BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Bolt to make European bow in INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-4, 20 COMMENT 18, 19 Local lenders account for REGION 5 BUSINESS 1-7, 10-12 farewell 97% of total QR762.21bn 21,310.66 9,030.44 44.18 ARAB WORLD 5 CLASSIFIED 8-10 -98.89 +252.71 +0.80 INTERNATIONAL 6–17 SPORTS 1–8 bank deposits in Qatar season -0.46% +2.88% +1.84% Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10498 June 28, 2017 Shawwal 4, 1438 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Hotel occupancy In brief rate during Eid holidays was QATAR | Sport FIFA fi nds no cause to block Qatar 95%, say offi cials World Cup 2022 A much-awaited FIFA report on otel occupancy in Qatar during the race to host the 2018 and 2022 the Eid al-Fitr holidays was over Airport serves hundreds World Cups makes no suggestion H95% despite the siege imposed of thousands passengers that Russia or Qatar should lose on the country, a number of offi cials the right to stage the tournaments. in the country’s hospitality sector said The Hamad International Airport The 430-page report, released yesterday, dismissing reports in some (HIA) served 580,000 passengers yesterday, had been under media outlets that claimed the occu- and handled 3,300 aircraft wraps since being completed by pancy rates were low. movements between June 19 and FIFA’s then-ethics investigator The offi cials highlighted the rise in 25, HIA said in a tweet yesterday. Michael Garcia in November tourist numbers from Kuwait and Oman Images shared by HIA on its Twitter 2014. FIFA chose to publish after as well as the increasing demand from handle also showed a busy airport. the document was leaked to the locals, the Qatar News Agency reported. German newspaper Bild. Russia Qatari Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani shakes hands with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Qatar’s hospitality sector aims to di- was awarded the 2018 World Cup before their meeting at the State Department in Washington, yesterday. versify the markets by attracting visitors hotels with fewer water facilities, you and Qatar the 2022 tournament from new countries as the occupancy will see that the percentage is between in a single, secret vote in Zurich rates during weekends show substantial 80% and 85%,” she noted. “We are re- in December, 2010. In November capacities, QNA added. ally happy to see that occupancy rates 2014, his completed report was Wael Maatouk, general manager of are high and people are enjoying tour- handed to the FIFA ethics judge Sharq Village and Spa, said the proper- ism in Qatar.” at the time Hans-Joachim Eckert, ty enjoyed a good occupancy rate dur- QTA has partnered with 77 hotels and whose 42-page summary said ing Ramadan, adding that Eid reserva- hotel apartments to provide guests with there was not enough evidence to tions reached 100%, with the majority special packages “made up of a mix- reopen the bidding process. Saudi list baseless, being Qatari and resident families as and-match of 11 diff erent off ers as part well as Kuwaiti and Omani visitors of QSF”. QATAR | Exhibition thanks to promotion off ered by Katara Hotel guests can avail themselves of Hospitality, the owner of several fi ve- a free transfer from one participating Qatar progress on star hotels. mall to another when they shop. Vari- display in Astana Saeid Heidari, the general manager of ous hotels also provide free transfers to HE the Minister of Economy and so unacceptable, Sheraton Grand Doha, said Katara Hos- Souq Waqif. Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin pitality’s off er helped in drawing a large In the coming weeks, Shahbik said Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani number of visitors from Qatar, Kuwait they are planning to attract diff erent yesterday said Qatar’s participation and Oman, adding that occupancy rates markets and visitors from other coun- in Expo Astana 2017 stems during Eid holidays were a surprise as it tries – including other regions - to visit from its keenness to showcase hit 100%. Qatar. Qatar National Vision 2030 and says Qatar FM Erden Kendigelen, the general man- “We are happy to see the Omanis and development in the country ager of The Ritz-Carlton Doha, said the Kuwaitis who came to celebrate Eid in in all fields, including energy, atar’s Foreign Minister HE Qatar for rational solution to the Gulf crisis Eid promotions that targeted the Kuwait Qatar, and we welcomed them at Hamad renewable and alternative energy, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- and Omani markets had excellent re- International Airport,” she added. environment and the economy, Qrahman al-Thani has rejected a Saudi FM says no negotiations over demands sults as his property achieved full occu- QTA also distributed leafl ets and especially as Qatar is considered list of demands submitted by four Arab pancy during Eid holidays. brochures of the entire Eid programme one of the leading countries in countries that have cut ties with it as Tillerson to hold talks with Kuwaiti minister Hotels are also witnessing high occu- among visitors to provide clear direc- the use of green technology. The unacceptable as they are not backed by Germany, Iran push for talks to solve dispute pancy rates since the start of the Qatar tions on the diff erent activities and minister said the international evidence. Summer Festival (QSF) 2017, a senior of- events in Qatar. event was a unique opportunity Talking to Al Jazeera after meet- dence to support its demands.” ing from Washington, DC, said that fi cial of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) With a new QSF model this year, QTA to exhibit the strength, robustness ing his US counterpart Rex Tillerson He added: “The demands must be the Qatari government’s position that has said. expects the number of tourists to in- and diversification of the Qatari in Washington, Sheikh Mohamed said realistic and enforceable. Anything these demands could not be met by Speaking on the sidelines of a special crease further in the coming days. It is economy, in addition to marketing that Doha agreed with the United States else is rejected ... We agree with Wash- Doha was, in a way, also backed by QSF event at Doha Festival City yester- learnt that many visitors are taking ad- investment opportunities in that they should push for a “rational” ington that the demands should be ra- Heather Nauert, the US State Depart- day, QTA’s festivals and events director vantage of the special hotel off ers and Qatar, especially as its investment solution to the major Gulf crisis. tional.” ment spokesperson, who told reporters Mashal Shahbik told reporters that oc- packages. climate is encouraging and The comments by Sheikh Mohamed The US, which urges a diplomatic that “some of them will be diffi cult for cupancy in hotels close to the beach and Shahbik said the festival runs from attractive to foreign capital. Qatar’s yesterday followed an earlier state- solution to the crisis, has been push- Qatar to incorporate and to try to ad- with facilities such as swimming pools the fi rst day of Eid al-Fitr to the third pavilion at the exhibition features ment by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel ing for a clear list of grievances that are here to”. has been nearly 100% since the start of day of Eid al-Adha, giving people the a combination of modernity, al-Jubeir who said that there will be no “reasonable and actionable”. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minis- the festival recently. opportunity to explore diff erent tourism technology, heritage and authentic negotiations over his country’s demand Later yesterday, Tillerson was slated ter Sigmar Gabriel appealed to all sides “When you go inside the city, some attractions in the country. Qatari culture. Page 2 that Qatar stops supporting “terror- to meet with Kuwaiti Minister of State to hold direct talks to avoid a further ism” - an allegation Doha strongly de- for Cabinet Aff airs and Acting Minister escalation, and urged Iran to play a EUROPE | Crime nies. of Information Sheikh Mohamed Ab- constructive role. “What has been presented by the dullah al-Sabah and attend a working “The longer the crisis around Qatar Fresh cyberattacks countries of the blockade are merely dinner, hosted by Kuwaiti ambassador continues, the deeper and stronger the spread across globe claims that are not proved by evidence to the US Salem Abdullah al-Jaber al- lines of confl ict will become,” Gabriel A wave of cyberattacks hit Russia and are not demands,” said Sheikh Sabah in honour of UN Secretary-Gen- told reporters after a 90-minute meet- and Ukraine before spreading to Mohamed. “Negotiations require a eral Antonio Guterres, in Washington. ing with Iranian Foreign Minister Mo- western Europe and North America real will by the other party and evi- Al Jazeera’s James Bays, report- hamed Javad Zarif in Berlin. yesterday, in the second global “We hope that there soon can be outbreak of so-called ransomware One more senator for arms sales ban direct discussion among all those in- in less than two months. Ukraine’s volved because a further escalation will central bank, Kiev’s main airport, the US Democratic Senator Ben Cardin of withhold approval of US weapons sales to serve no one.” Chernobyl nuclear disaster site, and Maryland has expressed his support members of the Gulf Co-operation Council Zarif said Iran was interested in a string of multinational companies, to the move to withhold approval for until there is progress in settling the crisis working towards a political solution to including US pharmaceutical giant American weapons sales to GCC states in the region. “He shares Senator Corker’s the confl ict with Qatar, arguing that Merck, Russian state oil giant until the Gulf crisis is resolved. Republican concern that the current GCC dispute “pressure and sanctions and block- Rosneft, British advertising giant Senator and Chairman of the United distracts from our shared, most pressing ades” were not the answer. WPP and French industrial group States Senate Committee on Foreign security challenge of defeating ISIS,” the Gabriel said he viewed the Arab list Saint-Gobain, were among the Relations Bob Corker had said he would New York Times said quoting Cardin. of demands on Qatar as the “starting victims. Page 10 point of negotiations, not the end”. One of the QSF attractions at Doha Festival City. PICTURE: Jayan Orma Kuwaiti, Omani visitors show solidarity with Qatar

By Ayman Adly tarian concerns for many families in “We have visited a few places and Recently, an elderly Gulf national also expressed their solidarity with Qa- more than in any other place. Staff Reporter the Gulf. Souq Waqif and Katara are among our posted a video on social media criti- tar, stressing it is a place to visit and do Similarly, Salem, a young man from Among the favourite destinations of favourites. There’s a lot to see and do cising the blockade imposed on Qa- business in thanks to its secure econo- Kuwait, reiterated his admiration for these Omani and Kuwaiti visitors are here during the Eid holidays,” added a tar. “I have grandchildren, cousins my and prosperity. Souq Waqif and its various attractions blend of tradition and moder- Souq Waqif and Katara - the Cultural visitor from Kuwait City. and in-laws in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Some have also referred to “what the - which refl ect the traditional culture nity, which is visible across the Village, both of which provide a mix of Gulf Times also spoke to GCC citi- Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait as well as citizens of countries that have cut ties and architecture of the region. Acountry, makes Qatar a top at- the modern and the traditional. zens living in Qatar. Qatar,” he said. “We have always con- with Qatar are missing out on”. Asked about their views on the traction for visitors from GCC coun- They have also been impressed by “I am married to a Qatari woman and sidered our region as one and we have “I am sure many of our brothers blockade, a number of Kuwaitis and tries such as Oman and Kuwait. other tourist attractions and places of have children here in Doha, besides a enjoyed close blood and family ties. from the GCC countries that have sev- Omanis - whether visitors or residents A number of citizens from these two interest around the country, as well as successful business,” said Abdulrah- This is a temporary and unjustifi able ered relations with Qatar would have - emphasised that Qatar has always countries are in Doha to spend the Eid the facilities and services provided to man, a Kuwaiti national based in Doha. situation. How can I have no access to loved to spend the Eid holidays here been a key player in the region with its al-Fitr holidays this year, enjoying the visitors. “The people of the Gulf are one peo- my relatives and grandchildren? It is in Doha and gather in such wonder- positive outlook. The current situation various tourist and cultural attrac- “I am visiting Qatar for the fi rst time. ple... I am enjoying Eid here with my unimaginable.” ful places as Katara and Souq Waqif, “could not be justifi ed on any grounds tions on off er. Many of these visitors What I have seen really impresses me... family and Qatari friends. I am proud of Many posts on social media by Ku- which are known for their distinct, as the GCC has always been one family have expressed solidarity with Qatar would certainly look forward to coming the eff orts of Kuwait’s leader to resolve waiti users suggested that they were traditional Gulf identity,” said Ali, a and should remain so in the best inter- in view of the ongoing crisis, stressing here again,” said a young tourist from the issue, which we all hope will happen strongly backing the eff orts of the Ku- young man from Oman, stressing that ests of everyone concerned”, said some how the blockade has raised humani- Muscat. soon.” waiti Emir to resolve the issue. They he enjoys the Eid holidays in Doha of them. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 QATAR Siege fails to put a damper on Eid events

z Qatar is the preferred destination for people from around the world z Qatar Sports Club and Qatar Voluntary Centre are holding this year’s Eid event under the theme ‘Tamim Al HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi visiting a stall at Qatar’s pavilion at Majd’ (Tamim is Glory) Expo Astana 2017.

itizens, residents and visitors from around the Cworld continue to enjoy Eid al-Fitr in Qatar despite the Minister visits Qatar’s siege imposed by some neigh- bouring countries. “The State of Qatar remains a preferred destination for many people from the GCC and around pavilion at Expo Astana the world despite the siege. This is mainly due to the good hos- pitality of the Qatari society QNA and their welcoming manner. Doha It is also due to the strong ef- forts made by State institutions and private ones to ensure that Visitors at Souq Waqif, Doha. PICTURE: Jayaram he pavilion of Qatar at Eid remains a special occasion,” Expo Astana 2017 in Kaza- the offi cial Qatar News Agency dren and family members. The held under the theme of ‘Tamim such as Mall of Qatar, Hyatt Tkhstan celebrated Qatar’s (QNA) said yesterday. show is an hour long, performed Al Majd’ (Tamim is Glory.) The Plaza, City Centre Doha, Ezdan National Day, where a number of A wide variety of events are twice a day on all Eid days. There festival organisers are holding a Mall, Lagoona Mall and Dar Al diff erent events were organised being held “with the goal of are a wide variety of games avail- number of games and will hand Salam Mall, are organising vari- in addition to a range of cultural maintaining a joyful atmosphere able for children as well. out trophies and gifts to the win- ous attractive entertainment and heritage activities. during these blessed days”. At Katara-the Cultural Vil- ners. shows for children and families. HE the Minister of State for Many streets, parks, and malls lage, the Eid al-Fitr festival con- Science activities organised by Each shopping centre off ers a Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al- have been specially decorated in tinues with a focus on celebrat- Qatar Science Club have started variety of entertainment and Muraikhi attended the function the spirit of Eid. At Souq Waqif, ing Arab heritage, while Aspire at Mall of Qatar and include a full educational activities, while The along with Kazakhstan’s Vice- HE al-Muraikhi meeting Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat for instance, one can fi nd diff erent Zone is holding a sports festival programme of science shows, Pearl-Qatar too has come up Minister of National Economy, Abdrakhmanov in Astana yesterday. festivals and events taking place – with a wide variety of events. the 3D dome, a learning station, with fun-fi lled activities. Bakenov Ernar Bakytzhanovich, ranging from art-related ones to Qatar Tourism Authority has 3D printing and robot mak- Doha Exhibition and Conven- Qatar’s ambassador to Kazakhstan vilion in Astana Expo 2017 refl ects projects that refl ect the values of diff erent forms of entertainment. teamed up with various partners ing. The activities will continue tion Centre is hosting the Enter- Ahmed bin Ali al-Tamimi, who is the pioneering achievements of partnership between the public. “There is a family tent fi lled with to hold the summer festival, giv- throughout the Eid holidays. tainment City, which comprises also the commissioner-general of Qatar under the wise leadership On the sidelines of the expo, games for children of all ages, re- ing residents as well as visitors a Al Kaaban Youth Centre has events, live shows, games and the Qatari pavilion, Astana Expo of His Highness the Emir Sheikh HE al-Muraikhi held separate ceiving visitors on all Eid days lot to choose from this Eid. held a two-day Eid al-Fitr festi- other attractions. 2017 President Akhmetzhan Yes- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. meetings yesterday with Kazakh throughout the day. There are also Other institutions, sports val, including entertainment ac- Aqua Park is also celebrating simov; staff of the Ministry of In a speech on this occasion, Foreign Minister Kairat Abdra- special plays performed for chil- clubs and youth centres of the tivities, children’s games and gift Eid with fun and entertaining Economy and Commerce’s com- HE al-Muraikhi said both coun- khmanov, and the country’s dren,” the report notes. Ministry of Culture and Sports distribution among families and activities for those interested in mittee on preparation for par- tries seek to promote, strength- Minister of National Economy Souq Al Wakrah has a large tent are also hosting wide-ranging visitors of the Al Kaaban area. In water games. Eid activities con- ticipation in the exhibition, offi - en and expand these relations. Suleimenov Timur Muratovich. enough to fi t 700 people. The tent events to celebrate Eid. addition, Al Jumayliyah Youth tinue with parasailing tours from cial delegations from participant The Minister of State for For- The meetings dealt with bilat- hosts a musical titled ‘Sea Mer- At Qatar Sports Club, the 30th Centre has held a children’s festi- Sealine to Mesaieed, museum countries and media personalities. eign Aff airs added that Qatar has eral relations and means to pro- maid’, which adopts many of the Eid festival is taking place in co- val with a diverse programme and tours and other activities of- HE al-Muraikhi said that mark- provided an attractive invest- mote them in addition to topics latest sound and lighting tech- operation with Qatar Voluntary gifts for winners and visitors. fered to all families in Qatar and ing the National Day at Qatar’s pa- ment environment and launched of mutual interest. niques and is dedicated to chil- Centre. This year’s event is being Diff erent malls around Doha, abroad, QNA adds. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 3 QATAR

Planets to be visible in Qatar during July

eople in Qatar can see dif- ferent planets of the solar Psystem close to the moon in July, Qatar Calendar House (QCH) has said citing astronom- ical calculations. “We can see and observe plan- ets together with the moon dur- ing these astronomical phenom- ena, which are also a guide for amateur astronomers to under- stand the map of the sky,” noted astronomer Dr Beshir Marzouk said in a statement issued jointly with QCH director Dr Mohamed al-Ansari. Jupiter will come close to the moon twice next month. On July 1, it will be “at two degrees from the southern moon’s centre”, while on July 28, it will be “at A group of bikers on the sand dunes of Sealine. PICTURE: Ram Chand Visitors at Al Khor Park. PICTURE: Nasar T K three degrees from the south- ern moon’s centre”, according to QCH. People in Qatar can see Jupi- ter and the moon together with their naked eye over the Doha sky after sunset until the setting time of Jupiter, Dr Marzouk ex- plains. On July 7, Saturn will be “at Residents celebrate Eid three degrees from the southern moon’s centre”. Qatar residents can see Saturn with the moon over the eastern horizon of the Doha sky after sunset until Sat- urn’s setting time at 3.17am next day. Then, Venus will come close outdoors with fanfare to the moon on July 20. It will be “at two degrees from the z Beaches, outdoor venues tinued to be big draws, visitors venue and engaging in diff erent beach to have a nice cool dip. lasts for about two and a half niche continued to be hugely northern moon’s centre” and huge attraction also thronged beaches, parks activities. The revamped park Social media has been abuzz minutes, shows a long queue popular among visitors, in addi- Qatar residents can see Venus z Al Khor Park, Katara, Souq and other open spaces in large provided a number of options with videos and photographs of vehicles passing through tion to the parks spread over the and the moon together over the Waqif among favourite numbers, spending some quality for all, including children and of people spending their time the area - highlighting the city. eastern horizon of the Doha sky spots time with friends and family. women. with friends and family at these popularity of the venue. The The Katara Esplanade, too, after the rising time of Venus at From Sealine beach in Me- There was a huge rush at locations during the holidays. Al Wakrah beach, too, saw big has been attracting big crowds 2am until sunrise, Dr Marzouk By Joseph Varghese saieed to the Doha Corniche Sealine as well, with people crowds turning up. as the Cultural Village has lined adds. Staff Reporter and from Al Khor Park to Aspire arriving there in small and big From Sealine beach in While the outdoor venues saw up a host of Eid festivities. One Finally, Mercury will be “at Zone - outdoor venues remained groups to make the most of Mesaieed to the Doha the crowds swell in the evenings of the highlights is the daily fi re- one degree from the southern crowded on all three days. the holidays. Long queues of Corniche and from Al when the temperature dipped, works display. moon’s centre” on July 25. Peo- he country’s outdoor at- Al Khor Park has been one vehicles could be seen head- Khor Park to Aspire Zone - many people braved the heat and While Souq Waqif has a huge ple in Qatar will be able to see tractions have drawn huge of the favourite destinations ing to the place, carrying hun- outdoor venues remained spent time at these places dur- tent for Eid activities, many Mercury with the moon over Tcrowds over the fi rst three this year, especially for families dreds of revellers. While many crowded on all three days ing the daytime as well, it was people are also spending time in the western horizon of the Doha days of the Eid al-Fitr holidays. looking for some outdoor fun. of them chose dune bashing found. the outdoor area as they enjoy sky after sunset until Mercury’s While malls and cultural and Several large groups of people and quad bike rides, others One video of the Sealine beach, In Doha, crowd favourites some authentic Arabic food and setting time in the Doha sky at entertainment centres con- in buses were seen reaching the stepped into the water at the which has been a big hit and such as Aspire Park and the Cor- beverages. 7.50pm the next day. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 QATAR Al Jazeera’s 101 East wins award for focus on women

ela Callan has been named the 2017 win- ner of the Jane Cunningham Croly Award Afor Excellence in Journalism, covering is- sues of concern to women for her fi lm broadcast on Al Jazeera’s 101 East programme. Callan won the award for Good Morning Paki- Ejayan Ali Almarri, chief of field control at the Ministry of Economy stan, a fi lm about female reporters risking their and Commerce’s Quantitative Licences and Market Control lives to deliver the news, Al Jazeera Media Net- department, conducted the raff le draw in the presence of Prajeesh work has said in a press statement. The docu- Ramachandran, general manager of Kalyan Jewellers, Qatar, and mentary aired on 101 East, Al Jazeera’s weekly Sumesh T, regional manager of Kalyan Jewellers, Qatar. Asian current aff airs programme. The Jane Cunningham Croly Award recog- nises journalists who best capture the courage, vision and spirit of Jane Cunningham Croly, a pioneering journalist who devoted her life to Kalyan Jewellers helping women improve their lives and expand their rights. The award organisers said Callan’s fi lm “demonstrated a concern for the rights and the names victors in advancement of women in society and made a bold statement about the challenges women journalists face”. Callan is the fi rst international award winner. campaign draw “It’s an honour to win this award,” said Cal- lan. “It’s a chance to again highlight the brave alyan Jewellers has an- awesome win. I will for sure be young women who risk their lives reporting nounced the 30 winners going back to the showrooms.” on Pakistan’s tribal areas. In a society shaped Kof the ‘Shop & Win 30 Sheshadri P S, too, expressed by conservative attitudes and where threats by Audi A3’ global campaign, in- happiness and said, “This is armed groups have shut down most media out- cluding four from Qatar. truly an amazing experience for lets, these reporters take incredible risks to tell Each of the 30 lucky win- me. I feel one can’t get luckier stories that only women can tell.” ners will be getting an Audi A3 than this… I mean who doesn’t Callan’s fi lm focuses on the women working Car from Kalyan Jewellers. The love cars and that too winning a for Tribal News Network, a radio station that cars’ keys will be handed over car as desirable as an Audi A3 is broadcasts across Pakistan’s troubled border in the coming weeks, after the truly a dream come true. I can’t region with Afghanistan. She meets the team formalities are completed, wait to drive the car and would making women’s voices heard in a part of the the jeweller has said in a press like to thank Kalyan Jewellers world where they are not often seen in public statement. for this amazing experience of life. Good Morning Pakistan also recently won The winners were chosen a lifetime.” a Gold Medal at the New York Festival Film and through raffl e draws held in Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Television Awards. Qatar and Kuwait, the UAE executive director of Kalyan Callan was presented with the Croly Award and India. Jewellers, said: “I would like at a gala ceremony on June 26 in Palm Springs, The winners from Qatar to congratulate the all the California. are Sheshadri PS, Jeevitha lucky winners. At Kalyan, our Callan reports international stories from Ne- Saravanan, Ashraf T and Huda endeavour has been to enable pal and Myanmar to Cambodia and France, and Elkahlout. The winners were our customers to extract value has been producing fi lms for 101 East since 2011. overjoyed after being informed from their purchase while pro- She was a Knight Fellow for Journalism Innova- about their win, the statement viding a great shopping expe- tion at Stanford University in 2013-2014. noted. rience. I am delighted that we One can watch ‘Good Morning Pa- Elkahlout said she is ecstatic could play a small part in help- kistan’ at http://www.aljazeera.com/ and commented, “I am elated ing our customers realise their programmes/101east/2016/06/ by this amazing news. I still dreams.” good-morning-pakistan-journalists- cannot believe I have won the The Kalyan Jewellers glo- threat-160601094528316.html draw and I will own the Audi bal campaign was launched 101 East is broadcast weekly on Al Jazeera A3. This is truly incredible on April 10 and culminated on English. The programme is available on and I would like to extend my June 9. Customers participat- YouTube and at http://www.aljazeera.com/ Aela Callan has been named the 2017 winner of the Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in Journalism covering issues of gratitude to the whole team ed in the promotion by making programmes/101east/ concern to women. at Kalyan Jewellers for mak- a minimum purchase across ing my shopping experience Kalyan Jewellers showrooms an unforgettable one with this in their respective countries.

Hamad Emergency Dept receives 590 cases Tuition fee for children of Gulf-based Indians declared

Hamad General Hospital’s Emergency Department yesterday received ndia’s Ministry of Human Resource and Develop- National Institutes of Technology (NITs) under the around 590 cases from 6am until 6pm, with 16 of them involving ment (HRD) has reviewed the issue of tuition fee Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) Scheme Open House at embassy injuries suff ered in road accidents. The injuries were minor to medium Istructure for students belonging to the Children of will pay a tuition fee of Rs1,25,000 per student per in nature, according to a statement. Indian Workers in the Gulf (CIWG) category. annum either in Indian rupees or equivalent US dol- The Indian ambassador will hold an Open House from 3pm to The Ambulance Service of Hamad Medical Corporation received 226 This has been done, in view of requests made by lars at existing exchange rates, the embassy said in a 4pm tomorrow on the embassy premises to listen to/redress any calls for help besides 10 reports of road accidents. The cases mostly members of the Indian community, the Indian embassy statement yesterday. urgent labour and consular issues faced by Indian nationals in pertained to minor problems and injuries. Paediatric emergency cen- in Qatar has said. The DASA Co-ordinating Institution has been re- Qatar, the Indian embassy has said in a statement. tres around the country received some 1,140 cases, mostly of children Following the review, it has been decided that stu- quested to implement the above-mentioned decision suff ering from heat-related ailments. dents belonging to the CIWG category and taking for admissions to the academic year 2017-18. administered in accordance with previous circulars issued admissions in the undergraduate programmes of the Other matters pertaining to DASA will continue to be by the HRD ministry.

