BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 8 Bounedjah powers Al Sadd to INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX QATAR 2-8, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 Qatar-Turkey trade second REGION 8 BUSINESS 1-7, 13-16 24,964.75 9,098.64 61.90 ARAB WORLD 8, 9 CLASSIFIED 8-12 volume has ‘potential’ -254.63 -8.13 +0.22 INTERNATIONAL 10-21 SPORTS 1-8 straight victory -1.01% -0.09% +0.36% to reach $5bn: offi cial Latest Figures published in QATAR since 1978

WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10736 February 21, 2018 Jumada II 5, 1439 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Qatar and Chad In brief sign MoU to

QATAR | Initiative resume ties SC launches Workers’ Welfare website zVictory for diplomacy, says Doha The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has launched a new atar and Chad have signed a ment of common interests that bring website dedicated to Workers’ Welfare, memorandum of understand- welfare, peace and prosperity to the a key legacy initiative of the SC. The Qing (MoU) to resume diplo- peoples of the two nations.” site, www.workerswelfare.qa, features matic relations between the two coun- Qatar had ordered the embassy of a timeline of the SC’s Workers’ Welfare tries. Chad to be closed after N’Djamena’s journey, containing details of the The agreement was reached after HE decision to shutter the Qatari embassy numerous initiatives being delivered the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign following the Saudi-led bloc severing to benefit the thousands of workers Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdul- all ties with Doha on June 5. engaged in 2022 FIFA World Cup rahman al-Thani held a meeting yes- Senegal decided to send its ambas- projects, the SC has said in a statement. terday with Chad’s Minister of Foreign sador back to Doha in August last year, The SC is responsible for delivering HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani launching the QPCMP yesterday. Aff airs, African Integration and Inter- after being previously summoned for the infrastructure required for Qatar to national Co-operation, Cherif Maha- consultation. The decision was taken host the world’s biggest single-sport mat Zene. after His Highness the Emir Sheikh event in four years’ time. SC secretary- During the meeting, they discussed Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani held a tel- general Hassan al-Thawadi said the bilateral relations and means of boost- ephone conversation with Macky Sall, site’s launch would help share details ing and developing them, in addition to the President of Senegal. of workers’ welfare progress in Qatar. a number of regional and international Senegal’s foreign ministry had an- issues of common concern. nounced on June 7 that it would recall ARAB WORLD | Diplomacy PM launches plan for Sheikh Mohamed hailed the step its ambassador in Qatar for consulta- which led to the resumption of re- tions after Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Abbas calls for Mideast lations between the two countries, United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut peace conference stressing that it would enhance stabil- diplomatic relations with Qatar. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas ity and common interests. The Saudi-led bloc also imposed a yesterday called for an international Commenting on the development, blockade on Qatar, accusing Doha of conference to be held by mid-2018 pedestrian crossings HE Lulwah al-Khater, spokesperson supporting militant organisations. Qa- to launch a new, wider Middle East for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, tweeted: tar has denied the charges and the siege peace process and pave the way to By Ramesh Mathew important pillar for a robust economic They were briefed by senior offi cials of “This is a victory for the diplomacy of countries have not been able to pro- Palestinian statehood. In a rare address Staff Reporter development and no economic growth the MoTC on the themes of pedestrian both countries, diplomacy based on the duce even a single piece of evidence to to the UN Security Council, Abbas in a country is possible without an inte- crossings on display. principles of dialogue and the develop- prove their allegations. presented what he called a “peace grated and effi cient transportation sys- Earlier at the meeting, Ministry of plan” to revive the comatose Israeli- he Qatar Pedestrian Crossings tem, said HE al-Sulaiti. Transport and Communications’ Land Palestinian talks with new international Master Plan (QPCMP), an ambi- The minister said the QPCMP in- Transport Aff airs assistant undersec- mediation – in which the United States Ttious initiative aimed at enhanc- cludes concept designs for 50 pedes- retary Rashid Taleb al-Nabet said the would have less weight. Page 9 ing pedestrian safety and security on the trian crossings, based on preferences of QPCMP has been designed in line with country’s roads and reduce injuries and the public and they include 26 pedes- the goals and objectives of the Qatar Na- casualties from accidents, was launched trian overpasses, underpasses and 24 tional Vision 2030. by HE the Prime Minister and Interior crosswalks on roads covering all key in- The QPCMP, said al-Nabet, is an in- Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin tersections and sites that are nearest to tegrated, comprehensive plan that takes Khalifa al-Thani yesterday. roads. Such sites are easy to access and into consideration the rights of all us- The event was organised by the Min- will encourage people to walk, he said. ers of the roads, including motorists, istry of Transport and Communications. As part of the initiative, HE al-Sulaiti pedestrians, bicyclists and people with Speaking on the occasion, HE the Min- explained that a Pedestrian Crossings disabilities. It helps save lives and pro- ister of Transport and Communications Manual was developed covering all tect properties through reducing road Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti described types of crossings to ensure their com- fatalities, he added. “the Pedestrian Crossings Master Plan patibility with the country’s endorsed Al-Nabet said the QPCMP would as a key component of a user-friendly standards and guidelines. A Pedestrian contribute to safer pedestrian mobility and eff ective land transport in Qatar.” Environment Review System has also and help to provide an environment to Pointing out that the QPCMP is an been constituted to provide a systematic encourage people to walk, thus improv- integral part of the Qatar National Traf- process for Qatar with the main objec- ing public health. fi c Safety Strategy action plan, he said tive of saving lives and properties, he The offi cial said the plan has three that Qatar has been witnessing unprec- added. main pedestrian crossing themes; edented economic growth and signifi - The event featured a presentation standard, conventional and modern, in cant progress in all areas under the wise on the aspects and components of the addition to the unique themes and loca- vision and directives of His Highness QPCMP and a video clip on pedestrian tions such as the Doha Grand Park and the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- crossings design. Later, HE the Prime Aspire Zone where uniquely-designed Thani. Minister, accompanied by HE al-Sulaiti pedestrian bridges will be built as nota- HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and Cherif Mahamat Zene signing Transportation constitutes the most toured an exhibition on the initiative. ble landmarks for Doha. Page 2 the agreement. Qatar Airways takes delivery Call for preserving of world’s fi rst A350-1000 human dignity z13th Doha Conference on tiveness and positive role in dialogue zQatar’s national carrier Akbar al-Baker hosted a media event routes on which we operate it, off ering Interfaith Dialogue begins and emphasising commonalities and is the global launch in Toulouse to mark the delivery of the 46 Business Class seats in our award- narrowing the scope of disagree- state-of-the-art aircraft to the national winning and revolutionary Qsuite, and ment. customer of the world’s carrier in the presence of Airbus Presi- 281 extra-wide 18-inch seats in econo- QNA Abdelfattah Mourou, fi rst deputy most technologically dent and Chief Operating Offi cer Fab- my class. Doha speaker of the Tunisian parliament, advanced aircraft rice Bregier and President of Defense “Combine this with its cutting-edge said religions should not be used as a Aerospace Rolls-Royce Chris Chorle- light-weight carbon composite design, means to violate rights and destroy hu- ton. incredibly fuel-effi cient Rolls-Royce number of participants at the man values that are cherished by the atar Airways yesterday celebrat- Al-Baker said: “Qatar Airways always Trent XWB-97 engines, the additional opening session of the 13th divine religions and presented to hu- ed the delivery of the world’s demands the very best for its customers, revenue benefi ts generated by the A350’s ADoha Conference on Interfaith manity to become international con- Qfi rst Airbus A350-1000 as its so it is right that we are the fi rst airline lowest seat mile cost in its class, and its Dialogue, which began yesterday under ventions, pointing out man was created global launch customer. in the world to take delivery of the very excellent reliability record, and you have the theme of “Religions and Human to be honoured rather than humiliated. It is the fi rst Airbus aircraft to be fi t- fi rst Airbus A350-1000. This remark- an unbeatable aircraft on which we will Rights,” stressed that human rights He called for awareness and thinking in ted with Qatar Airways’ revolutionary able state-of-the-art aircraft will be the off er our world-famous award-winning have become a global issue of concern, order to understand the realities of the Qsuite business class seat. fi rst of 42 to be fl own on our expanding fi ve-star service.” necessitating united eff orts to protect universe. HE Minister of Finance and Chair- global route network. It will become Bregier said: “It is a huge source of them without discrimination of colour, He stressed the need for religious man, Qatar Airways Group, Ali Sherif a fi rm part of the Qatar Airways fl eet, pride for Airbus to deliver the very fi rst religion or race. people to stand united against every al-Emadi said: “This is a very proud day making us the biggest operator in the A350-1000 to our launch customer They highlighted the importance act that harms human rights and turns for the State of Qatar, as Qatar Airways world of this aircraft type and maintain Qatar Airways. Bringing major advan- of not taking religion as a pretext for them into a tool for aggression. becomes the global launch customer our status as fl ying one of the youngest tages in fuel and cost effi ciency along acts of extremism and violence, and Rabbi Dr Reuven Firestone of the for the world’s most technologically fl eets in the sky, with an average age of with unmatched passenger comfort, called for preserving human dignity, Hebrew Union College in the United advanced aircraft. The Airbus A350- just fi ve years. the A350-1000 is the ideal aircraft to love, peace and solidarity among the States said the conference provides 1000 will be a wonderful addition to our “The Qatar Airways A350-1000 will showcase Qatar Airways’ legendary followers of the three “Abrahamic re- support for the values of dialogue, national carrier’s fl eet, allowing Qatar keep us ahead of the curve and allows customer service. With its greater ca- ligions”, and excluding extremism and noting that all religions seek human Airways to continue to set the highest us to continue to off er our passengers pacity compared to the A350-900, the hatred. dignity and are based on love, which standards of excellence and quality in the outstanding levels of comfort and newest widebody will play a major role They also commended His High- must overcome all stereotypes and the industry. Today’s delivery is a testa- style that they expect from Qatar Air- on the carrier’s busiest long-haul routes ness the Emir, Qatar’s government negative restrictions that harm these ment to Qatar Airways’ commitment to Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive ways. And at 23 feet longer than the and will contribute to strengthen their and people for organising the con- values, stressing the need to search for continued expansion.” Akbar al-Baker addressing a media A350-900, it will also enable us to sub- position at the forefront of the aviation ference and its continuation over the common denominators and consider Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive event at Toulouse yesterday. stantially increase our capacity on the industry.” To Page 3 past years, which shows its effec- people as of one origin. To Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 QATAR

PM tours exhibition of Pedestrian Crossings Master Plan OFFICIAL

Advisory Council Speaker meets US Congress team

HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud yesterday met a delegation of senior off icials of the US Congress, currently visiting Qatar. During the meeting, they discussed parliamentary relations between the Advisory Council and the US Congress, ways of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, accompanied by HE the Minister of Transport and Communications (MoTC) Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, touring an supporting and developing them, exhibition on the Qatar Pedestrian Crossings Master Plan. They were briefed by senior off icials of the MoTC on the themes of pedestrian crossings on display. Right: Artist’s illustration of a pedestrian bridge as well as a number of issues of proposed to be built as part of the Qatar Pedestrian Crossings Master Plan, which was launched yesterday by the Prime Minister and Interior Minister. mutual interest. A number of Advisory Council off icials attended the meeting.

Qatar-Iraq judicial ties reviewed

The Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of Promotion of human rights top the Court of Cassation, Masoud Mohamed al-Ameri, yesterday met Faik Zaidan, president of the Court of Cassation and Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq, and his accompanying delegation. priority for Qatar: minister During the meeting, they exchanged views on the legal QNA and judicial fields between the Doha two countries and means of enhancing them. The visit of the Iraqi delegation he 13th Doha Interfaith comes within the framework of Dialogue Conference, co-operation and co-ordination Torganised by Doha Inter- between the judicial authorities in national Centre for Interfaith the two countries. Dialogue (DICID), kicked off yesterday under the theme “Re- ligion and Human Rights”, in Bosnian off icial the presence of 500 participants visits MIA from 70 countries. The two-day conference will discuss three main themes, in- Chairman of the Council cluding the vision and concept of Ministers of Bosnia and of human rights in religions, Herzegovina, Denis Zvizdic, the position of religions on vio- visited yesterday along with his lations of human rights and accompanying delegation the human rights issues between Museum of Islamic Art on the divine laws and international HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi delivering a speech at the opening session of 13th Doha Interfaith Dialogue Conference. sidelines of his off icial visit to conventions. Qatar. In his speech at the open- and principles and linking them to play its role in resolving dis- its economic, social, cultural, that impede the promotion and structive dialogue for the benefi t Zvizdic toured the museum’s ing session of the conference, to international human rights putes peacefully and address- political and civil aspects within protection of human rights and of human society. various wings and got HE the Minister of State for instruments. ing unacceptable phenomena, the framework of equality, wom- to address all forms of violations Meanwhile, the Chairman of acquainted with the collection Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad In this context, he referred including hatred and religious en’s empowerment, promotion of those rights. the Doha International Centre of antiquities and Islamic al-Muraikhi said that the 13th to the Universal Declaration of and ethnic intolerance, through of the rights of children as well as The minister stressed that the for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) artefacts, which includes rare Doha Interfaith Conference Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, raising awareness of the values the establishment of fundamen- right to life and security is one Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi treasures of heritage such as tackles a pressing issue, which the International Covenant on of tolerance and moderation and tal freedoms such as freedom of of the most fundamental human said that the 13th conference books, manuscripts and coins is “Religion and Human Rights”, Economic, Social and Cultural renewing moderate religious dis- belief, thought and expression. rights and that the infringement represents a great opportunity made of silver, copper and which causes this conference to Rights (ICESCR) and the Inter- course, while paying balanced at- Despite the growing inter- of this right is a grave violation for religious scholars, academ- bronze, as well as crafts of be important under the current national Covenant on Civil and tention to various human rights. national interest in the protec- of all religious values and princi- ics, and heads of interfaith dia- glass, ivory, textiles, wood and circumstances the world is wit- Political Rights (ICCPR) of 1966. HE al-Muraikhi emphasised tion and promotion of human ples in all laws and religions. logue centres from around the precious stones in addition to nessing, as divisions have arisen The Minister of State for For- that the protection and promo- rights, he said, it is regrettable Furthermore, he affi rmed Qa- world and those interested in artefacts collected from three as a result of tensions, confl icts eign Aff airs pointed out that in- tion of human rights is a top pri- that there are gross violations tar’s fi rm stance towards terror- the issue of interfaith dialogue in continents and dating back 14 and instability in many areas. terfaith dialogue should address ority for Qatar and its National of these rights at this time more ism and its rejection of all forms particular and cultures and civi- centuries. HE al-Muraikhi stressed that the overall issues related to the Vision 2030, including its leg- than ever before. and ideologies that it calls for, lisations in general to meet. He listened to a detailed close relations between hu- future of all and the concepts islative system that calls for the In this context, he referred to regardless of its causes and mo- He pointed out that the aim of explanation about the museum manitarian values, teachings that bear common denominators protection of these rights. the unjust siege imposed on Qa- tives, pointing out that country such meetings is to seek a com- and its stages of establishment and principles in all laws and of moral values, ideals and vir- Moreover, HE stressed the tar, stressing that the blockade spares no eff ort to combat ter- mon ground that brings together as well as its role in spreading religions and between human tues and safeguarding of human keenness of Qatar under the constitutes a fl agrant violation rorism at local, regional and in- followers of religions in an at- science, culture and encouraging rights as supreme principles dignity for a world of security, leadership of His Highness the of human rights, and of religious ternational levels. tempt to fi nd solutions to meet creativity in addition to must govern life and societies, peace and stability and for the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad principles and values. He pointed out that there is the challenges, which prevent communication with the cultures calling for strengthening global, benefi t of humanity as a whole. al-Thani to achieve a compre- Al-Muraikhi said that it is in- no religion that calls for terror- peaceful co-existence in a world and arts of the world. regional and local eff orts on the He also stressed the necessity hensive development that deals cumbent on all to dedicate their ism and that all religions call for marked by various kinds of dis- Zvizdic signed the museum’s implementation of these values for the international community mainly with human rights in all eff orts to meet the challenges noble values, tolerance and con- orders. golden book. Need for religious tolerance stressed Call for preserving human dignity From Page 1 dignity, their foundations and logue, tolerance and coexistence QNA Dr Firestone also called for the need to respect human rights among societies and followers of Doha the protection of freedom of as universal rights that all reli- religions, emphasising the tol- thought, justice, understanding gions call for their protection. erance of Islam and its call for and not to abuse religions and Dr Aisha Yousef al-Mannai, peace and human dignity. he fi rst plenary session at their followers or discrimination director of Muhammad Bin Ha- Al-Mannai added that heav- the 13th Doha Conference on the basis of religion, colour mad Al-Thani Center for Mus- enly religions call for preserving Ton Interfaith Dialogue and sex. He cited the practices of lim Contribution to Civilisation, human rights, while interna- discussed Human Rights in Re- a number of countries in this re- chaired the opening session, tional charters and treaties as ligions (Vision and Concept). gard, including the Israeli entity during which she spoke about well as reason and logic urge a Speakers from Croatia, Qatar, for its abuse of the Palestinians the conference and its objec- safe and secure life free of fear Morocco, US, Malaysia and Can- and their rights, and rejection of tives. and injustice. ada took part in the session. African refugees. She said that the continuation Earlier, HE the Minister of Headed by Dr Hassan Abdul Bishop Malkhaz Songulash- of the event every year refl ects State for Foreign Aff airs, Sultan Rahim al-Sayed from Qatar, Participants at the first plenary session at the 13th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue discussed vili of the Evangelical Baptist the cultural and humanitar- bin Saad al-Muraikhi addressed the session focused on practis- Human Rights in Religions (Vision and Concept). Church of the Republic of Geor- ian face of the State of Qatar in the opening session of the con- ing freedom of belief, religious gia spoke of peace and human spreading the culture of dia- ference. practice and expression, human Yemen, Palestine, Syria and the She also called on all religions extremism, hatred and under- rights and dignity as well as the Rohingya minority in Myanmar. to unite in order to defend hu- mines the self-worth of the role of religious leaders in dia- He stressed that Islam provid- man rights. other. logue, establishment of peace, ed freedom of thought, religion, She said that religious free- Ambassador Sri Razali Ismail of importance of fulfi lment and in- economy, policy, science and dom is linked to responsibility, Malaysia, chairman of the Human Al-Marri briefs UN rights chief on siege surance of human rights. culture to humans. highlighting the need to face the Rights Commission of Malay- Professor Dr Ivo Josipovic of He added that Islam also en- destruction that trouble socie- sia (SUHAKAM), highlighted the Croatia reaffi rmed the need to sures rights for humans and ties and enhance the principles need to promote diversity, estab- The United Nations High promote continuous dialogue other creatures such as animals, of peace, tolerance, compliance lish a balance among communi- Commissioner for Human between religions, establishment quoting verses from the Qur’an with commitment as well as car- ties of all religions and the free- Rights (UNHRC) Prince Zeid of democracy, concept of recon- on this matter. rying out practices that achieve dom of opinion and expression. bin Raad al-Hussein met HE ciliation and the promotion of an These facts were also high- these ends without political and As well as the importance of Chairman of Qatar National atmosphere of tolerance, equal- lighted in the Constitution of civilisational prejudice. religion to be a strong advocate Human Rights Committee ity, freedom of belief and expres- Madinah which includes 27 ar- She fi elded several questions of human rights with govern- (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Samikh sion. This will in turn frame and ticles on non-Muslim rights in about the religious aspect in the ments and governance that fur- al-Marri in Geneva yesterday. ensure safe coexistence between Madinah, he added. culture of humanitarian peace ther strengthens it and protects Dr al-Marri explained the societies regardless of religion, For her part, Dr Mariam Ait and the decent living of societies. it away from any racial discrimi- latest humanitarian situation colour and gender, he said. Ahmed of Morocco spoke about She reaffi rmed that human nation and exclusion. resulting from the siege on Dr Ali al-Qura’adaghi of Qa- the principles of religions in dignity cannot be jeopardised Dr Jamal Badawi of Canada Qatar. The NHRC chairman tar spoke about human rights in light of violation of human and religious values are constant spoke freedom of belief and briefed the high light of the Holy Qur’an and the rights, adding that religious while political interests diff er. practice of worship and stressed commissioner on the eff orts Prophet’s teachings (Sunnah). leaders play an important role in Rabbi Robert Kaplan of the on human dignity. of National Human Rights He added that conferences such dialogue and confl ict resolution. United States touched on human He called for openness among Committee in the face of the as this are an encouragement to She added that there are many rights in religions and reiterated religions and taking into account increasing violations against achieve just peace and allevi- violations that are not spoken of the importance of acknowledg- common values accepted by all the citizens and residents of ate injustice from humanity, at in many areas around the world, ing that human rights are based human beings and respect for Qatar as well as GCC citizens a time where humans are threat- such as the displacement of on human dignity. the specifi cities of each religion due to the siege. ened by their existence and people because of war and their He warned that the violation and the rights of religious and rights, as is happening now in abuse, as they appeal in vain. of human dignity fuels violence, ethnic minorities. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 3 QATAR French fi rms keen to share

Mohammed al-Abdulla at the event. MME aims to boost farm expertise with Qatar fish production The Ministry of Municipality and By Joey Aguilar Environment’s (MME) aquaculture Staff Reporter department is planning to license six projects to meet its fish production gap of 6,000 tonnes per year, it is rench companies are ready learnt. to share their expertise Speaking to reporters on the Fwith Qatar in the fi eld of sidelines of the ‘French Technologies agriculture and aquaculture to in Agriculture’ seminar in Doha help the country attain self- yesterday, MME’s aquaculture suffi ciency, a senior offi cial of department head Mohamed al- Business France has said. Abdulla said Qatar’s current fish Business France, the na- requirement reaches 46,000 tonnes tional agency supporting the annually while current production international development stands at 40,000 tonnes. of the French economy, helps “I want to meet this (6,000 tonnes) French companies to develop target this year but we do have a partnerships abroad. procedure (to follow) and we want to “We have a lot of technolo- take it one step at a time,” al-Abdulla gies and solutions which have said, adding that they are also been tested in France, we can of- Some 13 French companies took part in the ‘French Technologies in Agriculture’ seminar in Doha yesterday. working on an experiment to grow fer a lot to Qatar to develop the Marc Cagnard at the seminar. PICTURES: Jayan Orma fresh water fishes such as tilapia. production of diff erent kind of Currently, he said, Qatar is producing products in the fi eld of technol- agriculture and aquaculture. can develop with Qatar to re- while Allice tackled reproduction novations to produce food while ies in Europe with 9% of com- 1,000 tonnes of fresh water fish ogies in vegetable and fruit pro- The event explored new op- spond to the latter’s needs for physiology and animal genetic protecting the environment,” Busi- munity catches; continental annually and hopes to increase duction and fi sh farming (aquac- portunities of partnerships and self-suffi ciency. selection. ness France Qatar head Christelle France has 63 fi shing ports, 38 production in the near future with ulture), among others,” Business transfer of technologies between French agribusiness experts Another company, Agroso- Peyran said in a statement. fi sh markets, 12 producers’ or- the use of modern technology to France’s Middle East managing French companies and Qatar in are specialised in new concept lutions, gathers experts and “We are the third European pro- ganisations and 608 wholesale meet the growing demand. director Marc Cagnard said. agriculture. of fruits and vegetable produc- consultants in innovative and ducer of fruits and vegetables. We and processing companies. MME has already licensed one “We are experts in green Ministry of Municipality and tion, from greenhouses to urban sustainable solutions for agri- have developed new concepts of urban France produces 9mn tonnes company and it is set to license two houses and several other new Environment’s (MME) agri- farms (Aquaponie Valley, Barre, culture, environment, territories farming or aquaponics,” she added. (mt) of fruit and vegetables and more either this year or next year, technologies in farming, and we cultural research department CMF Florentaises, FUL, Refarm- management and food indus- According to Business France 5.3mt of ware potatoes in a total according to al-Abdulla. want to bring some new technol- director Massoud al-Marri, ers), monitoring the proliferation tries while Cesbron deals with Qatar, France is the fi rst agri- area of 550,000 hectares. Such move, he said, forms part ogy with a lot of optimisation of Aquaculture Department head of infectious diseases (Octopus systems for industrial processes cultural producer in Europe and “The government of Qatar of the ministry’s eff orts to attain existing solutions,” he noted. Mohammed al-Abdulla, local Robots), organic-mineral ferti- such as refrigeration, air treat- has more than 19mn cattle, more launched several initiatives to sup- self-suff iciency in aquaculture Cagnard was speaking on the farm owners and guests took part lisers (OvinAlp) and alternatives ment and energy controls. than any other country and has port local production such as a production. sidelines of the ‘French Tech- in the seminar. to agricultural additives based on “France has a lot to off er in the 34% of all bovine livestock raised proactive food safety programme In his presentation at the seminar, nologies in Agriculture’ semi- The seminar saw French com- algae (Olmix Group). fi eld of agriculture and sustain- for meat in Europe. ‘Qatar National Food Security Pro- al-Abdulla cited the completion of nar in Doha yesterday, which panies presenting their know- PFI Nouvelles Vagues and Tar- able development. After hosting the France’s fi shing industry gramme’ aiming to develop the ag- the QR237.7mn Aquatic Fisheries and brought a delegation of 13 how, experience and the kind bouriech presented their experi- COP21 and the One Planet Summit, – from boat to consumer – is riculture market and ensure food Research Centre in Ras Matbakh, French companies specialised in of products or services they ence in aquaculture and fi sheries French ecosystem is focused on in- ranked fourth among sea fi sher- self-effi ciency by 2023, Peyran said. which is estimated to operate in April. Al-Baker: Air Italy set to achieve global scale in fl eet, network

eridiana, Italy’s long established privately Mowned airline, has an- nounced an exciting new phase of growth and development with its new identity as Air Italy. Qatar Airways previously strengthened its commitment to Italy in 2017 with the acqui- sition of 49% of AQA Holding, Al-Baker with Bregier and Chorleton holding a scale model of world’s first Airbus A350-1000 in Qatar the new parent company of Air Airways livery, at Toulouse yesterday. Italy, while the previous sole shareholder Alisarda kept 51%. During a recent media event in Milan, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker; Qatar Airways takes delivery Marco Rigotti, chairman, Al- isarda and AQA Holding; Sultan Allana (Alisarda and AKFED) and Francesco Violante, chair- of world’s fi rst A350-1000 man, Meridiana, unveiled Air Italy’s fresh and modern brand identity and presented the new From Page 1 with up to a 32-inch pitch. Each Like the A350-900, more than airline business plan, focusing Al-Baker with other dignitaries during Meridiana’s relaunch as Air Italy in Milan on Monday. The A350-1000 is the latest individual seat will feature an 70% of the A350-1000’s light- on excellent passenger experi- member of the Airbus wide- 11.6-inch in-fl ight entertain- weight airframe is made from ence and the next generation of Naples, Palermo, Catania and achieve global scale in both fl eet and the headquarters of the airline.” body aircraft portfolio. As the ment screen, and extra space at advanced materials combining traveller, aimed at positioning Lamezia Terme. network expansion, off ering high- Violante said, “Air Italy has global launch customer, Qatar shoulder level for passengers in composites (53%), titanium and itself as Italy’s leading airline. Further plans also include quality premium class products an ambition to reach a goal of Airways will be the fi rst airline to window seats, thanks to the near advanced aluminium alloys. The Air Italy aims to have approxi- strengthening the short-range across all fl ights on a modern fl eet.” transporting 10mn passengers a fl y the A350-1000, which will go vertical side wall panels. aircraft’s carbon fi bre reinforced mately 50 aircraft by 2022 and network to improve connectiv- On the new airline identity year by 2022 travelling to, from into service on the Doha-Lon- It off ers enhanced levels of plastic fuselage results in lower is already committed to receiv- ity and launching the fi rst long- and developments, Rigotti, said, and via Italy. We expect more don route this month. passenger comfort, thanks to fuel burn, as well as easier main- ing 20 of the brand new Boeing range destination from Rome “Our ambition is strong now as than 8mn of these to use Mi- The airline was also the global the lowest twin-engine noise tenance. The A350-1000 also 737-Max aircraft type from April Fiumicino in 2019. it has been throughout our his- lan Malpensa airport. In sup- launch customer for the A350- level of any aircraft, advanced air features a distinctive all-new, 2018, over the next three years. Air Italy aims to fl y more than tory, starting with the aim of port of this ambition, there is a 900 in 2014, and now operates conditioning technology and full six-wheel main landing gear and Air Italy will also receive fi ve 50 year-round routes by 2022. assisting in the development of great need to develop new skills 21 in its fl eet. LED mood lighting. 4% larger wings. Airbus A330-200 aircraft this Al-Baker said, “Qatar Airways tourism in Costa Smeralda and, and competences amongst our Compared to the A350-900, Two state-of-the-art higher Qatar Airways operates a wide year from the Qatar Airways’ is known the world over as the later, to develop the leisure and people and for all to embrace the A350-1000 features 44 extra thrust Rolls Royce Trent XWB- range of 118 Airbus passenger and fl eet, prior to these being fur- best airline in the world, as vot- charter Italian marketplace. change as a fantastic opportu- seats, with a two-class cabin of 97 engines power Qatar Airways cargo aircraft in its fl eet of more ther replaced by Boeing 787-8 ed for in Skytrax 2017. It is with “Over the last 10 years Me- nity. I wholeheartedly support 46 award-winning Qsuite busi- A350-1000, off ering lower ap- than 200 aircraft. This includes Dreamliner aircraft, commenc- this ambition and dedication to ridiana has witnessed the radical this new eff ort.” ness class seats in a 1-2-1 con- proach speeds. They were devel- nine Airbus A380s, 21 A350-900s, ing May 2019. the passenger experience that transformation of the European Meridiana has carried more fi guration, featuring 80-inch oped by Rolls Royce’ engineers four A340-600s, 13 A330-300s, Network destinations will also we will work together to build a aviation industry, characterised than 100mn passengers to date as fully fl at beds and 22-inch HD with new technology in the en- 13 A330-200s, seven A321-200s, enjoy continued expansion, with sustainable airline alternative by a fi erce competition. Air Italy full-service carrier, operating both in-fl ight entertainment screens. gine’s core to provide a higher take- 39 A320s and two A319LRs. new long-range routes from for the people of Italy and global aims to be a leader in the global short-haul and long-haul fl ights. This will include 46 suites, with off thrust capability of 97,000lbs Qatar Airways operates a Milan to New York and Miami travellers to and from this beau- industry, thanks to the airline’s The Company has more than 1,400 the middle suites able to convert per engine, without compromis- modern fl eet of more than 200 already announced recently, tiful country.” hub in Milan Malpensa, and the dedicated employees, maintains to six double beds, and six quad ing operating costs. As the world’s aircraft to a network of more that will soon be followed by “With high quality and an af- reinforced base of Rome Fiumi- codeshare partnerships with other suites. Economy class will con- most effi cient large aero engine, than 150 key business and leisure new short-haul routes connect- fordable schedule of services in the cino, alongside the seasonal net- major airlines, and is a full member tain 281 seats, each 18-inches they save around $2.9mn per air- destinations across the world. ing Milan and the airline’s long domestic, regional and intercon- work from Olbia’s Costa Smer- of IATA and the largest airline at wide in a 3-3-3 confi guration, craft per year on fuel. Business, Page 16 range destinations to Rome, tinental segments, Air Italy will alda heritage base which is also Olbia Costa Smeralda airport.

