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Thursday 11 May 2017 | 15 Sha'baan 1438 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Volume 22 | Number 7158 | 2 Riyals

Emir receives invitation from Saudi King Draft law on Q-Post plans 28 economic zones under study THE CABINET, in its ordinary new branches; meeting yesterday, ordered to take necessary measures to issue a draft law on eco- nomic zones, after the Council 10 smart lockers of Ministers reviewed the rec- ommendation of the Advisory Council on the draft law. Irfan Bukhari Prime Minister and Inte- The Peninsula rior Minister H E Sheikh Q-Post is also working Abdullah bin Nasser bin Kha- nder an ambitious on a plan to build a lifa Al Thani chaired the revamp-plan, Qatar new storing facility Cabinet meeting held at the Post is set to estab- measuring 40,000 Emiri Diwan premises. lish 28 new sqm to automate Under the provisions of the branches in country processing of mail draft law, the Council of Min- Uthis year and 10 new smart lock- isters, upon the proposal of the ers will also be installed at volumes, increase Board of Directors of Economic well-populated areas to facili- efficiency and Zones Company, is authorised tate customers. customers service. to establish one or more eco- Q-Post is also working on nomic zones, with a view to a plan to build a new storing setting up projects and encour- facility measuring 40,000 sq locations most frequented by aging and attracting Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from the Custodian metres to automate process- public so that they can conven- investment. All types of com- ing of mail volumes, increase iently avail our services,” she of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi panies, partnership contracts efficiency and customers added. Daniel said that an over- Arabia, inviting the Emir to attend the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit with the United or any other legal entities, service. all revamp of Q-Post was States, and Arab, Islamic and US Summit, which will be held in Riyadh on May 21. The whether owned by one or more Another service, “Digital underway. “From human message was handed by Saudi Minister of Commerce and Investment, Dr Majid Al Qasabi, natural or legal persons, may Mailroom Solutions” of Q-Post resource department and train- during a meeting at the Emiri Diwan, yesterday. → See also page 3 be founded or established in will provide document archiv- ing of staff to equipment; retail the zone by citizens or others. ing and compliance strategy to expansion of management through digitisa- branches and infrastructure; tion solutions. The authorities everything is going to be of Q-Post unveiled future plans modernised.” MEC reports among others yesterday during She said that Qatar Post was First-of-its-kind cleaning trolleys a workshop for Q-companies also set to launch a customer 112 violations and corporate entities. Qatar friendly mobile application. Post also announced that it “Q-Post under its digitisation pol- with sunshades launched would establish "digital touch icy will also install self service The Peninsula points" to make services cus- machines at various places includ- tomers’ friendly and accessible ing shopping malls,” she said. THE MINISTRY of Economy Sidi Mohamed to the residents. Chairman and Managing and Commerce (MEC) caught The Peninsula "The new trolleys Yesterday Q-Post organised Director of Qatar Post, Faleh Al 112 violations in April during will enter services workshop for Qatar’s corporate Naemi, was not only present at its intensive campaign to o protect the workers from entities. While giving presen- the workshop but he also kept ensure the compliance of sup- direct sun, the General this week and will be tation to the audience on the on interacting with guests by pliers (retail outlets) with Law TCleanness Department at used in commercial transformation of the company, visiting various tables to get No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer the Ministry of Municipality and streets at all areas. company's top officials shed ‘valuable input’ of Q-Post Protection. The nationwide Environment has provided new light on upcoming plans of the customers.. campaign by the Ministry’s shaded cleaning trolleys. The The trolley is light company including establish- The company officials said inspectors found violations like first-it-kind trolleys will protect and equipped with ment of 28 new branches. that Q-Post was also providing missing price tags for products workers from heat stroke. Talking to The Peninsula on "Mailroom Management Serv- and services, failing to issue The new trolleys will enter all necessary things the sidelines of the event, Muad ice" to a number of leading complete invoices, providing services this week and will be workers need." Daniel, Head of marketing and banks of Qatar that optimizes with false or misleading prod- used in commercial streets at Communications, Qatar Post, efficiency in the management uct descriptions, failing to all areas. They are marked by said that the new branches of mail-rooms and daily corre- display prices in Arabic and their good quality and light would be opened at locations spondence through failing to offer service guaran- weight which will help workers Safar Mubarak Al Shafi that only in Doha there are 27 convenient to public like malls. inter-branch, intra-branch, tees for an appropriate period to do their works faster as well. commercial streets, and the “Now we are moving from stan- external deliveries and mail- or refunding customers. Speaking to The Peninsula, commercial streets at all number will be enough for all dalone branches to the room setup. → Continued on page 7 Safar Mubarak Al Shafi, Direc- areas,” he said. streets not only Doha. The trol- tor of the General Cleanness “The number of trolleys is ley is light and equipped with Department, said that the min- enough to cover all commer- all necessary things workers istry was keen to develop and cial streets and even some need." improve its services especially specific residential area and Al Gharafa, Central Munici- New-look Khalifa Stadium the ones related to workers. from today the trolleys will dis- pal Council member, Mubarak The Ministry gives special tributed and by next week it Farish said: “We are appreciat- priority to workers and offers will be at all commercial ing this initiative because it is a all requirements which meet streets”, he added. human initiative, and our lead- modern work environment. He further said: “I can’t ers are giving priority to Workers will use it within this mention the exact number of workers.” week, and will be used in the trolleys we have but I know → Continued on page 4

