QATAR | Page 3 SPORT | Page 1 Li Qi takes Beam gold; Carey fl oors Health ministry signs with second pact with Ooredoo victory published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11132 March 24, 2019 Rajab 17, 1440 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

In brief HMC achieves QATAR | Farming AgriteQ, EnviroteQ exhibitions conclude zero harm for The Ministry of Municipality and Environment yesterday concluded the 7th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition 2019 AgriteQ and the first international environmental exhibition “2019 patients in EnviroteQ”. Local and regional international organisations participated in the four-day events. There were diverse agricultural, animal, fisheries and environmental some facilities off erings, and other related activities, conferences and seminars. Page 2 O Prime minister opens Middle East

AMERICA | Politics Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare US awaits Mueller’s By Joseph Varghese tiatives, checks and balances to prevent fi ndings on Trump HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Staff Reporter the harms from happening,” he noted. US Attorney General Bill Barr was al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, touring the exhibition on the sidelines of the forum. Nasser al-Naimi, deputy chief, quality expected to hand Congress today the and director of Hamad Healthcare Qual- key findings of the Russian meddling amad Medical Corporation has ity Institute (HHQI) and Middle East Fo- probe with Washington anxious to achieved zero percent harm for rum co-chair, and Nayef al-Shammari, learn if President Donald Trump is Hpatients in some of its facilities assistant executive director for media implicated in serious wrongdoing. in 2018, a top health offi cial said yes- also attended the press conference. Chronic tweeter Trump, who headed terday. Al-Naimi explained how this year’s out from his Florida residence Over 1mn march in London “In some of our facilities, we reached forum tracks were refl ected in the design early for a round of golf, remained zero percent harm for patients in 2018. of the Knowledge Zone, one of the exhi- uncommonly silent after spending This was in treatment for some areas bitions on the sidelines of the forum. two years repeatedly labelling such as thrombosis or sepsis among “There are so many inter-dependen- Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s for a new Brexit referendum others,” said Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, cies that need to be managed to initiate investigation an illegal witch hunt — deputy chief medical offi cer and direc- sustainable quality improvement and suggesting the White House has still DPA/Reuters Prime Minister Theresa May is police gave no fi gures on the number of tor of medical education at HMC told with our exhibits, we wanted to give del- not seen the report. Page 13 London strongly against both options, but cur- participants. at a press conference. egates the opportunity to learn, refl ect, rently faces a deadlock both with par- Campaigners marched from Park HE the Prime Minister and Minister be inspired, and share knowledge with ASIA | Religion liament - which refuses to endorse her Lane to Parliament Square from mid- of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser other professionals – all in an exciting emonstrators from around plan for Brexit - and with Brussels - day, followed by a rally in front of Par- bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday opened and fun environment,” said al-Naimi. Muslims return to Britain marched in London which refuses to alter the deal it nego- liament. the Middle East Forum on Quality and This year’s forum highlights the Christchurch mosque Dyesterday to call for a second tiated with May over the last two years. Many carried blue and yellow EU Safety in Healthcare 2019, at Qatar quality and safety aspects of the world- Muslims held emotional prayers referendum on the country’s departure A similar rally calling for a second fl ags or were dressed in these colours, National Convention Centre (QNCC) class healthcare services that are pro- inside Christchurch’s main mosque from the EU, with organisers putting referendum in October attracted an while others carried Union Jack fl ags. under the theme “Patient Safety First”. vided to patients across Qatar’s health yesterday for the first time since the number of participants at more estimated 700,000 people. While the country and its politicians The three-day forum was opened system.The event is being attended by a white supremacist massacred than 1mn. The organisers of yesterday’s march are divided over Brexit, most agree it is in the presence of HE Dr Hanan Mo- nearly 3,000 delegates. worshippers there, as New Zealand Meanwhile, a petition calling for the described it as one of the biggest pro- the most important strategic decision hamed al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Dr al-Kuwari noted that the growth sought to return to normality whole Brexit process to be scrapped test marches in British history, and said the United Kingdom has faced since Health, and a number of other minis- of Qatar’s healthcare system has placed after the tragedy. Al Noor Mosque shot past the 4-mn mark. it had far exceeded expectations. The World War Two. To Page 16 ters, senior offi cials, and dignitaries. it on par with the world’s best-per- had been taken over by police for Dr al-Khal was speaking to the me- forming health systems. investigations and security reasons dia on the sidelines of the 2019 Middle “Since we came together at last after terrorist Brenton Tarrant East Forum on Quality and Safety in year’s forum we have opened Hazm gunned down Muslims gathered Healthcare that opened at the Qatar Mebaireek General Hospital, Sidra there and at a smaller mosque for National Convention Centre. Medicine formally opened, and the Friday prayers on March 15, killing 50 “In post-operative period, some pa- new NaufarCenter became operation- people. Page 15 tients who undergo surgery may devel- al. Additionally, in 2018 we opened four op thrombosis of the legs and it can be new PHCC health and wellness centres EUROPE | Politics dangerous. It can aff ect lungs and even – all providing high-quality care to our kill the patient. We have measures to patients much closer to where they live. Police crack down on make sure that it does not happen. We This increase in capacity and advances ‘yellow vest’ protests achieved this in some of our facilities in in quality have transformed our health Clashes broke out in the latest 2018,” explained Dr al-Khal. system into a regional leader that is “yellow vest” protests in French “In some of our facilities, no pa- comparable with the world’s best,” said cities yesterday but a massive police tients developed such complications. Dr al-Kuwari. deployment prevented more of We have achieved it in other areas such “We’re more proactive in the early the rioting and looting that marred as sepsis. There are also some areas of detection of treatable diseases than last week’s rally in Paris. More than infections where we could reach zero ever before – this year PHCC passed the 40,000 people took to the streets harm for patients in some of the facili- 50,000 mark in the number of patients across France for a 19th consecutive ties of HMC,” he continued. having bowel and breast screening. week of anti-government protests “It is a continuous process and even And a number of HMC services – such — 5,000 of them in the capital if we reach zero harm in some areas, we as cardiac care, the stroke programme, — Interior Minister Christophe can’t rest .We need to maintain it. What and ambulance response times – are all Castaner said. Most of the “yellow we have achieved is, really encouraging, consistently exceeding international vest” protests were relatively calm acknowledging that harm can happen best practice benchmarks. And all of but scuff les broke out in Paris in the EU supporters, calling on the government to give Britons a vote on the final Brexit deal, participate in the ‘People’s Vote’ march anytime and what are the areas where this is recognised on the international afternoon. Page 17 in central London, Britain, yesterday. harm can take place. We also have ini- stage.” To Page 2

Commercial Bank has $2bn Region’s 1st Kazimir Malevich show opens of maturities this year E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint movement - Suprematism - contin- ommercial Bank has $2bn of The Turkish economy and currency Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, ues to inspire artists and architects maturities this year and will have gone through some volatility in HChairperson of Qatar Muse- worldwide, Qatar Museums has said in Crenew and replace them with 2018. ums (QM), attended the opening of a statement. fresh issuances for other forms of debt “But we remain committed long- the ‘Kazimir Malevich: Genius of Although a seminal fi gure in art his- as required by its business and the op- term investors in Alternatif Bank, in- the Russian Avant-garde’ exhibi- tory, this comprehensive display fea- portunities available, said Group CEO jecting a further $50mn in capital into tion, organised in collaboration with turing more than 100 pieces from the Joseph Abraham. the business in 2018 and purchasing a the State Russian Museum in St Pe- collection of the State Russian Muse- “We are unlikely to raise more than new head offi ce in Istanbul.” tersburg, and held at the Fire Station um is a fi rst for the Arab world. $2bn this year. Probably, we will get Commercial Bank owns 100% of Al- Garage Gallery. Sheikha Reem al-Thani, direc- into the market by the third quarter of ternatif Bank’s shares. The opening ceremony also wel- tor of Exhibitions at Qatar Museums, 2019,” Abraham told Gulf Times here. Abraham said Commercial Bank has comed Dr Vladimir Gusev, director of said: “First envisioned as part of the The size of the issuances depends on no immediate plans to close down any the State Russian Museum; Dr Evgenia Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture, market conditions, he noted. of its branches in Qatar. Petrova, deputy director of the State the Kazimir Malevich showcase is a On the recent fall in Turkish Lira, “We constantly evaluate the mar- Russian Museum and curator of the complementary event to the ‘Russian Abraham said, “We are long-term in- ket, our client base, new areas and ad- exhibition; and Joseph Kiblitsky, pub- Avant-garde: Pioneers and Direct De- vestors in Turkey. We believe in the just our footprint accordingly. We may lisher of the catalogue and co-curator, scendants’ exhibition held at the Fire long-term potential of the country, and move to more transaction-oriented among other VIPs and dignitaries. Station last year. Visitors who were in- especially the very strong relationship banking. We are opening some branch- The exhibition, which will be on spired by these remarkable works can between Qatar and Turkey is only go- es in the Doha Metro. We see this as a show until May 31, off ers a poignant now take a more nuanced look into an ing to lead to long-term opportunities developing footprint for diff erent types view into the works of an infl uential originator of the movement. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the opening of the for us. of clients. Business Page 1 innovator of the last century whose To Page 10 ‘Kazimir Malevich: Genius of the Russian Avant-garde’ exhibition. Gulf Times 2 Sunday, March 24, 2019 QATAR

Amir sends cable of condolences to HMC achieves zero harm for patients in some facilities Ghana president His Highness the Amir Sheikh From Page 1 Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, “The World Bank puts Qatar in the top His Highness the Deputy Amir quartile for Universal Health Coverage, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al- and the Legatum Prosperity Index ranks Thani and HE the Prime Minister Qatar as the fi fth best for health in the and Minister of Interior Sheikh world,” added Dr al-Kuwari. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa CEO of the US Institute of Healthcare al-Thani have sent cables to Improvement (IHI) Derek Feeley said the President Nana Akufo-Addo of renewed partnership between IHI and Ghana, condoling the victims of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the collision of two buses at Puno critical to promoting quality develop- area north of Accra, wishing the ment initiatives and continuing hospi- injured a speedy recovery. tal-to-home care, noting the renewed co-operation with HMC for providing a dedicated forum for quality improve- Prime minister ment practitioners to help focus on de- veloping new and better ways to care for receives phone call the patient. from Sudan PM After the opening ceremony, the dig- nitaries toured the ‘Knowledge Zone’, at the conference exhibition area. With HE the Prime Minister and over 15 exhibitors, including the Ministry Minister of Interior Sheikh of Public Health, HHQI, Primary Health Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Care Corporation, Qatar Armed Forces, al-Thani received yesterday a Qatar Red Crescent, Sidra Medicine, Qa- telephone call from the Prime tar University, and the World Innovation Minister of Sudan Mohamed Summit for Health, the tour delegation Taher Ella. met with representatives of important During the call, they reviewed partners in quality. bilateral relations and means of A documentary about HMC and boosting them in various fields, the Primary Health Care Corporation HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, listen to a in addition a number of issues of (PHCC) was also shown. briefing during the exhibition on the sidelines of the forum. common interest. Health minister meets Kuwaiti counterpart Civic ministry signs three

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari yesterday met the Minister of Health of Kuwait Sheikh Dr Basel contracts at AgriteQ 2019 Hamoud al-Hamad al-Sabah, who is currently visiting Qatar to attend the Middle East Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare he Ministry of Mu- 2019. The meeting reviewed the fraternal nicipality and En- relations between the two countries, ways of Tvironment (MME)’s enhancing these relations and Agriculture Aff airs Depart- developing them especially in the health ment has signed three con- sector, in addition to a number of topics tracts for the supply and discussed by the forum. instalment of some compo- nents of greenhouses. These pertain to the nor- mal, cooled and hydroponic types of greenhouses, the MME has said in a state- ment. The contracts were signed with NAAAS Agricultural Consulting & Greenhouse and Al Afaq Nursery as part of the seventh Qatar Inter- national Agricultural Exhi- bition (AgriteQ 2019). The contracts were inked A view of AgriteQ 2019. by Yousef Khalid al-Khelaifi , director of the Agriculture some 50 targeted farms with 342 targeted farms with an targeted farms, with an up- Aff airs Department, on be- a limit of two greenhouses upper limit of fi ve of these in per limit of two for ‘A’ clas- half of the MME. per farm of ‘A’ classifi cation. each farm classifi ed ‘A’ and sifi ed farms, one for ‘B’, two The fi rst contract with The second contract was four in each farm classifi ed for ‘C’ and two for ‘D’ clas- NAAAS entails the supply signed with Al Afaq Nurs- ‘B’. sifi ed farms. and installation of the com- ery to supply and install The third contract was These projects aim to ponents of air-conditioned the components air-con- also signed with Al Afaq to support registered farms hydroponic greenhouses ditioned greenhouses in supply and install the com- in the country with vari- and delivering them to the the targeted farms through ponents of normal green- ous types of greenhouses to targeted farms through the the MME with a total value houses for the targeted increase local agricultural MME. The contract is val- of the contract amount- farms through the ministry production by using the lat- ued at QR3.365mn and valid ing to QR 36.65mn for one at a cost of QR15.49mn. It est technological methods for a one-year period. year. The project entails the is valid for a year and in- in order to overcome ad- It includes the instalment instalment of 1,666 air- cludes the instalment of verse climatic conditions, of 100 such greenhouses in conditioned greenhouses in 1,712 greenhouses in 802 the statement adds.

Qatar condemns AgriteQ 2019 a great success suicide attack QNA products during the com- nicipality and Environ- in Mogadishu Doha ing period. ment signed memoranda The exhibition was a of understanding (MoUs) QNA success for Qatar. with a number of promi- Doha he Ministry of Mu- The exhibition was es- nent national and inter- nicipality and En- pecially important as a national entities, as well Tvironment has con- strategic platform for ex- as the launch of the web- atar has strongly con- cluded the activities of the ploring new horizons for site Mahaseel “Crops” and demned the suicide at- 7th Qatar International upgrading the Qatari agri- open the registration for Qtack which took place Agricultural Exhibition cultural sector as a pillar of all Qatari farmers to obtain near government offi ces in the 2019 - AgriteQ - and the food security. marketing and agricultural Somali capital, Mogadishu, fi rst international envi- It is a strategic priority services. causing deaths and injuries. ronmental exhibition - to achieve self-suffi ciency Mohamed Ali al-Khou- In a statement yesterday, the “2019 EnviroteQ”. and innovative environ- ri, Chairman of the Or- Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reit- The four-day event has mental solutions to meet ganising Committee of erated Qatar’s fi rm stance reject- been a great success in current and emerging the exhibition, said in a ing violence and terrorism, re- terms of attendance and challenges and an oppor- press statement that this gardless of motives and reasons. broad local and regional tunity to share interna- event was the largest as it The statement expressed con- international organisation tional and local experi- hosted a series of qualita- dolences of Qatar to the victims’ and participation, diversi- ences. tive activities, led by the families, the government, and ty of agricultural, animal, The 7th Qatar Interna- farmers’ platform, which the people of Somalia, wishing fi sheries and environ- tional Agricultural Exhibi- highlighted the quality the injured a speedy recovery. mental off erings and other tion witnessed the launch and competitiveness of the related activities, confer- of the “Planting a Million Qatari agricultural prod- ences and seminars. Trees” project, which is uct, as well as interactive The event also wit- part of Qatar’s relentless and awareness activities Afghan bombing nessed the signing of a eff orts to support the in- for all age groups, includ- number of contracts and ternational trend to con- ing children. memoranda of under- front climate change and The 7th edition of the condemned standing (MoU) between promote environmental Agricultural Exhibition the Ministry of Munici- sustainability. attracted the participa- pality and Environment This project is of great tion of Qatari farmers who atar has strongly con- and a group of parties to importance as it aims at presented their newest demned a double bomb- contribute to increasing optimising the utilisation agricultural products to Qing in Helmand Province production and eff ectively of treated water in irriga- the public through a fi rst in southern Afghanistan, caus- raising the self-suffi ciency tion and minimising waste farmers’ platform for the ing deaths and injuries. rates and achieving food of water resources, as well fi rst time in Qatar, form- In a statement yesterday, the security of the products as as enhancing biodiversity, ing the largest gathering of Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reit- well as carrying out joint improving air quality, in- Qatari farmers. erated Qatar’s fi rm stance reject- researches in their fi elds creasing green area and More than 86 farms ing violence and terrorism, re- and sectors. reducing emissions. have participated in the gardless of motives and reasons. The events were also On the sidelines of the event, refl ecting the wide The statement expressed the characterised by the wide events, many important presence of national farms condolences of Qatar to the vic- participation of compa- deals and new agreements and the commitment of tims’ families, the government nies and local farms that were signed between busi- farmers to contribute ef- and the people of Afghanistan, started to work in the nessmen, farmers and fectively to the continu- wishing the injured a speedy re- market, while some are owners of companies. ous eff orts to achieve food covery. - QNA preparing to launch their The Ministry of Mu- self-suffi ciency. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 3 QATAR Global education leaders promote Health ministry signs social learning through QFI pact with Ooredoo o celebrate the United future leaders by connecting zUnder the agreement, all Nations’ International local innovators with global health facilities in the state TDay of Happiness, Qa- resources – also cites its main will be connected with the tar Foundation International focus as being to make a case MoPH through an electronic (QFI), a US-based member of for the systemic application of system Qatar Foundation, has joined SEL in curriculum and to pro- partners including Salzburg mote best practices for trans- he Ministry of Public Global Seminar, ETS and Mi- formative education reform Health (MoPH) and Oore- crosoft Education to promote around the world. Tdoo have signed an agree- the importance of social and Dominic Regester, pro- ment to provide an electronic emotional learning (SEL) for gramme director of the Salz- system for the control of com- all children. burg Global Seminar, said: municable diseases and the reg- In a Salzburg Global Semi- “The skills and competen- istration of vaccination for both nar statement released on cies that SEL programmes can children and adults in Qatar. March 20 on SEL, there is a help all learners develop are The agreement was inked by shared understanding that valuable for the economies of HE the Minister of Public Health for adults to thrive in an in- tomorrow; for fairer, kinder, Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari creasingly interconnected more inclusive societies; for and Ooredoo Group chairman world, children require ‘soft psychological well-being; and HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Moham- skills’ such as communica- for helping to achieve better ed bin Saud al-Thani recently. tion and collaboration in or- learning outcomes for all stu- All health facilities in the state der to foster dignity, respect, dents, but especially the most will be connected with the MoPH and a sense of connectedness vulnerable.” through the electronic system, HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari and Ooredoo Group chairman HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Saud that also benefits communi- Dr Carine Allaf, senior pro- which will allow for the reporting al-Thani with MoPH and Ooredoo off icials. ties and nations. The state- gramme adviser, QFI, added: of cases of communicable dis- ment was compiled by over 75 “We translated the statement eases and the registration of vac- manage and respond to health work towards the national stra- planning, implementation and maintain public health for our education leaders, academics into Arabic in recognition of cinations, taking into account the challenges, providing daily and tegic goal of developing and im- evaluation of public health poli- community.” and practitioners, and has the needs of millions of refu- full confi dentiality of patients, the weekly data on high-priority plementing real-time systems cies and practices in Qatar, in The new national electronic been translated into Arabic gees and migrants, especially ministry has said in a statement. diseases in order to be able to to ensure compliance with in- particular with regard to the pre- system for the control of com- by QFI. those who are Arabic-speak- Implementation of the system take necessary preventative ternational health regulations vention and eradication of such municable diseases and the regis- Maggie Mitchell Salem, ex- ers, who have suffered severe will take places in two phases. measures in a timely manner to for monitoring and responding diseases. We hope that through tration of vaccinations in Qatar is ecutive director, QFI, said: trauma, including the loss The fi rst will link the electronic maintain the health of the popu- to medical issues. This includes this co-operation, we will help one of several important projects “We believe it is essential to of family and friends. SEL system with existing certifi ed lation. The system will also allow support for the preparation for achieve the national strategic contributing towards the imple- advance SEL, given our mis- can be used by humanitar- electronic medical records in the identifi cation of vaccination mass events in Qatar such as the goals for health, as part of Qatar mentation of the national strat- sion of building cross-cultural ian workers and volunteers in all government health facilities, patterns, consumption rates and 2022 FIFA World Cup. National Vision 2030. egy for electronic health and data understanding across geo- home and host communities while the second will connect vaccine stocks in the country. On his part, HE Sheikh Ab- “This partnership is in line management, the statement adds. graphic boundaries. If SEL is to help displaced children other private and quasi-govern- She stressed that the strength- dulla said: “We are delighted to with our strategy, through which The e-system contributes to more explicitly included in all and adults.” mental health centres to the sys- ening of health protection in Qa- collaborate with the Ministry of we are committed to supporting a number of key health objec- types of learning, individuals This is the third year that tem. The aim of providing such tar is a key priority identifi ed in Public Health through this part- and developing sectors of soci- tives: improving the functioning are better able to confi dently QFI has supported Salzburg a connection is to both monitor the National Health Strategy, to nership agreement, in which we ety and serving its members. We of the public health service sys- navigate an increasingly in- Global Seminar’s ‘Education and control the spread of com- ensure the provision of healthy will provide the Department of consider public health to be one tem for basic services, improving terdependent world, and com- for Tomorrow’ programme. municable diseases and to en- living and working conditions for Health Protection and Commu- of the most important sectors of the ministry’s ability to collect munities become more resil- Additional programme part- sure registration of vaccinations, citizens and residents, and enable nicable Diseases with innovative our society, and we are proud to health information to meet fu- ient.” ners include the British Coun- the statement notes. the prevention of communicable and sophisticated solutions that be able to play a role in its devel- ture needs of the community and Within the statement, Salz- cil, the Calouste Gulbenkian HE Dr al-Kuwari explained diseases and disease epidemics. will enable the collection, analy- opment. We are delighted with the population, and ensuring the burg Global Seminar – a non- Foundation, Porticus and the that the electronic system would The electronic system will sis and interpretation of data on this partnership and we look public health service is capable profi t organisation dedicated Inter-American Development help strengthen the capability of contribute to both aspects of communicable diseases. forward to being able to make a of meeting any challenges and to supporting current and Bank. the MoPH to eff ectively monitor, healthcare in Qatar, as well as “This data will be used in the positive contribution that helps mitigating any consequences. Love Ball Arabia to take place in Doha on March 29

he Love Ball, the known model, philanthro- Renowned Moscow chef ille; after hours exclusive signature fundrais- pist and entrepreneur. Georgy Troyan has created shopping experience at Ting event created by All proceeds will ben- a bespoke menu specifi cally iconic Le Bon Marché Rive Natalia Vodianova in aid of efi t the work of Al Shafal- for the Love Ball Arabia of- Gauche; Ulyana Sergeenko her Naked Heart Founda- lah Centre and Naked Heart fering a contemporary twist unique Couture gown with tion that supports children Foundation, and will go on traditional Russian cui- Faidee limited edition ruby with special needs, will take towards developing profes- sine. brooch; artwork by Markus place in Doha on March 29 sional support services for Martinovitch, visual artist at the Museum of Islamic families of children with All proceeds will with autism ‘Mama in a Art (MIA) as Love Ball Ara- mental, physical and sen- benefi t the work of dress with dots’ and one of bia, under the patronage of sory disabilities, as well as Al Shafallah Centre a kind ‘Naked Heart” ring HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint enhancing advocacy cam- and Naked Heart with a heart shaped gar- Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani paigns in both Russia and Foundation net created especially for and Vodianova. Qatar, raising awareness of Love Ball Arabia by Rus- Love Ball Arabia will be the cause, the statement The festivities will end sian jewellery and fashion held in partnership with Al notes. with a charity auction house founded by designer Shafallah Centre and Qa- The evening’s pro- held by Lord Mark Polti- Yana Raskovalova. tar Museums as part of the gramme will comprise a more offering a variety of The Love Ball Arabia it- Qatar-Russia Cultural Ex- gala dinner with an immer- “money-can’t-buy” ex- self will play a crucial part change. sive theatrical performance periences. Among the in advocacy, connecting One of the most antici- combining dance, music highlights are ‘Meet and the two worlds – the one pated charity events in the and art produced by in- Greet’ with top players of people with mental dis- world, drawing a high- ternationally lauded per- of Paris Saint-Germain; abilities and the other of the profi le audience, the Love formers alongside actors Daniel Arsham’s unique typically developed. The Ball Arabia “promises to be with special needs, and will sculpture ‘Wrapped Frog’; performances during the an outstanding charity gala culminate in an exclusive lunch with Tom Brady and evening will highlight how that continues the tradi- fashion show by Ulyana Gisele Bundchen; person- these two worlds can enrich tion of the previous occa- Sergeenko featuring the alised fashion advice and and infl uence the other, and sions held in London, Paris, full Spring-Summer 2019 a couture dress by Balmain how together they can cre- Moscow and Monte Carlo”, collection that includes creative director Olivier ate an inclusive society. according to a press state- brand-new couture pieces Rousteing; afternoon tea For further information ment. inspired by and devoted to with Valentino Garavani on tickets, one can contact Vodianova is a well- Qatar. at his Château de Widev- [email protected]