15 projects shortlisted for WISE Awards 2017

he World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) has an- Tnounced 15 projects from nine countries as fi nalists for the 2017 WISE Awards. WISE will announce the six win- ners in September. The fi nalists have been selected from a number of projects from several countries around the world for their innovative and impactful approaches to today’s most urgent education challenges. Each year, the WISE Awards rec- ognise and promote innovative projects that address global educa- tional challenges. The projects selected for the WISE Awards 2017 are ANEER, Morocco; Building a Teacher–led Movement for Change and Innovation, the UK; Lights to Learn, Spain; Mindspark: Personalised, technology-based learning, India; PhET Interactive Simulations, US; Open Book Pub- lishers, UK; OPENPediatrics - Seri- ous Games to Save Children’s Lives, US; REACH, Ghana; 42, France; Science Bits, Spain; Shams Gen- eration, Qatar; Tele-Education Project-SAME, India; The Learner Guide Programme, Tanzania/UK; The Speed School project, US and Ubongo Edutainment, Tanzania. The projects tackle a number of Shams Generation, Qatar, is among the projects selected for the WISE Awards 2017. pressing education issues, includ- ing early childhood education, ba- fi nalist projects have built eff ective, laboration.” A pre-jury of interna- ety. They must be fi nancially stable, sic infrastructure for schools, girls’ tested solutions to global education tional experts selected the 15 fi nal- have a clear development plan and education, coding and digital skills, challenges. Whether ensuring ac- ists and the process was overseen by be scalable and replicable. access to books, critical medical care cess to fundamental primary edu- independent education consultants The six WISE Awards winning for children, boosting mathematics, cation or preparing young people from Parthenon-EY. projects will be announced in Sep- science and reading levels, stimulat- for the 21st century workplace, each The fi nalists were evaluated ac- tember and celebrated at the eighth ing critical thinking and creativity, project is already transforming lives cording to strict criteria. They must WISE summit to take place from making learning fun and inclusive, and provides an inspirational model be successful, innovative education November 14 to 16 in Doha. In ad- and enhancing teacher motivation. for other communities to adopt. projects that have already demon- dition to publicity and networking Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of This is vital to our mission at WISE, strated a transformative impact on opportunities, each project receives WISE, said: “The 2017 WISE Awards dedicated to empowerment and col- individuals, communities and soci- $20,000. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 5 REGION/ARAB WORLD

OPINION Iran: US partially Iraqi forces reinstating travel ban ‘regrettable’ seize more Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Dozens dead in raids on Javad Zarif condemned yesterday the US Supreme Court’s decision ground in to partially reinstate President Donald Trump’s controversial travel ban targeting citizens from six Mosul predominantly Muslim nations. “It’s regrettable that the citizens of the militant-run Syrian jail countries on the list have never Reuters participated in any act of terrorism Mosul White House accuses Assad’s airbase from where it said the against the US and yet they are regime of preparing a chemical attack was launched, being punished for acts of terror- potential chemical attack the fi rst direct US action against ism by citizens of other countries raqi forces yesterday the regime. which are not on the list,” said pushed towards the river AFP Pentagon spokesman Navy Zarif. The travel ban “doesn’t help, Iside of Mosul’s Old City, Beirut Captain Jeff Davis said yester- it doesn’t increase anybody’s secu- their key target in the eight- day the latest US warning was rity,” added the minister, speaking month campaign to capture the result of activity at the same to journalists after a meeting with Islamic State’s de-facto capi- S-led coalition air airbase “that indicated prepara- German Foreign Minister Sigmar tal, and Iraq’s prime minister strikes killed nearly 60 tions for possible use of chemi- Gabriel in Berlin. “The problem is, predicted victory very soon. Upeople at a Syrian prison cal weapons”. The White House for some, terrorism and support Iraqi forces, battling up to run by the Islamic State group, a statement drew condemnation for terrorism is measured by the 350 militants dug in among monitor said yesterday, as crit- from Moscow, with Kremlin amount of money they spend civilians in the Old City, said ics hit out at Washington for spokesman Dmitry Peskov tell- buying arms from the US and federal police had dislodged threatening action against Da- ing journalists: “We consider not by actually being involved in IS insurgents from the Zi- mascus. such threats against the Syrian terrorism,” charged Zarif, in what wani mosque and were only The coalition has been strik- leadership to be unacceptable.” appeared to be a reference to a few days away from oust- ing IS in Syria and Iraq since Iran also warned the United Saudi Arabia. ing militants completely mid-2014 but has also been in- States. Several of the September 11 attack- from the Old City. “The volved in recent confrontations “Another dangerous US es- ers were Saudi nationals. victory announcement will with President Bashar al-As- calation in Syria on fake pretext come in a very short time,” sad’s forces, raising fears of the will only serve ISIS, precisely Prime Minister Haider al- United States being drawn into when it’s being wiped out by HEALTH Abadi said on his website on Syria’s civil war. Iraqi and Syrian people,” For- Yemen cholera Monday evening. The White House on Mon- eign Minister Mohamed Javad “The operation is contin- day accused Assad’s regime of Zarif tweeted. outbreak shows uing to free the remaining preparing a potential chemical Defence Secretary Jim Mattis signs of slowing: UN parts of the Old City,” Lieu- attack and said it would pay a insisted the United States was tenant General Abdul-Wa- “heavy price”, prompting criti- not taking sides in the Syrian A cholera outbreak in Yemen, hab al-Saadi of the Counter cism from regime allies Russia confl ict. which has claimed 1,400 lives in Terrorism Service (CTS) and Iran. US forces would not fi re on two months, shows tentative signs told a Reuters correspond- Monday’s strikes hit an IS- targets “unless they are the en- of slowing as fatality rates drop by ent near the frontline in the run jail in Syria’s Mayadeen at emy, unless they are ISIS,” he half, the World Health Organisation heart of the Old City. dawn, according to the Syrian A Kurdish fighter from the People’s Protection Units (YPG) gestures in Raqqa, yesterday. said late on Monday. said yesterday. Nearly 219,000 sus- Iraqi forces had about 600 Observatory for Human Rights, “We just refuse to get drawn pected cases have been registered metres of ground left to cover a Britain-based war monitor. provided to our civilian casualty jor urban strongholds, Raqa in military will pay a heavy price,” into a fi ght there in the Syria since April 27 and more than 1,400 before reaching Mosul’s Cor- Observatory chief Rami Ab- team for assessment,” he added. Syria and Mosul in Iraq. White House spokesman Sean civil war, we try to end that one people have died, the UN agency niche road along the western del Rahman said the strikes Most of Deir Ezzor province But the US involvement in Spicer said in a statement. through diplomatic engage- said. The collapse of Yemen’s bank of the Tigris, federal killed 42 prisoners and 15 mili- is controlled by the militants Syria has also become increas- April’s attack on the rebel- ment.” infrastructure after more than two police commander Lieuten- tants in Mayadeen, a large town and it has been the target of air ingly complex. held town of Khan Sheikhun Coalition forces on the years of war between the coalition- ant General Raed Shaker in the eastern province of Deir strikes by both the coalition and On Monday the White House was reported to have killed at ground have accused pro-re- backed government and rebels Jawdat told Iraqi State TV. Ezzor. the Syrian army and its Russian said preparations were under- least 87 people, including many gime fi ghters of targeting them who control the capital has made “In a few days our forces Pentagon spokesman Adrian ally. way by the regime for a chemi- children, and images of the dead in recent weeks, as they shot for a “perfect storm for cholera,” the will reach Corniche and Rankine-Galloway confi rmed The militants, who seized cal weapons attack, similar to and of suff ering victims pro- down two Iran-made attack WHO’s senior emergency adviser bring the battle to its con- coalition strikes on Mayadeen control of large parts of Syria those undertaken ahead of an voked global outrage. drones and a Syrian fi ghter jet. for Yemen, Ahmed Zouiten, said. clusion,” said Jawdat. The on Sunday and Monday, target- and Iraq three years ago, are un- apparent gas attack on a rebel- The regime denied any use of The Pentagon chief high- But fatality rates have dropped fall of the northern Iraqi city ing IS “command and control der pressure in both countries. held town in April. chemical weapons. lighted the importance of main- from 1.7% in early May to 0.6% now, would mark the end of the facilities” and other “infra- US-backed forces are push- “If... Mr Assad conducts an- Washington launched a retal- taining communication with he added. He attributed the fall to Iraqi half of the “caliphate” structure”. The allegations of ing to oust IS, also known as other mass murder attack using iatory cruise missile strike days Russia, which is also backing emergency intervention by health proclaimed by Islamic State. casualties at the prison “will be ISIS and ISIL, from its last ma- chemical weapons, he and his later against Syria’s Shayrat Assad’s forces with air strikes. workers. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 AFRICA

Student leader gets Over 50 migrants feared suspended sentence

AFP It’s justice with double stand- Lome ards,” Raphael Kpande-Ad- zare, one of students’ lawyers said. Togolese court has “The law has left the court- dead in Sahara desert handed a 12-month room today. We are going to Asuspended prison sen- lodge an appeal against this Reuters A convoy of three tence to a university student decision which is not right,” Niamey pick-up trucks were who led a protest against he added. transporting over 70 teaching conditions that On June 19, seven other stu- migrants north through turned violent. dents were released without ore than 50 African mi- the Sahara Desert Monday’s hearing saw sen- charge due to lack of evidence grants are feared dead towards Libya when tence handed down to Folly at a hearing in Lome, capi- Min the Sahara desert of the drivers abandoned Satchivi as well as to anoth- tal of this small west African northern Niger yesterday af- them er student involved in this county. ter being abandoned by their month’s demonstrations, The demonstrations were drivers, aid workers and local remaining 52, at least 15 were Marius Amagbegnon. organised by the Togolese stu- offi cials said. known to have died from thirst Both were convicted of dents’ rights league (LTDE). A convoy of three pick-up while attempts on Monday to “disturbing the public order, University offi cials said trucks were transporting over fi nd the rest were unsuccessful. aggravated by the destruction the LTDE was not author- 70 migrants north through the There was no immediate word of public property” and are ised to hold activities on the Sahara Desert towards Libya – a on their nationalities. planning to appeal. university grounds. typical route for West Africans “The migrants were aban- They have been held in The university’s president, seeking to reach Europe – when doned about 50 miles from prison since their arrest on Dodzi Komla Kokoroko, has the drivers abandoned them. Siguidine,” Fatoumi Goudou, a June 14, the fi rst of two days said he would be happy to talk Twenty-three of the migrants prefect in the Bilma department of protests by students at the with the disgruntled students survived after walking to a near- of Niger, said. This file photo shows migrants prepare a pick-up truck in northern Niger to travel towards Libya. University of Lome, which “to fi nd an appropriate solu- by town for help, the Interna- It is not clear why the drivers saw demonstrators clashing tion” to their complaints. tional Organisation for Migra- abandoned their passengers, but poverished West Africans risk It is one of the most danger- than in the Mediterranean sea with police who fi red tear gas The students want new tion said in a release yesterday, rival militias and militants seek- their lives crossing the Sahara ous parts of the journey, though between Africa and Europe. to disperse them. classrooms be built as well as which said the survivors came ing money often stop migrant each year to try to reach Europe, the number of deaths in the vast More than 40 West Afri- “I am disappointed be- an increase in their monthly from Nigeria, Gambia, Ivory convoys and are a constant haz- crammed on the back of pick-up and unpopulated region is hard can migrants died of thirst last cause this is based on the same allowances, from 12,000 CFA Coast and Senegal. ard for smugglers. trucks and with few provisions to to track. Some estimate that month in northern Niger after events as for other students francs to 20,000 CFA francs A local offi cial said that of the Hundreds of thousands of im- survive if something goes wrong. thousands die each year – more their truck broke down. who were released last week. ($21-$34).

Blast kills 8 on Kenya-Somalia border

Eight people, including four over a roadside bomb in children returning to school southeastern Kenya, a after Eid celebrations, week after 14 others died DRC to probe ex-minister’s role in violence were killed yesterday by a in three similar attacks the roadside bomb in eastern group claimed. Kenya near the border with Across the border, the Al AFP Until last month, Kanku served as lic prosecutor also said he was in- after the publication on social peared to be discussing setting fi re Somalia, police said. Qaeda linked extremist Kinshasa minister of development in the gov- vestigating allegations that Kanku media of a recorded phone call in to a town as well as killing offi cials, “We have eight victims group last week claimed ernment of President Joseph Kabila may have been linked to the March which an alleged member of the the paper said. – four children and responsibility after although his tenure only lasted six murders of two UN experts Kamwina Nsapu militia suppos- On Friday, the UN Human four police,” a police driving an explosives- arliament in the Democratic months. He remains an MP. investigating mass graves. edly briefed him on violence by the Rights Council decided to send spokesman said following laden minibus into local Republic of Congo (DRC) Kabange said that the judicial The violence erupted last Sep- insurgents at Tshimbulu in Kasai- a team of international experts the explosion between government off ices in the Phas authorised the state investigation was “a process aimed tember after the death in clashes Central, where they killed a to help probe the violence, but Mararani and Kiunga, just capital Mogadishu, killing prosecutor to probe alleged in- at precisely identifying those who of a tribal chieftain, known as the colonel and his guards. the resolution specifi ed that they a handful of kilometres at least 10 people. volvement by a former minister in give the orders, the leaders, so that Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled In March, two UN investigators, should pass on conclusions to (miles) from the border. That attack followed hot violence rocking the Kasai region, they face the full force of law.” against the authority of Kabila’s Michael Sharp, an American, and DRC authorities, while “perpetra- The blast bore the hallmarks on the heels of assaults on a judicial source said yesterday. In less than a year, brutal vio- regime in Kinshasa and its local Zaida Catalan, with dual Swedish- tors of deplorable crimes” should of similar bombings blamed two Mogadishu restaurants “The nature of the facts and the lence in the fi ve central Kasai representatives. Chilean nationality, were mur- be accountable to the national on Shebaab Islamists who which killed at least 18 gravity of the clues surrounding na- provinces has claimed more than The killing sparked violence dered while gathering evidence judiciary. have targeted security people. tional deputy Clement Kanku justify 3,000 lives, according to a tally by that has escalated, including gross about mass graves, following Kanku was a minister in the forces in the past in the The group has also the exercise of public action,” chief the Roman Catholic church, and violations of human rights such as ruthless onslaughts on villages by government formed in Kinshasa region. launched attacks in prosecutor Flory Kabange Numbi displaced 1.3mn people. extrajudicial killings, rapes, tor- the militia. from December 20, 2016 – the day Seven police off icers and Uganda, which, like Kenya, said on state television. “The general prosecutor of the ture and the use of child soldiers. Last month, The New York Kabila refused to step down when a civilian were killed at contributes troops to a “The National Assembly has republic is ... looking for those Kanku could be charged with Times said Catalan had a recording his second and last constitutional the end of May when an 22,000-strong African just agreed to our request,” he who are potentially pulling the “participation in an insurrectional of Kanku holding a telephone con- mandate expired – until May 9, armoured vehicle drove Union force in Somalia. said, without specifying whether strings in this serious and sinister movement”, Kabange announced versation with one of the suspected under a political deal reached last Kanku’s parliamentary immunity matter,” Kabange said. more than a month ago. leaders of massacres in Kasai. October between the regime and a from prosecution had been lifted. Last month, the country’s pub- The MP came under scrutiny In the conversation, Kanku ap- minority opposition group. Ban on poultry after flu outbreak Zimbabwe, Namibia and feeds from South Africa. Botswana yesterday “The restriction is a suspended poultry imports precautionary measure from South Africa with to avoid equal infection immediate eff ect following here as well as protect Kenya records 5mn new outbreaks of highly our people,” Agriculture contagious H5N8 bird flu. Minister Patrick Ralotsia South Africa has confirmed said. outbreaks of avian flu, Zimbabwe imposed a which is often transmitted similar ban while Namibia voters for August polls by wild birds, on at least also halted imports two farms. South Africa from Belgium which has and Mozambique banned experience an outbreak of AFP the list, however the KPMG au- crucial to winning enough votes. poultry imports from bird flu earlier this year. Nairobi dit fi rm said in a report earlier Kenyatta is seen as the favour- Zimbabwe this month after South Africa on Monday this month that there may still be ite in his run for a second term, a bird flu outbreak there. ended the sale of live hens around one million dead voters on however he is facing an unprec- Botswana, which only throughout the country in a enya’s election commission the list. edented challenge from a united imports 5% of its poultry bid to control the outbreak announced yesterday that KPMG said many detailed death opposition. needs, said it would no that was detected on the Kthere would be 5mn new records were not provided by the His longtime rival Odinga, 72, longer buy poultry meat, farm of a commercial voters taking part in August polls, Civil Registration Department is holding the ticket for the Na- processed products and broiler breeder last week. raising the stakes for incumbent (CRS), and also bemoaned the lack tional Super Alliance (NASA) Uhuru Kenyatta and his longtime of reliable data on deceased which banded together fi ve main rival Raila Odinga. persons. opposition leaders. Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, right, flanked by deputy president William After the fi rst-ever audit of the “We are aware that the register Six other candidates from Ruto, gestures during the unveiling of the Jubilee Party’s manifesto in Nairobi. voter’s register – often seen as a of voters cannot be completely rid smaller parties are taking part. key point at which an election can of deceased persons. However, we Odinga has lost three previous During the subsequent largely nasties in Kenya: their fathers be rigged – the election commis- are confi dent that the (election) elections, in 1997, 2007 and 2013 – peaceful poll in March 2013, a host Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Ogin- sion (IEBC) announced a fi nal list technology provides foolproof a bad-tempered and disputed poll of hi-tech safeguards – includ- ga Odinga were rivals in the inde- of 19.6mn voters. authentication on election day in which he fell short of victory by ing a biometric voter registration pendence era and the decades that “Comparatively, the register and there will be no room for mis- 800,000 votes. system – failed on the day leading followed. of voters has increased by 36% chief,” said the IEBC statement. This year’s vote comes a decade many to doubt Kenyatta’s victory, The rivalry refl ects tribal di- (5,222,642 voters) since 2013,” Kenya’s vote for a president and after a disputed poll between Od- and the ability of the commis- visions in Kenya with Odinga’s IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati lawmakers on August 8 is set to be inga and former president Mwai sion to deliver a credible election Luos commonly complaining said in a statement. a hard-fought election decided in Kibaki, which sparked two months this year. that Kenyatta’s Kikuyu commu- During the audit, 88,602 de- large part along ethnic lines, with of politically motivated tribal vio- Kenyatta and Odinga are from nity has monopolised power for its ceased voters were removed from coalitions between diff erent tribes lence that left over 1,100 dead. bitterly competing political dy- own gain.

Activist pastor charged over illegal protest A Zimbabwean pastor at the heart of Activist killed in Angola police fi ring a protest movement against President Robert Mugabe last year is set to appear in court today after he was arrested for AFP Cuango is in the north of Saurimo, in the northeast of the of having used the State to di- addressing students demonstrating over Luanda the vast region that separa- Lunda-Norte province, some rect money to his relatives by fees, his lawyer said. tists want to see independent 400km east of Cuango. putting them in charge of major Evan Mawarire – whose #ThisFlag and comprises Angola’s entire Zecamutchima said his public enterprises. Meanwhile movement last year led to the biggest ngolan police fi red on eastern half, according to some movement had written to Pres- Angola’s citizens suff er dire anti-government rallies in a decade – was a march staged by a claims. ident Jose Eduardo dos Santos poverty. arrested on Monday when he spoke at Aseparatist group at the “A police offi cer shot at Pim- and local authorities notify- Angola, which has an unde- a protest by University of Zimbabwe weekend killing one demon- bi Tchivutche,” a 35-year-old ing them of the march before- veloped economy that is almost medical students. strator and injuring 13, activists father of eight who died at the hand and vowed to hold further totally dependent on oil rev- Mawarire denies the charges of said, with offi cials confi rming scene, said Jose Zecamutchima, protests. enues, is relatively stable but “participating in an illegal gathering” or yesterday that 78 people were president of the Lunda Chokwe “The regime must stop shoot- has been rocked by outbreaks “causing disorderly conduct”, his lawyer arrested. Protectorate Movement. ing at people who march peace- of separatist violence in recent Harrison Nkomo said. Nearly 1,000 people took Another demonstrator was fully and are only exercising years. Both charges carry a maximum 10-year to the streets on Saturday to shot in the head and hospital- their rights,” he said. The Front for the Libera- prison sentence or a fine if convicted. protest alleged police brutality ised, he said, adding that the Angolan authorities arrested tion of the Enclave of Cabinda Mawarire was arrested in February at against campaigners calling for protesters were unarmed. fi ve Lunda Chokwe activists in (FLEC) has been fi ghting for the airport when he flew home from the the independence of the so- “There are actually only 51 March 2016 on suspicion of at- the independence of Cabinda, United States. called eastern Lunda Chokwe detained out of a total of 78 tempting to murder a police of- an oil-rich Angolan enclave lo- Last July, Mawarire was arrested and region. arrests. Thirteen people were fi cer. They remain in prison. cated inside Republic of Congo, charged with inciting violence and Police fi red on protesters as injured, including four women Dos Santos’s government for four decades. insulting the national flag but was freed they headed from Luzamba and a 17-year-old. The oth- has been criticised as secretive The province produces 60% by a magistrate’s court that said police to Cuango, an administrative ers have been freed. In Cuango and corrupt, with authorities of Angola’s oil, making the had not followed procedure. town about 600km (370 miles) there was one death,” a senior crushing dissent. country, along with Nigeria, His trial on these charges is set to start in east of capital Luanda, activists police offi cer said. Dos Santos, 74, who has been one of sub-Saharan Africa’s September. said. Clashes were also reported in in power since 1979, is accused largest oil producers. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 7 AMERICAS US mayors to back Paris climate goals