10 Made in Qatar

films in Cannes THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017

THE PRESTIGIOUS 2017 Cannes Film Festival will wit- ness a true celebration of Nurturing the future leaders of Qatar Qatari cinema and talent with n more than two decades after its inception, Qatar Foundation (QF) has created the foundations for education, research and develop- the screening of ten ‘Made in ment, and community Idevelopment and is continuing on its journey to make a positive impact locally and internationally. Qatar’ films. Education City, QF’s flagship devel- opment, serves as a hub of academic excellence and houses a range of edu- The Doha Film Institute cational facilities, from QF schools to partner universities and the homegrown research institution, Hamad Bin Khal- ifa University (HBKU). Through (DFI) shines the spotlight on partnership model with international Qatar’s emerging talents with a special Market screening of Included with today’s edition is Khalifa International Stadium, one of the landmark venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup ‘Made in Qatar’ films on May in Qatar, after the renovation, last evening. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula 24 at the festival. a 16-page special supplement → See also page 18 02 HOME THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 HOME 03

Emir meets GCC Secretary-General

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The meeting reviewed a number of issues related to the promotion of joint GCC action and ways of developing it. The Secretary-General briefed the Emir on the latest preparations and the most important issues on the agenda of the 17th consultative meeting of the leaders of the GCC states, and the summit of the leaders of the GCC countries and the US. Ashghal launches e-services portal

The Peninsula categories and facilitating access which are different from com- to these various services, said a plaints in that they are not he Public Works Authority statement. related to a personal matter but (Ashghal) has launched its Eng. Ali Abdullatif Al- rather to anything that might Te-services portal, provided Kuwari, Assistant Manager of cause a public hazard or dam- by Ashghal’s Customer Zone, Information Systems Depart- age. The application process is which includes a range of 18 serv- ment in Ashghal, stated that the easy and fast; it only requires ices and applications that can be e-services portal has an organ- selecting the service and click- easily reached and submitted by ised and accurate interface that ing on application’s icon, then individuals and businesses. enables customers, individuals filling the required fields of They can reach through the or businesses, to easily access information. portal (customerzone.ashghal. the services they need. In addition, documents can gov.qa). The Public Works The services are categorised be uploaded and attached with Authority continues to imple- in lists based on their type, the application to finish the ment its Customer Service including: Roads Services, process and submit complete Excellence Programme, which Drainage Services, Infrastruc- applications electronically. was launched in 2013 with the ture Services, Complaints, Eng. Ali Al-Kuwari added aim of developing the services Suggestions, and Enquiries lists, that the Roads Services include offered to customers of all in addition to Notifications seven services and permits. 04 HOME THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 PM attends graduation of qualifying course of Police College

QNA

rime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- Plah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani attended the gradua- tion ceremony of the second mandatory qualifying course for graduates of civil universities at the Police College, which was held at the College's headquar- ters yesterday. The ceremony included var- ious training presentations and military formations as well as a military parade under the super- vision of Chinese infantry instructors. It also included the screen- ing of a documentary about the graduates during the training course. At the conclusion of the cer- emony, the Prime Minister honoured the first in the course and handed over certificates to graduates. The Prime Minister also hon- oured the Chinese infantry instructors who participated in Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani at the graduation ceremony at the Police College, held at the College's the training of a group of offic- headquarters, yesterday. ers, non-commissioned officers and instructors at the Police Col- lege on the Chinese basic infantry included 99 trainees from a the graduates received various College Brigadier Dr Muhammad knowledge and legal and secu- duties entrusted with contribut- course. number of military entities in the military, sports and police- Abdullah Al Mohanna Al Marri rity disciplines that prepare them ing to the protection and security The second mandatory qual- state with various specialties. related academic training. said that the six months course for their future military career of the capabilities of this State in ifying course for graduates which During the course, which Speaking on the occasion, has qualified the graduates and in the police force, capable of various locations. was organised by the College lasted for six months, Director General of Police helped them to gain military carrying out their functional Future of media discussed