Chief of Staff meets Italian counterpart

HE the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem met the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force Lieutenant General Vecciarelli, in Rome on Friday. During the meeting, they reviewed various topics and discussed the relations and military co-operation between the armed forces of Qatar and Italy and means of enhancing them. HE the Chief of Staff met also Italian Minister of Defence Elisabetta Trenta. The meeting was attended by the Italian Chief of Staff , ambassador of Qatar to Italy Abdulaziz Ahmed al-Malki, Military Attache in Italy Brigadier General Hilal Ali al-Mohannadi, Head of International Military Aff airs Brigadier Yousef Saleh al-Hurr, and a number of senior off icers in the Qatar Armed Forces. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, March 24, 2019 QATAR ACTA holds ethics course for public sector employees he Administrative Con- of the law, organisational mes- istrative Control and Trans- with the characteristics of the trol and Transparency sage, government policy, culture parency Authority HE Hamad Qatari work environment and its TAuthority (ACTA), in co- and images of integrity viola- bin Nasser al-Misned said the experiences in training. operation with Qatar Finance tions and ways to avoid them. training programme comes In a speech, Dr Khalid al- and Business Academy (QFBA), The programme, which also within the framework of the Horr, chief executive offi cer, has organised a comprehensive discussed how they can regulate authority’s development plan QFBA, noted that the growth of HE Hamad bin Nasser al-Misned and Dr Khalid al-Horr during the training course on integrity, ethics and course on integrity, ethics, and the costs of violations of integ- to enhance the capabilities of the public sector is essential to transparency for public sector employees. transparency for public sector rity, provided the participants public offi cials in raising their the development of any emerg- employees to enhance the ca- with knowledge to assess the competence and equip them ing economy. He said the aim Al-Horr also stressed the isations to contribute towards Thanks to these initiatives, pabilities of public offi cials and importance of governance and with the knowledge that en- of these training programmes is need for cooperation between realising the vision of a knowl- QFBA and ACTA are renewing to promote these virtues in the accountability. hances their scientifi c and to provide public sector profes- public institutions to support edge-based economy. their desire to collaborate to raise country’s various sectors. Similarly, the participants practical capabilities. sionals with appropriate tools Qatar in improving transpar- The programme concluded the level of public sector employ- During the training pro- were able to enhance awareness Al-Misned said it is also part and methodologies to enhance ency and in promoting integri- with an innovative workshop ees to the highest levels by provid- gramme, participants learned of the code of conduct, ethical of ACTA’s approach to benefi t their skillsets and gather the ty and ethics in the public sec- in which participants tested a ing world-class education, which about local and international values, and ways of dealing with from national training centres knowledge necessary to steer tor. He also stated that QFBA realistic scenario and sought contributes to building an impor- standards of integrity, transpar- ambiguous situations. and institutions, such as the their growth trajectory in the aims to deliver its customised practical solutions to the posed tant pillar in Qatar National Vision ency, and ethics, the core values The President of the Admin- QFBA, to familiarise themselves right direction. programmes to credible organ- challenges. 2030 of human development. Submissions open for Cycle 2 Youth Panel members visit of QF’s Akhlaquna Award stadium and TV studios he submission pe- et Muhammad (PBUH), in Education City. in Islamic heritage. The riod for Cycle 2 of who serves as a role model Cycle 2 is open to Qatari award is also designed to TQatar Foundation’s of great moral character, nationals and residents help nurture positive be- t’s been a busy few (QF) Akhlaquna Award will and guides the values of the aged between 15 and 24 havioural change within months for members of close on March 31. award. years. Projects need to be society. Ithe Supreme Committee Interested applicants The Akhlaquna Award Qatar-based, should have The three fi nalists for for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) can still submit projects was fi rst announced by Her been running for at least Cycle 2 of the Akhlaquna Youth Panel, including vis- through the initiative’s Highness Sheikha Moza three months, and ide- Award will be announced its to Al Bayt Stadium – Al dedicated website https:// bint Nasser, Chairperson ally embody moral values in April, with voting set Khor City and the Al Kass akhlaquna.qa/. of Qatar Foundation, in that are shared in diff er- to take place from April 21 TV studios. The objective of the 2017, with the winner – ent religions and cultures to May 2, and this year’s More than 50 young peo- award is to highlight the Swar al-Dahab Ali – being – refl ecting Qatar’s diverse winner being awarded at ple aged between 14 and 21 timeless and universal val- announced at QF’s Convo- and multicultural environ- QF’s Convocation 2019 years have joined this year’s ues exhibited by the Proph- cation 2018 ceremony ment, while being rooted ceremony. Youth Panel, which is now in its fourth year and gives students the chance to learn The group at Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City. about planning and prepa- rations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Following an introduc- tory session, which ex- plained the SC’s work and outlined expectations for members, the group visited Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City, sc.qa reported. The stadium, which will have a capacity of 60,000 and host matches up to the semi- fi nals stage in 2022, is in the Youth Panel members visited the Al Kass TV studios. fi nal stages of construction. The group also learned journeys I ever experience. the nation’s future and the “Every workshop is interac- about the value of volun- “We had a lot of fun at privilege of meeting the di- tive and informative and I have teering during a workshop Al Kass and really enjoyed verse group of people who discovered so many integral with Qatar Voluntary Cen- playing football at Al Bayt are making this event hap- aspects in the preparation for tre and visited the Al Kass Stadium. I’ve been sharing pen. These people have the event – be it equipment TV studios to learn about my experiences with fam- given me advice, memories handling and safety proce- the broadcasting plans for ily, friends and schoolmates and life lessons that will dures at Al Bayt Stadium or Qatar 2022. The group also – and they are excited to stick with me forever.” media coverage and its techni- enjoyed a football-for-de- hear what I will do next and Sindhu Rao, 16, said she cal aspects at Al Kass.” velopment session with the fi nd out more about Qatar’s was proud to be part of a Youth Panel members SC’s Generation Amazing World Cup.” group featuring more than will take part in numer- programme. Miguel Cases, 15, noted: 30 diff erent nationalities. ous events in the coming Salam Alkhuraibi, 16, said “The Youth Panel has given “Youth Panel is a melting months, including work- his friends and family were me the opportunity to ex- pot of diff erent cultures and shops dedicated to Qatar excited to hear about his plore Qatar’s bright future. ideas. It has brought togeth- Rail, tournament opera- Youth Panel experiences. I’ve been exposed to a side er like-minded people who tions, social media and “Everyone in Qatar is of Qatar that I’ve never seen share a passion for sport fi rst aid. They will also very excited about the before despite living here and, more importantly, a de- get the chance to promote World Cup, so I think being for 15 years. sire to spread the word about SC events on social media part of the Youth Panel will “Being a part of the group the amazing journey leading and volunteer at special be one of the most exciting has given me a glimpse of to the 2022 World Cup. events. QSE holds Financial Competition for Universities’ Students he Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) concluded the fi rst Financial TCompetition for Universi- ties’ Students on Thursday, which was aimed at promoting investment awareness among university students. The participating students were required to carry out a basic analysis of stock market liquidity, identify- ing and discussing factors aff ecting liquidity with recommendations for improvements. The students presented their re- Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori joins the participants of QSE’s first Financial Competition sults before a panel of independent for Universities’ Students. judges. The participating teams were from Qatar University, Hamad Bin of the local community, in line with plays a vital role in empowering our Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College Qatar National Vision 2030. youth and students through various of Islamic Studies (CIS), Carnegie “Based on this responsibility, the customized initiatives and programs Mellon University in Qatar, Stenden QSE frequently participates in student targeting youth,” al-Mansoori added. Qatar University of Applied Sciences, activities by combining practical and QSE Marketing and Communi- Georgetown University in Qatar, and theoretical learning. By engaging in cations director Hussein Mohamed AFG College with the University of real world events and challenging stu- al-Abdulla thanked Qatar Securi- Aberdeen. dents to grapple with the same oppor- ties Company, Anytime Fitness and Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori, chief tunities and risks that are present in a Aamal Company for sponsoring the executive offi cer, QSE, lauded the real trading environment, they learn competition. co-operation between QSE and local about their world through a hands-on “We are committed to investing universities, adding that the QSE is ac- approach, while also serving as leaders in our youth and we are constantly tively participating in nation-building in their communities. seeking to help them by providing activities as part of its social responsi- “In line with the human, economic them with professional training and bility towards supporting all segments and social pillars of sustainability, QSE awareness cultures,” al-Abdalla said.

Gulf Times 6 Sunday, March 24, 2019 QATAR WCM-Q alumni receive training for leadership roles in health sector

eill Cornell Medi- cine – Qatar W(WCM-Q) alum- ni working in Qatar spent a week learning leadership and management skills on a course organised by WCM- Q’s Division of Alumni Aff airs. A total of 10 WCM-Q graduates completed the seven-day Certifi cate of Leadership and Manage- ment programme, learning a range of topics including dif- ferent management styles, performance management and motivation, presenta- tion and communication skills, the role of coaching and mentoring, decision- making tools, emotional Ten WCM-Q graduates completed the seven-day Certificate of Leadership and Management intelligence and how to programme. enhance assertiveness, among other skills. we must stay in touch with ership positions, following healthcare sector.” The programme, ac- our graduates who are en- the example of inspirational The training, which credited by the UK-based gaged in postgraduate fi gures like Her Highness took place at WCM-Q’s Institute of Leadership and training in Qatar and North Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, campus in Education City, Management was deliv- America and encourage Chairperson of Qatar Foun- engaged the alumni in lec- ered by Leadership Focus, a and facilitate their return to dation; HE Sheikha Hind tures and interactive exer- specialist training organi- Qatar to take up important bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice cises to teach them a vari- sation from London. The roles within the healthcare Chairperson and CEO of ety of key leadership and 10 alumni who took part system.” Qatar Foundation; and HE management skills. These graduated from WCM-Q The WCM-Q Alumni Af- Dr Hanan Mohamed al- included making a fi ve- between 2009 and 2016 and fairs Division was created to Kuwari, Minister of Public year plan for career pro- work variously as consult- support the career develop- Health. gression, how to manage ants, assistant professors, ment of WCM-Q gradu- Haya Ahmad, WCM-Q the performance of teams fellows and senior residents ates by providing access to director of alumni aff airs, by creating environments at WCM-Q, Hamad Medi- training, networking and said: “Our aim with this that are based on trust cal Corporation and Sidra employment opportunities. very rigorous and demand- and mutual support, us- Medicine. The division has been very ing course was to leverage ing coaching to improve Dr Robert Crone, vice- successful at encouraging the talents of our highly performance, utilising dean for Clinical and Facul- graduates to return from trained alumni by help- appropriate visual aids ty Aff airs, said: “Our role at completing their residency ing them acquire excellent and presentation tools, WCM-Q is not only to edu- training overseas (usually leadership and management understanding the impact cate our students to highest in the US) to serve the com- skills. This will allow them of body language, and by possible world standards munity in Qatar. not only to advance their actively listening to feed- but to create the next gen- The division also seeks to own careers, but also en- back and giving appropri- eration of leaders in health- support the advancement hance their capacity to take ate responses to questions, care for Qatar. This means of women into senior lead- leadership roles in Qatar’s among many others. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 7 QATAR

Snapshots from the launch event for the all-new Mercedes-Benz Actros, Arocs and Sprinter at Losail International Circuit. PICTURES: Jayan Orma and supplied All-new Mercedes-Benz Actros, Arocs and Sprinter launched asser Bin Khaled (NBK) strations that highlighted the Actros and Arocs, as well as the town of Wörth, Germany, the versions. The Actros is equipped Automobiles, the au- distinguished features of the multi-purpose commercial ve- trucks come in specifi cally de- with a 12.8l engine in Euro III Nthorised general distrib- trucks and the Sprinter, a state- hicle, Sprinter. These vehicles veloped variants for the Middle emission norm and the 12-speed utor of Mercedes-Benz in Qa- ment stated. are the cornerstone of opera- East designed and built to with- Mercedes PowerShift 3 auto- tar, recently hosted the offi cial Sheikh Faleh said, “Today, tions for most companies, who stand the harshest operating mated gearbox in standard. For launch of the all-new Actros, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles rely on their effi ciency, durabil- conditions. tough operations, the Actros is Arocs and Sprinter in Qatar. set another benchmark in its ity, reliability, safety, function- Tested extensively around the available with a heavy-duty 15.6l The launch took place in a history. It is a clear indication ality and modern technology. world, on both surfaced roads engine and the 16-speed Mer- special ceremony held at Losail of our commitment to continue NBK Automobiles will continue and in the most challenging ter- cedes PowerShift3 automated benchmark for the large van seg- bodies the inherent emotional International Circuit. on our successful journey in to contribute eff ectively to the rain, these vehicles are a perfect gearbox. ment, off ering an innovative and appeal and intelligence. The The event was attended by Qatar. As Qatar continues to local economy and supply the platform for heavy-duty ap- The impressive new Arocs is diverse range of product features Sprinter has diff erent priorities Sheikh Nasser bin Nawaf al- make headway with a number best products from Mercedes- plications. Distinctive new cabs there for when exceptional ro- that serves specifi c market needs dependent on the customers’ Thani, deputy CEO of Nasser of huge projects within the in- Benz to meet the requirements boast high material quality and bustness is required – be it on more eff ectively than ever be- needs and requirements. Rang- Bin Khaled Group; Sheikh Faleh frastructure and service sec- of our customers as they strive perfect ergonomics, while op- construction sites or away from fore. Through its technology and ing from the basic specifi cation bin Nawaf al-Thani, Operations tors, we continue to be the main to deliver world class projects in eration is easy and comfortable. surfaced roads. The extremely intelligence, the new Sprinter variant for customers who value director – Auto at NBK Group; suppliers of the best vehicles Qatar.” Both Actros and Arocs impress resilient Arocs can work under off ers every customer a model proven Sprinter attributes such Ihab El Feky, chief operations that help these projects to come The Actros, Arocs and Sprint- with their highly sophisti- the toughest off -road condi- tailored precisely to his or her as standard-fi t electronic stabil- offi cer – Auto at NBK Group, as alive. This falls in line with our er were revealed during the cated and reliable single source tions, far from any highway. The needs. ity program (ESP) and standard well as ambassadors and repre- mission to help accomplish the ceremony. drivetrain. Arocs is available as Chassis-, The 2019 Sprinter transi- safety equipment like Crosswind sentatives of various companies goals of Qatar National Vision The all-new Actros and Arocs The all-new Actros is made Mixer-, Tipper- and all-wheel- tions from a commercial vehicle Assist, through to the highest in Qatar, guests and members of 2030.” off er a further enhanced level for long-distance haulage as drive variants – from 4x2 to 8x8 with pure utility value to an im- specifi cation model where high- the media. El Feky added, “We are proud of reliability, effi ciency and ro- well as heavy-duty distribution confi gurations with Gross Com- pressive business card for com- resolution touchscreens and During the event, guests were today to build upon our success- bustness to the Mercedes-Benz haulage. It is available with up bination Weights (GCW) of up to mercial fl eets and businesses. It high-quality materials deter- entertained with video presen- ful record in Qatar by launch- truck off ering. Assembled at the to 22 diff erent cab variants and 250 tonnes. pioneers the new design idiom mine the visual impression and tations and live driving demon- ing two new heavy-duty trucks, world’s largest truck plant in the comes in steel or air-suspended The new Sprinter elevates the of Mercedes-Benz vans and em- ambiance. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, March 24, 2019 QATAR Retaj Hotels & Hospitality to run Retaj Silivri Resort in Turkey

etaj Hotels & Hospi- ies and offi cials from both tality Group has signed sides. Ran agreement with the The ceremony also includ- Turkish Real Estate Devel- ed the signing of a technical opment and Construction support contract to provide Company (ITTI) to manage technical consultation and and operate Retaj Silivri Re- support by Retaj Hotels and sort in Turkey. Hospitality. This makes Retaj the fi rst Sheikh Nayef said, “We Arab hotel chain to run a re- are pleased to translate this sort in the Silivri area, which co-operation between the is considered a celebrated re- two brotherly countries with treat and recreational haven the signing of a new manage- for Arab and Turkish busi- ment contract in Turkey with nesspersons due to its large ITTI for real estate develop- beaches and greenery and ment and construction.” Dignitaries at the agreement-signing ceremony. for being a favourite place for He pointed out that the beach fans of beach sports, management and operation paragliding and parachuting, of hotels in Turkey stems the Group has said in a state- from the Group’s vision and ment. strategy aimed at expanding The area also has the larg- local and international in- est golf courses in Istanbul, vestment horizons as well as and enjoys a unique location Qatar’s vision of diversifying along main and international its sources of income and re- roads of Turkey, the state- sources. Further, Retaj Hotels A model of the resort. ment notes, adding that Re- & Hospitality Group is keen taj Silvery Resort is the “fi rst on providing conservative project of its kind” in the tourism to Qatari and other Silivri-Istanbul region. Arab visitors who are prima- The agreement was signed rily targeted by Turkish tour- at Retaj Al Rayyan Hotel by ism, it was observed. Sheikh Nayef bin Eid al-Tha- Sihe added, “We wanted ni, chairman of Retaj Group; the project to be an integrated and Ihap Sihe, CEO of ITTI. tourist resort, where we seek The ceremony was attended to achieve the highest levels of by Prof Yaseen Aktay, sen- luxury for guests and provide ior adviser to the President the best amenities and privacy.” of the Turkish Justice and Retaj Siliviri Resort is Development Party, Recep the “fi rst of its kind” in the Tayyip Erdogan; Abdul Aziz Silivri-Istanbul region as it bin Khaled al-Attiyah, Qatari is the fi rst resort to meet the businessman and owner- needs of conservative fami- partner of the project; Fikret lies who want to relax and Özer, ambassador of Turkey spend their holidays in a fi ve- to Qatar, and other dignitar- star resort. QRCS receives USAID team

atar Red Crescent Doha and foreign offi ces. Society (QRCS) has Al-Hammadi welcomed Qbeen visited by a any initiative for work- delegation from the United ing together on sustainable States Agency for Interna- development and fi eld in- tional Development’s (US- tervention projects across AID) Offi ce of Middle East the Middle East. More op- Aff airs. portunities of co-operation The visitors were in Qatar are seen in youth empower- to hold talks with diff erent ment, economic empower- charities and humanitarian ment and sustainable aid. providers. The meeting emphasised The delegation was head- the importance of concert- ed by Scott Shiller, adviser ed eff orts for the success for North Africa, USAID; and of long-term development received by Ali bin Hassan al- programmes, regionally and Hammadi, secretary-gener- internationally, QRCS said al; Ibrahim Abdullah al-Ma- in a statement. liki, executive secretary; Dr According to al-Ham- Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, ex- madi, a new QRCS relief ecutive director of Relief and and development strategy International Development; is under way for the coming Abdullah Hamid al-Mulla, fi ve-year period. director of Communication “The projects imple- and Public Relations; and mented under our previous Dr Fawzi Oussedik, head of strategy, and those to be in- International Relations, at itiated under the proposed QRCS. one - all were in line with During the meeting, the the overall policies of the QRCS and USAID repre- International Federation sentatives discussed their of the Red Cross and Red respective operations and Crescent Societies, as well fi elds of work. They agreed as the guidelines of Qatar’s on a unifi ed mechanism of Regulatory Authority for communication with the Charitable Activities,” he QRCSs headquarters in asserted.

Off icials mark the occasion.

Two expats get jail term for counterfeiting documents

A Doha Criminal Court has sentenced in absentia an expatri- ate man to11 years in jail and his accomplice for three years for counterfeiting off icial documents. Local Arabic daily Arrayah has reported the duo were con- victed of counterfeiting the signature of their employer on applications for entry visa and exit permit in addition to letters of credits addressed to some banks. The first convict, according to the file of the case, counter- feited the signature of his employer on an application for a cheque book of the bank, in addition to an authorisation letter for the second convict to get the cheque book. Accordingly, the first convicted issued a cheque for QR125,000 with a counterfeited signature of his employer and cashed it himself. Though he had issued other cheques in the same way to others with diff erent amounts, none were cashed. In the meantime, he counterfeited the signature of his employ- er on visa and exit permit applications, which were rejected by the authorities concerned. Eventually, the victim discovered the criminal activities of his employee and reported it to the police, which took necessary procedures against the duo. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 9 QATAR Samsung’s new washing machine with QuickDrive technology launched in Qatar

amsung Gulf Electronics and Techno Blue Qatar (TBQ) Shave launched in Qatar a new washing machine with the “revolu- tionary” QuickDrive technology. The launch took place in the presence of partners at an event in Doha. K V Gopal, general manager at Techno Blue Qatar, said: “TBQ is proud to partner with Samsung, an undisputed name in the fi eld of home appliances and technology. The QuickDrive washing ma- chines redefi ne customer experi- ence in functionality and design and can be integrated seamlessly into modern households.” Samsung’s QuickDrive technol- ogy “reduces washing time by 50% and energy use by up to 20% with- out compromising on power and cleaning performance”, according to a press statement. “QuickDrive is more than a revo- lutionary technology – it is a tool that will improve our consumers’ day-to-day lives by cutting the amount of time users spend doing laundry in half, so they can spend more time doing the things they en- joy,” said Vinod Nair, sales director of Consumer Electronics Business at Samsung Gulf Electronics. “Not only is our QuickDrive technology Off icials and dignitaries at the launch event in Doha. PICTURES: Jayaram fast, but it is also powerful, smart and versatile – making laundry Drive technology, this washing ric type, and degree of soiling; and with this washing machine easier machine also has a variety of other HomeCare Wizard monitors the all around.” “outstanding laundry technolo- washer remotely to proactively alert Samsung’s QuickDrive technolo- gies”, including EcoBubble, which users about potential problems and gy was independently tested by In- provides a powerful washing per- provide quick troubleshooting sup- tertek, who confi rmed that Quick- formance and is yet gentle on fab- port. Drive technology provides the same rics by mixing air and water to gen- It also comes with Samsung’s in- level of cleaning performance and erate fi ne detergent bubbles that novative AddWash, a feature that fabric care as existing products, penetrate fabrics faster and max- allows users to add items, detergent, while reducing washing times. imise the detergent’s eff ects even at or fabric softener at any time during Unlike conventional washing low temperatures. the cycle. machines, the unique Q-Drum is The IoT-ready QuickDrive wash- With the Q-rator and AddWash, composed of a large main drum ing machine boasts of an AI-pow- users can enjoy more convenience with a plate in the back that rotates ered laundry assistant called Q-ra- and simplicity than ever before independently, so clothes move tor, which provides three key smart throughout the laundry process. from top to bottom in the drum, as features that help users manage Samsung customers can buy the well as back and forth. laundry more conveniently. QuickDrive washing machine from This creates a “revolutionary Laundry Planner enables con- leading electronics retailers across dynamic action powered by dou- sumers to choose a laundry fi nish- Qatar. ble forces that remove dirt quickly, ing time with the freedom to do Prices vary according to product gently and thoroughly with an in- laundry when it’s most conven- specifi cations: QR3,499 for 9kg tense and complete wash cycle”, the ient; Laundry Recipe recommends washer (WW90M64FOPO); and statement noted. optimal wash cycles based on load QR4,409 for 9kg combo (WD90N- In addition to Samsung’s Quick- information such as colour, fab- 64FOOO). The IoT-ready QuickDrive washing machine boasts of an AI-powered laundry assistant.

Qatar’s support for Darfur peace process hailed CCQ symposium focuses on seamless Governor of East Darfur State Major General in the forefront the model villages in the Anas Omar has lauded of the State of Qatar’s towns of Abokarnka and Sheeriya, which are supportive position of the security and characterised by the existence of all modern stability of Sudan and its eff orts in favour of integrated services in the fields of education, transition for students to higher education the peace process in Darfur, which resulted healthcare, electricity, water, sports, with a in an unprecedented pace of development, view to improving communities and their QNA reported from Khartoum. “The State of economic situation and to transform the two he Community College of journey. Dr Khalid al-Abdulqader, egates have aided us all in under- students for Project-Based Learn- Qatar’s supportive position stands as proof of areas into modern urban centres benefiting Qatar (CCQ) has held the vice-president of CCQ, said: “One standing the possibilities as well as ing by Qatar University’s College of the depth and strength of relations between thousands of people. Tfi rst annual English Language of the often-overlooked ways to the challenges we all face in realising Education Professor Dr Xiangyun the two countries in all fields,” the Governor Omar said that his plans for the new phase will Centre (ELC) symposium under the improve the outcome of education a smooth transition between school Du, and college and career readiness of East Darfur State told the Sudanese radio. focus on security and stability and to continue theme, ‘Bridging the Divide be- in Qatar is to inspire educators and and the higher education sector,” by Early Childhood Programme co- He noted that the State of East Darfur is to provide services and development, pointing tween Secondary and Postsecond- stakeholders in the secondary and said Dr Michael King, chair of the ordinator at CCQ, Dr Merfat Fayez. currently witnessing continuous national out that the progress of the peace process ary Education in Teaching English tertiary stages to step out of their English Language Centre at CCQ. Dr King moderated a panel dis- development projects as a result of the led to the completion of work on solar energy and Academic Skills’. silos and work together to enhance The event started with a plenary cussion that summarised impor- peace process and to consolidate the gains projects with a capacity of five megawatts as In its inaugural edition, the sym- students’ learning experience with session titled, ‘Building a Coherent tant points raised and conclusions of the Doha peace document. This has put well as to continue work on internal roads. posium featured contributions by a deeper understanding of the con- System for English Language Edu- reached during the breakout ses- educators, researchers, policy mak- tinuative aspect of their journey. cation’, where teaching professor of sions as well as from the audience’s ers, and stakeholders who combined The fi rst edition of this symposium English at Carnegie Mellon Univer- interaction with those topics via the their expertise to investigate the is bringing this crucial issue to the sity in Qatar, Dr Dudley Reynolds, symposium’s dedicated online plat- causes of disconnect for students surface of our consciousness as ed- shed light on signifi cant disjunc- form. going on to higher education. ucators.” tions that lead to academic struggle, The ELC symposium is organised The discussions were aimed at “It has been refreshing to see and how adopting a system perspec- by CCQ’s English Language Centre identifying ways to develop a seam- participants from various ele- tive of language education can help with the goal of helping faculty in less transition between school and ments of the educational sector in cushion students’ transition to ter- providing the best education pos- college or university and ultimately Qatar come together and discuss tiary education. sible by exploring opportunities to graduating high school students this theme, which is so relevant for Ensuing breakout sessions collab- analyse the current state of educa- that are fully equipped to embark on the lives of all our students. Views oratively addressed several impor- tion aff airs in Qatar through discus- the next chapter of their academic shared by both presenters and del- tant subthemes, such as preparing sions, panels and seminars.

