the Ankara ish intelligence service seeking to ace” referring indirectly to Er- protesting against this massive ing done. We are sad. At the same After nearly two years of 21st century to do it.” transport arms over the border to dogan. injustice. Enis is going to prison time, this is an arrest of an MP Syria. “None of them are judges, they but it is the CHP who is on trial but also this is...a case against Turkish court yesterday Video footage showed po- do not administer justice,” refer- here.” journalism, an attempt to punish sentenced a Republican lice opening crates of weapons ring to those deciding on Ber- The head of the CHP’s par- journalism,” he added. APeople’s Party (CHP) law- and ammunition on the back beroglu’s case. liamentary faction Engin Altay Turkey ranks 155 on the latest maker to 25 years jail for leaking of trucks which Cumhuriyet “Those who made this deci- slammed the verdict as “state RSF world press freedom index, Bosnia broadcaster classifi ed material to the press, claimed belonged to the Turkish sion will live under the heaviness bullying” of his party. “This de- below Belarus and the Demo- the fi rst time a main opposition Intelligence Organisation (MIT). of its unjust nature. cision is intimidation of the op- cratic Republic of Congo, and a party deputy has been locked up The story infuriated Turkish We have devoted our lives to position. drop of four places from its 2016 facing collapse in an ongoing crackdown. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan democracy, to justice. We want This decision is intimidation ranking. CHP lawmaker Enis Berbero- who at the time warned Cum- justice in this country, democ- of those displeased with the (rul- Western countries and human glu had not been detained during huriyet’s former editor in chief, racy... freedom of thought,” ing) Justice and Development rights activists have expressed Reuters said in a last-ditch appeal to the his trial but after the verdict was Can Dundar, he would “pay a Kilicdaroglu told reporters in Party (AKP), those unhappy with concern over what they say is a Sarajevo authorities to enable the broad- announced he was immediately heavy price”. Ankara. anti-democratic practices,” Al- deteriorating situation for jour- caster to continue operating.”At placed under arrest at the Is- Dundar was last year handed The CHP leader said he would tay said in Istanbul. nalists in the country. the moment, we don’t have any tanbul criminal court, state-run a fi ve-year-and-10-month jail hold a march today in the heart The AKP was co-founded by According to the P24 press osnia’s national broad- model of fi nancing. Anadolu news agency said. term in the case. He has since fl ed of Ankara at 11am (0800 GMT) Erdogan, who in April won a freedom website, there are 167 caster BHRT faces clo- We need quick solutions to A dozen lawmakers from the to Germany. Berberoglu was ac- “holding only one poster with controversial referendum giving journalists behind bars in Tur- Bsure unless ethnically survive. pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democrat- cused of handing over the images ‘justice’ written”. him greater powers that oppo- key, most of whom were detained divided politicians can agree on It’s literally a matter of days.” ic Party (HDP) have been arrested to Dundar. The party’s deputies also nents fear will lead to one-man as part of the state of emergency how to fi nance public service Any collapse of BHRT would under the state of emergency that He was given a life sentence walked out of yesterday’s parlia- rule. imposed after last July’s coup at- media, the network’s general also set back the Balkan coun- followed last year’s failed coup. but this was reduced to 25 years ment session in protest, Turkish Cumhuriyet’s Ankara bureau tempt. manager said yesterday. try’s prospects of accession to But this is the fi rst time a dep- by the court. The CHP immedi- television said. chief Erdem Gul, who is himself However, Turkey insists jour- Up to now BHRT has been the European Union. uty from the CHP — the main ately held an emergency meeting Before his arrest, Berberoglu appealing his fi ve-year sentence nalists have not been detained funded with license fees add- “The idea of a future mem- secular opposition founded by after the verdict by the Istanbul said he had been “victimised” for revealing state secrets, hit because of their work and all ed to monthly phone bills but ber state of the European Union Turkey’s fi rst president Mustafa court. and those responsible for the in- back at the court’s ruling. press freedoms exist for those payments have been stalled without public service media Kemal Ataturk — has been held. After the meeting, CHP leader justice “should be ashamed”. “This is a trial trying to pre- observing the law. by bickering among Bosniak is unthinkable,” said European Muslims, Serbs and Croats in Parliament deputy Cristian Dan the Sarajevo parliament. An Preda, referring to Bosnia’s am- Oslo airport interim, six-month fi nancing bition to obtain EU candidate measure approved by parlia- status by the end of 2017. imports biofuels ment expires on June 30. “This is a dramatic situation from California The rights watchdog Coun- for Bosnia,” Patrick Pennincks Family battles ex-KGB for cil of Europe has warned that of the Council of Europe said. Oslo airport is importing renewable BHRT’s demise would be a fur- “It is of key and utmost im- jet fuel made from waste cooking ther grave setback to eff orts to portance that the solution is oil in California, stirring criticism rebuild a cohesive state after found.” that shipping and trucking it Bosnia’s 1992-95 ethnic war, Bosnia’s public broadcast- truth on disgraced relative more than 16,000km undercuts which left the country split into ing system was created from environmental benefits. Oslo was autonomous Serb and Bosniak- scratch with international help the first international airport hub Croat entities with a weak tri- after the 1990s war with the AFP southern Russia that was occu- over a task his father had begun. sion by the FSB to refuse access to to off er biofuels as part of the fuel partite presidency in Sarajevo. goal of combining three sepa- Saint Petersburg pied by the Nazis in World War II. “I want to really learn everything the fi le. mix it sells in 2016, followed by Los “All alarm bells are ringing,” rate wartime ethnic broadcast- Condemned by the Soviets to there is about my relative. Sooner Russian law in theory allows Angeles and Stockholm, as part of BHRT General Manager Belmin ers and discourage infl amma- six years in a labour camp for col- or later I want to succeed.” relatives of those killed in politi- eff orts to limit surging greenhouse Karamehmedovic, a Bosniak, tory nationalist rhetoric. or decades the family of laboration, he died in the gulag in After a protracted legal dispute, cal repression to see archived in- gas emissions in the airline industry. Russian village elder Vasily far east Russia soon after. the Ostryakov family unexpect- formation on their ancestors, but “This is a tiny little drop (in fossil jet FOstryakov were told nothing In 1998, his case was reviewed, edly won a small battle in May, this does not apply to individuals fuel use). But it is the first drop,” said about the man other than he was a like those of many other victims when the FSB tried to sue them to who weren’t rehabilitated, as is Olav Mosvold Larsen of state-owned traitor convicted of collaborating of Joseph Stalin’s massive purges recover its legal expenses. the case with Vasily. The family Avinor, which runs 45 airports in Farmers protest with the Nazis. who were convicted between 1930 A court in Saint Petersburg re- has not lost hope however. Norway. He said jet biofuels were Now, following an unlikely legal and 1950. jected the FSB’s appeal and sided The case is currently being re- twice the cost of conventional fuels. victory against the feared Federal But for reasons that remain with the family. viewed by the Supreme Court, the The jet fuel blend sold for planes in Security Service, (FSB) Ostryak- unclear, the verdict against Vas- Winning a case against the highest legal authority in Rus- Oslo now has 0.2% biofuels in the ov’s descendants are a step closer ily was not overturned and he has KGB’s successor agency is prac- sia, and Dmitry is ready to take it test project, he told Reuters. So far, to learning the truth about their never been rehabilitated. tically a miracle in Russia, even to the European Court of Human Avinor has bought 1.25mn litres of ancestor. The family want to know the if the sum in question of 26,000 Rights. biofuels. In recent months, Avinor “The fi gure of my great-grand- precise reasons for their ances- roubles ($450) is relatively small. Many Stalin-era archives, con- has imported waste cooking oil, sold father has always remained in tor’s conviction, but their re- “With this lawsuit against Mr cerning deportations and killings, by AltAir in California from sources the shadows for our family, no- quests to see his fi le have been Ostryakov, the FSB wanted to dis- were thrown open in 1992, after including fast food restaurants, body knew much about him,” said refused. courage other people who would the breakup of the Soviet Union he said, confirming a report in the 33-year-old Dmitry Ostryakov. “Those were diffi cult times,” like to learn about their relatives,” and a new policy of openness un- Norwegian daily Aftenposten. Last Dmitry began his quest for the Dmitry, a doctor, told AFP of his said Darya Sukhikh, a lawyer with der president Boris Yeltsin. year, Oslo’s biofuels came from truth by asking his father, who relative living under Nazi occu- Team 29, a human rights collec- But 25 years later, the policy has Spain. Some environmentalists had scarcely any information. pation in southwestern Belgorod tive that fi ghts for freedom of in- eff ectively gone full circle, with say that shipping biofuels from Then, in 2015, the family went region. formation and is helping the Os- many of these fi les once again California, via the Panama Canal, on a mission that many Russians “The other villagers elected tryakovs. classifi ed as secret and those makes no sense. “This is madness,” consider to be a lost cause: to ac- him as their elder. What could he “This decision pleased us but seeking answers rejected in the said Truls Gulowsen of Greenpeace, French President of the Co-operative Sodiaal Union Didier cess his fi le from the FSB, inheri- have done? In any case, I want to it doesn’t change anything — we name of state security. saying that European laws should do Loison (R) listens to dairy breeders who have been blocking tor of the archives of the KGB that learn the truth.” still cannot receive the fi le on my According to a March 2014 more to promote local production the entrance to the Sodiaal Yoplait factory since midday, on prosecuted him. Dmitry promised himself he great-grandfather,” said Dmitry. decision, most fi les will stay off of biofuels, such as from Nordic Tuesday in Le Mans northwestern France. Vasily Ostryakov was the ap- would prise the information out Two higher courts have con- bounds to ordinary citizens until forests. “Waste cooking oil should be pointed elder of a small village in of the security services, taking fi rmed the legitimacy of the deci- at least 2044. used in California,” he said. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, June 15, 2017 INDIA

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TRAGEDY POLITICS CRIME STRATEGY Samsung Digital Academy Telangana police off icer Two BSP ex-lawmakers, Girl burnt to death Anil Ambani not to draw launched in Hyderabad commits suicide others cross over to BJP over family dispute RCom chairman’s salary

Samsung Digital Academy was launched in Hyderabad A police sub-Inspector committed suicide by Two former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) A Class 9 student was allegedly burnt to Anil Ambani, chairman of telecom major yesterday to impart skills in new technologies to shooting himself with his service revolver in legislators and several others joined Uttar death by two neighbours in a Bihar village Reliance Communications (RCom), has students of engineering colleges in Telangana. The Siddipet district in Telangana yesterday, police Pradesh’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over a family dispute, sparking protests voluntarily decided to forego his salary and academy has conceptualised the course curriculum said. Prabhakar Reddy, who was serving at yesterday in the presence of the BJP’s state by residents demanding the arrest of commission from the company during the for easy comprehension for a beginner in application Kukunoorpally Police Station, shot himself in unit chief and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav the suspects, off icials said yesterday. current financial year as part of its “strategic development. The youth will be trained in Tizen OS the temple in the police station in Kondapaka Prasad Maurya. Maurya welcomed into the The incident took place on Tuesday in transformation programme”, RCom announced platform including Application Development Process, block. Family members alleged that harassment BJP fold former Legislative Council member Samastipur district when Akansha Kumari yesterday. “Reliance Group chairman Anil D Testing and Debugging, Device Application Program by senior off icials drove him to kill himself. Prashant Chowdhary and former Baghpat came out of her house in Harpur Bochha Ambani voluntarily decides to draw no salary or Interface (APIs) as well as Packaging and Installation Hailing from Yadadri Bhongir district, Prabhakar member of assembly Hemlata Chowdhary, village and was grabbed by the men in commission from RCom in current financial year. of Designed Applications on various devices. The was selected as sub-inspector in 2012. Last besides Ghaziabad district panchayat her neighbourhood, a police off icer said. The decision is part of the company promoters’ academy has come as part of the ongoing skilling year, he was posted at the Kukunoorpally police member Amarpal, Avinash Tyagi, Pinkaj Gujjar, They tied her hands and legs and poured commitment to the strategic transformation partnership between Samsung India and Telangana station. Prabhakar is the second sub-inspector Kapil Pradhan, and Vivek Bharti. The deputy kerosene on her and burnt her alive, he said. programme,” the company said in a statement. Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK), under the to commit suicide at the same police station in chief minister said everyone who believed in “Akansha cried for help. Her family members Announcing that the RCom management too state government. Faculty orientation programme 10 months. T Ramakrishna Reddy shot himself the ideology of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ was tried to rescue her. But she had sustained has followed the chairman’s lead, the statement was held at the newly inaugurated lab for faculty from in the police station on August 16, 2016. He left welcome to join the BJP. Former Uttarakhand serious burn injuries and was admitted in a said: “RCom management team onboard to various engineering colleges in Telangana by the a suicide note in which he alleged that he was chief minister Vijay Bahuguna was present on hospital in Patna where she died on Tuesday defer personal pay by up to 21 days. Measures to Samsung technical experts. harassed by his superiors. the occasion. night.” remain in place till December 2017.”