The Peninsula Al Jazeera summit public, said Sheikh Hamad bin The Summit is the first of its Thamer Al Thani in his opening kind in the region, on the model igital and traditional The event represents remark. of similar events held in the media are comple- an opportunity to The event represents an Netherlands and Las Vegas. menting each other. learn about the latest opportunity to learn about the Lee’s speech was followed by “Digital transforma- technologies used in latest technologies used in var- a panel discussion on how media tion will never end, various fields. ious fields of media and to organisations are adapting to Dbut it doesn’t need to be zero- discuss challenges facing media digital transformation. sum disruption,” said Paul Lee, professionals and technicians to How Al Jazeera has constantly Partner and Global Head of cope with the rapid technologi- adapted to changing technology Summit the first of its Research for the technology, cal development, Sheikh Thamir over its 20-year history was a media, and telecommunications kind in the region, on added, expressing hope that the topic presented by Mohamed (TMT) industry at Deloitte, the model of similar event will be an opportunity for Abuagla, CIO/CTO of Al Jazeer speaking at the two-day media events in Las Vegas coming up with important rec- Media Network. “Transformation and the Netherlands. summit, which kicked off yes- ommendations and guidance has to be holistic, involving peo- H E Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Al Jazeera terday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, that would pave for a better ple, processes and technology,” he Media Network, opening the summit at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha. anticipation of the future of said pointing out that “to become Doha, yesterday. The 'Future of Media – Lead- In his keynote speech during media and preparation for the more transformative, you need to ers’ Summit' is organised by Al the opening, Lee added that “it expected changes in the nature become a service provider.” Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) doesn’t have to be them versus of this field. Rainer Kellerhals, Industry Sinclair’s digital reinvention of Media Development Investment under the patronage of H E us; it can be them and us”. The Shiekh Hamad bin Thamer Al- Lead for Media and Cable EMEA contribution and distribution Fund, will deliver a keynote Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al conference comes within the Thani praised the efforts being at Microsoft, spoke on cloud and presented by Delbert Parks, CIO address on social media’s impact Thani, its Chairman, with inter- framework of AJMN's continu- exerted by AJMN's partners in cognitive computing’s impact on of Sinclair Media Group. on media, content and audience. national broadcast industry ous keenness to keep abreast of organizing the event, including newsrooms; and Jeff Rosica, The summit concludes today Other speakers scheduled for leaders, CIOs, ICT professionals the great developments wit- Microsoft, Cisco, Avid, Commvault, President and CMO of Avid Tech- with another full slate of thought the final day include Haroon and media experts discussing nessed by the media Tech Mahindra, SIP, Smart Global nologies, discussed transforming leaders. Al Jazeera Executive Meer, founder of Thinkst Applied how business and innovation are technologies, content publishing and the Ministry of Transport and and unifying workflows with a Director Dr Yaser Bisher will open Research; Ken Morse, Media CIO affecting the future of media. platforms and ways to reach the Communication and their support platform approach. with a presentation about Al at Cisco Systems; and Mohamed to transform the Conference The discussion ended with a Jazeera’s digital strategy. Moham- Abuagla, CIO/CTO of Al Jazeera from idea into reality. case study about med Nanabhai, Deputy CEO at Media Network. CMC members welcome the new initiative

→ Continued from page 1 work shifts three hours. “Workers need these trol- CMC Vice-Chairman leys and this is summer, and Hamad Lahdan Al Mohannadi we hope some awareness welcomed the initiative and campaigns will be conducted tweeted: "It is good initiative by authorities concerned to from General Cleanness tell people to help workers by Department to reduce the throwing wastes in designated temperature for cleaners." places, because it will help Sheikha Al Jufairi, CMC mem- workers,” he said. ber, said: “I thank the Ministry He suggested that the for this initiative because it authorities could make work came on time and I consider hours in the evening so that it a qualitative leap and hope workers could avoid sum- the number of trolleys will be mer sun, or to make the enough”.

The new trolleys introduced by the General Cleanness Department. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 HOME 05 QA Cargo introduces Al Muraikhi meets Nepal ambassador Climate Control Centre