A panel discussion during the symposium. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, March 24, 2019 QATAR Region’s fi rst Kazimir Malevich show opens

From Page 1

“We have worked very closely with colleagues from the State Russian Museum, whom we thank for the chance to bring masterpieces by Malevich to the region for the fi rst time.” The Russian State Museum holds the largest and most com- plete collection of Malevich’s works, and so the exhibition is able to track the evolution of his art – from the earliest period of a realistic and symbolist nature through to his later work created one year before his passing. Sev- eral of his most famous paint- ings, including ‘Red Square’ and costumes from his opera ‘Vic- tory Over the Sun’, are on view at the Fire Station. Dr Petrova said, “Working with Qatar Museums has allowed us to create an in-depth view into Malevich’s body of work, a fascinating representation of his break away from traditional ar- tistic expression of that time, to a completely new artform. One of Kazimir Malevich’s greatest hopes for his art and artistic en- HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the exhibition. deavours was to organise exhibi- tions abroad and I am so pleased we are able to continue doing so, and schools of Russian art over bringing his mastery to new au- more than a thousand years: diences in the region.” from the X to the XXI century. Malevich’s exploration of Dr Gusev is an associate pro- forms evolved against the back- fessor, a PhD in Art history, a full ground of radical changes in art member of the Russian Academy and society both in Russia and of Arts and of the International the international scene. Explor- Council of Museums, an hon- ing this trajectory, the exhibition oured art professional for the brings together for the fi rst-time Russian Federation, and author examples of work from his entire of numerous academic publica- career, including early decora- tions and television broadcasts. tive sketches and poster designs, Dr Gusev is the recipient of vari- Cubist and Futurist paintings, ous awards and medals for the ceramic works, and architectural development of Russian culture, sculptures. both nationally and internation- Malevich was the eldest of ally. 14 children born to Polish par- The exhibition was fi rst en- ents in Kiev in 1879, when Tsar visioned as part of the Qatar- Nicholas II ruled Russia. Set Russia 2018 Year of Culture and against the background of a will be an opportunity for local country on the verge of a revolu- audiences to continue exploring tion and later the start of World HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the opening of the ‘Kazimir Malevich: Genius of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the exhibition. the richness of Russian art. War I, his works present a stark the Russian Avant-garde’ exhibition. The Year, which was spon- separation from iconography, was the fi rst museum of Russian sian Museum today is a large au- sored by Qatar Airways, was also portraiture and folk art which against backdrops dominated by he was able to undertake until his searchers of the State Russian art, initiated by Emperor Alex- thoritative research, restoration, planned in collaboration with dominated artistic expression geometric forms of colour. death in 1935. Museum have engaged in an un- ander III. The basis of the col- preservation, and educational leading institutions in Qatar and in Russia at the time. His early Curated by Dr Petrova, who is Dr Petrova is an art historian precedented level of academic, lection was objects and works of centre, supervising the work of Russia, including the embassy of experimentation with what he also the author of several books and holds a PhD in Art History. exhibition and publishing work. art handed over from the Winter, all art museums of the country. Qatar in Moscow, the embassy of later named Suprematism began on Malevich, the exhibition She is a member of the St Pe- The State Russian Museum is Gatchina and Alexander Pal- The museum collection contains Russia in Doha, the Ministry of perhaps as early as 1913 when he brings a thoughtful perspective tersburg branch of the Union the world’s largest collection of aces, from the Hermitage and over 400,000 exhibits cover- Culture of Russia, Qatar’s Min- designed costumes and sets for into how the world around him of Artists and the International Russian art, housed in a unique the Academy of Arts, as well as ing all major periods and trends istry of Culture and Sports and the Futurist opera ‘Victory Over and the shifting political winds Council of Museums. Under her architectural complex in the his- from private collections donated in the history of Russian art, all the State Museum and Exhibi- the Sun’, which set the actors in the region, aff ected the work leadership, the curators and re- torical centre of St Petersburg. It to the museum. The State Rus- main types and genres, trends tion Centre. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 11 REGION/ARAB WORLD Glamour Golan Druze protest Trump pledge to Israel

AFP Tweet on Thursday that said see themselves as Syrians, re- Golan Heights it was time to accept Israel’s fusing to take Israeli nationality. widely-contested claim to the Yesterday, Druze men, women strategic plateau. and children rallied in the town ruze on the Israeli-oc- Tens of thousands of Syrians of Majdal Shams, adjacent to the cupied Golan Heights fl ed or were expelled when Israel armistice line between the Go- Dyesterday took to the seized part of the Golan during lan’s Israeli and Syrian-control- streets in protest at US Presi- the 1967 Six-Day War, sub- led sectors. dent Donald Trump’s pledge sequently annexing it in 1981. They waved Druze and Syr- to recognise the Jewish state’s Some remained, however, and ian fl ags and carried pictures sovereignty there. today around 23,000 Druze — of Syrian President Bashar al- Trump broke with decades who also live in Lebanon— reside Assad. Others carried banners of US Middle East policy, and in the Israeli-controlled sector, in Arabic reading, “The Golan longstanding international alongside 25,000 Israeli settlers. is Syrian” and “We are the ones consensus, when he posted a The vast majority of these Druze who decide Golan’s identity”.

Call to sack governor after boat tragedy

DPA Governor Nofal al-Akoub and his two deputies be Baghdad sacked. “Due to the obvious negligence and derelic- tion in performing duties and the presence of raqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi called evidence of squandering public funds and misuse on parliament to sack a provincial governor of power...we suggest that you sack the governor Iyesterday after the capsize of a ferry killed at and his two deputies,” he said in the letter. A model presents a creation by Kuwaiti designer Hadeel al-Mzyad during the Gulf emirate’s “Sehr al-Sharq “or “The Magic of the Orient” least 109 people near the city of Mosul. On Friday, angry protesters prevented al-Ak- fashion show, in Kuwait City. In a letter to parliament Speaker Mohamed al- oub’s convoy from reaching the site of the disas- Halbousi, Abdel-Mahdi requested that Nineveh ter, witnesses said.

Security tops agenda US-backed forces declare in Iraqi PM’s visit

Reuters IS defeat in last enclave Cairo Militants’ cruelties and ments for minor crimes, and abuses roused global ire; the choreographed killing of raqi Prime Minister Adel Threats remain from hostages. Abdul Mahdi sought Egypt’s sleeper cells worldwide Those excesses drew an ar- Isupport for eff orts to tackle ray of forces against it, driv- militants in the region during a Reuters ing it from Mosul and the Syr- visit to Cairo yesterday, his fi rst Deir Ezzor Province ian city Raqqa during a year trip abroad since taking offi ce in of heavy defeats in 2017 and October. driving it down the Euphrates After meeting Egyptian Presi- S-backed forces pro- to Baghouz. dent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Abdul claimed the capture Over the past two months, Mahdi highlighted “the impor- Uof Islamic State’s last some 60,000 people poured tance of drying up the sources of territory in Syria yesterday, out, fleeing SDF bombard- terrorism” and said “co-opera- eliminating its rule over a self- ment and a shortage of food so tion between Egypt and Iraq will proclaimed “caliphate”, but the severe that some were reduced be essential for this matter,” ac- militants remain a threat from to cooking grass. cording to an offi cial statement. sleeper cells around the world. Intense air strikes levelled His comments came as US- Originally an off shoot of Al entire districts and, accord- backed forces said they had cap- Qaeda, IS took large swathes of ing to rights groups, killed tured Islamic State’s last shred Iraq and Syria from 2014, im- many civilians. Civilians made of territory in eastern Syria at posing a reign of terror, but it up more than half the people Baghouz, ending its territo- was eventually beaten back to leaving Baghouz, the SDF said, rial rule over a self-proclaimed the village of Baghouz. including women from the Ira- caliphate straddling Syria and “We announce today the de- qi Yazidi sect whom the mili- Iraq after years of fi ghting. struction of the so-called Is- tants enslaved for abuse. Though the defeat ends the lamic State organisation and the Thousands of the group’s group’s grip over the militant end of its ground control in its unbending supporters, includ- quasi-state that it declared in last pocket in Baghouz,” Syrian ing many foreign women who 2014, it remains a threat. Democratic Forces (SDF) gener- married militants, also aban- al commander Mazloum Kobani doned the enclave. told a victory ceremony. At displacement camps the ACCIDENT SDF fi ghters, who besieged SDF had to keep them away Fire breaks out Baghouz for weeks while planes Mazloum Kobani, SDF’s commander in chief, shakes hands with the adviser for the US Department of State in northern Syria William from other, often trauma- pounded from above, paraded Roebuck, at Al-Omar oil field in Deir Ezzor, yesterday. tised, residents. Their fate at Sudan’s old in memory of 11,000 comrades has befuddled foreign gov- presidential palace killed in years of fi ghting against slipped into the shadows, stag- against the group by numerous The capture of Baghouz advantage of Syria’s civil war ernments, who see them as a IS. ing shootings or kidnappings. local and global forces — some marked a big moment in Syria’s to seize land there and split security threat and are loath Thick plumes of smoke billowed A band played the American The United States believes of them sworn enemies — for eight-year war, wiping out one from the global militant or- to accede to SDF entreaties to into the sky yesterday as a fire national anthem. the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al- more than four years. of the main contestants’ terri- ganisation. repatriate them. As the fight- ripped through Sudan’s old Despite the euphoria, some Baghdadi, is in Iraq. France and Britain, which tory, with the rest split between In 2014, it grabbed Iraq’s ing progressed, convoys of presidential palace in the capital shooting and mortar fi re con- He stood at the pulpit of the also back the SDF, both wel- President Bashar al-Assad, Mosul, erased the border with trucks from Baghouz started Khartoum, the presidency and tinued yesterday morning, ac- medieval mosque in Mosul in comed yesterday’s develop- Turkey-backed rebels and the Syria and called on supporters to include hundreds, and then an AFP journalist reported. cording to a Reuters journalist 2014 to declare himself caliph. ments, though US Secretary of Kurdish-led SDF. worldwide to join a militant thousands, of surrendering Police cordoned off the streets at Baghouz. Further afi eld, militants in State Mike Pompeo warned: In his speech, Kobani urged utopia, complete with curren- militant fighters, many hob- heading to the palace, built in And Kobani warned the cam- Afghanistan, Nigeria and else- “We still have work to do”. Assad to recognise autono- cy, flag and passports. bling from their wounds. 1832 on the bank of the Blue paign against the militant’s where show no sign of recant- In a separate statement yes- mous administration in ar- Oil production, extortion The SDF said it captured Nile, as smoke billowed from the more hidden threats must con- ing allegiance, and intelligence terday, President Donald Trump eas controlled by the SDF and and stolen antiquities financed hundreds more in recent weeks building. tinue. services say IS devotees in the said the region had been “lib- Turkey to quit areas of north- its agenda, which included who tried to slip through its The fire broke out due to a short Some IS fi ghters still hold out West might plot new attacks. erated,” but added the US will ern Syria it has taken over. Is- slaughtering some minori- cordon and escape into Iraq or circuit in some of the offices on in Syria’s remote central desert, Still, the fall of Baghouz is a remain vigilant “until is fi nally lamic State originated as an Al ties, slave auctions of captured across the Euphrates and into the second floor of the palace, and in Iraqi cities they have big milestone in a fi ght waged defeated wherever it operates.” Qaeda faction in Iraq, but took women, grotesque punish- the Syrian desert. the presidency said. Libya protesters seek Troops launch air strikes on Gaza release of ex-spy chief AFP ditional fi ghter squad” which killed over the same period. Jerusalem also launched explosive balloons On Friday, the Gaza health AFP uprising in 2011 toppled and from southern Gaza. ministry said that two Palestin- Tripoli killed Gaddafi . The military did not say if the ians were killed by Israeli fi re in Eight others close to Gadd- he Israeli military said targets were hit, but a Palestin- two separate border clashes. afi , including the Libyan lead- yesterday it launched ian security source said that two The Israeli army did not com- elatives and supporters er’s son, Seif al-Islam, also Tair strikes against two people were wounded in the fi rst ment on the deaths but said “ap- of Libya’s Gaddafi -era received death sentences fol- groups of Palestinians in Gaza, attack. proximately 9,500 fi ghters and Rintelligence chief, jailed lowing a trial condemned by after they allegedly fl ew balloons He did not know the extent of demonstrators” gathered in vari- for his alleged role in a bloody the United Nations as “seri- rigged with explosives into Is- their injuries. ous locations, “hurling explosive crackdown during the coun- ously” fl awed. rael. Gazans regularly launch kites devices, hard objects and rocks” try’s 2011 uprising, protested Several dozen relatives and “Troops identifi ed a fi ghter and balloons carrying explo- at troops. in Tripoli yesterday to demand members of Senussi’s tribe, squad which launched explosive sive or incendiary devices into Hamas leader Ismail Haniya his release. the Magerha, gathered in a balloons into Israeli territory neighbouring Israel, causing ex- is calling for a mass turnout for Abdullah al-Senussi, a central Tripoli square to de- from the southern Gaza Strip,” tensive damage to farmland and Relatives of 29-year-old Palestinian Nidal Shatat, who was killed in border protests scheduled for the brother-in-law of longtime mand he be freed over health it said. some harm to residential build- clashes near the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, mourn during fi rst anniversary of the demon- dictator Muammar Gadd- concerns. “In response, an Israel De- ings. his funeral in Gaza City, yesterday. strations, on March 30. afi , was sentenced to death in “The law and medical re- fence Forces aircraft fi red to- Israel has vowed to retaliate Israel and Hamas, which has 2015 over the part he alleg- ports support our legitimate wards the fi ghters.” for every incident. since weekly border protests be- protests, though others have died controlled the blockaded Gaza edly played in the regime’s demand,” said one protester, A subsequent statement said At least 257 Palestinians have gan nearly a year ago. in air strikes and by tank fi re. Strip for over a decade, have response to a Nato-backed Mohamed Amer. that an aircraft fi red at “an ad- been killed by Israeli fi re in Gaza Most have been killed during Two Israeli soldiers have been fought three wars since 2008. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, March 24, 2019 AFRICA 110 Fulani herders killed in Mali’s worst violence yet

Reuters, AFP hundreds of civilians last year and attacked, causing “a number” of Fulani. Militant groups linked Some 4,500 French troops re- tion of Mali Peace Agreement,” MINUSMA, the 14,000-strong Bamako is spreading across West Africa’s deaths, but he did not yet know to Al Qaeda and Islamic State main based in the wider Sahel, Britain’s representative on the peacekeeping force set up in 2013 Sahel region. how many. have exploited ethnic rivalries in most of them in Mali. mission, Stephen Hickey, wrote after the militant takeover of Moulaye Guindo, mayor of Security sources said the dead Mali and its neighbours Burkina The United States also has hun- on Twitter. northern Mali was beaten back, unmen killed at least 110 the nearby town of Bankass, said included pregnant women, chil- Faso and Niger in recent years to dreds of troops in the region. “Security Council prepared to diplomats say. Fulani herders in central armed men, who were dressed as dren and elderly people. boost recruitment and render vast Security Council ambassadors impose sanctions on those who The Council faces a June dead- GMali yesterday, a local traditional Donzo hunters, encir- One Ogossagou resident, who swathes of territory virtually un- met with Malian President Ib- impede its implementation.” line to decide on the mandate of mayor said, the deadliest such cled and attacked Ogossagou at asked not to be identifi ed, said governable. rahim Boubacar Keita and other World powers have been di- MINUSMA and a key meeting is attack in recent times in a region about 4am (0400 GMT). the attack appeared to be in re- French forces intervened in government offi cials on Friday vided over how to confront the scheduled on March 29 to discuss reeling from worsening ethnic “The body count continues by taliation for an Al Qaeda affi liate’s Mali, a former French colony, in evening to discuss the violence militant threat in the Sahel, with the way forward. and extremist violence. the gendarmes, who have just told claim of responsibility on Friday 2013 to push back a militant ad- and the slow implementation of a France at odds with the United France has hinted that it could The assaults on the villages of me they have found 110 bodies, for a raid last week that killed 23 vance from the desert north but 2015 peace agreement with non- States over UN funding for a fi ve- once again ask the Council to ap- Ogossagou and Welingara took but the count continues,” Guindo soldiers. the militants have since regrouped Islamist armed groups. nation regional force battling prove direct UN funding for the place as a UN Security Council said in Ogossagou. The group said the raid was and expanded their presence into “Clear sense of frustration militants. G5 force after the United States mission visited Mali to try to fi nd He said another nearby Fulani payback for violence by Mali’s central Mali and the neighbouring among many Security Council Another Franco-US show- fi rmly rejected that proposal last solutions to violence that killed village, Welingara, had also been army and militiamen against the countries. members at pace of implementa- down is looming over the fate of year. Violence and intimidation mar Nigeria re-run polls

AFP have been intimidated” because Kano, Nigeria of a “win at all costs mentality” from politicians, she said. “Democracy is in trouble in iolence and voter intimi- Nigeria.” dation once again marred The original elections a fort- Vpolls in Nigeria yesterday, night ago were declared invalid in as voters tried to take part in re- some areas by Nigeria’s electoral run governorship and state elec- board because of violence and tions already postponed once disruption. because of unrest. Tension was high in states An opposition spokesman said such as Kano, where the result some of their agents had been was fi nely balanced heading into killed in the violence and called today’s poll between the ruling on election offi cials to cancel the APC and the opposition PDP. vote again. The decision by the Independ- men armed with machetes, ent National Electoral Com- knives and cudgels took over mission (INEC) to void March 9 polling stations, assaulting ob- elections in six states came two servers and journalists in Kano, weeks after President Muham- northwest Nigeria. madu Buhari won a second term. In Gama ward in Kano, men His main rival Atiku Abu- wielding machetes, daggers and bakar denounced the results as cudgels invaded several polling “a sham”. stations, an AFP reporter saw, INEC said violence and other forcing voters to fl ee. irregularities had prompted vot- In the nearby towns of Bichi ing to be cancelled in some ar- Rosita Moises Zacarias (left) holds the hand of her sister Joaninha Manuel, as they walk in flooded waters from their home destroyed by the cyclone Idai, to go to sleep in a and Gaya armed youths dis- eas of Kano and Sokoto, in the shelter in Buzi, Mozambique. persed voters and thumb-print- northwest; Bauchi and Adamawa ed ballot papers in favour of the in the northwest; and the central ruling All Progressives Congress, states of Benue and Plateau. voters and party agents said. A legal challenge, however, Similar reports emerged in meant that the planned election other states such as the north in Adamawa did not go ahead eastern Bauchi, where elections yesterday, leaving fi ve states to are being held. vote in the re-run. Gama ward is seen as a decider Political tensions have frayed Death toll from cyclone in the re-run election. in Nigeria since Buhari’s re-elec- The opposition PDP said it was tion. leading the ruling APC when the Abubakar, the defeated PDP last vote was cancelled. candidate, has challenged the Journalists and observers at result in an election tribunal, polling units in Gama were at- claiming that the results in sev- tacked by the armed men, an AFP eral states were manipulated. and fl oods exceeds 700 reporter saw, with police saving Election observers, citing at least one journalist from as- reports of vote buying and in- Reuters Mozambique’s death toll rose didn’t know where to go with Praia Nova, where residents said until we know the full expanse sault. timidation, have criticised the Beira, Mozambique to 417 from 242, Land and Envi- the children. We don’t have about 50 people died. of the toll on the people of Mo- The acting chairman of the organisation and running of the ronment Minister Celso Correia anything,” said Mimi Manuel, “Some people tried to es- zambique,” said UN Offi ce for opposition Peoples Democratic governorship and state elec- said. a 26-year-old mother of four cape, some people tried to stay the Coordination of Humanitar- Party in Kano, Rabiu Suleiman tions, as well as the February 23 ozambique reported “The situation is getting bet- who lost her home and was sit- at home.” ian Aff airs (OCHA) co-ordinator Bichi, yesterday called on INEC presidential and parliamentary scores more deaths ter, still critical, but it’s getting ting on the floor of a makeshift The Mozambican minister Sebastian Rhodes Stampa. to cancel the elections. polls. Myesterday from a better,” he told reporters at the shelter in a primary school in said some 1,500 people were in Some cholera cases have been “As I address you now, we have Situation Room, an umbrella cyclone and floods around airport in Beira that has become Beira. need of immediate rescue from reported. reports that some of our agents group of more than 70 civil soci- southern Africa that have a centre for aid operations. At the refuge, families cooked rooftops and trees. Left with nothing, many sur- have been killed, vehicles burnt, ety organisations monitoring the killed at least 732 people and The storm has also killed 259 with wood from trees ripped up Helicopters and boats have vivors were fretting for their property destroyed,” he said. vote, has called for an independ- left thousands in desperate in Zimbabwe, while in Malawi 56 by the storm, as toddlers played been carrying people to safety. future, while others mourned The director for the Centre for ent inquiry into the entire elec- need of help, many on rooftops people died in heavy rains ahead around battered school desks. The United Nations’ humani- losses. Democracy and Development tion process. and trees. of the cyclone. Manuel wore a necklace with tarian offi ce warned that more At Beira’s central morgue, (CDD), Idayat Hassan, con- The opposition PDP de- Cyclone Idai lashed the Mo- In all three countries, survi- the word “Hope.” fl ooding may come as heavy 56-year old Mika Masseera, demned yesterday’s violence in nounced INEC’s decision to halt zambican port city of Beira with vors have been digging through “When it all started, peo- rains inland poured into the low- grieved for his severely weak- these key wards. voting in aff ected states, claim- winds of up to 170km per hour rubble to search for victims, and ple started screaming,” another lying Beira area and nearby dams ened mother, Sumbo Mufucho, The violence would “raise ing it was “clearly leading the last week, then moved inland to scrambling for shelter, food and survivor Dina Fiegado, 18, said, fi lled up threatening to burst the 73, who died in hospital follow- questions of the legitimacy” of (governorship) race,” accusing Zimbabwe and Malawi, swamp- water, while governments and describing how sheet roofs blew Buzi and Pungwe rivers again. ing a rescue after she had clung the results, she said. INEC of collusion with the rul- ing populations and devastating aid agencies rush in help. off and rough walls collapsed “We’re going to have to wait to a tree for two days surrounded “Journalists and observers ing party. homes. “All our food got wet, we in the sea-edge community of until the fl ood waters recede by fl oodwaters. Minister among 11 killed in Mogadishu attack

AFP confront the attackers. as heretic and foreign infl uence in Mogadishu “The death toll reached 11, three Somalia. of them women, and the number of The group emerged from Islamic wounded is 15,” said Abdukadir Ab- Courts that once controlled cen- n attack involving gunmen dirahman Adan, director of Mogad- tral and southern Somalia and are and bomb blasts on a com- ishu’s Aamin ambulance service. variously estimated to number be- Aplex housing government Senator Ilyas Ali Hassan con- tween 5,000 and 9,000 men. ministries in Somalia’s capital killed fi rmed that Saqar Ibrahim Abdalla, In 2010, the Shebaab declared at least 11 people yesterday, includ- the deputy minister for labour and their allegiance to Al Qaeda. ing the deputy labour minister, of- social aff airs, was also killed. The following year, the group fi cials said. “I cannot elaborate on how he were chased out of Mogadishu by Claimed by the Al Shebaab died but I can confi rm that he was the 22,000-strong African Union group, the assault was a sign of the killed inside the ministry building,” peace-enforcement mission, AMI- insurgency’s continued ability to Hassan said. SOM. strike at the heart of Somalia’s gov- Police offi cial Ibrahim Mohamed They have since lost many of ernment, despite years of foreign said all the gunmen were killed. their strongholds but retain con- military support for Mogadishu. “There were some other casual- trol of large rural swathes of the The fi ghting began with two ties including members of the po- country and continue to wage a blasts at the gates of the complex lice,” he said, without elaborating. guerrilla war, frequently hitting housing the labour and works min- Attacks that combine bomb- Mogadishu. istries. ings with gunmen have become a In October 2017, a truck bomb- Police say at least four gunmen speciality of the Al Qaeda-linked ing in a busy neighbourhood of the Civilians run from the scene of two explosions set off near the ministries then stormed the buildings, leading group, which is running an armed capital killed over 500 people, the of public works and labour, after which gunmen entered the buildings, in to a shootout as offi cers rushed to insurrection against what it sees deadliest attack in Somalia to date. Mogadishu yesterday. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 13 AMERICAS

‘SURVIVOR’S GUILT’ JUSTICE BUSTED INVESTIGATION ON TRIAL Depressed Parkland shooting Jury clears cop of murder Cocaine worth $360mn FEMA error exposes 2.3mn Toxicologist denies survivor takes her own life in Antwon Rose shooting seized in Miami beach disaster survivors to fraud manipulating studies