Stalin, others sent out of TN assembly Talks begin amid chaos

Agencies Chennai to decide on

egislators belonging to the Dravida Munnetra Ka- Lzhagam were sent out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly yes- terday after they demanded a presidential discussion on a television chan- nel sting alleging money was paid to ruling party members to vote for Chief Minister K Palan- iswami. The DMK members raised the issue of All India Anna Dravida candidate Munnetra Kazhagam legisla- tors being allegedly paid huge IANS rounds as possible candidates of ensure its support to the NDA can- sums of money and gold ahead New Delhi the ruling alliance are Lok Sabha didate. Likewise, the candidature of of a trust vote in the assembly. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Ex- Murmu could bring Odisha’s ruling Speaker P Dhanapal refused per- ternal Aff airs Minister Sushma Biju Janata Dal to the government mission to discuss the matter he ruling and the opposi- Swaraj and Uttar Pradesh Gov- side in the presidential election saying it was sub-judice. tion parties yesterday got ernor Ram Naik. There is talk in though the two parties are bitter The sting investigation car- Tgoing on the presidential the BJP circles that the Rashtriya rivals in the state. ried out by Times Now and election with a three-member Swayamsevak Sangh could pitch Leaders of nine opposition par- Moon TV allegedly exposed that Bharatiya Janata Party commit- for another veteran Murli Mano- ties, who form a sub-group, met AIADMK legislators were paid tee set to meet Congress presi- har Joshi. A surprise could be in in Parliament House in the cham- bribes by party general secretary dent Sonia Gandhi tomorrow in the form of Jharkhand Governor ber of the Leader of the Opposi- V K Sasikala, in return for sup- a bid to evolve a consensus on the Draupadi Murmu, a tribal from tion in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi porting the Palaniswami gov- nominee. Odisha. Azad, who told reporters later ernment during the trust vote on On the other side, opposition With an edge in the electoral that no names were discussed in February 18. leaders held preliminary discus- college, the BJP is said to be of their meeting. The sting also showed a leg- sions on the issue but decided to the opinion that it should have its “It was a preliminary meeting. islator supporting former chief meet again for detailed parleys af- own candidate who has an ideo- No nor names were discussed. All minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) ter the government makes public logical background since it is the parties are totally united,” he said. saying money was paid by the its choice of candidate. party in power. Naidu indicated Azad said even as the opposition former OPS camp in a bid to get The BJP core committee met as much on Tuesday when he said leaders were meeting, it has been MLAs to switch sides. yesterday morning in the pres- that the opposition should keep in disclosed that the three-member As DMK members continued ence of party president Amit mind the spirit of democracy that team constituted by BJP to hold to create a ruckus, they were Shah, where senior ministers the BJP has the mandate of the discussion with opposition parties evicted from the assembly. The Rajnath Singh and M Venkaiah people. for a consensus will meet opposi- legislators led by M K Stalin then Naidu, who form part of the Meanwhile, BJP’s oldest ally tion leaders including Gandhi. staged a demonstration on Ka- three-member group were also Shiv Sena yesterday yet again “No fi nalisation of name is marajar Road, aff ecting traffi c. present. Later, Singh and Naidu made it clear that its “fi rst choice” possible,” he said adding the sub- Speaking to reporters, Sta- met Prime Minister Narendra for presidential candidate is RSS group of the opposition parties lin said there were instances of Modi and discussed the strategy. chief Mohan Bhagwat. will meet in the next few days the assembly discussing issues Later it was disclosed that the Sena MP Sanjay Raut said: and discuss in detail by when the which were in courts. “Cau- three-member team, which in- “Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat government would have also dis- very, Mullaperiyar and NEET are cludes Finance Minister Arun is the most deserving person to be cussed with the opposition par- some of the issues which were Jaitley, will meet Gandhi prob- the president of India. Will they ties its choice. discussed in the assembly even ably with the name the ruling side (BJP) speak to us regarding this? If Azad said the future discussion though all these are pending in would like to fi eld as part of ef- you think he is not the deserving among the opposition parties will various courts. Thus the speak- forts to build a consensus. It was candidate, tell us why he is not the depend on the candidate the rul- er’s decision not to allow this is- not clear whether Jaitley, who is suitable candidate. ing side choose and the party he sue was opportunistic,” he said. currently in South Korea, will be “You give us another name, but belongs to. Stalin demanded immedi- back in the capital in time for the for us Mohan Bhagwat saheb is “Then only can we have sub- ate dissolution of the assembly meeting. the fi rst choice for NDA’s presi- stantial discussions,” he said. and fresh elections as the latest The team will later meet Com- dential candidate.” Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu “disclosure” exposed how the munist Party of India (Marx- The Sena has been demand- Prasad Yadav told reporters that trust vote was a mockery of de- ist) general secretary Sitaram ing that the RSS be nominated as they would “remove” the BJP. mocracy. Yechury. Naidu spoke to Bahujan the NDA’s presidential candidate, Among those who attended the “The government must re- Samaj Party leader Satish Chan- even though Bhagwat has said meeting in Azad’s chamber were sign immediately as it has lost all dra Mishra and Nationalist Con- that he is not in the race. Yechury, Sharad Yadav, (JD-U), moral and legal right to continue gress Party leader Praful Patel by The Sena has not voted with Patel, Ram Gopal Yadav (Samad- in offi ce,” he said. phone. He was told that the two the BJP in the last two presidential wadi Party), Mishra, Mallikarjun “There must also be a CBI parties will fi nalise their stand elections. A candidate from Mahar- Kharge (Congress), Derek O’Brien probe into the sting operation only after the BJP panel meets ashtra like Naik or Bhagwat or even (Trinamool Congress), and R S carried out by media about the them formally. Mahajan, a Marathi who represents Bharti (Dravida Munnetra Ka- sale of MLAs,” he said. DMK legislators led by Stalin stage a demonstration in Chennai yesterday. Among the names doing the Indore in Madhya Pradesh, could zhagam). Mumbai’s adored Padmini taxis near the end of the road AFP of the 1960s and a classic, albeit the only other car widely availa- stopped altogether in 2000. Mumbai now rusting, car which continues ble in India at the time - and their Their death knell was fi nally to enthral foreign tourists, will be numbers increased exponentially sounded in 2013 when the gov- the end of an unforgettable chap- during the ‘70s and ‘80s. ernment implemented an anti- hey were named after a ter in Mumbai’s history. “The Padmini was chosen be- pollution order banning cars legendary Indian queen “It really is an iconic car be- cause it was small and attractive. more than 20 years old from Tand were synonymous cause for so long it was the only It was nice to drive and you could Mumbai’s roads. with Mumbai for half a century vehicle used by taxi operators park it anywhere easily. It was The number of Padminis has but the last Premier Padmini tax- here. It must have been the larg- comfortable and people liked it,” declined rapidly since and Quad- is will soon embark on their fi nal est fl eet in the world,” A L Quad- said Quadros. ros expects there will be none left journey - to the scrapyard. ros, a taxi union chief in Mumbai, Not known for their speed or on the roads by December 2018. The compact black-and-yel- said. boot space, Padminis are char- Taxi driver Mukund Shukla, low cabs, based on an Italian Fiat The fi rst Padminis, an Indian acterised by their low ceilings, who has manoeuvred his Pad- and often boasting elaborately take on the Fiat 1100 Delight, large gear stick to the left of the mini through Mumbai’s hectic patterned interiors, were once rolled off production lines at the steering wheel and quirky silver- streets for 20 years, is sad about ubiquitous across the congested Premier Automobiles Limited coloured door handles which re- the prospect of his beloved vehi- roads of India’s fi nancial capital factory in Mumbai, then called quire passengers to trickily lift up cle being sold for scrap. and have featured in countless Bombay, in 1964 under an licens- and push to get out. “This Padmini has given Bollywood movies. ing agreement with the famous Today, many have colourful me company for two decades Around 65,000 Padminis plied Italian car manufacturer. carpeted ceilings and seat covers and I will miss it deeply,” said Mumbai at their peak in the mid- They were initially known as while some boast bright, multi- the 47-year-old, who plans to 1990s but a gradual phasing out “Fiat taxis” before being renamed coloured neon lights which il- take a bank loan to aff ord the in favour of newer, more envi- Padmini in 1973 after mythical luminate the inside of the cab at In this photograph taken on August 19, 2016, a Premiere Padmini taxi used as a garbage vat is seen along Rs500,000 cost of a new taxi. ronmentally friendly vehicles Hindu queen Rani Padmini who night. a street in Mumbai. But not everyone is upset has meant that today only some legend has it lived during the 13th But they are also known for about the Premier Padmini fad- 300 splutter around and offi cials and 14th centuries. dodgy brakes, indicators that fail mazd Sorabjee points out they dition and you’d probably have to for the arrival of more spacious, ing into history. predict they will disappear com- Mumbai authorities in the to work, doors that don’t close were hardly famous for being get it fi xed. That’s just how it was reliable, comfortable and fuel- Sorabjee said: “Modern cars pletely next year. 1960s opted for the Padmini over properly and a tendency to let fi nely-tuned automobiles. in India in those days,” he said, effi cient vehicles such as Hy- are light years ahead in terms of For many the passing of the the bulkier Hindustan Motors in water during Mumbai’s four- “The welding was poor and referring to the years before In- undai models. technology. The Padmini had Indian-built vehicle, a product of Ambassador - the taxi of choice month summer monsoon. sloppy. Even when it came out of dia’s economy opened up in 1991. Numbers steadily declined nothing going for it by the end, the Asian giant’s closed economy in Delhi and Kolkata, which was As Autocar India editor Hor- the factory it was in terrible con- Liberalisation paved the way and production of Padminis was nostalgia apart.” Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 21 INDIA 12 to 15 children go missing every day in Delhi: police

IANS children going missing in the long to poor families. ures tabled in parliament dur- Under the initiative, children Thus beat constables have to mobile phones and have social New Delhi capital each day and, despite “As per the data, around 12 ing the budget session, nearly belonging to poor families re- been given the responsibility to networking accounts. CCTV cameras and hi-tech aids, to 15 children are reported to 27,000 children have gone siding in resettlement colonies get photographs of all children in They are mostly aged 12-17 the police are fi nding it diffi cult be missing every day in Delhi,” missing in Delhi in the last five are being registered and photo- slum areas, he said. and such children leave their ver 1,500 children have to locate them. Bhagat said. years and only 9,700 could be graphed from time to time with “Under the ‘Pehchaan’ homes on their own. But some- gone missing in the fi rst The success rate of the Delhi He said there was a possibil- traced. the district police “so that they scheme, we also create aware- times they do access social net- Ofi ve months of this year police is unimpressive, as a ma- ity of the involvement of “some Across the country, 30% of can be traced if they happen to ness with the help of NGOs from working sites and the cyber ex- in New Delhi, according to police jority of the children who are inter-state human traffi cking the children remained untrace- go missing in future”, Bhagat time to time about crime rates perts follow their IP addresses. fi gures. traced are those who return gangs” who usually prowl the able, but in Delhi the number is said. with minors and juvenile in the But the number of such cases And only a few are expected to home on their own, according to slum areas and abduct children the highest – 63%. He said the “situation is capital. We educate parents on is minimal, a cyber expert said. return home, going by the past crime record data. of “deprived and migrants fami- Bhagat said the police have alarming” in the capital and how to take care of their chil- Police also take help of NGOs trends on tracing missing chil- Deputy Commissioner of Po- lies” for cheap labour. launched a scheme, “Pehchaan: “sometimes it is diffi cult to trace dren.” as sometimes children, who have dren. lice Rajan Bhagat said that the The capital has a bad record Safeguarding the Childhood”, as missing children since poor Sometimes the police even been abducted and employed as The latest data follows the missing children mostly are in on account of missing children. part of its anti-human traffi ck- families do not even have photo- take help of cyber experts to trace domestic helps, get in touch with disturbing trend of over a dozen the age group of 6 and 15 and be- According to government fig- ing drive. graphs” of their children. those children who have access voluntary groups. SC to hear Hindu Sena celebrates Trump birthday plea against cattle trade ban today