The Peninsula convene at Air Cargo Europe to Pharma flight meet and discuss business oppor- atar Airways Cargo Qatar Airways Cargo tunities with our global customers made several key adds fourth, weekly and partners. Europe is a major announcements on the market for Qatar Airways Cargo, Basel-Doha, Pharma first day of Air Cargo and we have expanded our oper- Express flight, QEurope 2017, including ations immensely by increasing plans to launch a transit facility served by its Airbus our freighter flights to the prime for temperature-controlled ship- A330 freighter. European cities such as Luxem- ments as well as the scheduled bourg, Liege and Brussels in launch of weekly freighter serv- A dedicated recent months. This includes the ice to London’s Heathrow transit facility for launch of our fourth Pharma airport. courier and mail Express flight weekly from Basel Qatar Airways Cargo products to Doha on May 8. Ultimately, we announced that it will soon be at HIA opened. aspire to be the preferred cargo Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received a copy of operating a brand new Climate service provider to connect our credentials of Ramesh Prasad Koirala as Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic Control Centre, a 2,470 square customers’ businesses across the of Nepal to Qatar, in Doha yesterday. The Minister wished the new Ambassador success metre airside transit facility for curtains and an ante-room as a globe with quality and speed via in his mission and further progress in bilateral relations. temperature-sensitive cargo. The staging area. In response to the our state-of-the-art Doha hub.” facility will feature two zones growth in global demand and to The Qatar Airways Cargo operating for 2°- 8°C or 15°- 25°C provide increased and dedicated two-storey stand at the Air with capacity to hold a total of 156 uplift for Swiss pharmaceuticals, Cargo Europe trade show in ULDs (unit load devices) at a time. Qatar Airways Cargo added a Munich hosted global cargo cus- Raids against illegal street vendors Segregated sections within the fourth, weekly Basel-Doha, tomers and business partners facility enable storage of pharma- Pharma Express flight on May 8, The opening of a dedicated ceutical products in compliance served by its Airbus A330 transit facility for courier and mail The Peninsula fruits and fish unfit for human section at Al Rayyan Municipal- with ‘good distribution practice’ freighter. products at HIA was also consumption. A number of ani- ity conducted many inspections (GDP) regulations. To ensure Qatar Airways Chief Officer announced. With a built-up size he Health Monitoring Sec- mals were also seized when during February and March at complete temperature integrity, Cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann, told a of 6,700 square metres and a tion at Doha Municipality their owners ran away, leaving Rawdat Qdeem to remove the facility will be equipped with well-attended press conference: capacity for 256,000 tonnes Tconducted inspections then in their cars. encroachment of state six truck docks, each with inflated “We are pleased to once again annually, the facility is complete against street vendors at Al Meanwhile, the Al Gharafa property. with screening, handling and Asmakh and caught several por- storage areas. The award-win- ters and vendors violating rules. ning carrier’s cargo terminal 2 The campaign came in the (CT2) project is underway with framework of cooperation phase 1 scheduled to be com- between the Ministry of Munici- pleted in 2021. The pality and Environment, the ground-breaking CT2 has a build- Ministry of Economy and Com- up area of 110,000 square metres, merce and authorities concerned which will boost the airline’s at the Ministry of Interior. annual cargo capacity to 4.6 mil- Hamad Sultan Al Shahwani, lion tonnes. the public monitoring section Ogiermann also announced head, said that this joint campaign the launch of weekly Airbus aims to control markets and catch A330 freighters to London Hea- and remove violations. throw, due to commence on The Ministry of Municipal- June 3, 2017. The carrier has ity cleaned the area and operated freighters to London’s removed wastes and confiscated The new Climate Control Centre. Street vendors at Al Asmakh. Stansted Airport since May 2014. large quantity of vegetables, 06 HOME THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 Rayyan Municipality issued most building permits