A teenager who survived the Parkland school A Pittsburgh jury on Friday unanimously found The United States Coast Guard on Friday The Federal Emergency Management Agency A toxicologist from Roundup manufacturer shooting in Florida has killed herself while that a white police off icer did not commit murder off loaded almost 10 tonnes of cocaine worth (FEMA) exposed 2.3mn disaster survivors to Monsanto denied on Friday that she had influenced struggling with survivors’ guilt, local media when he fatally shot black teenager Antwon Rose, about $360mn in Miami Beach after intercepting possible identity theft and fraud by improperly scientific studies to hide the dangers of the product, in reported Friday. Sydney Aiello, 19, was a student an incident that sparked protests and fuelled a 12 vessels suspected of smuggling drugs sharing sensitive personal information with the damages phase of a trial in California. One of the at Marjory Stoneman Douglas last February 14 debate about racial bias in the US criminal justice from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The massive an outside company. The US Department of lawyers for the plaintiff — a 70-year-old retiree with when a former student opened fire with a semi- system. East Pittsburgh Police Off icer Michael cocaine load was confiscated off the coasts Homeland Security’s Off ice of Inspector General cancer — asked Dr Donna Farmer to explain internal automatic weapon, killing 14 students and three Rosfeld, 30, shot Rose, 17, as he fled from a car of Mexico and other countries in Central and (OIG) said FEMA had shared financial records and documents from Monsanto. A February 2015 email staff members. Her parents told local news CBS4 along with an 18-year-old associate who has South America. The operations took place from other sensitive information of people who had sent to Farmer by another senior Monsanto scientist that she had been treated for PTSD, and suff ered since pleaded guilty to carrying out a drive-by January to March, Vice Admiral Daniel Abel, participated in an emergency shelter programme refers to the technique of writing scientific articles from survivor’s guilt, when a victim fixates on why shooting from the vehicle. “This case had nothing the US Coast Guard deputy commandant for after being displaced by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and then paying recognized scientists — presented they were the one to live, not someone else. Her to do with race,” Patrick Thomassey, Rosfeld’s operations, said in a news conference on Friday. and Maria and the California wildfires in 2017. as independent — to sign them. Farmer repeatedly mother, Cara, told CBS Miami that Aiello had had lawyer, told reporters outside the courtroom. The “If you catch it by the tons, you do not have to That “has placed approximately 2.3mn disaster denied that she participated in such “ghostwriting” a diff icult time with her college classes “because shooting was one of a series of high-profile US chase it by the kilos in the streets of Miami, Los survivors at increased risk of identity theft and and also responded “no” when asked if Roundup classrooms now scared her.” police killings of unarmed black teens and men. Angeles and New York,” Abel said. fraud,” the Inspector General’s off ice said. causes cancer. Barr likely to submit fi ndings from Mueller report today Reuters Trump had talked about the Mu- his 1998-99 impeachment pro- Washington eller report while golfi ng. ceedings. A large pro-Trump fl oat behind By handing over the long- a fl atbed truck pulled up to the awaited report, Mueller, 74, he US attorney general’s golf course about an hour after he marked the end of his work, his summary of a special arrived, adorned with American spokesman said. Tcounsel report on an in- fl ags and ‘Trump 2020’ signs. Trump has denied collusion vestigation into Russian inter- Political analysts expect the and obstruction. ference in the 2016 election and Mueller report to have a signifi - Russia has denied election in- whether the Trump campaign cant impact on the 2020 presi- terference. co-ordinated with Moscow was dential campaign — how Demo- Trump had said on Wednesday not being delivered yesterday to crats might be able to use it stop he does not mind if the public is lawmakers, an offi cial said, as Trump being re-elected and how allowed to see the report. Democrats vowed to investigate Trump could use it if he is cleared Trump aides, including his beyond the inquiry. of wrongdoing. former campaign chairman Paul William Barr, the top US law The big question is whether Manafort, national security ad- enforcement offi cial, was ex- the report contains allegations viser Michael Flynn and lawyer amining a report sent to him on against Trump or exonerates him. Cohen, have already either been Friday by Special Counsel Rob- Mueller investigated whether convicted or pleaded guilty to ert Mueller, aiming to transmit Trump’s campaign conspired charges brought by Mueller. a summary to Congress and the with Moscow to try to infl uence None of those charges, how- public by the end of the weekend. the election and whether the ever, directly related to the ques- Republican President Donald president later unlawfully tried tion of collusion between the Trump, at his Florida resort for to obstruct his investigation. campaign and Moscow. the weekend, remained silent The Justice Department has Pelosi and Senate Democratic on the report of an investiga- a policy that sitting presidents leader Chuck Schumer, the two tion that also looked into any cannot face criminal charges. top Democrats in Congress, potential wrongdoing by Trump, Mueller did not recommend said the investigation focused whose legal woes appear likely to any further indictments, a senior on questions that “go to the in- continue even with the closure of Justice Department offi cial said, tegrity of our democracy itself: the Mueller investigation. signalling there might be no more whether foreign powers corrupt- White House spokesman criminal charges against Trump ly interfered in our elections, and Hogan Gidley told reporters that associates. whether unlawful means were the White House still has not re- Mueller brought charges used to hinder that investiga- ceived or been briefed on Muel- against 34 people and three com- tion.” ler’s report. panies, with prison sentences for US intelligence agencies have A Justice Department offi cial some of Trump’s former aides. concluded that Moscow med- said Barr and his deputy were Trump’s convicted former dled in the election with a cam- working closely with principal Attorney General William Barr departs his home in McLean, Virginia, yesterday morning. personal lawyer Michael Cohen paign of email hacking and online advisers to determine what to in- implicated the president in his propaganda aimed at sowing dis- clude in a letter to Congress. cratic member of the Senate Judi- end,” Coons told reporters on a Trump has not commented to retweeting critics of the media guilty plea on campaign fi nance cord in the United States, hurt- Barr was not delivering the sum- ciary Committee, said Trump and telephone conference. reporters or taken to Twitter, one and Democrats who argued re- violations in a separate prosecu- ing Democratic candidate Hillary mary yesterday, the offi cial said. his core team could still face legal Under Department of Justice of his favourite ways of commu- cent developments proved there tion brought by federal prosecu- Clinton and helping Trump. US House of Representatives risks even if the report does not regulations, Barr is empowered nicating, on the completion of was no campaign collusion with tors in New York. Senate Majority Leader Mitch Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Demo- fi nd that they committed crimes. to decide how much to disclose the investigation that has cast a Russia. Emmet Flood, a lawyer who McConnell, the top Republican crat, said in a statement that Trump’s business, his charity publicly. He said in a letter to shadow over his two years in the The president had no public represents the offi ce of the presi- in Congress, said: “The attor- Barr’s off er to provide congres- and presidential transition op- lawmakers on Friday that he is White House. events scheduled yesterday and dent in the Mueller investigation, ney general has said he intends sional committees with a sum- eration remain under investiga- “committed to as much trans- Trump, who has repeatedly played golf, Gidley said. is in Florida with Trump. to provide as much information mary of the report’s conclusions tion, Coons said, and congres- parency as possible.” called the Mueller probe a politi- “He’s fi ne,” the spokesman White House Counsel Pat Ci- as possible. As I have said previ- is insuffi cient and that “Congress sional Democrats would keep Democrats in the US House of cal witch hunt and a hoax, may said when asked by reporters how pollone also is there, according to ously, I sincerely hope he will do requires the full report and the looking into his activities. Representatives are discussing have been uncharacteristically Trump was feeling. “He’s good, a person familiar with the matter. so as soon as he can, and with as underlying documents.” “It’s the end of the beginning, next steps and messaging, con- silent but his eldest son, Donald he’s good.” Flood is a Republican who rep- much openness and transparency Senator Chris Coons, a Demo- but it’s not the beginning of the gressional aides said. Trump, Jr, was active on Twitter, Gidley declined to say whether resented President Bill Clinton in as possible.”

Ahead of Alberta vote, Canada’s oil industry roots for the opposition

By Nia Williams, Reuters The sector accounts for 30% of the Last year she fell out with Canadian Calgary, Alberta province’s economic activity and sup- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over de- ports 415,000 Alberta jobs, according lays to the Trans Mountain oil pipeline to the Canadian Association of Petro- expansion project. anada’s battered oil industry leum Producers (CAPP). But industry participants recall her is rooting for the opposition in “A Kenney government would be very opposition to Enbridge Inc’s Northern Cnext month’s election in energy strongly welcomed by the oil industry,” Gateway project, which has since been heartland Alberta, investors said last said Rafi Tahmazian, a senior portfolio scrapped. week, but a brewing scandal involving manager specializing in energy invest- Kenney casts himself as a far more the party’s leader could derail its hopes ing at Canoe Financial in Calgary. forceful oil industry advocate. Appeal- of an easy victory. “(In 2015), the sector was already on ing to some Albertans’ sense of western Alberta contains Canada’s vast oil its knees because of commodity prices alienation from national politicians in sands, home to the world’s third largest being low and the government entered Ottawa, he vows to “stand up to Justin crude reserves. into its role really not showing recogni- Trudeau and those attacking Alberta.” With an economy nearly the size of tion of that.” Kenney’s pugnacious approach has Ireland, the province contributes al- Kenney promises to cut corporate earned support from some in an energy most 15% of Canada’s gross domestic income taxes, a key CAPP recommen- industry that feels it lacks a champion. product. dation, scrap the carbon tax, slash red But it may also be the source of a But billions of dollars of foreign capi- tape, and fi ght for new export pipelines growing scandal around his 2017 UCP tal have fl ed the sector since 2017, part- to bring Alberta’s landlocked crude to leadership bid. ly because of lack of pipeline capacity. market. Some Canadian media outlets have Alberta Premier Rachel Notley’s left- Regulatory delays have stalled new reported that Kenney’s camp allegedly leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) pipeline proposals for years. colluded with another candidate, Jason came to power in a shock victory in tra- Last autumn the discount on Cana- Calloway, to run a “kamikaze” cam- ditionally conservative Alberta in 2015 dian heavy crude versus US barrels hit paign to discredit Kenney’s main UCP in the midst of a global oil price collapse record levels as production outpaced leadership rival. that slashed energy company revenues. pipeline capacity, leaving crude sitting Kenney has denied acting unethical- But critics say Notley’s government in Alberta storage tanks. ly, saying it is not unusual for compet- exacerbated the crisis by raising corpo- The Alberta government responded ing campaign camps to communicate. rate taxes, launching a review of royalty by imposing crude production cuts to Last week, Alberta’s elections com- rates and introducing a carbon tax at a shore up prices and leased 4,400 rail missioner handed the Royal Canadian time when fi rms were already strug- cars to bring more oil to market. Mounted Police (RCMP) an investiga- gling. Some companies criticised the tion into irregular contributions to Cal- Polls indicate the NDP is headed for measures as unnecessary government loway’s campaign. a drubbing in the April 16 election. The intervention in a free market, but oth- RCMP spokesman Fraser Logan NDP trails the United Conservative ers supported them. said no further information could be United Conservative leader Jason Kenney details the ‘UCP Fight Back Strategy’ against foreign anti-oil special interests, in Party (UCP), led by former federal cabi- “Our members are on their last legs,” provided unless criminal charges are front of the Trans Mountain Edmonton Terminal in Edmonton, Alberta. net minister Jason Kenney, 53% to 35% said John Bayko, spokesman for the Ca- brought forward. in an Ipsos/Global News poll published nadian Association of Oilwell Drilling “Any time there’s potential of a lead- Adding to UCP woes, a star candi- tions and did not refl ect her views, but UCP was still the clear favourite. last week. Contractors, who added his organiza- er being under investigation during an date, Caylan Ford, resigned on Monday resigned to avoid becoming “a distrac- “A week ago, I would not have The energy industry would likely tion would back any party that off ered a election campaign, that’s a problem,” after a media report claimed she posted tion.” thought there was much of a path to cheer a UCP victory as the party has strong vision for the energy sector. said Duane Bratt, a political science comments echoing white supremacist Bratt said these developments of- victory for the NDP,” he said. promised to reverse unpopular NDP Premier Notley has become increas- professor at Calgary’s Mount Royal rhetoric on Facebook. fered some hope to Notley’s NDP gov- “Now I think there’s a slim path, policies. ingly vocal in support of pipelines. University. Ford said the comments were distor- ernment in the April election, but the which is better than none.” Gulf Times 14 Sunday, March 24, 2019 AMERICAS

DINO-MANIA POLITICS INVESTIGATION CHURCH SCANDAL T.rex found in Canada in Right wing presidents Former Panama president Chile cardinal quits 1991 is world’s biggest launch regional bloc faces up to 21 years in jail over abuse cover-up

The towering Tyrannosaurus rex discovered in Colombia’s President Ivan Duque said on Panama’s ex-president Ricardo Martinelli Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of western Canada in 1991 is the world’s biggest, a Friday he had discussed with several Latin faces up to 21 years in jail for spying on Chilean Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, who had agreed team of palaeontologists said on Friday, following a American counterparts the possibility of political foes, reporters and business to step down along with his country’s bishops over decades-long process of reconstructing its skeleton. offering asylum to Venezuelan servicemen leaders while in power, prosecutors said on sexual abuse cases and their cover-up, the Vatican Nicknamed Scotty, the T.rex was 13m long and who desert President Nicolas Maduro’s regime. Friday. Martinelli created and directed “an said yesterday. Ezzati, archbishop of Santiago, is probably weighed more than 8,800kg, making it Duque said the initiative was discussed with organized state apparatus” for domestic the seventh senior Chilean church off icial to resign bigger than all other carnivorous dinosaurs, the Chile’s Sebastian Pinera and other Latin espionage when in office from 2009-2014, over the scandal. Ezzati, the Church’s highest team from the University of Alberta said. “This is American leaders on the sidelines of a meeting said prosecutor Ricaurte Gonzalez. The then- off icial in Chile, has maintained his right to silence the rex of rexes,” said Scott Persons, lead author to launch a new regional bloc. Seven right president targeted about 150 individuals with although he has promised to co-operate with the of the study and postdoctoral researcher in the wing South American presidents — including illegal communications tapping — done with investigation into his activities — if the authorities A University of Alberta handout photo of Dr Department of Biological Sciences. While the Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Colombia’s Ivan no court order, the prosecutor said. Those first clear him, insisting he is innocent. Chilean W Scott Persons looking at the skeleton of the giant carnivore’s skeleton was discovered in 1991, Duque — gathered in Santiago to launch the critical of Martinelli seemed to have drawn media earlier reported that the nation’s court of Tyrannosaurus rex ‘Scotty’ at the T.rex Discov- palaeontologists spent more than a decade just new regional Forum for the Progress of South his closest scrutiny, becoming targets for his appeal had on Friday confirmed he would face trial ery Centre in Eastend, Canada. removing the hard sandstone that covered its bones. America (PROSUR). taps, Gonzalez added. for not denouncing sexual abuse by three priests.

Citizenship question Missouri River fl ooding on census ‘would cause undercount’

By Nick Brown, Reuters forces 7,500 to evacuate New York

Reuters band, John, 66, packed their SUV, he Trump administration’s proposal to ask a citi- St Joseph, Missouri their dog sitting uneasily in a pet zenship question on the 2020 US census could carrier. Tlead to an undercount of some 4.2mn among His- With police doing their best to panics, costing their communities federal aid and politi- ecord fl oodwaters that sub- direct gridlocked traffi c and with cal representation, according to a new study by Harvard merged vast stretches of helicopters whirring overhead, researchers. RNebraska and Iowa farm- dust billowed up from packed The study by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shoren- land along America’s longest river roadways for hours, mixed with the stein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is the reached a new crest on Friday at the odours of livestock and chemicals, fi rst to assess the impact of the proposed question since waterfront city of St Joseph, Mis- as the mass exodus proceeded in Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced plans last souri, forcing chaotic evacuations slow motion. year to reinstate it for the fi rst time in more than half a of thousands from low-lying areas. The St Jo Frontier Casino, about century. With emergency sirens blaring 9km to the north, was already sur- The study found the question could lead to census- as the Missouri River rose to the top rounded by water, and roadways takers missing between 3.9mn and 4.6mn Hispanics of the three-story-high levee wall along the river were submerged, nationwide — or between 7.7% and 9.1% of the Hispanic in St Joseph, about 88km north of offi cials said. population recorded in the last US census, in 2010. Kansas City, Missouri, sheriff ’s The fl ood crest is expected to Demographers, data experts and even Census Bureau deputies rushed door-to-door reach the Kansas towns of Atchison offi cials have said the question risks frightening im- urging residents to fl ee to higher and Leavenworth, before hitting migrants into abstaining from the count in a climate of ground. Kansas City as early as today, of- stepped-up immigration enforcement. About 1,500 residents and 6,000 fi cials said. Because decennial census data determines how con- employees of neighbouring busi- Missouri River fl ooding was gressional seats are apportioned — and how the US gov- nesses were ushered out of the triggered by last week’s “bomb cy- ernment allocates $800bn a year in federal aid — an un- southern end of town, a city offi cial clone” storm, which killed at least dercount could prove disastrous in some communities. said. four people, drowned livestock Harvard said it surveyed some 9,000 people, about Most of the evacuated dwellings and closed dozens of roads across a half of whom were Hispanic. were trailer homes interspersed large swath of Nebraska and Iowa. Researchers found the citizenship question would among factories, warehouses and Property and fi nancial losses for make all respondents — but especially Hispanics — more stockyards along a stretch of the the two Midwestern states were Brian Nutchler walks through floodwater to his home on Friday in Craig, Missouri. likely to skip key questions about race and ethnicity, and riverfront known as ‘the Bottoms’. projected to surpass $3bn. less likely to report Hispanic members of their house- Many residents appeared Torrential showers over hun- The downstream fl ow, breaking transportation is nearly impos- President Donald Trump on holds. stunned as they scurried out of dreds of square miles of melting fl ood stage records at several lo- sible,” said Ryan Sonderup, 36, of Thursday approved a disaster dec- The study may have undersold the impact of the ques- their homes with armloads of snowpack produced record vol- cations along the river, has placed Fullerton, Nebraska, who has been laration for Nebraska, making fed- tion, the researchers said. hurriedly gathered belongings to umes of runoff that poured into enormous strain on the region’s farming for 18 years. eral funding available in nine coun- “Not only are we university affi liated academic re- throw into their vehicles before the Missouri just above the Gavins system of fl ood-control levees. Offi cials downstream were care- ties ravaged by last week’s fl oods. searchers, and not the US Government...but our re- joining a steady stream of cars, Point Dam where the river divides Nearly 50 levee breaches have fully watching fl ood gauges in Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds spondents were paid panellists and thus fi nancially in- pickup trucks, SUVs and tractor- Nebraska from South Dakota, been confi rmed in the Army Corp’s Atchison, Kansas, a community on Friday requested a presidential centivised to complete the survey,” they said. trailers. nearly 700km upstream from Kan- Omaha district alone, encompass- of about 10,000 residents where disaster declaration for 57 fl ood- The US Commerce Department declined comment. The abrupt evacuation, coming sas City. ing the hardest hit parts of Nebras- a handful of riverfront properties stricken counties in her state. Michael Cook, a spokesman for the Census Bureau, as the river rose just over 4.57m The dam is operated by the US ka, Iowa and Missouri, offi cials told and roads were under threat of The threat of extensive fl ooding said in a statement to Reuters that the bureau is planning above fl ood stage — slightly ex- Army Corps of Engineers. a news briefi ng. fl ooding. lingers over the wider Midwest and to spend $500mn to market the census and promote par- ceeding the previous record of Water entering the reservoir Nebraska farmers were digging Missouri Governor Mike Par- could grow dire in coming weeks ticipation. 9.78m — appeared to take authori- from that storm marked the great- out of fl ooded fi elds and coping son declared an emergency on with additional rainfall and melt- Cook called the campaign “the most robust marketing ties and residents by surprise. est volume measured there in 120 with cut-off highways on Friday. Wednesday as high water forced ing snow runoff , putting more than and outreach eff ort in Census history.” “We don’t have anywhere to go. years of record-keeping, said John “The biggest thing right now is evacuations of several small farm 200mn people at risk, the National Although a citizenship question has routinely ap- This is overwhelming,” said Linda Remus, chief water manager for the the transportation. We’re right be- communities in the northwestern Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- peared on some Census Bureau surveys, it has not ap- Roberts, 70, as she and her hus- Army Corps’ Missouri River basin. tween Loup and Cedar River, and corner of his state. istration (NOAA) said last week. peared on the mandatory, decennial US census since 1950. Ross says it is needed to help the US Department of Justice better enforce federal protections for minority voters. Two federal judges have blocked the question for now, Houston petrochemical disaster stretches to sixth day siding with Democratic states and cities that alleged Ross’ reasoning was a pretext to repress immigrant par- ticipation. Reuters broke out last Sunday at Mitsui & US Coast Guard to close a portion ITC yesterday repaired a 10ft It was unlikely the channel along The US Supreme Court is slated to hear an appeal on Houston Co’s Intercontinental Terminals Co of the waterway connecting Hou- breach in a containment wall that the ITC site would reopen soon be- April 23. site in Deer Park, Texas. It damaged ston to the Gulf of Mexico. had allowed chemicals to escape cause of eff orts to halt the spread The Census, estimated to cost taxpayers $16bn, be- or destroyed 11 giant tanks each Yesterday, 23 ships were waiting to the site and had spread fi re outside of chemicals into waterways and comes more expensive when fewer people respond, as allout from a petrochemical holding up to 3mn gallons of fuels enter the ship channel and 20 ships the facility for a time on Friday, a fumes from exposed fuel tanks, the bureau must pay door-knockers to follow up with fi re outside Houston contin- used to make gasoline and plastics. were waiting to leave, according to spokesman said. Plunkett said. Ships were able to non-compliant households. Fued yesterday for a sixth day, On Friday, fl ames again erupted Houston Pilots, whose members The state on Friday fi led suit reach Exxon Mobil’s Baytown ter- Ross has come under fi re for not testing the citizen- with emergency workers struggling for an hour and halted eff orts to re- guide ships in and out of the port. against ITC alleging unauthorised minal, Kinder Morgan’s Bostco ter- ship question itself. to remove volatile fuels from ex- move volatile fuels that leaked when The waterway remained closed air pollution and unauthorised out- minal, the City of Houston’s Bay- The Census Bureau is planning to survey the eff ects posed tanks and ship traffi c disrupt- a containment wall breached. There yesterday between Tucker Bayou door burning, citing the three-day port and Barbours Cut container of the question in July, to better understand operational ed on the nation’s busiest oil port. were no injuries reported on Friday. and beacon 116, said JJ Plunkett, fi re and releases of benzene and vol- terminals, an area covering about needs “such as how many census takers may be needed to A fi re that burned for three days The leak and fi re prompted the port agent for Houston Pilots. atile organic compounds into the air. 10% of normal traffi c, he said. follow up and where they should be located,” Cook said. Venezuela’s Guaido says Maduro is in fi nal phase

By Diego Ore, Reuters because that is what they have re- “The diplomatic pressure has initiated an investigation of Guaido Lecheria, Venezuela ceived from them: hate.” worked, the economic pressure and on the grounds that he had helped Venezuela plunged into a deep the pressure on assets have worked,” foreign countries interfere in inter- political crisis in January, when Guaido said. nal matters. enezuelan President Nico- Guaido invoked the constitution to Shortly after assuming the in- During a prolonged blackout this las Maduro’s administration assume an interim presidency, ar- terim presidency, Guaido off ered month, the chief prosecutor has Vhas reached its fi nal stage guing Maduro’s May 2018 re-elec- amnesty to members of the military asked that he be probed for alleged and there will soon be a change in tion was illegitimate. who took his side. involvement in “sabotage” of the government, opposition leader Juan He has been recognized by most While hundreds have deserted, country’s electrical system. Guaido said, adding that his al- Western countries, including the with many fl eeing to neighbouring Guaido said Maduro’s aim was lies have spoken with high-ranking United States, as Venezuela’s right- Colombia, the top brass has stood “to generate fear.” military members about changing ful leader. by Maduro’s side. “The risk of participating in poli- sides. Maduro, a socialist, says Guaido Guaido estimated that between tics in Venezuela is your life, your In an interview with Reuters on is a puppet of the United States and 80% and 85 % of military members freedom, and the persecution of Friday, Guaido said Maduro had is attempting to lead a coup against were “convinced of the need for a those closest to you,” Guaido said. lost the ability to “fi nance political him to wrest control of the Opec na- change in Venezuela,” and that his He added that his team is evalu- blackmail” to retain power thanks tion’s oil reserves, the largest in the team has been meeting with higher- ating “all the options” to possibly to pressure brought by foreign gov- world. He retains control of state ranking members. make a payment of some $72mn ernments who have recognised him functions and the loyalty of the mil- “What’s missing? That the lead- on PDVSA bonds that come due in as the South American country’s itary top brass. ership, the high command of the April. rightful leader in the midst of a hy- But Guaido said that hold was armed forces, take the side of the The bonds have shares in Citgo as per-infl ationary economic collapse. slipping thanks in part to pressure constitution,” he said. collateral, and a failure to make pay- “They are isolated, alone, they from abroad. The 35-year-old engineer, who ment could allow creditors to seize are falling apart day by day,” Guaido, The United States slapped sanc- had a low profi le before assuming part of the company. the president of the opposition- tions on state oil company PDVSA the presidency of the National As- Guaido said his team has also been controlled National Assembly, said in January, and on Friday sanctioned sembly this year, said he was pre- in touch with companies whose in Lecheria, a city in northeastern several state-run banks in Venezue- pared for more members of his team Venezuelan assets were expropri- Anzoategui state, where he held la. to be detained after his chief of staff , ated by the late former President several rallies with supporters over Guaido has also taken control of Roberto Marrero, was arrested on Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor the weekend. US refi ner Citgo, a PDVSA subsidi- Thursday under accusations of ter- and predecessor, about returning “The citizens do not like them, ary and the country’s most impor- rorism. to the country should Maduro leave Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido fist-bumps a supporter in El Tigre on Friday. they reject them, they hate them, tant overseas asset. Venezuela’s Supreme Court has power. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 15 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Twin cyclones Worshippers return to batter Australia