AFP ment will actually have the opposite nomic burdens” while competitors got a new US president committed to the ter watch out for US cities,” Robertson Bloomberg will join a board meet- Brussels eff ect in terms of execution,” Reed told off lightly. Paris agreement. said. ing of the Global Covenant of Mayors a meeting of mayors from Asia, Af- Reed said he had attended a meeting He cited experts who argue that cities “They’re on the rise and I think will for Climate and Energy, which repre- rica, Europe, South America and North in Miami on Saturday where more than can achieve 35% to 45% of the targeted prevail in the end at turning the tide sents 7,451 cities worldwide and nearly resident Donald Trump’s deci- America in Brussels. 300 US mayors from both the Demo- emission cuts without the involvement and making sure the US is a climate 700mn people, or 9% of the global sion to pull out of the Paris cli- “What we did not have really was cratic and Republican parties pledged of national governments. leader,” he told the gathering. population. Pmate accord has triggered a bi- the level of cooperation, passion and to honour the commitments Trump’s The Paris agreement calls for keep- Maros Sefcovic, the European Com- Sefcovic said he expected that may- partisan push from US mayors to stick intensity until we saw our president’s predecessor Barack Obama agreed to in ing average global warming below two mission vice president for energy who ors from China, the world’s biggest to the emissions cuts Washington had decision to withdraw,” Reed said. Paris. degrees Celsius above pre-industrial co-chaired yesrterday’s meeting of emitter of greenhouse gases, would pledged to hit, the mayor of Atlanta Trump caused outrage when he de- The meeting showed this “is not a levels, and at 1.5C if possible. mayors, said momentum from cities soon be “very strongly represented” in said yesterday. cided to withdraw the United States partisan issue,” the Democratic mayor Mayor Gregor Robertson of Vancou- and other players was “stronger than the covenant, though there are none Mayor Kasim Reed said he was send- — the world’s second-largest emitter said. ver suggested that Trump look north to ever before” despite Trump’s decision. from mainland China currently. ing a signal of “optimism, passion and of greenhouse gases — from the 2015 “I won’t go as far as to say we can see how voters in Canadian cities had Former New York mayor and billion- The C40 club of mayors of top cit- action” on fi ghting climate change to accord which is meant to curb rising reach the exact same goals as we could changed the political map by having aire philanthropist Michael Bloomb- ies on Monday called on G20 leaders mayors worldwide despite the pullout temperatures driven by human activity. have with national leadership,” Reed Justin Trudeau, a champion of the Paris erg, who was to join world mayors in to strongly support the Paris pact — Trump announced this month. Trump said the pact, signed by near- told AFP later. pact, replace his opponent Stephen Brussels later Tuesday, announced a even though they are now only 19 af- “President Trump’s disappointing ly 200 countries, hit the United States But he said cities could do enough to Harper for the premiership in 2015. $200mn plan Monday aiming to back ter Trump’s pullout — when they meet decision to withdraw from the agree- with “draconian fi nancial and eco- keep the ball rolling until the arrival of “The Trump administration had bet- innovative policies in American cities. next month in Hamburg, Germany. CNN pushes Trafficking report phony news on Russia, says Trump President Trump has indicated that CNN Investigates in January, having previously the resignations are vindication of his been executive editor of CNNMoney. accusations of fake news zPresident Donald Trump is growing increas- Ivanka Trump delivers remarks at the US State Department during the 2017 Traff icking in Persons Report ceremony in Washington, DC. ingly frustrated with China over its inaction on The ceremony honoured eight men and women from around the world whose eff orts have made a lasting impact on the fight against Agencies North Korea and bilateral trade issues and is now modern slavery. Washington considering possible trade actions against Beijing, three senior administration offi cials told Reuters. The offi cials said Trump was impatient with resident Donald Trump yesterday reacted China and was looking at a range of options, in- to the resignation of three top CNN jour- cluding tariff s on steel imports, which have pre- Pnalists over the retraction of a story by re- viously been discussed by Commerce Secretary ferring to the network and other major US media Wilbur Ross. outlets as “fake news”. Whether he would actually take action remains Justice Gorsuch shows The network announced on Monday that the unclear. employees had resigned after the story on alleged In April, Trump backed off from a threat to ties between a Russian investment fund and a withdraw from NAFTA after he said that Cana- Trump confi dante was retracted. dian and Mexican leaders telephoned him asking Trump chided CNN on Twitter for getting him to halt a planned executive order in favour of conservative credentials caught “falsely pushing their phony Russian sto- opening discussions. ries” and referred to the network as “Fake News zUS President Donald Trump and his policies CNN.” are broadly unpopular around the world — with Reuters “Justice Gorsuch has shown himself to be series of written opinions and votes on Mon- The president, who has repeatedly complained the notable exceptions of Russia and Israel, ac- Washington the conservative ideologue many predicted he day. In the biggest dispute before the justices, that the news media is biased against him, then cording to a poll released Monday. would be and not the moderating check on the the court handed a partial win to Trump by asked, “What about NBC, CBS & ABC? What The Pew Research Center survey, which sur- executive branch as others suggested he would partly reviving his travel ban that he has said about the failing @nytimes & @washingtonpost? veyed people in 37 nations, showed a sharp de- n less than three months, President Don- be,” said Michele Jawando, a lawyer with the is needed for security reasons but opponents They are all Fake News!” cline in the average trust for America’s leader to ald Trump’s nominee to the US Supreme liberal Center for American Progress. criticize as discriminatory. There was no reaction from CNN to Trump’s do the right thing when it comes to international ICourt, Justice Neil Gorsuch, is already Conservatives, meanwhile, are delighted. The ban was blocked by lower courts and tweets. On Friday CNN said it had retracted a aff airs. staking out ground on the court’s right, add- Their hope that Gorsuch, 49, would be a sol- the high court agreed to hear oral arguments story published days earlier linking hedge-fund Twenty-two per cent reported they had faith in ing his voice to the biggest controversies in- id vote on the right, would appear to be well in its next term starting in October. Gorsuch, manager Anthony Scaramucci with a Congress Trump to guide America’s role in the world, com- cluding Trump’s travel ban targeted at six founded. with two of the court’s other conservatives, investigation into the Russian Direct Investment pared with a 64 % level of confi dence in Barack Muslim-majority countries, gun control, re- “Gorsuch is rapidly becoming my favorite said they would have voted to allow the entire Fund. Obama in the fi nal years of his presidency, Pew ligious rights and gay rights. justice,” said Ilya Shapiro, a lawyer with the ban to go into eff ect. “That story did not meet CNN’s editorial Research said. In a fl urry of activity at the court on Mon- libertarian Cato Institute. When the court also declined to hear what standards and has been retracted. Links to the “In the eyes of most people surveyed around day, Gorsuch showed his inclination to rule The new justice, formerly an appeals court would have been a major gun rights case on story have been disabled. CNN apologises to Mr the world, the White House’s new occupant is ar- from a spot occupied by fellow conservative judge in Colorado, was sworn in on April 10 af- whether the constitutional right to keep fi re- Scaramucci,” it wrote on Saturday. rogant, intolerant and even dangerous,” according Justice Clarence Thomas. ter Democrats made a concerted eff ort to block arms for self-defence extends outside the CNN wrote that at a staff meeting on Monday, to a statement released with the poll, which was At a minimum, he is so far living up to his confi rmation by the Republican-control- home, only two of the nine justices dissented. members of the investigative unit were told that carried out between February 16 and May 8. Trump’s claim that he would be a conservative led US Senate. One was Thomas. The other was Gorsuch. the retraction did not necessarily mean the story At home, a CBS poll released last week found in the mold of the man he replaced, Justice An- Gorsuch has not been shy to make his voice A gay rights case saw a similar pattern, with was wrong, rather it was not yet “solid enough to that Trump’s overall approval rating in America tonin Scalia, who died last year. heard since day one on the bench when, during Thomas, Gorsuch and fellow conservative publish”. was now down to 36%, the lowest level since he Thomas, appointed by President George three one-hour arguments, he sparred with Samuel Alito the only dissenters as the court Scaramucci had objected to the report and on took power. H W Bush in 1991, is seen by legal experts as attorneys no fewer than eight times. “I’m sor- threw out an Arkansas court ruling that al- Saturday accepted the network’s apology, de- And under Trump, favourability ratings for the the most conservative of the nine justices and ry for taking up so much time, I apologise,” he lowed the state to refuse to list both same-sex scribing it as a “classy move.” United States have fallen in many countries, ac- is known for his idiosyncratic views of some said, smiling, after one such lengthy exchange. spouses on birth certifi cates. The three top CNN journalists who resigned cording to the Pew poll. legal issues. The court has a 5-4 conservative Gorsuch has asserted himself on paper as Gorsuch has also showed a willingness to after the retraction are: Thomas Frank, who “The share of the public with a positive view of majority. well. His one opinion for the court, in a case quibble with his colleagues on what might wrote the story in question; Lex Haris, who was the US has plummeted in a diverse set of countries Two of the conservative majority, Anthony about debt collection, was unanimous. seem minor points. in charge of a new investigative unit at the broad- from Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia Kennedy, and to a lesser extent Chief Justice But it’s not unusual for new justices to be as- In the court’s big ruling on Monday in a re- caster; and Eric Lichtblau, an editor in the unit, and Africa,” Pew said. John Roberts, sometimes side with the liber- signed a fi rst opinion to write where the court ligious rights case, the justices were split 7-2 had all left, it said. The fall in confi dence in the US leader was es- als. is in broad agreement. In the cases where the on allowing a church to apply for state fund- Frank is a veteran journalist who has previously pecially pronounced among US allies in Europe Liberal groups and Democratic senators had court has been divided, he has reliably stuck ing to re-pave its school playground. Gorsuch worked for USA Today and Newsday newspapers, and Asia, and in Canada and Mexico, the poll said. vociferously opposed Gorsuch’s appointment, with the conservative wing while showing wrote a separate concurring opinion, joined by while Lichtblau is a Pulitzer Prize-winning jour- Among the 37 countries polled, Russia and Is- with the evidence so far suggesting their de- something of an independent streak similar to Thomas, in which he explained in part why he nalist who joined CNN from the New York Times rael were the only ones in which people said they piction of him as a dogged conservative was Thomas. agreed with all of the majority opinion, except in April. Haris was named executive editor of trust Trump more than they did Obama. largely correct. Gorusch nailed his colours to the mast in a for one footnote that limited it.

Possible active shooter at US army Facing revolt on healthcare bill, base in Alabama Religious school can also get Off icials at the Redstone Arsenal Senate Republicans delay vote in the southern state of Alabama subsidies: Supreme Court warned yesterday of an “possible active shooter” on the sprawling Reuters Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski confi rmed that US army base and ordered the Reuters schools, both public and private. Washington the vote had been put off . “Nothing this week,” she told site locked down. Washington There is a fi erce debate in the United States reporters as she left a Senate Republican luncheon. “Possible active shooter on the over school vouchers, which many religious con- With a razor-thin majority in the Senate, McConnell Arsenal. Installation is locked servatives advocate and people opposed to gov- S Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell needs support from at least 50 Republicans. down. Run hide fight,” read a he US Supreme Court yesterday threw out ernment funding for religious purposes oppose. decided yesterday to delay a vote on health- But while the House of Representatives narrowly tweet from base authorities at @ a lower court ruling prohibiting the use of Republican President Donald Trump’s educa- Ucare legislation in order to get more support passed a bill last month to replace Obamacare, the TeamREDSTONE. Tpublic funds to pay for children to attend tion secretary, Betsy DeVos, is a prominent sup- from Republican senators, according to a Senate aide, Senate version appeared to be stalled yesterday. No further information was private religious schools, a day after it issued a porter of such “school choice” plans. a move that averted a potentially disastrous defeat by Republican lawmakers’ overlapping concerns and immediately available, and major ruling narrowing the separation of church The Colorado case arose after the Douglas members of his own party. competing interests have presented McConnell with a the base website was not and state. The justices ordered the lower court County School District, outside Denver, enacted Meanwhile, President Donald Trump summoned all balancing act. Moderate senators worry that millions immediately accessible. in Colorado to reconsider the legality of school a voluntary voucher programme in 2011 to off set Republican senators to the White House yesterday af- of people would lose their insurance. Television images showed empty “voucher” programmes in light of Monday’s the tuition cost of attending participating private ternoon to discuss how to proceed. Conservatives say the bill does not do enough to streets on the vast military base. ruling that churches and other religious enti- schools, most of which were religiously affi liated. McConnell had been pushing for a vote ahead of the erase Democratic former President Barack Obama’s Local TV station WHNT reported ties cannot be categorically denied public money The district argued that introducing com- July 4 recess that starts at the end of this week on the signature domestic legislation. that FBI agents were heading to even in states whose constitutions explicitly ban petition into education would make the public legislation to advance a repeal of major elements of The bill’s prospects were not helped by an analysis by the site, and that no one had been such funding. In that case, the justices sided with schools better. Obamacare and replace it with a new federal healthcare the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Offi ce on Mon- registered at the local hospital. a Missouri church that objected when the state A group of Colorado taxpayers challenged the programme. day saying the measure would cause 22mn Americans Redstone Arsenal, located near denied it access to public funds for a playground voucher programme, arguing that it violated a The delay in the vote was a sign that McConnell and to lose medical insurance over the next decade. The re- the town of Huntsville, Alabama, improvement project. provision of the state constitution barring any Trump have failed so far to attract enough votes amid a port prompted Senator Susan Collins, a key moderate hosts units of the army missile The justices yesterday also threw out a low- aid to religious institutions. solid block of Democratic opposition and attacks from vote, to say she could not support moving forward on command as well as a Nasa er court ruling in a similar case in New Mex- Colorado’s Supreme Court in 2015 struck down both moderate and conservative Republican senators. the bill as it stands. research centre. ico over a programme that lends textbooks to the county’s programme. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

ANNIVERSARY SECURITY DEFENCE ELECTION LAW AND ORDER China rolls out cyber Thai junta denies plans Mongolia to undergo China bans use of torture, threat response plan to buy arms from US first ever runoff vote forced confessions — again

China’s top cyber authority formalised a Thailand has no immediate plans to buy war Mongolia will hold the first runoff election for Chinese police and prosecutors are banned new nationwide cyber attack response plan weapons and military equipment from the president in its history on July 9, after neither from using torture to obtain evidence under yesterday, as the country seeks to ramp United States, the Thai junta said yesterday, of the three candidates managed to secure rules released yesterday, in the latest attempt up protection in the face of increasingly responding to media reports about planned an absolute majority. Battulga Khaltmaa, to curb forced confessions in the country’s sophisticated global threats. The plan requires purchases of US armaments. “They are too a former martial arts star and business criminal justice system. Confessions obtained provinces to upgrade networks and construct expensive and we don’t have a sufficient tycoon from the Democratic Party, led the through torture, threats and illegal detention expert response teams as part of the centralised budget,” said Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy first-round ballot with 38.1% of the votes. He are inadmissable in court, the Supreme Court reporting system, said the Cyberspace prime minister and defence minister. Prawit’s will compete in the runoff against Enkhbold said on its website. The aim is to “accurately Administration of China in a notice posted on remarks were in response to media reports Miyegombo, from the ruling Mongolian punish the crime” and thereby protect human Orangutans Ah Meng and Comel and Anita its website. The regulations also criminalise any on military procurement plans to be finalised People’s Party (MPP), who secured 30.3%. The rights and avoid miscarriages of justice, it enjoy durian fruits to mark Singapore zoo’s failure by government departments to carry out ahead of a meeting between Thai Prime third candidate, Ganbaatar Sainkhuu, who said, according to the transcript of a news 44th year anniversary. The Singapore Zoo the plan. China has increasingly sought to fortify Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and US President joined the race at the last minute to represent conference also hosted by the Supreme People’s celebrated its 44th birthday with a durian its cyberspace, citing threats to its national Donald Trump, scheduled for late July in the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party Procuratorate, Ministry of Public Security, feast for its orangutan family. infrastructure and political stability. Washington. (MPRP), just missed the cut with 30.2%. Ministry of State Security and Ministry of Justice. US urges China to Obama girls in Bali let Nobel laureate choose doctors

AFP place,” Amnesty’s China re- Beijing searcher Patrick Poon said. Citing two other cases of critics who died in detention, he United States urged Human Rights Watch’s China China yesterday to give director Sophie Richardson Tcancer-stricken Nobel said the government “needs to peace prize laureate Liu Xiaobo be held to account for permit- and his wife freedom to move ting yet another peaceful critic and choose his own doctors af- to fall gravely ill while unjustly ter he was granted medical pa- detained.” role. The US embassy in Beijing Liu is one of only three said it was “working to gather people to have won the Nobel more information” about Liu’s award while jailed by their own legal and medical status af- government. China strongly ter authorities confi rmed his condemned the prize as foreign transfer from prison to a hospi- interference in its internal af- tal in northeast China. fairs. With three years left to serve Diplomatic ties and trade in his 11-year sentence, the talks between Beijing and Oslo 61-year-old democracy cam- were frozen, with China halt- paigner was diagnosed with Chinese dissident and Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo and his ing Norwegian salmon imports. terminal liver cancer on May 23 wife Liu Xia in Beijing, in a file picture. Relations were only normalised and granted medical parole days last December. Liu was arrested later, his lawyer Mo Shaoping said he was being treated by a video call with a friend and in 2008 after co-writing Char- said. “We call on the Chinese “eight renowned Chinese on- saying her husband “can’t have ter 08, a petition posted online authorities to not only release cologists” at China Medical surgery, can’t do chemothera- that called for the protection of Mr Liu but also to allow his wife University No 1 Hospital in the py”. basic human rights and reform Ms Liu Xia out of house arrest,” northeast city of Shenyang. Other friends of the cou- of China’s one-party Commu- US embassy spokeswoman “He has no special plans. He ple told AFP they recognised nist system. Mary Beth Polley told AFP. is just receiving medical treat- Liu Xia in the footage. The Liu is also known for his ef- Liu Xia, a poet, has been ment for his illness,” Mo told Nobel Committee said it was forts to help negotiate the safe under house arrest since 2010, AFP on Monday. “delighted” to learn that Liu exit from Tiananmen Square when her husband won the No- The writer was sentenced was fi nally freed, but that it of thousands of student dem- bel prize. She suff ered a heart in 2009 for “subversion” after “strongly regrets that it took onstrators on the night of June attack in 2014, when she was spearheading a bold petition serious illness before Chinese 3-4, 1989 when the military diagnosed with depression af- for democratic reforms. He was authorities were willing to re- bloodily suppressed six weeks ter years of detention, a rights awarded the Nobel prize while lease him from jail”. of protests in the heart of Bei- group said at the time. in jail a year later and was repre- “Chinese authorities carry a jing. He was arrested immedi- China should “provide them sented by an empty chair at the heavy responsibility if Liu Xi- ately after the crackdown and the protection and freedom ceremony in Oslo. aobo, because of his imprison- released without charge in early such as freedom of movement International human rights ment, has been denied neces- 1991. and access to medical care of groups and supporters de- sary medical treatment,” it said. Liu was rearrested and his choosing to which they are manded that Liu be granted the Human Rights Watch and Am- served three years in a labour entitled under the Chinese con- best medical care in China or nesty International called on camp from 1996 for seek- stitution and legal system and abroad and criticised his treat- the authorities to ensure Liu’s ing the release of those jailed international commitments,” ment. Su Yutong, a Chinese ac- family can visit him. “Adding in the Tiananmen protests Sasha (left) and Malia, daughters of former US president Barack Obama, visit Tirtha Empul temple Polley said. tivist exiled in Germany, shared injury to insult, Liu Xiaobo has and for opposing the offi- at Tampaksiring Village in Gianyar on the Indonesian resort island of Bali yesterday. Barack Obama The Liaoning Prison Ad- a video on Twitter which she been diagnosed with a grave ill- cial verdict that their actions kicked off a 10-day family holiday in Indonesia that will take in Bali and Jakarta, the city where he ministrative Bureau confi rmed said showed the campaigner’s ness in prison, where he should amounted to a counter-revo- spent part of his childhood. Liu’s parole on Monday and wife, Liu Xia, sobbing during never have been put in the fi rst lutionary rebellion.

Depp may face perjury charges Hong Kong in Beijing’s shadow 20 years after handover in Australia over ‘canine gate’ Johnny Depp could face perjury guilty to falsifying her charges in Australia after the immigration arrivals card and was AFP deputy prime minister threatened placed on a A$1,000 (US$758) Hong Kong yesterday to unleash a new one-month good behaviour bond, chapter in a pet dog case dubbed with two more serious charges the “war on terrier”. of illegally importing the dogs hen Xi Jinping lands The Pirates of the Caribbean dropped. in Hong Kong today star and his then-wife Amber At the time, their lawyers claimed Wfor the fi rst time since Heard fell foul of Australia’s strict it was a misunderstanding. becoming China’s president, he quarantine laws when they failed But legal documents filed in will step into a deeply divided to declare her canines Pistol and a separate case between the city uncertain of its future. Boo on arrival in the country on a actor and his former business The visit marks 20 years since private jet in 2015. Heard escaped managers TMG, allegedly show Hong Kong was handed back to with a fine and a good behaviour Depp was “fully aware” he China by Britain and comes at a bond, but a lawsuit between Depp was breaking Australian laws, time when many fear the semi- and his former management has according to People magazine autonomous city’s freedoms are revived the spat amid allegations which obtained them. It being lost to an ever more asser- the actor was aware he was claimed the documents show he tive Beijing. Protests are expect- breaching the laws. “pressured one of his long-term ed during Xi’s three-day trip, Dora, an administrator in a university’s clinical department, poses Cadets from the Hong Kong Adventure Corps march at their Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby employees to ‘take the fall’”. which will be shielded by huge while wearing a T-shirt with a British flag designed in Hong Kong. training ground in Hong Kong. Joyce, who has been a vocal critic “We’re an island continent and we security and culminate in the of Depp, said if the allegations take biosecurity very seriously inauguration of new city leader, to win concessions on demo- of two pro-independence law- control Hong Kong,” he said. universal suff rage” it was voted were true “there’s a word for that: and it doesn’t matter if you think Carrie Lam. cratic reform and have infuriat- makers and alleged abductions Both Chung and Ip agree po- down in parliament by pro-de- it is called perjury”. that you’re Mr Who’s Who of Pro-democracy campaigner ed Beijing. “What we hope is to by mainland security agents, litical divisions need to be ad- mocracy lawmakers. Lam was “I might have another look at Hollywood, you’re going to obey Joshua Wong, who led mass let everyone get the right of ref- have sparked concerns the tide dressed, but argue that requires chosen by a Beijing-friendly this,” he added, in an interview our laws,” said Joyce, who is also “Umbrella Movement” rallies in erendum to decide the future of is turning. compromise. electoral committee, as were her with Australian Broadcasting the agriculture minister and likes 2014 calling for political reform this city,” Wong said. Residents Beijing and local offi cials in- “If you want to have democ- predecessors. Corporation. wearing cowboy hats. in an unprecedented challenge were given no say in whether sist Hong Kong’s high degree racy in the sense of cutting Bei- Although there are democrats Joyce sparked global headlines Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to Beijing, says he believes Hong Hong Kong should be returned of autonomy is secure. Pro-es- jing out of the picture, that’s a in the legislature, it is still fun- two years ago when he saw the lighter side, quipping Kong is at a crossroads. “The to China in 1997. tablishment lawmaker Regina non-starter,” said Ip. damentally weighted towards threatened to have the animals to Triple M radio in Sydney: “I uniqueness of Hong Kong and For the past 20 years, Hong Ip, leader of the New People’s Lam has pledged to heal rifts Beijing. Campaigners say their put down unless they “$$###### wouldn’t want to come between the political status of my city Kong has been governed under a Party, told AFP she thought the but is already being painted by calls for the promised reforms off back to the United States”, Johnny and Barnaby... sort of the are under threat,” 20-year-old “one country, two systems” deal semi-autonomous system was critics as a China stooge. She have now been sidelined. igniting a war of words with Depp. pirate meets the cowboy. Wong told AFP. He wants a pub- which grants it rights unseen on “holding up well”. has questioned whether it is the Hong Kong’s youngest law- The couple released an awkward “Maybe they could make a movie lic vote on sovereignty in 2047, the mainland, including free- Hong Kong’s economic right time to revisit the reform maker and former Umbrella video apologising, but Joyce together,” he added. when the 50-year handover dom of speech, an independent growth was better under China debate that triggered the Um- Movement leader, Nathan Law, mocked Depp as looking like The prospect of charges cap a agreement guaranteeing Hong judiciary and a partially elected than it would have been under brella Movement. says the pro-democracy camp “he was auditioning for the diff icult week for Depp, who was Kong’s liberties and way of life legislature. Britain, added legislator Felix The protests kicked off after a has “very limited power” in par- Godfather”. forced to apologise on Friday expires. Rule of law is seen as key to Chung, head of the pro-estab- Beijing-backed plan for leader- liament, but will not stop push- Depp hit back, telling US talk for joking about US President Such calls for self-determi- its role as a gateway between lishment Liberal Party. ship elections — promised in the ing for a more representative show host Jimmy Kimmel that Donald Trump being assassinated nation or even full independ- China and the rest of the world. “The central government handover deal — said candidates system. He also points out that Joyce “looks somehow like (he’s) during remarks to a music festival ence for Hong Kong grew out of However, a string of incidents, gave us a lot of freedoms — must be vetted fi rst. politics is not the only divisive inbred with a tomato”. audience that triggered an angry the failure of the 2014 protests including the disqualifi cation they didn’t do too much to Slammed by activists as “fake aspect of Hong Kong. Actress-model Heard pleaded backlash. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 9 BRITAIN Govt probes widespread use of cladding after tower blaze