The Peninsula constituted 39% (238 permits), April data and finally fencing permits ayyan Municipality The 155 building with 3% (21 permits). came at the top of the permits issued in By analysing new residen- municipalities in tial buildings permits data, we Rayyan Municipality April 2017 where 155 find that villas’ permits top the make 25% of the building permits list, accounting for 49% (146 Rwere issued in one month. total issued permits permits) of all new residential These 155 building permits while Doha buildings permits, followed by issued in Rayyan municipality Municipality came in dwellings of housing loans by make 25% of the total issued second with 135 40% (120 permits) and apart- permits while Doha Municipal- permits making 22% ment buildings by 9% (25 ity came in second with 135 of the total permits). permits making 22% of the total issued permits. On the other hand, indus- issued permits, said a state- trial buildings e g workshops ment of the Ministry of and factories were found to be Development Planning and construction sector which in in the forefront of non-residen- Statistics. turn occupies a significant tial buildings permits with 38% In Al Wakrah Municipality, position in the national (23 permits), followed by com- 110 permits (18%) were issued economy. mercial buildings and mosques followed by Al Da'ayen with 90 The release of this monthly alike with 26% (16 permits) permits (15%).The rest of the data comes under the joint each, then governmental build- municipalities are as follows: cooperation between the Min- ings with 5% (3 permits). Aspire Academy’s Life Skills competition featured boys’ teams from local independent and Umm Slal 60 permits (10%), Al istry of Development Planning Comparing number of per- Khor 39 permits (6%), Al and Statistics and the Ministry mits issued in April 2017 with private schools. Shamal 15 permits (2%), and of Municipality and Environ- those issued in the previous finally Al Shahaniya 14 permits ment to make use of the month we noted a general (2%). existing electronic link between decrease of 7%. This decrease Aspire Academy students The Ministry of Develop- the two ministries. was clearly noted in the munic- ment Planning and Statistics In terms of type of permits ipalities of Al Shamal (25%), released these figures in the issued, data indicates that the Rayyan (18%), Doha (14%), Al 28th issue of the monthly Sta- new building permits (residen- Da'ayen (1%). On the other hand win Life Skills competition tistics of Building Permits tial and non-residential) there was a clear increase in issued by all municipalities. constitute 58% (359 permits) of the municipalities of Al Khor The Peninsula the schools that took part in the respectively); Hamza Bin Abdul Building permits data is of the total building permits (18%), Umm Slal (7%), Wakrah competition. With this initiative, Muttalib Independent School; particular importance as it is issued during the month of (1%), but Al Shahaniya munic- rganised for the fourth we hope to inspire not only Al-Andalus Private School; considered an indicator for the April 2017, while the percent- ipality maintained the same consecutive year, Aspire Aspire Academy’s students, but Aljazeera Academy; and Al Maha performance of the age of additions permits number of issued permits. OAcademy’s Life Skills all young people in Qatar. The Academy. competition has reached a suc- competition is derived from the Abdulaziz Al Naama, from cessful conclusion, with Aspire Academy’s ‘Ehteraf’ programme, Aljazeera Academy, commented Academy students clinching the which is an important initiative on his team’s participation say- win. The competition featured that teaches young kids valuable ing: “Even though our school CCQ hosts learning and boys’ teams from local inde- life skills such as responsibility, didn’t win the title, we really pendent and private schools and respect for others, time manage- enjoyed the game and chal- comprised several sporting ment, teamwork and lenged ourselves in this activities that tested students in goal-setting. These young chil- competition. We were all play- civic engagement meet feats of teamwork and decision dren will one day grow up to be ing as a team, with a common making. While Aspire Academy Qatar’s future leaders, and Aspire goal of winning. It was a lot of took home the competition’s Academy aims to play a leading fun and we hope to take part in The Peninsula in raising awareness and access and inclusion in higher title, all the boys taking part in role in their development and future competitions.” involvement in learning and education. The event will also the yearly event left the Aspire wellbeing.” The Life Skills competition he Community College of civic engagement; promoting bring together presenters from Dome with new valuable lead- In all, six local independent is an annual competition, organ- Qatar (CCQ) hosted yes- collaboration among students, North America, Australia, Africa, ership skills under their belt. and private schools took part in ised by Aspire Academy’s Tterday the Second Annual faculty, and the community as Asia, and the Arab world, aug- Speaking about the tourna- the tournament. Participating Leadership Department. The International Learning and they are inspired to establish menting its global impact. ment, Badr Jassim Al Hay, schools included: Al Furqan Pri- tournament is a part of depart- Civic Engagement Symposium, more learning engagement pro- Various important topics Director of Education and Stu- vate School for Boys; Omar Bin ment’s ‘Ehteraf’ programme under the title "Nurturing Com- grams in Qatar and beyond; and related to civic engagement were dent Care at Aspire Academy, Al Khattab School (who won (translates into ‘becoming a pro’ munity Engagement through sharing experiences and best covered through the Symposium said: “We would like to thank all second and third place in Arabic). Integration, Innovation and practices in learning and civic sessions, including Community Impact". The Symposium was engagement. Engagement for the Public Good, attended by members of the This year’s Symposium Community Engaged Teaching CCQ Board of Trustees, CCQ attracted civic engagement and Learning, Impactful Experi- President Dr.Ibrahim Al Naimi thought leaders and research- ences Abroad, and the Role of and CCQ Dean Dr Abdallah ers with a keynote address by Information Technology in Civic Event on safety of big vehicles Hazaimeh, as well as local and Dr Eduardo Padrn, President of Engagement”. The sessions also international educational lead- the largest community college explored the best practices in The Peninsula First Lieutenant Fahd cover what they are carrying, ers, scholars and researchers in in the United States, Miami civic engagement and service Mubarak Sherida said the sec- which may fall on the road and the fields of learning and civic Dade College in Florida, and learning. raffic Awareness Section tion has put a traffic plan for can cause accidents. engagement. who was recently awarded the The First International Learn- at the General Directo- vehicles drivers in order to He also added that some In his opening speech, Dr prestigious US Presidential ing and Civic Engagement Trate of Traffic reduce accidents and viola- drivers met with accidents Ibrahim Al Naimi stressed the Medal of Freedom, for being a Symposium was held under the Department yesterday organ- tions committed by drivers. due to speeding specially on importance of the Symposium prominent national voice for theme of “High Impact Learning ised an awareness symposium Among the mistakes which Al Shamal Road, Al Wakra, Engagement Practices about big vehicles traffic safety big vehicle drivers make are and also some of them not Beyond the Classroom rules for companies . driving at peak hours which make any maintenance for Experience”, as part of Officials from transporta- cause traffic jams, overtaking the vehicles which create CCQ's ongoing effort to pro- tion companies attended the from the right and taking many accidents and make the mote and sustain learning symposium to know about safe unauthorised lanes. vehicles stop suddenly in the and civic engagement pro- driving rules for drivers. Some of the vehicles do not road. grams in the MENA region. MoI Telecom Dept receives recognition The Peninsula