AFP dents feared what they might Cairns fi nd when they return home. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said Trevor was driving Christchurch mosque “very destructive” a “very dangerous storm tide” category 4 cyclone along coastal regions and that AFP Aslammed into Aus- heavy rainfall was expected to Christchurch, New Zealand tralia’s remote northern coast cause fl ooding across wide ar- yesterday, while a second, eas of the Northern Territory equally powerful storm bore and neighbouring Queensland. uslims held emo- down on the country’s west. Meanwhile another cat- tional prayers inside Cyclone Trevor, pushing a big egory 4 cyclone, Veronica, MChristchurch’s main storm tide and packing winds of was bearing down on the more mosque yesterday for the fi rst up to 250km per hour (150 mph), heavily populated mining re- time since a white supremacist made landfall on the sparsely gion of Pilbara in Western massacred worshippers there, as populated Northern Territory Australia state, where it was New Zealand sought to return to coast near the Gulf of Carpen- expected to make landfall late normality after the tragedy. taria town of Port McArthur, the yesterday or today. The Al Noor mosque had been Bureau of Meteorology reported. A spokesman for the West- taken over by police for inves- The storm was downgraded to ern Australia branch of the tigations and security reasons a category 3 shortly after mak- BOM said Veronica was ex- after alleged gunman Brenton ing landfall, and was expected to pected to slow down as it ap- Tarrant gunned down Muslims weaken further as it travelled in- proached the coast near the gathered there and at a smaller land, though offi cials warned of mining centre of Port Hedland mosque for Friday prayers on heavy rains and fl ooding. with the “potential for a very March 15, killing 50 people. “There’s a concern that dangerous storm surge” at a Al Noor was handed back to fl ash fl ooding may occur,” said time when tides are already the local Muslim community emergency operations offi cial near their high for the year. yesterday and began allowing Michael Hebb. He said the region would small groups onto its grounds The army and police had al- experience 12 hours or more of around midday. ready evacuated most residents “very destructive winds” and “We are allowing 15 people at from outposts in Trevor’s path, the possibility of “signifi cant a time, just to get some normal- many of them indigenous com- coastal inundation”. ity,” said Saiyad Hassen, a vol- munities, though a handful of lo- Australia’s western coast unteer at Al Noor, adding that cals remained behind, police said. usually sees three or four cy- there were no plans yet to fully There were no immediate re- clones per year and emergency reopen. ports of deaths or injuries from services said residents were Among the fi rst to enter was the storm, but evacuated resi- well-prepared for the storm. massacre survivor Vohra Mo- hammed Huzef, who said two of People including members of the local Muslim community queue at the gates of the Al Noor mosque after is was reopened in Christchurch yesterday. his roommates were killed and Ruling party returns to power in NSW that he managed to live only by two minutes of silence for the dead. walls and clean blood-spattered the mosque’s grounds. Around 2,000 people gathered hiding under bodies. The nationwide ceremonies fl oors. The victims included 14-year- Saturday at the same park to join Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s the most recent polls, trailing “I could feel the bullets hit- saw poignant scenes of Kiwis At Al Noor, visitors knelt at old Sayyad Milne, who dreamed a “March for Love” procession re-election prospects got a lift by 54% to 46% on a two-party ting the people and I could feel embracing Muslims, Maoris a garden tap to wash their feet of playing in goal for Manchester through Christchurch. yesterday when Australia’s most preferred basis. the blood coming down on performing the traditional haka and faces in ritual pre-prayer United, according to his father. Offi cials and police said two populous state, New South While the Australian economy me from the people who were war dance, and non-Muslim ablutions. “We all love playing football relatives of victims had died, Wales (NSW), returned his ruling is the envy of many, NSW’s shot,” said Huzef, a Christch- New Zealand women donning Some wept quietly inside the and the best thing we can do is with New Zealand identifying Liberal Party to power. finances are in even better urch civil engineer originally makeshift Islamic headscarves in mosque, where bright sunlight just to go out and enjoy it really, one as 65-year-old Suad Adwan, The NSW election, less than shape. Unemployment in NSW from India. solidarity. streamed through windows and and obviously play for those guys who had arrived from Jordan for two months before a federal is at a near record low, below “Everyone wants to get back A day earlier, the country the air smelled of fresh paint. No that have been lost and think the burial of her son Kamel Dar- poll, was seen as a test case even the national level which on in again to give praise and to outlawed the military-style ri- bullet holes were seen. about them while we are doing wish, 38. of Morrison’s strategy to seek Thursday was pegged at 4.9%. catch up. This is the central fl es used in the assault with Men and women then knelt it,” said team member Aaron Mc- The grief-stricken mother was re-election on the back of his State coff ers have also swelled, point of our community.” immediate eff ect. and prayed on a padded carpet Donald, 20. found yesterday morning having government’s economic record. topping more than A$400bn The attacks shocked a coun- Police confi rmed they had underlay taped to the fl oor, still Visitors also included the apparently died in her sleep, just Speaking shortly after victory ($286.44bn) last year to be try of 4.5mn that is known for its also handed back the Linwood awaiting replacements for the mosque’s imam Gamal Fouda, hours after her son’s burial, of what was confirmed, Morrison said the worth more than the economies tolerance and prompted global Mosque, the second killing zone mosque’s blood-stained rugs. who arrived draped in a New police called a “medical event”. victory in NSW foreshadowed a of Thailand, Malaysia and the horror, heightened by Tarrant’s several kilometres away, but Several members of Christch- Zealand fl ag. No other details on the deaths federal victory in May. Philippines, despite signs of a cold-blooded livestreaming of no plans to allow visitors were urch semi-professional football The day before, Fouda de- were given. “In two months, we’ll be back property price-led pullback. the massacre. announced. club Western A.F.C. arrived in livered an impassioned memo- But normality slowly returned here to celebrate another But echoing national discontent, New Zealand came to a stand- An armed police presence will team colours to honour three rial service at a park next to the to Christchurch as children Liberal/National win,” Morrison Morrison’s Liberal Party saw still on Friday to mark one week remain at both mosques, as well victims who were known to the mosque that was watched glo- played cricket near Al Noor and told supporters in Sydney. support ebb away in NSW as since the bloodshed, with the as others around New Zealand. team due to their interest in the bally and in which he praised a previously scheduled 100km Morrison’s government is, some voters felt they have not Muslim call to prayer broadcast Workers have rushed to re- sport. The players left a bouquet “unbreakable” New Zealand for (62-mile) cycling race went however, well behind the main enjoyed the benefits of the across the country followed by pair the mosques’ bullet-pocked of fl owers outside the entrance to uniting in the tragedy’s wake. ahead as planned. opposition Labour party in soaring economy. (Reuters)

Foreign observers say face Trump limitations in Thai election drops new Reuters poll was only granted on March crat Party, argues it can form a N Korea Bangkok 14 and so less than half that government that is neutral. number will be on the ground A parliamentary system cre- for an election critics say has ated by a new military-backed sanctions n international observer been stacked in favour of the constitution, however, gives group said it would face military by the country’s junta. pro-junta parties a huge ad- AFP Alimitations in judging to “Unfortunately... we were vantage over their rivals, in- Washington what extent Thailand’s general not able to bring all the observ- cluding Pheu Thai, which is election today is free and fair, ers we had planned to because expected to win the most votes. partly because it was granted of visa issues,” ANFREL secre- Rights groups had called on S President Donald Trump accreditation too late to get tary general Rohana Nishanta the military government to al- has abruptly announced more than 35 monitors into the Hettiarachchie, and head of the low foreign observers to moni- Uthe cancellation of sanc- country. Thai vote mission, said. tor the election, but only AN- tions imposed by his own Treas- An aerial view shows a chemical plant after an explosion in Yancheng in China’s eastern Jiangsu Voters go to the polls today Asked to respond, a govern- FREL was given permission last ury Department to tighten inter- province, yesterday. in the fi rst election since a 2014 ment spokesman and a spokes- week. national pressure on North Korea. military coup in a race broadly woman at the foreign ministry “As international observers, “It was announced today by the cast as between the current referred Reuters to the election we have our own limitations. US Treasury that additional large junta leader, who is seeking to commission, which was not We can’t challenge the law of scale sanctions would be added to stay on through the ballot, and available for comment. the country,” said Hettiarach- those already existing sanctions on China factory blast death toll up anti-junta parties led by loyal- Thailand’s vote comes after chie, a Sri Lankan national. North Korea. I have today ordered ists to exiled former premier nearly fi ve years of direct mili- “The legal framework itself is the withdrawal of those additional Thaksin Shinawatra. tary rule and is viewed as a con- not supporting the free and fair Sanctions!” Trump said in a tweet. to 64; man rescued after 40 hrs The Bangkok-based Asian test between junta leader Pray- elections.” He appeared to be referring to Network for Free Elections uth Chan-ocha – who wants to The European Union said in measures unveiled on Thursday AFP 26 dead in central The explosion toppled sev- (ANFREL), which sought ac- stay on as elected leader – and a statement on Friday that it that targeted two Chinese com- Beijing China tour bus fi re eral buildings in the industrial creditation in November, had a “democratic front” of parties had not received an invitation panies accused of helping North park and caused a huge fi re hoped to deploy 80 observ- led by the ousted pro-Thaksin to observe the election in time Korea to evade tight interna- Twenty-six people were killed that raged through the night, ers for an electorate of 51.4mn Pheu Thai. and would deploy staff mem- tional sanctions meant to pres- he death toll in a chemi- and 30 injured after a tourist while rescuers scrambled to people. A third faction, led the anti- bers on a “diplomatic watch” sure Pyongyang into ending its cal plant explosion in bus caught fire in central China, fi nd survivors in the plant’s But permission to monitor the Thaksin establishment Demo- for internal reporting only. nuclear weapons programme. TChina rose to 64 yester- local off icials said yesterday. wreckage. But The Washington Post report- day but rescuers found a sur- The vehicle burst into flames Hundreds of rescuers were ed, citing Trump administration vivor among more than two as it drove through Hunan dispatched to the scene, lo- offi cials, that the president’s tweet dozen still missing in the debris province on Friday with 56 cal authorities said, and some referenced future sanctions that of one of the country’s worst people on board – including 53 4,000 people have been evacu- had not been announced and were industrial accidents in recent passengers, two drivers and a ated from the blast site. scheduled for “the coming days.” years. tour guide – according to local The force of the explosion The Thursday sanctions were Thursday’s explosion in the authorities. – which was so powerful that the fi rst new sign of pressure eastern city of Yancheng in- The injured, including five in a it apparently triggered a small since talks between Trump and jured hundreds and fl attened critical condition, were rushed earthquake – blew out win- North Korean leader Kim Jong- an industrial park. to hospital for treatment. dows and dented metal garage un broke down in Hanoi less than The local fi re brigade pulled The two drivers were detained doors of buildings as far as 4km a month ago. a man in his 40s from the rub- and an investigation into the (2.5 miles) from the site. However, Trump, who has ble of the destroyed chemical cause of the accident is under Nearby residents – many previously spoken of “love” for plant around dawn on Satur- way, according to a statement of them elderly – were seen the totalitarian leader, appears to day, according to a statement posted on the city of Changde’s sweeping up glass, and in some retain hope that his strong per- on the city government’s offi - off icial social media account on cases appeared to have aban- sonal relationship will bear fruit. cial Weibo account. Weibo. (AFP) doned their homes entirely. “President Trump likes Chair- He was taken to hospital for The city government said man Kim and he doesn’t think treatment, the statement said, some 89 houses were damaged these sanctions will be neces- without giving further detail of family members, home visits beyond repair and families sary,” the president’s spokes- his status or injuries. and DNA tests,” Cao said. were resettled after demolish- woman, Sarah Sanders, said. Rescuers are looking for 28 More than 600 people have ing those structures. Adam Schiff , a Democrat who people who are still missing, received medical treatment The government said it was heads the intelligence committee in Yancheng mayor Cao Lubao following the blast, according also repairing blown-in doors the House of Representatives, blast- said in the statement. to the city government. and windows in 10 school ed Trump for cancelling sanctions “The identities of the dead Among them, 21 are critical- buildings near the site so that “imposed only yesterday and cham- and the missing are being con- ly injured and 73 are seriously all schools in the area can District off icers prepare ballot boxes and other documents ahead of the general election at a local pioned by his own national security fi rmed through interviews with injured, the statement said. resume classes on Monday. district off ice in Bangkok yesterday. adviser, because he ‘loves’ Kim.” Gulf Times 16 Sunday, March 24, 2019 BRITAIN/IRELAND

An EU supporter carries a child on his shoulders during the ‘People’s Vote’ march in London yesterday. People with their faces painted in European flag colours attend a ‘People’s Vote’ rally in Parliament Square yesterday. Online petition to stay on in EU gets 4.25mn signatures From Page 1 “proud to speak” at the march. ers May said this might not hap- EU leaders and the British pre- If it is not approved, EU lead- The fast sign-up rate crashed backed Brexit while 16.1mn, or May has repeatedly dismissed pen after all because of a lack of mier this week agreed to a delay, ers agreed to “an extension until the website on Thursday. 48%, backed staying in the bloc. London mayor Sadiq Khan calls for a second referendum de- support. averting the prospect of Britain 12 April 2019, calling on London Downing Street suggested that But ever since, opponents of from the opposition Labour par- spite parliament so far failing to In the letter, May tried to in- crashing out of the European Un- to “indicate a way forward be- May is likely to ignore the peti- Brexit have been exploring ways ty was at the head of the march, agree on a deal for Britain to exit crease the pressure on members ion on March 29. fore this date” for them to con- tion, saying she “will not counte- to hold another referendum. and tweeted: “We are the people the European Union. of parliament, saying that unless Brussels off ered London “an sider. nance revoking Article 50,” which Some opinion polls have shown a - and when it comes to Brexit we Parliament was set to be given her deal is passed, Britain may be extension until 22 May 2019, Meanwhile, a petition calling governs Brtain’s departure from slight shift in favour of remaining want a say over our future.” a third chance at voting on her facing a longer Brexit delay and provided the withdrawal agree- for Britain to stay in the European the EU. in the European Union, but there Scottish National Party leader deal with Brussels in the coming may have to participate in the EU ment is approved by the House of Union had garnered over 4.25mn In the June 23, 2016 refer- has yet to be sustained evidence Nicola Sturgeon said she was week, but in a letter to lawmak- elections in May. Commons next week.” signatures by yesterday. endum, 17.4mn voters, or 52%, of a decisive change in attitudes.

Mayday? Pressure builds on Theresa Ireland promises ‘substantial’ aid to farmers Prime Minister Theresa May was the prime minister to stand down ble for her departure and try to under pressure yesterday to set were now under way. get her meaningful vote through. out plans for her departure, lead- But a Downing Street source, That’s the best way forward,” the By Graham Fahy, Reuters exposed to new tariff s, with half the Commission recognises the ers would limit any possible con- ing British newspapers reported, speaking on condition of anonym- Telegraph quoted an unnamed Wexford, Ireland of all exports going to the UK. necessity for that and we have tagion from UK tariff s to other as her Brexit strategy lay in tatters ity, told Reuters that the report cabinet minister as saying. The government will seek to a substantial package,” he said. European countries. just weeks before the United was incorrect. “News to me,” the Betting odds indicate there is provide domestic state aid such “What we have also secured is “Because otherwise we’ll be Kingdom was due to leave the source said. “No, it’s not correct.” now a 20% chance that May will reland’s agriculture minis- as grants and intervention, Creed the ability of the exchequer here looking for a home for 300,000 European Union. The Times quoted an unidentified be out of her job by the end of this ter Michael Creed yesterday told Reuters in an interview. under state aid rules to also in- tonnes of beef in other European May’s Brexit deal has been Downing Street source saying that month, Ladbrokes said yesterday. Ipromised farmers a “sub- Dublin may also provide pri- tervene.” Union markets,” he said. defeated twice by lawmakers, even her closest allies believed it Brexit had been due to happen stantial” aid package if they suf- vate storage aid for the industry, Ireland would seek EU fi nan- The fallout from the UK leav- and while she has secured a was inevitable she would have to on March 29 before May secured fer losses as a result of new UK an EU measure usually reserved cial aid based on the precedent ing the European Union with- delay to Brexit until at least April resign. a delay in talks with the European tariff s under a no-deal Brexit. for smoothing out seasonal im- set when exceptional support out a deal cannot be completely 12, she hinted on Friday that she The Daily Telegraph said that Union on Thursday. Now a May The Irish Farmers Associa- balances between supply and was given to the Baltic states and eliminated, he said, whatever the would not bring back the plan for senior ministers had urged May to 22 departure date will apply if tion estimates that WTO tariff s demand. Finland following Russia’s 2014 level of preparedness or govern- another vote next week if she was quit, and Buzzfeed reported that parliament rallies behind the on Ireland’s beef and livestock In addition, Ireland would ap- ban on EU food imports, Creed ment intervention. not confident it would pass. one lawmaker, a “whip” responsi- British prime minister next week. sector will impose a direct cost ply to the European Commission said. Moscow imposed the ban in “There will be cost implica- May’s off ice declined to com- ble for party discipline, had told If it does not, Britain will have until of 800mn euro per year, devas- for exceptional aid under Com- retaliation for EU sanctions over tions, there will be job implica- ment on a report in her to set out plans to quit in the April 12 to off er a new plan or de- tating the 3bn euro industry and mon Market Organisation rules the annexation of Crimea. tions, there will be profi t im- The Times newspaper that Sunday newspapers. cide to leave the European Union putting thousands of farmers out covering agricultural products, Creed said Ireland would make plications. And that’s the tragic discussions on a timetable for “She needs to set out a timeta- without a treaty. of business. Creed said. a case to the Commission that reality of Brexit, in any manifes- The beef sector is especially “We are very satisfi ed that support for its primary produc- tation.”

EU supporters participate in the ‘People’s Vote’ march in central London yesterday. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 17 EUROPE

Attacks on media and journalists in the Balkans harm their EU accession hopes

By Katarina Subasasic and critical outlets, the squeezing of press But so far, progress on that front has reporter Olivera Lakic was shot in the Most cases have never been solved. index, down to 76 out of 189 countries. Olivera Nikolic, AFP freedoms in Montenegro and Serbia been minimal or even backwards in two leg outside of her home in Podgorica In Serbia the “media situation is the The watchdog cited an “alarming Belgrade has been a key rallying cry of the weekly countries where journalists have reason in May, her second physical assault in worst it’s been since 1998”, during the number of attacks on journalists” as anti-government demonstrations held to fear for their safety. a decade. era of strongman Slobodan Milosevic, well as “collusion between politicians in the neighbouring countries. In December, Serbian journalist Mi- No arrests were made until last month, according to Ivan Protic who works for and media”. It placed Montenegro, ast weekend Serbian protest- And it is an issue that could spell lan Jovanovic, who investigates cor- two days before a visit from EU enlarge- a local human rights watchdog. where “journalists are harassed and ers stormed their state-run TV trouble for both their EU accession ruption, had to fl ee his burning house ment commissioner Johannes Hahn, Last year, seven journalists were threatened by the country’s rulers,” Lstation demanding fair coverage dreams. In order to reach their goal of outside Belgrade as it was reduced to who had previously said Montenegro’s physically attacked in Serbia and nearly even further behind at number 103. while Montenegrins were chucking rolls joining the European bloc by 2025, Ser- ashes. Several suspects were arrested accession bid would be “hampered” if it 100 other media staff were threatened Protesters in both countries place the of toilet paper at theirs, as public anger bia and Montenegro must meet a raft of over the arson attack but quickly re- did not improve media freedoms. or put under pressure, according to the blame on their domineering presidents, at the media erupts in the Balkan states. demands from Brussels, including the leased on bail or with a fi ne. Those are just two assaults out of Independent Association of Journalists. two men who have surfed the region’s From violent attacks on journalists key condition of fostering a free and Across the border in neighbour- scores targeting reporters in the Balkan Reporters Without Borders dropped political turbulence in recent decades and to political and economic pressure on safe media climate. ing Montenegro, crime and corruption states in recent years. Serbia 10 spots in its 2018 Press Freedom restyled themselves as pro-EU leaders.

Passengers airlifted from Clashes in fresh France stranded ship off Norway

Reuters ‘yellow vest’ protests Oslo Reuters/AFP Paris escue helicopters were yesterday evacuating people from a cruise Rship which suff ered engine fail- olice and demonstrators yester- ure in stormy weather off the west coast day clashed sporadically in Paris of Norway, police and rescue workers Pand other French cities as “yel- said. low vest” protests against President The maritime rescue service said the Emmanuel Macron’s government took Viking Sky, with about 1,300 passen- place for a 19th consecutive weekend. gers and crew on board, had sent out a The demonstration in the capital mayday signal as it had been drifting was largely peaceful for most of the towards land. day, but later in the afternoon police The crew were later able to restart fi red tear gas on protesters near boul- one engine and the ship was at anchor evard de Strasbourg, close to the capi- about 2km from land. tal’s Gare du Nord and Gare de L’Est Passengers were hoisted one-by-one railway stations. from the deck of the vessel and airlifted Skirmishes also erupted in cities to a village just north of the town of including Lille in northern France, Molde on Norway’s west coast. and Toulouse and Montpellier in the About 100 people had been evacu- south, but there were no immediate ated by 1530 GMT, police said. reports of injuries. “If we need to evacuate everyone, For the fi rst time yesterday, the it will take a long time,” rescue service government deployed Operation Sen- spokesman Einar Knudsen told Reuters. tinelle military units to back up police Two purpose-built vessels operated after shops on the capital’s famous by the Norwegian Society for Sea Res- Champs Elysees avenue were looted cue had been forced to turn back due to and vandalised during last weekend’s the severe weather, the service said. protests. Waves were 6-8m high, with wind Protesters were banned from gath- blowing at 24m per second, according ering on the Champs Elysees yesterday to the Norwegian Meteorological Insti- but demonstrators gathered in other tute. parts of the capital. The storm is expected to last at least Earlier in the day, they marched until midnight local time. from Denfert Rochereau in southern Protesters face police off icers during an anti-government demonstration called by the ‘Yellow Vest’ movement in Nice yesterday. The stretch of water known as Hus- Paris up to the Sacre Coeur church in tadvika is known for its fi erce weather the north. searching people’s bags and patrolling Protest bans were also in eff ect in force to guard public buildings, freeing ticipants in previous protests. and shallow waters are dotted with A yellow awning was briefl y draped in front of boarded-up storefronts. the centres of Toulouse, Bordeaux, up the 6,000 deployed police in Paris But this week offi cials vowed “zero reefs. across the top of the Sacre Coeur, be- “It would have been asking for Dijon, Rennes and the southern city of to tackle any fl are-ups of violence. tolerance” for more violence. The Norwegian government is evalu- fore being taken down by authorities. trouble to go to the Champs, after the Nice, where Chinese President Xi Jin- There was no sign yesterday of the “He needs to show the world that ating whether to build a giant ocean The “yellow vests” protests, named repression they’ve announced,” said ping is to meet his French counterpart soldiers in much of central Paris, but the government has a handle on the tunnel through a nearby mountain to after the high-visibility vests French Jean-Paul Tonson, a 57-year-old civil Emmanuel Macron over the weekend. the move drew fi erce criticism none- country and on the capital,” said Syl- improve safety. drivers have to keep in their cars and servant. Dozens of people who defi ed the theless from opposition parties, who vian, the leader of a team of repair The Viking Sky, built in 2017, belongs worn by protesters, began in November “But we’re going to keep showing ban at Nice’s Garibaldi square near the have accused the government of play- workers still clearing away debris on to Viking Ocean Cruises, part of the Vi- after public anger against fuel tax rises. up, we’re not going to back down,” he port were quickly surrounded by se- ing with fi re. the avenue on Friday after last week’s king Cruises group founded by Norwe- The movement has morphed into said. curity forces and later evacuated, with On social media, several “yellow clashes. gian billionaire Torstein Hagen. a broader backlash against Macron’s The interior ministry said 8,300 six people arrested. vest” leaders urged caution, warning The Paris police chief was fi red over According to the company’s website, government, despite it scrapping people had turned out for protests Clashes also broke out in some other demonstrators against appearing to his handling of the violence, which its passenger capacity is 930. the fuel taxes, and it has often been across France as of 2pm (1300 GMT), cities, including Nantes and Montpel- countenance the violence by far-left saw dozens of windows shattered Several vessels and four helicopters marred by violent clashes and looting. including 3,100 in Paris. lier, though the Paris march was large- or far-right infi ltrators. by people hurling paving stones and took part in the rescue and facilities to Authorities banned demonstrations It was a marked declined from the ly peaceful. Macron’s government drew fi erce wielding hammers and other make- receive passengers have been set up on in a large area in the west of the city, 14,500 counted by mid-afternoon last Macron is under pressure to avoid criticism over its handling of last shift weapons. land, the rescue service said. including the Champs-Elysees, the Saturday, with 10,000 in Paris. a repeat of last week’s sacking of the week’s protests, when police appeared In a Facebook video this week, Max- All search and rescue teams in the re- scene of last Saturday’s rampage by Over 50 people had been detained in Champs-Elysees, where over 100 to hang back during the wave of ri- ime Nicolle one of the movement’s gion are mobilising, including 60 vol- hundreds of black-clad agitators. the capital, while 29 were given fi nes — shops were damaged, looted or set oting and vandalism that swept the fi gureheads, explained the periodic unteers from the Norwegian Red Cross, Dozens of police vehicles, including which the government hiked by decree alight during seven hours of rioting by Champs-Elysees. rioting in Paris and other cities as the a spokesman said. armoured trucks and water cannons, this week to 135 euros ($153) from 38 mainly masked, black-clad protesters. Analysts say the authorities may have result of “40 years of being beaten Viking’s operational headquarters, encircled the Arc de Triomphe at the euros — for protesting in the outlawed The government has redeployed been reluctant to engage the rioters after psychologically and fi nancially” by located in Basel, Switzerland, did not top of the iconic avenue, with offi cers sectors, the police said. soldiers from its Sentinelle anti-terror the dozens of injuries sustained by par- successive governments. respond when contacted by telephone.