QRCS team performs 47 cardiac catheterisations in Bangladesh ‘No educational institution aff ected by siege’ A medical delegation sent by the main objectives of the complex aortopulmonary The Ministry of Education and none of them was told to leave or Qatar Red Crescent Society programme, which ensures that window. Fixing it required Higher Education is working treated diff erently because of the (QRCS) to Bangladesh local medics and technicians at a trans-aortic patch closure closely with private institutions siege,” she asserted. has performed 26 cardiac the host hospitals are actively technique. The one-hour to improve the standard of Sughra, who works as a senior catheterisations over the engaged in the procedures, procedure was performed education in the country, Doha academician in a private school, past two days, taking the according to QRCS. This way, successfully by Dr Mohamed resident Batool Sughra, pictured, said the Ministry of Education total number of operations they get firsthand experience T Noaman, paediatric cardiac told Qatar Urdu Radio’s live show and Higher Education has always performed since the beginning of how things go inside the consultant at St Joseph Medical Haqeeqat yesterday. reached out to schools in order of the project to 47. operating room, what steps Centre, Houston, Texas (US). Speaking on the impact of the to improve the standard of The procedures included patent the procedure consists of and Another patient was Jiana unjust siege on the country’s education. ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, how to deal with special or (4), who too had small PDA education sector, Sughra said no “Private school representatives stenting, balloon valvuloplasty, emergency cases. to close using a plug, said institution in the private or public recently had a meeting with the heart arrhythmia treatment and In addition, the medical staff Abdullah Ashkanani, senior sector was in any way aff ected by Ministry of Education to discuss stability in the country,” Sughra Asian expatriate community in cardiac cauterisation, QRCS said will have an opportunity to catheterisation technician, the ongoing blockade. ways to improve the standard of said. Qatar. in a statement yesterday. practise and correct themselves Hamad Medical Corporation “There are thousands of education in Qatar. We discussed Haqeeqat is a joint venture of One can log on to Qatar Urdu QRCS has been co-ordinating under the supervision of expert (HMC). “Instead, the hole international students, including various issues faced by schools Gulf Times and Qatar Media Corp Radio on Facebook and ‘@ with the Military Hospital to doctors. Post-procedure care is was occluded using a soft those from the blockading and ways to resolve them. Such Urdu Radio. The show, hosted by QatarUrduRadio’ on Twitter for host the second phase of the also taken into consideration. interlocking detachable coil. Her countries, studying across the meetings and plans are only Saif-ur-Rehman, aims to engage feedback and comments about project, which will cover some One of the rare cases faced health condition is stable now. It country in diff erent schools, and possible if there is peace and and interact with the large South the show. 40 patients. by the doctors yesterday was was not the first such case,” he Capacity-building is one of that of Miem (6), who had a explained. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 QATAR Gaza interior ministry thanks Qatar, denies attack on envoy

alestinian Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip has thanked Qatar for the continuous support to the Palestinian people, the latest example of which was the provision of an urgent grant for the health sector in the Gaza Strip, which has been Psuff ering from lack of funding for several years. Spokesman for the Min- istry of Interior in the Gaza Strip, Iyad al-Bozm, said that the support provided by Qa- tar has received appreciation from the Palestinian people. He said that over the years, the infrastructure and housing sec- tor in Gaza has developed thanks to Qatari support. On the reports about at- tack on ambassador Mo- hamed al-Emadi, chairman of the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza Strip, the Interior Ministry’s spokesman said that the press conference held by ambas- sador al-Emadi at Al-Shifa Complex coincided with a protest by cleaning workers in the health sector for not re- ceiving salaries from the gov- ernment for several months.

The support provided by Qatar has received appreciation from the Palestinian people

He added that there was some anger on the part of some cleaners, explaining that the anger was not di- rected at Qatar or at ambas- sador al-Emadi, but at their work conditions. Some workers tried to ap- proach the car of ambassador al-Emadi to talk to him, but there was no attack on the ambassador, he added. Al-Bozm said that ambas- sador al-Emadi was at the event till the end, but some “malicious media vehicles tried to portray the incident as an attack on al-Emadi and the Qatari role”, stressing that Qatar enjoys everyone’s gratitude for its continuous assistance to face the crises experienced by the people of the Gaza Strip. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 5 QATAR

The HEC Paris Executive MBA Class of 2019 with the dean and alumni. HEC Paris welcomes Executive MBA class

EC Paris, one of public sector. The average Hisham Nourin (Business tively to growth within their the world’s lead- age of participants is 38. Enhancement and Projects respective organisations Hing providers of The new participants director, Community De- and areas of the economy executive education, has were welcomed by Dr Nils velopment President Offi ce and to transform them- offi cially welcomed the Plambeck, dean and chief at Qatar Foundation, and selves and their career,” said HEC Paris Executive MBA executive offi cer at HEC Class of 2016 alumnus), Dr Plambeck. (EMBA) class of 2019 during Paris in Qatar, who gave an shared their experiences on The curriculum of the a launch event at its campus overview of HEC Paris and the EMBA programme at HEC Paris Executive MBA in Tornado Tower in Doha. its presence in the region HEC Paris in Qatar. consists of three key com- The new EMBA cohort and globally. “Once again, the demand ponents: 14 core courses comprises 34 participants, Raja Assili, chief operat- from professionals in Qatar and topics in general man- 22% of whom are women. ing offi cer of HEC Paris in and across the region was agement, a major and a They come from 14 coun- Qatar, and Renata Launet, very high, which is a great Capstone project. There tries, including Qatar, Alge- senior project co-ordina- refl ection of our reputation are eight majors for par- ria, the US, the UK, France, tor for the Executive MBA as education leaders and the ticipants to choose from, Greece, Kuwait, Mauritius, Doha Modular, presented high level of curriculum de- allowing them to special- Portugal and Romania. an orientation of the EMBA livered by world-renowned ise in a fi eld of their choice. They are senior execu- programme. The part-time professors and industry ex- The majors are: Aerospace tives with an average of 15 programme will run for the perts. In line with our com- & aviation, diff erentiation years’ professional experi- next 16 months. mitment, in partnership & innovation through serv- ence from a diverse range HEC Paris alumni Mar- with Qatar Foundation, to ices, energy, entrepreneur- of industries such as con- yam al-Subeai (head, Events develop the leaders of today ship – project accelerator, struction, engineering, en- and Protocol at Qatar Pe- and tomorrow, this pro- innovation and social busi- ergy, hospitality, media, tel- troleum and Class Repre- gramme will enable partici- ness, leading digital trans- ecommunications and the sentative Class of 2017); and pants to contribute eff ec- formation, and luxury. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 QATAR National Obesity Treatment Center MEC detects chips in to prevent Type 2 diabetes

besity, a major risk fac- range, the progression to Type 2 cal activity, and weight loss can tor for Type 2 diabetes, is diabetes can be slowed or even signifi cantly reduce one’s risk 17 violations Obeing treated at Hamad stopped. of developing the disease,” ex- Medical Corporation’s (HMC) “Research conducted in many plained Dr Skarulis. National Obesity Treatment countries tells us that treating Mubarak Ghadeer al-Khalil, a Center through a unique bari- obesity and getting people to a patient of the National Obesity atric and weight management healthy weight range can pre- Treatment Center and identifi ed service. vent a number of chronic dis- as being at high risk of develop- in January The Centre is caring for those eases, including Type 2 diabe- ing Type 2 diabetes due to his who have the highest risk of tes. Our mission is to find those weight, is currently undergoing he Ministry of Economy paigns — to monitor the compli- for issuing a licence. The initia- developing Type 2 diabetes or people who fall into the obese treatment at the facility and has and Commerce (MEC) ance of suppliers with their obli- tive aims to improve the quality other related conditions. Close category and motivate them to lost 21kg. Tyesterday said it inten- gations under Law No 5 of 2015 of services off ered to the public to 60% of Qatar’s popula- lose between 5 to 7% of their He has also been able to con- sifi ed its surprise inspection on industrial commercial shops, and guarantee compliance with tion below the age of 30 years body weight to prevent diabe- trol his blood sugar levels by fol- campaigns in January, targeting public stores and street vendors, laws and regulations governing is thought to be obese with tes.” lowing a 10-month weight man- industrial commercial shops, as well as their commitment to various commercial activities. more than 70% of the popula- “Most people with diabetes agement programme. public stores and street vendors Ministerial Decision No 243 of The MEC stressed that it would tion considered overweight or are overweight or obese. Some Located in building 311 in Ha- on the Corniche and in other 2016 on licences and regulations not tolerate any violations of obese, according to a statement research estimates that obes- mad Bin Khalifa Medical City, places across the country. for street vendors. Law No 5 of 2015 and Ministe- from HMC. ity increases one’s risk of de- the National Obesity Treatment The campaigns resulted in the “The inspection campaigns rial Decision No 243 of 2016, Type 2 diabetes is a complex veloping Type 2 diabetes by Center is staff ed by a multi- imposition of penalties for 17 vi- come within the framework of and would intensify its inspec- metabolic disease character- Dr Monica Skarulis well over 50% – which makes it disciplinary team of bariatric olations, the MEC said in a press the ministry’s eff orts to moni- tion campaigns to crack down on ised by insulin resistance and a major risk factor that can be physicians, endocrinologists, statement. Seven penalties were tor compliance with laws and violations. progressive failure of pancre- National Obesity Treatment infl uenced, unlike risk factors dietitians, physiotherapists, and imposed for violations such as regulations governing commer- The ministry will refer those atic beta cells, resulting in hy- Center, if obesity is treated and that cannot, such as family his- nurses who co-ordinate care and missing front signs on shops and cial activities in order to uncover who violate laws and ministe- perglycaemia. According to the aff ected individual is able to tory, age, and ethnicity. Lifestyle develop personalised plans for the failure to meet general and and crack down on violations,” it rial decrees to the competent au- Dr Monica Skarulis, director, reduce the weight to a healthier changes around eating, physi- each patient. special requirements related to added. thorities, who will, in turn, take the registry and commercial li- Within the framework of ef- appropriate action against the cences law, the statement noted. forts undertaken to regulate the perpetrators in order to protect The violators were fi ned. An- business environment and create consumer rights. other 10 penalties were imposed an appropriate investment en- The ministry has urged all on a number of street vendors for vironment for the private sector consumers to report violations MoPH bans two honey products conducting business activities and entrepreneurs, HE the Min- or submit complaints and sug- without obtaining a commercial ister of Economy and Commerce gestions through the call centre: licence. The off enders were re- had earlier launched an initia- 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. he Ministry of Pub- ferred to the competent authori- tive to regulate the work of street qa, Twitter: MEC_QATAR, In- lic Health (MoPH) has ties for legal proceedings. vendors by specifying permissi- stagram: MEC_QATAR and the Tbanned the import of In the statement, the MEC ble activities as well as require- mobile app for Android and iOS: Wales Golden Honey, produced said it aims — through such cam- ments, standards and conditions MEC_Qatar by Jordanian Company Al Keaab, and the honey product Macum Eqimedyumly, produced by MoI announces auction of vehicles Turkish Company Therma. MoPH has warned the public against the use of these prod- Wales Golden Honey The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has available on its Twitter page. The details of all such vehicles ucts as the fi rst product contains announced the sale, through a The auction will take place from are deleted from the records of chemical substances ‘Vedenafi l Besides, the two products are public auction, of confiscated 3.30pm to 9pm. the General Directorate of Traff ic and Homosildenfi l’, and the sec- not registered in Qatar and not vehicles that have completed An auction card can be obtained and there are no legal or financial ond product contains ‘Sildenfi l’. permitted for use. They are only the legal detention period in the from the above-mentioned site in restrictions, the MoI notice Such chemicals were added imported individually from some Industrial Area. The auction will the morning from the first day of adds. The public announcement without posting or including countries for personal use. take at the vehicle detention the auction until its conclusion, includes a list of conditions to them in the main production Accordingly, MoPH Pharmacy facility, Street 52, Industrial Area, according to the notice. The be fulfilled for taking part in the component information, which and Drugs Control Department from February 25 and continue auction committee will continue auction. Details can be found at poses risks to the life and health has warned against the use of until all vehicles are sold, the MoI through the week except on https://twitter.com/MOI_QatarEn/ of consumers who may be aller- both products and banned their has said through a public notice off icial holidays and weekends. status/965877474717413377 Macum Eqimedyumly gic to them. import. Ministerial Group reviews private sector role for educational projects

he technical group Qatar Chamber of Com- operation of the educational the related mechanisms to of the Ministerial merce and Industry www. projects. By analysing the the technical committee of TGroup for the En- qatarchamber.com for a academic opportunities of- the Ministerial Group. couragement and Partici- detailed data analysis of the fered by the private sector to The Ministerial Group pation of the Private Sector private sector responses to the community – promot- is developing strategies to in the Economic Develop- evaluate their readiness in ing the quality of educa- support investors in all sec- ment Projects of Qatar has the implementation of the tion, improving its output tors to allow for a greater announced the launch of educational projects. as well as the integration role of the private sector a number of educational Besides, the survey is of technology in teaching in the economic develop- projects including the allo- designed to consider the and learning – the survey ment projects across the cation of public buildings to opinions of the private examines the contribution country. The Group plans operate a number of private stakeholders on the public of the private sector in pro- to launch projects in diff er- schools. buildings that were allo- viding the foundation of the ent sectors, including food The group is chaired by cated for operation by the projects that serve Qatar’s security, health, industry, HE the Prime Minister and private schools. The ob- National Vision 2030 and tourism and logistics areas Interior Minister Sheikh jective is to review ways of the other state trends of de- as the government seeks to Abdullah bin Nasser bin ensuring optimal operation velopment. reach a stage self-reliance Khalifa al-Thani. of these schools to support For this end, the school and self-suffi ciency. It also The technical commit- and develop the private sec- team formed by the techni- aims at enhancing Qatar’s tee will launch the online tor and enhance collabora- cal group of the Ministerial developmental and sustain- survey Initiative of Leas- tion for the development of Group for the implementa- able macro project with the ing Government Evacuated the education system. tion follow-up of the policy objective of creating more Schools Buildings to the The survey represents an plans set by the state will economic opportunities Private Sector on the offi cial opportunity to have fi rst- analyse the results of the and options for investors, websites of the Ministry of hand contact with the ex- survey for drafting the edu- especially at the levels of Education and Higher Edu- perience of the private sec- cational policies and shall public and university edu- cation www.edu.gov.qa and tor in the development and submit the proposals and cation.

Turkish delegation visits Rayyan

Off icials from Al Rayyan Municipality have held discussions with a Turkish delegation from Ayvacik Municipality, led by Mehmet Unal Sahin and a number of off icials from Canakkale Province, on the ways to promote co-operation and exchange expertise and experiences between both parties, the off icial Qatar News Agency reports. The Turkish delegation was briefed on the services provided by Al Rayyan Municipality and the electronic system. The Turkish delegation received a brief on Al Rayyan Municipality, explaining its facilities and electron system. The delegation praised the municipality’s experiment in providing electronic services and introducing paperless transactions. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 7 QATAR Jumbo Electronics celebrates Sport Day

umbo Electronics celebrated tennis, and arm wrestling. Win- this important national event the National Sport Day at the ning teams received trophy and which encourages us to lead JAl Fereej Sports Complex in cash awards. Special individual a healthier lifestyle through Al Wukair. Over 500 employees trophies were also awarded for sports and also builds a spirit participated in the event that man of the series and other rec- of comradery among all our blurred the hierarchical lines ognitions. employees.” within the organisation to pro- Sajed Jassim Mohamed Su- The activities were sup- mote sportsmanship. laiman, vice chairman and ported by LG OLED TV. A Teams from various depart- managing director of Video mini marathon was held on ments competed in cricket, foot- Home & Electronic Centre and the premises championing LG ball, volleyball, basketball, tug- Jumbo Electronics said: “I con- OLED TV’s perfect colour on of-war, relay, carom, chess, table gratulate all the participants on perfect black.

A Haleyangadi is Doha Bank’s latest millionaire. Doha Bank picks a new millionaire oha Bank recently held cluding Facebook, Twitter and than with a joyous and festive account with Doha Bank,” said the 10th monthly draw YouTube, the concluding draw event. In 2018, Doha Bank cus- Braik al-Marri, acting Chief Jumbo Electronics employees at the National Sport Day event. Dof its 2017 Al Dana Sav- event of the 2017 Al Dana Sav- tomers with minimum savings Retail Banking offi cer. ings Scheme campaign. ings Scheme campaign was at- of QR5,000 in their bank ac- “To our current and new cus- The fi nale of the 14th edi- tended by VIPs, members of count stand the chance to win tomers, I highly recommend tion of Qatar’s most rewarding Doha Bank’s senior manage- big. Each QR1,000 gives them opening an Al Dana Savings Ac- savings programme picked a ment and other guests. a chance to win QR1mn and the count to take part in the most new millionaire, A Haleyan- “We are thrilled to conclude more you save, the greater the exhilarating and life changing Lexus models recalled over defect in airbag sensors gadi, along with 18 additional the incredible 14th edition of Al chances of winning. We can’t savings scheme in 2018 that has winners, who walked away Dana Savings Scheme. During wait for the start of another the highest value in Doha, Qa- he Ministry of Economy work of its ongoing eff orts to The MEC has urged all cus- with prizes worth a combined the past year, we were able to successful edition of Al Dana tar,” he added. and Commerce (MEC), in protect consumers and ensure tomers to report any violations QR1.3mn. reward several of our loyal cus- Savings Scheme,” he said. To open an Al Dana account Tcollaboration with Abdul- that car dealers follow up on ve- to its Consumer Protection M al-Jassim won QR100,000, tomers with life-changing priz- “The Al Dana Savings scheme and stand a chance to be Doha lah Abdulghani & Bros Co, has hicles’ defects and repair them. and Anti-Commercial Fraud while 15 other lucky customers es, with 10 lucky customers be- for 2018 will be a whole new ex- Bank’s next millionaire, cus- announced the recall of Lexus The ministry said that it will Department through the fol- received QR10,000 each. coming millionaires and many perience and promises to be the tomers can visit any Doha Bank RX350 and RX450h models of co-ordinate with the dealer to lowing channels: Call centre: The Kuwait draw for the more lucky customers winning highlight of each month for our branch or send an SMS to 92610 2016 and Lexus NX200T model follow up on the maintenance 16001, e-mail: [email protected]. KD2,500 prize went to A al- grand cash prizes,” Doha Bank customers, where many excit- with the keyword ‘AL DANA’, of 2015-2016 over potential de- and repair works and will com- qa, Twitter: @MEC_Qatar, Sayegh. CEO Dr R Seetharaman said. ing prizes and millions more or alternatively fi ll out a sim- fect in airbag sensors. municate with customers to en- Instagram: MEC_Qatar, MEC Streamed live on Doha Bank’s “There is no better way to are waiting to be won simply by ple online application form at The MEC said the recall cam- sure that the necessary repairs mobile app for Android and social media platforms, in- end this successful campaign saving with the Al Dana Savings www.dohabank.com. paign comes within the frame- are carried out. IOS: MEC_Qatar Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD Doha Corniche cleanup QU college workshop focuses on sustainable development

he Centre for Sustainable Al-Jabri said, “The Centre for Development (CSD) at Sustainable Development aims TQatar University College to provide sustainable solutions of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) to address the various challeng- yesterday held the fi rst work- es caused by the rapid growth shop on “Collaboration Part- and development of Qatar. We nership in Sustainable Develop- are currently conducting many ment.” research projects with empha- Organised in collaboration sis on food and water security, with Cardiff Metropolitan Uni- environmental conservation, versity at the UK, the workshop waste management, biotech- aligns with the United Nations nologies and natural resources 17 Sustainable Development governance. We strive to make Goals (SDGs). It aims to discuss this research relevant to Qatari the work of teams from Wales society, while creating interdis- and Qatar that addresses SDGs. Hareb al-Jabri Ali al-Naimi ciplinary research opportuni- These include good health ties, in line with the objectives and well-being, climate change, politan University professor of Brigadier (School of Sport and mate Change”, “Environmental of Qatar National Vision 2030.” life below water, life on land and Environmental Public Health Health Sciences) Ali al-Naimi, Public Health and Sustainable Al-Naimi said: “As a Qa- sustainable cities and commu- (School of Sport and Health as well as CAS faculty, students, Development Research Case tari citizen, I am delighted that nities. Sciences) Prof George Karani, and staff . Studies”, “Simulations Treat- teams from Wales and Qatar Attending the workshop were Professor of Biomedical Sci- The event’s programme in- ment of Wastewater and Pro- have organised a workshop to CSD director Hareb al-Jabri, ences & Biostatistics (School cluded presentations by speak- duction of Microalgae Biomass”, discuss issues related to sus- In a voluntary initiative, members of the public carried out a assistant professor in Natural of Sport and Health Sciences) ers from Qatar University and “Water-Energy-Food Nexus tainable development. I believe cleanup of the Doha Corniche in response to an Resources Management Dr Mo- Prof Keith Morris, Architectural Cardiff Metropolitan Univer- and Sustainable Development”, that the workshop’s discussions awareness campaign on the implementation of the new public hamed al-Saidi and assistant Technologist (School of Arts sity. Discussions focused on and “Building Engineering and will lead to more fruitful collab- hygiene law, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment professor in biotechnology Dr and Design) Dr John Littlewood many topics such as “CO2 se- Environmental Sustainable De- oration between QU and Cardiff (MME) tweeted yesterday. The MME extended its “sincere Imen Saadoui; Cardiff Metro- and Qatari PhD student Staff questration to mitigate Cli- velopment Case Studies”. Metropolitan University.” thanks and appreciation to all those who participated in this positive drive”. Recently, HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi instructed all municipalities to strictly implement Law No 18 of 2017 on public hygiene, which came into force on February 1. The law is meant to deter violators, curb misconduct and malpractices that violate the public hygiene system in the country. HBKU’s seminar on media translation

he Translation and Interpreting register for this workshop, where they the first of which will explore the vari- Institute (TII), part of Hamad Bin can broaden their professional skill set ous types, genres, and modes of media TKhalifa University’s (HBKU) Col- and refi ne their knowledge of concepts texts, including audiovisual and social lege of Humanities and Social Sciences that are becoming increasingly relevant media. The second part will address the Qatar Academy ‘committed (CHSS), will be off ering an innovative to the needs of the growing market.” problems, difficulties, and challeng- community workshop that aims to en- In the workshop, Dr Abdel Fattah will es commonly encountered by media hance participants’ media trans-editing impart both academic knowledge and translators and interpreters, highlight- to safeguarding children’ skills. hands-on experience to help partici- ing the structure of news stories and Led by Dr Ashraf Abdel Fattah, in- pants interact eff ectively with the central the nature of trans-editing. The third structor at TII, Translating News and forms of journalistic text. Programme at- and fourth parts will provide partici- atar Academy Doha underwent the appropriate Views: Media Translation’s Art of Medi- tendees will learn to critically analyse se- pants with an opportunity to analyse (QAD) has expressed background checks prior to his ation is a specialised four-day workshop, lected news stories and media translation media translations. Qshock about the alle- appointment. which will be conducted in both English samples, focusing on their characteristic The upcoming workshop is the lat- gations made against a former “The welfare of our students and Arabic and commence on February Dr Ashraf Abdel Fattah linguistic, rhetorical, and discursive fea- est in a series of community develop- teacher, William Ball. is our primary concern, and we 25 at Education City. tures. They will also gain insight into the ment courses that HBKU routinely off ers. In a statement issued yester- have a rigorous child protection Ideal for prospective translator-jour- TII said, “In our upcoming workshop, role of the translator-journalist as a me- CHSS is committed to developing hu- day, QAD stated it is “committed and monitoring policy in place. nalists looking to expand their under- participants will gain fi rst-hand knowl- diator, negotiator, and narrator of news man capacity in Qatar and the region in to safeguarding and protecting No concerns about his conduct standing of best practices within the edge into media translation and attain stories; and will be able to understand regards to its enrolled students and the the welfare of children.” towards children were raised growing media industry, the programme theoretical, practical, and critical think- the ideological and cultural implications broader community. The college off ers The QAD statement ex- during his employment. is open to all interested members of the ing skills that are commonly applicable to of media translation. a wide array of trainings and language plained: “We have robust child “Qatar Academy recognises public. all sub-specialised fi elds of translation. The course will be divided into four courses for adults and children alike protection arrangements in that students, parents and staff Nabeel Rashid, translation reviser at We welcome all interested applicants to days’ worth of three-hour segments, throughout the academic year. place and follow Safer Recruit- may be disturbed by the reports; ment protocol when appointing our counselling staff are on hand staff , all of whom are carefully to provide whatever support screened. The person accused needed.” Turkish shelling targets Syrian pro-govt militia entering Afrin

DPA forcing them to withdraw from The sources added the troops the Turkish army and its allied and its borders,” the statement More bombs hit Ghouta Beirut/Istanbul about 10 kilometres from the will continue to push forward in organisations...our units decid- added. centre of the town of Afrin, the next two days. ed to call on the Syrian govern- Minutes after the announce- Anadolu said, labelling the A convoy of cars with Syr- ment and its army to carry out ment, Turkish forces shelled the Reuters Sparking an international out- ro-Syrian government government-allied troops as ian fl ags had earlier entered the its duties in participating in the area. Beirut cry, the surge in air strikes, rock- forces have retreated after “terrorists”. Sources close to the northern Kurdish enclave, car- defence of Afrin,” Mahmoud, “Turkish forces bombed resi- et fi re, and shelling has killed PTurkish artillery fi re tar- pro-Syrian government forces rying militants and weapons, a spokesman for the People’s dential areas near the Popular more than 210 adults and chil- geted them as they were trying denied that they had retreat- according to live footage from Protection Units (YPG), said in a Forces, which arrived to sup- ro-government forces dren in the rebel pocket near Da- to enter the town of Afrin in the ed and said “two groups from the pro-Syrian government Al- written statement. port the people of Afrin in the pounded Syria’s eastern mascus since late on Sunday, the northern Kurdish enclave of the our forces entered Afrin and Mayadeen television channel. “Therefore, the Syrian gov- face of aggression,” the Syrian PGhouta yesterday, killing Syrian Observatory for Human same name, Turkey’s state-run took up their positions, a third The fi ghters were fl ashing ernment responded to the call state-run news agency SANA at least 66 people after the en- Rights said. France described the Anadolu agency reported yes- group, which was supposed to the victory sign. “We are one,” of duty and sent military units reported. clave’s heaviest one-day death government bombing as a seri- terday. enter, delayed their entry after members of the Syrian forces to take positions on the border On Monday, Ankara warned toll in three years, a monitoring ous violation of international Turkish artillery units fi red the shelling from the Turkish chanted. and participate in defending Damascus not to send troops to group said. humanitarian law. Page 9 “warning shots” at the troops, forces.” “A month after the invasion of the unity of the Syrian territory back the Kurdish militia. Iran fi nds wreckage of aircraft on mountain

Reuters county, demanding offi cials London step down for their handling of the disaster after an- nouncements that wreckage here were no survi- had been found on Monday vors among the 65 were then denied. Tpassengers and crew A video on Tasnim on an Iranian plane that showed an angry man ploughed into a moun- shouting “Would you have tain top, where most of fl own on the same plane?” the bodies lie buried under at Roads and Urban De- snow, the fi rst rescue team velopment Minister Abbas to reach the wreckage said Akhoundi. yesterday. Revolutionary Guards The Aseman Airlines spokesman Ramezan Sharif plane disappeared from ra- A picture shows rescue teams gathering in the area of a told state television the dar screens 50 minutes into search operation for the wreckage of a plane that crashed wreckage was eventually Sunday’s fl ight from Tehran near a mountain peak two days earlier in Iran’s Zagros spotted by a military drone. to the southwestern city of mountain range. After a long wait to lo- Yasuj. cate the plane, relatives Iranian military located “The plane had hit top poor state of national fl eet. will have to endure further the wreckage in the central of the mountain before The twin-engined tur- delays until the bodies are province of Isfahan yester- crashing 30 metres further boprop ATR 72 that crashed returned as helicopters are day morning. down,” the pilot of a rescue was over 24 years old. unable to land in the hostile “Only parts of the air- helicopter told state televi- According to data cited terrain and the work will plane are visible and the sion. by the Flight Safety Foun- have to be carried out on rest is deeply buried...The Glacial temperatures dation’s aviation-safety. foot, an emergency service rescue team have seen 30 and the mountainous ter- net website, it was restored offi cial said. bodies on the ground,” an rain hampered search and to service just three months Iran has suff ered sev- offi cial from Iran’s Red rescue eff orts, adding to ago after being in storage eral plane crashes in recent Crescent was quoted as say- the grief and anger felt by for six years. decades. ing by Tasnim news agency. families of the victims in a More than 100 people Tehran blames US sanc- The remaining passengers society plagued by risky air demonstrated on Monday tions for preventing it from and crew were buried under travel where offi cials blame outside a local government importing new aircraft or the snow, the offi cial said. decades of sanctions for the offi ce in nearby Dena Kooh spare parts. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 9 ARAB WORLD

Libya coastguard rescues 441 migrants from drifting boats

Libya’s coastguard rescued 441 US ready to talk Mideast peace migrants in two separate opera- tions as their boats drifted off the western coast, the navy and a doctor said yesterday. Thirty-five women and 16 children were among 324 illegal as Abbas calls for conference migrants rescued in one of the operations on Monday with Reuters clude the Palestinians, Israel, help from a fishing boat, a navy United Nations the fi ve permanent UN Security statement said. Council members — the United The migrants, from countries States, Russia, China, Britain including Chad, Nigeria, Mali he United States is “ready and France — the European Un- and Libya, were drifting in two to talk” Middle East ion and the United Nations. inflatable boats about seven Tpeace with the Pales- French UN ambassador Fran- nautical miles from Zuwara near tinians, US ambassador to the cois Delattre told the council: the Tunisian border after the United Nations Nikki Haley said “We are open to studying the engines failed, it said. yesterday in remarks directed development of the ways of in- The coastguard also rescued 117 at Palestinian President Mah- ternational accompaniment for migrants, including five women moud Abbas during a meeting the peace process.” Deputy Brit- and two babies, off the coast of the UN Security Council. ish UN ambassador Jonathan of Zawiya, west of the capital US President Donald Trump’s Allen described US leadership Tripoli, on Monday, doctor son-in-law and senior adviser, on the issue as “indispensable.” Abdel Aziz al-Misrati of the Jared Kushner, and US Middle Israel’s UN ambassador charity International Medical East envoy Jason Greenblatt, Danny Danon told the Security Corps said. who are working on a new peace Council that Abbas was part of Rocked by lawlessness since plan, sat behind Haley. the problem, not the solution, the NATO-backed 2011 uprising Speaking after Abbas made a and that the “only way to move that toppled and killed longtime rare address to the 15-member United States ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley speaks in front of forward is direct negotiations” dictator Muammar Gaddafi, council, Haley gave no details of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas speaks at the United Nations White House senior adviser Jared Kushner during a meeting of the between Israel and the Palestin- Libya has become a key transit the US plan. Security Council in New York, yesterday. UN Security Council at UN headquarters in New York. ians. country for illegal migration “Our negotiators are sitting Russian UN ambassador across the Mediterranean Sea. right behind me, ready to talk. Raff el said Washington would al Middle East peace conference ing for the UN agency that helps lish a multilateral international Vassily Nebenzia said the so- The migrants often try to make But we will not chase after you. present a peace plan “when it is to be convened later this year. Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). mechanism emanating from an called Quartet — made up of the treacherous crossing on The choice, Mr President, is done and the time is right.” The Palestinians are furious “It has become impossible international conference.” the United Nations, the United unseaworthy boats, hoping to yours,” Haley said. The Palestinians no longer over the Trump administra- today for one country or state Abbas, who shunned a visit States, Russia and the EU — and reach Italy and make their way Abbas did not stay in the view the United States as a neu- tion’s recognition of Jerusalem alone to solve a regional or in- by US Vice President Mike the League of Arab States could further inland in Europe and council chamber to listen to her. tral negotiator, and Abbas yes- as Israel’s capital in December ternational confl ict,” Abbas Pence to the region last month, play a role in kick-starting the start a new life. White House spokesman Josh terday called for an internation- and its decision to cut US fund- said. “It is essential to estab- said the conference should in- stalled peace process.