he Telecommunications Department at the Min- Tistry of Interior received the Cisco Plaque of Recogni- tion in recognition for being a Cisco Networking Academy, Academy support Centre and Instructor Training Centre of the year 2017. Director of Telecommu- nications Department at the Ministry of Interior, Brigadier Engineer Ali Salim Al Henzab, received the award from Edwin Paalvast, Senior Vice- President, Cisco Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia. The award comes as an acknowledgment of the efforts of the Training and Development Unit in the Tel- ecom Department. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 HOME 07 Ooredoo is Emir Fire Safety meet kicks off on May 17 The Peninsula

ith the construction Cup's official industry going Wthrough a transition phase due to the updated Qatar Construction Specifications (QCS) and Fire Safety Codes, telecom partner Ashghal and Qatar Civil Defence are endorsing and par- ticipating at the Qatar HSE & Promoting sport exciting events of the year and Fire Safety Conference on the we’re delighted to once again 17th and 18th of May at the Ooredoo is hoping to support the event. This year, we Marriott Marquis City Center in build excitement for hope to encourage as many Doha. the contest by people as possible to attend the Ehab Saleh, Senior Safety organising a fun matches, cheer on their favour- Engineer, Quality & Safety footballing activity ite team, and begin a love of Department, Ashghal, will be from today until May sport.” addressing the new specifica- 19 at Landmark Mall. To help build excitement for tions concerning the conditions the finals of the Emir Cup and criteria of safety manage- among its employees, Ooredoo ment systems, the prevention The Peninsula has also hosted the Emir Cup of accidents, and the assurance trophy at its HQ1 and HQ2 of optimal application at all Qatar Civil Defence will take part in the Qatar HSE & Fire Safety Conference. oredoo has once offices in Doha, as the nation- work sites for the Public Work again been named wide Cup tour of the main Authority projects. international standards and relevant topics from evacuation challenge delegates to assess the Official Tele- sponsors and partners of the The conference will pro- how to enforce and comply planning for cities to smart their own processes as real-life communications tournament continues. vide a platform for knowledge with local Qatari fire safety safety innovations and latest fire examples will highlight the lack Partner of the Emir Organised by the Qatar sharing, networking with spe- codes, resulting in improving protection technology that will of awareness of site accident OCup, as the company continues Football Association (QFA), the cialists in HSE, procurement, occupational health and safety achieve on-time project deliv- procedures and reporting obli- to promote sports across Qatar. Emir Cup is Qatar’s most pop- project management and fire for a sound working ery while maintaining a gations. Clyde & Co will share As the main telecommuni- ular annual football tournament safety and key government environment. well-planned health and safety practical tips on how to best cations partner for the Emir and will run until 19 May, with ministers. Participants will The two-day programme strategy. An interactive session manage each step of the Cup, Ooredoo is hoping to build the winners guaranteed a place gain a better understanding of will cover a broad range of hosted by Clyde & Co will process. excitement for the contest by in the 2018 AFC Champions organising a fun footballing League, and awarded with the activity from today until 19 May 2017 Emir Cup trophy. in Landmark mall. This is the latest in a long The activity, which will line of agreements between HMC creates awareness about lupus include a football obstacle Ooredoo and the QFA. Last course, promotes athleticism as year, Ooredoo signed a three- well as community spirit. Each year partnership agreement The Peninsula symptoms, and diagnosis and estimated five million people been recording excellent out- competitor who completes the with Qatar Football Associa- treatment options. Patients and worldwide have lupus. It is comes among patients. course without hitting an obsta- tion (QFA) to support the QFA’s o highlight World Lupus their caregivers have been invited thought to be most common “The exact cause of lupus is cle will win a prize. top events; the Emir Cup and Day and create awareness to attend a networking event among women of childbearing not known. However, its symp- Manar Khalifa Al Muraikhi, University League, as well as Tof Systemic Lupus Ery- today to raise awareness of the age. “Lupus could be very chal- toms can come and go over a Director Community & Public the Qatar National 'A' Team thematosus (SLE), a serious and disease. The event is meant to lenging to treat during pregnancy long period of time. The symp- Relations, Ooredoo, said: “The and Qatar National Olympic disabling autoimmune disease, ensure patients are in communi- and it can lead to both mother toms also change over time Emir Cup is one of the most Team. Hamad Medical Corporation cation with their healthcare team and foetus losing their life.” making lupus difficult to diag- (HMC) recently organised a and know that early diagnosis is Dr Al Emadi has established nose. Common symptoms series of events for staff, patients, crucial to preventing long-term a specialised clinic to look after include joint pain, skin rashes, and the local community. consequences of the illness. pregnant women living with overwhelming fatigue, and fever As part of the events organ- Dr Samar Al Emadi, Head of lupus and their foetus. The clinic that last for days or weeks,” Dr ised to acknowledge the day, Hamad General Hospital’s Rheu- is thought to be the first of its Abdel Rahiem Saim, Senior Con- HMC clinicians attended a sym- matology Section, said according kind in the Middle East. Since its sultant Rheumatologist at HMC posium to discuss lupus, its to international figures, an establishment, the clinic has explained. Cheaper food items at Katara