Italy endorses China’s Belt and Germans protest against EU copyright reforms

Road plan in fi rst for G7 nation By Uta Winkhaus and Michel Winde, DPA Berlin

Reuters Party constitution in 2017, refl ecting Xi’s desire Rome for his country to take a global leadership role. ens of thousands of people hit the The United States worries that it is designed streets across Germany yesterday to to strengthen China’s military infl uence and Tprotest planned reforms of EU copyright taly yesterday endorsed China’s ambitious could be used to spread technologies capable of law, which critics say will hinder free speech “Belt and Road” infrastructure plan, be- spying on Western interests. on the Internet. Icoming the fi rst major Western power to Italy’s populist government, anxious to lift One of the biggest protests was in Munich, back the initiative to help revive the struggling the economy out of its third recession in a dec- where police said 40,000 people took part. Italian economy. ade, dismissed calls from Washington to shun Some 10,000 rallied in Cologne, according to Yesterday’s signing ceremony was the high- the BRI and gave Xi the sort of red-carpet wel- organisers. Police put the number at 6,000 in light of a three-day trip to Italy by Chinese come normally reserved for its closest allies. Hamburg and 3,200 in Hanover. Demonstra- President Xi Jinping, with the two nations Some EU leaders also cautioned Italy this tions were also held under the motto “Save boosting their ties at a time when the United week against rushing into the arms of China, the Internet” in Berlin, Stuttgart, Magdeburg, States is locked in a trade war with China. with French President Emmanuel Macron say- Rostock, Leipzig and many other cities. The rapprochement has angered Washington ing on Friday that relations with Beijing must At the march in Berlin, where several thou- and alarmed some European Union allies, who not be based primarily on trade. sand people turned out, a protester held a sign fear it could see Beijing gain access to sensitive There was not even universal backing for that read: “This protest can’t be displayed for technologies and critical transport hubs. the BRI agreement within Italy’s ruling coali- copyright reasons.” Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio played tion, with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Sal- Among the placards raised by the crowd in down such concerns, telling reporters that al- vini, who heads the far-right League, warning the south-western city of Stuttgart were “Up- A protester holds a plastic ‘Godzilla’ and a portrait of German member of European Parliament though Rome remained fully committed to its against the risk of China “colonialising” Italian load Calypse Now,” “I’m Not A Robot” and Axel Voss during a demonstration yesterday in Berlin against the planned overhaul of European Western partners, it had to put Italy fi rst when markets. “Error 404 Democracy Not Found.” Union’s online copyright law. it came to commercial ties. Salvini did not meet Xi and declined to at- Under the legislation, set to be passed by the “This is a very important day for us, a day tend a state dinner held in honour of the visiting European Parliament on Tuesday, big compa- Critics are also concerned that the new law However, the European Commission argues when Made-in-Italy has won, Italy has won leader on Friday. nies like YouTube and Facebook, along with would force small companies to introduce the that the law needs to be amended to bring it and Italian companies have won,” said Di Maio, Di Maio, who leads the 5-Star Movement, small start-ups, must install upload fi lters to upload fi lters at considerable cost, and that many up to date for the digital era and allow creative who signed the memorandum of understanding says Italy is merely playing catch up, pointing ensure that shared content is not subject to will be unable to aff ord to do so. There are also artists protection online. on behalf of the Italian government in a Renais- to the fact that it exports signifi cantly less to copyright. objections to Article 11, which prevents search News media organisations, including DPA, sance villa. China than either Germany or France. Opponents of the reform — and especially engines from picking up small news items. have backed the changes. Taking advantage of Xi’s visit, Italian fi rms Italy registered a trade defi cit with China of of the controversial Article 13 that deals with There has been especially fi erce opposi- “The future of the free press lies in the hands inked deals with Chinese counterparts worth an 17.6bn euros last year and Di Maio said the aim how content is shared online — say the auto- tion to the changes in Germany. The German- of the EU legislators,” 18 European news agen- initial 2.5bn euros ($2.8bn). Di Maio said these was to eliminate the defi cit as soon as possible. matic fi ltering of content could limit freedom language version of Wikipedia shut down for cies wrote in a letter in September. contracts had a potential, future value of 20bn After talks with Italian Prime Minister of expression. the day on Thursday in protest at the pending Along with Germany, demonstrations were euros. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) lies at Giuseppe Conte and Di Maio in the morning, They argue that the law could lead to cen- changes in EU law, even though Wikipedia, as also planned in Austria, Poland, the Czech Re- the heart of China’s foreign policy strategy and Xi fl ew to the Sicilian city Palermo for a private sorship because the fi lters will also block legal an encyclopaedia, has been excluded from the public, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Finland and was incorporated into the ruling Communist visit yesterday afternoon. content such as quotes, parodies and satire. provisions. Portugal. Gulf Times 18 Sunday, March 24, 2019 INDIA

TRAGEDY INVESTIGATION RIGHTS ABUSE APPOINTMENT CONSTRUCTION Condition of boy rescued Police scan CCTV footage Kashmir traders express Helicopter pilot is Work on water solvent from borewell is critical in Rs1.40cr robbery case anguish over world’s silence new navy chief extraction unit to start soon

The condition of an 18-month-old boy, The Delhi police are scanning CCTV footage Kashmiri businessmen and civil society The government has appointed Eastern The construction of a Rs150 crore solvent rescued from a 70ft narrow borewell in to identify five suspects who allegedly stole members yesterday expressed anguish at Naval Command head Vice Admiral Karambir extraction plant of the Heavy Water Board Haryana’s Hisar district, was critical, doctors Rs1.40 crore from a businessman on Friday, an the alleged silence of the world community Singh, a helicopter pilot, as the next navy in Thoothukudi will begin soon after said yesterday. Nadeem Khan was admitted off icer said yesterday. The incident occurred and rights organisations over the ‘repeated chief replacing Sunil Lanba who retires on regulatory approvals, a top off icial said. “The to Maharaja Agarsen Medical College and around 7pm when Vinod Garg, a grain trader, brutalisation of Kashmiris’. Addressing May 31. Singh supersedes Vice Admiral Bimal environmental clearance for the project Hospital in Agroha on Friday after he was and his son were returning home in in a car a media conference in Srinagar, Sheikh Verma who heads the Andaman and Nicobar was obtained from the Environmental rescued in Balsamand village after a 48-hour with the money in a bag. “On the way four to Ashiq, president of the Kashmir Chamber of command. This is the second time that the Impact Assessment Authority, Tamil Nadu, operation. The child was suff ering from five men wearing helmets who came on bikes Commerce and Industry (KCCI), said: “The government has appointed a service chief by on December 31, 2018,” U Kamachi Mudali, pneumonia and one of his lungs was also intercepted the car and asked the two to hand business community and the local civil society overlooking seniority. General Bikram Singh chairman and chief Executive of HWB said damaged, an off icial said. The rescue team, over the bag to them. The suspects dragged express our anguish at the perennial silence was made the army chief over Lieutenants yesterday. “The engineering part of the comprising the National Disaster Response them out of the car and threatened to kill them,” of the world community and human rights General Pravin Bakshi and P M Hariz who project has begun. Site construction work will Force, the Indian Army and the district Deputy Commissioner of Police Seju P Kuruvilla organisations over the repeated brutalisation were senior to him in 2016. Sources said that start shortly after obtaining approval from administration, had to dig a parallel well to said. “The accused fled in trader’s car with the of our community.” He said the battered body Bimal Verma, brother of former navy chief regulatory authorities,” Mudali said. The plant, reach the child, the off icial added. The son cash,” the DCP said. “The police later found the of Rizwan Asad Pandit, a 29-year-old school Nirmal Verma, missed out because of the likely to be commissioned in 2021, will have 25 of a road construction worker fell into the car abandoned some 400m away from the teacher, detained for questioning on March 17, shadow of naval war room leak case on his tonne rare material annual production capacity. borewell on Wednesday evening. spot,” he said. was returned to the family on March 19. career.

Chavan remark BJP shrugs off raises a storm ‘Yeddy Diaries’ IANS Mumbai

n off -the-cuff remark by Maharashtra Congress Apresident Ashok Chavan, impact on LS in an audio-clip that went viral yesterday, sparked speculation whether he was going to quit be- fore the 2019 elections. The incident pertained to a conversation between Chavan and a party activist from Chan- poll prospects drapur, identifying himself as Rajurkar, seeking to voice re- IANS has been a den of corruption, as government, not an unstable one sentment and opposition among Bengaluru evident from the scams its UPA by the corrupt Congress or of party workers to the nomina- government was embroiled in for unholy coalition parties,” Mad- tion of Vinayak Bangade for the a decade,” Madhsudhan said. husudhan said. Chandrapur Lok Sabha seat. he Bharatiya Janata Par- Karnataka will vote to elect 14 Though the Central Board of During the conversation, Cha- ty yesterday dubbed a Lok Sabha members on April 18 Direct Taxes (CBDT) clarifi ed van is heard saying: “I have also Tmagazine report linking and the remaining 14 on April on Friday that the entries in the informed the party. Nobody is former Karnataka chief minister 23. The votes, as in the rest of the loose papers of the diaries were listening to me. I am also think- B S Yeddyurappa to corruption country, will be counted on May doubtful as they were not in ing whether to quit.” He sug- a concoction, and accused the 23. the original and seized from the gested Rajurkar raise the issue Congress of using its dirty tricks The BJP is contesting in all the premises of the state Congress with central party leader Mukul department to harm the state’s 28 parliamentary constituencies minister D K Shivakumar when Wasnik, implying he called the opposition party’s prospects in across the state, while the Con- the Income-Tax sleuths raided shots on candidature. the upcoming general elections. gress will be in the fray in 20 and his residence in Bengaluru in “But, Wasnik is a non-entity “A desperate Congress is try- its coalition partner Janata Dal- August 2017, the Congress is not before you,” the caller replied. ing to malign our party and state Secular (JD-S) in the remaining ready to admit that its claim and Later, when questioned by the leader B S Yeddyurappa by mak- eight seats as part of a pre-poll demand for a probe were unjusti- media, Chavan - a former chief ing some fake entries in a fabri- alliance. fi ed. minister - said he had not heard cated diary proof of corruption In the 2014 general elections, “What prevented the Congress the audio, but denied that he has against us. Its dirty tricks depart- the BJP won 17, Congress nine from seeking an inquiry in par- quit. ment is working overtime to have and JD-S two. In fact, the Con- liament or in the state assembly Agreeing that there were cer- its impact on our poll prospects gress tally in the state was the or law courts since August 2017 tain issues on the nomination by planting such stories,” the par- highest though in single digit, when its senior minister (Shiva- announced for Chandrapur, he, ty’s state unit spokesman G Mad- accounting for 21% of the total kumar) had such hard evidence however, said, “But, it is our in- husudan said in Bengaluru. 44 Lok Sabha seats it won across against Yeddyurappa on the so- ternal matter and I would not According to the Delhi-based the country. called pay-off s? It clearly shows prefer to discuss it publicly.” The Caravan magazine, Yeddy- Terming the Congress demand that the Grand Old Party is afraid The party also dismissed the urappa is alleged to have paid a for a probe by the newly set up of the BJP winning more Lok speculation of Chavan quitting. whopping Rs1,800 crore to the anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal Sabha seats than in the past, rid- “All these are just mischievous BJP’s national leaders, includ- into the ‘Yeddy Diaries’ as absurd, ing on the popularity of Modi and rumours to create confusion. ing L K Advani, Murli Manhoar the spokesman said as the oppo- his performance,” Madhusudhan The state party president has not Joshi, Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitely sition party was bereft of issues added. reigned,” spokesman Sachin Sa- and Nitin Gadkari as “payoff s a for poll campaign, it was mud- According to the CBDT state- want said. in 2009 when he was the party’s slinging to divert people’s atten- ment, “when confronted, Shiva- The rumours gained quick fi rst chief minister in the south- tion from governance, perform- kumar said it was a copy of a di- credence coming barely hours ern state from May 2008 to July ance, leadership, security, growth ary written by Yeddyurappa and after the party legislator from 2011. and a new India Prime Minister payments paid on behalf of him Sillod in Aurangabad, Abdul The report also said the alleged Narendra Modi wanted to build. to legislators and received from Sattar, resigned to contest as payouts were recorded by Yed- “The Congress leaders should various leaders, MLAs, ministers an independent candidate for dyurappa in a Karnataka state realise that in the general elec- when they were in power.” When the Lok Sabha, challenging Shiv assembly legislator’s 2009 diary tions, people vote to elect a party the tax sleuths asked Yeddyurap- Sena’s Chandrakant Khaire and in Kannadalanguage in his own or a coalition of parties to form pa about the contents in the dia- Congress’ Subhash Zambad. hand. a government at the Centre and ry, they were told that he was not A former minister and two- “The Congress accusation not in the state. The upcoming in the habit of writing a dairy and time legislator, Sattar took pains based on the report will have no election is to re-elect the BJP-led that the loose sheets in question to maintain that he has “not re- impact on our poll prospects an- NDA government with Modi as were not in his handwriting. He belled, nor harboured any griev- ywhere in the country, more so in the prime minister again and not denied his handwriting and sig- ances/complaints against any- Election staff prepare Electronic Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines and Electronic Karnataka, as the people are wis- Yeddyurappa who is the opposi- natures on the loose sheets and body in the party”, but had quit Voting Machines (EVM) for use in the upcoming national elections, at the deputy commissioner’s off ice in er and will not waste their votes tion leader in the state assembly. called the entire aff air an attempt on his own initiative. Dibrugarh in the northeastern state of Assam. on a party like Congress which People want a stable and decisive to tarnish his image.

Go vegan and save forests Maharashtra’s 56-party alliance ready to take on BJP-Sena front

IANS dividing the 48 seats among a fraud on the peoples’ trust. The Mumbai themselves in the ratio of 25:23, people will not forget or forgive sparking resentment, especially and teach them a lesson in the in the Republican Party of India next elections,” Chavan said. 56-party strong ‘Ma- (A) led by federal Minister for State NCP president Jayant hagathbandhan’ (grand Social Welfare Ramdas Atha- Patil charged Prime Minister Aalliance) fi nalised in Ma- wale. Narendra Modi with indulging harashtra yesterday is all set to Launching a scathing tirade, in hypocrisy by quietly sending take on the Bharatiya Janata Par- state Congress president Ashok wishes to Pakistan’s prime min- ty-Shiv Sena-led ruling coalition Chavan and former chief minis- ister, and attacked the govern- in the Lok Sabha elections. ter, said that many other parties ment on various other major is- The two biggest partners in were keen to join the UPGA, but sues where it had failed. the ‘grand alliance’ - Congress were prevented by the politics of “This ‘Mahagathbandhan’ will and Nationalist Congress Party ‘Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed’ (by free the people of the country - have decided to accommodate any means) pursued by the BJP. who are tired of the promises of some of the smaller partners by He accused the BJP of using ‘achhe din’ made by Modi,” Patil keeping four seats from their re- divisive politics in its attempt to said. spective quotas, out of the total divide the secular votes vis-a-vis Former deputy chief minister 48 constituencies in the state. their communal politics, but the Ajit Pawar said there were huge The parties which are expected ‘Mahagathbandhan’ would en- hurdles in forming the ‘grand al- to fi ght the elections under the sure unity and justice for all sec- liance’ with eff orts thwarted at banner of ‘United Progressive tions of society including farm- every stage, but everything was Grand Alliance’ are: two seats ers, minorities, Dalits, SC/ST, overcome. for Swabhimani Shetkari Sang- women, workers and the youth, “Those who didn’t join the hatana (SSS), and one each for he added. UPGA are the ‘Team B’ of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) and “This (BJP-Sena) govern- BJP-Sena,” he said without nam- Yuva Swabhimani Party (YSP). ment has made false assurances, ing Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi led In contrast, the ruling BJP- announcements and promises by Prakash Ambedkar and the Animal rights activists with the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) dressed as a giraff e, zebra and tiger Sena alliance has given a short which remained unfulfi lled in the Owaisi brothers which is plan- pose with placards during a rally urging the public to save forests by going vegan in Bengaluru. shrift to all its smaller allies by past fi ve years, thus committing ning to contest all 48 seats. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 19 INDIA

Govt has done nothing to improve our lot, say watchmen

Reuters just before a general election be- country in their own way. are among the millions in India’s last year before an alleged $2bn “chaiwallah” campaign in which But that’s unlikely to be re- New Delhi ginning on April 11 is the “Main The campaign came in re- vast informal economy where bank loan fraud he is accused of he fl aunted his past working for peated this time. bhi chowkidar” or “I am also a sponse to the opposition Con- workers are often poorly paid and being involved in came to light. his father as a chaiwallah, or tea Polls predict Modi might win watchman” campaign. gress Party’s slogan “chowkidar barely protected by labour laws, The cash-based economy suf- vendor. a second term but with a much or over a decade Arvind He tied an appeal to tens of chor hai”, or the nation’s “watch- Modi’s campaign is a political fered a serious hit from the gov- It may be a gimmick, but such smaller majority, amid concerns Singh has worked as a millions of often poorly paid man is a thief”, which it began us- gimmick that is unlikely to im- ernment’s shock move to ban things have worked for Modi in about a lack of jobs growth and Fwatchman in New Delhi, watchmen to the priorities of ing late last year to refer to Modi prove their lives. high-value currency notes in the past, said Priyavadan Patel, millions of farmers dissatisfi ed doing the rounds of the streets his own job, following a suicide in connection with allegations of “I don’t know why they 2016. a veteran political scientist from over depressed crop prices. with a whistle and a wooden stick bomb attack that killed 44 para- irregularities in the awarding of a started it,” said Rakesh Yadav, a Singh remembers being unable Modi’s home state of Gujarat and Some of the most challenging to keep vigil at night. military policemen in Jammu and defence contract. 37-year-old watchman from Ut- to feed his children for some days scholar at the Lokniti research battleground states for Modi’s Watchmen like him are so Kashmir last month. Modi has denied any wrong- tar Pradesh. and standing in long queues at programme of Delhi’s Centre for party are those that depend on ubiquitous in India, guarding “We both work day and night. doing. “In the last four years they the banks to exchange the voided the Study of Developing Socie- the farm economy. everything from offi ces to homes You guard homes and I guard the In recent days, leaders and have done nothing for us,” he currency for new notes. ties. “The chowkidar campaign and stores to factories, that their nation,” Modi said in an audio supporters of Modi’s Bharatiya said, looking up from a newspa- “What has changed in our “The chaiwalla campaign may not work in such areas,” Pa- presence goes almost unnoticed. speech addressed to watchmen Janata Party (BJP) have launched per while on duty outside a resi- lives? We are doing the same worked in a big way,” Patel said. tel said. But over the past week, the on Wednesday. a co-ordinated eff ort to popu- dential complex in New Delhi. duty we were doing some years Such connections with the One of those states is Bihar, watchman has dominated India’s “The watchman has become a larise his watchman campaign, “If PM was a chowkidar, would ago,” he said, adding that his sal- common man helped the BJP to where the watchman Singh mi- headlines. symbol of the country’s nation- with many changing their social Nirav Modi run away?” said an- ary had not increased from about gain a big parliamentary major- grated from 12 years ago. That’s because the latest cam- alism,” he said, equating eve- media names to add the prefi x other watchman, Mohamed Rs9,000 a month in three years. ity, the likes of which had not He said he wouldn’t go back paign to be launched this week by ryone from teachers and doc- ‘chowkidar’. Nayyar, referring to the billion- The chowkidar campaign is a been seen in three decades in In- because working on the farm Prime Minister Narendra Modi tors to watchmen guarding the But for many watchmen, who aire jeweller who fl ed to Britain distinct reminder of Modi’s 2014 dia, in 2014. back home was not profi table. West Bengal government a one-person show: Rahul

IANS He thanked the people of Mal- Chanchal, West Bengal da, a traditional Congress bas- tion, for always standing by his party and promised he will try to ongress president Ra- fulfi l all their wishes. hul Gandhi yesterday “I want to thank you because Claunched a scathing at- you have always stood with Con- tack on West Bengal Chief Min- gress. You have always given us ister Mamata Banerjee, accusing love and support no matter what her of running the entire state the condition of the party is. I will according to her whims. not forget this in my entire life. I “Bengal is being run by just will remember this when our party one person. She neither talks forms the government in Delhi. to anyone nor takes anybody’s “I will fulfi l all your needs. Be suggestion. She does whatever it farmers’ issue, issues with jobs she feels like,” Gandhi said while or land, I will try to help you out addressing a rally in Chanchal, so long I am alive. Our relation is a town in Malda district, about of love, not of politics,” he said. 385km north of Kolkata. Comparing the Banerjee gov- A woman walks past a wall painted with the election symbol of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in an alley at a residential area in Kolkata. “Does Bengal not have any ernment with the erstwhile Left voice? Is it not important for Front regime in the state, Gandhi Bengal to have its own voice? said both have failed to take the Should one person be allowed to state on the path of develop- run an entire state,” he asked. ment and claimed that the state Gandhi also accused Banerjee can’t progress until the Congress of having done nothing for the forms the government. state’s people. “You have seen the rule of CPM “Nothing has been done for for years. They could not bring I challenge PM and BJP the farmers, youths here. Unem- development. Then you chose ployment is everywhere. Only Mamata Banerjee. But the situation Mamataji’s speeches go on all in Bengal is the same. The atroci- day long. Tell me what has she ties that used to happen during the done for you? Has she revoked CPM rule are still happening under the taxes for the farmers? Has Mamataji,” he alleged. she given employment to the “We will try our best to form a chief for debate: Pitroda youths or helped out the small Congress government in Bengal. businessmen,” he questioned I promise our party activists that IANS Speaking to IANS in an exclu- tack me with lies,” Pitroda said, a citizen of the country. I am a “they (Modi and others) know while the massive crowd re- Congress will keep fi ghting to New Delhi sive interview, Pitroda said that adding the 40-minute video scientist. I believe in data. In me well”. sponded with a resounding “No”. form a Congress government in the 40-minute tape of his com- does not contain anything even fact, I am not emotional about “Narendra Modi calls me Alleging that Congress activ- the state,” he added. ments that created a furore was remotely close to what Modi or these things. I want facts. When ‘Satyan bhai’ (his original ists face relentless attacks from Gandhi also indirectly targeted ongress president Rahul available for everybody, and that Shah have said. I read in The New York Times name is Satyanarayan Ganga- ‘goons’ of West Bengal’s ruling Malda North MP Mausam Bena- Gandhi’s close confi dant if anyone found anything that “Opposition insults our forces that nobody got killed, you tell ram Pitroda). He is close to my Trinamool Congress every day, zir Noor, who crossed over from CSam Pitroda, who is in “is disrespectful of our jawans time and again. I appeal to my me 300 were killed. I want to wife, at a personal level, they Gandhi said the situation will the Congress to the Trinamool, the eye of a political storm after or our army, I would be happy fellow Indians: question opposi- know. What is the problem, that know who Sam Pitroda is. They soon change. and is now the latter’s candidate his alleged comment question- to say sorry, if not, then I would tion leaders on their statements. does not show any disrespect are shaken up that he is go- “Congress activists are throt- from the same constituency, ing the claims about air strikes challenge them (Modi, Finance Tell them 130 crore Indians will for anybody,” he said, adding ing to be here and spend two tled and beaten up every day... I saying she had “deceived” the on terror camps in Pakistan, said Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP not forgive or forget the opposi- “I respect our forces, I applaud months in campaign,” he said, want to congratulate all our party people. yesterday that he did not say an- chief Amit Shah) for a debate on tion for their antics,” wrote Modi their sacrifice but I want to ask adding “I have skeletons in my activists who fi ght for the politics “She has hoodwinked you by ything disrespectful of soldiers a public platform”. about Sam Pitroda. a question. closet. I have no bank accounts. of principle. I want to tell them to leaving the party under pres- or the armed forces, terming the “What nonsense is this? You When IANS asked Pitroda Pitroda did not rule out that No property. Never goofed up keep fi ghting for Congress and its sure. This is a Congress bastion, claims by Prime Minister Naren- can do character assassination about his take on Balakot strike, the entire top BJP machinery’s on women. I am sort of a Gan- ideology. Do not be afraid. I am and you make her realise that by dra Modi and other top offi cials on somebody. I have spent 30 he said it was hard to say. “I only reaction to his comment could dhian, never lied on tax, so any- with you. (We will) form the gov- deceiving the people, one cannot of the government and the ruling years working here. I changed my asked a question. You said 300 be a diversion from the issue of body else they would put screws ernment in Delhi. Then you will work in Bengal,” he said, without Bharatiya Janata Party on his re- nationality from being an Ameri- people were killed. I asked for Yeddyurappa diaries. He also on, but they cannot do anything see what happens,” he said. taking her name. marks as a blatant lie. can to Indian and you want to at- proof. I am entitled to that as said the other reason was that to me.”