New woes for Netanyahu as associates face graft probe

AFP interview with Israel’s Channel 2 television Jerusalem further weakened the public’s trust in the po- lice, perceived by some as attempting to frame Netanyahu. sraeli police said yesterday that two associ- “I didn’t mention the prime minister in con- ates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nection with anything, I said that there were Iwere suspected of off ering a judge promotion persons sniffing around the investigators in return for closing a criminal case against the working on these cases,” Alsheich told com- premier’s wife. mittee members, several of whom admitted not The new investigation stemmed from a sepa- having seen the broadcast. rate probe into alleged bribery in the form of The latest suspicions emerged from a cor- positive news coverage of Netanyahu in return ruption probe involving Hefetz, who on Sun- for business concessions worth millions made day was arrested along with another Netan- public just hours earlier. yahu associate Shlomo Filber. The revelations come just days after police Also arrested were Shaul Elovitch, the con- said there were grounds to indict the prime trolling shareholder of telecommunications minister himself in a separate case for bribery, group Bezeq, as well as members of his family fraud and breach of public trust, in the biggest and senior Bezeq executives. challenge yet to the right-wing premier’s long Police suspect Elovitch was granted business tenure in power. concessions in return for Netanyahu receiving A statement from the police said two men positive coverage on Walla!, a news website he had in 2015 “approached a public official with owns. A handout picture provided by the Lebanese photo agency Dalati and Nohra yesterday shows Lebanese President Michel Aoun cutting a an offer to help advance her to the position of Hefetz and Filber are suspected of passing cake with the Iraqi President Fuad Masum bearing the flags of both countries, during the former’s off icial visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad. attorney general” in return for her taking cer- Netanyahu’s wishes and demands to Bezeq and tain action “on a criminal case,” with the offer Walla! officials. never reaching fruition. “As part of the investigation, suspicions ac- The two men have been identified as Nir cumulated of felonies concerning ethics, fraud, Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media ad- money-laundering and securities violations, visers for the Netanyahu family. conducted over extended periods of time, fre- Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a quently and systematically as part of relation- Lebanese president makes judge involved in a graft probe into Sara Netan- ships between Bezeq executives and public yahu over alleged misuse of public funds. servants and their associates,” yesterday’s po- A spokesman for Netanyahu said that lice statement said. “Hefetz never presented this ridiculous pro- Elovitch has already been investigated over a posal to the prime minister and his wife, and merger of Bezeq with cable company Yes which landmark visit to Iraq was never asked by them to make such a pro- saw him pocketing dozens of millions of dol- posal, and we don’t think he even considered lars. AFP brotherly ties that link our two In December, Abadi declared ited a church in Baghdad where such a thing.” Netanyahu has not been named as a suspect Baghdad countries and our people,” Aoun “the end of the war” against IS militants killed 55 worshippers Police have already concluded investiga- in the Bezeq affair, but a spokesman for his told a joint news conference with and complete control of Iraq’s in 2010. tions into two separate cases involving the family responded to media reports on the in- Masum. borders with neighbouring Syr- The attack on Our Lady of prime minister and their recommendation that vestigation, calling them “yet another empty resident Michel Aoun led “I would like to take advantage ia, where the militants still con- Salvation church in the capi- charges be pressed is now in the hands of the probe” that would yield nothing. a delegation yesterday to of this occasion to congratulate trol pockets of territory. tal’s main commercial district attorney general. This would not be the first time that Netan- PIraq on the fi rst visit by the Iraqi people for their fi rm- Aoun told reporters that Leb- of Karrada was claimed by the Yesterday’s revelations came as police com- yahu has been accused of trying to win good a Lebanese head of state to the ness, patience and determina- anon, too, had suffered from Iraqi branch of Al Qaeda. missioner Roni Alsheich faced a parliamentary press in corrupt ways, as police believe the pre- war-scarred country, for talks tion in the face of adversity... the militants but succeeded in At the start of the visit, Mas- committee after outrage among lawmakers mier sought a secret deal for favourable cover- that included ways to eradicate and terrorism,” he said. pushing them back from a bor- um surprised Aoun, a former over a recent interview, in which he said that age with the publisher of top-selling newspa- terrorism. Iraq has been scarred by dec- der region with Syria. general and army chief, with a detectives probing Netanyahu had been tar- per Yediot Aharonot, whose publisher Arnon Aoun held talks with Iraqi ades of confl ict. He said Arab states and the birthday cake decorated with geted by private investigators to dig up dirt on Moses could also face bribery charges. President Fuad Masum and was After an eight-year war with international community must the Lebanese and Iraqi flags. them. The attorney general must now decide how due to meet Prime Minister neighbouring Iran in the 1980s, build “joint efforts to fight Aoun turned 83 earlier this Left-wing lawmakers accused the commit- to move forward with the police recommen- Haider al-Abadi and other key and the 2003 US-led invasion, against terrorism in an effi- week. tee, headed by Yoav Kish of Netanyahu’s Likud dations on the Yediot Aharonot affair and offi cials before travelling to Ar- Iraq was targeted by the Is- cient and radical way, to elimi- Aoun was accompanied by party, of trying to “terrorise” Alsheich to sway another case involving gifts from Hollywood menia today. lamic State group which seized nate them and end the factors cabinet ministers including the the outcomes of police work on suspicions producer Arnon Milchan and Australian bil- “We had constructive talks swathes of the country following that favour terrorist ideology”. minister of industry, interior connected to Netanyahu. lionaire James Packer, in a process that could which refl ect the historical and a 2014 off ensive. Aoun, a Christian, also vis- and tourism. Supporters of the premier said Alsheich’s take months.

‘Dozens’ of Russians Egypt puts prominent politician critical of Sisi on terror list hurt in Syria attack Reuters second term in a presidential election tigation by the state security prosecu- Cairo slated for March 26-28, but the vote has tion found they had joined an outlawed been criticised by rights groups after a organisation “aiming to harm the in- AFP paramilitary groups, as well as number of potential competitors called terests of the state,” MENA said, with- Moscow political organisations that pub- n Egyptian court put former pres- off their campaigns, citing intimidation, out naming the organisation. lished information about the idential candidate Abdel Moneim and a top challenger was arrested. In an interview with a news channel, casualties. The Russian foreign AAbol Fotouh on a terrorism list The electoral commission has said Abol Fotouh last week criticised Sisi in oscow yesterday said ministry, which previously said yesterday, state news agency MENA re- that it will ensure the vote is fair and unusually pointed terms, accusing him dozens of Russian citi- that fi ve Russian citizens were ported, following his arrest for alleged transparent. of pulling the army into politics, failing Mzens were injured this likely killed, yesterday released contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood. Abol Fotouh was among the fi rst of to curb deadly attacks by militants and month in Syria but denied any a statement that “there are also Abol Fotouh, a former Islamist who several high-profi le Egyptians to call last mismanaging the economy. responsibility for their activi- several dozen of injured” in the leads the Strong Egypt party, was arrest- month for a boycott of the election. The 67-year-old physician quit the ties, amid mounting reports of attack. ed last week a day after returning from Individuals added to the terrorism list Muslim Brotherhood in 2011 after dis- casualties among Russian mer- It said “there are Russian London, where he had given interviews are generally subjected to an asset freeze agreements over the role of religion in cenaries. citizens in Syria who went there sharply critical of President Abdel Fattah and a travel ban and are permitted 60 politics and founded the more centrist The US coalition on February with various goals” and “it is al-Sisi ahead of next month’s presiden- days to appeal the decision. Strong Egypt party. 7 struck a formation attacking not up to the foreign ministry to tial election. Abol Fotouh’s lawyer, Abdelrahman He mounted an independent bid for a position of the Syrian Demo- evaluate the legality of their de- The Interior Ministry said at the time Haridy, told Reuters he had not yet been the presidency in 2012 and took nearly cratic Force east of the Euphra- cisions.” that Abol Fotouh held secret meetings notifi ed of the court’s decision but that Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh 18% of the vote in the first round of tes river in eastern Syria, killing The ministry said it had with leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood the designation could “easily” be ap- elections. about 100 people. helped the injured Russians re- while in London to implement a plot to pealed in court. for just saying their opinions,” Haridy Egypt banned the Brotherhood in Many Russian mercenaries turn home where they were “re- stir unrest and instability in the country, “It’s clear that there is an insistence on said. 2013 after Islamist President Mohamed were reported killed in the strike, ceiving medical care in various accusations he denied. tacking charges on to political fi gures in Abol Fotouh along with 15 others Mursi was ousted by the military fol- according to their relatives and medical institutions.” Sisi is almost guaranteed to win a order to intimidate all politicians, even were added to the list after an inves- lowing mass protests. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 AFRICA

DRY SPELL DETAINED DISEASE ABSENT POLITICS Drought-hit Cape Town Kenya opposition leaders Zambia cholera epidemic Court orders separate trial Mozambique president delays ‘Day Zero’ to July 9 held, allowed to travel slows with fewer deaths for pro-Biafra leader presses peace deal

The day South Africa’s drought-stricken tourist Two prominent supporters of Kenyan opposition Zambia’s cholera epidemic continues to slow with The treason trial of Biafran separatist leader Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi has met the metropolis Cape Town is predicted to run out of leader Raila Odinga were allowed to leave the seven deaths recorded over the last month, Health Nnamdi Kanu resumed yesterday but the leader of opposition Renamo as part of eff orts to water has been pushed back by another month country yesterday, a day after authorities prevented Minister Chitalu Chilufya said yesterday. Eighty defendant again failed to turn up in court. The broker peace between the group and his ruling from June 4 to July 9. “Day Zero,” the name them from doing so. Senator James Orengo and five people have now died since the outbreak former London estate agent’s populist rhetoric Frelimo party. Renamo rebels fought a 16-year war used by authorities for the day the city will turn financier Jimi Wanjigi were initially barred from of the disease in October, out of 4,202 cases, has tapped into lingering separatist sentiment against Frelimo until 1992, and unrest again boiled off the taps, was postponed because of lower flying by immigration off icials who said they had Chilufya said in a statement in parliament. “I must for a breakaway state among the Igbo over between 2013 and 2016. Nyusi travelled to the residential water usage and water being donated not been notified that a court had ordered a travel confirm that the cholera outbreak is abetting,” he people who dominate the region. Prosecutor remote Gorongosa mountains on Monday for talks to the city from the private reserves of a farming ban on the men be lifted. They were eventually said. Zambia closed some schools and markets, Shuaibu Labaran told the Federal High Court with Renamo’s leader Afonso Dhlakama who has community, Cape Town Deputy Mayor Ian allowed to fly yesterday afternoon to Zimbabwe among other measures, to curb the spread of the in Abuja that the absence of the head of the been in hiding since October 2015. The meeting Neilson said yesterday. Cape Town is suff ering its to attend the funeral of Zimbabwean opposition disease but relaxed them in mid-January after the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement follows a pledge by the president earlier this month worst drought in recorded history, with the dams leader Morgan Tsvangirai, Odinga’s spokesman said. number of new cases reported halved. The disease was “frustrating the trial”. Judge Binta Nyako to change the constitution to allow for the devolution supplying the city less than 25% full, according The Interior Ministry did not respond to a request has mostly aff ected the capital Lusaka which had ordered the trial of Kanu’s three co-defendants of power in an eff ort to persuade the opposition to the city. Residents have been limited to using for comment and it was not clear why the men’s registered 4,036 cases and 75 deaths, mainly without him on March 20 and prosecute him to sign a peace deal. The proposed constitutional 50 litres of water per person per day. passports were suspended in the first place. due to unplanned settlements, Chilufya said. separately. changes will now go before parliament. Ramaphosa Movie mum will ‘screen’ offi cials’ lifestyles

Reuters Cape Town

outh Africa’s new President Cyril Ram- aphosa, acting on a pledge to fi ght cor- Sruption, said yesterday he planned to screen the lifestyles of future government offi - cials as he mulled the make-up of a new cabinet. Ramaphosa, who was sworn in on Thursday after his scandal-plagued predecessor, Jacob South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Zuma, reluctantly resigned, told parliament addresses the South African Parliament in Dorothy Nyong’o, mother of Oscar winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o, speaks to students before watching the film Black Panther featuring he was working on a new government team Cape Town. her daughter in Kisumu, Kenya. Over two days, Lupita Nyong’o has invited about 1,200 students who learn acting in Kisumu county for screening and would announce changes at a later date. of the film. It was not clear whether this heralded a “We will handle it with responsibility. We purge of Zuma cronies from the cabinet. will handle it in a way that will not damage Speculation though mounted about our economy, that is not going to damage whether Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba agricultural production,” he told parliament, would keep his job — something of interest referring to expropriation of land without for investors eying fresh opportunity with compensation. Zuma’s departure — though Gigaba is slated At a separate event in Cape Town, Gigaba UN warns of DR Congo ‘humanitarian disaster’ to deliver a key budget speech today. declined to comment when asked by report- Zuma resigned on orders of the ruling Afri- ers about his future. can National Congress (ANC) after nine years However, his deputy Sfi so Buthelezi, who Reuters the southeastern part of the Demo- UNHCR partner agencies had displaced 1.5mn people in central in offi ce blighted by corruption, economic sat next to his boss, was adamant Gigaba Geneva cratic Republic of the Congo, as the documented about 800 “protec- Congo in 2016-17 but militias are mismanagement and disputed appointments would deliver the budget today. province of Tanganyika plunges tion incidents” including killings, increasingly active along the east- which have badly hurt Africa’s most industr- “There is a budget that is going to be pre- further into violence, triggering abductions and rape, in the fi rst ern borders with Uganda, Rwanda ialised economy. sented tomorrow and it is going to be pre- n upsurge of violence in spiralling displacement and human two weeks of February. and Burundi. As part of his pledge last Friday to “turn the sented by nobody else but Malusi Gigaba,” southeastern Democratic Re- rights abuses,” he said. But much of the violence was Tanganyika province is three tide of corruption” in public life, Ramaphosa Buthelezi said. Apublic of Congo is set to cause Clashes between militias repre- going on in areas that were impos- times the size of Switzerland with a told parliament he would launch “lifestyle Gigaba, speaking before Ramaphosa deliv- a “humanitarian disaster of extraor- senting the Luba, a Bantu ethnic sible for aid workers to reach. population of about 3mn, of whom audits” of public representatives — back- ered his maiden state of the nation address on dinary proportions”, the UN refugee group, and Twa pygmies, have al- The “lion’s share” of abuses 630,000 have been displaced by ground checks on whether offi cials were liv- Friday, said he served at the pleasure of the agency UNHCR said yesterday. ready been going on for more than concerned extortion and illegal the fi ghting, a number that has al- ing lavishly beyond their normal means. president who had the prerogative to both Congo’s Tanganyika province four years, driven by inequalities taxation, mostly carried out by most doubled in a year. Repeating his message on land, Ramaphosa “appoint and disappoint” ministers. has seen a sharp escalation of between Bantu villagers and the Congolese armed forces at road “Given the circumstances we are said he would not allow “smash and grab” The fi nance ministry is expected to spell violence since late last year, with Twa, a hunting and gathering peo- blocks. only observing an upward trend in moves when undertaking land expropria- out “tough decisions” in the budget to plug new armed groups forming and ple historically excluded from ac- The confl ict is part of a worsen- displacement right now,” Mahecic tion without compensation — a policy he has a revenue gap and narrow the defi cit, provid- an increase in attacks and the use cess to land and basic services. ing humanitarian crisis in Congo. said. “How high it could go is any- promised to speed up the transfer of land to ing an early look at Ramaphosa’s plans for the of fi rearms, UNHCR spokesman Mahecic said the intercommunal Militia violence has risen since one’s guess, but clearly it is a major black people. troubled economy which faces a 50.8 bn rand Andrej Mahecic told a regular UN violence had led to atrocities and President Joseph Kabila’s refused concern for us.” Two decades after the end of apartheid, the revenue gap in 2017/18 fi scal year. briefi ng in Geneva. mass displacement, but there had to step down when his constitu- Last year UNHCR received less ANC is under pressure to redress racial dis- Tax hikes, including higher value added “We are warning today that a also been fi erce clashes between the tional mandate expired in 2016. than $1 per person to support the parities in land ownership where whites own tax, may be announced to help plug the short- humanitarian disaster of extraor- Congolese armed forces and militia Congo’s military has largely 4.4mn people displaced in Congo, most of the land. fall, analysts say. dinary proportions is about to hit groups since the end of January. stamped out an insurrection that he said. Zimbabwe bids farewell to opposition hero Tsvangirai

AFP power-sharing government with Leading pastor warns fresh election may be rigged again Buhera Mugabe, who was ousted last year following a military takeo- A prominent Zimbabwean activist a battle with cancer last week. of the run-off following violence. ver. yesterday voiced doubt that up- But Mawarire cautioned that Before Mugabe was removed, housands of Zimbabweans “He agreed to sacrifi ce his vic- coming elections — the first since while Mnangagwa has been Mawarire had been accused of gathered yesterday to bid a tory in order to save Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe’s ouster — will be sending the right messages on attempting to violently overthrow Tfi nal farewell to opposition He became one of the leading credible, as the new president’s the economy since the military his government after he posted an veteran Morgan Tsvangirai who icons of the second liberation of commitment to basic rights was installed him as Mugabe’s replace- internet video of himself wearing was one of Africa’s most globally Africa,” Odinga said, describing still unclear. ment last year, the new president’s the national flag and lamenting admired politicians and lived to Tsvangirai as “my dear brother” Evan Mawarire, a pastor who stand on fundamental human Zimbabwe’s troubles. see the fall of his political nem- and a “hero”. became the face of anti-Mugabe rights was unknown. The video inspired the ThisFlag esis Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwe is due to hold cru- demonstrations last year, told AFP “The message that has been movement that led mass protests Tsvangirai, the country’s fi erc- cial general elections by July and that Zimbabwe’s legacy of ballot top of his agenda is that Zimba- across the country. est opponent of former president the country’s new President Em- rigging and political repression bwe is open for business,” Ma- After spending 17 months in Mugabe’s tyrannical 37-year rule, merson Mnangagwa has pledged would take time to shed. warire said, noting Mnangagwa’s jail, he was acquitted of the of- died last Wednesday aged 65 at a they will be free, fair and credible “It’s very diff icult for me right speech to global financial elites fences in November, a week after hospital in South Africa where he — in honour of Tsvangirai. now to believe that elections will at the World Economic Forum in Mugabe’s ouster. had been undergoing treatment After being repeatedly beat- be free, fair and credible because Davos last month. Mawarire’s rise to national prom- for colon cancer. Movement for Democratic Change party members pay their respects en and jailed by the regime, the history says otherwise”, But, he added, there are “a lot inence triggered speculation that His body was fl own to the bur- around the coff in of Morgan Tsvangirai during the burial at his rural Tsvangirai became a sym- Mawarire said on the sidelines of of questions about structural he might enter the political fray. ial ceremony aboard a military village Humanikwa in Buhera. bol of resistance to the ruling the Geneva human rights summit, changes when it comes to the law, But the 40-year-old pastor told helicopter, accompanied by his ZANU-PF’s authoritarianism, referring to Mugabe’s tyrannical the rule of law, when it comes to AFP that July was too soon to mother Mbuya Tsvangirai. were thwarted at controversial extended President Uhuru Keny- entrenched since Zimbabwe 37-year rule. “What they have democracy, human rights. mount a presidential bid, even if Thousands of mourners gath- polls. atta’s rule. broke from its colonial master done for 38 years is very diff erent They have said a lot about busi- running for off ice in Zimbabwe at ered for the burial at Tsvangirai’s “Africa is littered with elec- “We need to have clear and Britain in 1980. from what they are proposing ness but little about the freedom some point was “very much on Buhera rural home, 220km south tions which are rigged,” Odinga proper transparent elections in “We want to thank Morgan they are going to do now”. of people”. (his) agenda”. of Harare. told the crowds. Africa. Rigged elections will not Tsvangirai for fi ghting for our Zimbabwe’s new President The pastor said those currently Helping people organise and Many people in the crowd blew Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in the help Africa,” Odinga told mourn- rights. He was a humble man — a Emmerson Mnangagwa, a long- in power were “directly involved register to vote is “a much more whistles and wore red shirts em- fi rst round of presidential polls ers. man who was loved by people,” standing Mugabe ally, has vowed in suppressing and subverting beneficial and important role to blazoned with Tsvangirai’s por- in 2008 but narrowly fell short of “Morgan’s election victory was said Christopher Chikwati, a that elections due by July will be the will of the people in 2008”, a play” at this point, he said. trait, some weeping openly. the total required to defeat Mu- stolen a year after mine was sto- 70-year-old resident of Tsvangi- credible and promised to honour reference to the vote that saw Ts- “For now, I think it is important Tsvangirai’s dreams of unseat- gabe outright, according to the len in Kenya,” Odinga said, refer- rai’s village. “We will remember the legacy of opposition stalwart vangirai narrowly beat Mugabe in for me to remain working on the ing Mugabe through the ballot offi cial vote count. ring to the 2007 elections which him forever.” Morgan Tsvangirai who died after the first round before pulling out ground with citizens.” box were dashed at several elec- Tsvangirai pulled out of an Odinga alleges were rigged to en- Former opposition leader tions. election run-off following vio- sure Kenyatta’s victory. Arthur Mutambara, who served Kenyan opposition leader Raila lence which, he said, claimed the Tsvangirai was a tenacious as Tsvangirai’s deputy in the Tsvangirai — a great Zimbabwe- Tsvangirai’s death has sparked to the benefi t of ZANU-PF. The Odinga, attending the event, lives of at least 200 of his sup- opponent of the ruling ZANU- power-sharing government, an, a great African,” he said. a bitter succession strug- party’s acting president Nelson condemned political oppression porters. PF party’s four-decade hold on said Tsvangirai was Zimbabwe’s “He was arrested. He was gle within the main opposi- Chamisa said Mugabe and his in Africa as he addressed sup- Odinga insists he was the power. rightful president. beaten. The people of ZANU-PF tion Movement for Democratic wife Grace had sent a condo- porters of Tsvangirai whose elec- rightful winner of general elec- Following the 2008 election “We are here to mourn the are also here, they are the people Change (MDC) party which is lence letter to Tsvangirai’s fam- toral ambitions, like Odinga’s, tions in Kenya in August which violence, he was forced into a president of Zimbabwe, Morgan who killed Morgan Tsvangirai.” threatening to divide the party ily. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 11 AMERICAS

Mueller charges lawyer with false Florida teens demand statements in Russia probe

Reuters politicians act on guns Washington By Katanga Johnson, Reuters Parkland, Florida he US special counsel who is investigating al- leged Russian interference in the 2016 presi- Tdential election has charged an attorney with usloads of Florida students lying about his communications with Rick Gates, a yesterday headed to the state former aide to Donald Trump’s campaign. Bcapital Tallahassee to call for Special Counsel Robert Mueller unsealed crimi- a ban on assault rifl es, pressing on nal charges yesterday against lawyer Alex van der with protests after a shooting ram- Zwaan for allegedly lying to the FBI last November page at a high school that killed 17 about work his law fi rm performed in 2012 related to teens and educators. Ukraine. Last week’s killing, the second- The charge likely puts pressure on Gates and deadliest shooting at a public Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort, school in US history, has infl amed who are both facing criminal charges including con- a national debate about gun rights spiracy to launder money and failure to register as and prompted teens from Marjory foreign agents in connection with their political work Stoneman Douglas High School and for a pro-Russia Ukrainian party. across the United States to demand They have pleaded not guilty. legislative action. A trial is tentatively expected this fall, though re- The incident has galvanised ad- cent media reports have said that Gates is expected to vocates for stricter gun controls, plead guilty in the near future. including many survivors of the Mueller is investigating whether the Trump cam- shooting. paign colluded with Russia during the 2016 election. A Washington Post/ABC News Trump says there was no collusion and Russia de- opinion poll released yesterday nies meddling with the election. showed that 77% of Americans The charging documents released yesterday say believe the Republican-controlled van der Zwaan made false statements about the last Congress is not doing enough to time he communicated with Gates and another un- prevent mass shootings, with 62% named person, only identifi ed as “Person A.” saying President Donald Trump, He allegedly told investigators he did not know also a Republican, has not done why an email between him and Person A was not pro- enough on that front. duced to the Special Counsel’s offi ce, but had actually Students who survived the deleted or failed to produce emails that were being shooting have promised they will sought. push for action. Van der Zwaan was due in court for a plea hearing. Jaclyn Corin, a 17-year-old jun- The case against him underscores the extent of ior at the school in Parkland near Cameron Kasky, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, speaks to protesters at a Call To Action Against Gun Violence rally by the Interfaith Mueller’s probe and of his interpretation of how far Fort Lauderdale, said on Twitter Justice League and others in Delray Beach, Florida. he can investigate as he looks into whether Russia that she had secured a meeting with tried to infl uence the election in favour of Trump by Florida’s Republican Governor, fi re with a semiautomatic AR-15 as- lahassee today to demand that state 10 Republicans support the idea of on the social media platform Snap- hacking the e-mails of leading Democrats and dis- Rick Scott, on the issue. sault rifl e on February 14. He faces 17 lawmakers enact a ban on the sale of a ban on assault weapons, the re- chat, showing him cutting himself, tributing disinformation and propaganda online. Scott spokeswoman Lauren counts of premeditated murder. assault weapons in Florida. verse of Democrats, 71% of whom an assessment by Florida’s Depart- Manafort has argued the charges against him fall Schenone confi rmed the governor Students, many of whom have Gun ownership is protected by support it. A federal ban on assault ment of Children and Families said. outside of Mueller’s jurisdiction, because they have would be “meeting survivors later grown up in a world where they the Second Amendment of the US weapons, in force for 10 years, ex- The Federal Bureau of Investiga- nothing to do with Trump’s election. this week.” regularly train for the possibility Constitution and remains one of pired in 2004. tion has acknowledged it failed to act Yesterday’s court fi ling does not name the law fi rm Nikolas Cruz, 19, is accused of re- of being targeted by a shooter on the nation’s more divisive issues. The suspect, whose mother died on a tip that was called in last month that van der Zwaan worked for, though a 2012 report turning to the high school from which the loose, teachers and gun safety The Washington Post/ABC News in November, was investigated by and that warned that Cruz possessed on former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymosh- he had been expelled and opening advocates are due to gather in Tal- poll found that fewer than seven in authorities after videos surfaced a gun and the desire to kill. enko that it cited was penned by the prominent in- ternational law fi rm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. A spokeswoman for the fi rm said it had terminated Supreme Court rejects challenge to California gun waiting period van der Zwaan’s employment in 2017 and “has been co-operating with authorities in connection with By Andrew Chung, Reuters the law had argued that it violated With the US Congress deeply involved abortion, racist publications The waiting period also gives of- this matter.” Washington their right to keep and bear arms divided over gun control, it has fallen or police traff ic stops. ficials time to run background checks under the US Constitution’s Second to states and localities to impose “The right to keep and bear arms is and ensure that weapons being sold Amendment. firearms restrictions. apparently this court’s constitutional are not stolen or being purchased for ‘Never happened!’ Trump denies In a blow to gun rights activists, the The challengers did not seek to Democratic-governed California orphan. And the lower courts seem to someone prohibited from gun owner- allegation of forcible kissing US Supreme Court yesterday turned invalidate California’s waiting period has some of the broadest firearms have gotten the message,” Thomas ship, the state said. away a challenge to California’s for everyone, just for people who measures of any state. added. The states of California, Hawaii, 10-day waiting period for firearms already owned guns and passed a A series of mass shootings includ- Lead plaintiff Jeff Silvester, the Rhode Island, Illinois, Minnesota, S President Donald Trump yesterday denied purchases that is intended to guard background check. ing one in which a gunman killed 17 Calguns Foundation and its executive Florida, Iowa, Maryland and New Jer- allegations of sexual misconduct by a wom- against impulsive violence and In his dissent, Thomas scolded his people at a Parkland, Florida high director Brandon Combs, and the sey as well as Washington, DC, have Uan who says he forcibly kissed her when she suicides. colleagues. school on February 14 have added to Second Amendment Foundation in waiting periods that vary in duration worked at Trump Tower in New York over a decade The court’s action underscored “If a lower court treated another the long-simmering US debate over 2011 challenged the 10-day waiting and type of firearm, according to ago. its continued reluctance to step into right so cavalierly, I have little doubt gun control and the availability of period between the purchase of a the Giff ords Law Center to Prevent Rachel Crooks, who initially came forward during the national debate over gun control this court would intervene,” Thomas firearms. firearm and its actual delivery to the Gun Violence gun control advocacy the 2016 presidential election campaign, is one of roiled by a series of mass shootings wrote. In another gun case, the high court buyer, saying it violated the Second group. more than a dozen women who have accused Trump including one at a Florida school last “But as evidenced by our contin- yesterday also declined to take up a Amendment for individuals who The San Francisco-based 9th of sexual misconduct and comes amid women speak- week. ued inaction in this area, the Second National Rifle Association challenge already lawfully own a firearm or are US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld ing up about workplace harassment as part of the One of the court’s most conserva- Amendment is a disfavored right in to California’s refusal to lower its fees licensed to carry one. California’s law in 2016, reversing a #MeToo movement. tive justices, Clarence Thomas, dis- this court.” on firearms sales and instead use a The waiting period gives a gun federal trial court that had ruled it “A woman I don’t know and, to the best of my sented from the decision to reject the The Supreme Court has not taken surplus generated by the fees to fund buyer inclined to use it for an impul- unconstitutional. knowledge, never met, is on the FRONT PAGE of the case and accused his colleagues of up a major firearms case since issuing eff orts to track down illegal weapons. sive purpose a “cooling off ” period Last year, the Supreme Court left Fake News Washington Post saying I kissed her (for showing contempt toward constitu- important gun rulings in 2008 and Thomas said he suspected that the before obtaining it, which has been in place a California law that bars two minutes yet) in the lobby of Trump Tower 12 tional protections for gun rights. 2010. The United States has among Supreme Court would readily hear shown in studies to reduce handgun permits to carry a concealed gun in years ago,” Trump tweeted in response to a report by The gun rights groups and indi- the most lenient gun control laws in cases involving potentially uncon- suicides and homicides, the state said public places unless the applicant can the newspaper. vidual gun owners who challenged the world. stitutional waiting periods if they in a legal filing. show “good cause” for having it. “Never happened! Who would do this in a public space with live security,” he said.