round 35 shops selling cheaper food items will Aopen doors at 4pm today at the southern area of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara. ‘Meerat Ramadan at Katara’ will see the participa- tion of local food supply companies and coincide with the preparations for the Holy Month of Ramadan. It will last through the Officials with the Emir Cup. Holy month. Violations include Qatar University failure to report defective products awards students

Continued from page 1 The Peninsula Hassan Al Derham said: “I Violations also included failure am proud of our students. to report defective products that atar University (QU) QU has graduated numer- may cause harm to consumers to announced the win- ous generations and leaders, competent authorities, non-com- Qners of the Student many of whom participated pliance with promotional offers, not Life Awards 2016/2017 in extra-curricular and vol- using Arabic in ads and description under five categories — Stu- unteering activities during of goods, lack of displaying expired dent Leadership Award, their journey at the univer- or substandard products, selling Student Clubs and Organi- sity. This contributed to with higher prices than advertised, zations Award, Volunteering unlocking their potential or offering discounts without Award, Student Athletic and to heightening their obtaining approval of competent Award, and Student skills and personalities in departments. Employment Award -- dur- various areas. QU is keen to The penalties resulted in admin- ing its annual Takreem honor its outstanding stu- istrative closures, as well as fines ceremony on May 9 and 10. dents who took part in ranging between QR5,000 and QR 327 students (175 males various extra-curricular 30,000 in line with the applicable and 152 females) were hon- activities throughout the consumer protection laws. The fol- oured for their outstanding academic year. The Univer- lowing is a breakdown of the type and performance in student life sity is also planning to number of violations registered in and activities. expand its infrastructure April 2017. The Ministry said it will The two-day ceremony and facilities in order to pro- refer those who violate laws and min- was attended by QU Presi- mote its ex-curricular isterial decrees to competent dent Dr Hassan Al Derham, activities. Dr Khalid Al authorities that will in turn take QU Vice President for Stu- Khanji said: “Since its estab- appropriate action against perpetra- dent Affairs Dr Khalid Al lishment, QU is keen to tors in order to protect consumer Khanji, and QU Director of merge curricular activities rights. Student Services and Activ- with extra-curricular activ- The Ministry urged all consum- ities Abdulla Al Yafei, as well ities. This annual event aims ers to report violations to the as QU officials, faculty, stu- to recognise students who Consumer Protection and Anti- dents and their families. made a positive impact on Commercial Fraud department. In his remarks, Dr student life.” 08 HOME THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 Hand hygiene awareness events held