IANS a manner required by the reli- New Delhi gion of any community”. Qureshi, who also heads the All India Jamiatul Quresh he Supreme Court will Action Committee, has ques- hear an appeal today tioned the stipulation that Tchallenging the central prohibits bringing young cat- government’s ban on the sale tle to animal market, unless of cattle at animal markets for the purchaser gives an under- slaughter on the grounds that it taking that he is an agricul- violates the right to free trade. turist, that the animal would Mohamed Abdul Faheem be used for agricultural pur- Qureshi, who fi led the petition poses, and not resold for six on June 7, has also challenged months. the Prevention of Cruelty to He has also objected to the Animals (Care and Mainte- provision of the notifi cation nance of Case Property Ani- requiring the owner to submit Members of the right-wing Hindu Sena group celebrate US President Donald Trump’s birthday in New Delhi yesterday. mals) Rules, 2017 which pro- a bond to pay for the transpor- vides for the seizures, recovery tation, maintenance and treat- of the cost of transportation, ment of the cattle. maintenance and treatment of Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu of- seized animals. fi cials who were attacked by The vacation bench of Jus- cow vigilantes in Rajasthan are tice Ashok Bhushan and Justice expected to reach Chennai on Deepak Gupta on June 7 had Sunday along with the 50 cows posted the petition for hearing they have bought for breeding, today. offi cial sources said. ED charges Mallya in Qureshi, himself a lawyer, An Animal Husbandry De- says that the Prevention of partment offi cial said on the Cruelty to Animals (Regulation condition of anonymity that of Livestock Markets) Rules, the offi cials and cows had 2017 and the Prevention of reached Ahmedabad and would Cruelty to Animals (Animals travel by road through Mahar- Care and Maintenance of Case ashtra and Karnataka to reach money-laundering case Property Animals) Rules, 2017, Tamil Nadu. which ban the sale of cattle for The Rajasthan police es- slaughter are arbitrary, illegal, corted them till they crossed Agencies leged that Rs4bn ($62mn) from $1.3bn to state-owned banks. Mallya and ex-KFA chief fi nan- Yesterday’s charge-sheet and unconstitutional. into Gujarat, where the Gujarat Mumbai the loan deal had been illegally Indian investigators want the cial offi cer A Raghunathan and is expected to strengthen the He also said the rules vio- police were providing them se- whisked abroad. liquor baron brought home to IDBI offi cials B K Batra, Yo- Indian government’s extradi- lated his constitutional rights curity, the offi cial said. Offi cials from the bank and face a series of charges related gesh Agarwal, O V Bundelu, S K tion case against Mallya in the to practice any profession or He said the Tamil Nadu po- ndia’s fi nancial crimes agen- airline were also under scrutiny, to his fi nancial dealings, which Shrivastava and R S Sridhar, an UK. to carry on any occupation, lice chief had written to his cy fi led charges of money the Press Trust of India news are being investigated by several ED offi cial said on condition of Mallya made Kingfi sher beer protection of life and personal counterparts in Rajasthan, Ilaundering yesterday against agency said. agencies. anonymity. a global brand, and was a direc- liberty, freedom of conscience Gujarat, Maharashtra and Kar- Vijay Mallya, accusing the fl am- In March 2016, the ED regis- India has already made one Another ED offi cial alleged tor of Indian Premier League and free profession, practice nataka to provide protection to boyant tycoon of siphoning off tered a complaint under the Pre- extradition request to UK au- that the KFA promoters had en- cricket team Royal Challengers and propagation of religion and the offi cials and the ve fi trucks money from a loan to his now- vention of Money Laundering thorities based on a charge- tered into a criminal conspiracy Bangalore until stepping down protection of interests of mi- carrying the cows when they defunct airline. Act (PMLA) against the airline in sheet fi led by the Central Bureau with bank offi cials to get loans. last year. norities. travel through their states. The charges brought by the the IDBI bank loan case. of Investigation (CBI) in the IDBI Mallya, who co-owns Formula He caused a stir last week The petitioner has chal- A team of offi cials from Tamil Enforcement Directorate against According to the ED, in Oc- bank loan case. One team Force India, was ar- when he attended India’s cricket lenged diff erent stipulations of Nadu was attacked by cow vig- Mallya – once dubbed the “King tober 2009, IDBI granted a The ED will now move court to rested in London in April follow- match against South Africa in the two notifi cations issued on ilantes in Barmer in Rajasthan of Good Times” for his lavish short-term loan of Rs1.5bn to push for Mallya’s extradition. ing the extradition request and London, where Indian fans met May 23. on Sunday night on the suspi- lifestyle – relate to a loan ex- Kingfi sher Airlines , followed “The ED wants to quiz Mallya granted bail. him with shouts of “Chor, chor!” He has contended that the cion that they were smuggling tended to his grounded carrier by another loan of Rs7.5bn, in- in the on-going case proceed- The 61-year-old appeared (Thief, thief!). rule that the purchaser “shall the cows for slaughter. Kingfi sher Airlines. cluding a bridge-loan of Rs2bn, ings. Earlier it was the CBI which before court in London again on Mallya dropped off India’s not sacrifi ce the animal for The Tamil Nadu offi cials had The agency is investigating without adequate collateral and had fi led the extradition request. Tuesday where he maintained most wealthy list in 2014, en- any religious purpose” was gone to Rajasthan to buy the whether India’s IDBI bank gave in violation of norms and pro- That does not entitle ED to quiz his innocence. gulfed by the massive debts of contrary to the Prevention of cows under a central govern- the airline a loan despite know- cedures. him,” an offi cial familiar with “I deny all allegations that his grounded carrier. Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, ment scheme to breed them in ing of its fi nancial troubles, and A court issued an arrest war- developments in the case said on have been made and I will con- He now lives in a sprawling whose Section 28 says it is not the state so as to protect native whether cash was spirited away. rant for Mallya after he fl ed India condition of anonymity. tinue to deny them,” Mallya said $15mn mansion in England’s an off ence to “kill any animal in cow breeds. In a 57-page report the ED al- in March 2016 owing more than The charge-sheet names outside the court. county of Hertfordshire.

14 killed as monsoon Row erupts ahead of rains hit north-east India

Agencies of Assam and its main city of Kochi Metro opening Guwahati Guwahati on Tuesday. Two people, including a school boy, were electrocuted IANS told reporters that the list of in- now and would take part in the t least 14 people were killed on a fl ooded road in the city, of- Kochi vitees to the dais was prepared inauguration,” he said. and several others went fi cials told local media. and sent to the Prime Minister’s Among others who have Amissing in fl oods and land- Meanwhile, all rivers in Ma- Offi ce. “The fi nal list is made been excluded from the dais are slides triggered by heavy mon- nipur were fl owing above the rime Minister Narendra by the PMO. We have no role in former chief minister Oommen soon rains in northeastern India, danger level following torrential Modi will travel on a Kochi this.” Chandy. offi cials said yesterday. rains in the state, with the Im- PMetro train on Saturday After hearing about the exclu- Reacting to the exclusion of The heavy downpour that be- phal river breaching the banks in after he inaugurates Kerala’s fi rst sion of Sreedharan, Congress Sreedharan from the dais, P T gan on Monday aff ected thou- Kairung village yesterday. metro, it was announced yester- leader Ramesh Chennithala and Thomas said: “This shows the sands of villagers and damaged Many low-lying areas in Im- day. But “Metro man” E Sreed- local legislator P T Thomas, Vi- arrogance of the BJP.” highways, bridges and homes in phal city and nearby areas were haran has not been given a seat jayan has written to the PMO to “When the foundation stone the region. inundated. on the dais. include them too. for Kochi Metro was laid by In Mizoram state, 10 people were Irrigation and Flood Control In the fi rst 25km phase, trains But now Ernakulam Lok Sab- then prime minister Manmo- swept away by the surging Karna- Minister L Haokip toured the af- will run for 13km between Pal- ha member K V Thomas, state han Singh, none was left out fulu river while two more died in fected areas along with offi cials. arivattom and Aluva. Work is Transport Minister Thomas from the dais. This is Kerala’s building collapses in the regional Some portions of the National progressing on the remaining Chandy and Kochi Mayor Sou- dream project and key people capital Aizawl on Monday, said ad- Highway that links Nagaland section. mini Jain have been allowed on behind this are now asked to sit ministration offi cial Zothankhuma. and Manipur with Assam are Those on the dais will be the dais. in the audience. This is totally Ten more people went missing also under fl ood waters. Modi, Governor P Sathasivam, Sreedharan told reporters in unfair.” and nearly 500 houses were either Trucks, buses and private cars Information and Broadcast- Thiruvanthapuram that he was Work on Kochi Metro began submerged or damaged by fl oods have been told not to ply on the ing Minister M Venkaiah Naidu not aware of this issue but was in 2012 after the Chandy gov- and landslides in the worst- highway. and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vi- not concerned by it. ernment entrusted the project aff ected districts, local disaster The situation has led to rising jayan. “There is nothing untoward in to Delhi Metro Rail Corp, with management offi cials said. food prices, with traders claim- Elias George, managing di- this and I do not have any com- its principal adviser Sreedharan A rickshaw puller transports customers through floodwaters in Incessant rains also triggered ing that no goods were coming rector of Kochi Metro Rail Corp, plaints. I am leaving for Kochi overseeing it. Guwahati yesterday. fl oods in the neighbouring state from Assam. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, June 15, 2017 LATIN AMERICA Honduras, El Salvador to push for migrants’ status at US meet

Tribune News Service ca’s Northern Triangle have taken activists, and 15 days before a May our president is doing. Unfortu- “We are working and making in Spanish. “They have created which was granted after Hurricane Miami to Twitter ahead of scheduled one- 23 decision by the Trump admin- nately, we’re not so lucky.” our best eff orts with US offi cials businesses, they pay taxes. After 18 Mitch devastated Honduras and on-one talks with Vice President istration that could force the re- Haiti’s eventual request for an to extend the TPS to Salvadorans,” years in the US, compatriots with nearby Nicaragua in 1998. Under Mike Pence in Miami today to push turn of 58,706 Haitians as early as 18-month extension of TPS ini- Sanchez tweeted about his na- TPS have passed rigorous fi lters as the immigration status, Hondu- he Trump administration for Temporary Protected Status, or January. tially came from its Washington tion’s 195,000 TPS recipients, legal immigrants ... rans and Nicaraguans, who were wants to talk gang violence, TPS, for their nationals who have “They are engaging President embassy, followed by another re- whose designation comes up for “Soon I will speak with VP also granted TPS, have been al- Tdrug traffi cking and stem- been allowed to live and work in Trump directly and their position quest by its foreign minister – after renewal in March. Pence, Secretaries Tillerson and lowed to live and work legally in ming illegal migration from Cen- the US – sometimes for more than is fi rm,” said a frustrated Marleine much pressure from activists and Earlier, Hernandez was even Kelly to qualify Honduras for TPS. the US. tral America at this week’s Confer- a decade – under the special hu- Bastien, who has asked for Moise others – during a meeting with more forceful in a series of tweets The Honduras-United States of Last renewed in 2016 for 18 ence on Prosperity and Security in manitarian immigration status. to meet with her and TPS families department of homeland security in which he said he plans to raise America co-operation deserves months, the designation for both Miami. But the presidents of Hon- Their strong social media off en- when he visits Miami this week Secretary John Kelly. the issue with Pence, and Sec- special consideration,” he said in a Central American nations comes duras and El Salvador have another sive contrasts with the actions of for the Haitian American Business But Honduran President Juan retary of State Rex Tillerson and fi nal tweet. up for renewal in January. Sixty days pressing issue at the top of their Haitian President Jovenel Moise, Summit. “I’ve received calls from a Orlando Hernandez and Salvador Kelly. “Our compatriots with TPS There are currently about prior, the department of homeland agenda. who weighed in publicly on TPS couple of journalists from Hondu- Sanchez of El Salvador have shown have been integrated into the soci- 57,000 Hondurans receiving the security has to decide whether to Both leaders of Central Ameri- only after pressure from US-based ras wanting to know what the heck no reluctance to take on TPS. ety of the US,” Hernandez tweeted temporary immigration benefi t, extend or terminate the benefi t.