AFP “Something has clearly gone The number of tower blocks in quiry already announced into the rial for high-rise buildings. problem unique to social housing with a similar aluminium com- London wrong over a number of years and Northern Ireland, Scotland and Grenfell blaze. On Monday, Communities or tall buildings”. posite material to that used on we need to fi nd out what, why Wales with similar cladding is “Ministers have said that the Minister Sajid Javid told MPs that All hospitals have been asked the Grenfell, although the prod- and how to make sure it doesn’t not known. public inquiry might be expected there had been a “catastrophic to conduct additional checks and uct was diff erent. rime Minister Theresa May happen again,” May told the BBC. By yesterday morning, tests to look at why this cladding had failure”. 15 government buildings “require Dave Power, group chief ex- yesterday promised an in- External cladding installed had been carried out on cladding been fi tted in diff erent parts of “Building regulations and the further investigation”, Javid said, ecutive at One Manchester, said Pvestigation into the use during a recent renovation has in 95 residential blocks across the country over a long number system for ensuring fi re safety in without giving further details. work would begin immediately of cladding on British high-rise been widely blamed for the June 32 local areas, all installed since of years, and I’m confi rming buildings have been developed Thousands of residents from to remove the cladding and ad- buildings following the deadly 14 blaze on the 24-storey tower in around 2000 — and concluded that,” the spokesman said. over many decades. Until the the Chalcots Estate in Camden, ditional safety measures were in Grenfell Tower fi re, after safety west London which left 79 peo- that 100% of the materials were The Grenfell fi re was started by Grenfell fi re, many experts would north London, were evacuated place. tests on 95 similar blocks record- ple presumed dead, including a combustible. a faulty fridge, but spread rapidly have claimed that system has on Saturday, after an inspection “24-hour security is now in ed a 100% failure rate. fi ve-year-old boy. Addressing a meeting of her up the block, trapping many resi- served us well,” he said. showed four of the fi ve towers operation in every tower block to The government has also said Around 600 tower blocks in cabinet, May promised “a major dents in the upper fl oors. “But now we have witnessed were at risk over cladding, fi re provide a ‘wakeful watch’ to raise the problem may not be exclusive England alone are believed to have national investigation” in how Arconic, the US supplier of the a catastrophic failure, on a scale doors, gas pipes and insulation. the alarm and manage the build- to tall buildings or social housing, similar tiling, prompting urgent this had happened, her spokes- cladding installed in a refurbish- many thought impossible in A landlord in Manchester, ing evacuation in the event of a and announced it will carry out checks and in the evacuation of man said. ment completed only last year, 21st-century Britain.” northwest England, said yester- fi re, which we hope will provide safety checks on all hospitals and a thousands of residents over fears The probe is expected to be announced on Monday that it The minister also warned day that safety tests had failed extra reassurance for our ten- number of government buildings. their homes are no longer safe. part of a judge-led public in- was stopping sales of the mate- unsafe cladding “may not be a on 16 of its tower blocks, all clad ants,” he said. Sturgeon to Wind whirl! await Brexit before vote on independence Kitesurfers catch the wind in the estuary of the river Exe as it runs into the English channel by Exmouth in south west England. Reuters endum had lost the SNP votes. so potentially far reaching that, as Edinburgh In March, the Scottish parlia- they become clearer, I think peo- ment had backed Sturgeon’s de- ple will increasingly demand that mand to hold a new referendum, choice (on secession),” Sturgeon cotland’s secessionist leader but British Prime Minister Theresa said. yesterday postponed plans May had refused to enter into dis- “We face a Brexit we did not vote Sfor a second independence cussions on the proposal. for, and in a form more extreme Slain soldier’s mum feels ‘let down’ by ministry referendum until the terms of Brit- “What I think Nicola Sturgeon than most would have imagined ain’s exit from the European Union should be saying today is that she’s just one year ago.” are clear. going to completely take off the Scots voted against independ- Guardian News and Media life on the fourth anniversary of his mur- London Bridge and Borough Market ear- Scottish First Minister Nicola table the question of Indy Ref 2, a ence by 55% to 45% in 2014 but London der when they heard about the Manches- lier this month, felt like a repeat of the Sturgeon said she was putting on second independence referendum the 2016 Brexit referendum called ter Arena attack. murder of her son, who was also struck hold plans to introduce legislation in Scotland,” May said.”Now is the the future of the United Kingdom She said the news of the suicide bomb- by a vehicle before being attacked with that would have demanded a sec- time for the United Kingdom to be into question because England and he mother of murdered soldier Lee ing at the Ariana Grande concert hit them knives and a cleaver. ond referendum. pulling together, not being driven Wales voted to leave while Scotland Rigby has accused the ministry of hard, but there was no contact from the “I do get angry, but you can’t give in to Sturgeon, whose Scottish Na- apart.” and Northern Ireland voted to stay. Tdefence (MoD) of failing to support MoD. “We really did think we would get a these people. You can’t let them win,” she tional Party wants to break Scot- However, Sturgeon said she in- Sturgeon told the Scottish as- her family. Rigby, 25, was off duty when he phone call just to make sure we were OK,” said. land’s 300-year-old union with tended to off er Scots a fresh choice sembly she had listened carefully was stabbed to death in May 2013 by ex- she said. She and her partner set up a charity in England, had been seeking a ref- on secession as soon as it was clear to those who were concerned about tremists outside the Royal Artillery Bar- Lyn said Lee’s stepfather, Ian, had their son’s name after he was killed and erendum in late 2018 or early 2019, what Brexit meant. Brexit but had not wanted another racks in Woolwich, south London. His been signed off work for three weeks on are renovating a house in the grounds of a ahead of Britain’s EU exit which is “We will — in good faith — re- independence vote immediately mother Lyn said the family had not heard medical grounds after the Manchester country estate in Staff ordshire to serve as due in March 2019. double our eff orts and put our and were worried about a lack of from the MoD since his funeral. attack because of the toll it had taken on a retreat for the families of soldiers killed “We will not seek to introduce shoulder to the wheel in seeking to political clarity. “We never got the support, we were him. serving their country. the legislation for an independence infl uence the Brexit talks in a way She said a choice needed to be classed as a non-dependent family of She said that the MoD had not only A MoD spokesman said: “We do our referendum immediately,” Stur- that protects Scotland’s interests,” off ered, but the timing needed to Lee’s so we weren’t classed as Lee’s fami- failed to support the family emotionally utmost to support armed forces’ fami- geon told the Scottish parliament. Sturgeon said, adding she wanted be more cautious. ly,” Lyn told the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire but fi nancially as well, revealing that she lies that have lost loved ones, providing “The Scottish government will Scotland to remain in the European “The Scottish government re- programme. sometimes skipped meals to ensure her trained visiting offi cers who off er guid- reset the plan I set out.” single market. mains committed strongly to the “The next of kin get looked after, they partner and children could eat. ance on accessing help as well as a range Sturgeon’s party lost 21 of its 56 It is unclear, however, whether principle of giving Scotland a get the support and everything else … “We do struggle from day to day to put of support from individual regiments, seats in the United Kingdom’s par- she will be able to reinvigorate the choice at the end of this process We never got the counselling, we got that food in the kids’ mouths,” she said. including fi nancial aid. Our thoughts liament at Westminster in the June independence cause, given the di- but I want to reassure people that from the actual Victim Support.” The Manchester Arena attack, which remain with the family and friends of 8 election. visive nature of referendums per se our proposal is not for a referen- She also said the main charities “didn’t killed 22 people, was the second of four Drummer Lee Rigby.” In the days after the election she and the political chaos into which dum now, or before there is suf- want to know”. terrorist attacks over a three-month pe- Rigby’s killers, Michael Adebolajo and acknowledged that her insistence Britain has been thrown by Brexit. fi cient clarity about the options,” Lyn Rigby and her family, who live in riod this year. Michael Adebowale, were sentenced to on a second independence refer- “The implications of Brexit are Sturgeon said. Manchester, had been celebrating Lee’s Lyn said the third of those attacks, on life in prison in December 2013.

Meet the new last word: zyzzyva Golden cash machine marks ATM birthday Eating a tasty meal with chana dal or doenjang washed he automated teller machine They were based on vending ma- There now are an estimated 3mn down with a gin daisy could well foster a nice feeling of (ATM) yesterday marked its chines. Customers could access their plus cash machines on the planet. The hygge. T50th anniversary, with a British money outside of banking hours — a world’s most southerly ATM is at the Just hope you don’t find any zyzzyva on your plate. bank decorating the site of the world’s mini-revolution on the high street. McMurdo Station research base on Ant- If you need to look up any of those words, the unof- first cashpoint in gold to mark the oc- The fi rst person to use the inaugural arctica, while the highest is at 4,693m in ficial custodian of the English language now has the casion. ATM was actor Reg Varney, the star of Pakistan’s Khunjerab Pass near the Chi- answers. The fi rst ATM was unveiled by Bar- a popular British TV comedy called “On nese border. In its latest update, the Oxford English Dictionary clays at their Enfi eld branch in north The Buses”, brought in to show how easy There is an ATM inside the Forbidden identified more than 600 words, phrases and senses London on June 27, 1967. it was to use. City in Beijing, mobile ATMs on trucks, that have entered common parlance. “The invention of the ATM was a The Barclays cashpoint in Enfi eld one on a golf buggy in the US state of They include “zyzzyva”, a genus of tropical weevils historical moment that completely has been given a gold makeover, and a Georgia and one in a Dubai hotel that native to South America. changed the way the world thought roped-off red carpet approach to cel- dispenses gold bars. The word replaces zythum — an ancient Egyptian about and used cash,” Barclays said. ebrate the anniversary. Though other technologies such as malt beer — as the OED’s final entry. The original cash machine was the A black-and-white picture of Varney mobile and online banking have come The name was apparently coined by the US entomolo- A woman uses a smart phone to take a photograph of a gold brainchild of John Shepherd-Barron, using the ATM stands above it, while a into play, the number of cash machines gist Thomas Lincoln Casey, who described it in a 1922 coloured automated teller machine installed at a branch of who was commissioned by the bank to commemorative gold plaque has been is expected to grow, with China and In- work, the OED said. British bank Barclays, in Enfield. create six cash dispensers. placed on the bank wall. dia driving the expansion. “In any case, zyzzyva owes much of its currency in English to its notoriety as the last entry in various dictionaries, the ranks of which now include the OED,” it said. The quarterly update includes “post-truth”, previ- ously announced by the OED as its word of the year for 2016 following Britain’s Brexit referendum and Donald Queen to get cash boost to fund palace refi t Trump’s presidential victory. “Brexit” itself also made into the dictionary last year, meeting the OED’s criterion that a new word, phrase AFP The £900,000 surplus went into Prince William, second in line to portfolio — which are surrendered the circumstances, as part of cost- or sense of a word must have featured in a variety of London a reserve fund held as an insurance the throne, and his wife Kate, are to the Treasury under a deal dating cutting measures. printed sources over several years. against future leaner years. set to step up theirs. back to 1760. The monarch has to sign off on all Other new senses this time include “thing”, as in “a “In 2016-17 the sovereign grant In his last full fi nancial year of of- The grant amounts to 15% of the visit plans and some are deemed too genuine or established phenomenon or practice”, often ritain’s royal family is set for equated to a cost of 65 pence per fi cial duties before his retirement in Crown Estate profi ts, but is set to expensive. used when you’re incredulous about something. a bumper year of income as it person in the United Kingdom — the coming months, Prince Philip go up to 25% for 10 years to pay for Royal offi cials stressed the sov- The OED said the earliest citation of this new sense Bembarks on a 10-year reno- the price of a fi rst-class stamp,” carried out 196 engagements. the refurbishment of Buckingham ereign grant should not be seen as was from a 2000 episode of the US TV drama The West vation of Buckingham Palace, royal said Alan Reid, who runs the royal “The activities of the wider roy- Palace, so will rise from £42.8mn to money going into Queen Elizabeth’s Wing: “Did you know that ‘leaf peeping’ was a thing?’” offi cials said yesterday. household’s fi nances. al family are vital in bringing the £76.1mn next year. pocket. “This isn’t earnings. It’s the Just in time for this year’s Wimbledon tournament are The works on the monarchy’s “When you consider that against monarchy into direct and personal The wing-by-wing palace re- reimbursement of expenses for do- 50 new terms relating to tennis, such as “forced error”, headquarters are expected to start what the Queen does and repre- contact with all sections of society,” fi t is set to cost £369mn, of which ing the job for free,” a source said. “chip and charge” and “career slam”. in the coming months with ripping sents for this country, I believe it said Reid. £139mn will be met by greater ef- “In no way does it relate to pay.” Further additions to the English lexicon are chana out 60-year-old rubber cabling, represents excellent value for mon- “We can expect to see other fi ciency and opening the palace to The Crown Estate said yesterday dal, the Hindi phrase for chickpeas, and doenjang, a deemed the most pressing concern. ey,” said Reid, whose title is Keeper members of the royal family doing the public for more days per year its annual profi ts — all given to the paste made from fermented soya beans used in Korean The monarchy’s expenditure was of the Privy Purse. even more to support the Queen in once the works are completed. Treasury — had hit a new high, ris- cookery. £56.8mn in the fi nancial year 2016- The royal family carried out more the years ahead.” The refurbishment is set to re- ing 8.1% to £328.8mn for 2016-17 in A gin daisy is a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice 17, annual royal accounts showed. than 3,000 offi cial engagements The sovereign grant pays for the place electrical wiring, water pipes contrast to the year before. and (usually) grenadine. It received £42.8mn from the and undertook 65 visits abroad last monarch’s household staff , prop- and boilers in the biggest overhaul Prince Charles also released Drink enough gin daisies and you may well be central government, called the year. erty maintenance, offi cial travel, since the 1950s. his annual accounts, showing the overcome by hygge, the Danish term for “a quality of sovereign grant, and spent the Queen Elizabeth’s husband housekeeping and hospitality. Meanwhile royal sources re- heir to the throne’s income from coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a £14.9mn income it generated it- Prince Philip, 96, is retiring from It is paid in return for the profi ts vealed that members of the family his hereditary estate the Duchy of feeling of contentment or well-being”. self, largely generated by renting royal duties this year and younger from the Crown Estate — the mon- frequently travel in business class Cornwall had increased by 1.2% to out property. members of the family, notably arch’s hereditary land and property rather than fi rst class, depending on £20.7mn. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 EUROPE

AT RISK CONSERVATION PEACE TALKS APPEAL SPENT FUEL 11-storey Germany building Giant pandas explore Berlin Cyprus conflict ‘possible to Petition urges Turkey to Russia starts to clean up evacuated over fire risk home, feast on bamboo solve’: UN mediator free hunger-strike teachers Cold War-era nuke waste

An 11-storey residential building in the western Two giant pandas set to become the star attractions Talks in Switzerland this week on Cyprus’s Turkish artists and intellectuals yesterday Russia yesterday sent a first shipment of spent fuel German city of Wuppertal was evacuated at the Berlin zoo are exploring their new living decades-long partition represent the “best chance” petitioned the government to release two from Soviet-era nuclear-powered submarines to a yesterday after it was discovered to have quarters and enjoying their favourite meal of to resolve the conflict, the UN mediator said teachers who have been on a hunger strike reprocessing plant as part of an international eff ort insulation panels similar to those that burnt bamboo after arriving from China. Footage released yesterday. “It’s a unique opportunity, because after for 111 days. The two teachers went on hunger to clean-up a dangerous legacy of the Cold War. in London’s ill-fated Grenfell Tower, the city by the zoo yesterday showed Jiao Quing and Meng all of these decades of division it is possible, it is strike in Ankara in March to protest the loss of The radioactive fuel from more than 100 reactors of authorities said. The inferno that engulfed the Meng roaming around what zookeepers call their possible to solve, and I really hope that this is the their jobs after Turkey sacked a raft of public over 50 submarines has been stored at Andreyeva London tower block prompted the decision, they living room, an indoor area stocked with wooden spirit by which everybody goes into this meeting,” sector workers following a failed coup in July Bay in north-western Russia, closed as a naval said. Residents would be able to return to their obstacles for climbing, a bear-sized wooden chair Espen Barth Eide told reporters in Geneva. Cypriot last year. Nuriye Gulmen is a university lecturer, base in 1992, for the past 35 years. It presented a flats once the insulation had been removed, and bamboo to eat. “Today is of course a special leaders are headed to Switzerland for a make- while Semih Ozakca is a primary school teacher. serious environmental risk, the European Bank for they added. The evacuated residents were being day — if they didn’t feel at home here it would mean or-break summit aiming to seal a peace deal. “Nuriye and Semih must not die. We want the Reconstruction and Development has said. The housed in replacement flats. Following the fire in we screwed up,” zookeeper Christian Toll said. President Nicos Anastasiades, the Greek Cypriot state to take the necessary steps so that they spent fuel will be shipped on board a specially- Grenfell Tower in which at least 79 people died, There are about 1,800 giant pandas in the wild leader, and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa can return to their schools and continue their equipped vessel to Murmansk, then on to its final Wuppertal had decided to reassess the risk of and the International Union for Conservation of Akinci are to resume the UN-led reunification talks lives,” the petition signed by 111 well-known destination, the Mayak nuclear reprocessing plant fire breaking out in its high-rise buildings. Nature classifies them as “vulnerable.” today in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana. figures read, according to daily Hurriyet. in Chelyabinsk, near the Ural Mountains. Multinationals hit by wave of cyberattacks AFP attacks in his country were “unprec- time, the group said, and quickly spread to Locals lead horses to a safe area from a burnt camping area following a forest fire near Donana National Park, in Kiev edented” but insisted that “important 80 companies in Ukraine and Russia. Matalascanas, southern Spain. systems were not aff ected.” The cryptolocker demands $300 in Ukraine’s central bank said several bitcoins and does not name the en- everal multinational companies lenders had been hit in the country, hin- crypting program, which makes fi nd- said yesterday they were targeted dering operations and leading the regu- ing a solution diffi cult, said Group IB Sin a massive wave of cyberattacks lator to warn other fi nancial institutions spokesman Evgeny Gukov in an emailed which started in Russia and Ukraine be- to tighten security measures. comment. Fire near Spain World Heritage fore spreading to western Europe. Banks were experiencing “diffi culty Attacks were also reported by the Danish sea transport company Mae- in servicing customers and performing power company in Kiev, Kyivenergo. rsk, British advertising giant WPP and banking operations” due to the attacks, “We were forced to turn off all of our the French industrial group Saint- the bank said in a statement. computers,” a company representative site brought ‘under control’ Gobain were among those who said they Among those hit was Oschadbank, told Interfax Ukraine agency. came under attack and put protection one of Ukraine’s largest banks. The attack also aff ected some Ukraine protocols in place to avoid data loss. Russian state oil giant Rosneft said government computers and the website AFP means it is still burning but has been ing guests at camp sites and several The fi rst reports of trouble came from earlier that its servers suff ered a “power- of Ukraine’s biggest airport Boryspil. Madrid contained. hotels. Ukrainian banks, Kiev’s main airport ful” cyberattack but thanks to its backup “The offi cial airport website and the A reconnaissance fl ight over the According to Sanz Cabello, the and Russia’s Rosneft oil giant, in a major system “the production and extraction fl ight schedule are not working!” wrote aff ected zone showed that the blaze remaining people who had to spend incident reminiscent of the recent Wan- of oil were not stopped.” airport director Pavlo Ryabykin on Fa- wildfi re that threatened a was on the wane after three nights the night in reception centres — naCry virus. The attacks on Russian and Ukrain- cebook, though without confi rming the nature reserve in southern of fi re-fi ghting, Andalusia’s central some 230 — “can go home”. IT experts identifi ed the virus as ian companies involved a type of ran- website was hit by a virus. ASpain designated as a World government representative Antonio The Donana National Park and the “Petrwrap”, a modifi ed version of the somware that locks users out of the The government press service said Heritage site has been brought un- Sanz Cabello said. surrounding area is one of Spain’s Petya ransomware which hit last year computer and demands purchase of a Petya hit “personal computers” of some der control, offi cials said yesterday Nearly 130 fi refi ghters and 12 most important wildlife sanctuaries and demanded money from victims in key to reinstate access, said cybersecu- individuals but not government servers. after evacuating over 2,000 people trucks were mobilised overnight to and a popular tourist attraction. exchange for the return of their data. rity company Group IB. Ukraine’s delivery service company including tourists. bring the fi re under control. It is home to a variety of animals, It also recalled a ransomware out- Beyond Ukraine and Russia, the wave Nova Poshta confi rmed the virus that hit The blaze near Huelva in the An- It had already started to die down including endangered species such break last month which hit more than of cyberattacks also impacted Maersk, its computers was Petya A. dalusia region has aff ected a vast as the wind dropped late Monday. as the Spanish imperial eagle and the 150 countries and a total of more than a global cargo shipping company and The fi ght against cyberattacks has area but not yet the Donana National The blaze comes a week after Iberian lynx, a large cat found only in 200,000 victims with the WannaCry Saint-Gobain, a French company pro- sparked exponential growth in global Park, a Unesco World Heritage site wildfi res killed over 60 people in Spain and Portugal. It also acts as a ransomware. ducing construction materials and Brit- protection spending, with the cyber se- well known for the extensive bio- neighbouring Portugal. crucial refuge for Europe’s Africa- The virus is “spreading around the ish-based WPP. curity market estimated at $120bn this diversity of its dunes, wetlands and There has been no offi cial esti- bound migratory birds. world, a large number of countries are “To protect our data we have isolated year, more than 30 times its size just over woods. mate regarding how much land has According to regional authorities, aff ected,” Costin Raiu, a researcher at our systems,” Saint-Gobain told AFP. a decade ago. The fi re, which started Saturday been burned but the WWF estimates the start of the blaze is likely man- the Moscow-based computer security A Maersk representative told AFP that But even that massive fi gure looks set but caused no victims or injuries, “is it has so far aff ected about 10,000 made, though they don’t know as of fi rm Kaspersky Lab said via Twitter. company systems are “down across all to be dwarfed within a few years, experts considered under control,” Andalu- hectares. The fi re prompted the clo- yet if it was intentional or not. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr business units due to a virus.” said, after ransomware attacks crippled sia’s INFOCA fi re control authorities sure of several roads and the evacu- It took place as Spain experiences Groysman wrote on Facebook that the The attacks started around 2pm Moscow computers worldwide in the past week. said on their Twitter account, which ation of some 2,100 people, includ- a particularly bad drought.

French parliamentary test for Macron’s novice lawmakers Woman spared after

Reuters helping her migrant Paris lover cross into UK rance’s new parliament sat yes- terday for the fi rst time as rivals Fof President Emmanuel Macron By Benjamin Massot, AFP iest shipping routes. They were questioned a lack of political experience Boulogne-sur-Mer, France rescued by the British coastguard among deputies of his majority-holding as their boat began to take in wa- Republic on the Move(LREM) party. ter. LREM’s landslide win in parliamentary former supporter of “Solidarity is laudable but not elections earlier this month consolidated France’s anti-immigra- at any price and not in any con- Macron’s presidential win in May. Ation National Front yes- ditions,” the prosecutor said. Like Macron, most LREM lawmakers terday escaped punishment for The prosecutor said Huret’s never previously held elected public offi ce. helping her Iranian refugee lover argument that she had acted Some items on Macron’s agenda of far cross the Channel to Britain on a out of love did not explain why reaching pro-business reforms are al- rickety boat. she had helped other migrants ready facing resistance. Beatrice Huret, 44, was found to cross the Channel even after Some trade unions held protests near guilty at trial of helping Mokhtar Mokhtar had left France. parliament to coincide with the start of — whom she met while volun- Huret’s life was transformed the session to voice their opposition to teering at the since-demolished in February 2015 when she gave Macron’s plan to relax France’s stringent “Jungle” migrant camp in Calais a lift to a young Sudanese mi- labour code. — slip out of France under cover grant travelling to the makeshift “Baptism of Fire” ran the headline of of night in a boat she had bought Jungle camp, where thousands conservative daily Le Figaro, in reference for 1,000 euros ($1,130). of people hoping to stow away to the large number of political novices Although prosecutors re- on trucks bound for Britain were among the LREM. quested a one-year prison sen- living in tents and shacks. Of its 308 deputies, only 27 served in tence for illegally assisting “It was a shock to see all these the previous parliament. migrants and putting them in people wading around in the “Will they be docile or rebellious,” the danger, the court in the town of mud,” said Huret, whose hus- newspaper asked in its editorial. Boulogne-sur-Mer, near Calais, band — a border police offi cer — “It’s legitimate to ask how they will ruled she should not face jail or died of cancer in 2010. react when the political climate becomes a fi ne. She began volunteering at less favourable for Emmanuel Macron. Arriving at the courthouse, the camp and a year later met This moment will inevitably come, per- Huret said that she hoped the 37-year-old Mokhtar, who was haps as early as July with the contentious trial would help others “under- among a group of Iranians who labour law.” stand what I did and why I did it” sewed their mouths shut in pro- Other items on Macron’s reform agen- and that she took “full responsi- test over the demolition of part da include a new bill designed to clean up bility” for her actions. of the camp in March 2016. French politics and an anti-terror law has “I am prepared to give up my “It was love at fi rst sight,” also drawn criticism from both the right and life for him. The only thing that Huret told AFP in an interview the left, as well as from human rights groups. would bother me is that I would this month. The government faces one of its fi rst French unions gather to protest at the Invalides square in Paris yesterday. The placard reads ‘Against Macron’. no longer be able to see Mokhtar After a failed bid by Mokhtar big test tomorrow when the public au- if I’m in jail,” Huret, who has a to hide in the back of a lorry, she ditor will give an update on the state of Republicans and the former ruling So- “If we agree with a bill then we’ll vote bly, a key position whose holder infl u- 19-year-old son, said. helped him acquire a small boat public fi nances. cialists, have been left deeply fragmented for it,” he told Europe 1 radio. ences parliament’s agenda. After the verdict, she told AFP and towed it to a beach from Ministers have made no secret that in the wake of Macron’s successes, which Socialist Party head Jean-Christophe De Rugy is a former green politician she was “relieved”. where he and two other Iranians they do not expect good news and an- have upturned France’s political land- Cambadelis said on Twitter that frag- who rallied behind Macron’s presidential Prosecutor Camille Gourlin crossed to England on June 11, ticipate broad spending cuts, blaming the scape. mentation of the National Assembly into bid. argued that Huret had put the 2016. previous Socialist-led government for Christian Jacob, head of the conserva- eight political groups was “a recipe for Former prime minister Manuel Valls lives of Mokhtar and two other Mokhtar, who is living in the letting the fi nances slip in its last months tive Republicans in parliament, said crisis”. said he was leaving his Socialist party Iranian men in danger by help- northern English city of Shef- in offi ce. his party were “of a mind on a certain LREM lawmakers picked Francois de and would support LREM without being ing them take a boat across the fi eld, has since received asylum. France’s other parties, including the number of bills.” Rugy as president of the National Assem- a member of it. Channel, one of the world’s bus- Huret visits him frequently. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 11 EUROPE

Germany, France to lead post-Brexit EU in further integration

By Gabriela Baczynska and “Over the last years, rightly or The 56-year-old listed develop- “We didn’t ask them to leave. They more direct control. The bloc has also Support for the EU in Poland was Jan Strupczewski, Reuters wrongly, the impression was created ing a digital single market for the EU’s asked to leave...The onus is on them long expressed concern about under- closer to the higher readings at 61%, Brussels that Germany is too dominant. So the 500mn citizens, improving diversity now, not on us. We are ready. I want to mining democracy in Hungary. and for Hungary it stood at 47%, closer fact that France now steps in in a more and sustainability of energy supplies, wait for them to clarify their position “My preferred method is dialogue. to the lower end. assertive way is good for Europe as a and ensuring fairer trade rules among and we’ll take it from there. And that, with all the frictions we have, Timmermans said more coopera- ore EU integration is a “fore- whole, is good for France, and especial- projects to come. “There is going to be harm, on both is still something we have with the tion on security, tighter control of the gone conclusion”, and France ly good for Germany.” He was cautious on reforming the sin- sides. But let’s try do as little harm as Hungarians, we do not have with this bloc’s external border and sustaining Mand Germany will take the During EU leaders’ talks in Brussels gle-currency zone, which brings togeth- possible,” he said. Polish government.” the revived economic growth would lead on post-Brexit reforms starting last week, Macron and German Chan- er 19 EU states, after the careful Merkel “Let’s try and make this a co-op- He said he would bring the case back help overcome distrust between EU this year, the European Union’s sec- cellor Angela Merkel made clear they showed openness to Macron’s ideas for erative process, not a confrontational to all 28 EU states for a discussion later states that grew over a decade of crises ond-in-command said, adding that he want to work hand-in-hand on the fu- euro budget and fi nance minister. process — and the last thing we want is this year should Warsaw not resume — from banking to migration. hoped the east-west split in the bloc ture of the remaining 27 nations. Timmermans said Russia’s resur- for it to be a punitive process, because talks. While he hoped the new Franco- would heal. The Dutchman said the details still gence has also played a role in galvanis- it is not.” Quipping on criticism from War- German cooperation would create a Britain’s vote to leave the EU plunged depended on the German national ing Europe, as did US President Don- The unity of the remaining 27 EU saw, which sees him as lacking au- momentum for the whole of EU, the the bloc into an existential crisis a year election in September. ald Trump’s withdrawal from a global states is widely seen as crucial for the thority to interfere, Timmermans eastern EU states are wary of decisions ago and unleashed a wave of euroscep- “I understand full well that there deal on fi ghting climate change, and unprecedented Brexit talks. said his son sometimes jokingly being taken above their heads. ticism. will be an impetus driven by France and his vague stance on European security But divisive feuds over migration, the greets him as the “unelected, faceless “We have to overcome that,” Tim- But election victories for Emmanuel Germany to European cooperation in guarantees under Nato. rule of law and EU funds have driven a bureaucrat”, too. mermans said of the east-west divides, Macron in France and the pro-EU in- the latter part of this year. Timmermans spoke on Monday wedge between the wealthier, western “I am not that pessimistic because pointing to mingling young Europeans cumbent in the Netherlands have since I also understand that other member afternoon, just before British Prime EU states espousing more open world there is so much support for the EU in as a source of hope. given the union new hope. states are waking up to that and are also Minister Theresa May presented her views, and their formerly communist all these countries,” he said. “You go to my country, you go to Po- “I am certainly more optimistic to- getting organised.” off er for safeguarding expat rights after peers in the east. A late 2016 Eurobarometer poll land, you go to Greece, you go to Scan- day than I was last year or two years “That there will be more integration Brexit. Timmermans is leading a unique showed Luxembourg, Ireland and the dinavian countries, you go to Spain — ago,” Frans Timmermans, deputy head is a foregone conclusion. While he did not comment on the rule of law case against the nationalist- Netherlands with the highest backing everybody under the age of 30 speaks of the EU’s executive European Com- “But in what areas? Let’s wait and latest, he said the EU27 was waiting for minded government in Poland, which for the EU, while Greece, the Czech Re- the same bad English, which is very mission, told Reuters in an interview. see.” London. put the judiciary and state media under public and Italy sat at the other end. helpful.”