Agonising ride lands her Pennsylvania court redraws Canada province readies Worst Commute award voting map, boosts Dems ‘aff ordable’ housing plan

AFP became one hour and 50 minutes,” said Reuters of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, which Reuters But some experts say it is not New York Tang, who was in pain and urgently New York was among 19 plaintiff s in the lawsuit, Vancouver easy. “It’s about balancing sup- hoping the subway would quickly said lawmakers should heed the ruling. ply and demand without killing reach her destination. ”To avoid future gerrymanders and the golden goose,” said Andy Yan, his is one contest no New York “Now, before boarding the subway, ennsylvania’s top court on Monday court intervention, the legislature should he British Columbia director of The City Program at City subway rider wants to win. even if it’s for one stop, I use the bath- unveiled a new map carving out the now work toward creating an independ- government is to unveil Simon Fraser University, noting T An advocacy group for city room.” Pstate’s US congressional voting dis- ent, impartial and accountable redistrict- Tits long-awaited hous- British Columbia’s fi nances are commuters yesterday awarded its The Riders Alliance invited com- tricts, imposing a plan it said was based on ing process,” she said in a statement. ing strategy, taking aim at sky- dependant on the booming real fi rst “Worst Commute of the Week” muters to share their stories using the “traditional criteria” after rejecting a pro- The justices redrew the boundaries rocketing real estate prices and estate sector, and eff orts to cool award to a librarian from the borough hashtag #WorstCommute. posal drawn up by Republican lawmakers as with the help of independent experts after soaring rents that have crippled Vancouver’s hot market could of Queens for her story of an agonis- Winners of the contest receive a unconstitutional. The state Supreme Court Democratic Governor Tom Wolf last week aff ordability in the West Coast hurt less frothy cities. ing two-hour wait in a tunnel one stop chocolate replica of the MetroCard, had ruled that the Republican plan eff ectively rejected a proposal drawn by Republican Canadian province, particularly British Columbia has passed from her home after skipping a re- which the subway system’s roughly marginalised likely Democratic voters. legislative leaders as unfairly skewed in in Vancouver. fi ve straight balanced budgets stroom visit before leaving work. 6mn daily riders swipe to enter sta- As a result, the Republicans have a their party’s favour. The left-leaning New Demo- and it is the only Canadian prov- The Riders Alliance awards are tions. more than 2-1 advantage in the state’s Legal battles are playing out in several cratic Party (NDP) came to power ince with a triple-A credit rating aimed at shaming New York State Gov- Cuomo, who controls the Metro- US House of Representatives delegation, US states over gerrymandering, the proc- last year with a pledge to improve from all three international cred- ernor Andrew Cuomo and the state’s politan Transportation Authority, the even though the number of registered Re- ess by which district lines are manipulat- housing aff ordability and its fi rst it rating agencies. Legislature into enacting a long-term public agency that runs the subways, publicans and Democrats in Pennsylvania ed to favour one party. full budget is expected to include The median value of Vancou- plan to fund and fi x the city’s declining did not immediately respond to a re- is roughly even. The court-imposed plan Pennsylvania has long been seen as one measures to curb speculative de- ver homes jumped to 11 times subway system. quest for comment. could help Democrats who want to gain of the worst off enders, with one of its dis- mand, crack down on tax cheats the median household income in The inaugural winner, City Univer- Overall subway on-time perform- control of the US Congress in the Novem- tricts nicknamed “Goofy Kicking Don- and money laundering, and sta- 2016, up from a ratio of 9.4 times sity librarian Jennifer Tang, recounted ance has plummeted to 65% — a drop ber midterm elections. ald Duck,” a reference to a cartoon image bilise housing markets. in 2011, data compiled by Yan being trapped underground on a train of 15 percentage points over the past The new map “is composed of congres- evoked by its odd shape. Foreign buyers have been show. By comparison, the ratio when the last fi ve minutes of her ride several years and the worst of any sional districts which follow the tradi- The new map means that Democrats largely blamed for Vancouver’s for Toronto rose to 8.3 in 2016 home from Manhattan to the Forest major transit system in the world, the tional redistricting criteria of compact- could win up to 11 seats in Pennsylvania in red hot property market, where and was 4.9 for Canada, which is Hills neighbourhood in the borough Riders Alliance said. ness, contiguity, equality of population, midterm elections, said Michael Li, a law- the gap between home values skewed higher by the two cities, of Queens on January 20 deteriorated Train delays more than tripled from and respect for the integrity of political yer with the Brennan Center for Justice at and incomes has widened rap- while three or less is considered into two hours. 2012 to 2017 and subway speeds are subdivisions,” the court’s order said. New York University’s law school, which idly in the last fi ve years, hitting aff ordable. “I hadn’t used the bathroom, fi gur- now slower than they were in 1950, it State Republican leaders condemned fi led an amicus brief in the case. “This is levels well above any other major While Vancouver’s empty ing I only had a 30-minute commute said. the new map, saying the court was usurp- the map that many people think is natural Canadian city, according to data home tax and restrictions on from Manhattan to Queens,” Tang, 49, Tang said January 20 incident ing the powers of the legislative and ex- for Pennsylvania, which is a 50-50 state, a analysed for Reuters. This de- home-sharing services like Air- said in an interview. stands out as a personal worst in a life- ecutive branches. “We anticipate further classic battleground, but hasn’t performed coupling is heaping pressure on bnb have helped slow detached Then the train stopped and an an- time of subway riding. action in federal court” to challenge the that way in terms of congressional elec- the province to take action. home sales, demand for less- nouncement warned of signal prob- “Even in the ‘70s when I almost got new boundaries, state Senate President tions for decades,” he said by telephone. Hundreds of people rallied on expensive condos has become lems. mugged on the subway, I never had Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and state House The US Supreme Court has rejected Re- Sunday in downtown Vancouver frenzied, prompting some ex- “Five minutes became 10 minutes, such as horrible experience on the Speaker Mike Turzai said in a statement. publicans’ appeal of the state court’s ruling demanding the government move perts to question whether any became 20 minutes, became one hour, train.” Susan Carty, president of the League in January striking down the boundaries. swiftly to bring down home prices. new policy will be eff ective. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA Australia’s deputy PM loses support of state branch over aff air

Reuters aby Joyce to inform him he no None of the 16 National Party Joyce took a highly unusual a precedent for this sort of thing, Sydney longer has the support of the members of Australia’s 150-seat week-long leave of absence this but then again it’s not easy to fi nd Parliamentary National Party of federal parliament is from West- week at the urging of Prime Min- a precedent for what Barnaby did, Western Australia as the Leader ern Australia so a loss of support ister Malcolm Turnbull, who is in taking on the prime minister,” state branch of the Aus- of the Federal National Party,” from a state branch with no federal due to travel to Washington. said Black who has analysed poli- tralian National Party Western Australia state leader parliamentary presence is not ex- Joyce would typically be act- tics since the 1970s. “He didn’t Ahas pulled its support for Mia Davies said in a statement. pected to destabilise a government ing prime minister but Finance just refuse to resign but came out Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby “Mr Joyce’s actions have caused with a majority of only one seat. Minister Mathias Cormann will swinging.” Joyce because of reports about an pain for his family but it is the on- The New South Wales and Vic- be acting leader instead. Joyce last The National Party’s Western extramarital aff air with his former going damage Mr Joyce is causing toria state branches of the Nation- week publicly criticised Turnbull Australian branch is under pres- press secretary, the party’s West- the Nationals’ organisation that is al Party issued statements saying for “causing further harm” by sure following a poor perform- ern Australia leader said yester- of greatest concern to me,” Davies they would not get involved in the commenting on his aff air. Turn- ance in the 2017 state election. day. added. federal leadership. Nine National bull has banned sexual relation- The mineral-rich state is Joyce, the National Party’s fed- As the National Party leader, Party members come from those ships between ministers and their scheduled to go to the polls again eral leader, has refused to resign Joyce is automatically deputy states. Two-thirds of Australian staff . The two leaders held talks on in 2021. “The Nationals brand since media said this month that prime minister under the conven- voters want Joyce to resign over Saturday. across regional Western Austral- he was expecting a child with tions of a century-old coalition the aff air, according to The Aus- Veteran West Australian po- ia has suff ered as a result of Mr his former staff member. He has between his rural party and the tralian newspaper’s Newspoll, litical analyst David Black said it Joyce’s actions and he has become maintained he has the support of conservative Liberals. A spokes- and there is concern that the dis- was unusual for the state branch a distraction at both federal and his party. woman for Joyce was not imme- approval of him could lead to few- to withdraw support for a fed- state level,” the state leader, Dav- Barnaby Joyce “I have today contacted Barn- diately available for comment. er votes in state-based elections. eral leader. “It’s not easy to fi nd ies, said. Cyclone Gita bears down on New Zealand

DPA Wellington

ew Zealand’s South Is- land was bearing the Nbrunt of Cyclone Gita late yesterday, as the storm, which has left a trail of devasta- tion in the Pacifi c, battered the country. Seven councils in the up- per South Island, including the country’s second biggest city, Christchurch, declared a state of emergency yesterday evening as Gita started to unleash its force on the country, causing wide- spread fl ooding and knocking out power to tens of thousands of Debris is carried by a river in Bainham, New Zealand in this picture people. The country’s MetServ- obtained from social media. A flooded farm is seen in Bainham, New Zealand, in this picture obtained from social media. ice warned that heavy rain would cause slips, streams and rivers to fl ood-prone areas to evacuate ready, and my message still to Flights to New Zealand capital grounded rapidly rise. their homes before the worst of people is please look out for your There was also the risk of the storm hits. Many roads and local warnings, expect disrup- Air New Zealand yesterday told reporters at Parliament 275kph and causing widespread More than 40 schools and coastal inundation overnight schools in the upper half of the tion to travel and please just be cancelled all flights in and out of that military had been deployed destruction and flooding. It had preschools were closed in the due to the combination of tides South Island have been closed careful,” she said. New Zealand’s capital, Wellington to areas likely to be worst hit earlier caused extensive damage upper South Island, while local and large waves in excess of 6m. and fl ights cancelled as New Air New Zealand cancelled all as the remnants of tropical and the country’s national Civil in Samoa and American Samoa. mayors urged people not to Strong wind gusts up to 150km Zealand braced for the arrival of fl ights in and from Wellington, cyclone Gita pummelled the Defence off ice in Wellington The cyclone had since been leave their homes. per hour could damage trees, the storm. Prime Minister Jacin- Nelson, Hokitika, Queenstown country. was on standby to help local downgraded to a storm, but Transport authorities shut a power lines and buildings. da Ardern said Defence Force and New Plymouth through to The national carrier said all authorities. “My message still forecasters warned it was still stretch of highway along the east “The full impact of the storm personnel had been deployed to midnight today. flights to the capital would to people is please look out for likely to wreak havoc as it coast of the South Island and will be felt overnight and tomor- places where the country is ex- Popular tourist train service be grounded from 2.45pm as your local warnings and expect traversed the centre of New the Department of Conservation row morning. We are expecting pected to be hit hardest. TranzAlpine service was also weather authorities issued disruption to travel and please Zealand, parts of which were still was closing picturesque seaside homes to be fl ooded,” Christch- The Civil Defence co-ordina- cancelled for today and tomor- warnings of severe weather and just be careful,” she said. reeling from a huge storm that hiking tracks and campsites urch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said in tion unit at parliament was on row and holidaymakers were heavy rain and gusts of up to Cyclone Gita hit the Pacific prompted authorities to declare along the West Coast and a statement. standby and would be activated urged to leave low-lying camp- 150kph. island nations of Fiji and Tonga of states of emergency at the ushering tourists away from low- She advised residents in if required. “We are prepared and sites. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last week, packing winds up to start of February. lying areas, media said.

Sydney driver survives 30m North Korea cyber threat ‘more cliff drop Japanese man wins custody aggressive than China’: US fi rm A Sydney driver had a lucky escape yesterday of 13 kids born to surrogates when his car plunged 30m AFP dence that this activity is carried Korean and Chinese operations off a cliff , police said. The Seoul out on behalf of the North Ko- range from simplistic to very man, aged about 60, was AFP children. Yesterday a Bangkok Cambodia and deemed the chil- rean government,” it added. technically sophisticated,” Fi- left with just minor injuries Bangkok court granted him legal rights dren would be able to adapt to APT37 has been active at least reEye’s director of intelligence after his car ploughed to take the children, saying he new surroundings. “The foster orth Korean hackers are since 2012, it said, previously fo- analysis John Hultquist told AFP. through a wooden had ample money to care for homes will seek my authorisa- becoming more aggres- cused on “government, military, “The sharpest diff erence be- guardrail and dropped wealthy Japanese man was them and had prepared nurses tion to release the children to Nsive than their Chinese defence industrial base and me- tween the two really lies in the down the embankment in yesterday granted “sole and nannies at a safe residence their father’s custody... it won’t counterparts, a leading US cy- dia sector” in the rival South be- aggressive nature of North Ko- Mosman, north Sydney. Aparent” rights to 13 chil- in Japan. take more than 10 days,” Vitat bersecurity fi rm warned yester- fore widening its range to include rean operations,” he added. Police said they were dren he fathered through Thai Tachaboon of the Social Devel- day, as it identifi ed a Pyongyang- Japan, Vietnam and the Middle “Whereas Chinese actors have investigating whether surrogate mothers, in a court A Bangkok court granted opment and Welfare Department linked group as an “advanced East last year, and industries typically favoured quiet espio- the man, who was able to ruling that paves the way for him him legal rights to take the told reporters. persistent threat”. It was the fi rst ranging from chemicals to tel- nage, North Korea has demon- extricate himself from the to take them to Japan. Mitsutoki children, saying he had Shigeta’s mother has also been time that FireEye had used the ecommunications. strated a willingness to carry out car, had suff ered from a Shigeta, 28, became the centre of ample money to care for visiting the children in Thailand designation for a North Korean- some very aggressive activity, medical condition. Local a “baby factory” scandal in 2014 them and had prepared and “they have got used to her”, based group. The North is known ranging from attack to outright media posted dramatic after Thai police found a plush nurses and nannies at a he added. Shigeta hired the Thai Analysts say the isolated to operate an army of global crime.” pictures of the vehicle Bangkok apartment packed with safe residence in Japan surrogates before the ban on for- and impoverished but nuclear- thousands of well-trained But the WannaCry ran- caught among the foliage infants under the care of 24-hour eigners. Police said he paid them armed North has stepped up hackers that have attacked somware, he believes, was the on the cliff above a beach. nannies. “For the happiness and op- between $9,300 and $12,500 hacking operations partly to raise South Korean fi rms, work of a diff erent North Korean A probe later found he had portunities the 13 children will each. Thailand’s rewriting of its money for the cash-strapped re- institutions and even rights group. fathered 19 children in total, 13 receive from their biological surrogacy laws sparked a series gime, which is subject to mul- groups “Thus far, we have only found 10 die in China surrogate babies living in Thai- father — who does not have of legal tussles. tiple sanctions over its atomic APT37 doing the quiet espionage land and six others living in a history of bad behaviour — Another high-profi le case weapons and ballistic missile “This group should be taken but they are a tool the regime can car accident Cambodia and Japan, accord- the court rules them to be the saw a Thai surrogate lose a court programmes. seriously,” FireEye added. use aggressively.” ing to an offi cial from Thailand’s plaintiff’s legal children,” the battle to bring back a baby after North Korea has previously FireEye’s fi rst APT was iden- The North is known to op- A car crash in eastern China Social Development and Welfare Central Juvenile Court said in a learning the Australian father been blamed for the Wan- tifi ed in a 2013 report by com- erate an army of thousands of yesterday killed 10 people, Department. statement which did not men- was a convicted paedophile. naCry ransomware that briefly pany division Mandiant, which well-trained hackers that have state media reported. The Four of the six children liv- tion Shigeta by name for pri- Sam Everingham, director wreaked havoc around the said that hackers penetrating US attacked South Korean fi rms, in- accident occurred when ing in Cambodia and Japan were vacy reasons. of the Australia-based consul- world last year — an accusation newspapers, government agen- stitutions and even rights groups a vehicle skidded of the from Thai surrogates. Shigeta’s Shigeta, who did not attend tancy Families Through Surro- it angrily denies. cies and companies “are based helping North Korean refugees. road in Jiangxi province bizarre case threw a spotlight on the trial, was deemed “sole par- gacy, said Shigeta’s case was an FireEye said North Korean primarily in China and that the Its cyberwarfare abilities fi rst and landed in a 10-metre- the kingdom’s unregulated rent- ent” of the children after the Thai “abuse of surrogacy” services operatives had expanded their Chinese government is aware of came to prominence when it was deep ditch, Xinhua said. a-womb industry, prompting surrogates had signed away their that had helped give the con- targets beyond South Korea and them”. accused of hacking into Sony The vehicle, which was authorities to bar foreigners in rights, the court added. troversial industry a bad name. mounted increasingly sophis- One group, it said then, was Pictures Entertainment to take authorised to hold 19 2015 from paying for Thai surro- His lawyer Kong Suriyamon- After Thailand clamped down ticated attacks, adding it had believed to be a branch of the revenge for The Interview, a sa- people, was transporting gates. Shigeta, reportedly the son tol said he would contact Thai on the trade surrogacy agencies identified a suspected North People’s Liberation Army in tirical fi lm that mocked its leader 32 passengers, the news of a Japanese IT tycoon, left the authorities about the next steps quickly migrated to neighbour- Korean cyberespionage group it Shanghai called Unit 61398. Five Kim Jong-un. agency said. The accident country in the wake of the scan- to transfer the children from ing Cambodia, which followed dubbed “APT37” — standing for of its members were later indict- More recently, according to occurred as 385mn dal and has never directly ex- state custody, adding that the suit and barred the industry in “advanced persistent threat”. ed by US federal prosecutors on analysts, the North’s hackers Chinese citizens are plained why he fathered so many timeline would depend on the 2016. APT37 was “primarily based charges of stealing information have stepped up campaigns to expected to make trips children. “readiness” of the youngsters – In recent months there have in North Korea”, it said, and its from US fi rms, provoking a dip- raise funds by attacking crypto- across the country this But he later took Thailand’s most of whom are aged around been signs the business is grow- choice of targets “aligns with lomatic row between Washing- currency exchanges as the value week to celebrate Chinese Ministry of Social Develop- four. ing in Laos, an opaque commu- North Korean state interests”. ton and Beijing. of bitcoin and other cybercur- New Year, according to ment and Human Security to Thai offi cials had visited Shig- nist country with no restrictions “We assess with high confi - “We have seen both North rencies soared. Xinhua estimates. court to seek custody of the eta’s homes in Japan as well as in on surrogacy. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 13 BRITAIN

TERRORISM CRIME TRAGEDY EVENT LEGAL Britain, US in talks on Knife victim dies in garden ‘Perfect’ couple killed on Women-only club is Paddington Cube delayed captured IS fighters after first-floor jump dream trip to New Zealand ready to open doors as new appeal launched

Britain and the US are in talks about the fate of two A young man jumped from the first-floor window Tributes were yesterday paid to a south London A sneak preview of Britain’s first women-only The Paddington Cube is facing further delays after captured British Islamic State militants, suspected of his west London home before collapsing from couple killed in a road crash on a dream holiday members’ club has been given by its founders. campaigners launched a renewed appeal against of being part of a notorious group known for fatal stab wounds in a front garden, witnesses to New Zealand. Malcolm Brierley and Margaret The AllBright, which counts actresses Naomie the proposed £825mn off ice block. Save Britain’s torturing and killing Western hostages, Home said. Neighbours yesterday said the 26-year- Anne Brierley, both 65, from Purley, died when Harris, Kathy Burke and Tara Fitzgerald among its Heritage has submitted papers seeking permission Secretary Amber Rudd said. Alexanda Kotey and El old victim, known as Rotimi, was at home in their car collided with a truck outside the city founding members, is due to open in a five-storey to take its case to the Court of Appeal after losing Shafee Elsheikh were captured in Syria last month Hanwell where he cared for his mother when of Christchurch. Brierley, a retired geologist townhouse on Rathbone Place in Bloomsbury a judicial review application in the high court last by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) he was attacked. He was pronounced dead by who worked for oil companies to identify new on March 8. The club, which has an annual November. The action comes after a separate and are suspected of being two of four militants, paramedics in Halliday Square at 4.05pm on wells, was in the country with his wife, a retired membership fee of £750, was set up by Anna challenge from Imperial College Healthcare NHS dubbed the “Beatles” because of their English Monday, the 13th person to die from a knife teacher, on a month-long trip to visit her brother. Jones, 42, ex-chief executive of Hearst magazines, trust was rejected by the High Court. Imperial accents, who took part in the kidnap, torture and attack this year in the capital. Theresa Grilo said: One neighbour, who knew them for more than and Debbie Wosskow, 44, founder of the Love claims a new road layout required by the “floating” murder of Western hostages. Earlier this month, “I saw him that morning. I asked him how his 20 years, paid tribute to the “perfect” couple. Home Swap home-exchange company, as an 14-storey Cube will delay emergency ambulance the SDF said it had not received any request from mum was doing and he said he was going to He said: “They were the nicest couple you could environment for professional women to socialise, access to St Mary’s hospital. Save is trying to any foreign government to hand the men over but pick some things up for her before work. He was ever meet. They had reached retirement and network, debate and work out. The club has a prevent the demolition of an Edwardian former said it would consider any such application. always caring for her.” were beginning their new life. It’s a shock.” library, meeting rooms and a beauty bar. Royal Mail sorting off ice in London Street.

Students William takes bike for a spin seek fees Oxfam boss refund over staff strikes apologises

London Evening Standard London to MPs over tudents at London uni- versities are demanding Sa refund on their tuition fees because of 14 planned days of strike action by lecturers and staff . Workers are set to walk out abuse scandal tomorrow, with more action be- tween then and April, in a dis- Guardian News and Media resign when his role in the scandal dal. In an interview last week in the pute over pensions. London was revealed and that the charity Guardian, Goldring said the char- Lecturers have announced should have done more to warn fu- ity was being attacked as if “we plans for more walkouts stretch- ture employers rather than merely murdered babies in their cots” and ing into the summer term, which xfam has lost 7,000 refusing to give a reference. said he had not slept for six days. means students also face miss- regular donors since it When pressed on the ages of “I make no excuses, I make an ing fi nals. Owas revealed staff sexu- the women involved, Goldring apology for comparing what I was They are demanding a refund ally exploited victims of the Haiti said Oxfam’s own investigations going through with the bigger pic- of £1,260 per person, with in- earthquake in 2010, its chief ex- found no women were under 18, ture,” he said. “My fi rst concern is ternational students, whose fees ecutive has told a committee of the legal age of consent in Haiti. the women of Haiti and anybody are higher, to be reimbursed ac- MPs, which accused the charity of “Our investigation included trying else who has been wronged as a cordingly. treating vulnerable women “like to speak to the women involved ... result of Oxfam’s programme. I Students at Goldsmiths are trinkets”. and it interviewed as many of the shouldn’t have put my own sleep, the latest to make the demand, During questioning by the in- women as it could trace. In those or lack of it, in the public domain. following similar moves at King’s ternational development com- interviews, the women were asked “I have tried hard to balance College London, City University, mittee, Mark Goldring apologised their age and no evidence arose work and sleep over the last two Exeter, York, and Bristol. to MPs for the actions of staff who they were under 18.” weeks. The results, I believe, are More than 2,000 people have were dismissed for their use of sex The Conservative MP Pauline that I’m continuing to do my job signed a petition to Goldsmiths workers in Haiti, and acknowl- Latham said she was deeply con- and I’m continuing to make ap- warden Patrick Loughrey. It edged that the charity’s actions cerned about the attitude to the propriate decisions. I hope I have states: “We, whilst wholeheart- had damaged the whole aid com- Haitian women involved, includ- led Oxfam competently, but that’s edly supporting the tutors’ strike munity, as well as the people of ing comments from Goldring that for others to decide.” action, join in with the other Haiti. the charity had been advised not to Goldring told the committee students’ pleas, and believe we The Labour MP Stephen Twigg, report it to the authorities in Haiti that at the time of the original in- are entitled to have our tuition who chairs the committee, said it because of a lack of confi dence vestigation into events in Haiti, fees reimbursed for the duration was striking how often Goldring that any action would be taken. Oxfam issued a press release re- of the strike action. needed to apologise during the Goldring said he had not been able vealing its fi ndings of “serious “We pay £9,000 a year as un- near-two-hour evidence session, to track down where the advice misconduct” involving bully- dergraduates — more as post- saying there was “a lot to apolo- had come from, “either verbally or ing, intimidation and breaches of graduates. If the university and gise for”. informally”. the charity’s code of conduct. It the senior management team Goldring said there had been 26 “Prostitutes are victims, they did not go into details at the time can’t support its staff , it is un- reports of sexual misconduct since are not doing it because they want about the fact that sexual exploi- reasonable we should still con- the news of the Haiti abuse broke, to be prostitutes,” Latham said. tation was involved. He admitted, tinue to pay the full amount for of which 16 related to internation- “These poor girls have had a natu- with hindsight, the charity should an educational experience that al programmes. “We really want ral disaster. You as an organisa- have been more transparent. won’t be provided.” people to come forward wherever tion, along with others, go in there “We know now that that was Strikes are set to take place they are and whenever this hap- promising to help. These are pretty not enough,” he said. “My col- across 64 universities — in- pened,” he said. vulnerable women and girls, look- leagues at the time made a set of cluding Oxford, Cambridge, He also admitted thousands of ing for Oxfam to get them through decisions about how public to go. Imperial, Edinburgh and Gold- people had cancelled their dona- this terrible situation. You are With hindsight, they made the smiths — after talks between tions since the scandal broke and dealing with these women and wrong call. If we were culpable – the University and College Un- said corporate donors were wait- girls as if they are just trinkets and which we were – we should have ion (UCU), and Universities UK, ing to watch what the charity’s re- you can pay for them, give them a been completely transparent. At which represents universities, sponse would be. bit of aid, and that’s OK.” the time, I suspect there was a bal- broke down. Those joining the Goldring, who took up his post Goldring repeatedly apologised ance of saying: ‘Oxfam is deliver- action say changes to their pen- Prince William rides a motorbike during a visit to Triumph Motorcycles in Hinckley in 2013, said Oxfam’s director in to the committee for his own com- ing life-saving assistance to a mil- sion scheme will make them yesterday. Haiti, Roland van Hauwermeiren, ments that had appeared to play lion people in Haiti … we have got £10,000 worse off in retirement. should not have been allowed to down the seriousness of the scan- to keep that work going.’” Donations pour in for Fashion Exchange Woman who left note on ambulance fi ned anti-harassment fund Guardian News and Media She added there had been on- London going diffi culties between Shar- man and her neighbours leading Thomson Reuters Foundation In an open letter published on and abuse,” Knightley said in a to a restraining order being issued London Sunday in The Observer news- statement. 26-year-old woman against Sharman in January. paper more than 200 actresses, “Many of these organisations has been fi ned £120 af- Ryder said: “Throughout the including Oscar winners Emma are woefully underfunded and Ater admitting swearing at course of the ambulance be- crowdfunding campaign Thompson and Kate Winslet, we want to help fund their vital paramedics and leaving a foul- ing parked, a note was left on to fi ght sexual harassment called for sexual harassment and work,” added Kate Kinninmont, mouthed note on their ambulance. the window of the ambulance. Ahas raised almost £1.6mn, abuse to be rooted out from the who heads the Women in Film & Kirsty Sharman pleaded guilty A neighbour saw that note being a day after the fund was spot- industry. Television UK group. to a public order off ence after the deposited by the defendant and lighted at Britain’s prestigious “In the very near past, we lived Award-winning director Su- incident in which the crew had they took it from the rear wind- Bafta fi lm awards. in a world where sexual harass- sanna White called for the estab- been responding to a 999 call from screen and posted it back through Harry Potter star Emma ment was an uncomfortable joke; lishment of an independent body her neighbour in Stoke-on-Trent. the defendant’s address, having Watson donated £1mn to the UK an unavoidable, awkward part of to deal with reports of harass- Sharman, of Parsonage Street, torn it apart.” Justice and Equality Fund which being a girl or a woman,” the let- ment and bullying in the enter- appeared before Staff ordshire She added the paramedics were has received more than 300 do- ter read. tainment sector. magistrates in Newcastle-under- later made aware of the note. nations in two days — ranging “In 2018, we seem to have The initiative comes after a Lyme yesterday. Ryder added: “Clearly she ac- from just a few pounds to two woken up in a world ripe for slew of allegations of sexual mis- She admitted writing the abu- cepts she was in a public place and anonymous contributions of change. If we truly embrace this conduct against Hollywood mo- sive note and verbally abusing her behaviour and language was £400,000 and £100,000. moment, a line in the sand will gul Harvey Weinstein last year paramedics. disorderly and inappropriate in the “We are delighted with the turn to stone,” it added. sparked the #MeToo campaign, The magistrate Christopher circumstances.” reaction that we’ve had... it just The fund, which will support with women and men using so- Rushton told her: “This was an In court, Sharman off ered her goes to show that people are re- organisations that help victims cial media to share their experi- absolutely despicable incident. “most sincere apologies to the ally looking for this change,” Seyi of harassment and abuse, re- ences of harassment. The fact it was directed at an am- ambulance staff ” though her so- Newell, a spokeswoman for Rosa, ceived donations from numerous At Sunday’s Bafta awards in Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Sophie, bulance crew providing a public licitor, Hayley Keegan. the women’s rights group behind actors, including Keira Knightley London many of the female at- Countess of Wessex, gesture as they host a reception service to a sick person. That crew The lawyer added: “She accepts the campaign, told the Thomson and Tom Hiddleston — who gave tendees wore black outfi ts in a to mark the creation of the Commonwealth Fashion should not be subject to actions the behaviour was completely un- Reuters Foundation. £10,000 each. gesture of protest, mirroring last Exchange initiative at Buckingham Palace. The such as these.” acceptable.” The fund was launched ahead “One concrete way this month’s Golden Globes awards Commonwealth Fashion Exchange aims to create The ambulance had been re- Sharman was also ordered to of the British Academy of Film movement is trying to make ceremony in Los Angeles. partnerships between established and emerging sponding to a neighbour’s emer- pay a victim surcharge of £30 and and Television Arts (Bafta) a difference is by fundrais- Both male and female attend- talent from across the 52 Commonwealth countries, gency call to assist his wife, who £135 costs, while a separate charge awards, where the campaign for ing for frontline agencies that ees sported badges name-check- in the lead up to the Commonwealth Heads of was “experiencing breathing dif- of breaching a restraining order women’s rights in the entertain- support women and others ing the “Time’s Up” campaign Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London this April. fi culties”, the prosecutor Liz Ryder was withdrawn by the prosecu- ment industry took centre stage. that have suffered harassment against sexual harassment. told magistrates. tion. Gulf Times 14 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 BRITAIN/IRELAND Call to investigate freebies accepted by councillor

Guardian News and Media standards in public life, has urged developers active in Westminster, Davis said the “sole purpose hospitality on 163 occasions. to make as a senior member of The standards board was abol- London Nickie Aiken to investigate wheth- as well as theatre and hotel opera- (of the meetings) was to ensure “It raises issues as far as the the authority. The problem is the ished when the then communi- er hospitality worth tens of thou- tors. Davis was chairman of the and encourage the right kind of reputation of the council is con- scale of it and the sensitivity of ties secretary concluded that reg- sands of pounds was warranted planning committee from 2000 to development in Westminster and cerned,” said Graham. “It would the role he played in planning. ulation by a central quango “was he leader of Westminster and whether any of it was linked 2017 and his responsibilities now ensure that anything put before be in the best interests for the “It begs the question who inconsistent with the principles city council is facing calls to planning decisions while Davis include policy on theatres. the council was going to benefi t leader of the council to carry out was looking through this regis- of localism” and it had become “a Tto investigate the hospital- was chairman of the borough’s Westminster city council said the city as a whole”. an investigation. She would need ter to make sure that what was vehicle for vexatious or politically ity accepted by her deputy leader, powerful planning committee. that given the area was a target However, Davis’s successor to ask what were the reasons for happening was appropriate,” motivated complaints”. Robert Davis, after the Guardian Graham spoke out after it for developers “it is hardly sur- in the role, Cllr Richard Beddoe, accepting this scale of hospitality the former watchdog head said. After the Guardian revealed revealed he was entertained more emerged that Davis has been prising that the chair of planning also a Conservative, has regis- and was any of it linked to plan- “There has been a more general the scale of the hospitality Davis than 500 times in three years, treated to 296 free meals, 60 the- … undertakes a large number of tered only three instances of gifts ning decisions.” worry that there is no longer the received he insisted that it was including 150 times by property atre trips and nine foreign trips as meetings”. It said “the idea that or hospitality since he took over Graham said Davis should be supervision of ethical standards “an important part of my job to industry fi gures. part of his work from 2015 to to- any councillor has been bought at the start of 2017. During the refusing hospitality that “po- in local government because the meet developers”. He said the Sir Alistair Graham, a former day. People who entertained him by the property lobby is demon- last 12 months of Davis’s time in tentially puts him in a confl ict independent standards board meetings were all declared and chairman of the committee on included several major property strably untrue”. that job, he accepted gifts and of interest on decisions he has was abolished by Eric Pickles.” “open to anyone to examine”. KFC ‘had been warned about switching contractor’