Guatemala Anti-Maduro protest earthquake Trump leaves kills one

Reuters Guatemala City aides guessing strong earthquake hit southwestern Guatema- Ala near the border with Mexico in the early hours of yes- terday, killing one person after on Cuba policy a church collapsed and cutting power, offi cials said. The 6.9-magnitude quake damaged buildings in the neigh- bouring southern Mexican state of Chiapas, authorities said, but there were no immediate reports announcement of deaths in Mexico. “The earthquake was felt Tribune News Service val contingent inside the White tion of Wheat Growers, said lo- throughout the national terri- Washington House that opposes Trump’s cal farmers are particularly con- tory and damage assessment campaign promise to roll back cerned, considering the growing has begun,” said Julio Sanchez, parts of former president Barack importance of selling their prod- spokesman for Guatemala’s resident Donald Trump Obama’s opening to the island. uct overseas. About half of the Conred national disaster centre. has a draft plan that would “I believe in nothing until the nation’s 2bn bushels of wheat is The earthquake hit 15km Pat least partially reverse the president says it because of what sold overseas. west-northwest of the city of Obama administration’s decision we’ve seen, especially with what “Trade is really our life blood San Marcos, at around 1.30am to ease Cuba restrictions. But happened with the Article 5 and here,” Wood said, adding. “It’s a local time (0730 GMT) at a rela- even some of his trusted advisers Nato,” said a source familiar with close market for us. They would tively deep 111kms, the US Geo- are wondering whether they can the administration’s discussions like to have our wheat. It would logical Survey (USGS) reported. bank on it, given the president’s about Cuba. “The president was be a pretty easy shot for us to The shallower the quake, the history of changing his mind on going to come out with a state- send it down to the Mississippi more dangerous it could be. the fl y. ment that he supported Article 5 and then across the Gulf to Cuba. An aftershock struck around According to people famil- and collective defence and then So we’d have an advantage logis- 20 minutes later, the agency said. iar with White House delibera- at the last second, certain ele- tically over a lot of countries.” Power went off in the Guate- tions on Cuba policy, Trump is ments at the White House got to Airbnb, one of the fi rst US malan departments of Retalhu- expected to prohibit companies him and he didn’t say that.” companies to off er accommoda- leu, Quetzaltenango and Such- from doing business with the The announcement is expect- tions to Cuba for US travellers, itepequez, authorities said. small country’s military, tighten ed to be made by Trump tomor- has also raised concerns. In a let- A church collapsed in San Se- travel to the island and possibly row in Miami. ter to Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., bastian, Retalhuleu, killing one set conditions on the communist The administration is keep- other Cuba working group mem- person, emergency services re- government if Havana wants to ing largely mum on the specifi cs, bers, national security adviser ported. maintain diplomatic relations. sharing details only at the mar- H R McMaster and Secretary of That kind of plan, if it sees the gins with a handful of advisers. State Rex Tillerson, Airbnb said light of day, could be welcome A White House offi cial con- the Cuban people have made Farc surrenders huge news for South Florida Republi- fi rmed that senior offi cials met $40mn by hosting US families. amount of weapons cans, including Sen. Marco Ru- on Tuesday afternoon to try and “We’ve spoken with Demo- Colombia’s Marxist Farc rebels bio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, fi nalise the Cuba policy, but said crats and Republicans and hope handed in rifl es and grenade who have been lobbying the they have yet to “put a bow on it.” any policy changes support peo- launchers in what were described White House to impose more re- “In general, it’s risky to get ple-to-people diplomacy and as meaningful strides toward a strictions. But it could hurt the ahead of the fi nal product,” that the individual Cubans and their deadline for a total surrender American agriculture and tour- White House offi cial said. families who have been empow- of arms within a week. The ism industries, whose executives That person reiterated what ered by the chance to earn money weapons, including pistols, were tell McClatchy they have been the president has said: Trump and share their space, culture and given to UN offi cials as part of a pushing the Trump administra- thinks Obama’s policy was “a bad community with travellers from deal to end a half-century of war. tion to keep newly opened, and deal” that “doesn’t do enough on around the world,” said Nick Pa- It was thought to be the fi rst time potentially lucrative, business human rights.” pas, a spokesman for Airbnb. the group’s stowed weapons lanes open. The business community is Polls suggest a majority of have been seen. Around 60% Advisers, having seen how the pressuring the former real es- Americans support greater en- of the Farc’s weapons were fi ght for infl uence among fac- tate mogul to follow his busi- gagement with Cuba. A Florida handed over by yesterday, and tions within the administration ness instincts and not reverse the International University poll last the remainder — to be stored at has played out on other contro- course set by Obama. There have year showed that 56% of Cuban- 26 sites around the country — are versial issues, such as support for been signifi cant business invest- Americans in Miami also favour due to be surrendered on June 20. Nato, say they won’t truly know ments, including daily fl ights, re-engagement with Cuba. “Demobilisation is being achieved until the words come out of the cruise stops and agricultural ini- The uncertainty over what at a very fast rate,” President Juan People prepare to block a main street during a protests against Venezuelan President Nicolas president’s mouth. Certainly, the tiatives. Trump will do is understandable. Manuel Santos said. Maduro’s government in Caracas, Venezuela, yesterday. group seeking a return to tighter Ken Wood, a wheat farmer and Trump was inconsistent on Cuba restrictions knows there is a ri- president of the Kansas Associa- during the campaign. Panama eyes big returns Flood-hit Argentina media tycoon dies at 92 from new ties with China Reuters Fernandez encouraged an in- Buenos Aires vestigation into the identity of Herrera de Noble’s two adopted Reuters Trade, Industry and Agriculture “Now Panama will be able to enjoy children, who human rights Panama City chamber. what our country can off er it in rnestina Herrera de No- groups long suspected were sto- The diplomatic U-turn comes various sectors.” ble, publisher of Argen- len as babies from murdered as China attempts to position itself Almost a fi fth of the cargo cross- Etina’s most widely circu- political prisoners during Argen- anama’s business commu- as a defender of free trade in the ing the isthmus last year went to or lated newspaper and one of the tina’s military dictatorship from nity cheered the Central face of the “America First” policy from China, which has been taking country’s wealthiest women, 1976 to 1983. PAmerican country’s deci- of Trump, who was elected in No- an increasing interest in the Pana- died in Buenos Aires yesterday, The 10-year battle with activ- sion to establish full diplomatic vember 2016. ma Canal. a spokesman for Grupo Clarin ists came to an end in 2011 when ties with China and ditch Taiwan, Chinese offi cials also celebrated In March, the canal’s admin- confi rmed. She was 92. tests showed the two children’s hoping to deepen links with a key the news. istrator, Jorge Quijano, said Chi- She took over the helm of the DNA did not match samples from customer of the nation’s shipping Wang Weihua, the permanent nese state fi rms were considering Clarin newspaper in 1969 after 55 families seeking to identify canal. representative in the Offi ce of developing land around the wa- the death of her husband Roberto missing relatives. Although there was regret at the China-Panama Trade Develop- terway, which was recently ex- Noble, the paper’s founder. Up to 30,000 people were kid- cost to Taiwan, an ally of various ment and Beijing’s top representa- panded. At the time of her death, she napped and killed during the so- Central American nations, there tive in the country, said various Taiwanese economic aid has was one of four controlling called Dirty War in a crackdown was broad support for President attempts had been made over the helped support Central America, shareholders of Grupo Clarin, on leftist dissent, according to Juan Carlos Varela’s decision to years without success to establish a region in the US’ backyard that Argentina’s largest media con- rights groups. throw his lot in with China, whose formal ties. relies heavily on agriculture and glomerate. Criticised for having too much growing global ambitions con- Late last year, more advanced struggles with law and order. Under Herrera de Noble’s political infl uence and market trast with US President Donald talks began with Varela’s team that Its remaining allies were guard- leadership, Clarin acquired radio share, Grupo Clarin was nearly Trump’s isolationist rhetoric. concluded only this week, said ed about what the future held for stations and television channels forced to break up under a Fern- “I’m sure it wasn’t an easy de- Wang, who added he was involved their ties with Taiwan, which Chi- on its way to becoming the South andez-backed anti-monopoly cision, given the long-term links in the discussions. na considers a renegade province. American country’s largest me- law. we’ve had with Taiwan, but none- China is interested in Panama Panama’s foreign minister, Isa- dia group. Clarin has a 41% share of the theless, (China) is a global super- for its strategic location, and as a bel de Saint Malo, said Varela had Late in her tenure, Grupo Buenos Aires area newspaper power, the world’s No 2 economy, trade and logistics hub, he added. expressed an interest a decade ago Clarin, which is listed on the market, according to a recent se- the second biggest user of the “China has made a big bet on in establishing ties with China. Buenos Aires bourse, became curities fi ling. canal — and so we think this is a Latin America, where it has stra- She hoped the move would lead locked in a dispute with former “They will not get us to stop positive development that will re- tegic investments, and Panama, to trade, investment and tourism president Cristina Fernandez af- doing journalism,” Herrera de sult in more business and invest- which didn’t have diplomatic rela- opportunities, especially for “ex- A street lies flooded in the city of Salto, Uruguay, yesterday ter its news outlets criticised the Noble said at a 2010 speech, ac- ment in Panama,” said Inocencio tions, was losing out on those ad- porting more goods from Panama after a river burst its banks. populist leader’s handling of a cording to an obituary published Galindo, president of Panama’s vantages,” he said in an interview. to China”. 2008 uprising by farmers. yesterday on Clarin’s website. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 23 PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN No military solution in PM Sharif gets clean chit from Afghanistan: UN chief election panel

Reuters said, recounting the struggle for Internews Sharif is among them,” an of- Kabul clean water, food, and hygiene Islamabad fi cial of the ECP said. materials that drives some to The ruling party could use beg. the ECP clean chit to its advan- here is no military solu- Guterres was set to meet Af- n a much-needed boost tage at a time when the Prime tion to the confl ict in Af- ghan President Ashraf Ghani, ahead of his appearance be- Minister’s family was facing a Tghanistan that is forcing who is trying to soothe domes- Ifore the Panama gate joint probe into its off shore assets, record numbers of people from tic political tension after recent investigation team (JIT), the he added. their homes, United Nations violence in the capital, Kabul. election watchdog yesterday Cases of some 30% MNAs Secretary General Antonio Gu- Ghani also hosted interna- gave the beleaguered prime are in diff erent stages of verifi - terres said yesterday, during an tional delegations last week in minister a clean chit after ‘ver- cation, he said, adding that an unannounced visit to the war- a bid to set the stage for peace ifying’ the statements of assets interesting development in this torn country. negotiations with the Taliban, and liabilities he had submitted regard is that the rest of the 20 Guterres’ fi rst visit as secre- which have remained stalled before it. per cent the ECP wrote to, ei- tary general comes as the Afghan amid widespread fi ghting. The Election Commission ther did not bother to respond government faces internal tur- If the Taliban do not begin ne- of Pakistan (ECP) has, for the at all or did not continue any moil, insurgents make gains na- gotiations soon, Ghani will seek fi rst time, started the process commutation after an initial tionwide and the international new UN sanctions against the of verifi cation of annual state- response. military coalition mulls plans to group as a sponsor of terrorism, ments of assets and liabilities Interestingly, Pakistan send thousands more troops to he told the June 6 meeting. of all lawmakers for the fi nan- Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran help struggling Afghan forces. Any sanctions would be up to cial year ending June 30, 2016. Khan’s case falls among those These combined threats have the UN Security Council, Gu- The process was supposed to MNAs who declined to reply worsened the crisis for refugees terres said. conclude by the end of the cur- to the ECP letter, offi cials dis- and internally displaced people, Afghanistan has endured too rent month. closed, requesting not to be forcing international bodies like many “foreign interventions”, But the newly- established named. the United Nations to call for however, he added, urging an political fi nance wing of the They said all members of the emergency funding. eventual deal to resolve the war. ECP is still stuck in its fi rst national and provincial assem- The crisis can only be solved United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres (centre) visits a camp for internally displaced people Thousands of international phase of scrutinising assets of blies are bound under Section by ending the war, said Guterres, outside Kabul yesterday. troops remain in Afghanistan to National Assembly members 42A (1) of the Representation standing in a makeshift camp on train and assist Afghan forces, (MNAs), and has yet to get of Peoples Act, 1975, (ROPA) to the outskirts of Kabul that ac- been forced to fl ee their homes, tion for Migration estimates that camp for the last two years with besides mounting counterter- time to approach senators and submit their own statements commodates Afghans displaced the United Nations says. at least 600,000 refugees could her family after their home was rorism operations. members of provincial assem- of assets and liabilities along by fi ghting. More than 218,000 Afghan return this year, piling strain on destroyed and her husband US President Donald Trump blies. with those of their spouses and “Peace is the solution for the refugees have also returned this aid groups struggling to help the killed by government forces bat- has given Defense Secretary Jim According to sources in the dependents to the ECP by Sep- problem,” said Guterres, previ- year from neighbouring Iran and newly displaced. tling Taliban occupying their Mattis the authority to set troop ECP, the relevant ECP wing tember 30 of each year. ously a United Nations’ high Pakistan, many citing pressure Khumri, a 30-year-old Af- village in the northeastern prov- levels in Afghanistan, opening had found ‘anomalies’ in the Incorporated in ROPA in commissioner for refugees. from authorities there. ghan woman who met Guterres, ince of Kapisa. the door for future troop in- statements of most of the 2002 during Musharraf’s era, At least 126,000 Afghans have The International Organisa- said she had lived in the squalid “We need everything,” she creases. MNAs when compared with the provision was used as a those related to the previous cosmetic exercise. two fi scal years. The ECP used to publish the This prompted the wing to said statements “as they were” write to all such MNAs, in- till it decided last year to verify cluding Prime Minister Na- them, said the offi cials. Afghan teen deported by Sweden World Bank to give waz Sharif, to clarify their Though not a thorough veri- position. fi cation, the ECP approved “Around 50% of the MNAs modus operandi for its new killed in Kabul blast: HRW Kabul $520mn credit we wrote to, seeking clarifi ca- wing before starting the exer- tion over certain points, have cise in December last year for been cleared Prime Minister the fi rst time, they said. AFP of deadly bombings. sions...Kabul is not safe.” AFP bank said in a statement. Kabul The teenager was among 20 Kabul has been on edge since Washington The rest will be allocated to asylum seekers that Sweden sent a massive truck bomb on May 31 anti-poverty reforms aimed IS captures Tora Bora in Afghanistan back on May 30. killed more than 150 people and at “increasing economic op- n Afghan teenager was He died in a bombing on June wounded hundreds in the city’s he World Bank has portunities” by developing the Islamic State (IS) militants Murad, a provincial council killed in a bombing less 3 that hit a funeral procession for fortifi ed diplomatic quarter, the said it had approved a private sector and improving have captured a key Taliban member from Nangarhar, said. Athan a week after being a man killed in anti-government deadliest attack in the Afghan T$520mn plan to help power supply to households hideout that once served as Israrullah said many families deported from Sweden, Human protests over spiralling insecu- capital since 2001. Afghanistan, which has been and businesses in Herat. Al Qaeda leader Osama bin had to “leave their crops, Rights Watch said yesterday, rity in the Afghan capital. Just days later protesters in- weakened by the Taliban in- “The international troop Laden’s fortress in eastern homes and flee the area” and calling on European nations to “European countries have censed by the bombing clashed surgency and gradual with- withdrawal, begun in 2011, Afghanistan, a local off icial are now displaced. halt repatriations as “Kabul is increasingly rejected the asy- with police, prompting authori- drawal of US troops. coupled with political un- said yesterday. The legendary complex not safe”. lum claims of Afghans with- ties to respond with live rounds, Almost half of the amount, certainties, have resulted The tunnel and cave complex of tunnels and caves once The deportation of rejected out denying their protection which left at least four people given in the form of grants, in a slowdown of economic of Tora Bora in eastern served as a hideout for Al asylum seekers from EU nations needs,” HRW said in a state- dead. will be dedicated to support- growth, while government Nangarhar fell to Islamic State Qaeda and bin Laden, who has been highly controversial, ment. Suicide bombers tore through ing people displaced by the budget pressures are increas- fighters early yesterday after escaped from the mountains with criticism mounting over “The idea that Kabul is a row of mourners at the funeral violence in the country and ing as security threats mount three to four days of heavy into Pakistan after US returning them to confl ict-torn considered ‘safe’ for Af- for one of the protesters, killing those returning from exile in and drive people from their fighting, Ustad Israrullah bombing. Afghanistan after a recent wave ghans has real repercus- at least seven more people. neighbouring Pakistan, the homes,” the bank said. In Pakistan, China presses advantage for ‘Silk Road’ contracts