Light spectacle! Dutch troops ‘partly liable’ for Srebrenica

Reuters in that states participating in UN Lenneke Sprik, an interna- The Hague peacekeeping operations have tional security lecturer at Am- rarely faced legal action because sterdam’s VU University said the of their performance. ruling was “very important for Dutch appeals court yes- The Srebrenica massacre was future peacekeeping missions terday confi rmed that the one of the most dramatic events and the law on state responsibil- ANetherlands was partly of the 1992-95 Bosnian War. ity.” liable for the deaths in 1995 of Altogether some 8,000 Mus- She said the decision might Lightning flashes over Munich yesterday during a thunderstorm. some 300 Muslim males who lim men and boys were killed by deter countries from contribut- were expelled from a Dutch UN Bosnian Serb troops under the ing peace-keeping troops to fu- base after the surrounding area command of former General ture missions. was overrun by Bosnian Serb Ratko Mladic at Srebrenica in In a departure from the ear- troops. July 1995, the worst mass kill- lier ruling, the appeals court said The ruling by the Hague Ap- ing on European soil since World the Netherlands should pay only peals Court upheld a 2014 deci- War II. 30% of damages, as it estimated Thousands rescued in rough seas off Libya sion that Dutch peacekeepers Many of the Muslim victims the odds at 70% that the victims should have known that the men had fl ed to the UN-declared would have been dragged from seeking refuge at the base near “safe zone” in Srebrenica only to the base and killed regardless of Reuters about nine aid groups patrolling seas into Criminal gangs have taken advantage Srebrenica would be murdered fi nd the outnumbered and light- what the Dutch soldiers did. Rome which people traffi ckers have sent more of widespread lawlessness in Libya to by Bosnian Serb troops if they ly-armed Dutch troops there un- The amount of damages is de- than half a million refugees and migrants on establish profitable businesses, cram- were forced to leave — as they able to defend them. termined in a separate procedure highly dangerous voyages towards Europe ming mainly sub-Saharan African and were. They then headed to the near- unless the victims and the state hree migrants died in the Mediterra- over the past four years. Bangladeshi migrants into flimsy rubber The Dutch government re- by Dutch base. can reach a settlement. nean on Monday night, a German aid “We reached the capacity limit of our boats. signed in 2002 after acknowl- Mladic is on trial for genocide The court rejected an appeal Tgroup said, during Italian-led rescue ship, while our crew is seeing more boats on The Spanish naval ship Victoria, deployed edging its failure to protect the before a UN war crimes tribunal from relatives of other Srebreni- operations in which thousands more were the horizon. Currently, all vessels are over- in the European Union’s Mediterranean refugees, but it said then that the with a verdict expected later this ca victims, who argued the Dutch pulled to safety from rickety boats. loaded,” Jugend Rettet added. mission, went to the aid of six boats and peacekeepers had been on ‘mis- year. government should be held re- About 5,000 migrants were picked up off The total number of migrants reaching took on migrants from rescue vessels that sion impossible’. Reading the complex ruling, sponsible for the protection of the Libyan coast by emergency services, Europe by sea so far this year is less than half were already full to capacity, Spain’s defence The defence ministry told Presiding Judge Gepke Dulek- thousands more Muslims who Italy’s navy, aid groups and private boats on that counted in the same period of 2016, ministry said. Reuters yesterday that the state Schermers said that Dutch sol- had gathered outside the base. Monday, and rescues were continuing yes- thanks to a deal between the EU and Turkey The Victoria is now heading at full speed was studying the appeals court’s diers “knew or should have “This is a great injustice,” said terday, according to an Italian coastguard which blocked a once-busy route to Greece, to the southern Italian island of Lampedusa fi ndings carefully. known that the men were not Munira Subasic of the ‘Mothers spokesman. but the number coming to Italy has risen. with 907 migrants on board, one of whom is “Our position has been, and only being screened...but were in of Srebrenica’ group. “Despite all eff orts, three people died About 72,000 migrants arrived in Italy on in critical condition, a ministry statement will remain, that the Bosnian real danger of being subjected to “The Dutch state should take from a sinking rubber boat” and rescue the perilous route from Libya between Janu- said. Serbs are responsible for this torture or execution.” its responsibility for our victims boats in the area are struggling to cope, Ger- ary 1 and June 21, roughly 20% more than in Italy and the EU are trying to work with tragedy,” spokesman Klaas Mei- The ruling relates only to the because they could have kept man humanitarian group Jugend Rettet said 2016, and more than 2,000 died on the way, Libyan authorities to fi ght smugglers, but jer said. 300 men who had sought safety them all safe on the Dutchbat on Facebook. according to the International Organization the same chaos which allowed the gangs to The case was highly unusual on the Dutch-controlled base. (Dutch battalions’) compound.” Jugend Rettet (Rescuing Youth) is one of for Migration. fl ourish is hampering offi cial eff orts. Silvio Berlusconi makes fi nal bid to regain power

Reuters He left offi ce amid revelations seems politically older than Ber- He has also hit on a new sym- Rome about erotic parties at his private lusconi because his defeats are bol, the “Tree of Freedom”, to get villa and accusations he paid for more recent,” Orsina said. his message across. sex with an under-aged prosti- These Italians “couldn’t care “The roots are our values, the e is an 80-year-old con- tute. less” about Berlusconi’s sex life, trunk is our history, the branch- victed criminal whose He was cleared of the sex Orsina said, and they see him as es are our broad themes and the Hlast government ended charges but he is still on trial for unfairly targeted by judges. leaves and the fruit are our solu- with Italy on the brink of bank- allegedly bribing witnesses to His political failures have tions to the problems,” said Bru- ruptcy — and he may well be testify in his favour. dimmed in voters’ memories be- netta. kingmaker at the next election In 2013, he was convicted of an cause his successors have failed It is unlikely that the court in within a year. elaborate fraud scheme to cut the equally badly to revive the coun- Strasbourg will come to Berlus- Mayoral elections on Sunday tax bill of his TV company Me- try’s chronically sluggish econo- coni’s rescue in time for the next showed four-time Prime Min- diaset. my. election, and even if it does, it is ister Silvio Berlusconi’s centre- He served his sentence helping Alessandra Ghisleri, head of far from sure whether he would right Forza Italia party remains a Alzhheimer’s patients in an old- the Euromedia polling agency be accepted as the centre-right’s force to be reckoned with despite people’s home. which Berlusconi relies on for his leader by his Northern League al- the billionaire media tycoon’s sex He was kicked out of parlia- own polls, says he still commu- lies. scandals and legal troubles. ment and barred from public of- nicates better than his rivals and Yet Berlusconi continues to be “Berlusconi sees this as the fi ce, but he is appealing to the voters remain attracted by his a central player on Italy’s politi- last challenge of his career,” said European Court of Human Rights personal charm and charisma. cal scene and a formidable cam- Renato Brunetta, a close ally for in Strasbourg. “It’s as if he plays by no rules, paigner, while Renzi stumbles over 20 years and Forza Italia’s It is due in November to hear he is himself and that’s it, with from one defeat to another and lower house leader. his appeal against the Italian law no faking, his electors like him 5-Star struggles to broaden its “He feels he has suff ered many that excludes him from offi ce. because he is direct,” she said. appeal. injustices and deserves one last But millions of voters still back “He is also good at listening, he Deborah Bergamini, a Forza shot. Who can deny him that?” him. always faces who he’s talking to.” Italia deputy and its head spokes- Matteo Renzi, leader of the Giovanni Orsina, political Berlusconi spends most of his woman, said Italians had tired of ruling Democratic Party (PD), Silvio Berlusconi gestures during a television talk show in Rome. history professor at Rome’s Lu- time at his villa outside Milan but Renzi’s constant media presence and Beppe Grillo’s anti-estab- iss University, said moderate comes to Rome for two nights a while Berlusconi, after a long lishment 5-Star Movement have just as the national vote comes This means Berlusconi, who behind PD and 5-Star which have centre-right voters had nowhere week to meet lawmakers and dis- spell out of the limelight, had dominated the national scene in into view. spent months recovering from about 28% each, according to else to go, as the only alternatives cuss political strategy, says Bru- timed his return perfectly. recent years, relegating Forza Ita- And crucially, after several open-heart surgery last year, opinion polls. were the Northern League and netta, and he is already drawing In the two weeks leading up to lia to a distant third or fourth in failed attempts at electoral re- is likely to be a key player both A series of scandals have un- 5-Star, both widely seen as pop- up his programme for the next Sunday’s vote, he made some 40 the polls. form, Italy looks set to vote next leading up to the election, which dermined Berlusconi’s political ulist and extremist — and then election. appearances on national and lo- Yet in the mayoral ballots, For- year using proportional repre- must be held by May 2018, and in career. Under pressure from his there’s Renzi. His fl agship policy will be a cal television talk shows to stump za Italia and its anti-immigrant sentation. negotiations to form a govern- parliamentary and international The 42-year-old Renzi, who drastic simplifi cation of the tax for Forza Italia and its candidates. Northern League allies trounced Polls suggest this will lead to ment after it. allies, he was forced to quit as quit as prime minister in Decem- code, with all the income tax “It’s important to know how to the PD and 5-Star in cities all a fragmented parliament where Forza Italia has 14% of voter prime minister in 2011 as Italy’s ber after losing a referendum on rates substituted with a “fl at tax” wait for the right moment to of- over the country, suggesting they no party has the votes to govern support, roughly the same as its borrowing costs soared to unsus- his planned constitutional re- of 20% for both individuals and fer oneself to the electorate,” Ber- have momentum behind them alone. Northern League allies and well tainable levels. form, “is now discredited and companies. gamini said. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 INDIA

CLAIM CRIME APPEAL LEGAL CONTROVERSY Congress accuses BJP Renaming Haryana village Two editors seek stay on Notice to MP govt after Goa citizens warn Gadkari of massive corruption after Trump a ‘fraud event’ assembly order to jail them 11 deaths at hospital over coal berths expansion

The Congress yesterday accused the BJP Banners with the photograph of Donald Trump Editors of two Kannada tabloids yesterday filed The National Human Rights Commission Accusing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of government of indulging in “massive corruption have been brought down in a Haryana village days a joint petition in the Karnataka High Court, yesterday issued notice to the Madhya Pradesh slighting “popular opposition” against the of thousands of crores by exempting some foreign after it was “renamed” after the US president, with seeking a stay on the state assembly order to jail government over the death of 11 patients in proposed redevelopment of two coal berths companies, including four Chinese firms, from a senior off icial declaring the renaming as a “fraud them for writing allegedly derogatory articles Indore’s MY Hospital due to reported disruption at Goa’s only major port, a citizen’s collective paying anti-dumping duty on soda ash”. The event” and illegal. Marora village, some 46 km from against three ruling Congress lawmakers. Hai in oxygen supply. The commission said it learnt yesterday threatened an agitation if the coal- party also demanded that a Supreme Court- Gurugram, was on Friday dedicated to Trump. The Bangalore tabloid editor Ravi Belagere and that 11 patients, including two children, died at the handling berths at the Mormugao Port Trust monitored investigation, under a sitting judge, renaming was carried out by NGO Sulabh, which Yelahanka Voice tabloid editor Anil Raj were Maharaja Yashwantrao (MY) Hospital in Indore, were expanded. “At the public hearings, not a should be carried out. “A corruption scandal worth said the village will be known as “Trump Sulabh held guilty by the assembly of criticising the Madhya Pradesh, as the oxygen supply snapped single person said that they were in favour of the thousands of crores has been orchestrated by the Village”. Authorities removed the signage boards lawmakers, including Speaker K B Koliwad. On for around 15 minutes between 3am and 4am expansion plans. How can he say that it was only BJP by doing away the ‘anti-dumping duty’ on soda and banners with Trump photographs installed June 21, Koliwad issued bailable arrest warrants on June 21. According to the commission, the a minority,” spokesperson for the collective, Goa ash and ceramic industry from few companies,” in Marora village. “It was all fictitious and a fraud sentencing the two to one-year jail and slapping oxygen delivery system of the MY Hospital has Against Coal, Custodio D’Souza said. Gadkari, said Congress spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil. event by the organisers aimed at collecting money a fine of Rs10,000 each for defaming him, and been under the scanner since the death of two during a meeting with local businessmen some “This act will sound the death knell for the industry across the country and abroad,” M R Sharma, fellow ruling party lawmakers in their tabloids children, who were given nitrogen gas instead of days back, had said that only a “microscopic which employs lakhs of people,” he added. deputy commissioner of Mewat, said. over the last two years. oxygen in the paediatric operation theatre. minority” was opposed to development in Goa.

Netherlands a natural partner, says Trump-Modi premier

AFP meeting historic The Hague

rime Minister Naren- dra Modi jetted into The PNetherlands for a one-day working visit yesterday to boost and productive, ties between the major trading partners. Some 20% of India’s exports to Europe fl ows through The Neth- erlands and both leaders said the lowlands country is seen as a stresses Pence “major gateway” to the continent. “As far as bilateral invest- Reuters new positivity, and will reach business world” and “great lead- ments are concerned, until now Washington new heights.” ership” for US-India ties, which The Netherlands stands as the Trump was also warm but he said should “lend an aggres- fi fth-largest source of foreign made clear he sees a need for sive and forward looking agenda direct investment,” Modi said S Vice President Mike more balance in the US-India to our relations.” after meeting Rutte at his offi cial Pence yesterday hailed trade relationship in keeping Trump accepted Modi’s invi- residence in The Hague. Ua fi rst meeting between with his campaign promise to tation to visit India, the White “I don’t think there is any US President Donald Trump and expand American exports and House said in a statement, but no need to repeat the fact that in In- Prime Minister Narendra Modi create more jobs at home. time frame was given for the trip. dia’s economic development and as “historic and productive” and Last year the US trade defi cit Modi harked back to Trump’s our priorities for development, said Trump recognises US ties with India neared $31bn. Trump ‘Make America Great Again’ Netherlands is a natural part- with India as “one of the most said he would like a trading rela- campaign slogan to stress that ner,” Modi added. important strategic relation- tionship that is “fair and recip- his agenda for his country was The Netherlands in particular ships in the 21st century.” rocal.” little diff erent than Trump’s. specialises in water management Addressing the US Indian “It is important that barriers “I am sure that the conver- and the two countries yesterday Business Council a day after be removed to the export of US gence of my vision for “New signed an agreement which in- Trump’s fi rst meeting with Modi goods into your markets and that India” and President Trump’s cludes co-operation in manag- in Washington, Pence stressed we reduce our trade defi cit with vision for making America great ing India’s numerous river deltas that India must continue to en- your country,” he said. again will add new dimensions to as well as anti-pollution meas- act economic reforms to ensure Trump said he was pleased our co-operation,” he said. ures in the Ganges River. the bilateral trade relationship about an Indian airline’s re- Trump did not mention US dif- New Delhi and The Hague also was reciprocal. cent order of 100 new American ferences with India on immigra- signed a memorandum of under- Earlier Trump urged Modi to planes and that the US looked tion and the Paris climate accord. standing on social security agree- do more to relax Indian trade forward to exporting more en- “The future of our partnership ments and cultural co-operation. barriers during talks in which ergy, including major long-term has never looked brighter,” Trump Rutte “commended India for both leaders took great pains to contracts to purchase American said as both leaders underscored its commitments to renewable stress the importance of a strong natural gas. the importance of the defence and energy and to the Paris Climate US-Indian relationship. These energy contracts “are security relationship. Agreement” and threw his sup- At a closely watched fi rst being negotiated and we will As they met, a Pentagon agen- port behind India’s bid for a per- meeting between the two, sign — trying to get the price up cy said the US state department manent seat on the United Na- Trump and Modi appeared to get a little bit,” Trump said. has approved the possible sale to tions Security Council. along well. Modi came to Washington India of a Boeing C-17 transport “The role of The Netherlands Modi pulled in Trump for a looking to revitalise a relation- aircraft with an estimated cost of as India’s gateway to Europe bear hug on the stage as the cam- ship that thrived under former $366mn. is only expected to grow in the eras rolled in the Rose Garden. president Barack Obama but has The US also has off ered to sell coming years,” Rutte said. “I deeply appreciate your appeared to fl ag as Trump court- a naval variant of the Preda- India remains a major trading strong commitment to the en- ed India’s rival China in an eff ort tor drone made by US defence partner of The Netherlands, with hancement of our bilateral rela- to persuade Beijing to do more to contractor General Atomics exports to the subcontinent to- tions,” Modi told him. “I am sure rein in North Korea. Aeronautical Systems, the White talling some 2.9bn euros ($3.2bn) that under your leadership a mu- Modi eff usively praised House said in a statement, a deal last year, according to the Dutch Queen Maxima and King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands pose for a photograph with Prime Minister tually benefi cial strategic part- Trump, hailing his “vast and that would be worth more than central statistics offi ce. Narendra Modi at Villa Eikenhorst in Wassenaar, The Netherlands yesterday. nership will gain new strength, successful experience in the $2bn. Modi takes opposition for a presidential ride

he offi ce of the president How do you seek a consensus 537,683 votes or 48.8%. With ered into his cell and has man- court whenever there was any of India is above politics candidate without revealing who support from Tamil Nadu’s All aged to spend the past few days delay in carrying out its orders. Tand, therefore, we should that candidate is? The BJP was India Anna Dravida Munnetra in a special ward at a govern- The delayed arrest allowed keep politics out of it, said both trying to do just that. It is pos- Delhi Diary Kazhagam, the Biju Janata Dal ment hospital in Kolkata. This is Karnan to escape the ignominy the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party sible that in Modi’s postulation, of Odisha, the Telangana Rash- hardly news to ordinary Indians of being the fi rst sitting judge (BJP) and the opposition led by consensus means others agree- By A K B Krishnan tra Samithi and YSR Congress who have seen this tactic being of a high court to be put behind the Congress Party and both ing with him, a sort of “my way Party of Telangana, it will swell played out every time a politi- bars. May be all of India’s judici- promptly indulged in politics or the highway” disposition. Gulf Times Correspondent to 60-plus percentage. And then cian of any standing is taken into ary had heaved a collective sigh of the worst kind in putting up Both the Congress and the there is Nitish Kumar’s Janata custody. of relief when his retirement candidates for the upcoming Left parties did call that bluff but Dal (United) and the Samajwadi Amazingly, it took 43 days for date came and went without him election to the highest offi ce in by then it was too late because Party of UP. Only the victory the West Bengal police to arrest being arrested for, if it were to the land. the BJP was only buying time to ‘Metroman’ E Sreedharan was Bihar Chief Minister Nitish margin needs to be ascertained. Karnan after the Supreme Court happen otherwise, it would have There was much speculation look for their man and two days perhaps most deserving of that Kumar has succeeded in killing sentenced him to be jailed for six shamed all judiciary to no end. about the “eff orts” that the BJP after the ministers met/talked to post, the memory of A P J Abdul two birds with one stone with months for contempt of court. Which brings us to the ques- was making in fi nding a consen- the opposition, a unilateral an- Kalam being very fresh in every his voluntary support of Ko- Judge as culprit This was no ordinary fugitive tion: Is there a guarantee that sus candidate to succeed incum- nouncement came from the rul- Indian’s mind, but he is of the vind’s candidature. He had to throws up many from law but a seasoned judge there won’t be any more future bent Pranab Mukherjee. ing dispensation on its choice. “wrong” caste. be seen to be backing a Dalit but who had presided over cases of Karnans? Another recently re- In the event it turned out to And when it came it surprised So is lawyer Fali Nariman who, more importantly he had to send questions far-reaching importance. And it tiring judge of the Rajasthan be an exercise in fooling a gul- quite a few initially but soon it though belonging to the minor- a message to his ally Lalu Prasad “He will be provided eggs, fi sh was for the fi rst time in the his- High Court, while delivering a lible opposition into believing dawned on everyone that the ity community, could not be as- Yadav who is slowly turning out and chicken for any of his three tory of Indian judiciary that a judgment, observed that pea- that “sincere” energies were be- BJP had done a lot of homework sociated with poverty as Parsis to be an overweight baggage de- meals in a day. He will have a sitting high court judge was or- cocks do not mate but peahen ing expended by Prime Minister to arrive at its decision while the are perhaps the most well-to-do spite his numerical strength in special bed and will also have a dered imprisoned. reproduce by swallowing the Narendra Modi and his party opposition was caught napping. Indians as a group. the state assembly. Yadav has television in his room. Two Eng- Apparently Karnan had tears of its male counterpart. chief Amit Shah. All they did was A 16% rise in vote share in the It was also doubtful if Nar- termed Kumar’s support of Ko- lish language newspapers will be learned a trick or two from the There is no doubt that Kar- constitute a three-man panel 2014 Lok Sabha elections that iman, a critic of Modi on several vind as a “historical blunder” supplied to him daily. And there many culprits he himself had nan and justice (retd) Mahesh comprising Home Minister Ra- brought 40 winners from the fronts, would have accepted the but Kumar seems to have learned will be plenty of opportunities to sent to jail. The police team from Chandra Sharma of the Rajas- jnath Singh, Defence and Fi- Dalit (lower caste Hindus) com- off er if given. from history faster and now re- exercise and stay fi t.” Kolkata had landed in Chennai than High Court are ill-suited nance Minister Arun Jaitley and munity into parliament could It had to be a Dalit and it had alises that his best chance of If you thought this was go- on May 10 to arrest Karnan. But for their jobs. And these, by no Urban Development Minister only mean one thing: the BJP was to be one with a political back- staying relevant in present-day ing to be the daily routine for a he was nowhere to be found. He means, are not alone. Venkaiah Naidu to talk to various no longer being seen as a party of ground and, most important of Indian politics is to be seen with mid-summer holiday at one of kept moving from state to state How did they reach such high opposition leaders depending on upper caste Hindus (Brahmins) all, with links to the Rashtriya Modi. His abdication of prime the several hill stations in which all across south India and also positions and what sort of jus- who is amenable to whom. and rich traders (Baniyas). Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). ministerial ambitions following people from the Indian capi- changed his mobile sim card at tice are such people capable of It was a sham from the word It also signalled the disillu- Ram Nath Kovind had at times the BJP’s stupendous victory in tal take refuge, you better think regular intervals so as to leave as delivering? The Supreme Court go but the opposition swallowed sionment of these lower caste rubbed the BJP the wrong side Uttar Pradesh last March was a again. This was the menu and cold a trail as possible. But fi ve has been steadfast in clinging on the bait and met these ministers. communities with parties like as governor of Bihar, especially clear indication that Kumar has schedule proposed for former days after he offi cially retired to the collegium system of select- Meanwhile the BJP was busy the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the selection of vice-chan- read the situation better than judge of the Calcutta High Court from service he was dramatically ing judges to the higher judici- hunting for ‘Mr. Right’ and in the that had exploited their weak- cellors to state universities, but many of the opposition leaders C S Karnan in Kolkata’s Presi- picked up from a resort near ary. The government had tried process even planted the names ness and poverty only to remem- Amit Shah knew him well and who still fi nd it diffi cult to rec- dency jail where he has been Coimbatore. to off er an alternative but this of some plausible candidates, ber them every time an election whispered in Modi’s ears that oncile to Modi’s prime minister- lodged following his arrest from It was a seven-judge bench has been summarily rejected on including Foreign Minister Su- came around. he should be the next president. ship. Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu last that had sentenced Karnan but the ground that it would open shma Swaraj and Jharkhand So, to continue to maintain And that was that! The Con- With all this support, victory week. curiously it had nothing to say up judges’ selection to political Governor Draupadi Mormu, the that pro-poor, pro-Dalit theme, gress’s feeble attempt to regain for Kovind is a foregone conclu- But Karnan was least im- about the delay in his arrest. In interference. That may be a valid message being the ‘Mr. Right’ it was imperative that the BJP lost ground by putting up Meira sion. Of the 1,098,903 electoral pressed by these overtures and several other instances state po- reason but either way the ulti- could well turn out to be a ‘Ms. choose one such for the highest Kumar, another Dalit, was too college votes, the BJP-led Na- promptly complained of chest lice chiefs and chief secretaries mate suff erer will be the Indian Right’. offi ce. little too late. tional Democratic Alliance has pains the moment he was ush- had been taken to task by the apex who goes to court seeking justice.

Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 LATIN AMERICA Temer to Venezuela protest hit back after graft charges

AFP stability and steer Brazil out of Brasília its deepest recession in history with market reforms. Yet the political capital razilian President Michel he needs for those austerity Temer prepared to coun- measures, including the hugely Bterattack yesterday after unpopular proposal to cut back bribery charges against him generous pensions and to free sent Latin America’s biggest up labour laws, is rapidly slip- country into its latest bout of ping away. political turmoil. Currently, the lower house The fi rst sitting president of of Congress is lukewarm about Brazil to face criminal charges, bringing him down. Temer is accused of accepting There is no clear candidate bribes from a giant meatpack- to take his place on an interim ing company. basis before scheduled elec- He is also under investiga- tions in October 2018, and tion for obstruction of justice many of the major fi gures in and belonging to a criminal Congress are themselves bat- organisation. But the centre- tling corruption allegations. right president has made clear However, Janot appears set he does not intend to let the to deny Temer an opportunity scandal — part of a huge cor- to clear his name quickly, since ruption probe engulfi ng scores the bribery charge is likely to of politicians — drive him from be followed separately by oth- offi ce. ers — each one going to the Leading newspapers Folha de lower house of Congress for a S Paulo and Globo quoted aides vote. Demonstrators attend a rally against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas, Venezuela. saying that Temer’s strategy That could slowly bleed would be to attack Janot’s evi- away the resolve of Temer’s al- dence against him as fl imsy lies as they calculate the cost and politically motivated. of being associated with him “For personal reasons, the ahead of the elections. prosecutor general is putting The bribery charge is linked the country at risk and mount- to the arrest of a close former ing a political crusade,” Folha presidential aide caught carry- quoted a presidential aide as ing a suitcase stuff ed with cash saying. that prosecutors say was part “The president is moving to of payments from JBS meat- Farc rebels celebrate the phase of total war to save packing executives to Temer. his mandate,” the newspaper’s Temer acted “in violation columnist Bernardo Mello of his duties to the state and Franco wrote. to society,” Janot said, citing Temer himself has not com- “abundant” proof of bribe tak- mented since Janot fi led the ing. charge with the Supreme Court Temer says that his former historic disarmament late Monday. aide was acting independently However, hours earlier he’d and that there is nothing to Farc’s fifty-year-old war is alternative sources of revenue for declared: “Nothing will de- link him to the approximately finally over growers of coca, the raw ingredi- stroy us — not me and not our 500,000 reais ($150,000) in ent of cocaine. ministers.” the suitcase. AFP The Farc launched its uprising For Temer to go on trial, the The aide is in detention fac- Mesetas, Colombia in 1964 over land rights for poor scandal-plagued lower house ing corruption charges, but has rural communities. of Congress must fi rst approve so far refused to co-operate The confl ict drew in leftist Janot’s charge by a two-thirds with prosecutors. olombia’s leftist Farc rebel guerrillas, right-wing paramili- majority. Meanwhile, the obstruction force is celebrating its tary groups and state forces. Temer would then be sus- of justice investigation accus- Cdisarmament after half a It has left 260,000 people con- pended for six months for the es Temer of approving a plan century of war against the state, fi rmed dead, more than 60,000 trial. Temer’s aides say they with Joesley Batista, owner of bringing Latin America’s oldest missing and 7mn displaced. are confi dent he has suffi cient JBS parent company J&F, to civil confl ict close to an end. The Farc has pledged to use its support in Congress, where pay hush money to a politician Farc leader Rodrigo Londono, assets to compensate victims. many lawmakers are them- jailed for corruption. alias Timochenko, is scheduled to The accord promises land and selves reeling from bribery and Batista secretly recorded formally conclude the disarma- credit lines for rural communi- other corruption probes, to get Temer allegedly discussing the ment process at a ceremony with ties, with millions of dollars of the charges thrown out. hush money and gave the re- President Juan Manuel Santos in investment. The Eurasia Group risk con- cording to prosecutors in a plea the central town of Mesetas, the Santos says he wants to seal a sultancy said there was still a bargain to secure leniency in group’s historic base, at 1500 GMT. “complete peace” by reaching a 70% chance of Temer lasting his own corruption case. Part of a 2016 peace deal with deal with the country’s last active to the end of his term through the Farc, the move is a key part of rebel group, the leftist National 2018. eff orts to end the long territorial Liberation Army (ELN). “For most lawmakers, while and ideological confl ict. Farc rebels at the Transitional Standardisation Zone Mariana Paez, Buena Vista, Mesetas municipality, The ELN started talks with the there are now fewer incentives But the process has been Colombia. government in February, but has to openly support the Temer blighted by ongoing violence in- been blamed for ongoing con- government, there are even volving other armed groups in vidual arms stored away”, except act of will, courage and hope,” he rejected by Colombians in a ref- frontations with state forces. fewer incentives to remove recent weeks. for some that were exempted for wrote on Twitter. erendum before it was redrafted The ELN kidnapped two Dutch Temer from his seat,” Eurasia “It marks the end of the main transitional security at demobili- Santos said it was “the begin- and pushed through congress. journalists on June 19 and freed Group said. guerrilla group in the western sation camps until August 1. ning of a new Colombia which is Critics such as conservative po- them fi ve days later. Temer’s latest approval rat- hemisphere,” said Jorge Restrepo, Separately, the UN mission is advancing towards peace,” in a litical leader Alvaro Uribe said it Offi cials say remnants of right- ings are just 7%, lower than his director of the confl ict analysis continuing to extract and destroy Twitter message. was too lenient on Farc members, wing paramilitary groups are also deeply unpopular leftist pred- centre CERAC. other weapons and munitions The former fi ghters are now some of whom will get amnesties fi ghting the ELN in rural areas for ecessor Dilma Rousseff , whom “It marks the beginning of the stashed in remote hiding places due to make the transition into or reduced sentences for crimes control of the drug trade. he replaced last year after she post-confl ict period...and of a which the Farc have identifi ed civilian life. The Revolutionary committed during the confl ict. Three women were killed in a was impeached by his congres- President Michel Temer diffi cult process of reconciliation and surrendered to the monitors. Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) The Farc have promised to help bombing at a crowded shopping sional allies for breaking budg- reacts during a credentials in the country.” Londono called the disarma- will transform into a political stamp out the drug production centre in Bogota on June 17. etary rules. presentation ceremony for United Nations monitors said ment “a historic moment for Co- party after a congress in August. that has fuelled the confl ict in ar- That was blamed on a fringe When he took over Temer several new top diplomats at Monday they “have the entirety lombia.” The accord, fi rst signed in eas under its control. extremist group, the Revolution- promised to restore political Planalto Palace in Brasilia. of the Farc’s registered indi- “The laying down of arms is an November, was at fi rst narrowly The state promised to develop ary People’s Movement (MRP).

Temer: Key chapters in a troubled reign Celebration in Nicaragua

AFP to late 2018, launching auster- policy. However, other pending decided on June 10 to acquit him Brasília ity reforms to fi x the stricken measures to tighten pensions of charges that he and Rousseff economy. and loosen labour laws risk have won their 2014 election on the Heads roll: Three of Temer’s been severely disrupted by Te- back of corrupt donations. razilian President Michel all-white, all-male cabinet mer’s latest legal problems, as Corruption charges: On Temer rode to power were fi red or resigned between well as violent street protests. Monday, Janot charged Temer Blast year by helping get May and June 2016 over a vast Temer bombshell: “Car with receiving a bribe from a his ex-ally Dilma Rousseff im- corruption scandal linked to Wash” action ramped up in major meatpacking company. peached, but now he could be the state oil fi rm Petrobras. April 2017, when the Supreme Further charges — obstruc- forced from offi ce himself. They were the fi rst of a slew Court authorised prosecutors tion of justice and belonging to a Here are fi ve key chapters of casualties from Temer’s in- to probe more than 80 senior criminal organisation — are ex- from a tumultuous 14 months ner circle as investigators with politicians for corruption based pected to follow. Temer is now culminating with Monday’s fi l- the so-called “Car Wash” op- on allegations made in plea the fi rst sitting Brazilian presi- ing of bribery charges against eration closed in. bargain testimonies. The ac- dent to face criminal charges. him by Prosecutor General Ro- Another key ally, the former cused include eight ministers, However, for the charges to drigo Janot. lower house of congress speaker 29 senators, 40 lower house stick and a trial to open there Replacing Dilma: Rousseff ’s Eduardo Cunha, would be jailed deputies and three governors, must be a two thirds majority vice president Temer tempo- in March 2017 for taking bribes. many of them close to Temer. vote in the lower house of Con- rarily replaced her as head of He had been the main driver of On May 17, a recording of Te- gress. state on May 12, 2016, after the the Rousseff impeachment. mer supposedly discussing the Temer, who denies all the Senate voted to hold an im- Reform battle: Temer says his payment of hush money to the charges, believes he has enough peachment trial over charges main priority is austerity reform jailed Cunha emerged. support to bar the charges in that she broke government ac- to whip Brazil’s economy back Two days later, the Supreme the legislature for now. counting rules. into shape and exit a two-year Court authorised an investiga- However, Janot’s strategy of The leftist leader was fi nally recession. On December 13, tion into suspected corruption presenting charges one by one dismissed on August 31 and the 2016 Congress approved a 20- and obstruction of justice. will mean the crisis drags on, conservative Temer took full year public spending freeze, a Temer got one break, howev- possibly weakening the presi- Chicheros musicians play folklore songs during a festival in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua. offi ce to see out the mandate central plank in the unpopular er, when the top electoral court dent by the day. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 15 PAKISTAN US sanctions on Protest Kashmir group leader rejected zUS designation of the At the talks on Monday, Modi head of Hizbul Mujahideen and Trump called on Pakistan group as Global Terrorist is to ensure that its territory is not unjustified, says Pakistan used to launch terrorist attacks z Indigenous struggle of on other countries, the White Kashmiris in Indian occupied House said in a statement. Jammu and Kashmir is Salahuddin’s Hizbul Muja- legitimate hideen is the biggest militant fi ghting group Indian forces in Reuters Kashmir. Islamabad Unlike the Lashkar-e-Taiba and other groups operating from Pakistan soil, the Hizb is a large- akistan came out in de- ly indigenous Kashmir group fence of separatists fi ght- and its leader seen as a hero. Ping Indian security forces In its announcement, the in Kashmir yesterday, saying State Department said that in it was a legitimate struggle for Syed Salahuddin September 2016, Salahuddin had freedom, after the United States vowed to block any peaceful res- Children hold placards on the front line as protesters demonstrate against the lack of security provided to residents of Parachinar put the head of one of the groups political, diplomatic and moral olution to the Kashmir confl ict, during a demonstration in Islamabad, Pakistan, yesterday. on its list of global terrorists. support to the Kashmiri people threatened to train more Kash- The US State Department’s in their struggle for self-deter- miri suicide bombers and vowed designation of Syed Salahud- mination. to turn the Kashmir valley “into din, the head of the Hizbul Mu- “The 70-year-old indig- a graveyard for Indian forces”. TRAGEDY jahideen separatist group based enous struggle of Kashmiris in As a consequence of the des- in Pakistan, as a Specially Des- the Indian occupied Jammu and ignation as a global terrorist, Death toll in ignated Global Terrorist was Kashmir remains legitimate. US individuals are banned from oil tanker fire unjustifi ed, Pakistan’s foreign The designation of individu- engaging in fi nancial transac- Two alpinists go missing on offi ce said. als supporting the Kashmiri tions with Salahuddin and all his rises to 158 The US decision came just days right to self-determination as property in the US is blocked, before Indian Prime Minister terrorists is completely un- the State Department said. The death toll in the oil tanker Narendra Modi visited the White justified,” the foreign ministry Salahuddin, who is from Pakistan’s ‘Killer Mountain’ fire in Pakistan’s Punjab province House for his fi rst talks with US statement said. Badgam town in Indian Kashmir, has risen to 158, off icials said President Donald Trump. A spokesman for Salahud- was an Islamist politician who yesterday. India, which blames Paki- din, who is based in Pakistan- turned to militancy after he lost AFP better but lost contact with our cessful summit in 1953. Aamir Bukhari, Director of Emer- stan for stoking the 28-year-old administered Kashmir, did not an election for the Kashmir leg- Islamabad staff at base camp on Friday,” he In 2013 gunmen shot dead gency at the Victoria Hospital at armed revolt in Muslim-ma- answer his handphone. islative assembly in 1987, which said. 10 foreign climbers and their Bahawalpur, told Xinhua news jority Kashmir, has under Modi Tensions have been running he says was “massively rigged” “Our sherpas on the moun- Pakistani guide at the Nanga agency that the death toll surged stepped up international eff orts high along the de facto border by India. wo alpinists, a Spaniard tain estimate them to be some- Parbat base camp — one Amer- after 18 injured succumbed to to put pressure on Pakistan to which divides Kashmir between He first crossed into Paki- and an Argentinian, have where above 7,000 metres ican with dual Chinese citizen- their injuries at diff erent hospitals act against militant groups op- India and Pakistan. stan-administered Kashmir in Tgone missing while at- which makes it impossible for ship, two other Chinese, three during the last 36 hours. Bukhari erating from its soil. Over the past year, militant 1990 and went back to Indian tempting to summit a peak in them to climb and search so Ukrainians, two Slovakians, said following the incident, 125 Pakistan denies giving mate- violence and anti-India protests Kashmir several times for mili- northern Pakistan nicknamed we have requested a search and one Lithuanian and one Nepa- unrecognisable bodies and 144 in- rial help to the Kashmiri sepa- have increased as Modi’s right- tant action when he would also “Killer Mountain”, mountain- rescue helicopter, which will lese. jured were brought to the hospital, ratists but reiterated yesterday wing government seeks to tackle meet his family under cover of eering experts said yesterday. start either today or tomorrow Northern Pakistan is a mag- out of which 33 had expired since it would continue to provide the revolt with a fi rmer hand. darkness. “Alberto Zerain, a Spanish depending on weather condi- net for mountaineers and is Sunday. He feared that the death alpinist, and Mariano Galvan, tions,” he added. home to some of the tallest toll might further rise as 22 out an Argentinian national, went mountains in the world, in- of 111 injured and under intensive missing while trying to climb “Our sherpas on the cluding K2 — at 8,611 metres, care had bleak chances of survival Panamagate probe team summons Sharif’s daughter Nanga Parbat,” the world’s mountain estimate them the world’s second highest because they had suff ered over ninth highest mountain, Alpine to be somewhere above peak, but often deemed a more 80% burn wounds. Prime Minister Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, became the first sitting Pakistani Prime Minister to Club of Pakistan spokesman 7,000 metres which makes challenging climb than the Nawaz Sharif, who cut short his Brit- Maryam Nawaz, has been summoned to appear before appear before a probe team. Karrar Haidri told AFP. it impossible for them to highest, Mount Everest. ain tour after the tragedy, visited the the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in connection with The JIT has also asked the Prime Minister’s sons — Mohamed Iqbal, owner of climb and search so we Nestled between the west- injured on Monday and ordered an the Panama Papers probe into the family’s assets, the Hassan and Hussain Nawaz — to appear before it for Summit Karakorum, the tour have requested a search ern end of the Himalayas, the in-depth inquiry into the tragedy,. A media reported yesterday. further questioning on July 3 and 4, respectively. operating company that had and rescue helicopter, Hindu Kush mountains and the case has been registered against the In the summons, the JIT has asked Maryam to appear Hussain, the premier’s elder son, has already appeared arranged the climb, said the which will start either Karakoram range, the Gilgit- driver, the manager and the owner before it on July 5. before the probe team for five times. duo had left base camp on June today or tomorrow” Baltistan region houses 18 of of the tanker. The incident took place Maryam is currently in London to attend her son’s The Prime Minister’s cousin, Tariq Shafi, has also been 19 but were holed up in their the world’s 50 highest peaks. on Sunday when an oil tanker filled graduation ceremony, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz asked to appear before the JIT on July 2 for the second tent for three days at an alti- At 8,125 metres, Nanga It is also home to three of the with around 50,000 litres of petrol (PML-N) leader Talal Chaudhry told Dawn News shortly time. tude of 6,100 metres (20,000 Parbat earned its grisly nick- world’s seven longest glaciers skidded off the road due to careless after the summons were issued yesterday. The six-member JIT is due to present its report to the feet) due to bad weather. name after more than 30 outside the polar regions. driving on a highway in Ahmad Pur On June 15, Nawaz Sharif appeared before the JIT and apex court on July 10. “They pushed for the sum- climbers died trying to con- Hundreds of its mountains Sharqia, a small town about 400km mit again as the weather got quer it before the first suc- have never been climbed. southwest of Lahore. Wealth, poverty propping up Pakistan’s illegal kidney trade

AFP Bhalwal, Pakistan

hen Pakistani au- thorities burst into a Wmakeshift hospital in Lahore this year, doctors were caught mid-way through two illegal kidney transplants, the local donors and the clients still unconscious on the tables. The doctors were allowed to fi nish the operation then arrest- ed, along with their assistants and the clients, in a raid Paki- stani authorities say is a turning point in their battle against or- gan traffi cking. Pakistan has long been an international hub for the il- legal kidney trade, but medi- cal and local authorities com- plain they have been unable to act against the practice, frus- trated by ineffective enforce- ment policies and what they perceive as a lack of political Malik Zafar Iqbal, who runs a union ‘Association of Kidney Sellers’ (AKS), makes tea for customers at his Arrested doctor Fawad Mumtaz (centre) and his paramedic assistants, who were conducting will to crack down. stall in the town of Kot Momin in Sargodha District, in Pakistan’s Punjab province. unauthorised surgeries, stand in Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) station in Lahore. Organ donation is legal so long as it is voluntary, given without reporter entering the lobby of current laws was in the hands rich and elites of the country,” headquartered in Karachi. hope to break with the income down her cheeks. duress or the exchange of money. an upmarket general hospital of provincial authorities — and says Mumtaz Ahmed, head of “Many people come to us in from selling their organs. The agony of giving birth after Pakistani clerics have ruled it in the capital Islamabad, staff thus restricted by provincial nephrology at the government- government hospitals and bring Bushra Bibi, stiff with the pain her kidney operation, she says, is Islamic, but a lack of awareness had helped him fi nd a so-called boundaries — until March of this run Benazir Bhutto hospital in their family donors willing to she has suff ered since selling her “known to me only and my God”. and the pervasive belief that it “agent” who off ered to get a do- year, when those limits were re- Rawalpindi. donate kidneys,” says Ahmed. kidney years ago, is one of them. Bibi and her family live in the is taboo for Muslims mean there nor and facilitate government moved by the decision to assign Ahmed, a member of a gov- “Then suddenly they shift Crying softly, Bibi recounts fertile Sargodha district of Pun- is a shortage of those willing to approval for a kidney transplant, the powerful FIA to such cases, ernment investigation commis- to private hospitals when they how her father needed the mon- jab province, where Pakistan’s donate. all for a tidy $23,000. he explains. sion on the kidney trade, claims learn that they can buy a kidney ey for medical treatment and to best oranges are produced. The limited supply, observers The government’s Human In the Lahore case, all 16 peo- that is why lawmakers are un- from there.” pay off a loan — so, 12 years ago, It is also a region where so say, sees Pakistan’s wealthy rou- Organs Transplant Authority ple arrested remain behind bars willing to enforce penalties. The high demand creates a she sold her organ for Rs110,000 many families have been caught tinely exploit its millions of poor (HOTA) says it is toothless. as the investigation continues. FIA offi cials have vowed they market that inhabitants of Pa- ($1,000). With her father-in- up in the kidney trade that resi- with the help of an organ trade If a donor claims they give They face up to a decade in will be indiscriminate in their kistan’s vast rural areas see as an law in the same predicament, her dent Malik Zafar Iqbal says he mafi a. their consent, “there is nothing prison. bid to end organ traffi cking. opportunity to drag themselves husband followed suit. has formed a union to fi ght for Kidneys can be bought so else we can do”, says Dr Suleman “By this raid we would like to Some 25,000 people suf- out of poverty. But their desperate move has donors’ rights. cheaply that overseas buyers Ahmed, a HOTA monitoring of- send a strong message abroad fer kidney failure each year Employed in factories, fi elds left them in chronic pain, strug- Showing AFP documents with are also tapped in, largely from fi cer. that Pakistan is no longer a safe in Pakistan, but just 10% and brick kilns, they borrow gling to work and care for their hundreds of names listed, he the Gulf, Africa and the United But the April 30 raid in La- haven for (illegal) kidney trans- receive dialysis and a mere money from employers for med- fi ve children, and as a result ow- says he has met with authorities, Kingdom. hore was the beginning of a new plantation,” Ahmad says. 2.3% are able to get a trans- ical bills or to raise children, but ing even more money than when but not yet managed to achieve In many countries such traf- clampdown, suggests Jamil Ah- Experts suggest there is a need plant, according to the Sindh are unable to repay their debt. they began. better conditions for members. fi cking is confi ned to the shad- mad Khan Mayo, a deputy direc- to tackle the root causes of the Institute of Urology and Instead they are forced to “I can’t sweep, people talk “I sold my kidney for ows, in Pakistan — it is brazen. tor of the Federal Investigation rampant underground industry. Transplant (SIUT), a regional work it off in a never-ending cy- about me when I can’t fi nish my Rs104,000. One hardly gets Within minutes of an AFP Agency (FIA). Enforcement of “This illegal trade benefi ts the leader in kidney transplants cle of bonded labour — one they work,” Bibi says, tears rolling enough,” he says. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 PHILIPPINES Hostages in town forced to fi ght, loot