Deadly gunbattle Shanta Kumar, Munda Karnataka open don’t fi gure on BJP list for talks with Ola Reuters The company, backed by Soft- Bengaluru Bank Group Corp and Tencent IANS The names were fi nalised on Meanwhile, former deputy Holdings Ltd, has until tomorrow New Delhi Friday in a meeting of the BJP’s chairperson of the Rajya Sabha to respond to the suspension notice. Central Election Committee and veteran Congress leader P J he Karnataka government “It’s a temporary suspension (CEC) headed by party presi- Kurien expressed anguish at the kept the door open yes- and if they give us a satisfactory he Bharatiya Janata Party dent Amit Shah and attended by widespread speculation that he Tterday to talks with local response, then we won’t need to (BJP) yesterday came out Prime Minister Narendra Modi was all set to join the BJP, which ride-hailing service Ola to avoid implement the ban,” Ikkeri said, Twith its fi fth list of 48 and federal ministers Rajnath he has dismissed as rubbish and a ban that could help rival Uber adding that Ola would face fi - candidates, denying tickets to Singh, Arun Jaitley, Sushma baseless. build market share. nancial penalties. party veterans Shanta Kumar Swaraj and Nitin Gadkari, among “When I was the deputy chair- The southern state earlier this Ola did not immediately re- and Kariya Munda while shift- others. person, the present government week issued a notice to suspend spond to a request for comment. ing Parliamentary Aff airs Min- In Madhya Pradesh, where the had given me huge off ers. At the Ola’s licence for six months for It could lose out badly to Uber ister Narendra Singh Tomar to BJP tasted defeat in the recent moment, I will not reveal it. It violating government rules by if pushed out of the market for an Morena from Gwalior in Madhya assembly polls, the party has de- pains me a lot of the recent de- running motorcycle taxis which extended period. Pradesh. nied tickets to four sitting MPs velopments of the baseless news are not allowed for safety reasons. “If Uber comes up with a strat- Besides Kumar and Munda, - Bhagirath Prasad from Bhind, that I am joining the BJP. I will State capital and technology egy to lock in some of the drivers the party has also denied tick- Gyan Singh from Shahdol, Chin- say such reports are baseless and hub Bengaluru is among Ola’s top or customers with more incen- ets to six sitting MPs - four from tamani Malviya from Ujjain and rubbish,” Kurien said in Pathan- three markets in India. tives, it will be diffi cult for Ola Madhya Pradesh and one each Jyoti Dhurve from Betul. amthitta, Kerala. V P Ikkeri, state commissioner to make a comeback,” said Neil from Gujarat and Himachal They have been replaced by One reason for the specula- A Kashmiri villager looks at the remains of a house for transport and road safety, told Shah, partner and research di- Pradesh. Sandhya Rai (Bhind), Himadri tion was that the BJP was yet to destroyed during a deadly gunbattle between militants reporters the department had seized rector at Counterpoint Research. The fi fth list has candidates for Singh (Shahdol), Anil Firojia (Uj- announce the name of its can- and security forces in Hajin area, in Bandipora district of and issued fi nes for about 258 bikes “Assuming the top three (Indi- both of Goa’s seats, 15 from Mad- jain) and Durgadas Uikey (Betul). didate for the Pathanamthitta Jammuj and Kashmir. A 12-year-old boy was among six during a probe after complaints. an) markets contribute to rough- hya Pradesh, 10 from Jharkhand, In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, constituency, which incidentally people killed in three separate gunbattles between rebels Ola’s permit, obtained in 2017 ly 35-40% of Ola’s revenues, if 15 from Gujarat, all four from the BJP won 26 out of the 29 is Kurien’s home turf. The BJP is and security forces in Kashmir, the police and army said and valid to 2021, allows it to run the ban is upheld, we could be Himachal Pradesh and two from parliamentary seats in Madhya contesting 14 out of the 20 Lok on March 22. three and four-wheeler taxis in looking at a 5-10% revenue hit to Karnataka. Pradesh. Sabha seats in Kerala. Karnataka. the company.” Gulf Times 20 Sunday, March 24, 2019 PAKISTAN

J-10 fighter jets from the Chinese military aerobatics team perform during the Pakistan Day military Tank crews steer their vehicles during the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad yesterday. parade, in Islamabad yesterday. President, PM stress need to achieve goal of welfare state Internews Islamabad

he Pakistani president and prime minister in Ttheir separate messages on Pakistan Day yesterday, stressed the need to achieve the goal of a welfare state as envis- aged by the country’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah. President Arif Alvi in his message said Pakistan has overcome the challenges of extremism and terrorism but the country is yet to make ef- forts for excelling on social and economic fronts. Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message said the govern- ment is committed to establish- ing a society where every person can contribute towards socio- economic development to the best of their ability. President Alvi said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-exist- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (left) and President Arif Alvi (right) stand silent during the national ence but its desire for peace anthem during the Pakistan Day parade in Islamabad yesterday. People carry national flags during a rally on Pakistan National Day in Quetta yesterday. should not be misconstrued as weakness. cent demonstration of Pakistan’s tries including Saudi Arabia, India to address and resolve all kistan Day joint military parade jets were followed by similar for- radar systems and other modern He said Pakistan is a respon- defence capability.” China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, issues, including Kashmir. in Islamabad yesterday. mations of Mirage, F-7PG and weaponry were also rolled out at sible nuclear state, but it wants He said the country is safe and Bahrain and Sri Lanka has The prime minister also called The PAF chief who led the fl y- other fi ghter aircraft. the parade. peace, not war. He said Pakistan moving on the path of progress added valour to the day’s mili- upon Modi for forging a new re- past as a salute to the president Pakistan displayed its military Combat and attack helicopters respects integrity and sover- and development after eff ec- tary parade, and this signifi es lationship based on peace and addressed the gathering from his might at the parade held to mark and jets belonging to the armed eignty of other states. tively combating the menace of Pakistan’s friendship with prosperity for all people of the F-16 jet and said, “This is your air the National Day. Malaysian forces and air force as well as the He said India will have to ac- terrorism. these countries. two countries. chief. Make no mistake we will Prime Minister Mahathir Mo- Chinese aerobatics team mes- cept Pakistan as a reality, and He, however, pointed out that Prime Minister Khan has wel- Modi in his message said it is always safeguard Pakistan. Pre- hamad, who was on a three-day merised the audience with their it must come to the conclusion the country is dealing with the comed the message of greetings time that people of the sub-con- senting to you our wings of free- visit to the country, was the guest manoeuvres. that dialogue is the only way to challenges of poverty, hunger, and good wishes on Pakistan’s tinent work together for a demo- dom as the guardians of your sky. of honour at the parade. Skydivers of airborne units of resolve issues. unemployment and extremist National Day yesterday by his In- cratic, peaceful, progressive and Pakistan Zindabad.” Contingents of armoured and the three armed forces as well as The president said, “We are a mindset. dian counterpart Narendra Modi prosperous region. Following the air chief, a for- mechanised infantry, including paratroopers from Azerbaijan, peaceful nation, but are not ob- The president said partici- to the people of Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief mation of four PAF JF-17 Thun- the Al-Khalid and Al Zarar tanks, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Sri livious to our defence, and the pation of the representatives Khan said it is time to begin Air Chief Marshal Mujahid An- der fi ghter jets demonstrated a variety of Armoured Personnel Lanka took part in free-fall jumps same has been proved in the re- of Pakistan’s friendly coun- a comprehensive dialogue with war Khan led a fl y-past at the Pa- their aerial prowess. The JF-17 Carriers (APC), howitzer guns, and showcased their skills. Launch of Peshawar Legislation for Sindh govt to give PM housing legal cover for bus service put off scheme fi nalised ridesharing apps Internews Minister’s House issued a state- “I understand that the citi- Internews would soon be presented Peshawar ment quoting the chief min- zens of Peshawar have been in- Islamabad to the Cabinet Committee Internews Government sources said ister as saying that he had de- convenienced and I feel their on Legislative Cases before Karachi that amending the motor vehi- cided that he won’t open an pain. We are working hard to The construction of 5mn being tabled in parliament. cle ordinance would be enough he Khyber Pakhtunkhwa incomplete project. resolve it. However, this project housing units is a flagship It was also pointed out that to allow ridesharing services to province government With the information minis- is very important for the city of programme of the current four sites in Islamabad, one he Sindh province gov- operate within airport limits. Thas decided to put off the ter blaming rains for the delay in Peshawar. It’s the biggest in- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Lahore and another in ernment has decided to Interestingly, warning no- launch of the Peshawar Bus Rapid the bus service’s launch, the chief vestment ever made by any gov- (PTI) government, which Quetta had been identified Tamend the Sindh Motor tices relating to the bar on Transit for an indefi nite period minister said the BRT project was ernment in the city,” he said. will give a boost to the for formal launch of the Vehicle Ordinance to give legal Uber and Careem vehicles en- following the refusal of Chief far from complete and therefore, Mahmood said after comple- economy through job initiative. cover to ride-sharing opera- tering the airport which were Minister Mahmood Khan to in- he had decided against opening it. tion, the project would help turn creation for youth and to It was decided that tions such as Careem and Uber. put up by the CAA around the augurate an incomplete project. Mahmood said signifi cant Peshawar into a modern city and construction and allied the prime minister Careem Pakistan Manag- airport have been removed. The government had kept progress had been made on the that he had asked the offi cials sectors, stated Prime would perform the ing Director Junaid Iqbal and Discussions between the saying for weeks that the bus BRT but some work, including concerned to complete work on Minister Imran Khan. groundbreaking of initial Sindh Transport Minister Careem administration and service would be launched on that on bus stations, was still the mixed traffi c lanes as quickly Chairing a meeting on the projects in the second week Awais Qadir Shah held a meet- CAA regarding regulation of March 23. pending. as possible and improve traffi c Naya Pakistan Housing of April. ing in which this and other Careem services is under way, The information department “I have decided that I will not fl ow in the city. Scheme, the prime On the issue of allowing issues were discussed, such said a Careem spokesperson. phoned media outlets on Friday open an incomplete project,” he He ordered an investigation minister reaff irmed that vertical expansion of cities, as a potential joint venture to Documents pertaining to afternoon asking them to send said in the statement. The chief into drainage issues in the city implementation of the 5mn it was resolved that the launch buses and fi nd mobility amendments in the Motor Ve- teams to cover what it called the minister said Prime Minister and fi nd ways to fi x them. housing initiative, the main model being followed in solutions for diff erently-abled hicle Ordinance are already BRT service’s ‘test run’. Imran Khan had also advised The chief minister also or- plank of the PTI’s manifesto, the federal capital would be people and the elderly. being prepared. Information Minister Shau- him not to inaugurate an incom- dered the early completion of would fulfil the dream of replicated in all major cities Careem has also started dis- It should be noted that a few kat Yousafzai, representatives of plete project for political gains work on the corridor. aff ordable housing for the of the country. cussions with the Civil Aviation days back, letters were written the Peshawar Development Au- as that went against the ruling Mahmood, who had earlier low-income segment of the The prime minister directed Authority to resume pick and to the administrations of Uber thority and TransPeshawar, and PTI’s agenda for real change. threatened to sack the relevant economy. that the legislative process drop services for passengers at and Careem regarding the sus- journalists rode three buses on He said the PTI didn’t believe in offi cials in case of failure to The premier was informed should be expedited and Jinnah International Airport. pension of their operations the BRT corridor from the city’s ‘takhti’ (plaque unveiling) politics launch the bus service on March that legislation for the Naya seamless co-ordination We will implement the rules within airport limits, while the western tip, Hayatabad, to the and therefore, he would inaugu- 23, said he was issuing the fi nal Pakistan Housing Scheme should be ensured at federal of Sindh regional transport au- airport management had also eastern terminus in Chamkani. rate the service only when the warning to all those concerned had been finalised and it and provincial levels. thority, said a CAA spokesper- placed warning signs around In the meantime, the Chief corridor was available for use. to get their acts together. son when asked about the talks. the facility. Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Philippines ‘does not need ICC to resolve sea row’

Manila Times “The Philippines is a democratic country Nations, but also pronounced by an interna- Manila and anybody can bring a suit against any- tional arbitral body,” said Enrile, who is vying body but whether or not it would prosper, for a fi fth term in the Senate in the May mid- or whether or not we have the jurisdiction, term elections. he Philippines does not need the help that’s something else. Remember China is “But having that right, does that vest in of the International Criminal Court not a member of the ICC,” Duterte said on you the capacity to exploit your right because T(ICC) to resolve its maritime dispute Thursday. somebody is claiming it too?” he asked. Conchita Morales: campaign against impunity with China, Malacanang said yesterday. Panelo said Del Rosario and Carpio-Mo- Under present circumstances, Enrile be- Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo made rales could have been motivated with “right- lieves that the Philippines may either enter the statement as he claimed that the commu- eous indignation over the establishment of into negotiation or confl ict with China. nication lodged against Chinese President structures on some parts of the South China “In the game of nations, there are only two Xi Jinping before the ICC for alleged crimes Sea which have been ruled to be rightfully options that are available to us. Either we Morales says complaint a against humanity might not prosper. belonging to us.” raise an army to match our competitor over “Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio- “To their minds, the establishment of that claim or we approach it through discus- Morales and former Foreign Aff airs Secretary those structures endanger the environment sion, talking, negotiation,” the veteran law- Albert del Rosario may have the right to fi le as well as our fi shermen,” he said. maker said. message against impunity the complaint against Chinese President Xi Panelo, however, stressed that Del Rosario “If we opt to fi ght China, we must have the Jing Ping before the ICC as individuals over and Carpio-Morales were “not authorised to money to raise an army, if at all. And even if a perceived violation committed against their lodge a complaint against China at the ICC we can raise that money, are we willing to By Ma. Reina L Tolentino crimes that could be tried by “The West Philippine Sea is country or their countrymen,” he said. on behalf of the Philippines.” sacrifi ce the blood and lives of our young Manila Times the international court. ours. The UN Arbitral Tribu- “However, we do not need the help or “Whether or not the case will prosper is people to fi ght a war that we may not be able “If for example we succeed nal affi rmed that. The case now disturbance of a biased tribunal known another matter. It could be dismissed be- to win? And even if we win, could it cause us in disciplining Xi Jinping then I fi led in the ICC is an assertion to politically prosecute heads of state, the cause China is not a member of the ICC, so ruin?” Enrile asked. ormer Ombudsman Con- think the whole world will nat- of our legitimate rights over our very reason why powerful countries like the is the Philippines. The fi ling of the complaint He said China acknowledges the Philip- chita Carpio Morales said urally follow us,” he said. exclusive economic zone and a United States, China, Russia, and Israel, to may be a futile exercise. The ICC has no ju- pines’ privilege over the disputed area. Fthe fi ling of the “com- Carpio-Morales said the ICC means especially for our fi sh- name only a few, have either withdrawn their risdiction over China,” he added. “On the other hand, if China wants to munication” against Chinese has jurisdiction over Xi even if erfolk to get justice,” he added. membership as State Parties from the Rome The Palace offi cial also stressed that the talk to us, and I think they’re willing to talk President Xi Jinping before China is not a member of the Magdalo Rep. Alejano also Statute or declined to be members of the Philippines and China were already engaged to us, which to me is an evidence of the fact the International Criminal ICC. lauded the two former govern- ICC,” he added. in a “diplomatic negotiation.” that they recognise our right over the area, Court (ICC) was a message to “The one who committed the ment offi cials for fi ling the case Del Rosario and Carpio, on behalf of Filipi- “We reiterate that the Philippines under why don’t we talk to them and negotiate the Filipinos that acts of impunity crime does not have to belong before the ICC. no fi shermen, fi led a communication against the Duterte administration is engaged in problem?” he stressed. should not be tolerated. to a country who is a state party “This is a slap on the Philip- Xi and other Chinese offi cials for their ac- a diplomatic negotiation, through a bilat- The former Senate president, added that “We want to check impuni- to the ICC,” she said, adding pine government that has failed tions in the South China Sea that allegedly eral consultation mechanism, over the West the Philippines does not have the money ty,” Carpio-Morales said when that Xi “committed the crime to exact accountability and constitutes crimes against humanity. Philippine Sea issue,” Panelo said. “to explore the presence of hydrocarbon she faced the media along with within Philippine territory.” punish the countless transgres- “These acts of Chinese offi cials and na- “The critics and detractors will have a fi eld fuel in that area or mineral resources.” former Foreign Aff airs Secre- The “communication” ac- sions of China against Filipino tionals infl ict food and livelihood deprivation day criticising the president in the event the “Even if we have those resources there, tary Albert del Rosario at the cused Xi and other Chinese fi shermen and the destruction to the inhabitants of the coastal States in the case is dismissed by the ICC for lack of juris- if we cannot exploit it, what good is that Manila Polo Club. offi cials of implementing a of our marine environment. South China Sea, which therefore consti- diction. They can claim that it was a mistake deposit there? Apart from that, we can take “It’s not only a message to “systematic plan to control” This is the government’s job,” tute ‘inhuman acts… intentionally causing for the Philippine government to withdraw advantage of the market of China,” Enrile the Duterte administration. It the contested South China Sea Alejano, who is running for great suff ering, or serious injury to body or to its membership from the Rome Statute as the said. is also addressed to Filipinos, (West Philippine Sea) and vio- senator under the opposition mental or physical health,’” the communica- ICC can no longer serve as a venue to pros- Sen. Panfilo Lacson also lauded del Ro- to similarly situated fi sher- lating Filipino fi shers’ rights.| coalition Otso Diretso’s slate, tion read. ecute President Xi for an alleged commission sario and Morales for taking action against men, that we demand account- Senate bet Neri Colmenares said. President Rodrigo Duterte, who has en- of crime against humanity,” he added. China. ability from those who destroy backed Morales and del Rosa- The former Marine captain gaged China “peacefully,” said the two former Former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile “It is a patriotic move on the part of marine areas, that we want to rio’s move. called on the military and coast government offi cials were “entitled” to sub- also said he favours negotiation with China former Ombudsman Morales and former check impunity as a deterrent “This is one way of asserting guard “to be steadfast in their mit their complaint against Beijing. even if the Philippines has the right over DFA Secretary Del Rosario that deserves for other countries,” Carpio- our sovereignty against China. duty to protect our territory He expressed confi dence that the fi ling of some areas in the SCS (West Philippine Sea). the support of every freedom loving Fili- Morales said. We should use every venue and fellow Filipinos.” the complaint against Xi would not strain the “We have a right that is given, not only pino whose duty is to protect and preserve Del Rosario said other both here and internationally to Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos relations between the Philippines and Bei- given by a convention and agreed upon by the our country’s sovereignty and territorial countries can fi le a complaint expose and fi ght China’s takeo- Isagani Zarate said the country jing. international community through the United integrity,” Lacson said in a statement. against those who commit ver of our seas,” he said. should stand upto China.

Celebration time $35mn worth Sotto says passage of drugs seized anti-terror bill top priority from China By Javier J Ismael measure, the Senate, before its Manila Times adjournment on February 8, also passed and ratified sev- shipment eral measures including the enate President Vicente Murang Kuryente Act, Auto- Sotto 3rd yesterday said matic Membership for PWDs DPA Sthe Senate would push the Act, Student Fare Discount Manila passage of the proposed Anti- Act, National Integrated Can- Terrorism Act and other major cer Control Act, Department of bills during the remaining nine Human Settlements and Urban hilippine customs and an- session days of the 17th Con- Development Act and Special ti-drug operatives have in- gress. Protection of Children in Situ- Ptercepted a shipment from After the May 13 midterm ations of Armed Conflict Act. China containing nearly 300 ki- elections, the Senate will los of narcotics worth approxi- resume sessions on May 20 and Sotto said topping the mately 1.8bn pesos ($35.2mn), adjourn sine die on June 7, 2019. list of the major bills is offi cials said yesterday. Sotto said topping the list Senate Bill 2204 or the The methamphetamine hy- of the major bills is Senate Bill proposed “Anti-Terrorism drochloride, locally called “sha- 2204 or the proposed “Anti- Act” of 2019 fi led on bu,” was wrapped in clear cello- Terrorism Act” of 2019 filed Feb 4, 2019 by Senators phane, sealed in foil packaging on Feb 4, 2019 by Senators Richard Gordon, Gregorio and stashed in 12 sacks that were Richard Gordon, Gregorio Ho- Honasan, Panfi lo Lacson, placed inside a 40-foot contain- nasan, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Loren Legarda and himself er, the Bureau of Customs said in Legarda and himself. a statement. The six other measures are All of these measures were The shipment was declared to the Medical Scholarship Act, already signed into law by be carrying plastic resin and ar- amendment to the Public Serv- President Rodrigo Duterte. rived in Manila on March 17. ice Act, Budget Reform Act, On Friday, Sotto expressed The container was seized on Mindanao Railways Author- optimism that the 2019 Gen- Friday evening, it added. ity Bill, Emergency Powers Act eral Appropriations Bill would Aaron Aquino, director gen- and Reformation of Children in soon be transmitted to the Pal- eral of the Philippine Drug En- Conflict With the Law. ace as the Senate and the House forcement Agency, said his offi ce “Yes, all of those are on the of Representatives have agreed received a tip from counterparts floor and there is a big chance to end their squabbling on the in Vietnam that a container that these will be passed, we measure. aboard a ship from Ho Chi Minh Graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy throw their hats in the air during the academy’s 40th commencement will pass them,” Sotto said. The national government has City was arriving in Manila with exercises in Silang, Cavite. Apart from the passage and been operating under a reen- “huge amounts of illegal drugs.” ratification of the 2019 budget acted 2018 budget. Most voters to shun corrupt Senate candidates: survey

By Catherine S Valente The survey, held from Dec 16 are “concerned about or help- “has political will”, 3%; and is has concern for the poor” (21%) who have concern for those in who “will not be corrupt” (24%) Manila Times to 19, 2018, showed that 25% ful to those in need” (20%). The “educated/intelligent/bright,” and “has good personal charac- need (26%). The survey also and “helps/has concern for the of the 1,440 respondents listed respondents’ favoured candi- 3%. In Metro Manila, voters said teristics” showed that candidates will get poor” (22%). The SWS survey, “will not be corrupt” as among date also “walks his talk/fulfi ls they would support candidates (20%). Those polled in Visayas the vote of respondents from commissioned by private think ilipino voters will support the qualities they were looking promises” with 14%; “can give who are “trustworthy” (28%), also said they want candidates urban areas if the former “will tank Stratbase ADR Institute, a candidate for the Senate for in aspiring senators. solutions to the problems of the “will not be corrupt” (25%) and who are not corrupt and who not be corrupt” (27%) and are had sampling error margins, at Fwho is not corrupt and has This was followed by candi- country” with 9%; is “approach- who “helps/has concern for the have concern for the poor. “trustworthy” (26% ). 95% confi dence level, of + or - concern for the poor, accord- dates who “have concern for able,” 7%; “has good leadership poor” (23%). In Balance Luzon, In Mindanao, most of those Among rural dwellers, candi- 2.6% for national percentages, ing to the latest Social Weather the poor” (22%), have “good qualities,” 6%; “knows how to the respondents said their pick polled said they would vote for dates with “good personal char- and + or - 5% each for Balance Stations (SWS) survey released personal characteristics” (21%), listen and confer with other peo- “will not be corrupt” (26%), is candidates with “good personal acteristics” are the most pre- Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visa- yesterday. are “trustworthy” (21%) and ple,” 5%; “has faith in God,” 5%; “trustworthy” (22%), “helps/ characteristics” (29%) and those ferred (25%), followed by those yas and Mindanao. Gulf Times 22 Sunday, March 24, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor 24 -03 -2019 K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Growing concern over spread of diseases in cyclone-hit Africa

Fears of spread of infectious diseases among people living in fl ooded, unsanitary conditions in cyclone-hit southern Africa are growing, where aid agencies are scrambling to get life-saving aid to thousands of survivors. The United Nations says 1.7mn people are aff ected by Cyclone Idai, which has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and crops mainly in Mozambique and Malawi and Zimbabwe. In cyclone devastated areas, there is no electricity or running water, homes have been swept away and roads destroyed by the fl oods. The fl oods have cut off land routes Qatar-Malaysia partnership can and the only way to get to people is by air or water. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned of the risk of outbreaks, already noting an increase in malaria. Other waterborne be tapped to benefi t the world diseases like typhoid also pose a risk. “There is growing concern among aid groups on the chosen as its headquarters, would need within the communities of the to create opportunities for the ground of potential disease outbreaks,” the IFRC said. to off er an intellectual progressive society. It threatens the future of the humanitarian settlement of the issues “Already, some cholera cases have been reported in Beira in cultural content. Such content family and the safety of childhood of confl ict. In addition, the suggested would reshape the mentality of the throughout the entire humanity. Qatar Education City in Malaysia would Mozambique along with an increasing number of malaria contemporary Muslim for the good of As for the third course, it is aimed create a qualifi cation programme for infections among people trapped by the fl ooding.” By Mohanna al-Hubail the positive thinking that works for the at easing the hardships of wars and professionals, who would be appointed Cholera, which is endemic in Mozambique, is spread by progress of the East and the making of civilian conflicts that have been to manage the areas of confl ict after water contaminated by sewage, and can kill within hours if the collective humanity partnership. hitting the Middle East. This can the settlement process. This course of he visit of His Highness the This approach is incompatible with be achieved through forming a action would reactivate the engagement left untreated. Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim the Western imperial extortion, and strategic intellectual base to be used of the East in treating its crises but with Malaria in particular is likely to spread because the bin Hamad al-Thani, to the extremist discourses or the lack to create an international centre for a progressive modern spirit for the good aftermath of the fl ood there is an increase in stagnant water TMalaysia last December has of knowledge that has hit the Islamic the resolution of conflicts in co- of its people rather than promoting the – the preferred breeding ground of mosquitoes that spread ushered in a new future for Qatari- world. ordination with the United Nations interests of the West. Malaysian relations at a crucial time for Thus, the outcomes of education and the countries interested in It is an opportunity awaiting malaria. Standing water also creates a risk of diarrhoeal both the countries and all the Muslim at this university would represent an this view. In addition, it can devise success to respond to the aspirations diseases. East. incentive for many countries in Asia perspectives for practical solutions of of the people of Asia in developing “There’s stagnant It comes at a time of the rise of a and Africa. It would further encourage the issues of migration and refugees. such co-operation between these water, it’s not draining, new political alliance in Malaysia, even the creation of a national partnership In this way, the partnership two important capital cities in Asia. “There is lack though the political rivalry there is still among Muslims and all the citizens with the East is a message to save This spirit and ideas could also create decomposing bodies, going on. Such an alliance followed the of the East from the other religions humanity and it would be a quantum platforms of dialogue to treat the of safe drinking lack of good hygiene historic struggle of Islamic thinker Dr sharing their land to create a culture transformation at international co- crisis of religious and faith standoffs and sanitation,” said Anwar Ibrahim, the second pioneer of industry that work towards the progress operation. The people of the East are in Asia. The ultimate aim is to unite all water and Henrietta Fore, the head the Islamic civilisation experience in of the East, its independence and esteemed in most world countries the forces for the creation of a civilian Malaysia, as he has endured the pain scientifi c advancement. In particular, that are plagued by troubles. awakening that would enlighten the sanitation” of Unicef, who is now in of struggle for putting the democratic such a platform would be focusing Similarly, the failure of the West to future of the East. Mozambique. process on track again. on the specialised fi elds needed by contain conflicts caused by some of (Translated from the original article The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the agency This sacrifi ce had created an these countries from physiology to its countries would further deepen in Arabic by Gulf Times) is taking measures to prevent and respond to water-borne important popular ground that space science. Eventually, educational the need for this partnership. The enhanced national integration between institutes would be created to reproduce West, in particular the wars of z Mahanna al-Hubail was born in diseases and cholera, to control diseases like malaria, an important segment of the Malayan the ethical wise thinking industry for United States and Russia, created Al Zahran in Saudi Arabia in 1963. He measles outbreaks and respiratory diseases. people and the Chinese Democratic the whole world. such conflicts in the East besides is an independent Arab researcher and Conditions in the temporary camps sheltering the displaced Party, which guaranteed the victory Ethics has always been the the interventions of their military political analyst. He is settled outside are squalid and ripe for disease outbreaks, WHO warns. and return of Dr Mahathir Mohamed to message of the East starting from the bases stretching across its different Saudi Arabia and does not practise any power. individual conduct up to the family countries. All such things would not political views or have any partisan “So, there is lack of safe drinking water and sanitation,” Even though the political confl ict affairs as values kept apart from obstruct the creation of partnership alliance or obligations. He does not have WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said. “That means between the two men went on, Malaysia the mundane world thinking. The between the East and the West with any cultural or political links to any there is a high risk of a cholera outbreak or other infectious is resuming its experiment with a new tyranny, ignorance and backwardness of course an intentional cover to country. He has published many of his diseases,” he said. perspective. that colonialists used in fostering enhance the suggested projects. It writings in various Arabic papers and Accordingly, such national diversity their interest obscured this message can also co-operate with already contributes to Al Jazeera.net and various Aid groups said Mozambique has borne the brunt and economic partnership all together creating a big void, filled nowadays existing experiences such as the magazines. In particular, he talks about of fl ooding from rivers that fl ow downstream from with the economic mentality of the with a perverse course of conduct. Swiss model in Cordova Area. the concept of the Islamist progress and neighbouring countries. At least 65,000 people are Chinese Malaysians work for the benefi t Such course of conduct promotes However, the Qatari-Malaysian the strategic aff airs of the GCC region sheltering in 100 temporary sites, many of which are in of Malaysia. This particular case is individualism over society integration partnership here, with its Islamic and and the regional and international considered an important platform for and encourages absolute perverseness Arabic dimensions, has the potential developments in the GCC region. “desperate conditions”, according to the UN. a key partnership between the GCC Many people are said to have not yet received emergency represented in Qatar and Malaysia in rations, with some still clinging to rooftops and trees, East Asia. Malaysia is as well open to reports said. Because of the high risk of a measles the Indian and Chinese people as part of its national fabric and constitutional outbreak, the WHO is preparing for an emergency measles bonds. vaccination eff ort to begin as soon as possible. Currently, Qatar has been going While WHO and organisations such as IFRC, and Doctors ahead with its strategic project, Without Borders have deployed medical staff and supplies away from the blockade countries, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia. to the disaster-struck places in the three countries, their Qatar’s progress in reaching out to the eff orts will not be suffi cient given the scale of one of the new economic network would continue worst natural disasters to hit southern Africa, perhaps even even after Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad in the Southern Hemisphere, in decades. al-Jaber al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, arrives at a solution to the Gulf crisis. Aid workers say immediate priorities are to provide The second course is to transfer trauma care, emergency health services and to bury the this co-operation to the fi elds of dead. Thousands of people are homeless and in need of education, technology, science and shelter. Other immediate needs include food, clean water specialised institutes. It can be in the form of building specialised and and medicines. profi t generating university cities in Malaysia. Such universities should address the issue of the unregulated To Advertise pursuit of the young people in the Arab countries and the Islamic World, who [email protected] have been kept on the long waiting Display lists for university seats, to guarantee them specialised academic education. 44466621 44418811 It should give them the opportunity to complete higher education within the Classified normal academic years while living in 44466609 44418811 comfortable surroundings away from the areas of confl ict. Besides, they Subscription should enjoy the individual dignity secured by Malaysia today. [email protected] Yet, this University City, suppose we call it ‘Qatar education city in Kuala Lumpur’ or any other place on © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved the various islands of the archipelago Islamic thinker Dr Anwar Ibrahim Gulf Times Sunday, March 24, 2019 23 COMMENT The ugly war between CEOs and activist critics