Reuters state-owned Huaneng Shan- on the sidelines of a Paris power to sign off on the contract, said Islamabad dong and the Shandong Ruyi conference in August and infor- the government put pressure Science & Technology Group. mally talked about the transmis- on the regulator to accept State China Inc’s main advantage, sion line contract with them. Grid’s price demands, warning ast year, Pakistan held offi cials in both countries said, GE made an initial cost esti- the deal could come apart as the informal talks with Gen- is the ability of Chinese banks — mate of $800mn for the convert- Chinese were prepared to walk Leral Electric, Siemens with the blessing of the govern- er stations, against State Grid’s away. and Switzerland’s ABB to build ment — to fast-track loans for initial bid of $1.26bn, according Pakistan’s government did the country’s fi rst high-voltage projects related to the Silk Road. to documents from Nepra and not respond to claims Nepra was transmission line. That makes a huge diff erence sources familiar with GE’s cost put under pressure, although Chinese power giant State to projects like Pakistan’s power estimate. government offi cials have in the Grid committed to building the transmission line, which aims Despite the lower cost, the past voiced frustrations that the $1.7bn project in half the time of to end regular energy cuts that problem for Prime Minister Na- regulatory agency was slowing its European counterparts — and leave the country’s 190mn pop- waz Sharif’s government was down projects. clinched the deal. ulation without electricity for speed. The Nepra offi cial also said This is a familiar tale in Paki- several hours every day. Sharif has staked his political the Pakistani government had stan and many other countries. “(Chinese companies have) credibility on ending Pakistan’s sweetened the deal for State Grid As China makes its “Belt and that advantage because of the frequent power blackouts before by removing a 7.5% withholding Road” initiative — a massive support of the Chinese govern- the next general election are held tax on tariff s the Chinese com- project to connect Asia with ment,” said Mohamed Younus by August 2018. pany would charge consumers Africa and Europe through land Dagha, a senior government of- So, Dagha said he asked the the next 25 years. and maritime routes — a policy fi cial who was in charge at the Western companies to also The tax break, the Nepra of- priority for the next decade, Water and Power Ministry until match State Grid’s ambitious fi cial said, was not on off er for Chinese companies are taking earlier this year. timeline and wrap up work in 27 other companies. the lion’s share of infrastructure Dagha, who spoke to Reuters months. Federal government offi cials projects across the region. shortly before being transferred A bird flies past a power transmission tower on the outskirts of Islamabad. “They said ‘you must be jok- and the NTDC did not respond Just last year, Chinese fi rms to the Commerce Ministry, said ing...it’s impossible’,” Dagha re- to requests for comment on the won project contracts in Belt and Beijing was fast-tracking loan — while speeding up projects — nologies Company Limited lines and roads in Pakistan. called. removal of the withholding tax. Road countries worth $126bn, approvals and pushing its banks is also costing the country more (CET), the State Grid subsidiary During a meeting in Bejing Dagha said Western execu- State Grid was awarded the state media reported. and insurance fi rms to speed up money. that will build the line, said the last month, Chinese President Xi tives predicted it would take at contract in December last year. In Pakistan, whose geographi- due diligence work. In the transmission line price it asked for was fair. Jinping said that the plan would least 48 months to build the line. It charged $1.7bn, including a cal position makes it central Chinese government offi cials project deal, for example, Gen- “It’s a very reasonable cost,” be accelerated. “They said just to prepare the trimmed $1bn for the converter to Beijing’s “Silk Road” plans, declined comment on specifi c eral Electric estimated it could said Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry, The transmission line project proposal...and for the banks to stations, according to public contracts have been awarded loan approvals. make one key part of the line managing director of Pakistan’s was conceived as a government- agree to that would require at documents seen said. for projects worth more than But two offi cials at two Chi- — the converter stations — for National Transmission & Des- to-government contract to build least 8-9 months at the fastest Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s en- $28bn — all by Chinese compa- nese state-owned banks that di- about 25% less than what State patch Company (NTDC) refer- a 878-km connection between pace.” ergy minister, defended charges nies working together with local rect government funding, China Grid was charging, according to ring to the overall State Grid soon-to-built power plants near One Western energy company that Pakistan was favouring the fi rms. Development Bank (CDB) and a Pakistani government offi cial contract. the coastal town of Matiari and executive in Europe confi rmed Chinese or overpaying for power More than $20bn in new in- Export-Import Bank of China and two power sources familiar Chinese Foreign Ministry Pakistan’s industrial heartland the meeting took place. infrastructure. “That conclusion vestment is likely in the next few (EXIM), said that they have been with GE’s projections. spokeswoman Hua Chuny- by the eastern city of Lahore. Another executive in Europe is a bit misplaced, or exagger- years, Pakistan’s Planning Min- instructed by the government to By awarding the contract to ing said the process for Belt and According to Pakistani offi - who is familiar with the matter ated,” said Asif. ister Ahsan Iqbal told Reuters favour lending to Chinese fi rms State Grid, Islamabad paid a Road projects in Pakistan was cials, no formal competitive bid- said “international companies Ashfaq Mahmood, a former this week. for Silk Road projects. higher price, they said. “open and transparent” and ding was sought for the project, did not have the opportunity to top bureaucrat in Pakistan’s Last month, Pakistan’s gov- The offi cials also said that the An offi cial at Nepra, Pakistan’s would bolster bilateral relations which was fi nally awarded in De- make a bid for the project”.Both Water and Power Ministry, said ernment took out full-page two banks prefer that compa- independent energy regulator, and regional prosperity. cember last year. sources declined to be named. the reality of Pakistan’s need to newspaper advertisements on nies working on infrastructure said State Grid was also given a The edge of Chinese compa- But the offi cials said GE, Sie- General Electric, Siemens and improve its infrastructure made the fi rst China-Pakistan project projects across the region im- tax break not on off er to other nies in Pakistan is likely to con- mens and ABB were contacted ABB declined to comment. a certain reliance on its bigger completed under the plan, a port raw materials or purchase investors. tinue. when initial talks with State Grid There was domestic pressure neighbour inevitable. 1,300MW coal plant that it said equipment from China. Pakistani government offi cials Under the Silk Road plan, stalled around mid-2016 over in Pakistan to speed up the deal, “This is an opportunity on was constructed in 22 months, a There is some criticism in Pa- declined to comment on tax is- China and Pakistan are planning costs. several government and regula- which the Chinese have capi- record time for such a facility. kistan that the awarding of the sues regarding the deal. to build $57bn worth of power Dagha said he briefl y met of- tory offi cials said. talised and we cannot blame The plant is owned by China’s contracts to Chinese companies China Electric Power Tech- plants, port facilities, railway fi cials from the three companies An offi cial at Nepra, which had them.” Gulf Times 24 Thursday, June 15, 2017 PHILIPPINES

Soldiers aboard a vehicle manoeuvre through a street in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao yesterday. Black smoke comes from a burning building in a commercial area of Osmena street in Marawi city, yesterday. US troops in non-fi ghting role near besieged Marawi city: govt Government forces attack porters. “We are in the fi nal stage rebels with tanks of our operation in Marawi. But we have to be very careful with Reuters our actions because there are Marawi City still civilians in the area, they still have hostages and there are still people trapped in the fi re- S troops are on the fi ght. ground near Marawi City The military said 290 people Uin the southern Philip- had been killed, including 206 pines, but are not involved in militants, 58 soldiers and 26 ci- fi ghting militants who have held vilians. parts of the city for more than About 100 militants are in the three weeks, a Philippines mili- besieged area, the military has tary spokesman said yesterday. said. The Philippines military has There are also an estimated previously said the United States 300-600 civilians trapped or was providing technical assist- being held hostage in the city. ance to end the occupation of Islamic State’s news agency, parts of Marawi City by fi ght- Amaq, said its fi ghters control- ers allied to the Islamic State led two-thirds of the city. group, but it had no boots on the Responding to the report, ground. Evacuees are seen at the Lanao Del Sur Provincial Capital in Marawi on the southern island A Philippine Air Force helicopter releases a rocket as government troops continue their assault Lieutenant General Carlito “There are some US personnel of Mindanao. against insurgents from the Maute group, who have taken over large parts of Marawi city. Galvez, head of military com- who are operating equipment to mand in Western Mindanao, told provide information on situation of Special Forces based in the on Saturday after it lost commu- ing in Marawi, and there was no “At the very least, it is not at tions which fear Islamic State — Reuters the militants controlled awareness to our troops,” Briga- southern city of Zamboanga, nication links with its operator, sign that it would end any time all clear that government forces on the back foot in Iraq and Syria 20% of the town. dier General Restituto Padilla the Philippines military has said the offi cial said. soon. are presently winning or even — is trying to set up a stronghold “The truth is probably some- told a news conference. previously. Yesterday, government forces “There will be no more dead- gaining signifi cant ground,” said on Mindanao island that could where in between,” said the US “I do not know the exact The US embassy in Manila attacked rebel positions in Ma- lines,” said Padilla, referring to a the offi cial, who spoke on condi- threaten their region. security offi cial. number and the specifi c mis- did not respond to a request for rawi with bombs, tank fi re and promise by the military to clear tion of anonymity. Another Philippines mili- The Philippines has been sion. They are allowed to carry comment. helicopter gunships, and plumes the city by June 12, the country’s “Islamic State demonstrated tary spokesman said troops had fi ghting twin insurgencies from rifl es for self-defence. But they A US offi cial in Washington, of smoke could be seen rising independence day.”It may take signifi cant determination and gained a signifi cant advantage by Maoist-led rebels and separa- are not allowed to fi ght, they speaking on condition of ano- from the battered city. some time.” success in capturing and hold- taking control of eight high-rise tists in the south for nearly 50 only provide support,” he said. nymity, said the United States Some sniper shots could be In Washington, a security of- ing Mosul in Iraq and their eff ort building in the battle zone where years. Critics say military ac- It was not clear how close to was providing a P-3 surveillance heard. fi cial who is familiar with the in Marawi is of a similar notable the militants had set up snipers tion is not enough to bring peace the battle zone the US troops plane as well as intelligence Fighting died down in the af- region said the battle in Marawi quality.” and machine-gun posts. to a region that has long suf- were. gathering from a drone. ternoon when heavy rain fell. appeared to be locked in a stale- The seizure of Marawi has “This is very important,” fered from political neglect and They were from a contingent That drone, however, crashed It was the 23rd day of fi ght- mate. alarmed Southeast Asian na- Colonel Edgard Arevalo told re- poverty. Survey reveals big decline Students urged to stay away in out-of-school Filipinos from tobacco products, vaping By Mayvelin U Caraballo high cost of education. The sur- as the key reason for not at- Manila Times vey also said there were more fe- tending school. In 2014, 22.9% By Kenneth Hare Hernandez lation,” she added. Ubial how- “We released an advisory male OSCYs than males. of OSCYs were not able to at- Manila Times ever said she was confi dent from the Food and Drug Ad- tend school because of high the youth know how and when ministration that the prod- ne in every 10 Filipinos “This ratio fell to educational cost. to not give in to pressure from ucts and components used in aged six to 24 years is an 20.2 percent in 2016, “This ratio fell to 20.2 per- n observance of June as peers. vape are still tobacco. So it still Oout-of-school child and suggesting an cent in 2016, suggesting an “National No Smoking “We know our youth are in contains the 7,000 dangerous youth (OSCY), a government improvement in the improvement in the relative af- IMonth,” the Department of control. A single puff may hook chemicals that are found in cig- survey showed. relative aff ordability fordability of education,” Du- Health (DOH) yesterday urged you for the rest of your life and arettes,” she said. Results of the 2016 An- of education” malagan said. students of Felipe G Calderon chain you to various diseases,” “They say that (electronic nual Poverty Indicators Survey However, the LandBank High School in Tondo to stay she said. cigarettes_are a safer alterna- (APIS) released by the Philip- The APIS is a nationwide economist said despite recent away from tobacco-related “By the time you reach adult- tive but we in the health sec- pine Statistics Authority (PSA) survey conducted by the PSA. gains in the country’s educa- products and even “vaping” hood, tobacco will take its toll tor say there is no safe level of showed that 9.8% or 3.81mn of Around 11,000 sample house- tional system, some areas of that might lead to long-term on you – stroke, heart diseases, exposure to tobacco smoke. So the estimated 38.97mn Filipinos holds are covered in the survey improvement remain, particu- addiction. lung diseases and cancer in al- even if it has a small amount of 6 to 24 years old were not en- nationwide. The survey is de- larly on the amount of encour- Health Secretary Paulyn Jean most anywhere in your body. tobacco, it is still not safe,” she rolled in schools. signed to provide non-income agement or support families Rosell-Ubial said there was no “Studies have shown that Those are risks you would not added. The number of OSCY is 68% indicators related to poverty give to their children. more compelling argument in most young people who smoke be happy taking,” she added. Ubial, citing Executive Order lower than the 12.2mn reported at the national level. It aims to In 2016, the proportion of favour of tobacco use given the regularly continue to smoke The Health secretary also (EO) 26 by President Rodrigo in 2014. gather data on the socio-eco- OSCYs who cited “lack of per- harmful eff ects of smoking on throughout adulthood and discouraged the use of elec- Duterte, reiterated that smok- “In this report, OSCY refers to nomic profi le of families and sonal interest” and “marriage/ adolescents. fall prey to being replacement tronic cigarettes or “vapes,” ing in public places and public family members six to 14 years other information related to family matters” as key reasons She cited the Global Youth smokers of the tobacco indus- saying they contain almost conveyances – schools work- old who are not attending formal their living conditions. for not attending school in- Survey that found a signifi cant try,” Ubial said. the same chemicals used in places, sidewalks, and public school; and family members 15 “The results of the 2016 APIS creased to 19.7% (from 14.2% increase in the number of those “This creates a vicious cy- cigarettes. She also said vaping vehicles are prohibited. The to 24 years old who are current- show the impact of the gov- in 2014) and 42.3% (from 18.7% who started smoking at ages 13 cle of young tobacco users and leads to more serious addiction sale of tobacco products to mi- ly out of school, not gainfully ernment’s thrust to improve in 2014), respectively, he ex- to 15 between 2011 and 2015. unhealthy future adult popu- to tobacco. nors is also banned. employed, and have not fi n- education in the country,” said plained. ished college or post-secondary Land Bank of the Philippines Dumalagan said the rising course,” the PSA explained. market economist Guian An- share of these two reasons for CRIME Based on the survey, 1.5% of gelo Dumalagan. not attending school suggests Police off icer faces charges of robbery, extortion after entrapment operation children aged 6 to 11 years were Comparing the latest survey that there may be a need to initi- OSCYs. to the 2014 APIS, Dumalagan ate programmes that would urge A police Intelligence operative assigned to the Candelaria Philippine who reported that the off icer was asking for P70,000 for the settlement of Of the 3.81mn OSCYs, 87.3% noted that the number of OS- families to encourage their chil- National Police (PNP) is facing a charge of robbery with extortion, after he the case filed against her niece Rose Mae Libo-on and her friend Jamela were 16 to 24 years old, CYs declined to 3.8mn in 2016 dren to complete their education was arrested while receiving money from the relative of a suspect in an Bondoc. Libo-on and Bondoc were arrested for alleged possession of il- 7.7% were 12 to 15 years old from 12.2mn two years ago “These programmes might be illegal drug case, Manila Times reported. legal drugs on June 12 by Candelaria PNP personnel led by Valdepena. He and 5% were 6 to 11 years old. “consistent with the country’s directed to lower income house- Police Off icer 2 Arnel Valdepena was arrested on Tuesday afternoon in was arrested after receiving from the complainant two P500 marked money A majority, or 42.3%, said improving enrolment rates.” holds, as this segment of the front of the Regional Trial Court Building in Barangay 10 here by joint incorporated in a bundle of bills amounting to P18,000 as advance payment marriage or family problems He said there was also a drop population is more prone to leave elements of the Off ice of the Chief PNP, Counter Intelligence Task Force for the settlement of the case. Also recovered from the possession of Valde- prevented them from going to in the proportion of OSCY’s school due to family reasons or (CITF) and Quezon PNP. An entrapment was carried out on Valdepena af- pena were a 9mm calibre pistol, two magazines loaded with ammunition, a school, while 20.2% cited the who cited “financial concern” lack of interest,” he added. ter a complaint was received from Gilbeth Caponitan of San Pablo, Laguna PNP ID, P7,860.00 cash, two cellphones, a gold bracelet, a necklace and a ring. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 25 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Nepal to deport climber after illegal Tibet crossing Nepal said yesterday it would deport a Polish climber who illegally entered the country by Rescuers battle to reach crossing from Tibet at the summit of Mount Everest, AFP reports from Kathmandu. Janusz Adam Adamski, 49, climbed the world’s highest peak in May from the northern route in Tibet before descending on the southern side into Nepal. victims of landslides Adamski had no entry visa for Nepal or permission to be on AFP clearing mud with shovels and Everest’s southern side, having Chittagong water pumps. only paid Chinese authorities “The bodies were three to fi ve for a permit to ascend from feet deep in mud. We pumped Tibet. escue workers battled water at a force to clear the “We have decided to deport him yesterday to reach vic- mud,” said Didarul Alam, fi re and ban him from entering Nepal Rtims of landslides, de- services chief for Rangamati for one year, as he was found to scribed as the worst in Bangla- district have breached the immigration desh’s history, as the death toll The fi refi ghters had pulled 18 laws of Nepal,” Ganga Ram Gelal, from the disaster rose to 152. people out from under the mud director-general, the Immigration Villagers in some of the on Tuesday, but did not have Department, said. worst-hit areas used shovels to the manpower to reach all the Gelal said police would try to dig bodies out of the mud aff ected areas. escort Adamski to the airport that engulfed their settlements Alam said his team had been Thursday. as they slept. able to reach more areas on Last week the Pole was Authorities say hundreds of Wednesday after 60 reinforce- also slapped with a 10-year homes were buried by mud and ments arrived from neighbour- climbing ban, but authorities rubble sent cascading down ing Chittagong. waived the $22,000 fine hillsides after monsoon rains Authorities have opened 18 imposed on mountaineers dumped 343mm (13.5 inches) shelters in the worst-hit hill who ascend the peak without of water on the southeast of the districts, where 4,500 people a permit. country in just 24 hours. have been evacuated, a minister “The government took a light Disaster Management De- said. stance because he said in a partment chief Reaz Ahmed The monsoon rains came statement he was alone and said the landslides were the two weeks after Cyclone Mora unwell when he reached the worst in the country’s history smashed into Bangladesh’s summit and feared for his and warned the death toll would southeast, killing at least eight life if he descended from the rise as rescuers reached cut-off people and damaging tens of north side,” said Department areas. thousands of homes. of Tourism spokesman Durga Khodeza Begum narrowly South Asia is frequently hit Dutta Dhakal. survived the disaster, which de- by fl ooding and landslides in Adamski posted on Facebook stroyed her home and killed 11 the summer with the arrival of shortly after traversing from Tibet people in her village. the annual monsoon rains. to Nepal that he was the first Pole She told a local news web- Extreme weather in the far and just the 15th person ever to site how she emerged from her northeastern Indian state of achieve the feat - suggesting it home just after dawn on Tues- Mizoram along the border with was the realisation of a lifelong day to see the mountainside Bangladesh left 12 people dead, Army and firefighters work to remove debris as they search for bodies after a landslide in Rangamati yesterday. ambition. collapsing in front of her. an offi cial there said yesterday. Adamski has not responded to “As I came out, I saw a huge “Many people are reported ing the island has seen in well Rescue work has been hobbled Tracts have participated in the Among the victims in the lat- requests for comment. slab of earth rolling down from missing. Hundreds of houses, over a decade. by heavy rains, which have cut rescue operations,” armed forces est disaster were two fi shermen The Pole is the second foreigner the hill. Instantly I got all my roads and some mobile tow- Experts in Bangladesh said transport links to some remote spokesman Lieutenant Colonel who drowned off the coast of to land himself in trouble with relatives out of their homes,” ers have been damaged in the unplanned development in vul- areas. Rashidul Hasan said. Cox’s Bazar after their boat ap- Nepali authorities on Everest this she said. fl ooding and landslides in the nerable areas was making the The army said thousands of Rangamati district chief parently capsized. Other trawl- month. “My house was buried under region,” N Chakhai, the state’s annual rains more deadly. troops stationed in the aff ected Manzurul Mannan said 104 peo- ers and their sailors were still South African Ryan Sean Davy mud within moments. I have head of disaster management, “There is a backlash eff ect. districts as part of eff orts to ple had been killed there and 200 missing. was caught attempting to climb never seen a disaster like this in said. These things accelerate the pace quell a long-running tribal in- injured, some of them seriously. As rain pounded Cox’s Bazar the 8,848m (29,030ft) mountain my life.” More than 200 people were of the disaster and make it more surgency had joined the rescue At least 37 people died in for a third day, police confi rmed without a permit, and was Firefi ghters in the worst-hit killed in Sri Lanka last month fatal,” S M A Fayez, an envi- eff orts. Chittagong, scene of a major that a father and daughter had banned from mountaineering district of Rangamati recovered when the monsoon triggered ronmental science professor at “Our soldiers based in all landslide in 2007 that killed 127 been killed when a landslide in the Nepali Himalayas for 10 six more bodies yesterday after landslides and the worst fl ood- Dhaka University, said. parts of the Chittagong Hill people. buried their home. years. Lanka vows Arrest of envoy in New York tougher laws is a treaty violation: Dhaka