Reuters the complete picture and I Marawi City knew that would be a long fi ght,” he said in a speech. Heavy clashes broke out ivilians held hostage yesterday as the battle en- by militants occupying tered its sixth week, with in- Ca southern Philippine tense bombings by planes on a city have been forced to loot shrinking rebel zone. homes, take up arms against The government ruled out government troops and serve negotiations after reports as sex slaves for rebel fi ghters, that Abdullah Maute, one the army said yesterday. of two brothers who formed Citing accounts of seven the militant group carrying residents of Marawi City who their name, wanted to trade either escaped or were res- a Catholic priest hostage cued, the military said some for his parents arrested this hostages were forced to con- month.The military said on vert, carry wounded fi ghters Saturday Abdullah Maute to religious places, and marry had fled. militants of the Maute group Taking advantage of a short loyal to Islamic State. truce to mark the Eid al-Fitr “This is what is happening holiday, eight Muslim leaders inside, this is very evident,” met briefl y on Sunday with military spokesman Jo-Ar Maute. Herrera told a news confer- The Philippine Daily In- Black smoke billows from burning houses after an aerial bombing by the Philippine Air Force on militant positions in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao yesterday. ence. “These are evil per- quirer said he had asked for his sonalities.” Their accounts, father, Cayamora Maute, and which could not be immedi- infl uential businesswoman ately verified, are the latest mother, Farhana Maute, to be harrowing accounts to come freed, in a swap for Father Ter- out of a conflict zone that the esito “Chito” Soganub. military has been unable to But presidential spokesman clear for five weeks, as well- Ernesto Abella said deals with armed and organised rebels militants were against govern- Militants ‘used water fight off soldiers with sniper ment policy, and anyone try- rifles and rocket-propelled ing to bargain had no authority grenades. to do so. Some escapees say bodies The military’s public rela- of residents have been left in tions machine has been insist- the streets, some for weeks, ing that the rebel leadership and civilians are distressed was crumbling, saying top route to beat off ensive’ by government air strikes and commanders had escaped or artillery bombardments that were killed in action, and the AFP Hapilon, had been able to escape have reduced parts of Marawi group was fraught with in- Marawi the military encirclement. to rubble. fi ghting. Up to 120 militants remain The protracted seizure has Military offi cers, however, holed up in parts of four districts worried the region about the accept they lack solid proof. ilitants occupying parts of Marawi, the military said, as extent the Islamic State’s The army said there were of a southern Philip- air strikes and artillery shelling agenda may have gained trac- reported sightings of the de- Mpine city used a water continued yesterday. tion in the southern Philip- parture from the battle of Is- route to bring in ammunition The militants are also holding pines, which is more used to nilon Hapilon, Islamic State’s and evacuate wounded fi ght- around 100 hostages, including a banditry, piracy and separa- anointed Southeast Asian ers, helping them withstand a Roman Catholic priest they ab- tism than radicalism. “chief”, which Abella said fi ve-week military off ensive, the ducted early in the siege. The rebels’ combat capa- showed he was not committed army said yesterday. Defence Secretary Delfi n bility, access to heavy weap- to his cause. The extremists fi ghting under Lorenzana said yesterday the ons and use of foreign fi ghters “It would be a clear sign of the black banner of the Islamic military was under pressure to have raised fears in the mainly his cowardice,” he said. State (IS) group have remained crush the militants before Du- Catholic country that the Ma- “It may only be a matter holed up in pockets of Marawi, terte delivers his annual state- rawi battle could just be the of time before they disinte- weathering daily air and artillery of-the-nation address on July start of a wider campaign, and grate.” bombardment and deadly urban 24. “There’s a bit of pressure be- it could be presented by Maute Fighting has raged in the street battles. cause if Marawi is still there and as a triumph to aid their re- town since an operation to ar- Military spokesman Lieuten- there is still killing, it doesn’t cruitment. rest Hapilon went wrong on ant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera said Evacuated residents rest at an evacuation centre in Iligan, while government forces fight insurgents from look good for the state-of-the President Rodrigo Duterte May 23, leading to the govern- the route was discovered follow- the Maute group in Marawi. nation address by the president,” said he was deeply saddened ment losing not just Hapilon, ing the arrest of a man who used Lorenzana said on radio station by the crisis and promised but control of Marawi. a boat to smuggle ammunition from the main battle area toward the attack as a rebellion aimed at sia and as far away as Chechnya. DZRH. Marawi would be rebuilt. Offi cial fi gures show 70 into the battle zone and ferry the south of Lanao Lake,” Her- setting up an IS province in the Nearly 400 people have been But he said it looked like the He said he had cousins who servicemen, 27 civilians and wounded militants out. rera told reporters. area — part of what it said was an killed, including 290 militants militants “are going to fi ght to were members of the Maute 290 militants have since been The military was able to cut off “This is good news because we attempt to carve out a caliphate and 70 troops, according to of- the death”. group, one of which had been killed and 246,000 people dis- the “logistical and medical high- have now blocked this highway.” in Southeast Asia. fi cial fi gures. “We have a bullhorn, we tell killed, and his decision to de- placed. way” across Lake Lanao, he said, Marawi, the most important President Rodrigo Duterte de- Most of Marawi’s 200,000 them ‘come down and surren- clare martial law on Mindanao Duterte said seeing Ma- adding that boat patrols on the Muslim city in the Philippines, clared martial law across Mind- residents have fl ed and much of der, you cannot win’ but they was justifi ed, because he was rawi bombed was too much lake have been bolstered. is located on the shores of Lake anao to quell the rebellion. the city is in ruins. still continue to fi ght,” he added. aware of exactly what the ex- to bear. “We found out that this man... Lanao on Mindanao island. But fi ve weeks of fi ghting have Herrera said the military was “The other day they killed one tremists would do. “Do not think I am enjoying is the one facilitating the entry of Hundreds of militants at- failed to fully drive out the mili- still trying to confi rm reports of our soldiers so it means they “I know the deployment of my life now,” he said. “I do not ammunition. He is also the per- tacked the city on May 23. tants, who have been joined by that a key leader of the attack, are still strong so our operation snipers and where they hid watch TV anymore, I turn it off son bringing wounded fi ghters The government described fi ghters from Indonesia, Malay- veteran Filipino militant Isnilon will continue.” their fi rearms. I already had or I transfer to cartoons.” Minister’s decision on Duterte appears in public as mining likely next month rumours of health woes swirl Reuters istry post on May 8, shortly af- with the offi ce of President Ro- Manila ter the dismissal of Lopez, who drigo Duterte or the environ- ordered the closure or suspen- ment ministry. Reuters what’s happening, he’s updated sion of 26 operating mines and But the appeals eff ectively Manila regularly, he reads, he listens and he new Philippines en- revoked 75 mining contracts in stayed Lopez’s orders. Shortly he’s quite aware. This is just his vironment minister said what she said was a fi ght against after he assumed the job, Cimatu working style.” Tyesterday he may decide “greedy miners” threatening told Reuters it was possible to hilippine leader Rodrigo Duterte was last seen on June next month on the fate of doz- public heath and nature. strike a balance between mining Duterte reappeared in 20 in two cities close to the vio- ens of mining operations and “Hopefully by next month and protecting natural resources, Ppublic yesterday after an lence-torn Marawi, visiting sol- contracts that his predecessor we can come up with the deci- signalling his intent to settle a absence of a week, his longest diers and evacuees. ordered closed, suspended or sion on appeals regarding” the bitter dispute that has been one disappearance from the spot- That followed a three-day cancelled to protect watersheds mining contracts, Cimatu told of the biggest economic conun- light as president, amid con- absence after a speech in which and other natural resources. reporters at an industry forum. drums of Duterte’s presidency. cerns about his health that the he said his health was “imma- Roy Cimatu said he plans to “I am going slowly about Since then, Cimatu has been government insists are baseless. terial”, amid raised eyebrows visit mines in the world’s top these issues on mining, I will careful in framing his stance to- Duterte gave a speech at the about his failure to appear in nickel ore supplier to see if they concentrate fi rst on the en- wards mining. presidential palace of about 25 public for Independence Day on are operating responsibly as he vironment. But that does not Earlier this month, he said he minutes late yesterday, dur- June 12. takes a slow approach towards mean mining isn’t a priority. will “strictly enforce mining and ing which he railed at militants Duterte’s known ailments in- a sector that was the target of That’s why I have plans to visit environmental regulations, and for their bloody occupation of clude back problems, migraines a 10-month crackdown led by some mining companies.” mining operations found violat- a southern town, but made no due to nerve damage after a mo- the previous minister, Regina Many of the miners aff ected ing laws, rules and regulations mention of why he had been ab- torcycle accident and Barrett’s Lopez. Cimatu, a former soldier, by Lopez’s orders fi led appeals shall be subject to penalties, sus- sent from the public eye. oesophagus, which impacts his took over the environment min- that have yet to be acted on pensions and/or cancellation.” Known for a busy schedule throat. and lengthy speeches often sev- He also suff ers from Buerger’s eral times a day, the 72-year-old disease, caused by his heavy DISRUPTION Duterte’s low profi le this month President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he addresses Filipino-Muslim smoking in younger days, which Four cities to face water interruption due to service upgrade has fuelled rumours he is in de- leaders during an Eid al-Fitr celebration at the Malacanang can cause blockages in the blood clining health and that the gov- Presidential Palace in Metro Manila, yesterday. vessels. Some areas in the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, June 30, Barangay 65, 66, 67, 69, 70 and 75 will expe- ernment is trying to keep that His offi ce has recently said he Quezon and Manila will have no water at certain hours rience the service interruption. In Malabon, Barangay under wraps. his home island of Mindanao. “As you’ve seen he’s been very has been experiencing fatigue. until July 3, Maynilad Water Services Inc has said. Longos will have no water today from 11pm to 2am. What has created most in- Answering queries from re- much in the public eye but be- His closest aide, Christopher The water company said a number of service im- In Quezon City, Barangay North Fairview, includ- trigue is Duterte being largely porters about Duterte’s long ab- ing out of the public eye, that is “Bong” Go, on June 15 posted provement projects will be implemented thus service ing Fairmont Park Subdivision and Fairville Homes missing during what is the big- sences, his spokesman, Ernesto when he is able to do offi ce work, images on social media of Du- will be interrupted. In Caloocan City, aff ected villages Subdivision and Barangay Batasan Hills will have no gest crisis of his year-old presi- Abella, said he was well and run- he signs papers, he reads, he terte signing documents and include Barangay 64, 65, 66, 69, 73, 74, 75. These ar- water starting at 12 midnight today to 4am tomorrow. dency, as the military battles ning the country as normal. consults, he’s actually very busy. standing in front of a television eas will have no water until today (2am). On the same In Manila, water service to Lubiran, Magistrado Mapa, for a sixth week to defeat Islam- “He is very well, he’s just busy “The thing that is very impor- showing a news bulletin, add- date, Barangay 176 will have no water from 11:30pm Magistrado Araullo and Cordillera will be interrupted ic State-linked rebels currently doing what he needs to do,” he tant to note is that he is on top ing further fuel to rumours that to 3am and tomorrow, from 11pm to 2am and on from today (12am) until tomorrow (4am). occupying Marawi City on said. of every situation, he is aware of something was wrong. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 17 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Free Wi-Fi in public Man dies after explosives vehicles soon

IANS he was carrying go off Kathmandu Agencies voting stations in the district. Kathmandu Nepal last month began ost public transport holding its fi rst local elections vehicles in Nepal will in 20 years, a key stage in the Mbe able to provide free man, 30, was killed yes- country’s post-war transfor- Wi-Fi service soon to their pas- terday when the explo- mation from feudal monarchy sengers with the state-owned Asives he was carrying to federal democracy. Nepal Telecom (NT) off ering the went off in Nepal’s western Today, voting is due to take Internet access. Kailali district, on the eve of the place in the southern plains, The telecom giant said in a second phase of local polls. home to the country’s Mad- statement that it has designed Chandra Kumar was in the hesi ethnic minority, who the package in a way that pas- water supply offi ce when sud- demonstrated in huge num- sengers should not pay any fee denly the explosives he was car- bers two years ago to protest for using the Wi-Fi although ve- rying exploded, fatally injuring new federal borders they say hicle operators will have to pay him. will leave them politically a marginal fee to get Internet Kumar was rushed to Seti Zon- marginalised. service. al Hospital where he breathed The Rastriya Janata Party- There are nearly 70,000 buses, his last while undergoing Nepal (RPJ-N), the main party mini-buses and micro-buses treatment, police said. representing the Madhesi registered at the Nepal govern- The incident occurred on community, has already said it ment’s transport offi ces. Cur- the eve of the second round of will boycott the polls, raising rently, a very few number of local-level elections which is doubts about their legitimacy vehicle operators are providing taking place in 334 local units in and fears of a resurgence in the Wi-Fi service. 35 districts of provinces number violence. “We launched the service 1, 5 and 7. More than 50 people died in starting from Monday with the Meanwhile, an improvised the months-long protests, most aim of enabling all the passen- explosive device exploded in the of them shot when police fi red gers to enjoy Internet service free house of Prem Bhandari, ward into crowds of demonstrators – of cost,” Sovan Adhikari, joint candidate of Bhojpur Munici- a response condemned by rights spokesperson of the NT, told pality-4, representing Nepali campaigners. Xinhua. Congress. Analysts say the govern- According to NT, the service According to Kaji Kumar ment’s failure to address the will be available in public ve- Acharya, deputy superintend- grievances of the community, hicles used in both short and ent of police of Bhojpur, the which makes up around 20% long routes. The passengers can bomb went off yesterday. of Nepal’s population, could have Wi-Fi access through their In another incident, a bomb be holding back the country’s electronic equipment such disposal team of the army de- progress. Police walk past the local election commission off ice in Janakpur, some 300km south of Kathmandu, yesterday. as smartphones, laptops and fused an improvised explosive Parties representing the tablets. device planted near the house of Madhesi have already forced current parliament expires. “The unaddressed agendas of The Madhesis, who live in fair political representation. Adhikari said the Wi-Fi serv- Nepali Congress candidate for several postponements of The government recently the Madhes are in a way hold- Nepal’s populous southern low- Many were denied citizen- ice to be made available in the the post of mayor of Tulasipur the local elections, which postponed the polls in the vot- ing the country hostage, keep- lands known as the Terai and ship, rendering them stateless, public vehicles will cover 70% in Dang district in western Ne- are supposed to pave the way ing area that includes Janakpur ing it from smoothly complet- share close linguistic and cul- until a 2006 law that allowed of the country’s territory. NT has pal, on Monday. for provincial polls and then – seen as a potential fl ashpoint ing its democratic processes,” tural ties with India, have long non-Nepali speakers born and forged partnership with a Nepali Security has been tightened national elections by Janu- – until September following said lawyer and Madhesi activist complained that the existing raised in the country to become private company – Cybernetics in all the polling centres and ary, when the mandate of the local protests. Dipendra Jha. federal borders deprive them of naturalised citizens. – to deliver this service. Bangladesh reserves Lanka to begin clean-up to battle dengue top $33bn during Eid IANS piling up in many parts of the Colombo capital since the country’s main By Mizan Rahman infl ow of remittance ahead of rubbish tip collapsed in April, Dhaka the Eid,” the BB offi cial said. crushing dozens of homes and He also said the country ri Lanka yesterday said it killing 32 people. will be able to settle more will launch a major clean- With nowhere to take the angladesh’s foreign ex- than eight months’ import Sup of cities around the trash, municipal collection has change (forex) reserve bills with the existing forex country as the number of people drastically slowed and led to Bhas crossed the $33bn- reserve. aff ected by dengue continues huge piles on the streets which mark for the fi rst time follow- Bangladesh received to rise. authorities say are encouraging ing higher infl ow of remit- $724.46mn as remittance The health ministry said steps mosquito-breeding. tance during the Eid al-Fitr between June 1 and June 16 have been taken to control the “The situation could get festival, offi cials said. from the expatriates work- spread of dengue, reports Xin- worse if we don’t tackle the The forex reserve rose ing abroad, according to the hua news agency. garbage problem quickly,” to $33.01bn, setting a new BB latest statistics. In May, It said over 70,000 people Health Minister Rajitha Sen- record, from $32.92bn, ac- the remittance infl ow was have been aff ected by den- aratne said as offi cial fi gures cording to the central bank’s $1.27bn. gue and of them 25% are below showed 210 people had died latest statistics. Non-Resident Bangladeshis the age of 19. from dengue so far this year – Receipt of $46mn fund from (NRBs) usually send hefty “It has been decided to deploy well over double the fi gure for World Bank recently has also amount of foreign currencies 100 civil defence force mem- the whole of 2016. contributed to raise the forex to their near and dear ones in bers at several hospitals to as- “It is not something my min- reserve, according to a senior the country ahead of the Eid sist in dealing with patients with istry can do alone but we need a offi cial of Bangladesh Bank al-Fitr festival that was cel- dengue,” it said. collective eff ort.” (BB). ebrated on Monday. Sri Lanka has suff ered a record Stagnant water left behind “Our forex reserve has “Steady growth in export 200 deaths from dengue fever after last month’s fl ooding crossed the $33bn-mark, earning has also helped to this year, the health minister was also seen as contribut- mainly due to lower import build the healthy reserve in said Monday, blaming a garbage ing to the spread of dengue, payment pressure on the the recent years,” the central disposal crisis in Colombo. a tropical disease spread by economy recently and higher banker noted. Rotting garbage has been mosquitoes. A worker fumigates a residential area to prevent the spreading of dengue fever by mosquitoes. Climate change takes Lankan rupee edges down Help for on importer dollar demand elephant its toll on fi sh: experts upkeep Reuters been trading for the sixth The rupee has been under Colombo straight session after being pressure after the central bank By Mizan Rahman Around eight species of and wetlands due to heavy inactive for six weeks, traded said it would allow gradual de- sought Dhaka freshwater fi shes have already sedimentation are also caus- at 153.25/35 per dollar at 0557 preciation of the currency and become extinct in Bangladesh. ing a reduction in the size of he Sri Lankan rupee GMT, compared with Friday’s set a target of $1.2bn in direct ri Lanka has sought assistance “Warm water is aff ecting the the fi sh.” traded slightly weaker close of 153.22/30. market purchases of dollars to from the World Bank to con- limate change has habitat and breeding places The use of pesticides also Tyesterday due to dollar The markets were closed boost the island nation’s re- Sserve its wild elephant popu- started taking its toll in of fi sh. Besides, rampant dis- needs to be properly managed demand from importers after on Monday for the Eid al-Fitr serves this year, mainly to meet lation, an offi cial said yesterday. CBangladesh as sizes of charge of untreated wastes is to protect aquatic lives, she the long weekend, dealers said, holiday. a target set by the International Sri Lanka boasts of 6,000 wild fi sh are becoming smaller as also destroying wetlands in- observed. and as investors shrugged off a The spot rupee resumed Monetary Fund for a three-year elephants, a major tourist attrac- sea and river waters are getting cluding living places of fi shes,” “Sometimes we are feeling policy rate decision by the cen- trading on June 19 for the fi rst $1.5bn loan. tion in the island nation. warmer day by day, according said Prof Gulshan Ara Latifa too hot and also cold which is tral bank, which held key rates time since May 5 when the cen- “If, as we expect, the Fed W S K Pathiratne, director to experts. of Stamford University in a bad sign for the humans and steady as expected. tral bank fi xed its reference rate tightens monetary policy more general, wildlife conservation They said in Dhaka, in addi- Bangladesh. the animals, which is brought The central bank kept its at 152.50. aggressively than the mar- department, told Xinhua news tion, discharge of untreated in- Warm water denudes oxygen about as a major curse of benchmark interest rates “The importer (dollar) de- ket expects over the coming agency that another nationwide dustrial effl uents, rising sea and content of water, which de- this modern civilisation. The steady on Friday, saying the mand is there today after the months, there is a risk that this census would be conducted at river beds due to siltation, over prives the fi sh of its vital need people are destroying living current monetary policy was long weekend,” said a currency could lead to further falls in the the end of the year to estimate catching, indiscriminate killing for the gas for surviving under places including trees indis- appropriate as it expected the dealer, requesting anonymity. (rupee) currency against the US the total number of jumbos in the and destruction of fi sh sanc- water, she said, adding, “The criminately, pushing the eco- economy to recover in the sec- Dealers said they expect sea- dollar,” Krystal Tan, Asia econ- wild. The last was done in 2011. tuaries are contributing to the reduction in the depth of wa- system into danger,” Latifa ond half of the year. sonal demand for the dollar to omist at Capital Economics, “We found 5,789 elephants in the extinction of diff erent species. ter in rivers, coastal sea beds said. The spot rupee, which has pick up from August. said in a research note. wild. It is a high number. It might have increased by now,” he said. Wild elephants are scattered throughout the country. But they Nepal plans to introduce smart driving licences throughout country within a year are found mostly in the dry zone. Nepal is moving forward to general, department of transport A smart licence enables the cardholder’s biometric data, smart driving licences in country. “With the increase of the replace around 2mn paper-based management (DoTM), said government authority to end including traff ic violations, will Bagmati zone. The Asian During the first 11 months of number, the country also faces the driving licences with smart yesterday that they have plans to duplication of paper licences be displayed automatically. This Development Bank has been the current 2016-17 fiscal year, increased incidence of human- driving licences within a year, an introduce smart driving licences and keep electronic records will help control multiple traff ic assisting Nepal’s drive towards a total of 5,051 road accidents elephant confl ict. We have worked off icial said, IANS reports from throughout the country within of vehicles and vehicle rules violators. digitalisation of the driving took place in Nepal, killing 168 out a plan for the conservation of Kathmandu. a year, Xinhua news agency owners. The DoTM has already licences, considering the large people, according to the record elephants while protecting human Roop Narayan Bhattarai, director reported. Once the card is scanned, distributed around 200,000 number of road accidents in the of Nepal’s traff ic police. habitats as well,” he added. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 COMMENT

Chairman: Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah Editor-in-Chief: Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Supporting the developing Deputy Managing Editor: K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888 Doha, Qatar world’s health innovators [email protected] Telephone 44350478 (news), By Dinesh Mondal 44466404 (sport), 44466636 (home delivery) Dhaka Fax 44350474 n 2012, the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases signalled a bold new vision for Iinternational co-operation, in which networking and globalisation could underpin eff orts in the global GULF TIMES South to eradicate deadly diseases that disproportionately aff ect the poorest communities. The London Declaration – the largest global public-health Some encouraging collaboration to date – helped to foster trust in the rules-based global order that emerged after World War II. But this hard-earned trust is now signs amid massive in grave danger as populist forces across the Western world take aim at their countries’ foreign aid commitments. China debt pile In particular, President Donald Trump has announced sweeping cuts to the United States’ international China’s debt mountain is still standing tall, but it aid budget, in order to appease may not be as menacing as it looks. economically frustrated US voters who From turbulence in the corporate bond market to want their tax money spent at home. What this approach fails to last month’s sovereign rating downgrade by Moody’s recognise is that the long-term Investors Service, there’s been no shortage of bad news rewards of supporting medical when it comes to China’s massive debt pile research in the global South far Government-led stimulus has been a key driver of outweigh the short-term costs. China’s economic growth since late 2008. Along with As a Bangladeshi researcher at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal that, the country has also built up a mountain of debt Disease Research, Bangladesh at nearly 300% of gross domestic product compared (icddr,b), I have been intimately with around 140% before the global fi nancial crisis. involved in local eff orts to eradicate The corporate debt load has swelled to an estimated visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also known as kala-azar), one of the diseases Long-term rewards of supporting medical research far outweigh the short-term costs. $17tn last year, or 156% of GDP. covered by the London Declaration. The trillion dollar Belt and Road (also known as Thanks to generous support from carrying insects, such as Zika-infected Of course, a key element of any Yet all of the success we have Silk Road) plan, the centrepiece of a soft-power push international donors, I have been able mosquitoes. strategy to eradicate disease is early achieved over the last two decades is championed by President Xi Jinping, also raises fears. to conduct path-breaking research in I have also been engaged in research and eff ective diagnosis. now at risk. More than $250bn in China’s overseas investments the fi eld. on novel types of VL transmission. When it comes to VL, standard Donor agencies, facing reduced Back in 2006, through research After recovering from VL, many diagnoses rely on the detection of aid from major players like the failed between 2005 and 2015. funded by the World Health patients in Bangladesh go on to circulating antibodies in blood or urine. US, could be forced to withdraw But looking beyond the negative headlines, Organisation’s Special Programme develop a condition known as macular But, because antibodies persist in funding for the kind of research one encouraging fact stands out: China’s biggest for Research and Training in Tropical post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. the blood even after recovery, this described here. companies are healthier than they’ve been in years. Diseases (TDR), I found virtually no In order to fi nd out whether PKDL method falsely identifi es healthy, With Bangladesh unable to pick sandfl y-control initiatives in place in patients can act as a reservoir for VL non-contagious patients as needing up the slack, life-saving projects like The market capitalisation-weighted average debt- districts where VL – spread by a single – and therefore boost our capacity to treatment. ours will collapse; the long-term to-equity ratio at China’s 100 biggest non-fi nancial species of sandfl y – was endemic. eradicate the disease – my team and While a DNA-based diagnostic resources we have developed, from businesses dropped to 68% at the end of last year That realisation was a wake-up I have set up an insectarium to breed test provides more accurate results, the insectarium to new diagnostic from 72% in 2015, according to Bloomberg data. Profi t call to policymakers and led to the sterile sandfl ies. the methods currently used rely on devices, will have to be abandoned; margins and interest coverage ratios also improved, initiation of sandfl y-control eff orts Our insectarium – funded by expensive equipment like thermal and the developing world’s poorest throughout the country. the Drugs for Neglected Diseases cyclers and functioning cold chains. communities will suff er. while free cash fl ows for the group swelled to a record Years later, as part of UBS Optimus Initiative and the Spanish Foundation So my team went to work to develop More is at stake than generosity. $93bn. Foundation-funded research into for International Co-operation – is a system for enabling DNA-based Aid donors accrue important The pickup in economic growth has helped big household-level insect-control one of just seven in the world (with diagnosis in low-resource settings. benefi ts from fi nancing scientifi c companies to repair their balance sheets. China’s GDP methods, my team found that a the majority located in developed Using an isothermal DNA research in the global South, increased 6.9% in the fi rst quarter from a year earlier novel technology – durable wall countries). amplifi cation method, called beginning with reinforcement of linings soaked with the insecticide It amounts to a permanent and recombinase polymerase the trust that underpins the fragile – the fi rst back-to-back acceleration in seven years deltamethrin – was eff ective at valuable resource for research amplifi cation, we developed a international order on which we all – as investment, retail sales and factory output all killing sandfl ies for up to a year after into vector control and disease cold-chain-independent method depend. strengthened. application. transmission in Bangladesh. for detecting VL, which we then More directly, supporting the The improvements could help ease fears of a looming We are currently testing other Already, the insectarium has incorporated into a solar-powered development of low-cost health durable insect-control solutions, facilitated important progress. mobile “lab suitcase” that can be used innovations could play a vital role in fi nancial crisis in the world’s second-largest economy, including wall paints blended with Recent pilot experiments showed easily in rural settings. reducing the now-colossal healthcare even though smaller three diff erent insecticides. that macular PKDL can act as a source We are now trying to repurpose expenditure of advanced countries like Chinese companies This work has implications beyond of infection, with the results published that suitcase, so that it can also enable the US. China’s biggest have made less VL – and beyond Bangladesh. in the journal Clinical Infectious the diagnosis of typhoid fever and Those savings could, in the progress so far. Indoor spraying remains the most Diseases. tuberculosis, further revolutionising long-term, easily off set the cost of companies are widely used method of household We are also using the insectarium disease surveillance in poor and rural supporting the life-saving work of The Bloomberg insect control worldwide. to test insecticide resistance and communities. organisations like icddr,b. – Project healthier than data, however, exclude But in isolated rural communities, susceptibility in captive sandfl ies In other words, the development Syndicate unlisted borrowers the solutions that we are researching – research that will support the of cold-chain-independent disease they’ve been in and heavily-indebted may be more robust, convenient, and optimisation of sandfl y-control detection, like the rest of our research zDinesh Mondal is a senior scientist in eff ective against not just sandfl ies, strategies throughout the Indian and innovations, has far-reaching the Nutrition and Infection Interaction local governments. but also other kinds of disease- subcontinent. implications for global health. Research Unit at icddr,b. years The improvements at big public companies are temporary – the result of economic pump-priming before a leadership reshuffl e in the ruling Communist Party towards the end of this year, say sceptics. Under Orbán, Hungary has become mafi a state The economy’s strong start to 2017 has already shown signs of levelling off . Moody’s expects growth to slow to around 5% in coming years, saying the By Bálint Magyar But while these regimes make Whereas Orbán’s regime seeks radio stations are now owned by economy will, however, remain robust and the Budapest populist appeals, they are not driven wealth, and is sustained by an oligarchs close to Orbán, and state by ideology. adopted political family that operates television has become a vehicle for likelihood of a hard landing is slim. Their primary concern is to outside the constraints of formal government propaganda. The government is targeting GDP growth of around ollowing the collapse of consolidate the ruler’s power and institutions, Kaczyski is conducting a The common values that the EU was 6.5% this year. communism, many of us in personal wealth through whatever conservative-autocratic experiment established to uphold have been fatally It’s clear, for sure, from the signals emanating Central and Eastern Europe means necessary. that is driven as much by ideology as undermined in Hungary. from the country that China’s leaders know what the Fhad hoped that the region In today’s mafi a states, key by the quest for power. In response, the EU could have the would steadily move towards liberal decisions are made through informal In Hungary’s 2010 parliamentary European Court of Human Rights problems brought about by the country’s economic democracy, and that any obstacles en mechanisms created by the regime, election, Orbán’s Fidesz party won investigate Hungary’s violations of EU maturation are. But it’s not clear how far they are route to that goal could be overcome. instead of through formal institutions. 53% of the vote, and 263 of the rules, or an EU-level prosecutor could willing to go to fi x the system, or let it fi x itself. A lack But in many former communist In terms of structure and culture, National Assembly’s 386 seats. bring civil or criminal actions against of trust in China’s opaque economic data and a dearth countries, older systems of patronage these arrangements resemble an Orban used this strong position to Hungary’s misuse of EU funds. and corruption have survived, and adopted family, which the regime alter the constitution, appoint loyal But, so far, the EU has been reluctant of communication about policy decisions are not taken new forms. creates by systematically replacing followers to democratic institutions to take serious punitive action against helping, too. What we thought was a transitional political and economic elites. that otherwise would have checked his Orbán’s regime, because it does not It’s tricky to get a clear picture of what’s happening phase has become a permanent state In a democracy, these elites would power, and manipulate election laws want to risk pushing Hungary further in any fast-changing country. But everyone – from of aff airs. be autonomous actors. to cement his rule. into Russia’s embrace. Consider Hungary, which has become But in a mafi a state, their position is In the 2014 parliamentary election, And the EU’s tacit acceptance investors to central bankers and executives – has a mafi a state during the seven years of subsumed in a system of patron-client Fidesz needed just 44% of the votes to of a “multi-speed Europe” implies plenty of compelling reasons to strain to understand Viktor Orbán’s rule as prime minister. dependency, often through regime-led maintain control. that it can live with a buff er zone of China’s economy. Hungary is unique in that it moved corporate raiding and rent-seeking. Orbán’s mafi a state will be very hard semi-autocratic member states on its In a wider sense, how China’s $10tn-plus economy towards liberal democracy and joined The classic mafi a technique of to dismantle. eastern border. fares is no longer an internal issue, but one with dire the European Union before changing physical coercion is thus replaced Its pyramidal patronage network, Accordingly, Orbán now presides course and heading towards autocracy. with a bloodless, “legal” form of similar to that created by Vladimir over what he proudly calls an “illiberal consequences across the world. The rest of the region’s mafi a states compulsion overseen by public Putin in Russia, appears to be nearly democracy” that is spearheading an either passed through a period of authorities. indestructible. “Eastern opening.” His strategy vis-à- oligarchic fl ux, or took a direct path To be sure, corruption is endemic in In Ukraine, it should be noted, vis the EU is tantamount to blackmail. To Advertise from communist dictatorship to other post-communist countries that revolutions have been required – fi rst He demands that EU funds be criminal enterprise. have joined the EU, such as Romania under Leonid Kuchma, and then provided with no strings attached, [email protected] In these countries, oligarchs and and Bulgaria. under Viktor Yanukovych, to prevent while signalling that he would gladly Display the organised underworld have But because these countries have such a system from being established sell his loyalty to Russia. Telephone 44466621 Fax 44418811 not captured the state; rather, an proportionate election systems and (whether a third attempt is currently As the Hungarian writer Miklós organised “upperworld” of elites have divided executive power, no central underway today remains to be seen). Haraszti has said, Hungary is “drifting Classified captured the economy, including the patronage network has emerged. It will be impossible to vote in a Western boat propelled by an Telephone 44466609 Fax 44418811 oligarchs themselves. Unlike Jarosław Kaczy ski, Poland’s Orbán out of power as long as he can Eastern wind.” Now that the law of The result is a mix between a fanatically ideological de facto leader, manipulate Hungary’s elections. rule has supplanted the rule of law, Subscription criminal organisation and a privatised, Orbán is a cynic. Fidesz has tightened its control Hungary’s democratic ship may have [email protected] parasitic state. The type of autocratic regime that over the judiciary and politicised already sailed. – Project Syndicate Most analyses of post-communist he is trying to establish in Hungary law enforcement, by turning the autocracies tend to focus on the is very diff erent from Kaczy ski’s Chief Prosecutor’s offi ce into what is zBálint Magyar, a sociologist, is 2017 Gulf Times. All rights reserved political institutions and ideologies in Poland, despite the ideological essentially an arm of the party. a former Hungarian minister of underpinning the state. similarities. Moreover, most newspapers and education. Gulf Times Wednesday, June 28, 2017 19 COMMENT Another lesson from Japan