Guardian News and Media ditions at the Rugby warehouse London were “an utter shambles”. Rix added: “They took a lower tender with a load of promises he fast food chain KFC that have not materialised. The was warned it would face system can’t cope. My sources say Tdelivery problems months KFC execs knew three weeks ago ago, it has been claimed, as the that there was a major problem company tries to grapple with a with DHL. They were concerned worsening chicken supply crisis about the set-up and the systems that has forced most of its outlets after testing. And some of the an- to remain closed. swers from DHL were completely About 420 KFC stores are cur- strange and worrying. It was clear rently shut after the company it was going to fall fl at on its face.” switched deliveries to a cheaper He urged KFC to go back to service, amid mounting consum- Bidvest to help resolve the prob- er anger. An updated list showed lem, despite its decision to make that the number of open outlets 255 staff redundant since losing rose to 480 by 1pm on Tuesday the KFC contract. after dropping to just 254 an hour Speaking en route to a meeting Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives to speak to the EEF Manufacturer’s Organisation, in London yesterday. before. And for a second day KFC with Bidvest at its offi ces in Ban- gave no indication of when opera- bury, Rix said: “We’ve never had tions would be back to normal. redundancies at Bidvest before Police in Tower Hamlets, east on this scale. Some of those staff London, urged the public not to would come back. It is the only waste offi cers’ time by complain- way of resolving the problem.” ing about closed KFC stores. He added: “DHL will not be The GMB union said it had able to provide the service they Finance will serve Britain expressed major doubts about quoted for. Even if industry ex- KFC’s decision last October to perts piled into that depot now switch its deliveries from the to sort out the mess at Rugby, food delivery specialists Bidvest it would take weeks and even Logistics to DHL. months to sort the problems out.” Mick Rix, the GMB’s national “We think that with the dedi- under Labour: Corbyn offi cer, said he told KFC that cated professionals that are already it could face a repeat of supply there at Bidvest and with new peo- Reuters In a speech to a manufac- “I simply say ‘no more.’ The capitalism was living on bor- he was determined to end the problems that had hit Burger King ple and new vehicles, you could London turers’ conference, Corbyn next Labour government will be rowed time to the global elite at spread of fi nance’s “extractive when it ditched Bidvest Logistics have a good operation up and run- renewed his pledge to “repro- the fi rst in 40 years to stand up the World Economic Forum in logic” that prioritised “short- in favour of DHL six years ago. ning within a couple of weeks.” gramme” Britain’s economy if for the real economy... We will Davos this year. term performance and narrow He said: “We warned them a few A KFC spokesperson said: “We ritain’s fi nancial sector he wins power in an election take decisions and decisive ac- Any deep mutual understand- shareholder value over long-run months ago. I wrote to KFC. I allud- feel for those who lost their jobs will be “the servant of not due until 2022, and said a tion to make fi nance the serv- ing looks far off for now. growth and wide economic ben- ed to Burger King trying to cut costs at Bidvest; the decision to change Bindustry not the masters Labour government would give ant of industry not the masters TheCityUK, Britain’s most efi t”. and ending up with poorer qual- supplier wasn’t taken lightly. of all” if the opposition Labour businesses clarity over Brexit by of all.” powerful financial lobby, was To applause and some laugh- ity service and poorer distribution. DHL have estimated that win- Party gets into power, its leader repeating its stance on agreeing Big business has been cau- quick to remind Labour of ter, the 68-year-old leader also They had shortages, too, but not on ning the KFC contract and open- Jeremy Corbyn said yesterday, a customs union with the Euro- tious towards Labour, with fi - what the sector brought to the called media reports that he the scale we’re seeing now at KFC. ing the new distribution centre accusing bankers of taking the pean Union. nancial services company Mor- country, not only to London. had given secrets to a Com- Within six months they (Burger has created 300 new jobs.” economy hostage. “For a generation, instead of gan Stanley warning investors It said finance had created munist spy in the 1980s “non- King) were pleading with Bidvest Malory Davies, editor of the Corbyn, a socialist who has fi nance serving industry, politi- that Corbyn winning power 2.2mn jobs outside the capi- sense”, saying he felt “sorry” for Logistics to take it back.” trade journal Logistics Manager, won over many voters with cians have served fi nance. We’ve was a bigger political risk than tal and paid more than £87bn some newspapers. Others in his Rix claimed KFC’s current said KFC would have to resolve promises to renationalise serv- seen where that ends: the pro- Brexit. in tax towards funding public party have gone further, accus- crisis stemmed from dropping a the crisis within days. “Frankly, ices and increase public spend- ductive economy, our public But they have also started services. ing some right-leaning media supply system based on six ware- KFC can’t aff ord for it to go on for ing, has long targeted London’s services and people’s lives being engaging with the party, and But in a speech welcomed by of mounting a smear campaign houses run by Bidvest to a system more than a few days. They have a lucrative fi nancial sector, saying held hostage by a small number of Corbyn’s deputy, Labour’s fi- many in the audience at the an- against Corbyn. of one distribution centre in whole load of franchisees who will politicians have been in thrall to too-big-to-fail banks and casino nance policy adviser John Mc- nual conference of the EEF man- Asked if he was a spy, he re- Rugby run by DHL. He said con- be getting very angry,” he said. money-makers for too long. fi nancial institutions,” he said. Donnell took his message that ufacturing group, Corbyn said plied: “No.” I wasn’t inappropriate Royal visit Anger at Good Friday to Maltby, says Green agreement criticism Guardian News and Media diplomatic activity begins in Dublin Dublin, Belfast and London in Guardian News and Media I did anything inappropriate, still ister and I did break the minis- an effort to restart talks to re- London don’t.” terial code.” store the Northern Ireland as- Although the inquiry by Sue Green said he was “not holding reland’s deputy prime min- sembly after the collapse of Gray, the director general of the my breath” about the chance of ister has condemned Labour negotiations last week. Karen amian Green has said he propriety and ethics team, found another position in government, IMP Kate Hoey for “reckless” Bradley, the Northern Ireland believes he did not act in- Maltby to be “plausible”, Gray and said he was putting his ef- and “irresponsible” remarks af- secretary, made a statement in Dappropriately towards the found one breach of the minis- forts into campaigning on social ter she declared that the Good the House of Commons yester- Conservative activist and writer terial code – his outright deni- care and the future of work. Friday agreement that brought day afternoon. Kate Maltby in his fi rst interview als when a Sunday newspaper “I think the only thing sensi- peace to Northern Ireland 20 “I think there is a need for a about the allegations since he reported that pornography had ble to do in politics now is to fi nd years ago, was “unsustainable”. cold rational look at the Belfast was sacked from the Cabinet. been found on his computer. something else useful to do and Her comments, coming agreement,” Hoey said in the Green, the former fi rst secre- Green, a friend of Theresa do it, and that’s what I’m seeking swiftly after similar comments Huffi ngton Post. “Mandatory tary of state, said the only reason May’s for 40 years, was widely to do with this project.” made by the former Conserva- coalition is not sustainable in he had accepted for his dismissal viewed as the prime minister’s The interview is Green’s sec- tive Northern Ireland secretary the long term … We need to face was that he had been mislead- closest ally in government. Green ond intervention after he was Owen Paterson and pro-Brexit reality – Sinn Fein don’t particu- ing in a statement about a police said that he and the prime minis- sacked as the prime minister’s de MEP Daniel Hannan, were also larly want a successful Northern investigation into pornography ter had spoken since his sacking facto deputy. Green, who sat on roundly condemned by Labour’s Ireland. They want a united Ire- found on his offi ce computer. in December. Asked if they were the soft Brexit side of the Cabi- shadow Northern Ireland sec- land,” she continued. The former Cabinet minis- still friends, Green said: “Yes.” net, suggested that attacks by retary, Owen Smith, who ques- Hoey, from Antrim, is a ter described a text he had sent Green said he did not intend to Brexiters on the civil service’s tioned their timing. staunch supporter of Brexit and to Maltby asking her for a drink complain about his treatment. “I economic forecasts had been The row comes as British and sits on the Commons Northern after seeing a picture of her in a sent a press release that was in- misjudged. EU negotiators began two days of Ireland aff airs select committee. corset as “a joke”. Maltby told accurate, I apologised. That was Some pro-Brexit colleagues talks in Brussels, concentrating Smith questioned the timing the Cabinet Offi ce inquiry into a breach of the ministerial code. found it diffi cult to “accept evi- on Ireland and the Irish border. of Hoey’s remarks. Green that the MP touched her That’s why I had to leave the gov- dence” of the economic risks of Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Peter Hain, a former Labour knee and appeared to solicit sex ernment. I accepted that and I’m leaving the EU, he told Radio 4, deputy prime minister, said Northern Ireland secretary who from her in exchange for political now moving on to other projects. and said the government ought yesterday morning that talk- was involved in the process that mentoring. It was one press release that went to publish such analysis in full ing down the peace accord that led to the Good Friday agree- “If she felt uncomfortable ... slightly too far in a very diffi cult after it is produced. Queen Elizabeth II leaves after visiting the Royal led to the IRA and loyalist para- ment, said the remarks showed then obviously I’m sorry about time,” he said. “I do reject all the conspiracy College of Physicians in London yesterday. The militaries laying down their arms Brexiters were “willing to sacri- that,” Green told BBC Radio 4’s “I’m not going to whinge, theories that suggest there’s monarch visited the Royal College of Physicians of potentially undermined peace in fi ce almost anything on the altar Today programme. “But I should stuff happens, move on. All some sort of plot inside the offi - London to mark the 500th anniversary of the body’s the region. of a hard Brexit” while Labour’s emphasise again as I have done ministers hold their positions at cial machine to thwart the will of founding charter. Her remarks came as an in- shadow Brexit secretary de- throughout that I didn’t believe the pleasure of the prime min- the people,” he said. tense round of political and scribed them as “deplorable”. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 15 EUROPE

JUSTICE NABBED ‘CRUEL’ FAREWELL Poland illegally logged in France arrests 3 linked Germany to fine scientists Danes bid adieu to queen’s ancient forest: EU adviser to Barcelona attacks over monkey experiments husband Prince Henrik

Poland’s rightwing government broke the law Three people were arrested in France yesterday German prosecutors have asked judges to fine Thousands of Danes yesterday bid farewell by logging in one of Europe’s last primeval for alleged links to a suspect in last year’s deadly three scientists at the prestigious Max Planck to the late Prince Henrik ahead of his funeral, forests, the legal adviser to the EU’s top court extremist attacks in Barcelona and a nearby Institutes for animal cruelty over experiments on despite a controversy over his choice not to be said yesterday, setting up a new clash between seaside resort, the Spanish interior ministry said. monkeys’ brains. Investigators in the university buried in the tomb prepared for him and his Brussels and Warsaw. Logging in the Bialowieza The arrests were made during a joint operation town Tuebingen said the three men aged between wife Queen Margrethe. The royal family, prime Forest began in May 2016 but the European with French and Spanish police in the south and 49 and 67 were accused of “ending experiments minister and France’s ambassador to Denmark Commission took Poland to court last year southwest of France. Sixteen people were killed on three monkeys too late and causing the animals were among those who attended a private arguing that it was destroying a forest that boasts when a van drove into crowds on the popular ongoing pain for a longer period.” In German law, service at the Christiansborg Palace Chapel in unique plant and animal life. Bialowieza, which Las Ramblas boulevard in the heart of Barcelona animal cruelty can be punished with a sentence the centre of Copenhagen, while a few hundred straddles the border with Belarus, includes one of and in a knife attack in the nearby resort of of up to three years in jail. This case deals with people gathered outside to pay their respects. the largest surviving parts of the primeval forest Cambrils in August 2017. The three arrested were experiments by the Max Planck Institute for Last August Henrik said that he did not wish to be that covered the European plain 10,000 years suspected to have links with Moroccan national Biological Cybernetics that were approved by buried next to the queen, breaking a 459-year-old The coff in leaves church after the funeral of ago. The decisions “infringe EU law”, said Yves Bot, Driss Oukabir, who was alleged to have rented authorities — on the condition that the monkeys tradition. Shortly afterwards, the palace issued a Prince Henrik at Christiansborg Palace Chapel advocate general to the European Court of Justice. the van used in the Barcelona rampage. be killed if signs of suff ering became apparent. statement saying that he had dementia. in Copenhagen.

Catch them young... French President Radicalised Stockholm Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Francoise Nyssen meet youths during truck attacker sought a visit at a ‘mediatheque’ in Les Mureaux, Paris yesterday. to avenge IS dead

AFP of emerging attackers, who are Stockholm “marginalised in a foreign coun- try” and take on “symbolic tar- gets”. n Uzbek asylum seeker He added that Akilov’s case who has admitted to a “fi ts into a broader framework” Adeadly Stockholm truck of extremists. attack testifi ed yesterday that Akilov has been charged with he wanted to pressure Sweden’s “terrorism and attempted ter- government to end its support of rorism”. a coalition fi ghting the Islamic After crashing the truck into State group and avenge its killed the facade of a store, Akilov set members. off an explosive device — made On the fi rst day of his trial up of fi ve gas canisters and nails last week, Rakhmat Akilov, — though it didn’t explode as 40, pleaded guilty to stealing a planned and caused damage beer truck on April 7, 2017, and only to the truck. mowing down pedestrians on a He told police he wanted “to busy shopping street, swerving die as a martyr in an explosion”. wildly to hit as many people as Akilov fl ed the scene by run- possible. ning into a nearby metro station, Three Swedes were killed in- and was arrested several hours cluding an 11-year-old girl, as later thanks to public transport well as a 41-year-old British video surveillance images. man and a 31-year-old Belgian One of the key questions woman. Ten other people were in the case, unprecedented in injured. the Scandinavian country, is The assault mirrored other whether Akilov had any accom- truck attacks in 2016 that left plices. scores dead, one in Nice in Swedish intelligence agency southern France, the other in Sapo is still investigating the Berlin. identities of his chat contacts, Unlike those attacks, how- and Akilov himself testifi ed that ever, the one in Stockholm was he only knows them by their on- never claimed by the extremist line pseudonyms. Crisis-hit SPD votes group. Investigators so far believe he Akilov yesterday told the carried out the assault alone. court he had nonetheless been Testifying that he initially given the green light for his at- wanted to attack Nato-member tack by IS members he was in Denmark, Akilov said he was or- contact with on encrypted chat dered by one of his contacts to sites. target Sweden instead. His exchanges show he spent He also told the court he gath- on Merkel coalition three months preparing his as- ered information on previous sault. terrorist acts just before his as- By Frank Zeller, AFP tinuation of the current right-left “grand vowed the populists were now training tablishment parties which, they argue, have In mid-March, several weeks sault, including the April 3 Saint Berlin coalition” government, known in German their sights on “our next target, the CDU”. eff ectively merged into a GroKo mega-party. before the attack, he sent his Petersburg metro bombing and as the “GroKo”. The mass-circulation Bild daily called “Something is coming to an end in Ger- contacts photos of his intended the March 22 London car attack But the outcome is far from certain, the Insa survey it commissioned “a bitter many: the age of the traditional big par- target for approval. against pedestrians at West- ermany’s Social Democrats yes- given the volatile mood in the party which blow” for the SPD, one of Germany’s two ties,” news weekly Der Spiegel said in its He told the court he wanted minster Bridge. terday started a membership ballot scored its worst post-war result of just traditional mainstream parties. latest editorial, stressing that Merkel’s “Sweden to end its participation Speaking calmly in Russian Gon whether to again govern under 20.5% in the September 24 election. The tabloid also ran a mocking front- CDU faces the same change, albeit less in the fi ght against the caliphate, through an interpreter, Akilov Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives The SPD’s youth and left wings are page report on how the SPD had been dramatically. to stop sending its soldiers to expressed no remorse for his ac- after an opinion poll showed them trailing driving a passionate #NoGroKo cam- tricked into approving the membership ap- The shift, Der Spiegel judged, is in line war zones.” tions. the far-right AfD party for the fi rst time. paign, arguing that the party must rethink plication of a dog and had mailed brochures with “the fragmentation of society, great- “I did this because my heart Cooperative at the beginning The referendum for more than 460,000 what it stands for and rebuild as a com- and invitations to its owner’s address. er individualism, the dissolution of tradi- and my soul aches for those who of questioning, he gradually members of the crisis-hit SPD is the last bative opposition force. An SPD spokesman said the party was tional socio-economic groups...and the have suff ered from the bomb- grew impatient. hurdle for veteran leader Merkel as she The SPD’s credibility has been badly looking to cancel the “fake membership”. logic of social media”. ings of the Nato coalition,” Ak- “From his testimony so far, seeks to form a new government, fi ve bruised by a series of U-turns, which last Amid the political chaos, Germany — “The trend has reached Germany rela- ilov said. it’s quite obvious that we are months after an inconclusive election. week saw election loser Martin Schulz re- long seen as a bulwark against populism, tively late,” the magazine added, pointing Sweden, a non-Nato member, dealing with a person who is If the rank-and-fi le of the 153-year-old sign as party leader after less than a year in part due to its Nazi past — is now expe- to the Netherlands, Belgium and France, has around 70 military person- quite convinced of the splen- labour party give the thumbs up — with in the post. riencing the tectonic shift of mainstream where President Emmanuel Macron has nel based mainly in northern dour of his deed,” a lawyer for 13 the results to be announced on March 4 The party’s ratings are in freefall, with parties in decline long observed in other “swept away the old party system”. Iraq to provide training as part of plaintiff s, Gustaf Linderholm, — Merkel is set to launch her fourth-term the latest polls giving it just 15.5% support Western democracies. Hajo Funke, a political scientist at the US-led coalition against IS. told AFP. government within a few weeks. — narrowly behind the far-right, anti- The ballot-box pain of Germany’s two Berlin’s Free University, said this did not Akilov, whose Swedish asy- Prosecutors have said they If they vote ‘no’ in the postal and online immigration Alternative for Germany biggest parties was in large part a result of mean a drift into extremism in Germany. lum application was turned will seek a life sentence and, ballot, Europe’s biggest economy faces (AfD) party. the rise of the anti-Islam AfD which railed He said the AfD’s recent poll gain was down in 2016, swore allegiance thereafter, his expulsion from more political paralysis and likely snap Merkel’s conservative CDU/CSU bloc against a mass infl ux of refugees that largely due to “the disaster seen at the to IS on the eve of his assault in the Scandinavian country. elections that would threaten a speedy remained the strongest political force peaked in 2015 under the previous grand SPD at the moment” and that its appeal one of Europe’s safest cities. A life sentence in Sweden var- end to Merkel’s 12 years in power. with 32% support. coalition government. would wane because many protest voters Prosecutor Hans Ihrman has ies, but is on average 16 years. Despite weeks of turmoil and bitter in- The AfD cheered having polled as Ger- The populists won almost 13% of the vote reject its “increasing radicalisation”. said he expects the trial to pro- The trial is scheduled to last fi ghting, the SPD leadership is hopeful its many’s second strongest party, and its with their angry demand that “Merkel must “That is why the AfD will shrink once a vide a better understanding of through May, with a verdict due members will back the proposal for a con- parliamentary leader Bernd Baumann go” and their protests against the two es- new government is in place,” he predicted. “the process of radicalisation” in June. German army facing ‘big gaps’ as spending cuts bite

AFP helicopters and ships lamed by Merkel’s government announced as directed at his western neigh- Berlin bad planning and a lack of spare the fi rst increase in the size of bour. parts. the army since 1990 and higher And US President Donald Air force pilots are unable to spending over the next seven Trump has reiterated years-old ermany’s armed forces train as their aircraft are ground- years. American complaints that Ger- are being pushed be- ed for maintenance for much of Nevertheless, “there has been many does not live up to a Nato Gyond their limits as Ber- the year, the report notes. no substantial increase” in the commitment to spend 2% of lin makes greater international Spending on defence has been budget since then, Bartels found. gross domestic product on de- commitments while failing to cut repeatedly since 1990 and the For now, the grave state of the fence. Germany presently spends invest in and reform the military, end of the Cold War, leaving the Bundeswehr (German army) per- just 1.2% of GDP on the military. according to a report published army with often outdated equip- sists while leaders in Berlin com- This week alone, German me- yesterday. ment and the defence industry mit troops to increasing numbers dia reported that as well as tanks, “The army’s readiness to de- unable to suddenly increase pro- of foreign deployments — rang- Germany’s troops supposed to ploy has not improved in recent duction to fi ll the gaps. ing from their traditional role de- join a Nato “rapid reaction force” years, but instead has got even Despite government prom- terring Russian forces in Europe lacked protective vests, winter worse,” parliamentary armed ises to fi nd more cash, “tasks for alongside Nato partners to in- clothing and tents. forces commissioner Hans-Peter which there are supposed to be terventions in confl ict zones like “We will make the best pos- Bartels said as he presented his additional people and equipment Mali or Iraq. sible equipment, training and annual fi ndings at a press confer- in future are already upon us”, Allies of Europe’s most popu- support available to our soldiers” ence, pointing to “big gaps” in Bartels said. lous nation and largest economy, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s con- personnel and equipment. “Soldiers already have to ac- from Washington to Warsaw, servative CDU said in a coalition By the end of 2017, all Ger- complish them today as best they complain that Germany is not agreement sealed with the Social many’s submarines were in dry- can, using whatever is at hand.” doing enough to get its army Democratic Party that is still to dock for repairs, while in recent On top of the material shortag- fi ghting fi t. be approved by SPD members. months there have been periods es, some 21,000 offi cer and non- Polish Prime Minister Mateusz But even if a prospective new where none of the air force’s 14 commissioned-offi cer posts are Morawiecki complained last Merkel government loosens the A400M transport planes were vacant, depriving the troops of week of “free riders” in Nato fail- purse strings, “we wouldn’t be in airworthy. leadership and contributing to ing to spend enough and “endan- a position to spend more money The litany of disrepair contin- low morale, said the report. gering unity” in the ranks of the with our present procurement A Leopard 2 A7 main battle tank of the German armed forces Bundeswehr climbs up a step in the context ues through fi ghter planes, tanks, Last year, Chancellor Angela alliance, in comments many saw structures,” Bartels said. of an informative educational practice ‘Land Operation Exercise’ at the military training area in Munster. Gulf Times 16 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 INDIA

JUDICIARY ADVENTURE POLITICS CHILDCARE CONTROVERSY SC asks Rajani wife’s 1,000 to take part in Congress in Kerala starts Parliament House Siddaramaiah slams PM firm to pay back loan midnight cycling event preparing for LS polls to have a creche for ‘commission’ remark

The Supreme Court yesterday asked a company Over 1,000 enthusiasts are expected to explore The Kerala unit of the Congress has started The Parliament House will soon open a Stung by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “10% owned by Latha Rajinikanth, wife of Tamil superstar- the main arteries of Kolkata when the second preparing for the Lok Sabha polls after former crèche facility so as to have an inclusive commission” jibe against his government, Karnataka turned politician Rajinikanth, to repay a loan within edition of the Midnight Cycling Adventure defence minister A K Antony said last week work environment for its women employees. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah yesterday said Modi was, three months. Latha Rajinikanth is one of the takes place on February 24. Set to start from that the central government might go for A 1,500 sq ft crèche in the House will be in fact, a facilitator of corruption. “You made common directors of the Mediaone Global Entertainment Deshapriya Park in the southern part of Kolkata, elections later this year. Congress general guarded by professionals, ensuring all- people stand in queues to deposit their money in the that had taken the loan of Rs149mn from Bengaluru- the event has been divided into two categories secretary Thampanoor Ravi yesterday said round development of children and will also banks (referring to the note ban in 2016) and then based Ad-Bureau Advertising to finish post- of 10km and 25km. It will begin at 11pm and go on to make the party election-ready, they have have a separate feeding room for mothers, let Nirav Modi (billionaire jeweller accused in Punjab production work of Rajanikanth-Deepika Padukone until early Sunday morning. The route map is yet started preliminary work and the first meeting a statement by the Women and Child National Bank’s fraud case) run away with Rs12,000 starrer film Kochadaiiyaan, directed by Rajinikanth’s to be designed, organisers said. “The proceeds of was held in Kottayam on Monday. “We are Development (WCD) Ministry said yesterday. crore of people’s money,” Siddaramaiah tweeted. Modi younger daughter Soundarya. The outstanding this event will be used for constructing schools ensuring to see that the rank and file of the The work is in progress and a senior off icial on Monday raked up the commission charge and amount is Rs62mn. The court said that Mediaone for underprivileged children. Like last year, we party is rejuvenated to face the very crucial has also been deputed to oversee the work urged people to elect the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would pay the amount in three months failing which are doing this under the guidance of Kolkata general elections. As the first step, we decided under the direct supervision of Lok Sabha in the upcoming state assembly poll. “I received many Latha would bear the burden of payment. “Within Police and they will approve the route map to convene a district-level meeting. This will Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. The statement calls from people after I said at a rally in Bengaluru the aforesaid period of three months if the company three days prior to the event,” said Vivek Dalmia, end on March 3 in Thrissur when we would said this development will bring an impact by recently that a 10% commission government was does not pay the balance dues, the respondent- chairman of the Calcutta Sterling Round Table have covered all the 14 districts. The entire top pushing other private establishments, central ruling the state. You decide if you want a commission accused (Latha) has undertaken to pay the amount (CSRT). Participants have to be 16 years or older brass of the party would participate in each of and state-owned organisations to set up same or a mission government,” Modi said at a public due,” the court said. to take part in the event. these meetings,” said Ravi. facilities. meeting in Mysuru.

Assam defends Chief secretary actress in row over accuses AAP photo

IANS legislators of Guwahati

he Assam government yesterday defended Bol- Tlywood actress Priyanka Chopra a day after the opposi- tion Congress demanded that assaulting him she be removed as the brand am- bassador of Assam tourism. IANS was on “diffi culty in release of cer- Gupta said Kejriwal was “drunk Tourism Minister Himanta New Delhi tain TV advertisements relating to on power” and his concern was Biswa Sarma said that Congress the completion of three years of only about why more funds were legislators were trying to get the current government of Delhi”. not dispersed for advertisements. cheap publicity out of the issue. elhi Chief Secretary An- The chief secretary said he “Such is the state of aff airs under Congress legislators including shu Prakash was allegedly was taken to a room and one of AAP.” Nandita Das and Rupjyoti Kurmi Dassaulted by Aam Aadmi the legislators closed the door. “In total, nine AAP MLAs were raised objections to a photo- Party legislators during a meeting He was seated on a sofa between present at the CM’s residence graph of the actress in ‘minimal at Chief Minister Arvind Kejri- Khan and another MLA, whom he when the chief secretary was as- clothes’ as featured in a calendar wal’s residence, sparking protests could identify. saulted. They represent the peo- of the Assam Tourism Develop- yesterday and threats of a pen- “The MLAs started shouting at ple of Delhi but are nothing short ment Corporation (ATDC). down strike in government offi ces me and abused me while blaming of urban Naxalites. How utterly The legislators showed in the in the national capital. me and the bureaucracy for not disgusting behaviour,” he said. assembly a copy of the ATDC The ruling AAP denied the alle- doing enough for the publicity of Delhi government spokesman calendar where the actress is gation but the IAS Association Sec- the government,” the complaint Nagendar Sharma denied the al- seen wearing a frock and not the retary Manisha Saxena complained said. legation saying the chief secretary traditional dress of Assam - Me- to Lt Governor Anil Baijal claiming Prakash said he was attacked was making false accusations at khela chador. that the attack on Monday night after this without any provoca- the behest of the BJP. “A section of Congress legis- was a “planned criminal conspira- tion. But the AAP said that the Sharma said during the meet- lators in Assam are trying to get cy” against the top bureaucrat. meeting at Kejriwal’s residence ing the chief secretary refused to cheap publicity out of the is- Speaking to reporters after the was on the “faulty implementa- answer questions saying he was sue. When we are felicitated at meeting with Baijal, Saxena said tion” of Aadhaar that “deprived not answerable to MLAs or the some function do we go wear- they have asked the Lt Governor about 2.5 lakh families of ration”. chief minister but only to the Lt ing a dhoti, the traditional dress to take strict action against the The Delhi Government Em- Governor. of Assam or pants and shirts? If lawmakers. ployees Welfare Association “He even used bad language someone comes to Assam from “There should be criminal ac- (DGEWA) demanded action against some MLAs and left with- abroad will he be felicitated tion against everyone involved,” against the MLAs who “manhan- out answering any questions. only after wearing dhoti,” Sarma Saxena said. dled” and “mistreated” the top “Moreover, it is false informa- asked. Prakash alleged that he was hit bureaucrat. tion that the meeting and the ar- Congress leader Debabrata by Amanatullah Khan and an- DGEWA president D N Singh gument was about TV ads. The Saikia said it would have been other party legislator, whom he said the association met the Lt entire discussion was on how better if the brand ambassador can identify, in front of the chief Governor. He said members of large number of families were not had worn Assam’s traditional minister. the group would go to offi ces but getting ration,” Sharma said in a dress during the photo-shoot for The AAP again denied the alle- won’t work till action is taken statement. the calendar. gation, saying the chief secretary against those who assaulted the The BJP condemned the alleged “I think that (wearing an As- was making false accusation at bureaucrat. assault on Prakash and demanded samese traditional dress) would the behest of the Bharatiya Janata The alleged assault triggered Kejriwal’s resignation. have been appropriate for the Party (BJP). a war of words between the AAP “As far as the situation in Delhi actor to promote the culture and Prakash was called for a meet- and the opposition BJP. is concerned, it is a situation of tradition of Assam,” he said. ing around midnight on Monday BJP MLA Vijender Gupta, who great worry. The constitutional Saikia, however, said that at the chief minister’s residence is also the Leader of Opposition in crisis that has come to the fore the government should rather where Kejriwal, his deputy Man- the Delhi Assembly, alleged that today in Delhi is because of the concentrate on improving the ish Sisodia and 11 legislators were Kejriwal “in his dictatorial style” lawlessness created by Arvind tourism infrastructure in Assam present, he said in a complaint to called the chief secretary at mid- Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Par- rather than spending funds on Members of the IAS Association led by its secretary Manisha Saxena leave after meeting Lt Governor the police. night on Monday and “berated” ty,” BJP spokesman Sambit Patra appointing brand ambassadors. Anil Baijal to complain about the assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, in New Delhi yesterday. The offi cial said the meeting him in front of his MLAs. said. Kejriwal can win again if he stops being a rebel

rime Minister Narendra them for another fi ve years. However, knowing what Delhi AAP had promised 20 new col- ment so far although calling it a Modi and Delhi Chief Min- Modi’s repeated messaging wants is diff erent from having the leges to meet the ever-growing failure at this point may be jump- Pister Arvind Kejriwal, de- from every forum available that wherewithal to eff ectively imple- demand for higher education. Till ing the gun because there are two spite their chalk-and-cheese dif- 10 years of the Congress Party-led Delhi Diary ment the plans to satisfy those date not a single college has been more years to go. A lot can still be ferences, have somewhat similar United Progressive Alliance (UPA) wants. A welfare state is the ideal established. Some new schools achieved in the remaining time if career graphs, especially in the rule had set India back by dec- By A K B Krishnan for every human. But that’s im- and classrooms have been added Kejriwal stays the course without matter of electoral support in ades economically and socially is possible, especially in a populous but education levels have re- getting into unnecessary con- their respective states. In their only aimed at putting the fear in Gulf Times Correspondent democracy like India with its cul- mained the same, abysmally low. frontations with everyone who own separate ways both have been the mind of the Indian voter that tural, religious and social diver- Grand plans to build 1,000 mo- does not agree with him. disruptors of conventional poli- any choice other than the lotus sity from state to state and even halla (neighbourhood) clinics Although they still lapse into tics too. (the BJP election symbol) would something like a boss to the chief and Najeeb Jung had expressed his district to district. So, while free have only met with partial success ‘oppositionist’ language and Modi had won convincing vic- mean a return to the alleged UPA minister in Delhi’s special con- doubts because of its impractical- water and electricity may be good with about 150 of these function- stance every once in a while, Ke- tories in all three elections as chief misrule. Whether the voter will stitutional set-up. Many top bu- ity and ineff ectiveness, Kejriwal ideas - and Kejriwal, even after ing in three years. jriwal and his men are certainly minister of Gujarat and was pre- buy this line of argument or not reaucrats opted for transfer out of had some very choice invectives three years, is never tired of re- There was much talk of provid- showing signs of maturity of late. dictably looking to win a fourth remains to be seen. Delhi because Kejriwal would not for the then Lt-Governor. counting how he has given those ing subsidised food through ‘aam They are not the rebels they used time when he was elevated to the Kejriwal, on the other hand, treat them with dignity. Hopefully, all that is water un- freebies - the government also aadmi canteens’ much like the to be. They are reinventing them- highest government offi ce in the just completed three years in of- Now, howsoever magnanimous der the bridge now. Recent ut- has to make sure that such popu- ‘Amma canteens’ of Chennai and selves. Perhaps they have realised land with another overwhelming fi ce and because he does not see and good-natured you may be, terances of Delhi’s chief minister list measures do not impinge on other towns of Tamil Nadu. But that time is running out on them. majority. the Congress as a worthy rival, you are bound to run out of pa- have been more measured. Even other equally important aspects that promise, like the one about Perhaps they have concluded that Kejriwal still has a long, long has concentrated on Modi and the tience if you are criticised publicly the latest scam to hit the country, of administration. cleaning up the waters of Yamuna, being part of the establishment way to go to catch up with Modi BJP as the targets of his attacks all day in and day out. Incumbent that of diamond merchant Nirav Unfortunately, Kejriwal has has remained an unfulfi lled one requires adherence to certain in electoral politics as well as gov- these years. These onslaughts had Lt-Governor Anil Baijal and Na- Modi, elicited only staid reactions been found wanting here. He till date. time-tested formalities. ernance, but his unprecedented often gone overboard and at times jeeb Jung before him are both men from Kejriwal. Perhaps he has promised far too much and deliv- Three years is a long time in Compared to Modi, who has victory in the Delhi assembly been unparliamentary too, result- of integrity and magnanimity but learned on the job that govern- ered far too little. Public transport politics, at least in conventional just 15 months left and the entire elections in 2015, winning 67 of ing in the chief minister facing a Kejriwal felt they were simply be- ance is no cakewalk that you can is one glaring example. His Aam politics that India has known all nation to placate, Kejriwal’s is a the 70 seats, gave him the kind of host of criminal and civil cases, ing obstructive to his ideas of gov- do all alone. If that is really so, it is Aadmi Party (AAP) election man- this while. Kejriwal may be as un- much easier job. It may not be a preeminence that only veterans most notably from Modi’s Finance ernance which, to put it mildly, good for Delhi because more than ifesto had declared that the Delhi conventional a politician as can bad idea for the chief minister to like Modi could command. Minister Arun Jaitley. were more often than not hare- anyone else Kejriwal knows what Transport Corporation will get as be but time is of essence for all. try and look into the future a bit In another three months Modi In fact, there was a time when brained. the city state wants. He had gone many as 10,000 low-fl oor buses, For the citizens of Delhi AAP was and see where and what he would and his Bharatiya Janata Party Kejriwal seemed to be doing In a recent moment of equa- about trying to implement his with CCTV cameras to boot. At an experiment at bringing that be up against if Modi retains pow- (BJP) will complete four years nothing other than heaping vit- nimity the chief minister was plans the wrong way. You could the end of three years, not only breath of fresh air they needed er in 2019. To be on the right side in offi ce. As they move into the riol on Modi and his partymen. candid enough to admit that stop- put it down to his relative youth that not a single new bus has been most. Other cities and states were of Modi could only be advanta- home stretch of their fi ve-year In the process he had antagonised gap solutions like the odd-even as compared to the wizened old purchased, several hundred buses eagerly watching this experiment. geous for the AAP when elections rule, Modi and his party must not just federal ministers but also venture to reduce pollution from politicians who have been lord- from the old fl eet had had to be If it succeeded, no time would be come round in 2020. But for that be working against time to make the Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi traffi c would not work. Yet, when ing it over the national capital for scrapped because they were not lost in replicating it elsewhere. preparations have to begin in right sure that Indians keep faith in who, for all practical purposes, is he had initiated it two years ago decades. roadworthy. But it has been a disappoint- earnest right now! Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 17 INDIA Urbanisation increasingly triggering land disputes in cities