Reuters without pay through threats Richard Brown in a statement the case in bad faith and the al- Dhaka and intimidation. on Monday. legations were “fabricated” and after wave of “We have reasons to believe According to the indictment, “baseless”. that the arrest is a clear viola- Islam brought another Bangla- Bail was set at $50,000 bond angladesh said yesterday tion of the Vienna Convention deshi, Ruhul Amin, to New York or $25,000 cash. the arrest of one of its on Consular Relations 1963. between 2012 and 2013 to work Shameem Ahsan, the Bang- Bdiplomats in New York We have lodged a strong protest as household help. ladeshi consul general in New hate crimes on charges of labour traffi ck- with the chargé d’aff aires of the Soon after Amin arrived, Is- York, said yesterday from New ing and assault appeared to be United States embassy in Dha- lam allegedly took his passport York that Islam has been released a violation of an international ka,” the foreign ministry said in and made him work 18 hours a from a correctional centre. AFP ing to tackle arson attacks on treaty on the treatment of a statement. day, allegedly without pay, ac- Islam was not immediately Colombo Muslim homes, shops and a diplomats. The ministry on Tuesday cording to the indictment. available for comment. cemetery. Mohammad Shahedul Islam, summoned a US diplomat to ex- “If the victim disobeyed the The Bangladeshi embassy in On Sunday, police announced the deputy consul general of press its dismay over the arrest. defendant’s orders, Amin was Washington was in contact with ri Lanka’s prime minis- they had arrested a 32-year-old Prime Minister Ranil Bangladesh Consulate General Islam has limited diplomatic allegedly physically assaulted,” the State Department about the ter yesterday promised member of the radical Buddhist Wickramasinghe: “The police in New York was indicted on immunity and was ordered to it said. prompt resolution of the case, Stougher legislation to deal Force, or BBS, in connection as well as all other relevant Monday on charges of labour surrender his passport when he A spokesman for the Bang- the foreign ministry said. with hate crimes after an up- with those incidents and would authorities have been ordered traffi cking and assault for forc- appeared in court in New York, ladesh embassy in Washington “We hope our concerns will surge in attacks on the minority also question more members of to ensure law and order is ing his domestic helper to work said Queens District Attorney said it believed Amin had fi led be duly addressed,” it said. Muslim community. the group. maintained.” Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed The BBS was accused of insti- not to allow a repeat of 2014 gating the 2014 religious riots, Its leader, Buddhist monk anti-Muslim riots in which four but it escaped prosecution under Galagodaatte Gnanasara, people died and hundreds of the then-strongman president has been living underground homes were destroyed. Mahinda Rajapakse. since May 26 as police in- Nepal “The police as well as all other With stoning and desecra- vestigated more than a dozen relevant authorities have been tion of Muslim-owned places complaints of incitement ordered to ensure law and order now an almost daily occurence, against him. protesters is maintained,” he said in a spe- the government faces interna- Earlier this month, Western cial address to the nation. tional criticism over its failure diplomats urged Sri Lanka to “We are ready to introduce to tackle the violence and rein take action to stop the re- arrested new laws.” in the BBS. newed outbreak of religious Wickremesinghe did not give In a video message released violence. details, but offi cial sources said Sunday, the group denied any The head of the European during the government would introduce involvement, but accused Union delegation in Co- new provisions to prosecute hate the government of allowing lombo, Tung-Lai Margue, speech. Islamic extremism to fl our- said it was crucial there shutdown The pledge followed criti- ish in the Buddhist-majority was “no impunity for hate cism that police were fail- nation. crimes”. DPA Kathmandu

epal police arrested At least 10 killed in bus accident three protesters yes- Nterday for attacking a police vehicle in the country’s IANS carrying around 30 passengers 500km west of the Nepal capital. southern region during a four- Kathmandu plunged some 300m down to the Offi cials said a few injured day shutdown to protest an Karnali river at around 3:30pm passengers are receiving treat- upcoming election. Nepali Madhesi protesters, a marginalised group in the southern plains, hold a torch rally in Janakpur, local time. ment at local hospitals while the The protesters also attacked as they protest against forthcoming local elections. t least 10 passengers Adhikari said that 18 people seriously-injured ones would a passenger bus, said Nabin were killed when a bus were injured in the accident. be airlifted to Kathmandu for Bhandari, a police offi cer in The polls, set to be the fi rst day, protesters detained some The party said it will organ- Aveered off the road and “We have launched rescue op- further treatment. Gaur, a town in southeastern in 20 years, are crucial for 50 polling offi cers undergoing ise another four-day nation- plunged down at Rakam Kar- erations with the support of local Adhikari said they are yet Nepal. the implementation of the election training and released wide shutdown of markets, nali of Dailekh district in the residents and police,” Adhikari to ascertain the cause of the Traffi c was light in the area country’s controversial new them a few hours later in a schools, factories, offi ces and mid-western region of Nepal told Xinhua from the accident accident. but shops and schools were constitution. south-eastern town, said Man- traffi c leading up to the polls on yesterday, a senior government site. The poor condition of roads open despite the shutdown, he The fi rst round of voting in ish Kumar Suman, a leader of June 28. offi cial said. The bus was heading from Ka- and ill-maintained vehicles added. mid-May marked the fi rst elec- Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal, a The Madhesis protested Prakash Adhikari, chief of likot to Mahendranagar of Kan- contribute to frequent road The protesters have vowed tions in 20 years and saw turn- political party that represents against the constitution in 2015, the district administration of- chanpur district, a city located accidents in mostly moun- to disrupt the second round of out of more than 70% in three the protesters, who are domi- leading to months of unrest and fi ce of Dailekh, said that at least in the far western region of Ne- tainous Nepal, local media voting scheduled for later this provinces. nated by the Madhesi ethnic clashes with security forces that 10 people were killed as the bus pal bordering with India, some reports said. month. In another incident yester- minority. left 50 people dead. Gulf Times 26 Thursday, June 15, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko How to prevent the