By Stephen Roach First, the relationship between – barring a protectionist relapse led New Haven infl ation and economic slack – the by the America Firsters – treatment so-called Phillips curve – has broken needs to be focused on the demand down. side of the equation. et another in a long string of Courtesy of what the University of The most important lesson from the negative infl ation surprises is Geneva’s Richard Baldwin calls the 1930s, as well as from the modern- at hand. “second unbundling” of globalisation, day Japanese experience, is that Y In the United States, the the world is awash in the excess supply monetary policy provides no answer so-called core CPI (consumer price of increasingly fragmented global for a chronic defi ciency of aggregate index) – which excludes food and supply chains. demand. energy – has headed down just when it Outsourcing via these supply Addressing it is a task primarily for was supposed to be going up. chains dramatically expands the fi scal authorities. Over the three months ending elasticity of the global supply curve, The idea that central banks should in May, the core CPI was basically fundamentally altering the concept of consider making a new promise to unchanged, holding, at just 1.7% slack in labour and product markets, raise their infl ation targets is hardly above its year-earlier level. as well as the pressure such slack credible. For a US economy that is widely might put on infl ation. In the meantime, Fed Chair Janet presumed to be nearing the hallowed Second, today’s globalisation is Yellen is right (fi nally) to push the Fed ground of full employment, this comes inherently asymmetric. to normalise policy, putting an end as a rude awakening – particularly for For a variety of reasons – hangovers to a failed experiment that has long the Federal Reserve, which has pulled from balance-sheet recessions outlived its usefulness. out all the stops to get infl ation back to in Japan and the US, fear-driven The danger all along has been its 2% target. precautionary saving in China, that open-ended unconventional Halfway around the world, a similar and anaemic consumption in monetary easing would fail to achieve story continues to play out in Japan. productivity-constrained Europe traction in the real economy, and But, for the defl ation-prone – the demand side of most major would inject excess liquidity into US Japanese economy, it’s a much tougher economies remains severely impaired. and global fi nancial markets that could story. Juxtaposed against a backdrop lead to asset bubbles, reckless risk Through April, Japan’s core CPI was of ever-expanding supply, the taking, and the next crisis. basically fl at relative to its year-earlier resulting imbalance is inherently Moreover, because unconventional level, with a similar outcome evident deflationary. easing was a strategy designed for an in May for the Tokyo metropolitan Third, central banks are all but emergency that no longer exists, it area. powerless to cope with the moving leaves the Fed with no ammunition to For the Bank of Japan (BoJ), which infl ation, yet left the core stable at testament to all that can go wrong in Though Japan’s experience since target of what can be called a non- fi ght the inevitable next downturn and committed an unprecedented arsenal around 2.5%. But they are exceptions large and wealthy economies. the early 1990s provides many stationary liquidity trap. crisis. of unconventional policy weapons in an otherwise infl ationless world. But no lesson is more profound lessons, the rest of the world has failed First observed by John Maynard We ignore history at great peril. to arrest a 19-year stretch of 16.5% The International Monetary Fund’s than that of a series of policy blunders miserably at heeding them. Keynes during the Great Depression of The latest disappointment for defl ation lasting from 1994 to latest forecasts bear this out. made by the BoJ. Volumes have been written, the 1930s, the liquidity trap describes infl ation-targeting central banks is 2013, this is more than just a rude Notwithstanding a modest fi rming Not only did reckless monetary countless symposiums have been held, a situation in which policy interest really not a surprise after all. awakening. of global economic growth, infl ation accommodation set the stage for and famous promises have been made rates, having reached the zero bound, The same is true of the related drop It is an embarrassment bordering in the advanced economies is expected Japan’s demise; the country’s central by the likes of former US Fed chairman are unable to stimulate chronically in long-term interest rates. on defeat. to average slightly less than 2% in bank compounded the problem Ben Bernanke never to repeat Japan’s defi cient aggregate demand. There is much to be gained by This story is global in scope. 2017-2018. by taking policy rates to the zero mistakes. Sound familiar? The novel twist studying carefully the lessons of Yes, there are a few notable outliers The fi rst chapter of this tale was bound (and even lower), embracing Yet time and again, other major today is the ever-expanding global Japan. – Project Syndicate – namely, the United Kingdom, written many years ago, in Japan. quantitative easing, and manipulating central banks – especially the Fed and supply curve. where currency pressures and one-off From asset bubbles and excess long-term interest rates in the hopes the European Central Bank – have That makes today’s central banks zStephen S Roach, a faculty member at holiday distortions are temporarily leverage to currency suppression and of reviving the economy. been quick to follow, with equally dire even more impotent than they were in Yale University and former Chairman boosting core infl ation to 2.4%, productivity impairment, Japan’s This has created an unhealthy consequences. the 1930s. of Morgan Stanley Asia, is the author and Malaysia, where the removal of experience – with lost decades now dependency from which there is no The infl ation surprise of 2017 off ers This is not an incurable disease. of Unbalanced: The Codependency of fuel subsidies has boosted headline stretching to a quarter-century – is easy exit. three key insights. In a world of hyper-globalisation America and China. The mysterious fall in Saudi foreign reserves Weather report Three-day forecast

TODAY High: 45 C Riyadh revenues,” said Khatija Haque, head due to the transfer of money to state would force further liquidation of the of regional research at Emirates NBD, funds investing abroad — particularly central bank’s foreign assets. Low : 36 C Reuters Inshore: Hot daytime with slight Dubai’s biggest bank. the main sovereign wealth fund, the “Going forward, the decline is likely dust and relatively humid to hazy at Saudi offi cials have not commented Public Investment Fund (PIF). Riyadh to continue given the projected budget places by night. et foreign assets at Saudi in detail on the reasons for the reserves plans to invest big amounts overseas defi cit for the whole year, which would Arabia’s central bank, drop, though some have suggested it to win access to technology and boost probably require withdrawals from THURSDAY a measure of its ability is due to private sector activity, not returns on its capital. foreign reserves to fi nance it,” said High: 39 C Nto support its currency, government spending. The PIF has said it will invest up to Said al-Sheikh, group chief economist Low: 31 C look set to fall sharply this year as Some analysts have speculated $45bn over fi ve years in a technology at National Commercial Bank, the Sunny oil prices slump and Riyadh expands the fall is due to spending on Saudi fund created by Japan’s Softbank, largest Saudi bank. its sovereign wealth fund to invest Arabia’s military intervention in and $20bn in an infrastructure fund Riyadh’s heavy foreign borrowing abroad. Yemen. planned by US fi rm Blackstone. — it issued $9bn of sukuk abroad in FRIDAY They shrank from a record high of This is unlikely; a top Saudi Transfers to the PIF would not April — gives it fi nancial fl exibility but High: 41 C $737bn in August 2014 to $529bn at offi cial indicated in late 2015 that the represent any reduction in the does not increase its net foreign assets, Low: 31 C the end of 2016 as the government intervention — largely a limited air government’s total wealth, but they since the debt is recorded as a liability, Sunny liquidated some assets to cover the campaign, not a major ground war — would mean a cut in the liquid assets Sheikh said. huge budget defi cit caused by the fall was costing about $7bn annually, in which the central bank has available to The government has said it plans to in oil prices. line with estimates by foreign military defend the riyal if needed. resume domestic bond issues later this Fishermen’s forecast year after a gap of more than half a year. This year, an austerity drive and experts. The PIF declined to comment. OFFSHORE DOHA a partial rebound in oil prices have Others speculate capital fl ight from A fresh slump in oil prices also looks A senior fi nance ministry offi cial Wind: NW 05-15/20 KT helped Riyadh make progress in Saudi Arabia may be sapping the likely to pressure foreign assets. estimated last month that local bonds Waves: 2-4/6 Feet cutting the defi cit — which narrowed reserves. Brent oil averaged $54.57 in the would cover 25 to 35% of the 2017 INSHORE DOHA Wind: NW-NE 05-15/18 KT 71% from a year ago to 26bn riyals But data from the central bank — fi rst quarter of this year; it has since defi cit; this would leave a sizeable Waves: 1-3/4 Feet ($6.9bn) in the fi rst quarter. the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority plunged to around $46, just $1 above amount to be covered with foreign But net foreign assets have (SAMA) — on foreign exchange its average price last year. assets. Around the region continued to shrink at about the same transactions by commercial banks This, combined with a minor At $493bn as of the end of April, Weather Weather rate, by $36bn in the fi rst four months does not support this theory either. relaxation of austerity in recent weeks SAMA’s net foreign assets remain today Max/min tomorrow Max/min of 2017 — a mystery to economists and “Capital fl ight has diminished as an to head off a recession, may mean enough to defend the riyal for years Abu Dhabi Sunny 37/32 M Sunny 40/33 diplomats monitoring Saudi Arabia, issue. Outfl ows in 2016 were pretty Riyadh’s budget defi cit for all of 2017 — they would pay for four years of Baghdad Cloudy 49/31 Sunny 47/29 Dubai and a potential blow to markets’ small beer compared with 2015, when comes close to its original projection imports. Sunny 41/32 M Sunny 44/32 Kuwait City Sunny 45/33 Sunny 47/33 confi dence in Riyadh. there were signifi cant outfl ows,” said of 198bn riyals ($52.79bn), or possibly Nevertheless, a rise in the cost of Manama Sunny 41/31 Sunny 41/30 “This suggests that there remains an economist at a Saudi bank. a little higher. insuring Saudi debt against default Muscat P Cloudy 38/32 P Cloudy 37/31 a signifi cant defi cit in the balance An international banker in touch That would be an improvement this month, to its highest level since Riyadh Sunny 44/30 Sunny 46/31 of payments of Saudi Arabia, which with Saudi authorities said much of from last year’s 297bn riyals, but early February, suggests concern may Tehran Sunny 37/25 Sunny 38/26 is not due to declining oil export the decline in foreign assets appeared combined with transfers to the PIF, it be increasing. Live issues Seven ‘ideal’ goals to maintain healthy heart

By Will Boggs MD without medication; for each additional goal at the ideal Reuters Health -Maintain a normal cholesterol level level. without medication; “The ideal goal would be to have -Maintain a normal blood sugar no risk factors for cardiovascular eeting some or all of without medication. disease at all,” Gaye said. “However, the American Heart Out of the 7,371 study participants, our study also shows a graded benefi t Association’s seven ideal whose average age was 74, only one on outcome according to the number Mcardiovascular health individual had met all seven goals. of risk factors at the optimal level. goals is associated with longer life and Only 5% of participants met at least Hence, a perhaps more realistic Around the world fewer heart attacks and strokes, no fi ve goals, researchers reported in the approach would be to advise older Weather Weather matter your age. Journal of the American College of subjects to have at least one risk today Max/min tomorrow Max/min In fact, in a recent group of elderly Cardiology. factor at an optimal level, and to Athens Sunny 36/24 Sunny 38/25 patients, “the benefi t of an ideal For all goals except physical activity progressively gain more risk factors at Beirut Sunny 29/24 Sunny 29/26 S T Storms 32/27 cardiovascular health in reducing and total cholesterol, women were optimal level.” Bangkok 33/26 S T Storms Berlin S T Storms 29/17 Rain 23/16 mortality and vascular events was more likely than men to be at ideal “We would like emphasise Cairo Sunny 38/23 Sunny 39/24 comparable to what is observed in levels. that (good) health in general and Cape Town P Cloudy 15/06 Sunny 17/08 younger populations,” Dr Bamba The seven goals include: The research team tracked the study cardiovascular health in particular Colombo S T Storms 31/27 P Cloudy 31/27 Gaye from University Paris Descartes -Keep body mass index (BMI) – a subjects to monitor their health; half is the cornerstone of (good) life and Dhaka S T Storms 32/26 T Storms 32/26 Hong Kong P Cloudy 31/28 P Cloudy 31/28 in France told Reuters Health by ratio of weight to height – lower than of the participants were tracked more we all need to take care of it over the Istanbul Sunny 31/21 Sunny 32/23 e-mail. “This is a very good news, the overweight cutoff ; than nine years. life course,” Gaye concluded. “The Jakarta S T Storms 32/24 S T Storms 32/24 which suggests that it is never too -Never start smoking, or have Compared to people who meet no good news is that it is never too Karachi P Cloudy 34/29 T Storms 32/29 late to prevent the development of stopped at least 12 months ago; more than two of the goals, in those late to optimise our own health in London Rain 17/12 Showers 19/13 Manila T Storms T Storms 32/26 risk factors for cardiovascular disease -For at least 75 minutes a week, who met three or four the risk of death elderhood.” 31/26 Moscow P Cloudy 21/10 S Showers 21/14 (CVD).” perform vigorous activity, or perform during the study was reduced by 16%, “The goal of successful ageing is New Delhi S T Storms 33/26 T Storms 32/26 Gaye and colleagues analysed moderate physical activity at least 150 and meeting fi ve to seven goals cut the not immortality, but limiting time New York Sunny 27/19 P Cloudy 31/23 whether achieving some or all of the minutes a week; risk by 29%. spent with illness and disability,” Paris S Showers 23/14 S Showers 22/14 American Heart Association (AHA) -Follow a healthy diet that includes In fact, the risk of death fell by 10% writes Dr Karen P Alexander Sao Paulo M Sunny 26/13 Sunny 25/13 Seoul P Cloudy 28/19 P Cloudy 29/19 seven “ideal” goals – “Life’s Simple 7” vegetables and fresh fruit daily, fi sh for each additional goal at the ideal from Duke University School of Singapore S T Storms 31/26 S T Storms 30/26 – would aff ect people’s risk of dying or twice or more a week, and less than level. Medicine, Durham, North Carolina Sydney Cloudy 16/08 P Cloudy 16/08 having a stroke or heart attack during 450 calories a week from sugar; Similarly, the risk of coronary in an editorial published with the Tokyo Rain 26/21 Cloudy 26/22 a specifi c study period. -Keep blood pressure below 120/80 heart disease and stroke fell by 22% study. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 QATAR Visitors from Oman, Kuwait give moral support to Qatar

isitors from Kuwait and Oman have praised the Vvarious entertainment activities organised by Katara- the Cultural Village Foundation to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, its at- tention to Arab heritage and the attractive presentation, the of- fi cial Qatar News Agency (QNA) reports. Kuwaiti national Nasser al- Ajamai said Katara, which he is visiting for the second time, is a “cultural, touristic and so- cial project that refl ects Qatar’s civilisational vision and its keen- ness regarding the welfare of its citizens and visitors,” adding that the project “has become widely famous across the Gulf region because it provides visitors with Abdullah Karam from Kuwait. Naji Haidar al-Balushi from Oman. A young visitor sporting a T-shirt expressing solidarity with Qatar. all kinds of entertainment and fun in an intimate family atmos- as an ideal destination for Gulf it from friends and media. “I another Omani visitor, is in Ka- that off er the best in world cui- Khaled Abdulraheem al- Gulf visitors who have chosen phere.” citizens on holidays,” Karam said, was surprised about the vari- tara for the sixth time, he says sine”. Sayyed, head of the festival’s Qatar as their Eid holiday desti- Abdullah Karam, also from expressing delight over Katara’s ous cultural and entertainment every time he fi nds diff erent en- Adnan al-Buraiki, also from organising committee, said they nation. Kuwait, described Katara as a off erings of “entertaining per- programmes it off ers, which tertainment activities, adding Oman, highlighted Katara’s at- were keen on presenting new and Al-Sayyed said Katara has pro- “comprehensive cultural and formances and interesting cul- entertain families in a warm at- that the Cultural Village is “the tention to heritage, noting that it innovative concepts that “com- vided all services and facilities touristic city in the region that tural segments”. mosphere. It really deserves to most beautiful place to spend brings together all forms of herit- bine our original Arab heritage for visitors, such as transporta- refl ects the cultural and urban Omani visitors echoed similar be visited several times and I’ll Eid and the holidays” as it fea- age in the same place as the dif- with its interesting tales and so- tion to and from parking areas, renaissance in Qatar.” “What I views about Katara. Naji Haidar put it on top of my destinations tures “culture, entertainment ferent activities “take you on an phisticated modern technology”, drinking water, special cars for saw during my fi rst visit to Ka- al-Balushi said he was visiting during my future visits to Qatar,” and knowledge and has the nec- entertaining journey through our adding that the performances are persons with disability, an infor- tara was more than wonderful. Katara for the fi rst time with he noted. essary facilities for any tourist Arab heritage treasures and delve drawing a wide audience from mation centre, restaurants and It deserves this leading status his family after hearing about Although Ali al-Hamadani, in terms of restaurants and cafes into the depths of the past.” several nationalities, especially cafes, and ATMs.

Distribution of gifts among children. A big crowd enjoying a show. Fireworks display at Katara. ‘Saudis should not divide GCC states’ Demands to shut

our big brother, Saudi Arabia, is normally, an embargo comes if externally. Oman has always dress these issues should bring down Al-Araby By Peter Alagos Business Reporter part of this exercise,” Omani citi- discussions or negotiations fail; distanced itself from these kinds the GCC together. But unfor- zen Ahmed Mohamed Rashid said but what we’re seeing today is of confl icts ... Oman says ‘we are tunately, we are facing internal at Souq Waqif yesterday. quite the opposite,” he lamented. impartial and want to resolve threats, which are very serious Al-Jadeed, The New ather than inciting divi- “Saudi Arabia should be the Rashid stressed that the is- things using peaceful means’. and are destroying the fabric siveness among GCC na- leader of conciliation, harmony sues against Qatar “should have There is no need for issues to es- of unity among Gulf states as a Rtions, Saudi Arabia should and peace; as the big brother, it fi rst been presented before a calate,” he pointed out. family. We feel very sorry.” Arab decried take the lead in uniting Arab should absorb these issues and body for confl icts resolution”. Rashid said such geopoliti- Despite his disappointment, Gulf states, said a visiting tour- come up with the necessary so- “The issues against Qatar cal rows are “very unfortunate Rashid expressed optimism that ist from Oman, who expressed lutions,” Rashid said, stressing should have been presented fi rst because they are happening at a the Gulf crisis would be resolved l-Araby Al-Jadeed and The now this small group of journal- dismay over the ongoing rift that disagreements among GCC in ministerial councils or in a time when the GCC in general, “sooner than later”. “We hope New Arab have dismissed ists fi nd its livelihood threatened between Qatar and some of its states “must be preceded” by summit among GCC leaders. and Saudi Arabia in particular, that this issue will come to a Acalls for its shutdown as by several of the world’s largest regional neighbours. dialogue or negotiations before “The Gulf Co-operation are facing serious internal and speedy and peaceful resolution. one of the demands made by and most powerful economies “Gulf states are like one family any “sanction or extreme meas- Council was formed as a means external threats. There is now a big crack inside several Gulf nations for an end to and autocrats in a move which and are interconnected socially, ures are taken”. to address outside threats “There are outside threats the GCC community today, and their eff orts to isolate Qatar. threatens the existence of any historically and geographically, “But unfortunately, it is puz- against Gulf states. But today, it such as the war in Yemen and this needs to be resolved and Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, whose independent reporting or free among many other aspects, which zling for us to see what is hap- is unfortunate that the threats Syria, as well as the Israeli-Arab treated. It will take time to heal,” print and online editions are press in the countries involved. is why it is very unfortunate that pening. It is a big surprise … are coming from within and not confl icts, and the need to ad- he added. created from offi ces in London, The New Arab refuses to be in- Doha and Beirut, has grown to timidated by this attempt to fun- become one of the region’s most damentally suppress freedom of read and most trusted sources of opinion. Demanding our closure independent journalism – and has not frightened us, nor will it senior fi gures have rejected de- prevent us from continuing to do mands from Saudi Arabia, the what we believe in. If anything, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt that it it has emboldened us. It has em- be shut down as a blatant in- powered us. fringement of press freedom. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bah- “There are worse things than rain and Egypt fund news outlets being banned by Saudi Ara- in their own countries, the Arab bia and the UAE,” said James world and the rest of the world. Brownsell, managing editor of This isn’t unusual. But they use The New Arab’s English-lan- their infl uence as an axis of disin- guage edition. “Having them ap- formation to spread infl ammatory prove of us would be one.” The conspiracy and snide insinuations. UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and We have never called on these Bahrain have demanded Qatar governments to stop exploiting shut down independent media the outlets they fund to spread including Al Jazeera. their lies, incitement and defa- They want Qatar to end its in- mation — because we do not con- dependent foreign policy, and to cern ourselves with their aff airs. align itself with the hegemony Characteristically, prominent imposed on the region by Saudi state-controlled news outlets in Arabia and the UAE. They want these countries have supported Qatar, a sovereign country, to calls for our closure. We hope that limit its diplomatic links with Western media will do its utmost other nations in the region. These to shed light on this current crisis. demands prove that the Gulf dip- Our own journalistic integrity lomatic crisis was never about and ethical practices are our top “fi ghting terrorism”, it continues priorities, and we thrive on them to be about making Qatar subser- and nothing more. Since our vient to its Gulf neighbours. launch in 2014, we have grown We don’t speak for Qatar. We based purely on the merit of our have covered Qatar critically on a coverage – an idea to which many number of occasions. We speak of the region’s gutter journalists for a small group of journalists are oblivious. working to change the narra- The New Arab will never give tive over the Middle East beyond up championing freedom and de- one of blood and sand to involve mocracy for the Arab world, and nuance, context and something will continue to recognise our role Rashid and his family at Souq Waqif. PICTURE: Jayaram more than state propaganda. And at this critical point in history.