Reuters hogwash.” It is all under the watch of the campaigns, but his fi ndings have already including farmers who had traded land New York US Securities and Exchange Commission, drawn the attention of a top US regulator. for stock, but Farmland lost a potential which has been briefed on the matter. SEC Commissioner Robert partnership and had to cut staff from 17 The stand-off refl ects a broader Jackson told Reuters the research was to 13. n the morning of July 11, Paul debate over how to balance the desire to “important” and challenged his agency George Moriarty, executive editor of Pittman was on a corn farm keep public companies accountable with to “identify folks who are dancing a very Seeking Alpha, said that courts have in Western Illinois, unaware concerns over market manipulation. fi ne line between trading and market respected the site’s status as a neutral Ohis company had taken a Short selling, said to be as old as stock manipulation.” platform and that its staff vetted all posts. devastating hit. markets, used to be a low-profi le aff air The question, Jackson said, was In this case, Rota made “limited Just before the stock market opened, where bearish investors relied on the whether the regulator would go after factual corrections” after Seeking an anonymous short seller named media, analysts or regulators to take the short sellers who engage in fraud as Alpha contacted him about Farmland’s “Rota Fortunae” posted on Twitter and lead in exposing over-valued companies. forcefully as it investigates companies rebuttal. fi nancial website Seeking Alpha that New tools such as Twitter and Seeking for bad behaviour. Still, shares have never quite Pittman’s small real estate investment Alpha changed that, creating a small “I hope the answer to that question recovered, and Rota told Reuters that trust, Farmland Partners Inc, had but prominent group of brash public will be yes.” Farmland has yet to substantively engaged in dubious transactions and activists. A hint came last September, when the address his concerns. risked “insolvency.” Successful campaigns that exposed SEC brought a rare “short and distort” Stock analysts said Rota’s language The posting pushed shares down corporate fraud or dubious practices, case against hedge fund manager Gregory was dramatic relative to the underlying enough to make thousands of previously- including Carson Block’s Sino-Forest Lemelson for making false claims about issues and instead focused on broader purchased stock options profi table, Corporation takedown and Andrew Left’s Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc, an allegation business challenges and the potential according to a later expert analysis, in turn shorting of Valeant Pharmaceuticals which Lemelson has denied. costs of fi ghting back. causing more selling by those on the other International Inc, underscored short A story on the Seeking Alpha website about Farmland Partners Inc appears in this Jackson said, however, laws on Farmland recently reported about side of the trade who committed to buy sellers’ role as market watchdogs. picture illustration taken on March 15, 2019. anonymity and free speech could $1.6mn in extra expenses over 2018, shares at a higher set price. Such victories, coupled with elevated limit any steps that went beyond before insurance, citing Rota’s campaign. The accelerating losses were probably stock valuations, helped spur record themselves under the microscope of Mitts said, however, that high- straightforward cases involving false That included defending against a compounded by high-frequency trading numbers of short campaigns, according regulators, lawyers say. frequency traders were probably information. related shareholder class-action and legal algorithms activated by price swings and to industry tracker Activist Insight. SHORT IDEAS AND OPTIONS: responsible, not activists. On March 12, for example, a New costs from its suit against the short seller. negative keywords, according to that Activist Insight data show such Recent research provides fresh fodder for Prominent activists deny engaging in York state judge dismissed a lawsuit Mitts has submitted his opinion on analysis. campaigns can have a noticeable impact the debate. practices described by Mitts and say they against short sellers by Indian media put options in the case, a pattern he said Pittman’s stomach churned when he on stock prices. Columbia Law School securities rarely use options. company Eros International PLC, he discovered independently during his checked his smartphone around noon: A 2017 working paper by researchers expert Joshua Mitts said in a working Instead, they would typically borrow noting their opinions on Seeking Alpha academic research. Shares were off almost 40%.“The game Yu Ting Forester Wong and Wuyang paper that he had looked at 1,720 stocks and immediately sell them in and elsewhere were substantiated and The short seller behind the Rota was rigged,” Pittman, 56, told Reuters. Zhao also showed they weigh on target pseudonymous short idea posts on anticipation of a price drop, so they can therefore protected. moniker told Reuters he planned to What followed exemplifi ed a new, ugly companies’ investments, dividends and Seeking Alpha between 2010 and 2017 buy them back for less and pocket the Still, companies are increasingly challenge Mitts’ assertions and would phase in a war between companies and access to fi nancing. and found that 86% were preceded by diff erence. retaliating with lawsuits, hiring private continue his defence of fi rst amendment activist short sellers, with businesses Block, Left and other prominent short “extraordinary” options trading. “I’m sure there are a few anonymous investigators and using other aggressive rights. Farmland’s lawyers said Rota’s fi ghting back against social-media sellers interviewed by Reuters say they Mitts told Reuters his review of the guys out there doing tricky stuff , but it’s tactics, according to some activists. free speech argument was undercut fuelled attacks and investors accusing do thorough research and help keep posts found that, like with Farmland, not a systemic problem,” Left said. Block, for example, said he has faced by his acknowledgement of payments executives of trying to muzzle critics. companies honest. many short sellers appeared to use fast- One smaller short seller said he used “constant” legal threats, at least one received for research on Farmland. Farmland sued Rota Fortunae — Yet targeted businesses say many expiring put-options bought before the put options in conjunction with Seeking undercover operative, and a failed $50mn Whatever happens in court, the SEC Latin for “wheel of fortune” — and short campaigns waged this decade release of a report to spur more selling by Alpha posts to make larger bets given investigation to discredit his research. is watching. other unnamed individuals alleging a amount to “short and distort” schemes. underwriters. limited capital, but emphasised making “More than ever, bad companies are Rota submitted his Farmland analysis “malicious scheme” to profi t from the They accuse some activists “Shorts have to rely on good research, unfounded claims could backfi re. trying to shoot the messenger through to the agency’s whistleblower hotline, spread of false information and well- of spreading false or misleading not trading tricks, to punish a stock,” “With options you can get totally any means available,” Block said. while Farmland later briefed SEC staff timed stock options. information to drive a stock down and said Mitts, whose work has led to paid destroyed,” said the investor, who FARM WAR: In the days after Rota’s on its side. The short seller, a Texas-based then quickly cash out, a mirror image of consulting for Farmland and other requested anonymity.” A bad thesis can post, Farmland issued a public rebuttal The SEC declined to comment, but individual whose identity has been kept “pump and dump,” where unscrupulous companies. He has also found other be debunked almost instantly.” and Pittman, a former farmer and on Jan 29 it denied Farmland’s request secret, sent a statement to Reuters via investors promote speculative stocks unusual trading patterns, including Activist Insight, which has analysed fi nancial executive, said the company for records on Rota and options trading an attorney that the litigation aimed to before selling out at the top. dozens of cases of “spoofi ng” and hundreds of campaigns, found many had to go on an “’I am not a crook’ tour” because, according to a letter revealed in “intimidate and choke critical opinion” Cases against short sellers are rare, “layering,” illegal trading strategies of cases where target share prices went up, in meetings and calls with investors and a court fi ling, related information was in and that the idea of crashing the stock though, given free speech protections placing and cancelling orders to create a not down. So far Mitts is virtually alone business partners. an “investigative fi le” from an “on-going through “sophisticated trading” was “utter and companies hesitant to put false impression of demand or supply. in analysing trading activity around short Most were sympathetic, Pittman said, law enforcement proceeding.”

Three-day forecast

Think local, develop better TODAY Maximum Temperature : 270c Minimum Temperature : 210c By Zara Kayani The idea of local communities playing University’s Asim Ijaz Khwaja PKR48,000 to cover the transport costs Islamabad a key part in development initiatives is not concluded that community engagement of students attending a nearby STRIDE MONDAY new. In 1993, for example, the Unesco-led substantially improved the maintenance school, and the UC chairman himself Maximum Temperature : 270c Education for All Summit in New Delhi, of infrastructure projects as long as gave rickshaws to some of his poor Minimum Temperature : 230c n October 2018, Pakistani television India, emphasised that education is the their participation was limited to non- relatives so they could earn money by TUESDAY news channels reported on how responsibility of families, communities, technical aspects. transporting STRIDE students. Maximum Temperature : 270c the local authorities in Pishin, a and NGOs, as well as governments. Such a collaborative approach should Another STRIDE school, in the Minimum Temperature : 210c district in Balochistan province, But there has been a gradual change of help communities feel less isolated in Swabi district, was having problems I Fisherman's forecast were building a small dam to cope with thinking over the past three decades about development projects. In this regard, retaining teachers for the afternoon frequent droughts in the area. Instead how local communities can play a more Nobel laureate economists Amartya shift, owing to long travelling distances WARNING Sen and Elinor Ostrom referred to the and mountainous terrain, coupled with Inshore : Expected strong wind of accepting the government’s proposal eff ective role. at some areas to build the dam at a cost of PKR10mn In the 1980s and 1990s, communities development of “social capital” that social disapproval of women arriving ($71,000), the local community decided took a bottom-up approach to allows a community to take the initiative home late in the evening. To resolve Offshore : Strong wind and high to build one itself for just PKR2.1mn development and distanced themselves in the event that funding or other forms the problem, the STRIDE district sea WEATHER under a European Union-funded rural- from government-directed initiatives. of institutional assistance disappear. coordinator, having fi rst consulted Inshore : Modeate temperature development programme. Yet this was largely unsuccessful, owing Another education initiative in local citizens, persuaded the education daytime with scattered This self-suffi cient approach to to political tensions and problems with Pakistan, the STRIDE initiative, department to build extra rooms in the clouds and slight dust to blowing dust at development has paid dividends scaling up such eff orts. By contrast, provides a further illustration of school for use as a teachers’ hostel. places, relatively cold elsewhere in Pakistan as well. The there is now a growing consensus that how local communities can play a The conservative mindset in many by night Hunza district in the country’s far north local communities are most eff ective positive role in development. The areas of Pakistan can sometimes make Offshore : P cloudy to cloudy with a chance of scat- has a literacy rate of 95% – the highest when they co-ordinate their eff orts with initiative – initially supported by the it nearly impossible for women and tered rain at first. in Pakistan – thanks to successful well-functioning governments, NGOs, United Kingdom’s Department for girls to travel to a distant school. But by WIND community-led schools, which and private-sector actors. International Development and now taking citizens’ concerns into account, Inshore : Northeasterly-South- easterly 11-21/26 KT outnumber low-quality government In a 2013 World Bank report, Ghazala taken up by the provincial governments the STRIDE initiative has enabled girls Offshrore : Northeasterly-South- schools. And, emulating the Orangi Pilot Mansuri and Vijayendra Rao highlighted of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to continue their education without easterly 12-22/28 KT Project on the outskirts of Karachi, the the problem of civil-society failure in the expanded to more districts – aims to creating a backlash. Visibility : 4-8 KM community built a sewage system with absence of a “co-operative infrastructure” improve students’ prospects of staying The development debate in Pakistan Offshore : 4-7/10 FT in school and making the transition to has moved on considerably in the past technical assistance from an NGO and based on functioning state institutions. Around the region fi nanced 70% of the total cost. In a similar vein, Bishwapriya Sanyal from higher levels of education. 30 years, and local communities are Weather These are not isolated examples. the Massachusetts Institute of Technology The initiative introduces afternoon playing an increasingly important Weather tomorrow Max/min Frustrated with poor or non-existent previously argued that “development classes and provides transport for role. Their involvement should be today Max/min P Cloudy 22/12 state government services, local requires a synergy between eff orts made students who live far from their school. welcomed and encouraged; indeed, it Baghdad S Showers 24/14 S Showers 25/19 communities across Pakistan are playing at the top and the bottom, a collaborative Crucially, it also seeks to sensitise local is vital for ensuring the acceptability Kuwait CityCloudy 24/19 Cloudy 29/21 a bigger role in development projects. eff ort among the government, market communities to retention and transition and sustainability of development Manama P Cloudy 28/21 M Sunny 29/24 Such community engagement, if widely institutions, and NGOs which utilises challenges and encourages them to initiatives. - Project Syndicate Muscat P Cloudy 28/23 Rain 15/09 replicated, could reduce the burden on the comparative advantage of each contribute to sustainable solutions. Zara Kayani is a research fellow Tehran Cloudy 18/11 state fi nances and enable the country type of institution, and minimises their These eff orts seem to be working. In at the Institute of Social and Policy to develop in a more inclusive and comparative disadvantages.” UC Pirhar in the Muzaff argarh district, Sciences (I-SAPS) in Islamabad, sustainable way. And a 2004 study by Harvard the local community contributed Pakistan.

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Childhood anxiety tied to school absences Around the world Weather Weather By Lisa Rapaport or depression, as well as authorised they’re actually suffering from Even so, the results suggest that today Max/min tomorrow Max/min Reuters Health absences,” Finning said by e-mail. anxiety, Finning said. And some of at least some absences attributed to Athens Sunny 16/06 Sunny 19/09 “Poor attendance could be a sign kids considered truant might have misbehaviour might be due to anxiety, Beirut S Showers 18/12 P Cloudy 16/13 of anxiety, no matter what type of undiagnosed anxiety, depression or said Bonnie Leadbeater, a psychology Bangkok P Cloudy 34/27 S T Storms 33/27 ids with school attendance absence,” Finning added. other mental health problems. researcher at the University of Victoria Berlin M Cloudy 12/02 T Storm 07/02 or truancy problems might Finning’s team reviewed eight “There are lots of things about the in Canada who wasn’t involved in the Cairo M Sunny 26/13 P Cloudy 21/12 be suff ering from anxiety, a previously published studies with a total school environment that might be study. Cape Town Cloudy 22/16 Cloudy 19/15 Kresearch review suggests. of almost 26,000 young students from challenging for young people with “Parents should consider the Colombo Sunny 32/24 M Sunny 32/24 Chronic physical problems like Europe, North America and Asia. The anxiety, including social interaction possibility that anxiety is behind school Dhaka Sunny 34/20 Sunny 36/23 asthma and diabetes have long been youth were 15 years old on average, with with peers and/or school staff , academic refusal and seek treatment once physical Hong Kong Cloudy 19/18 Showers 21/18 linked to an increased risk of school ages ranging from 5 to 21. challenges, or separation from caregivers causes are ruled out,” Leadbeater said by Istanbul P Cloudy 11/03 Sunny 14/03 absences, poor grades and test scores, The analysis focused on four at home,” Finning said. e-mail. “Punishing children for school Jakarta T Storm 31/25 T Storm 32/25 and lower odds of obtaining a college categories of absences: truancy and “Anxiety can also cause physical refusal due to anxiety will likely be Karachi P Cloudy 32/21 Sunny 33/22 degree or a high-paying job. The current unexcused absences; medical and symptoms like headaches or tummy unsuccessful,” she added. London M Sunny 13/06 Sunny 12/02 study off ers fresh evidence that mental excused absences; school refusal tied to aches, which might also impact on “Children experiencing excessive Manila P Cloudy 33/25 P Cloudy 33/24 illness can also limit school performance emotional distress about attendance; children’s school attendance,” Finning anxiety need help,” Leadbeater Moscow Snow 03/-3 P Cloudy 06/-2 and success in life, said lead study and absenteeism for any reason. added. said. “While identifying this may New Delhi M Sunny 33/19 M Sunny 32/17 author Katie Finning of the University of Anxiety was strongly linked to Most of the studies in the analysis be diffi cult, sometimes even asking New York P Cloudy 15/07 Cloudy 11/-1 Exeter Medical School in the UK. school refusal, as expected. It was also were small, and none were designed to your child, ‘what is it about going to Paris Cloudy 14/03 P Cloudy 12/02 “We were surprised to fi nd associated with truancy, which was a prove whether or how anxiety might school you fi nd so diffi cult,’ and trying Sao Paulo M Sunny 29/17 P Cloudy 31/18 evidence that anxiety is associated surprise. directly cause school absences. empathically to understand their point Seoul Sunny 09/01 P Cloudy 13/04 with unexcused absences, or truancy, Parents and teachers may The studies also measured anxiety of view may get you started in helping Singapore S T Storms 33/26 T Storm 32/26 which is often assumed to be related mistakenly assume some children are and school attendance in a variety of them, and getting help for them Sydney P Cloudy 29/21 S Showers 26/17 to behavioural diffi culties rather than missing school due to disobedience ways, so the researchers could not pool to build the confi dence to manage Tokyo Clear 15/03 Clear 19/03 emotional diffi culties like anxiety or behaviour problems when data across all the studies. anxiety is important.” Gulf Times 24 Sunday, March 24, 2019 QATAR

Amir offers condolences to families of victims of Christchurch mosque attacks Pakistan National Day marked with fervour

By Mudassir Raja our loyalty to our country. I Staff Reporter am happy to welcome you all to the embassy. The oversees Pakistanis have very dili- embers of the Pa- gently been fulfi lling their kistani expatri- duties towards their coun- Mate community try. The Pakistanis living in in Qatar celebrated their Qatar have been playing an country’s National Day with exemplary role in further much enthusiasm and na- cementing ties with Qatar. I tional zeal yesterday. believe that the bilateral ties On the occasion, a large will further fl ourish in the number of Pakistanis from near future. all walks of life gathered “I appreciate your role at the Pakistan embassy and expect you to continue in Doha to attend the fl ag- playing your positive role in hoisting ceremony. development and progress Pakistan’s ambassador to of Qatar. I also expect you to Qatar Syed Ahsan Raza Shah abide by the laws in Qatar. I hoisted the national fl ag at believe if you remain united, the ceremony. A smartly- you will fl ourish together. turned-out military con- “Pakistan and Qatar have tingent from Pakistan gave strong ties as two Muslim His Highness the Amir Sheikh salute to the national fl ag countries. They have strong Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani while the national anthem religious, historic and cul- extended his and the Qatari was played. tural bonds. The recent visit people’s condolences to the The ambassador, along by Prime Minister Imran families of the victims of the with other embassy offi cials Khan to Qatar is a proof of terrorist attack on two mosques and community leaders, also our bilateral ties. Now, the in Christchurch, New Zealand. cut a cake to mark the spe- people and Government of HE the Advisory Council Speaker cial day. Pakistan are looking for a Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Messages from Pakistan’s visit by His Highness the al-Mahmoud conveyed the President Arif Alvi and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- condolences, during his visit Prime Minister Imran Khan mad al-Thani.” to the city yesterday. During were read out on the occa- The ambassador said: “In his visit to Al Noor Mosque, the sion. Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar Syed Ahsan Raza Shah future, there will be more Speaker expressed condolences The message from the hoisting the national flag yesterday. warmth and strength in the to a number of imams and president noted, “March bilateral ties that will be- sheikhs and called upon Allah 23 marks the historic day The message from Prime endeavouring to make the came exemplary. I am very Almighty to grant the victims when Muslims of the sub- Minister Khan stated: “The country a true Islamic welfare pleased to say that the Gov- mercy and peace. He also visited continent decided to unite in resolution passed on March state. We are committed to ernment of Qatar is well those injured in the terrorist their democratic demand for 23 was aimed at creation of establishing a society which aware of the role played by attack in the hospital, wishing a separate homeland. Today, a state where the citizens is based on compassion and expatriate Pakistanis in the them a speedy recovery. The therefore, is an occasion to could enjoy equal opportu- justice and where every per- development of the coun- Speaker left Christchurch later pay tribute to the struggle nities irrespective of caste son can contribute towards try. I urge you to further im- yesterday. He was seen off by and sacrifi ces of our found- and creed and where they socioeconomic development prove your relations and co- Qatar’s ambassador to New ing fathers and pledge once could play their due role in to the best of his ability.” ordination with the locals. Zealand Saad bin Abdullah more to live up to the ideals the progress of the country. Addressing the gathering, Every expatriate Pakistani is al-Mahmoud. that form the foundation of “The Pakistan of today ambassador Shah said: “It an ambassador of his or her the idea of Pakistan.” is a New Pakistan. We are is the day when we reiterate country.”

Ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah and other dignitaries at the cake-cutting ceremony.

A large number of people had gathered at the embassy to mark the occasion. Action-packed week at QIFF

ollowing the dazzling open- On Tuesday, festival-goers can the Morris masterclasses take place ing ceremony on March 20 and watch the best of Arabic cuisines on Tuesday (March 26) at 12noon and Fa fun-packed weekend, the from Noora al-Kuwari, Tasneem al- Friday (March 29) at 1pm; Soliman’s 10th edition of Qatar International Nasrallah and chef Belkhams with masterclasses take place on Tuesday Food Festival (QIFF) continues until Rusly Ahmad introducing Sri Lankan (March 26) and Wednesday (March March 30, attracting food lovers and cuisine to the platform. On Wednes- 27) at 10am. fun seekers residing in and visiting day, Stephane Bucholzer of W Hotel People can also take advantage Qatar. will demonstrate his exclusive reci- of the weather and the outdoor Festival-goers have the chance pes and, to wrap up the week, Food Qatar International Food Festival throughout this week to “enjoy food, Network’s popular celebrity chefs 2019 and work on their photogra- festivities and tantalising experiences” from South Africa Jenny Morris and phy skills with advanced photogra- with celebrity chefs from 3pm to mid- Siba Mtongana will join the cooking phy workshops led by professional night, Saturday-Wednesday, and from theatre on Thursday. food stylist and photographer Mo- 3pm to 1am on Thursday and Friday, Culinary aspirants can also join hamed al-Ansari on March 28, 29 according to a press statement. their favourite celebrity chefs from and 30 from 5.30pm until 8.30pm Kicking off this week, visitors Fatafeat and Food Network for cook- at Education City’s Oxygen Park. will see seven celebrity chefs in the ing masterclasses taking place at Those interested can register Cooking Theatre today, including Education City’s Chef’s Garden res- now at https://www.eventbrite. Fatafeat’s Salma Soliman, Kuwaiti taurant. Registration is free and can com/e/59262152694 chef Jameela Allenqawi and famous be made by contacting Chef’s Garden Festival-goers can skip the park- Indian chef Saranch Goila. Tomor- restaurant directly. ing and get to Oxygen Park by using row, Zarmig Haldjian, chef Hasan Mtongana’s masterclasses take Uber. The ridesharing service is of- and Jason Atherton will also join the place on Wednesday (March 27) at fering 50% off on four rides to users live cooking theatre. 1pm and Friday (March 29) at 10am; using the promocode QIFF2019.