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar [email protected] UK’s self-destruction Telephone 44350478 (news), 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) By Jim O’Neill advisers spent most of her time telling economic and social pain. So one in areas that have nothing to do with Fax 44350474 London the cabinet how things were going to clear conclusion of the recent vote is Brexit. The Northern Powerhouse, go. that May will have to consider some designed to revitalise the UK’s This culminated in May’s disastrous “softer” form of Brexit than she was economically neglected north, which f you were a Briton who had decision to seek a bigger majority. The previously willing to countenance. has shown early signs of success (the been stuck in Antarctica for snap general election she called in Instead of worrying about whether Northwest, for example, has been the past year and a half, you April, when the Tories were 20 points Parliament will pass future bills outperforming the rest of the country Imight be forgiven for wishing ahead in opinion polls, has now left related to the UK’s withdrawal from economically for the past 12-15 GULF TIMES you had stayed put. The decisions the United Kingdom with a minority the EU, why not head off impasses by months), needs more support from taken during your absence by British government. bringing in some Labour fi gures – and government. politicians, especially the leaders of But maybe it is not the politicians others – as part of a broadened Brexit Intergenerational inequality also the Conservative Party, have called alone who are mad. Perhaps many negotiating team? needs to be addressed. Young people into question your country’s future. voters are, too. Many are now eagerly off ering their need greater access to a useful and Can anybody stop The United Kingdom seems to have Consider young voters, who in the views as to whether the UK should aff ordable post-secondary education, lost its grip on sanity. But the madness recent election appear to have gone look again at the “Norway model” as well as the chance to aff ord their can be reversed. to the polls in droves, giving huge of relations with the EU, or some own homes. If their demands are not First, recall that in the May 2015 support to Labour’s far-left leader, other scheme that maintains UK properly represented, they might turn general election, the Conservatives Jeremy Corbyn. If young people had participation in the single market. away from voting in the future – and the Warriors? won an outright parliamentary participated in the Brexit referendum Whatever the option, it is now clear toward less constructive forms of majority, having previously been in in similar numbers, the UK would have that Britain needs a policy that can protest. a (surprisingly successful) coalition voted “Remain.” Today’s uncertainty, command broad and genuine support. The UK needs to be far more serious with the Liberal Democrats since 2010. magnifi ed by signs that the UK A second change for the better about skills training, embedding it Probably not The Tories clearly didn’t expect their economy’s positive momentum is would, I hope, be less controversial: in the country’s educational DNA comprehensive victory, and some waning, would remain the stuff of reducing the power bestowed in the in the way that apprenticeships During the fourth game of the 2017 NBA fi nals, the argue that it was the party’s promise to nightmares. UK on non-elected Special Advisers, are embedded in Germany’s. More Cleveland Cavaliers produced a spirited performance to hold a referendum on European Union So how can this self-destruction be or SPADs, who have become dominant generally, the best way to serve today’s membership that made it possible. stopped? fi gures in all government departments. young people is to make higher defeat the Golden State Warriors and prolong the title I am dubious of that claim. But For starters, assume that the During my 17-month experience as productivity a national priority. battle. The score was now 3-1. the salient fact is that by early spring Conservative Party remains petrifi ed a minister, I became convinced that But for any of this to happen, May 2016, with the Brexit referendum just about choosing a new leader or the SPADs’ excessive power – and needs to use the fear of a leadership Last season, the Warriors were leading 3-1 and were three months away, Whitehall and the holding another general election. To haughty approach – undermines the battle within the Conservative Party, the favourites to win the title. But Cavaliers produced government had, in essence, lost all avoid both, the Tories will need to get UK’s excellent civil service, as well as and the party’s dread of anther a stunning fi ghtback to win the next three games and sway over policy. I know because I was past their paranoia and make their elected and appointed ministers. general election, to get ahead of the part of that government, serving as a next government – possibly involving May’s two leading SPADs, Fiona coming challenges. After two years become the fi rst team in the history of the NBA to Treasury minister. a formal agreement with Northern Hill and Nick Timothy, took this of government fecklessness, Britain overcome a 3-1 defi cit. Surely they couldn’t pull off After the “Leave” camp won the Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party danger to worrying levels. They deserves better. – Project Syndicate another miracle. And they didn’t. referendum, the Conservative Party, – a sustainable arrangement. That have now paid the price, with May split over withdrawal from the EU, will require greater fl exibility and sacking them at the demand of her zJim O’Neill, a former chairman of Warriors went on to win the fi fth game and win the responded with a change in leadership inclusiveness on key policy issues. party. SPADs certainly have a role to Goldman Sachs Asset Management fi nals 4-1. Kevin Durant put on a great show, scoring 39 from David Cameron to Theresa On Brexit, for example, while play, but not the exalted one they too and a former UK Treasury Minister, May and a signifi cant shift in focus the most vehement Leavers and often abuse. is Honorary Professor of Economics points, to help his team win the game and lift the title. for May’s new government. But the Remainers will stick to their strong Third, the UK needs to put today’s at Manchester University and former Durant, having scored an average of 35.2 points in the Tories still had little sway over policy, bias, it seems pretty clear that the political drama into perspective, and Chairman of the British government’s fi ve games played, was deservedly declared the MVP of because May and her overweening electorate does not want to bear any get on with policymaking, including Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. the fi nals. Durant had suff ered the disappointment of losing in the NBA fi nals during his time with Oklahoma Thunder, when his team had lost to Miami Heat in 2012. Many experts believe that it was the signing of Durant that turned the Warriors into a sensational team from a great team. They already have excellent players in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. And then came along Durant. This team has won its second NBA title in three years. It could have been three consecutive titles, if it hadn’t been for the shocker last season. And it has to be noted that had Green was suspended for Game 5 of the 2016 fi nals. If he had played, the end result would have ended diff erently. This season the Warriors have been on a diff erent level. When they defeated the Cavaliers in Game 3 of the fi nals, they extended the longest winning streak in NBA playoff history to 15 games. This Warriors Even the combined might of LeBron James win is ominous and Kyle Irving could for their rivals. only take one game away from the Warriors. It looks like this The Cavaliers are the super team is Warriors’ biggest If young people had participated in the Brexit referendum as they did in the recent elections, the UK would have voted “Remain.” going to remain challengers and even they fell short, by a lot. on top of the pile This win is ominous for quite some for their rivals. It looks Can US states right Trump’s wrongs? like this super team time is going to remain on By Barry Eichengreen interference, thereby preserving a bill to create a single-payer health isolationism. Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s top of the pile for quite Venice southern business owners’ and plan without specifying how to pay for budget director, has himself made some time. Curry and Durant are 29 years old while farmers’ control of their black it. One possibility is a 15% payroll tax. the case. “If you live in a state that labour force. More recently, socially Another is to plow Medicare dollars wants to mandate maternity coverage Thompson and Green are 27. The latter two have been S President Donald conservative states have appealed provided by the federal government for everybody, including 60-year- signed till the 2018-19 season. While free agents Curry Trump, with the help of to the Tenth Amendment to oppose into the plan. But it is unclear whether old women, that’s fi ne,” And if you and Durant are expected to stay on. a Republican-controlled progressive legislation and the either approach is politically viable. don’t, “then you can fi gure out a way Congress, is undermining expansion of federal powers more Like the residents of other “blue” to change the state that you live in” These four musketeers have proven to be the backbone U many of the fundamental values generally. (Democratic) states, Californians or alter “state legislatures and state for the Warriors and have it in them to guide the team to that Americans hold dear. He is Now the tables have turned. clearly prefer more spending on laws,” in Mulvaney’s words. “Why do jeopardising their access to healthcare Can Americans who oppose the education and social services. The we look to the federal government to more glory. The Celtics run of 11 titles in 13 years maybe by seeking to repeal the 2010 contraction of social programmes problem is that they are already try and fi x our local problems?” a bit too much. How about the Chicago Bulls’ run where Aff ordable Care Act (“Obamacare”). and revocation of progressive federal subject to some of the highest In the vindictive scenario, by they won six crowns in eight years? With the prowess His budget proposes massive cuts legislation use states’ rights to counter personal income and business taxes in contrast, Trump and the Congress in everything from early childhood these trends? the country. Groups like the Howard could seek to limit progressive states’ that this team has, it would be foolhardy to think education to food stamps and Consider environmental policy. Jarvis Taxpayers Association warn rights. They could prohibit use of otherwise. medical research. His tax reform California already has its own that further increases could lead to a Medicare funds for single-payer plan, and especially its much lower relatively stringent standards for massive exodus of businesses and jobs. health plans. They could refuse to Their record is 207-39 in the past three seasons. Maybe top rate for “pass-through” business vehicle emissions. Fourteen other Two of my Berkeley colleagues, renew the waiver of Environmental the Cavaliers or the San Antonio Spurs could prove to be income, implies signifi cant further states have adopted those standards, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman, Protection Agency regulations that worthy opponents but, based on the current form, they redistribution of income to the which therefore cover 40% of the US have come up with a two-part solution allows California to impose its more wealthy. population. Auto companies can’t to this problem. First, they would tax stringent emissions standards. all seem to be hurdles that can be overcome rather than Most recently, his misguided aff ord to produce two diff erent sets of the global profi ts of companies on They could invoke the Commerce insurmountable roadblocks. Time for Warriors to fi ll up decision to withdraw from the Paris cars for states with strict and lenient the basis of the share of their sales Clause of the Constitution as part climate agreement jeopardises emission rules. So California could occurring in California. Second, they of an eff ort to prevent states from the trophy cabinet then. America’s global standing. Worse, well dictate emissions standards for would levy a modest 1% wealth tax signing climate accords with foreign it puts the health and welfare of the the country. on residents with assets of more than countries. They could eliminate the planet at risk. Moreover, one can imagine $20mn. Critics will warn of a brain federal deductibility of state taxes To Advertise This is a good time to remember California signing voluntary climate drain, but do we really think that a 1% to increase the cost of funding state that the United States is a federal deals with China and other countries tax would convince, say, the venture programmes. They could curtail [email protected] system, not a unitary state with an in an eff ort to restore the culture capitalist Peter Thiel to pack up and federal support for public services Display all-powerful central government of oversight and accountability of move to New Zealand? in sanctuary cities and states with Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 (think France). Its system is enshrined the Paris accord. Indeed, the state’s There are two scenarios – one immigrant-friendly policies. in the Tenth Amendment of the US cap-and-trade carbon programme benign, the other vindictive – for what We Americans are about to fi nd out Classified Constitution, which stipulates that all is the model for the carbon-trading another of my Berkeley colleagues, in which US, benign or vindictive, we Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 powers not expressly assigned to the scheme that Chinese offi cials are Laura Tyson, has called “progressive now live. – Project Syndicate federal government are “reserved to currently considering. It is worth federalism.” Subscription the states.” recalling that California is the world’s In the benign scenario, people zBarry Eichengreen is a professor at [email protected] Traditionally, states’ rights were sixth largest economy, a fact that will club together in diff erent states the University of California, Berkeley, invoked by southern states to defend makes it a plausible interlocutor for on the basis of their preferences and the University of Cambridge. His slavery, and then nearly a century environmentally conscious countries. for big or small government, public latest book is Hall of Mirrors: The Great 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved of Jim Crow (the legal framework After that, however, it gets harder. or private provision of services, Depression, the Great Recession, and for racial segregation), from federal The California State Senate just passed and international cooperation or the Uses – and Misuses – of History. Gulf Times Thursday, June 15, 2017 27 COMMENT How Macron keeps winning