Reuters entire United States – to 814mn recorded in the rural areas in the population lives in cities and Doing Business Index for 2018. Land records are gradually be- Pichel, interim chief executive New Delhi by 2050. pre-colonial and colonial times, towns, according to census data. “We only have a presumptive ing updated and digitised as In- of the Washington DC-based As land is sought for offi ces as they were considered valuable But analysts say the fi gure titling system – it neither veri- dia moves towards a conclusive Cadasta Foundation, which de- and homes, developers and of- and taxed.” goes by a decades-old defi nition fi es that the seller or buyer is the land titling system. velops digital tools to document he rapid growth of Indian fi cials face multiple ownership Many marginalised commu- of urban areas, and that the real indisputable owner, nor does it Several states are using block- and analyse land and resource cities combined with un- claims and unclear titles. nities have been built on dis- number is close to 60%. guarantee that the property is chain technology to record land rights information. Tclear land ownership is “We have very few records for puted land, and the advocacy So-called peri-urban spaces free from disputes,” Sanan said. deals. “There is certainly a grow- increasingly triggering legal dis- urban lands, as they were not group Housing and Land Rights have grown in the intersection of “So everything ends in litiga- Rajasthan set up an inde- ing demand for mapping urban putes, analysts said, while rights a priority before,” said Deepak Network said some evictions urban and rural areas, with lands tion.” pendent authority to verify and lands with the rising value of groups report violent evictions Sanan, a senior adviser at the have been violent and took place once earmarked for agriculture Matters related to land and guarantee land titles in its cit- these lands and the potential of poorer communities. New Delhi-based National without proper consultation, being used for homes. property make up about two- ies, the fi rst state in the country for confl ict. But for now, the fo- India’s urban population is set Council of Applied Economic consent, compensation or ad- Meanwhile, India’s rank for thirds of all civil cases in India, to do so. cus remains rural,” he told the to grow by more than 400mn – Research. vance notice. registering urban properties fell to according to a study by legal ad- But other authorities remain Thomson Reuters Foundation at more than the population of the “Land was only measured and About 31% of India’s 1.3bn 154 from 138 on the World Bank’s vocacy group Daksh. focused on rural areas, said Frank a land conference in Delhi. Nirav Modi denies PNB allegations of fraud

Reuters “When there’s a charge- New Delhi/ Mumbai sheet, there will be a strategy,” he said. Choksi, who has also left illionaire jeweller Nirav the country, has not com- Modi, one of the prime mented on the matter. Baccused in the country’s Gitanjali, in a regulatory fi l- largest-ever bank fraud, denies ing, denied Choksi’s involve- allegations levelled against him ment in the alleged fraud. by Punjab National Bank (PNB), PNB did not immediately his lawyer said yesterday. respond to the lawyer’s com- “There is nothing, there is ments. nothing in it,” Vijay Aggar- Separately, in a letter to PNB wal, a lawyer representing offi cials, Modi stated that his Modi told Reuters, referring companies owed the bank less to a police complaint fi led by than Rs50bn ($775.25mn), the state-run bank that says much lower than the amount companies linked to the jew- alleged by the bank. eller and his relatives received He also said PNB had jeop- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, daughter Ella-Grace and son Xavier James pose for a photograph with Bollywood actor Shah Rukh credit worth close to $1.8bn ardised its chances of recov- Khan in Mumbai yesterday. between 2011 and 2017, using ering the sums owed by going false guarantees supplied by public with its allegations. two bank offi cials. “The erroneously cited li- India’s fi nancial crime ability resulted in a media fi ghting agency, one of the frenzy which led to immedi- several that are investigat- ate search and seizure of op- ing the fraud at the country’s erations, and which in turn re- second largest state lender, is sulted in Firestar International probing more than 100 shell and Firestar Diamond Inter- Trudeau visit marred companies suspected to have national eff ectively ceasing to been used by Modi and others be going-concerns,” he wrote to route funds, a government in a letter seen by Reuters. source said yesterday. “This thereby jeopardised Aggarwal, speaking by tel- our ability to discharge the dues ephone, declined to comment of the group to the banks.” on Modi’s whereabouts. Both companies are con- by reports of govt snub Offi cials are on the lookout trolled by Modi. for Modi and his family, who The fraud allegedly involves Agencies nifi cant number appear to back Iranian President Hassan Rou- All four of Trudeau’s Indian- “This is showing India’s dis- police say left India in January at least three fi rms controlled New Delhi a decades-long Sikh campaign hani the same day that Trudeau Canadian ministers are of Sikh comfort with the Canadian PM prior to the case being fi led. by Modi and others by Choksi. in Punjab for an independent landed. origin. for having Sikhs in his cabinet “Everything is document- “Your actions have de- homeland of Khalistan. “The Khalistan issue, which Last April, Trudeau attended who the Indian authorities are ed,” Aggarwal said of Modi’s stroyed my brand and the anadian Prime Minis- Trudeau was received by a has kept India-Canada ties on a Khalsa Day parade where Sikh paranoid about.” dealings with PNB, adding business and have now re- ter Justin Trudeau met junior minister when he arrived ice through three decades from militants who were killed in a In Toronto, Canada’s fi rst cab- that the bank had regularly stricted your ability to recover CIndia’s corporate titans at New Delhi airport on Sat- 1980, has resurfaced, taking bloody siege at Amritsar’s Gold- inet minister of Indian origin, levied fees on its dealings with all the dues,” said Modi in the yesterday as he pursued a tour urday and by district officials away much of the warmth” dur- en Temple in 1984 were hailed as Herb Dhaliwal, said the focus of the jeweller’s fi rms. letter, accusing PNB of acting of the country marred by reports when he visited the historic Taj ing Trudeau’s visit, The Hindu heroes. Trudeau’s visit has been derailed According to the police in haste and noting that his he has been snubbed by political Mahal monument in Agra the daily said yesterday. Trudeau, who is to meet with by the Khalistan issue. complaint, the two offi cials fi rm has always been current leaders. next day. An Indian government source Modi in New Delhi on Friday, will “It is very unfortunate that at a Mumbai branch of PNB on paying what it owed. Trudeau addressed a business Modi often meets leading denied there was a snub in com- go to see the Golden Temple, the the media in India has over- fraudulently steered credit to Five bank offi cials, including conference in Mumbai yesterday heads of government at the air- ments reported by several media Sikhs’ holiest shrine, today. blown this Khalistan issue. This fi rms linked to Modi and en- the two at the Mumbai branch, morning, attended by leaders port with bear hugs and cheerful outlets. Punjab Chief Minister Ama- has shifted the focus away from tities tied to jewellery retailer have so far been arrested. from the Tata conglomerate, IT photo-ops. But Candice Malcolm, a col- rinder Singh said he was looking trade – which is what the two Gitanjali Gems, led by Modi’s Police yesterday sought a giants Infosys and pharmaceuti- He was again missing however umnist for the Toronto Sun forward to meeting Trudeau af- countries should be discussing,” uncle Mehul Choksi. 14-day remand for three of the cal major Jubilant Life Sciences. when Trudeau visited Modi’s newspaper, insisted that Tru- ter reports initially suggested he Dhaliwal, who in 1993 became “They’re covering them- men who were picked up the But Indian and Canadian me- home state of Gujarat on Mon- deau has been given the “cold would skip the meeting. the fi rst Indian to be elected as selves up,” Aggarwal said re- previous day. dia said Prime Minister Naren- day. shoulder” by the Indian govern- He failed to meet Sajjan when an MP in the Western world, ferring to the PNB complaint. The two branch offi cials and dra Modi has sidestepped his The social media-savvy ment. the Canadian minister visited said. “They want to avoid liabili- a third person whom a source Canadian counterpart over the Modi, who has 40.4mn Twitter India accuses Canadian ad- the state last year. Dhaliwal, who served as Can- ty... that is why they are cook- described as the “authorised Trudeau administration’s per- followers, is also yet to tweet a ministrations of backing sepa- Amrik Singh, who heads the ada’s minister for Revenue and ing up this story.” signatory” of the companies ceived support for Sikh sepa- welcome message to Trudeau ratist groups although Canada’s UK-based Sikh Federation, a Natural Resources from 1997 Asked about his legal strat- tied to Modi appeared at the ratists and dealings with Sikh as he does customarily for oth- Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, political group, accused India to 2003, said the sticking is- egy, Aggarwal said there was weekend before a Mumbai groups in Canada. er leaders. a Sikh, has publicly denied that of giving Trudeau a cold recep- sue between the two countries no strategy while no charges court, which ordered them to be Canada is home to roughly The prime minister shared a his community was sympathetic tion because he was a close ally is “about human rights and not have been laid. held in custody until March 3. half a million Sikhs and a sig- photo of himself meeting with to the Khalistan cause. of Sikhs. Khalistan”.

Men accused Jeweller opens Noida showroom of killing girl I’m Muslim, want to live with beaten to death Two men suspected of raping and murdering a five-year-old husband, Hadiya tells court girl in a remote northeast Indian state were dragged from a IANS der confi nement and continues “The baseless and malicious police station and lynched by New Delhi to be under police surveillance, propaganda being made by the an enraged mob, police said Hadiya urged the court to ap- investigating agency and by the yesterday. point Jahan as her guardian and evil forces behind my father The girl’s disappearance from erala woman Akhila asked that they be allowed to that I am mentally not sound, Lohit district of Arunachal Asokan, alias Hadiya live together as husband and that I have connection with the Pradesh state, and the Kwho is in the midst of wife. IS and the media trial on these discovery of her badly a controversy, has told the She also sought the setting allegations would detrimental- disfigured body, sparked Supreme Court that she is a side of the Kerala High Court ly aff ect my future and career widespread anger. Muslim now and wants to live order of May 24, 2017, annul- as a doctor, causing irreparable The accused, both plantation with her husband Shafi n Jahan ling her marriage. heavy injuries and loss to me,” workers from neighbouring – with whom her marriage was The matter will come up for she said in her affi davit. Assam state, were being annulled by the Kerala High hearing tomorrow. The top court has told the questioned by police when a Court. Claiming that her father National Investigation Agen- hundreds-strong mob carrying In an affi davit before the top Asokan K M is under the in- cy (NIA) to continue with its weapons stormed the compound court, Hadiya said after con- fl uence of “certain section” of probe to find out if there was on Monday. verting to Islam “I am a Muslim people, Hadiya said that it was any criminality in the mar- “The mob damaged the station and I want to continue to live as these people who “played and riage, but not to intrude into and took away the accused a Muslim”. are still playing behind my fa- it. before beating them to death “I want to continue to live as ther”. The Supreme Court by its with clubs, hammers and stones,” the wife of my beloved husband “All those errant personnel, November 27, 2017 order had Lohit police chief Issac Pertin Shafi n Jahan and I embraced both offi cial and non-offi cial, set Hadiya free from the custo- Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor inaugurated the 212th showroom of Malabar Gold & Diamonds said. Islam and married him on my who subjected or caused to sub- dy of her parents and directed at Noida in Uttar Pradesh, on February 18 in the presence of the jeweller’s India operations Fifteen people, including several own free will.” ject me to the horrendous tor- that she be allowed to complete managing director Asher O, regional head P K Siraj, MBMG director T K Jareesh, Malabar policemen, were injured. Seeking the restoration of ture and torments are liable to be her studies at a Salem homoe- Gold & Diamonds store head P A Noufal and other management team members and guests. No arrests have been made yet in her liberty as she has been un- brought to justice,” she said. opathy college. connection with the lynching. Gulf Times 18 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 LATIN AMERICA

SETBACK LAW AND ORDER SPORTS INQUIRY COMMERCE Brazil government admits 33 arrested in child Football match abandoned Radio journalist goes EU, Mercosur to resume defeat on pension reform pornography bust after brawl, nine red cards missing in Mexico City talks on trade deal today

Brazil’s centre-right government has conceded Brazilian police yesterday arrested 33 people A Brazilian state football championship match had Mexico City’s attorney general’s off ice has opened Negotiators from Mercosur and the European defeat in its attempts to push through on charges of storing and distributing child to be abandoned after a mass brawl led to nine an investigation into the disappearance of Union are due to resume talks today after edging controversial cuts to the pension system, which pornography, the off icial news agency Agencia red cards — and there could be more punishments journalist Mario Antonio Canas, who was last seen closer to a historic trade deal during the last round had long been presented as a keystone of austerity Brasil reported. The suspects were held in 21 coming, authorities said. Bahia and Vitoria clashed on Friday, it said. The attorney general’s off ice in Brussels. “We still need to conclude sensitive reforms. President Michel Temer had been hoping municipalities of the Sao Paulo metropolitan in the Bahia state championship, in the north- did not say if it suspected foul play. Advocacy pending issues,” Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Eladio to push through the downsizing of the generous area following a six-month investigation. east of Brazil, when mayhem erupted. The group Reporters Without Borders has singled Loizaga said in Asuncion, adding that there was pension system in the coming days. However, the They included a police off icer, a kindergarten spark came after Bahia equalised three minutes out Mexico as the most dangerous country for agreement on “90%” of the issues. Loizaga, government has failed to win enough support employee and a father and his son who lived into the second half and goalscorer Vinicius journalists in the western hemisphere. Canas, a who currently holds the rotating presidency of in Congress, where lawmakers will have to face in the same house. Some of the suspects had celebrated with a vulgar gesture. In response, 40-year-old radio journalist with Radio Formula, the Latin American bloc, said key points have voters in an October general election. Government more than 7,000 pornographic files on their Vitoria goalkeeper Fernando Miguel confronted left his house in downtown Mexico City at around already been resolved, such as beef exports to secretary Carlos Marun said the reforms were now computers. Police were searching for 16 more Vinicius, causing a ruckus. Seven players were 2pm on Friday and was last heard from some four Europe. At the end of the previous round, the EU dead in the water. The idea of cutting benefits and people. The suspects shared the material over sent off for their part in the brawl, while two hours later, the attorney general’s off ice said in a said it was willing to accept tariff -free imports of delaying retirement was deeply unpopular with websites, police said. It was not known if they more players were sent off later in the match, statement. He was presumably still in city at the 99,000 tonnes of South American beef annually, voters, although welcomed by financial markets. had also produced material themselves. after which the referee abandoned the game. time of his disappearance. compared to an initial off er of 70,000 tonnes. Mission unclear Jumbo birthday celebrations in Brazil army takeover of Rio security

AFP Although he is the most un- Rio de Janeiro popular president on record, there have been growing whis- pers that Temer may be consid- he takeover of Rio de Ja- ering running for re-election in neiro’s security by army October. Tgenerals was meant to He has previously indicated he bring clarity to a city mired in would not try but an improving chaotic crime, but three days economy, after two painful years later the exact mission remains of recession, may give him new unclear. confi dence. President Michel Temer “His popularity is rock bot- signed a decree on Friday putting tom and he is trying to change the police in Rio under military the tendency to see if he could command, the fi rst such meas- manage to be a candidate,” Lem- ure since the end of a two-dec- gruber said. ade military dictatorship in 1985. The problem for him, she said, Temer said it was “an extreme is that there’ll be no quick, con- measure” aimed at getting a grip vincing fi x in Rio. “You can get Trompita, an elephant, enjoys a piece of birthday cake made of vegetables and fruit during her 57th birthday celebration at the Aurora zoo in Guatemala City. on runaway violence by organ- short term results but it will be ised gangs. The military is widely diffi cult to reorganise the police admired in Brazil. In fact it’s seen in that period.” by many as just about the only In the favelas, where most of institution that works properly the violence is concentrated, and is not corrupt. many unanswered questions But does Temer really think also remain over what military the generals can resolve Rio’s control of security will mean on deep-rooted problems? the ground. Critics are asking why the Shootouts between rival gangs government is not, for example, or between gangs and police are Venezuela leader calls for sending more teachers to the daily events in these neighbour- impoverished neighbourhoods hoods. In some cases, the police where crime thrives. are themselves accused of work- “Without quality education ing with the criminals. we won’t get anywhere. Nothing “People are afraid. The de- is done to help the young in the cree may be nothing more than early congress election favelas to join the job market,” politics, but people there are in said Marcos Valerio Alves, who the fi ring line,” said Anderson Reuters Authorities held a controver- Critics blasted Cabello’s pro- the eyes of most Venezuelans “We have decided not to par- co-ordinates residential asso- Franca, author of the book “Rio Caracas sial vote to set up instead a new posal to bring forward the next and the world. ticipate in a fraudulent proc- ciations in the Complexo do Ale- in Flames” and a frequent poster all-powerful superbody Con- congressional vote, which had The opposition coalition is ess...the electoral farce,” it said mao group of favelas, among the on social media about the situa- stituent Assembly, which a raft been due in 2020. expected to boycott the April in a communique yesterday. most dangerous in Rio. tion in the favelas. he vice president of Ven- of foreign nations have refused They viewed it as a further presidential poll, because they “No one will shift us from the “Children only go to school in “Military intervention in Rio’s ezuela’s ruling Socialist to recognise. attempt to crush opposition in believe it is rigged to ensure democratic track but we’re not the morning or in the afternoon security has always been violent, TParty yesterday proposed Socialist Party No 2 Diosda- a nation they say the socialists Maduro’s re-election despite going to play the game of a dic- and the rest of the time they’re aggressive, repressive. I don’t holding an early congressional do Cabello, a hardline stalwart have turned into a dictatorship. his unpopularity and a crushing tatorship clinging to power to in the street, where they watch think the army will come to pro- election alongside the April 22 of Maduro’s government, told Henri Falcon, a former so- national economic crisis. the detriment of Venezuela’s other young people walking mote dialogue,” he said. presidential vote, a move that state TV that a new National cialist supporter who crossed The opposition’s most pop- suff ering people.” about with assault rifl es. “The army is not answerable could shorten the tenure of the Assembly vote was needed “in to the opposition and is mulling ular leaders are banned from Maduro, a former bus driver Sociologist Julita Lemgru- to anyone and soldiers can only currently opposition-run legis- the national interest” because running in the April 22 election, standing: Leopoldo Lopez is and foreign minister, was nar- ber, who specialises in security be tried before military tribu- lature. the opposition-run body was chided Cabello for his com- under house arrest while Hen- rowly elected president in 2013 issues at the Candido Mendes nals, which weakens the ability Venezuela’s opposition won idle. ments. rique Capriles is prohibited to replace the late Hugo Chavez. University, said the army inter- to denounce police abuses.” control of the National Assem- “Our country needs to take “This hardly contributes to from holding offi ce for alleged He says he is fi ghting a US-led vention “could serve as Temer’s Defence Minister Raul Jung- bly in a 2015 landslide vote that decisions. If it wasn’t for the the climate of calm and se- “administrative irregularities” international right-wing con- political project.” mann raised new questions by was their biggest electoral vic- Constituent Assembly, the curity the nation is demand- when a state governor. spiracy to topple socialism and The bid to aid Rio has given Te- suggesting that authority should tory in nearly two decades of country would be paralysed,” ing faced with an upcoming Capriles’ Justice First party win control of Venezuela’s oil mer a welcome break in news cov- be given for “collective arrest socialist government. Cabello said. election,” Falcon told report- became the second major op- wealth. erage from a near constant stream warrants,” which would appar- But President Nicolas Maduro In the past, his proposals ers, adding that both the pro- position party to announce He accuses Justice First and of corruption scandals and his ently allow searches for suspects and the pro-government judiciary have quickly gone to the entire- government national election formally it would boycott the other opposition groups of be- failure to push through contro- to extend far beyond a single ad- rendered the congress toothless ly pro-government Constituent board and the Constituent presidential vote given the lack ing fronts for violent coup- versial cuts to the pension system. dress. by striking down all its measures. Assembly for rubber-stamping. Assembly lacked legitimacy in of fair conditions. plotters.

Gutted Former president Fujimori Ancient human ordered to stand trial again remains found in cave Reuters Some cenotes acquired par- Mexico City ticular religious signifi cance to AFP protests in Peru and was She expressed hope the charg- the Maya, whose descendants Lima slammed by international rights es would not mean her father will continue to inhabit the region. groups as a blow in the struggle be taken into custody again, give rchaeologists explor- Apart from human remains, against impunity. his age and poor health. “Alberto ing the world’s biggest they also found bones of giant Peruvian court ordered Kuczynski’s pardon was seen Fujimori deserves to be free as Afl ooded cave in Mexico sloths, ancient elephants and former president Alberto by many as quid pro quo for help he confronts this process,” Keiko have discovered ancient hu- extinct bears from the Pleis- AFujimori to stand trial for from Fujimori’s lawmaker son Fujimori wrote on Twitter. man remains at least 9,000 tocene period, Mexico’s cul- the 1992 killings of six farmers, Kenji days earlier in beating an Kuczynski had pledged not to years old and the bones of ture ministry said in a state- arguing that he lacks immunity impeachment vote in Congress pardon Alberto Fujimori in the animals who roamed the earth ment. despite a recent pardon for a dif- over alleged corruption. earlier case. But he did so just during the last Ice Age. The cave’s discovery has ferent crime. Miguel Perez, Fujimori’s at- days after Kenji Fujimori’s voted A group of divers recently rocked the archaeological The National Criminal Court torney, said it was not yet clear in his favour, sparking specula- connected two underwater world. “I think it’s overwhelm- said the pardon granted to Fujimori if the issue of immunity could be tion the pardon was a political caverns in eastern Mexico to ing. Without a doubt it’s the in a human rights case for which addressed again. quid pro quo. reveal what is believed to be most important underwater ar- he was serving a 25-year sentence Perez told local media that he Rights groups and relatives of the biggest fl ooded cave on the chaeological site in the world,” did not apply to the murders of the tried to have the ex-president victims asked the Inter-Ameri- planet, a discovery that could said Guillermo de Anda, re- group. Prosecutors asked to try the serve as a witness in the new can Court of Human Rights ear- help shed new light on the an- searcher at Mexico’s National ex-president and 23 others for the case, but failed. “So in this trial, lier this month to rule against a cient Maya civilisation. Anthropology and History In- death squad killings. he simply will be listed as one of pardon for Fujimori. The Yucatan peninsula is stitute (INAH). De Anda is also Fujimori, 79, was pardoned the accused,” Perez said. Kuczynski — who defeated studded with monumental rel- director of the Gran Acuifero by the current Peruvian presi- Prosecutors are seeking 25 Keiko Fujimori for the presi- ics of the Maya people, whose Maya (GAM), a project dedicat- dent, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, on years in prison for the ex-leader. dency in 2016 — said he had cities drew upon an extensive ed to the study and preserva- December 24 on humanitarian “ Fujimori now has resumed pardoned the ex-president for network of sinkholes linked to tion of the subterranean waters grounds because of ill health. his status as a defendant, and in humanitarian reasons. subterranean waters known as of the Yucatan peninsula. The former leader had been the case of the pardon, there was The pardon has drawn heavy cenotes. According to the INAH, wa- serving a sentence for crimes no sensible justifi cation,” human criticism from victims of Fuji- Researchers say they found ter levels rose 100 meters at that included commanding rights lawyer Carlos Rivera said. mori’s 1990-2000 rule, as well as The owner of a stand cries at seeing the fire that affected 248 cenotes at the 347km cave the end of the Ice Age, fl ood- death squads that killed sus- Fujimori’s daughter Keiko, their relatives and human rights the Nan Gerit Market also called Hyppolite market, in system known as Sac Actun, ing the cave system and lead- pected civilian sympathisers of leader of the largest party in advocates. Two United Nations Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Nan Gerit market is where near the beach resort of Tu- ing to “ideal conditions for the leftwing guerrillas that his re- congress, the right-wing Fuerza human rights experts also said clothes are sold. The fire follows the February 13 blaze that lum. Of the 200 archaeologi- preservation of the remains of gime was fi ghting. Popular, said she regretted that the pardon was a “slap in the ravaged the historic Iron Market. cal sites they have discovered extinct megafauna from the The pardon triggered street her father would be tried again. face” to victims of his brutal rule. there, around 140 are Mayan. Pleistocene.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 19 PAKISTAN

ADB off ers 33 candidates left to contest funding for railways

Internews for 12 Senate seats from Sindh Islamabad he Asian Development Internews MQM’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiq- The MQM-P (KM) in its let- Farooq Sattar had said that women’s seats and Anwar Lal fi eld were: Anwar Lal Deen of the Bank (ADB) has expressed Karachi ui group (KM) in the last closing ter to the returning offi cer had any list issued by the group led Deen for a non-Muslim seat. PPP, Sanjay Perwani of the MQM- Tits willingness to identify hour to the PEC about with- stated that the party tickets of by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui Syed Muzaff ar Hussain Shah P (KM) and Mohan Manjiani. and arrange commercial co-fi - drawal of fi ve candidates and for the following nominees were would be accepted by him as he is the only candidate from Sindh Information Minister nancing for projects of Pakistan hirty-three candidates withdrawing party tickets from withdrawn: Kamran Tessori, was not interested in the candi- the PML-F who is in the fi eld Nasir Hussain Shah, who came Railways, particularly modernis- were left in the fi eld to nine candidates. Kishwar Zehra, Farhan Chishti, dature of any one aspirant but against one of the seven general with the withdrawing candi- ing its infrastructure and rolling Trun for the 12 Senate seats However, this letter was not Ahmed Chinoy, retired Justice favoured unity in the ranks of the seats from Sindh in the Senate. dates, including Taj Haider and stock. from Sindh province after with- taken into consideration by the Hassan Feroz, Ali Raza Abidi, party to win the Senate seats. Yesterday after withdrawal other party leaders, told the Werner Liepach, ADB direc- drawal of 10 aspirants yesterday, ECP Sindh offi cials and it was Mangla Sharma, Nighat Shakeel Pakistan Peoples Party, 18 candidates were left against media that everyone in the party tor general for Central and West the last day for the exercise. The forwarded to headquarters in and Aminul Haq. which appeared to be in a com- seven general seats, six against fully abided by decisions of the Asia, on his visit to Pakistan, election for the upper house of Islamabad for a decision. Those fi ve declared as its of- fortable position to sweep the two technocrat seats, six against PPP leadership. held detailed discussions with parliament is scheduled to be Earlier on Sunday, MQM-P fi cial candidates are: Farogh Senate polls from Sindh, had two women’s seats and three He said that everyone had railways secretary Parveen Agha held on March 3. (KM) candidate Farogh Naseem, Nasim, Aamir Chishti for gen- put up the following candi- against the lone seat of non- complete trust in the party yesterday on the modernisation Eight covering candidates of who had submitted two nomi- eral seats, Nasreen Jalil for dates: Mian Raza Rabbani, Muslims. leadership so they willingly ac- of railways. the Pakistan Peoples’ Party and nation papers one on technocrat women’s seats, Abdul Qadir Maula Bux Chandio, Mur- The candidates who had cepted its decisions. Upgradation of Pakistan Lo- one candidate of the Muttah- seat and one against general seat Khanzada for technocrats’ seats taza Wahab, Muhammad Ali withdrawn from the con- He said there were bright comotives Factory in Risalpur, ida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan withdrew his candidature for and Sanjay Perwani for a non- Shah Jamote, Mustafa Nawaz tests were: general seats: Javed chances that all 12 candidates procurement of new locomotives and an independent candidate the technocrat seat and was left Muslims’ seat. Khokhar, Imamuddin Shaukeen Ahmed Nayab Laghari, Dost Ali of the party would return in the and creation of a freight compa- submitted their withdrawal ap- in the fi eld for one of the seven However, there were no let- and Ayaz Mahar against general Jesser, Muhammad Qasim of upcoming Senate polls in Sindh. ny were discussed at lengths. plications to the Election Com- general seats from Sindh. ter from the MQM’ Farooq Sat- seats, Dr Sikander Ali Mandhro the PPP; Muhammad Asif (in- He said the PPP would become Werner, who previously served mission of Pakistan, which were Rival group tries to remove tar (FS) side, neither about any and Rukhsana Zuberi against dependent). the benefi ciary of the process as ADB country director in Pa- accepted. from list names of Sattar-pro- of its aspirants’ withdrawal nor technocrat seats, Quratulain On the lone seat of non-Mus- of disintegration in the ranks of kistan, stated that the group’s A letter was submitted by posed candidates about offi cially owning anyone. Marri and Krishna Kohli against lims, three candidates left in the the MQM-P. co-fi nancing for railways project will be the seed money to bring in more commercial funding. ADB believes the railway sec- tor needs to exalt its infrastruc- Khawaja Asif visits Moscow ture to provide more inexpensive Sindh okays 12 development plans transport services and recover the market share lost to roads. The Pakistan Locomotives Internews services, health, education ing Department. One scheme Factory at Risalpur, which start- Karachi and vocational training. approved in the Health sector ed operations in 1992, has the Five schemes were ap- which includes the establish- designed production capacity of proved in the Works and ment of 30-bed paediatric 25 diesel electric locomotives per he Sindh Provincial Services Department. An- intensive care unit at Liaquat year. Despite having the poten- Development Working other three schemes were University Hospital, Hydera- tial to double the production, the TParty (PDWP) yester- approved for school educa- bad at a cost of Rs273.46mn. factory has not been able to per- day approved 12 develop- tion including the estab- One scheme was approved form accordingly. ment schemes worth Rs1.5bn lishing of 25 units/English- in the Information, Science Railways has realised that the ($13.63mn) for the current medium schools (Cambridge and Technology sector. The locomotives factory will remain fi scal year. System nursery to O levels) PDWP gave go-ahead for the an underperforming public sec- The schemes, approved by – one in each district worth construction of B-tech Sec- tor entity without foreign invest- Planning and Development Rs5,385.911mn. tion at Government College ment and technical assistance, Board chairman Muhammad One scheme was approved of Technology at a cost of and plans have been prepared to Waseem, pertain to works and in Public Health Engineer- Rs270.71mn. seek international help. Pakistan seeks Chinese help to soften US stand