By Philippe Aghion Now French voters have rebuffed and Benedicte Berner them. Paris Third, the reconstruction of the French political landscape goes far beyond the radical changes likely to mmanuel Macron’s one-man occur in the distribution of National revolution in French and Assembly seats that will occur once the European politics continued second round is complete. Some future Ethis weekend, as he will soon MPs from the two traditional parties, be able to add a huge parliamentary as well as others, will almost certainly majority to his cause, if the results buck their own party leaders to vote from the fi rst round of the French for Macron’s planned reforms. Indeed, parliamentary election hold. Such an more than 30 members of the National outcome appears to be very likely. Assembly from Les Republicains, as well Eliminating the old “right-left” as a few key fi gures from the Socialists, divide in French politics by uniting already have made it known that they “reformists” of the left, the right, will be supporting Macron’s reform and the centre, was the challenge programme. that Macron set for himself when he All of this suggests that Macron will created his En Marche! movement in emerge from the second round of the April 2016 as part of his bid for the parliamentary election with the strong French presidency. The result of the majority that he needs to embark with fi rst round of elections to the National confi dence on a program to transform Assembly is the clearest indication yet France. And the programme he of how successful Macron has been in envisages off ers a viable opportunity – recasting French politics. the best in recent memory – to reform Support for France’s two main France’s economy in ways that will traditional parties, Les Républicains foster innovation-led growth while on the right (which won 21.6% of votes off ering better social protection and cast in the fi rst round) and the Socialist education to French citizens. Party (down to a mere 9.5%), has fallen Macron is raring to get started on that to levels unseen in the history of the agenda. The fi rst two major reforms that French Fifth Republic. And backing for his government will seek to implement the far-right National Front, whose entail an overhaul of the labour market leader, Marine Le Pen, lost to Macron in and a tightening of rules on ethics in the presidential election, fell to a mere France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a joint press in the grounds of The Elysee Palace in Paris on June 13. the public sector. But they will likely 13.2% in the fi rst round. be just the start of the most dynamic If the second round of voting turnout (less than 50%) for the fi rst This year’s voting departed than from other elected or public- main opposition have been swept to programme of reform that France has next Sunday confi rms projections, round means that two candidates at markedly from previous National sector positions. the margins. seen since Charles de Gaulle occupied Macron’s new centrist party, La most can make it to the second round, Assembly elections in several other Second, the historically large For decades the Socialists and the the Elysee Palace. – Project Syndicate Republique en Marche! (LREM), could where the candidate with the highest key respects, beyond the support majority of seats that LREM is set to parties of the right, now grouped end up with between 400 and 445 of number of votes will win. shown for Macron’s new political win, owing to low turnout and the in Les Republicains, have failed to zPhilippe Aghion is Professor of the National Assembly’s 577 seats. This means that in nearly all districts grouping. 12.5% threshold for going on to the deliver the economic reforms – and Economics at Harvard University, How can a party with about 32.3% the second round will be a duel between For starters, more than a third second round of voting, means that a thus the economic growth – that College de France, and the London of the votes in the fi rst round win in Macron’s LREM and another party. of current MPs opted out. Their new and very diff erent French political France badly needs. For most French, School of Economics. Benedicte Berner such a landslide in the second round? Where the other party is on the right, withdrawal has opened the door landscape is emerging. French politics the traditional parties have come to is a lecturer at Sciences Po in Paris, The explanation is that only left-wing parties and voters will support to a new generation of politicians, is now crystallising around a strong symbolise a lack of transparency, chair of Civil Rights Defenders, and candidates winning more than 12.5% Macron. Where the other party is on with a significant number, centre, while the two parties of the chronic unethical behaviour, and a an associate at Harvard University’s of registered voters in the fi rst round the left, it is the right-wing parties and particularly on Macron’s party list, left and right that traditionally have focus on internal party fights at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian can participate in the second. The low voters who will support Macron. coming from civil society, rather formed both the government and the expense of the national interest. Studies. Weather report Digitisation and urbanisation Three-day forecast TODAY High: 40 C By Carl Bildt two-thirds of all people will live in Many cities and states in the United continue to increase in the coming cities. States are already bringing this point decades, with the very rich and the Low : 32 C Chicago Inshore: Hazy to misty / foggy at Urban areas are magnets for young home, by ignoring US President Donald very poor alike fl ocking to megacities. places at first becomes hot day people and entrepreneurs, because Trump’s renunciation of the Paris Without the policies and infrastruc- times and humid. e are now in the fi nal they provide a wide range of opportu- climate agreement, and doubling down ture in place to absorb these new days of the industrial nities and dense professional and so- on their own eff orts to reduce carbon arrivals, megacities could fail, and de- FRIDAY age. Just as the second cial networks. It is no coincidence that dioxide emissions and achieve en- generate into urban jungles that pose a High: 42 C generation of steam 80% of economic output originates ergy sustainability. Indeed, Pittsburgh security threat to surrounding regions Low: 33 C W Sunny engines propelled the Industrial in cities: urbanisation is the engine of Mayor Bill Peduto and Paris Mayor and the world beyond. Revolution forward, so, too, are new economic growth. Anne Hidalgo have now joined forces to Addressing these challenges will technologies advancing today’s digital But while it is easy to focus on suc- combat climate change, giving the lie require deeper dialogue among global revolution. But as technology races cess stories such as Singapore and to Trump’s claim that he was elected to cities themselves. In the recent dis- SATURDAY ahead of us, it is diffi cult to anticipate Dubai, or on the impressive features “represent Pittsburgh, not Paris.” cussions in Chicago, there was a gen- High: 45 C what the future holds. of cosmopolitan centres such as New Climate change is one of three major eral sense that national governments, Low: 34 C One thing we do know is that the York or London, urbanisation is not challenges that will confront us in this while important, do not approach Sunny future will be shaped by two key without its challenges. new period of hyper-urbanisation. most of these issues practically, or trends: digitisation and urbanisation. By 2050, some 600mn people will Because all cities depend on energy, with the urgency they require. The And the possibilities introduced by the live in the world’s 25 largest cities, more needs to be done to improve Chicago dialogues, on the other hand, Fishermen’s forecast former will likely help us overcome the none of which are in the European sustainability and effi ciency. Mu- epitomised practicality, by fi nding OFFSHORE DOHA problems associated with the latter. Union. Most are in Asia, followed by nicipal and regional governments will common ground across wide geo- Wind: NE-NW 03-12 KT When the Industrial Revolution Africa, including Karachi, Pakistan; need to step up their eff orts to curb graphic and cultural boundaries. Waves: 01-03 Feet was fi rst gaining momentum at the Kabul, Afghanistan; Khartoum, Su- energy use, and introduce new green This implies that we should be INSHORE DOHA Wind: NE 05-15 KT beginning of the 19th century, only a dan; and Kinshasa, in the Democratic technologies, particularly in more careful not to exaggerate the dif- Waves: 01-02 Feet small percentage of the global popula- Republic of Congo. And some believe rural areas. ferences between the most and the tion lived in cities. The world was still that by 2100, Lagos, Nigeria, will be The second challenge will be to least advanced global cities. Security Around the region predominantly rural and agricultural, the world’s largest city – showing how address the eff ects of new digital tech- solutions in Toronto might very well Weather Weather as it had been for thousands of years. quickly Africa is catching up. nologies that are generally associated be applicable in Karachi; and digital today Max/min tomorrow Max/min But as industrialisation accelerated, At the recent Chicago Forum on with the so-called sharing economy. services in Singapore could eventually Abu Dhabi Sunny 43/33 Sunny 40/32 so did urbanisation, as impoverished Global Cities, policy thinkers and prac- Hardware and software applications take root in Kabul. Baghdad Sunny 40/25 Sunny 41/27 Dubai Sunny titioners – including past and current that provide on-demand transporta- Just as industrialism ushered in Sunny 45/32 42/31 farmworkers fl ocked to factories. Kuwait City Sunny 45/32 Sunny 44/32 We are now in another period of mayors from Amman, Chicago, Prague, tion, delivery, hospitality, and other a new age for cities and countries, Manama Sunny 39/30 Sunny 39/32 epochal change, and urbanisation is Lahore, Rio de Janeiro, and Toronto – services will revolutionise how cities so, too, will digitisation. To see the Muscat Sunny 36/31 Sunny 38/33 accelerating again. In 1950, about one- met for a couple of days to discuss com- operate and are organised; but adapt- future that is taking shape, one need Riyadh Sunny 46/28 Sunny 45/28 third of the planet’s 2.5bn people lived mon challenges on the road ahead. They ing to these changes will require in- only look to the cities that are already Tehran Cloudy 39/24 Sunny 36/23 in cities, whereas today, just over half all agreed that many solutions to future novative new policies. shaping it. - Project Syndicate of the world’s 7.5bn people do. And by problems will come not from national The third challenge relates to 2050, when the global population is governments, but from municipal and migration and its attendant security zCarl Bildt is a former prime minister expected to reach 9bn, an estimated regional-level policymakers. concerns. Global migration will likely and foreign minister of Sweden. Live issues Irregular sleep linked to poor school grades

QNA sleep patterns and most regular Washington sleepers. By measuring the timing of melatonin release at sleep onset, the n a new study at Brigham and researchers were able to assess the Women’s Hospital, researchers timing of circadian rhythms. Around the world objectively measured sleep and On average, melatonin was released Weather Weather circadian rhythms, and the 2.6 hours later in students with today Max/min tomorrow Max/min I Athens M Sunny 33/21 M Sunny 31/20 association to academic performance the most irregular sleep patterns, in college students, fi nding that compared to students with more Beirut Sunny 26/23 Sunny 27/23 Bangkok P Cloudy 34/25 M Sunny 35/26 irregular patterns of sleep and regular sleep patterns. Berlin P Cloudy 27/16 S Showers 20/12 wakefulness correlated with lower Researchers note that the circadian Cairo Sunny 36/22 Sunny 38/23 grade point average, delayed sleep/ clock takes time to adjust to schedule Cape Town P Cloudy 16/09 M Sunny 19/12 wake timing, and delayed release changes, and is highly sensitive to Colombo S T Storms 29/26 S T Storms 29/26 S T Storms 30/26 of the sleep-promoting hormone patterns of light exposure. Dhaka 31/26 T Storms Hong Kong T Storms 31/29 T Storms 32/29 melatonin. Irregular sleepers, who frequently Istanbul P Cloudy 27/18 Sunny 27/17 According to the study published in changed the pattern of when they Jakarta S T Storms 32/25 S T Storms 31/24 Scientifi c Reports, researchers studied slept and consequently their pattern Karachi P Cloudy 33/29 Cloudy 33/29 61 full-time undergraduates from performance during one semester. the paper. “Sleep regularity is a of light-dark exposure, experienced London M Sunny 23/12 M Cloudy 24/14 Manila S T Storms 32/26 P Cloudy 33/27 Harvard College for 30 days using “Our results indicate that potentially important and modifiable misalignment between the circadian Moscow Rain 11/08 S Showers 15/09 sleep diaries. going to sleep and waking up at factor independent from sleep system and the sleep-wake cycle. New Delhi M Sunny 41/29 S T Storms 39/29 They quantifi ed sleep regularity approximately the same time is as duration,” Phillips said. Researchers conclude that light New York M Sunny 23/17 Showers 21/19 using the sleep regularity index (SRI), important as the number of hours Students with more regular sleep based interventions, including Paris P Cloudy 28/13 P Cloudy 24/13 Sao Paulo M Cloudy P Cloudy 23/12 a newly devised metric. one sleeps,” stated Andrew J K patterns had better school grades on increased exposure to daytime light 21/13 Seoul Sunny 28/17 Sunny 32/18 Researchers examined the Phillips, PhD, biophysicist at the average. and less exposure to electronic light- Singapore T Storms 32/25 S T Storms 31/26 relationship between the SRI, Division of Sleep and Circadian Researchers found no signifi cant emitting devices before bedtime, Sydney P Cloudy 19/12 Cloudy 17/12 sleep duration, distribution of Disorders, Brigham and Women’s diff erence in average sleep duration may be eff ective in improving sleep Tokyo Clear 26/18 Clear 28/18 sleep across the day, and academic Hospital and lead author on between most students with irregular regularity. Gulf Times 28 Thursday, June 15, 2017 QATAR Qatar residents Iftar at Education City Mosque stand by nation in hour of crisis

By Joseph Varghese port of Qatar and its stand photo studio near Msherib have orders from a number Staff Reporter on the present situation, area said that they are ex- of companies for T-shirts and several hashtags are pressing solidarity with the in large numbers. They give trending highlighting huge country by wearing T-shirts us the suitable message and atar residents are support for the nation. with the pictures of national pictures to be printed,” he coming out with A large number of resi- leadership. added. Qseveral innovative dents have already changed “We want to show our Another long-term resi- methods to show solidarity the profi le picture of their support to the government dent from the Indian sub- with the nation in the light social media accounts to of Qatar and HH the Emir. continent said that all the of the prevailing diplomatic national symbols or mes- All our employees have people of the country are crisis that arose with some sages. been wearing T-shirts with united in supporting the countries severing ties on Many are displaying the the picture of HH the Emir. nation. June 5. picture of HH the Emir on Though we are expatriates, “We all are supporting Several companies have their vehicles as well as their many of us have been liv- this nation and we will be al- HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), joined senior QF off icials at started providing their staff residential premises. ing in this country for years ways ready to off er all serv- Education City Mosque yesterday to help prepare and distribute Iftar food packs. The daily Iftars, attended by many with T-shirts featuring na- Large cutouts of HH the and we are fully commit- ices for the nation. I have construction workers from around the country, are being hosted by Education City Mosque in collaboration with tional symbols and messag- Emir are put up at several ted to this great nation,” he lived here more years than I ‘Friends of Al Shaqab’ volunteer programme. The month-long initiative demonstrates QF’s commitment to addressing es as well as the picture of locations around the coun- said. spent in my home country. the needs of the wider community and reflects its overarching Ramadan themes — mercy, honesty, generosity, and HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim try. The national fl ag is He also noted that their These are the times we have tolerance — which are aligned with QF’s recently-announced Akhlaquna Award. bin Hamad al-Thani. draped over many residen- company has got orders to show our strength and The social media is abuzz tial buildings. from many organisations to support for this nation,” he with several topics in sup- An employee of a private print similar T-shirts. “We added.

Left: Employees of a private firm wearing T-shirts supporting Qatar. PICTURE: Joseph Varghese. Above: A vehicle with HH the Emir’s image is seen near the Doha Corniche yesterday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam Ooredoo volunteers visit Kidney Centre at HMC

Off icials from Ooredoo and Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Centre during the Ramadan CSR campaign.

Ooredoo volunteers visited the Fahad chance to spend time with patients disease.” Bin Jassim Kidney Centre yesterday undergoing dialysis and treatment at The kidney centre off ers a modern to #ShareAMoment with patients as the centre, and surprise them with gifts. and spacious area for patients, with part of the company’s Hand-In-Hand Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi, director, 80 stations and 20 private rooms. Ramadan CSR campaign. PR & Corporate Communications at Ooredoo’s Hand-In-Hand campaign still The visit was the latest in a series of Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo has a long has a host of important community initiatives from Ooredoo for hospitals, history of supporting kidney patients in initiatives planned this holy month homes for the elderly, and children’s Qatar and the Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney and the company hopes to inspire centres during the holy month. Centre. customers “to join in with the good Ooredoo’s delegation was received “I’m delighted to have the chance to deeds.” by the PR director of Hamad General #ShareAMoment with the amazing Customers can follow Ooredoo’s Hospital, a team of nurses, staff , and patients and help raise awareness of the Ramadan Hand-in-Hand campaign via its patients from the Fahad Bin Jassim great work the staff do to treat people Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter page, and Kidney Centre. Volunteers had the suff ering from acute and chronic kidney the hashtag #ShareAMoment.

AZF delegation meets cancer patients

A delegation from Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) visited cancer patients and distributed gifts at the National Center for Cancer Care & Research, (Al Amal Hospital), recently. Patients praised the visit saying that it lifted their spirits and made them feel connected with the wider community. This comes as part of a series of scheduled visits to several social institutions during the holy month of Ramadan. Organised as part of AZF’s Ramadan initiative, the visit demonstrates AZF’s commitment to engage various members of the local community.