Internews ised to speak to the media. US request in the upcoming stop putting further pressure Islamabad The offi cial reiterated that Pa- meeting in France. on them. kistan has its own list of griev- The foreign offi ce has called it Relations between Pakistan Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, left, shows the way to his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja ances but at the moment it is a ‘politically motivated’ move to and the US have been tense Asif during a meeting in Moscow yesterday. tate offi cials from Paki- concerned about the manner in undermine Pakistan’s econom- since President Trump an- stan have sought assist- which the US is not only putting ic progress. nounced a new strategy for Af- Sance from its long-stand- pressure through unilateral ac- He states this has been one ghanistan and South Asia where ing strategic partners China and tions but also seeking multilat- of the reasons that prompted he said Pakistan provides safe Saudi Arabia to convince US to eral organisations on board. Pakistan to go for this step. haven to agents of chaos, vio- soften its aggressive approach Washington is currently When asked how China could lence, and terror. against the country. making eff orts to place Pakistan play a positive role in this, he US President Donald Trump’s The move comes after the on the list of countries that fi - replied, “Beijing has many le- New Year tweet in which he ac- Digital learning eff orts to iron out diff erences nance terrorism. vers up in its sleeves to persuade cused Pakistan for ‘lies and de- with Washington by Islamabad A few weeks back, US along Washington to review its tough ceit’ gave further blow to the are making headway. with UK moved the Paris-based stance towards Pakistan.” already fragile relationship. An offi cial said the deci- Financial Action Task Force As part of a diplomatic out- Trump’s tweet was followed sion was made to acquire more (FATF) to place Pakistan on the reach, Islamabad has requested by a White House announce- initiative launched weightage to Pakistan’s per- global watch-list of terror fi - Saudi Arabia to talk to the US to ment that it was suspending spective. He complained that nancing countries. Pakistan lower the rhetoric for Pakistan. entire security assistance to the United States was only giv- is worrisome because US has As both countries maintain a Pakistan until it decides to take ing selective hearing to their successful attracted other key strategic relationship, Islama- action against the alleged safe concerns. western countries including bad is hoping Riyadh could be of heavens of Haqqani network. “We hope China being a ma- the UK, Germany and France on great help. Pakistan has repeatedly de- in Islamabad nied the allegations of dou- jor international player can talk this matter. Pakistan has decided to send to the US directly on our legiti- The intergovernmental or- additional troops to Saudi Ara- ble play and insisted that it Internews gathering inputs from multiple peting of our youths, especially mate concerns,” said the offi - ganisation that sets global bia, signalling improved ties. cannot be made scapegoat Islamabad sources to create a catalogue girls, with students globally,” cial, who has asked to remain standards against illicit fi nanc- The offi cials hope that Saudi for the America’s failure in of mastery skills and for each he said. Jazz chief corporate anonymous as he is not author- ing, FATF is set to consider the Arabia would urge the US to Afghanistan. skill, a learning video and an and regulatory aff airs offi cer Ali n support of the Pakistani assessment is created. Naseer said 35 per cent of the government’s Vision 2025, To enhance teaching skills, country’s population was under Ithe Jazz Foundation is set the programme off ers training the age of 14 and if eff orts were to use innovation in imparting videos, a customised teacher not made to improve their ac- education to 75 schools in the training programme and support cess to quality education, the Pakistan has highest newborn mortality rate federal capital Islamabad. of an online community. country would lag behind in an Launched in partnership The in-built performance increasingly digital world. with the Capital Administra- dashboards increase account- “The Jazz Smart School pro- AFP way of birth spacing, or allow- tion and Development Division ability as parents and relevant gramme leverages our mobile Islamabad ing a woman’s body to rest for (CADD) and the Federal Direc- stakeholders can monitor broadband strength and other at least 18 months between torate of Education (FDE) dur- progress of schools, teachers and resources to give those in need pregnancies, make many of the ing a special ceremony at a local students on a daily basis through the tools necessary for success,” n the neonatal intensive care babies particularly fragile, says hotel yesterday, the ‘Jazz Smart mobile applications. he said. department of an Islamabad Dr Shireen Gul, head of the in- School’ programme introduces Speaking at the initiative’s The Jazz’s representative said Ihospital, scrawny infants tensive care unit at PIMS. a smart learning solution to launch event as the chief guest, after a careful analysis of the struggle for survival – victims “This baby weighs 1.1kg, (this the traditional schooling sys- state minister for the CADD Dr programme’s success in Islama- of a vacuum in resources and one) 1.4kg, and 1.2kg,” she re- tem through a digital learning Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the bad, the company would look education in the country with cites, indicating three tiny bod- platform. Constitution mandated that the to expand it nationwide to help the highest newborn mortality ies, her voice almost drowned To implement this digital State shall provide education for more students reap its benefi ts. rate in the world. out by the beeps of incubators. learning solution, the telco has all Pakistani children between Country Manager of the “In Pakistan, a baby dies eve- In the developed world, she teamed up with the Knowledge the ages of 5-16 years. Knowledge Platform Talhah ry second minute,” says Haider says, neonatal units have one nurse Platform, a Singapore-based “The government under- Munir Khan speaking about Shirazi, head of the neonatal Nurses take care of newborn babies at the neonatal intensive care unit of to one or two babies. In Pakistan, it learning solutions company, stands the challenges we face Knowledge Platform’s vision for department at the Pakistan Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad yesterday. is one nurse to eight infants. which provides the programme while trying to achieve this goal. education in Pakistan said edu- Institute of Medical Science “Many babies here do not with the digital learning plat- However, initiatives such as the cating youths was a key respon- (PIMS), the largest health facil- In the last 10 years, Pakistan are infected, they die ... The health survive,” sighs Aysha Siddiqa, form, customised educational Jazz Smart Schools programme sibility all stakeholders should ity in the capital. has spent just 0.5-0.8% of its budget is so pathetically low that a nurse, gently rubbing an inert content, training and support. and an increasing future empha- take seriously. Newborns in the country, GDP on healthcare. we can do nothing with it.” infant. The Jazz Foundation has set sis on public-private partner- He said the Knowledge Plat- with its rapidly growing popu- “It’s only a tenth of what Inadequate funding is just Dr Ongwae of Unicef also up digital learning centres with ship will surely propel us toward form provided quality learning lation of 207mn inhabitants, WHO (the World Health Or- one of the challenges. Pakistan points to inadequate training of hardware kits, including lap- a brighter future for Pakistan,” solutions in a bid to modernise face a one in 22 chance of dying ganisation) requires,” says also struggles with a complete what staff there are. tops, projectors, clickers, tab- he said. and improve how Pakistani in their fi rst month, a Unicef re- Kennedy Ongwae, a Kenyan absence of family planning, Pakistan saw a surge in moth- lets, speakers, UPS and mobile FDE director general Ha- students learn. port released yesterday showed. doctor working for Unicef in health education for mothers, ers giving birth in medical fa- broadband. snat Qureshi said his organi- “To be successful in this en- That makes it worse than Islamabad. and healthcare training. cilities between 2001 and 2013, The programme’s educational sation regulating public sec- deavour, we all need to col- neighbouring war-torn Af- At PIMS, says Dr Shirazi, there As a result it has the high- from 21% to 48% – but neonatal content includes digital text- tor eduction in Islamabad was laborate across sectors: public, ghanistan, as well as the Central are 15 ventilators for newborns – est birth rate in South Asia deaths have not decreased as a books, videos, practice material, committed to ensuring the in- private, non-governmental. It African Republic and eight oth- but PIMS is not representative of – around three children per result, he said. interactive games, assessment corporation of the innovative requires a concentrated eff ort of er sub-Saharan African coun- hospitals in Pakistan. woman, according to the World That can be down to issues and classroom activities. learning methods in the local coming together on all our parts tries, which are often unstable “In a lot of other parts of the Bank. as basic as midwives who carry For each subject in a curricu- government schools. and I’m so pleased that this is and struggle with desperate country, they don’t (have such But malnutrition and igno- out several deliveries without lum, the programme begins by “This will ensure the com- beginning to happen,” he said. poverty. equipment). And when the babies rance coupled with little in the washing their hands. Gulf Times 20 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 PHILIPPINES

Protest over Beijing’s activities in South China Sea Deployment ban on OFWs may cover more nations The deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may be extended to other countries, President Rodrigo Duterte said, demanding that Filipinos be treated with dignity. In his speech during a gathering of the Filipino- Chinese business community at the Manila Hotel on Monday night, Duterte recognised how jobs provided by other countries to OFWs contribute significantly to the Philippine economy, Manila Times reported. The president said, however, that such benefits should not come at the cost of the lives or the welfare of the OFWs themselves. “If you are a slave or you are a paid worker, the treatment is always the same. To make things clear. That’s why I’m suspending and it will con- tinue. Will it involve hardships? Yes. Will it involve sacrifice? Yes. Would it mean anger? Yes. To me, yes. I will accept everything. If they lose their — yes. I’m ready to admit everything but the ban stands,” he said. “The ban will continue and it will extend to other countries. They’re having a hard time, well. I ask for your for- giveness. I will not allow. I’ve no plans to send you there where they will treat you like dirt. That’s Members of Akbayan Party List activist group wear goggles and display placards during a protest about China’s naming of undersea features in Benham Rise in the disputed South China Sea, outside not my style. We, Orientals, do the Department of Foreign Aff airs in Manila, yesterday. not do that, we do not inflict bru- tality and cruelty on our fellow human,” the president added. Duterte then reiterated his appeal to all countries to take steps to end the abuse and to treat Filipinos as “human beings with dignity.” “And that is why we have to allow them to go out. My mes- sage is that, we are poor, we go Rappler banned from covering to your country to work. The only thing that that we ask is that you give us the dignity of a human being, you treat us humanely, be tolerant of our cultural dif- ferences and do not abuse our Duterte events over ‘fake news’ women because it will inflict a long and lasting wound. Maybe Reuters crous and continues to operate procurement, and leaked docu- strongly” denied Roque’s alle- this generation cannot and will Manila pending appeal. ments from what it said were gation. not forget it,” he said. “That is Yesterday it called Duterte’s reliable and knowledgeable It was the fi rst time a jour- why, I’m addressing myself, to decision to ban its reporters sources were evidence of his in- nalist was stopped by guards at the entire nations in the world to hilippine President Ro- from his events “another in- volvement. the presidential palace since the say that Filipinos are everywhere drigo Duterte has “lost stance of power attempting to Go denies wrongdoing and era of late dictator Ferdinand seeking livelihood, can I please Ptrust” in local news site intimidate independent jour- told a Senate inquiry on Mon- Marcos, who had also barred plead to you? Please do not de- Rappler and barred it from nalists”. The issue of Rappler’s day described his involvement and jailed journalists during the grade them like animals, do not covering his offi cial events, his status was mired in confusion, as redirecting to the defence martial law that ended with his treat them as a slave,” he added. spokesman said yesterday, in with Roque initially saying it ministry a complaint concern- 1986 overthrow. Duterte made the statement the latest blow for an outlet could cover the palace news ing the procurement that the The National Union of Jour- amid the spate of employers’ known for its tough scrutiny of briefi ngs while the appeal is on- president’s offi ce had received, nalists in the Philippines (NUJP) abuses that prompted him to his government. going. as was standard procedure. criticised the order against Ra- stop Filipinos from seeking work Duterte’s decision was be- The SEC’s decision was not Ranada was initially blocked nada. in a Gulf state and to seek the im- cause he has had enough of executory. from entering the palace “The depth to which he can mediate return of those still there. “fake news” from Rappler, his Executive Secretary Salvador grounds yesterday but later stoop to unleash the awesome On February 9, the president spokesman Harry Roque told Medialdea, however, said that joined a televised news brief- power of his offi ce against indi- imposed a total ban on the DZMM radio, adding that it was a revocation of a license meant ing in which she had heated ex- viduals with whom he disagrees deployment of OFWs to Kuwait free to operate but would have the accreditation of its reporters changes with Roque and asked is, to say the least, appalling and after he learned about the case to cover the president speeches at the Malacanang presidential Duterte: losing trust in independent journos? him to explain why the admin- extremely unbecoming of his of domestic helper, Joanna and activities from live televi- palace should therefore be re- istration insisted on calling its offi ce,” it said. Daniela Demafelis, whose body sion instead. scinded too. quently during news events month appeared to be the fi nal reporting on the procurement In a statement, Rappler said it was found in a freezer in an aban- The ban by the volatile leader Contradicting Roque and an- with Rappler’s palace reporter, straw and led to an angry out- “fake news”. applauded Ranada’s tenacity as doned apartment in the nation. follows last month’s ruling by other palace offi cial, Medialdea Pia Ranada, and makes no se- burst in which he said it had Roque responded by saying a reporter. Despite the directive, Palace the Securities Exchange Com- told reporters that it was not cret of his annoyance at Rap- been “throwing trash all along” Rappler was “editorialising” “We encourage government spokesman Harry Roque Jr said mission (SEC) that Rappler’s li- Duterte’s desire to bar Rappler pler’s reporting, which has and was a “fake news outlet”. and had no facts to prove Go had to answer these uncomfort- that the Philippines would not cut cense be revoked for ownership from his events, and the presi- heavily scrutinised his polices Rappler ran a story carrying actually intervened, as its head- able questions and avoid using ties with Kuwait. “The long-term violations regarding one of its dent was just just following the and the accuracy of his public a headline that said Duterte’s line stated. its immense power to obstruct, Philippine-Kuwaiti relations will not American investors. SEC’s decision. statements. closest aide Christopher Go had Rappler stands by its re- harass, and evade public scru- be aff ected,” the Palace off icial said. Rappler has called that ludi- Duterte has sparred fre- However, one article last “intervened” in a navy frigate porting and “categorically and tiny,” it said. Term of top cop leading Another Marawi possible, war on drugs extended rebel group chief warns Reuters Manila AFP ment,” he added. “It’s very sad. Manila In our country some people say buying weapons and ammuni- hilippine President Rod- tion is just like buying fi sh in rigo Duterte said yesterday he chief of the Philip- the market.” Phe would extend the tour pines’ main rebel group The combination of weak of duty of the country’s police Twarned yesterday that central government authority, chief “a little bit longer” to carry militants loyal to the Islamic the presence of rebel groups out reforms in a law enforce- State group, fl ush with looted and long-running blood feuds ment agency at the forefront of guns and cash, could seize an- means Mindanao is awash with his war on drugs. other Filipino city after Marawi weapons, he added. Ronald Dela Rosa, director- last year. Manila signed a peace deal general of the Philippine Nation- Murad Ebrahim has billed his with the 10,000-member MILF al Police (PNP), was supposed to Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2014 after decades of rebel- step down upon reaching the re- (MILF), which has made peace lion in Mindanao for inde- tirement age of 56 in January but with the government, as a rival pendence or self-rule that had Duterte had asked him to stay to IS for the hearts and minds claimed more than 100,000 on for three more months until of angry youth in the impover- lives. April. ished south of the mainly Cath- Murad urged President Ro- But the president said he Dela Rosa: term extension olic nation. drigo Duterte’s government to would keep the stocky, fi ercely Murad said the MILF was speed up the passage of a self- loyal general, nicknamed “Bato” Dela Rosa, who is known for of the Bureau of Corrections battling pro-IS groups for in- rule law to fl esh out the peace (Rock), beyond that date. his animated comments and oc- when he retires from PNP. fl uence in schools as the mili- accord, warning pro-IS mili- “I still have to institute con- casional teary-eyed moments He gave no details about the tants worked to infi ltrate re- Murad Ebrahim, chairman of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), tants were recruiting for a new tinuing reforms with the po- when on television, has been reforms he wanted Dela Rosa to ligious schools and secular gestures as he speaks during a Foreign Correspondents attack. lice, and police has always been the driver of Duterte’s anti-nar- implement at the PNP. universities. Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) forum in Manila, yesterday. “If the (self-rule law) will not a problem,” Duterte said in a cotics campaign, under which The police deny carrying out At the same time IS gunmen be passed now I think it will de- speech at an event with busi- about 4,000 Filipinos have been illegal killings during the anti- were making their way into the ripe for another Marawi-style and looted stockpiles of muni- velop a situation where these nessmen. killed in what police call legiti- drugs campaign, but openly southern Philippines from Ma- siege. tions, cash and jewellery from extremist groups can recruit He said there were “scoun- mate operations against “drug admit that corruption, abuse of laysia and Indonesia, he added, “This ISIS group continues homes — some owned by MILF more adherents, because it will drels and scalawags in every or- personalities”. power and insubordination are but gave no estimates. to penetrate us because they are members — before the city was prove their theory that there is ganisation” and he needed Dela Human rights groups say problems in the force. A fi ve-month siege fl at- being displaced in the Middle retaken by US-backed Filipino no hope in the peace process,” Rosa to fi nish the job of cleaning many of those are executions, Duterte and Dela Rosa are tened the city of Marawi on the East and they want to have an- troops in October, he said. he said. up the police. and the victims are users and among those named in a com- southern island of Mindanao, other place,” Murad said, using “When they (MILF mem- “Since they have the capa- “Because he enjoys my trust small-time peddlers. plaint by a Philippine lawyer al- the Philippines’ main Islamic an another name for IS. bers) fl ed from Marawi they bility also to supply money and and confi dence, I will extend his The police deny that and say leging crimes against humanity centre, and claimed more than “The chances of having an- (could) not bring their vaults. then they also have the abil- term for a little bit longer,” he those killed had resisted arrest. that the International Criminal 1,100 lives. other Marawi cannot be over- That is where the ISIS was also ity to make explosives, bombs, said, without saying how much Duterte had previously said he Court has started a preliminary Murad told reporters condi- ruled.” able to get so much money and they can just use these young longer. would appoint Dela Rosa as chief examination into. tions on the ground were still The Marawi attackers found now they’re using it for recruit- recruits to work out their plan.” Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 21 SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/NEPAL

Call for provincial council elections in Lanka Sri Lanka election monitor Campaign for Free and Fair Nepal’s ruling party merges Elections (CAFFE) has urged the government to hold the provincial council elections in the country. Keerthi Tennakoon, executive director, CAFFE, said the delimitation committee into super bloc with Maoists appointed to determine the limits of electoral districts AFP fore we completely unify,” sen- Kamal Dahal become Nepal’s share power between Prime for provincial councils, has Kathmandu ior Maoist leader Narayan Kaji fi rst post-war prime minister. Minister Oli and Dahal, the submitted the report and Shrestha said, adding the tran- But their political support Maoist leader, has provoked the government should hold sition process was expected to has waned in recent years, with criticism amid concern this al- election by April. epal’s ruling party has take at least a month. their party ranking third in last liance could destabilise politics He said that the government merged with a former The new alliance commands year’s general elections. down the track. should call an all-party meeting NMaoist rebel group to a large majority in both houses Political historian Aditya Brittle alliances have been in this regard. form a super bloc that experts of parliament, and comes just Adhikari said the merger was a struck between Nepal’s three Under the mixed voting system, say will reshape politics af- days after Communist leader K “rare union” between two sides dominant parties since 2008, 50% of the representatives ter years of turbulence in the P Sharma Oli was sworn in as with starkly diff erent backgrounds. and there are fears this lat- should be elected by the simple Himalayan nation. prime minister. The ruling Communist party est merger could prolong the majority system for an electoral Offi cials said yesterday the Oli’s main Communist party and is older and considered more revolving door nature of the district and another 50% new alliance, the Nepal Com- the Maoists heavily defeated the conservative than its new part- country’s politics. should be selected according munist Party, was formally incumbent Nepali Congress party ners in the Maoists, who have Oli has been prime minister to the district level proportional signed into agreement following in polls last year billed as the fi nal pursued more progressive once before, while Dahal has representation method (the late-night negotiations between step in a post-war transformation politics in the post-war era. served in the top offi ce twice. additional list). the two sides on Monday. to a federal republic. “If they manage to stick to- Many voters cast ballots in The five-member delimitation They forged a political alli- The Maoists, who fought gether it will change the fu- last year’s elections hoping for committee after completing the ance to trounce the incumbent government forces in a bit- ture of Nepal’s politics,” said stability and much-needed de- work in four months handed party in last year’s landmark ter civil war that claimed more Adhikari, author of The Bullet velopment in the impoverished over its report to Minister general elections, but this for- than 16,000 lives and overthrew and the Ballot Box, a history of Himalayan nation. for Local Government Faizer mal merger creates a political Nepal’s 240-year-old mon- Nepal’s Maoist struggle. The last government – a Mustapha on Monday. behemoth unprecedented in archy, dominated politics for “But they will likely func- coalition between the Maoists At the parliamentary debate, Nepali politics. more than two decades. tion as a coalition or two fac- and the Nepali Congress party the government emphasized “This is an agreement to The decade-long confl ict tions within a party, negotiating – was the country’s ninth in Communist leader K P Sharma Oli and top Maoist Pushpa Kamal that the provincial council merge, but there are other is- ended in a 2006 peace deal that power sharing.” just 11 years before the alliance Dahal of ruling Left Alliance sign an agreement on unification of the elections would be held in sues we need to conclude be- saw guerrilla leader Pushpa A rumoured agreement to fractured. two parties in Kathmandu yesterday. April. Maldives extends state of emergency Bangladesh

AFP seemingly giving Yameen the opposition members of parlia- Parliamentarians has written to undermine the rule of law and Male upper hand in a bitter power ment (MPs) – previously sacked Maldives speaker raising con- independence of the judiciary”. struggle. for defecting from Yameen’s cerns over the current political “The recent events impact crisis in the Indian Ocean nation negatively on credible and in- bourse Despite criticism from the in- party – to be reinstated. aldives President Ab- ternational community, legisla- The opposition Maldivian urging it to immediately take clusive pre-elections processes dulla Yameen extended tors from the president’s party Democratic Party (MDP) said steps to restore normalcy and with the full participation of all Ma draconian state of yesterday controversially ap- yesterday they boycotted the respect for the rule of law in the parties in the Maldives,” Jayas- emergency by another month proved to extend emergency rule vote on the state of emergency country. uriya added in the letter. Karu Jayasuriya, who is also approves yesterday, ignoring a growing by a further 30 days. extension and accused the ruling Yameen’s offi ce said the exten- chorus of international con- There was no immediate com- party of voting without the con- the Sri Lankan speaker, in his sion was warranted “as the threat cern and calls for democracy to ment from the government but stitutionally mandated quorum letter to Maldives Majlis (Parlia- to national security has not di- be restored in the honeymoon Yameen’s offi ce said on Monday in the legislature. ment) Speaker Abdulla Maseeh minished and the constitutional islands. the extension was warranted as Hours before the Maldivian said that “democratic norms crisis has not been resolved”. and parliamentary practices China bid Yameen declared a 15-day the threat to national security parliament rubber stamped the The UN human rights chief state of emergency earlier this had “not diminished.” extension a group of South Asian appeared to be in peril at this has meanwhile described the month, curtailing the powers of It also said the constitutional legislators said they feared for time in the country” and called state of emergency as “an all-out AFP watchdog, issued a statement the judiciary and the legislature crisis in the archipelago had not democracy in the Indian Ocean for “fi nding peaceful solutions assault on democracy”. Dhaka “strongly condemning” what after the country’s Supreme been resolved since the court’s nation, where Yameen has long through dialogue.” The unrest has dented the it called unethical and illegal Court ruled to quash criminal decision on February 1. been cracking down on dissent. Jayasuriya expressed concern Maldives’ image as a popular meddling. convictions against high profi le Yameen currently has a ma- He has jailed almost all his po- over the declaration of emergen- holiday destination. angladesh has agreed The regulator – which at the opposition politicians. jority in the 85-member parlia- litical opponents since coming cy and the arrests and the “dis- The nation’s top earner is to sell a large stake in time defended its fi nal author- The Maldives’ highest court ment, restored on Sunday after to power in late 2013. respect of the Supreme Court tourism, with holidaymakers Bits stock exchange to a ity to override decisions made has since revoked its order after the depleted top court also U- The chairman of the Asso- rulings”, which he said “threaten drawn to its pristine islands and Chinese consortium, an offi - by the stock exchange – was two top judges were arrested, turned on its order for 12 pro- ciation of Saarc Speakers and constitutional principles and crystal-clear blue waters. cial said yesterday, rebuffi ng a not immediately available for rival bid from India that raised comment. political sensitivities. The competing bids have The Dhaka Stock Exchange exposed tensions in Bang- on February 10 had approved ladesh as it juggles growing the Chinese off er to buy a interest from China against Maintain quarter of the bourse’s 1.8bn longstanding ties with its huge shares, but Bangladesh’s fi - neighbour India. nancial regulator asked it New Delhi threw its weight distinctive to “further scrutinise” the behind the 2014 elections decision. that returned Prime Minister “The board has reconfi rmed Sheikh Hasina to power, de- character its decision about approving spite boycotts by the opposi- the Chinese consortium’s bid tion who feared the vote would as it is higher than its nearest be rigged. of Bangla: competitor’s,” said stock ex- Prime Minister Narendra change spokesman Shafi qur Modi’s government has made Rahman after the meeting big investments in Bangladesh Hasina Monday evening. and Indian companies have The Mumbai-based Na- won multi-billion contracts in tional Stock Exchange had of- key sectors in recent years. By Mizan Rahman Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with recipients of Ekushey Padak recipients in Dhaka yesterday. fered 15 taka ($0.18) per share But increasingly it must Dhaka during the tender process this counter China, which has also characters. We can move ahead culture, tradition and heritage.” global arena keeping up that and glory in the life of every Ban- month. courted India’s arch-rival Pa- maintaining all this,” she said The prime minister said the dignity,” she said. gali. On this day in 1952, many China’s Shanghai and Shen- kistan and strategic Indian angladesh Prime Minister while presenting Ekushey Padak new generation must know the The prime minister mentioned valiant sons of the soil, including zhen stock exchanges made a Ocean nations including Sri Sheikh Hasina yesterday (awards) at Osmani Memorial nation’s glorious history to be that she delivers her address Rafi q, Shafi que, Salam, Jabbar joint higher bid of 22 taka per Lanka and the Maldives. Blaid emphasis on maintain- Auditorium. prepared to face the future chal- in the UN General Assembly in and Barkat, sacrifi ced their lives share, or $122mn, and off ered Xi Jinping in October 2016 ing distinctive characters of Bangla She said the Bangalee, as a na- lenges as Bangladesh will never Bangla every year following the for protecting the dignity of the additional technical support became the fi rst Chinese language and the country’s culture tion, has many things to be proud bow down to others. footprint of Bangabandhu. mother tongue. worth nearly $37mn. president to visit Bangladesh and tradition while moving ahead of. “We’ve to preserve those, and She said that after returning to Congratulating the Ekushey Referring to the development The intervention by the in more than three decades, to cope with the global pace. publicise those for the future power in 2009, her government Padak recipients, the prime min- taken place in the last eight years Bangladesh Securities and signing deals worth more “We need to make sure we generation.” has taken numerous projects and ster hoped that the award will in various sectors that made Exchange Commission in the than $20bn. must not forget our language, Hasina said this should be programmes since for the overall inspire the future generation to Bangladesh a ‘role model’ for sale sparked allegations in lo- But there have been set- culture and tradition. We may done so that no one of the Ben- development of the country and do even greater works for people development in the world, Hasi- cal media that it was trying to backs, with Bangladesh last have to learn many languages, galee nation could forget the the fate of people. who would learn from them and na hoped that her government favour India. month blacklisting a top Chi- many things and use newer tradition and culture of the “That’s why we’ve regained follow their footsteps. would turn Bangladesh into a The Bangladesh offi ce of nese construction fi rm for al- technologies, but we’ll have country. “We must uphold the our dignity that was lost after She said the greatest Ekushey middle-income country by 2021 Transparency International, legedly trying to bribe a senior to uphold our own distinctive distinctive characters of our 1975, we’ll gain further in the is the symbol of grief, strength and a developed one by 2041. the Berlin-based corruption government offi cial.

BNP chief fi les appeal Stranded Rohingya refuse to return without guarantees challenging fi ve-year AFP with a Myanmar minister warn- The 6,000 Rohingya said that they would go back to Aff airs Aung Soe addressing the Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh ing of “consequences” if they were among the fi rst their homes if they got security,” refugees through a barbed-wire remain in no man’s land. to fl ee Myanmar in the said the head of the Bangladesh fence. corruption sentence But community leader Dil wake of a brutal military delegation, Abdul Mannan. Other Rohingya living there ohingya refugees living Mohammad said they would not crackdown on the A spokeswoman for the UN said the Myanmar army had re- in no-man’s land refused return without guarantees of se- Muslim minority in late refugee agency told AFP any cently set up bunkers near the DPA lishment of Zia Orphanage Ryesterday to return to curity, citizenship and compen- August returns must be voluntary. fence and now conducted regu- Dhaka Trust. Myanmar without guarantees sation for property lost in the “Some members of this group lar patrols nearby, stirring fear The former premier and of citizenship and security af- clampdown. the United Nations has said in no man’s land have said they among the refugees. head of the Bangladesh Na- ter Bangladesh and Myanmar “We are not going to return to amounted to ethnic cleansing. fear returning home and wish “They tell us that we should pposition leader and tionalist Party (BNP) has been offi cials met to discuss their our homes and villages in Myan- Most of those now live in to seek safety in Bangladesh,” leave this place or else they former Bangladeshi in jail since February 8, when repatriation. mar unless our demands are met. camps across the border in Caroline Gluck said. will shoot us,” said Rashid Oprime minister Khale- a lower court convicted her The 6,000 Rohingya were We want citizenship, all rights, Bangladesh, but the country’s “We appeal to the Bangladeshi Ahmed, 32. da Zia yesterday fi led an appeal for misappropriation of funds among the fi rst to fl ee Myanmar security to our lives and property government has made clear it authorities to allow them to Bangladesh was supposed to to the higher court challeng- meant for orphans. in the wake of a brutal military and compensation,” he said. does not want them to stay and do so. start the repatriation process ing the verdict that sentenced The lawyer accused the An- crackdown on the Muslim mi- Myanmar denies citizenship has agreed to start sending them At the same time, Myanmar last month but it has been de- her to fi ve years in jail in a ti-Corruption Commission of nority in late August. to its Muslim Rohingya minor- home. should ensure conducive condi- layed amid concerns over a lack corruption case. bringing false charges against They have been living ever ity in Rakhine state, insisting Yesterday, offi cials from both tions for the safe and sustainable of preparation. Sanaullah Miah, Zia’s law- Zia and expressed confi dence since in a makeshift camp in a they are illegal immigrants from countries held talks to decide return of those who wish to do so Recent aerial photos of Ra- yer, said that he had fi led the that she will be released upon strip of unclaimed land between Bangladesh even though many the fate of the 6,000 before voluntarily.” khine state showed bulldozed appeal on her behalf, saying appeal. the two countries. have been there for generations. speaking to them directly in A video circulated on social Rohingya settlements, and it is she was not involved in any Her counsel also plans to fi le In recent weeks they have Nearly 700,000 fl ed after no-man’s land. media last week showed Myan- unclear whether they will be able corruption over the estab- a separate petition for bail. come under pressure to return, last year’s crackdown, which “Every person we spoke to mar’s Deputy Minister for Home to return to their former homes. Gulf Times 22 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor 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 Shale oil resurgence weighs on Opec bid to re-balance market Oil is rebounding from its recent biggest weekly decline in two years, but gains are limited due to concerns over a resurgence in US shale production. American weekly crude output has topped 10mn bpd for the fi rst time on record, and the US government forecasts it will balloon to 11mn later this year. The US oil rig count has risen by 26, the most in a year, to 791, according to Baker Hughes data. Such an increase would complicate eff orts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers to prop up crude prices by curtailing Why America needs supply. Opec, Russia and other oil producers agreed in November to extend self-imposed limits on output until the end of this year, seeking to counter a glut fed partly by US shale drillers. a consoler-in-chief With a third of the surplus in global inventories still to be cleared, the oil market isn’t fully re-balanced yet. But Opec and Russia have reaffi rmed that they’ll By David Litt Now I think I know the answer. This behaviour isn’t just callous. wage can’t help workers. Investing in Los Angeles Times President Donald Trump certainly It’s dangerous. The commander-in- universal pre-K can’t give young people persevere with their 1.8mn bpd oil-production cuts cannot be accused of paying too much chief is responsible for protecting all a shot at a better life. It’s hopeless. But until the end of this year to clear the glut. attention to mass shootings, and yet Americans, regardless of background. this sense of hopelessness isn’t born The allies have also t used to be an American ritual, like they continue: at an outdoor concert, In Trump’s accounting, whose lives of despair. It’s born of a desire to loot signalled they’re ready the State of the Union address only an airport, a church, a school, a school, matter? Whose deaths warrant grief? To the treasury on behalf of the wealthy, American weekly grimmer and far more frequent. a school. Each time, the president’s a terrifying degree, the answer seems to slash the social safety net, jeopardise to co-operate beyond IShots would ring out: at a movie fi rst instinct has been to respond be driven by politics. Just consider his children’s futures, and still be able to crude output has 2018. Compliance with theatre, a nightclub, a church, a school, with what can best be described as response to a hurricane in Puerto Rico, sleep at night. After all, if people can’t the production curbs a school, a school. Bodies would aggressive silence. After 17 students or the parents of a Muslim soldier killed fi x their problems together, greed isn’t topped 10mn bpd Opec members have be counted. And then, not too long and teachers were killed at a Florida in Iraq, or the widow of an African selfi sh. It’s smart. after, President Obama would speak. high school on Wednesday, the White American soldier killed in Niger. Which brings me back to a president, for the fi rst time imposed on themselves Sometimes, he would cry. House cancelled the daily press briefi ng Perhaps following the example of the and a podium, and a time when the reached a record Although I served as a White House and @realDonaldTrump tweeted National Rifl e Association – a strong words that defi ned the White House on record 129% in December, an speechwriter from 2011 to 2016, I never condolences in a rote style that sounded supporter in the Republican primaries were “Yes, We Can.” impressive feat for a group that has cheated on quotas crafted one of these sombre addresses. suspiciously like that of his staff . His – Trump at fi rst ignored Wednesday’s For Obama, consoling a nation was The president worked on them with follow-up tweet, a more personal one, shooting and hoped the story would not just about feeling pain. It was in the past. the most senior members of his team in had absolutely nothing to say about the go away. And yet even this description about taking responsibility. “We bear For sure, Opec, the producers’ alliance formed the West Wing; I was in the Executive dead and injured. may be too charitable. As a candidate, responsibility for every child,” he said in 1960, is not what it used to be when it comes to Offi ce Building across the street. But Thursday morning, after it became Trump promised that he alone could after Sandy Hook. The victims are our calling the shots in the oil market. But the grouping as I watched successive drafts appear clear that silence was politically fi x what ailed the country. In his children. Gun violence is our problem. in my inbox, I saw how much eff ort unsustainable, Trump fi nally delivered a inaugural address, he promised that And while we’re frightened, we’re not that pumps 40% of the world’s oil is still in the lead to went into them. The reams of research, statement on the shooting. His rhetoric “American carnage” would end. The helpless or hopeless. That’s the kind of manage prices. sometimes done in mere hours, that was perfectly fi ne. Still, I couldn’t help president’s attitude on Wednesday sent message we have a right to expect from By keeping the 1.8mn bpd of cuts in place for a gave the president the chance to say but recall a time when it didn’t take a diff erent message. These problems are our presidents. We also have the right further nine months – and beyond if needed – the oil something personal about each victim. a brewing PR crisis to motivate the unsolvable. There’s nothing to be done. to expect their actions to match their The diligent search for a piece of president to address the public. And as What the president implies, his words. producers aim to return stockpiles to their fi ve-year Scripture that could express grief, faith I remembered my previous skepticism, allies plainly state. Republican Senator So that’s probably too much to expect average without overheating the market and eliciting a and resilience all at once. Above all, I found myself missing a genuine Marco Rubio of Florida tweeted that from Trump. But if we refuse to follow new fl ood of shale oil. how to grapple with a reality unique to consoler-in-chief. Wednesday was “That terrible day his example, if we take responsibility The world’s appetite for oil is seen staying strong, the United States. This had happened so Keep in mind that Trump is capable you pray never comes,” as if school where he shirks it, if we confront our often before. It would happen so often of immediate empathy, or at least shootings were acts of God rather challenges where he hides from them, if too. Opec’s in-house forecast is that demand for its oil again. of displaying it. When an American than the inevitable outcome of freely we speak up where he stays silent, then is expected to increase by almost 400,000 bpd in 2018. I was lucky to work with and for citizen is killed by an undocumented available military-style guns. “Evil slowly but surely things will change. We Longer term, demand is projected to reach 111.1mn bpd extraordinary writers, on behalf of immigrant or a Muslim commits an act is sadly always present,” opined can replace leaders whose fi rst instinct by 2040. Opec’s heartland in the Middle East still holds an extraordinary speaker. Some of of terrorism, Trump needs no prodding Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, is to ignore mass shootings with leaders Obama’s most moving speeches were to stand in solidarity with victims. Nor as if America’s uniquely sky-high rate whose fi rst instinct is to address them. the world’s most profi table fi elds to pump at about a delivered as consoler-in-chief. But in should he. That’s part of a president’s of gun violence is the product of an And then one day, maybe they won’t third of the cost of US shale. low, doubting moments, I wondered job. incurable moral disease. The Republican have to. – Tribune News Service But rising oil prices bring about a catch-22 situation whether these remarks were necessary, But Trump’s empathy is selective. Party is weaponising helplessness. for Opec. or even helpful. Why should the If an American family’s heartbreak And not just around guns. In zDavid Litt is the author of Thanks, president insist on speaking clearly, doesn’t dovetail with his political the worldview of the modern GOP, Obama: My Hopey Changey White Just as the production cuts, aided by a growing forcefully and without hesitation when agenda or threaten his approval ratings, American leadership can’t stop House Years and a former speechwriter global economy, have helped push up oil prices, the Congress refuses to act? he doesn’t appear to feel their pain. climate change. Raising the minimum for president Obama. International Energy Agency has warned of “explosive” US output growth this year. Opec, too, boosted its 2018 forecast for rival oil-supply growth by 16%, also cautioning of the eff ects of a higher price environment. The US shale boom has brought the country closer to energy self-suffi ciency than at any time since the 1980s. There are, of course, gainers and losers from consistently lower oil prices. But the world is in need of a stable oil market with price equilibrium. For now, the oil market is keeping a close watch on the persistent conundrum: Can Opec maintain prices consistently higher at sustainable levels without stimulating further growth in US shale oil production?

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© 2018 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Protesters taking part in a Call To Action Against Gun Violence rally by the Interfaith Justice League and others in Delray Beach, Florida, on Monday. Gulf Times Wednesday, February 21, 2018 23 COMMENT The eurozone island of stability

By Daniel Gros in which the creditors impose their government’s ability to fi nance itself Brussels conditions on the debtors, thus seem in the long run, owing to a downward exaggerated. revision of growth expectations or But that does not mean that this new a domestic political stalemate in arket volatility has dynamic is risk-free. If former debtors, which taxpayers oppose bondholders. surged lately, apparently facing diminished pressure from major Domestic bondholders might be vindicating those who creditors or risk premia, adopted less the fi rst to recognise potential risks, Mhave warned of lofty prudent fi scal policies, their public spurring escalating capital fl ight. equity valuations. But, even as the US debt would continue to accumulate. In these circumstances, a loan from stock market suff ered one of its worst Against that background, the next the European Stability Mechanism – weeks since the fi nancial crisis, the crisis might be very diff erent from the the eurozone’s bailout fund – would eurozone’s public-debt market has last one. merely provide fuel for even higher remained relatively stable, with risk When the last eurozone crisis began, outfl ows. Yet transforming the ESM spreads – which have usually increased large capital fl ows into the periphery into a “European Monetary Fund” is amid market volatility – scarcely were generating infl ationary pressures; currently one of the main issues in the changing, even for the peripheral resources were shifting away from debate about eurozone governance eurozone countries. exports; and government revenues reforms. The implicit role model is The eurozone owes its ostensible appeared to be strong. Then the capital the International Monetary Fund, immunity from fi nancial-market infl ows abruptly reversed, which which has made its reputation by gyrations to major improvements demanded a decline in domestic wages addressing the fallout from sudden in the peripheral economies’ and prices, relative to the eurozone capital-fl ow reversals. Again, that is fundamentals: growth has picked up, average, in order to shift resources back not the type of crisis that today’s less and unemployment, though still high, toward exports. In most countries, infl ow-dependent eurozone is likely to is declining rapidly. The question government revenues fell, as domestic experience. is whether these improvements are activities, such as construction, Instead of trying to copy the IMF, stable enough to ensure the eurozone’s contracted much faster than exports Europe’s leaders should be focused continued resilience. increased. As a result, the peripheral on strengthening the resilience of Here, the key concern is that the economies fell into a deep recession. the financial system, so that it can current recovery is too dependent on Making matters worse, because an provide a safety valve for whatever low interest rates: if borrowing costs export-led recovery yields less revenue pressures inevitably arise from the rise, the periphery’s debtor countries – value-added taxes are rebated on build-up of excessive public debt in would suff er. But it is no longer exports, but collected on imports – some eurozone countries. If a crisis accurate to view the economies of the seemingly strong government fi nances does occur, the ESM’s resources periphery as weak debtors. Indeed, quickly turned into large defi cits. could perhaps be used to prevent with the exception of Greece, they In Greece’s case, the problem was contagion within the eurozone are all now running current-account The eurozone’s public-debt market has remained relatively stable. compounded by the fact that, during financial system, rather than to surpluses, meaning that far from the boom years, the large fi scal defi cits provide loans to countries with deep- depending on capital infl ows, they are face higher debt-service costs, but constellation of current-account confl icts of interests within such a had been fi nanced entirely by capital seated domestic problems. repaying their foreign debt. citizens would earn more on their balances extend beyond shorter- eurozone might be much less acute infl ows. When these fl ows stopped, the After a decade of struggles, the And, yes, this includes Italy, which, savings. term interest-rate considerations. than those that emerged during the bottom fell out of public fi nances. eurozone is an island of relative despite its high public debt, is running Spain and Portugal, by contrast, If the situation persists for a few crisis a decade ago, when creditor Today, eurozone countries are not stability in a turbulent sea. To ensure a current-account surplus at the would probably suff er, owing to their more years, the eurozone might get countries were obliged to bail out the subject to large capital infl ows, so a that it stays that way, its leaders must aggregate level. In the past, Italy’s still-considerable external debts. to a point where it consists only of debtors, which in turn felt squeezed by crisis would not cause them to face remember a fundamental truth: no external defi cits and surpluses were of Nonetheless, if interest-rate hikes creditor countries, some with a large forced austerity. external disequilibrium. They would predominantly domestic problem will roughly similar size, meaning that the are aligned with accelerating global net foreign asset position (Germany More broadly, the relative power of not need a large downward adjustment ever be resolved by a loan or transfer country is not a net debtor. Because its growth, even these countries might and the Netherlands) and others (the the creditor countries – particularly in wages and prices, and government of resources from abroad. – Project net international investment position not be much worse off , because growth peripheral countries) with a small Germany – will be diminished. The revenues would remain relatively Syndicate is balanced, a generalised interest-rate will help them to service their foreign positive external position. concerns expressed by some observers, stable. hike would not necessarily be bad for debts. This would have important political such as George Soros, that the If risk premia increase, it would be zDaniel Gros is Director of the Center the country. The government would But the implications of today’s consequences. For starters, the eurozone will remain a two-tier club, a result of creditors’ doubts about a for European Policy Studies.

The promise of telemedicine Three-day forecast TODAY Maximum Temperature : 250c Minimum Temperature : 180c By Koku Awoonor-Williams staff ed call centre. By linking these doctor coached the caregiver through multisector collaboration is crucial. and Ann Aerts communities to a communications Debora’s treatment, and in the In Ghana, our organisations partnered THURSDAY Maximum Temperature : 260c Accra/Basel hub, nurses, doctors, and specialists process, very likely saved her life. with entities like Columbia University, were digitally available 24 hours a day, Buoyed by similar stories, in 2016, the Millennium Promise Alliance, Minimum Temperature : 190c off ering immediate support to patients the Ghana Health Service began Ericsson, and Airtel, combining local FRIDAY n low- and middle-income and community-based health workers expanding telemedicine access to and international knowledge about Maximum Temperature : 270c countries, insuffi cient access to (CHWs). other parts of the country. That work healthcare innovation with the ability Minimum Temperature : 190c Today, we are pleased to report was completed last month, and today, to take on fi nancial risk. medical care undermines health Fisherman's forecast Ioutcomes and disadvantages that the programme succeeded six call centres staff ed by hundreds of In turn, the Ghana Health Service, entire generations. But, in some beyond our most optimistic medical professionals are in operation, the Ministry of Health, the National of the world’s hardest-to-reach expectations. Five years after bringing aff ordable medical expertise Health Insurance Authority, and WARNING communities, technology is launch, the number of patient to an estimated six million people. the Ministry of Communications Inshore : NIL revolutionising patients’ engagement referrals to clinics fell 31% in the With this commitment, Ghana is expanded the pilot programme, and Offshore : Strong wind and high with modern medicine. In a remote pilot area, while more than half of making a bold statement: telemedicine built telemedicine into the Ministry sea at first WEATHER corner of Ghana, one “telemedicine” the programme’s consultations were holds the key to expanding universal of Health’s national e-health strategy. programme illustrates just how resolved by phone. Each referral health coverage, a primary objective Eventually, the new programme could Inshore : Hazy at places at first eff ective digital care can be when that was avoided saved patients, on of the UN Sustainable Development expand beyond basic triage support becomes mild daytime and sctd clouds coverage is extended to those on the average, 110 Ghanaian cedis ($25), Goals that Ghana hopes to meet by to off er consultations in disease WIND medical margins. and the high success rate of closed 2020, ten years ahead of the target management, mental health, and other In 2011, our organisations launched cases reduced waiting times in date. But, most exciting of all, Ghana’s services. Inshore : Northwesterly-North- easterly 04-14 KT Ghana’s fi rst telemedicine pilot clinics. programme off ers a blueprint for how Ghanaians should be proud of the Offshrore : Northwesterly-North- programme, with the goal of creating a We have heard many stories of other developing countries can expand telemedicine programme they have easterly 08-18/22 KT model for national expansion. Starting patients whose lives were aff ected by their own healthcare access. built. Not only is it one of the region’s this digital-health innovation; one In developed countries, too, most comprehensive healthcare Visibility : 4 - 8 KM in the country’s Amansie West District SEA STATE in the Ashanti Region, about 330km in particular sticks with us. Not long telemedicine is revolutionising initiatives; it is also an example of Offshore : 4-7 FT at first, falling to (200 miles) northwest of the capital, after the programme began, a young how patients interact with medical what can be accomplished through 3-5 FT later. Accra, we sought to improve the woman named Debora, who was professionals. In the United States, health partnerships. In any country, surgeons virtually connect to hospitals prosperity begins with access to quality of care in isolated areas, reduce under the care of a local health worker, Around the region transport times to hospitals, and lower began bleeding uncontrollably during to advise on treatment. In Europe, quality healthcare, and Ghana now has Weather patient costs. childbirth. Unable to treat her patient, doctors link up with patients by phone in place a highly eff ective approach to Weather tomorrow Max/min The programme, designed and with no access to an ambulance, and e-mail to advise on immediate and providing it. – Project Syndicate today Max/min M Cloudy 20/11 in collaboration with global the health worker faced a choice. She long-term care. And across Africa, Baghdad M Sunny 19/11 P Cloudy 22/13 telecommunications providers, could either send Debora to a distant NGOs like Doctors Without Borders zKoku Awoonor-Williams is Director Kuwait City M Sunny 22/12 P Cloudy 23/17 universities, and NGOs, initially hospital by taxi – an arduous journey use telemedicine to connect diffi cult- of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring, Manama M Sunny 23/17 Sunny 26/20 covered 30 rural communities, and over rutted roads – or she could pick to-treat patients to specialists in and Evaluation Division of the Ghana Muscat Sunny 27/21 P Cloudy 13/06 connected some 35,000 people to up the phone. After connecting with distant countries. Health Service. Ann Aerts is Head of Tehran Sunny 13/04 healthcare professionals through a the regional telemedicine centre, a For any telemedicine programme, the Novartis Foundation. Live issues No-sweat exercise may prolong life: study

Barbara Jeff eris, an epidemiologist at underwent a physical check-up, swimming, walking briskly — were as AFP Around the world Paris University College London, said. and answered questions about their likely to avoid the grim reaper as men “When those guidelines were lifestyle and sleeping patterns. whose exercise time was parcelled into Weather Weather written there wasn’t enough evidence The study focused on 1,181 longer sessions. today Max/min tomorrow Max/min few hours a week of light to make a recommendation.” participants who wore an For both groups, the chance of dying Athens S Showers 14/08 P Cloudy 16/09 exercise — walking the dog, The study, which tracked 1,200 men accelerometer — a device that tracks was 40% lower compared to full-time Beirut P Cloudy 18/13 S Showers 17/13 puttering about in the garden without heart disease in their early the volume and intensity of physical couch potatoes who hardly moved at Bangkok P Cloudy 32/26 P Cloudy 33/27 A— lower the risk of death in 70s and late 80s, says such guidelines exercise — for seven days. all. Berlin P Cloudy 04/-4 M Cloudy 03/-4 older men, even if workouts are brief, should be revised. “The availability of body-worn The authors cautioned that the Cairo Sunny 24/13 Cloudy 23/13 researchers said yesterday. “The results suggest that all activity monitors has enabled us to structure of the study — the fact that Cape Town Cloudy 23/17 Cloudy 25/18 Their fi ndings, reported in the activities — no matter how modest — investigate whether light activity is it was observational, and not a clinical Colombo M Sunny 33/24 P Cloudy 30/24 British Journal of Sports Medicine, are benefi cial,” Jeff eris said. linked to longevity,” said Jeff eris. trial — made it impossible to describe Dhaka M Sunny 31/18 Sunny 32/18 challenge two long-held assumptions Encouraging older adults to engage The men, who averaged 78 years old, the results in terms of cause-and- Hong Kong M Cloudy 23/19 Cloudy 22/17 about the benefi ts of physical activity in no-sweat exercise also appears to be were monitored for fi ve years, during eff ect. Istanbul Cloudy 09/07 Cloudy 11/07 for the elderly. more realistic. which time 194 of them died. And in the comparison between Jakarta T Storm 31/25 S T Storms 31/24 To improve health and reduce the Only 16% of the volunteers lived up The study showed that each older men who exercise — sporadically Karachi M Sunny 32/17 P Cloudy 31/17 risk of dying, according to many to current British exercise guidelines additional 30 minutes-a-day of light- or regularly — and those who don’t, London Showers 09/03 P Cloudy 08/00 national health authorities, workouts in sessions of at least 10 minutes. intensity exercise was associated with the fact that the participants who Manila M Sunny 33/24 M Sunny 33/24 must be strenuous and more long- Two-thirds, however, did hit the a 17% reduction in the risk of death. volunteers to wear accelerometers Moscow S Showers -3/-7 S Showers -2/-8 lasting. weekly, 150-minute quota in shorter As expected, a half-an-hour of were in better health to begin with New Delhi M Sunny 26/11 P Cloudy 27/11 In Britain, for example, the elderly snippets of activity. moderate-to-vigorous activity may have somewhat skewed the New York Sunny 09/03 M Cloudy 10/08 are advised to do moderate-to-intense The research drew on data from the reduced the risk by even more — 33%. results. Paris P Cloudy 10/02 Showers 08/04 exercise at least 150 minutes per week, British Regional Heart Study, which What counted, however, was the It was also not clear whether the Sao Paulo T Storms 27/19 S T Storms 27/21 divided up into segments of no less began in 1978 with nearly 8,000 total time spent exercising, not how fi ndings would apply to older women, Seoul P Cloudy 04/-4 M Cloudy 06/-5 than 10 minutes. participants aged 40 to 59 from a the time was divided up. though Jeff eris said there was little Singapore P Cloudy 33/24 Showers 32/24 “UK and US physical activity couple dozen towns scattered across The men who engaged in brief, reason to think they don’t. Sydney Cloudy 28/22 S T Storms 26/19 guidelines don’t mention any Britain. sporadic bouts of moderately “We didn’t have the necessary data Tokyo Clear 12/02 Cloudy 09/04 benefi ts of light activity,” lead author In 2012, the 3,137 men still living intense activity — mowing the lawn, for women,” she said. Gulf Times 24 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 QATAR Mathaf launches 2018 school visit programme ollowing the success of the ist. Mathaf accepts two visits a Oryx International students with the Lamp Bear at HIA. 2017 edition, which saw day from Sunday to Thursday Fmore than 2,000 students through June 2018 between 9am explore Mathaf: Arab Museum and 11am for groups of up to 25 of Modern Art, the museum has students. relaunched its school engage- Teachers have to book the HIA hosts airport ment programme for 2018. visits in advance in their pre- The initiative demonstrates ferred language by using the on- Qatar Museums’ (QM), and its line booking form found on the tour for Oryx pupils chairperson HE Sheikha Al Ma- Mathaf website. yassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al- Last year, Mathaf presented a Thani’s commitment to ensur- rehang of the entire permanent amad International Soud’, who have been inspired ing that education is at the heart collection galleries, off ering Airport (HIA), in co- by Qatari culture. Participants of programming for every entity students a rich new landscape Hoperation with Qatar were also presented with in- under its umbrella. for learning and exploration. Airways, organised a tour for formation about additional As part of this commitment, Titled Mathaf Collection, students from Oryx Interna- airport services, including Mathaf hosts regular education- Summary, Part 2, the new in- tional School showcasing the the Unaccompanied Minors al and community programmes terpretation of the museum’s airport’s award-winning fa- Lounge that off ers family that stimulate creativity and extensive collection brought cilities and services. friendly facilities and the play- appreciation of modern and together landmark artists and The group of primary school ground area. contemporary art in the region. pivotal works that redefine students were enlightened The tour included a visit to During the visits, Mathaf edu- modern and contemporary art about the comprehensive trav- Qatar Airways’ state-of-the- cators lead interactive, theme- practices and historical narra- el experience at HIA, initiated art Boeing 777, presenting its based lessons that explore three tives. from the departures terminal exquisite features, including to four works of art in depth The updated Mathaf collec- to on-fl ight boarding. the Business and Economy through discussion and creative A Mathaf educator leads an interactive, theme-based lesson with a group of students. tion refl ects a number of impor- During the tour, HIA staff in- class cabins, as well as the work in the galleries. tant defi ning moments in Arab troduced a simplifi ed version of infl ight entertainment pro- The lessons and informa- are open to both local independ- and available to students from skills through thematic lessons history and artistic innovations the Smart Airport programme grammes especially off ered to tion shared during the visits are ent and international schools. kindergarten to grade 12. and activities designed to link in the region, contributing an and the collection of art pieces young travellers. aligned with the new Ministry of The visits, which are accompa- Museum visits develop stu- to the curriculum and encour- original perspective to local and displayed across the airport. The tour concluded with a Education and Higher Education nied by briefi ngs in both English dents’ observation, commu- age students to look at the world global conversations about art The students were escorted special lunch and gifts off ered Art Curriculum Standards and and Arabic, are free of charge nication and critical thinking through the eyes of an art- and society. by cartoon characters ‘Joud & by Qatar Duty Free.

Ooredoo named as telecom partner

Ooredoo is the telecommunications partner of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2018 which opens today at the Elegant designs, exquisite products Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). The six-day Qatar Tourism Authority event, which is organised by Auditoire, is in its 15th year. With over 400 international luxury brands and local jewellery designers under one roof, the event is set to attract a high number of visitors from across the region. on show as DJWE 2018 opens today As off icial telecommunication partner of the event, Ooredoo will ensure seamless Internet for visitors at DECC and will be promoting the exhibition across its social media channels. “We he 15th edition of Doha reveals. Throughout the show’s international jewellery scene. international and local designers, a customised background of their are delighted to once again support such a prestigious event in Jewellery and Watches sparkling history, DJWE has suc- To elevate the local designers and and enthusiasts alike. choice. Upon popular demand, Qatar that not only attracts visitors from around the world, but TExhibition 2018 (DJWE), cessfully retained and reinforced to add to this year’s programme Spaces for the DJWE Forum French watchmaking expert Ob- highlights local talent,” Ooredoo Qatar’s public relations and opening today (February 21) at its position as a must-visit event of activities, DJWE has partnered are limited so pre-registration is jectif Horlogerie returns to host corporate communications director Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi the Doha Exhibition and Con- for jewellery afi cionados, and with AlBahie, Qatar’s fi rst auc- recommended via www.djwe.qa daily complimentary watchmak- said. vention Centre (DECC), will as one of the foremost business tion house, to host a charity auc- This February, the jam-packed ing sessions, off ering enthusi- Entrance to the event is free, and anyone who wants to register to bring together world-renowned events held in Qatar. tion to benefi t Education Above programme at DJWE 2018 will asts a diploma into the precision attend the DJWE 2018 can do so now at https://djwe.qa brands and up-and-coming de- Even as the Qatari market All. Scheduled on February 25 at enjoy both new and returning and complexity of handcrafting This is the latest in a line of community events Ooredoo will signers in a display of sophisti- overcomes exceptional circum- DECC, the charity auction named activities for visitors to enjoy. timepieces. support in 2018, as the company continues to invest in Qatar’s cated timepieces and jewellery stances, DJWE continues to be ‘MILEstones’ will provide jewel- For the fi rst time, visitors can International watch experts cultural and sporting events. collections, and a programme of an established, prominent plat- lery enthusiasts with the oppor- take part in a complimentary fi ne Artcurial will also provide watch new activities. form, attracting entrepreneurs tunity to bid on unique signature jewellery workshop led by master collectors with daily free con- Open to visitors until February and established brands alike from pieces by YQD to celebrate the 15th craftsmen, showcasing the deli- sultations and valuations. In 26, the highly-anticipated event around the world. edition of DJWE. cate art of making jewellery. addition, DJWE will welcome will feature more than 490 lo- Proudly returning to DJWE This year’s event will also in- In addition, visitors can attend for the 15th consecutive year cal and international prestigious 2018 is the Young Qatari Design- corporate a new one-day forum, the daily DJWE Majlis Talks, that Qatar-based premium jewellers, brands, off ering a wide range of ers (YQDs) initiative, held under featuring seminars tomorrow at will host informal discussions for Alfardan Jewellery Company, exceptional jewellery and time- the patronage of HE the Prime Shangri-La Doha, off ering be- 12 persons from the local com- Ali Bin Ali Group, Al Majed Jew- pieces. Minister and Interior Minister hind the scenes access to the munity to attend, hosted by in- ellery, Amiri Gems WLL, and Visitors can pre-register for Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin luxurious world of jewellery and dustry professionals and experts. Fifty One East, who will return their complimentary access to Khalifa al-Thani. watches. Attendees looking for a keep- to present their unique, world- the event at www.djwe.qa, or al- Six talented Qatari designers The event will allow attendees sake from this year’s 15th edition class collections. ternatively on-site at DECC. This will take part in the global plat- to share their passions and will can join in the fun at the Ooredoo DJWE is organised by Qatar milestone edition marks 15 years form to present their collections encourage knowledge-sharing photo booth, off ering a take away, Tourism Authority and delivered of luxury, glamour and exclusive and make their debuts on the from emerging and established shareable animated GIF image on by Auditoire. Qatar Airways is offi cial airline partner of jewellery show

atar Airways is the of- case their creativity and master showcase their magnifi cent de- she noted. Qatar Executive, the From the time they schedule fi cial airline partner of craftsmanship. The airline is signs,” Qatar Airways senior vice private jet division of Qatar Air- until the moment they reach Qthis year’s Doha Jewel- providing an exclusive discount president Marketing and Cor- ways Group, will also provide their destination, Qatar Ex- lery and Watches Exhibition on fares for all exhibition par- porate Communications Salam the highest quality private jet ecutive passengers enjoy un- (DJWE), which opens today at ticipants. It will be applicable al-Shawa said. transport for clients travelling to matched luxury. the Doha Exhibition and Con- to both Premium and Economy “This prestigious annual Doha to participate in the event. Qatar Executive recently took vention Centre. Class fl ights to any of the more event is the perfect way to show- Qatar Executive is renowned delivery of its fourth state-of- The six-day exhibition will than 150 destinations on the air- case the splendour of Qatari for supplying bespoke charter the-art Gulfstream G650ER host more than 400 of the fi nest line’s extensive global network. hospitality, and we could not be trips that focus on the needs executive aircraft, the fastest international luxury jewellery “Every year this exhibition more proud to participate this of VIP guests, providing an in- ultra-long-range business jet in brands and watchmakers, as well draws the fi nest international year, to help make the travel ex- comparable experience aboard the world, making Qatar Airways The Gulfstream G650ER is the fastest ultra-long-range business as a selection of up and coming jewellery brands and watchmak- perience of guests attending the the world’s leading personal jet the world’s largest owner-oper- jet in the world. Qatari designers who will show- ers from all over the world to exhibition even more special,” fl eet. ator of Gulfstream G650ERs.

52 Qatari students complete CNA-Q Technician Preparatory Programme

Q-Tire to support car drift contest College of the North Atlantic- Qatar (CNA-Q) recognised 52 -Tire will be a partner in dozens of contestants as well as to crowning Qatar’s next King Qatari students in its Technician the Red Bull Car Park Drift thousands of motorsports fans. of Drift that will qualify for the Preparatory Programme (TPP). Qbeing held on Friday, the Q-Tire is sponsoring ‘The Brother grand fi nale in Lebanon,” he said. They have completed certificate leading tyre retail and servicing Team’, comprising Abdullah al- The contestants are judged credentials and are now qualified chain has announced. Mohtaseb, A Zarif and archer and based on their skills, precision to work as technicians in Qatar’s The high-profi le motorsports road racer Nada Zeidan, who will and creativity as they aim to attain energy and industry sector. event is held under the support be making her debut in car drift. the highest scores. The higher the The students, all sponsored by and supervision of Qatar Motor Contestants will be expected to score, the closer they become to local industrial establishments, and Motorcycle Federation, and in display their profi ciency behind being crowned Qatar’s 2018 King received their credentials at an partnership with Vodafone Qatar, the steering wheel as they take on of Drift. The Red Bull Car Park event. Losail Circuit Sports Club, Total, a challenging new course inspired Drift Series comes with a high The guest speaker, Abdulla and Falken Tires. by the Red Bull athlete and drift standard of safety and security al-Tamimi, manager, Learning The annual drift showdown, to champion Abdo Feghali, who will that guarantees an entertaining & Development at Qatar be held at the Losail Circuit Sports be supervising and performing at environment for both the partici- Petroleum, gave an inspiring Club at 7pm, is expected to attract the event. “I’m looking forward pants as well as the audience. address to the students. “We are very proud of the personal and educational development of each of these students, who will now take their place in the workforce to contribute towards Qatar’s The graduates with officials. National Vision 2030,” said CNA-Q President Dr Ken The TPP was started in 2005, instrumentation, electrical and Technology, Health Sciences, MacLeod. when CNA-Q assumed the process operation. Information Technology and “This technician programme is technical training programme Since opening in 2002, CNA-Q Business Studies. This year a hallmark of our college, and a for Qatar Petroleum. In the past has grown to off er over marks the 14th year that CNA-Q testament to the responsiveness decade, the programme has 30 diploma and certificate has been providing technical of our programming to prepare grown to graduate over 1,850 programmes, graduating over education in Qatar to support students with the technical skills technicians who now work with 5,000 proud alumni from its the State’s strategic vision to to support and advance Qatar’s over 20 industry partners in TPP Programme as well as educate, develop and retain Q-Tire officials with ‘The Brother Team’ members. energy and industry sector.” four disciplines: mechanical, from its Schools of Engineering young Qataris.