HMC move encouraged to revisit the five key moments of hand washing, HMC staff were as defined by WHO for health- encouraged to revisit care workers. These include: the five key moments before touching a patient, of hand washing, as before cleaning and aseptic defined by WHO for procedures (insertion of devices healthcare workers. such as catheters), after contact with bodily fluids, after touch- ing a patient, and after touching The Peninsula a patient’s surroundings. “All healthcare workers amad Medical Cor- should be aware of and follow poration (HMC) these hand washing practices. Ambassador of India to Qatar, P Kumaran, inaugurating the Mango Festival — Mango Passion 2017 — at the D-Ring Road again this year While the compliance rate at marked World HMC is above international branch of Lulu Hypermarket yesterday. Lulu Group Director, Mohamed Althaf, several dignitaries from the Ministry, retail/FMCG Hand Hygiene standards, there is always sectors, different communities and senior officials from Lulu chain were present at the event. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula HDay (WHHD) by holding a room for improvement. number of activities across its Improving hand hygiene will network of hospitals to empha- save lives, unnecessary suffer- sise the importance of hand ing, and is cost effective. The hygiene. support of all staff is vital to 'Mango Passion 2017' opens in Lulu World Hand Hygiene Day, achieving these goals,” said Dr observed every 5 May, is a glo- Jameela Al Ajmi, Executive The Peninsula that not only highlights the products namely Mango Raita, Indian subcontinent and is one bal campaign declared by the Director, Corporate Infection mango season to its maximum Mango Chick Peas Salad, Chem- of the most popular, nutrition- World Health Organization Prevention and Control, Qual- ulu Hypermarket Group but also introduces the many fla- meen Mango Curry, Fresh Mango ally rich fruit with unique (WHO) to promote good hand ity and Patient Safety and has organised the Mango vours of more than 60 varieties Cake, Nada Fresh Mango, Man- flavour, fragrance, taste, and hygiene practices among indi- Senior Consultant in Infectious LFestival by the name of of the luscious fruit mainly bazha Payasam, Mango Muffin, health promoting qualities mak- viduals working in healthcare. Diseases, HMC. ‘Mango Passion 2017’ from 10th grown all over India, and around Mango Swiss Roll, Igloo Mango ing it a common ingredient in The theme for this year’s According to the WHO, to 17th May. The festival was the world. This year the Festival Ice Cream, Eastern Mango new functional foods. WHHD campaign is ‘Fight Anti- every year millions of patients inaugurated by P Kumaran, the will exhibit a wide variety of Pickle, Rani Juice Mango and It is quite interesting to know biotic Resistance - It's in Your globally are adversely affected Ambassador of India to Qatar, at popular and delicious mangoes Tango Instant Milk etc. that mango is the national fruit Hands.’ Each year, the WHHD by healthcare-associated infec- Lulu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road, from India, Yemen, Malaysia, Lulu outlets have made it of many countries viz India, campaign aims to enhance the tions. More than half of these in the presence of Mohamed Kenya, Thailand, Uganda, Sri convenient for the connoisseurs Pakistan and Philippines, and global profile of good hand infections can be avoided with Althaf, Director of Lulu Group, Lanka, Ivory Coast, Peru, Puerto of this exotic fruit to taste the mango tree is the national tree hygiene in healthcare and bring properly cleaned hands. and a host of dignitaries from the Rico, Indonesia, Philippines, versatility and to buy the best of Bangladesh. In Australia, people together in support of “Worldwide, millions of Ministry, retail/FMCG sectors, Brazil, USA, Mexico and Spain taste that suits their palate. The where mangoes are considered hand hygiene improvements. healthcare-associated infec- different communities and offi- namely Malgova, Himapasanth, idea behind the festival was to a symbol of summer, the first The WHHD campaign at HMC tions (HCAIs) occur on a daily cials from the Lulu chain. Chakkaragund, Mallika, promote the agricultural pro- tray of mangoes of the season is was organised by the Corpo- basis, many of which result in Lulu Group has been organ- Moovandan, Priyoor, Alphonso, duce of India and to make it traditionally sold at an auction rate Infection and Prevention serious harm or death. HCAIs ising the Mango Festival for the Badami, Rajapuri, Thottapuri, popular among the local com- for charity. Control Program (CIPC). The include a range of infections last 14 years in succession and Kesar, Daseri, Neelam, Sindoo- munity and in the Middle East at Mango fruit is rich in pre- CIPC is a strategic programme acquired in hospitals or as a they are the first hypermarket ram, White Malgova, Rumaniya, large. biotic dietary fiber, vitamins, that aims to develop effective result of healthcare to introduce this Festival to the Cheeri, Kesar, KO Mango, Mangoes are seasonal fruits; minerals and poly-phenolic fla- infection control practices to interventions. Middle East and in Qatar it was Vazhapoo, Nadan, Nadasala, full season of fresh mango fruit vonoid antioxidant compounds. drive continuous quality HCAIs are a serious dis- organised for the first time in Natty Gold, Panchavarnam, begins in March and lasts until According to a new research improvement within the ease burden and have a 2003. Every year, it draws an Green Sweet, Nam Doc, Kartha August, when the rich fragrance study, mango fruit has been organisation. significant economic impact overwhelming response from all Colombo, Red Villard, Kent, of the fruit heralds its arrival, found to protect against colon, Such practices can prevent on patients and healthcare corners. Palmer and Ataulfo etc. Besides, and is usually harvested while breast, leukemia and prostate the spread of hospital-acquired systems. Yet good hand The management says that the festival will also exhibit they are green but perfectly cancers. Consumption of natu- infections caused by blood and hygiene – the simple task of this festival is going to be differ- organic mangoes of historical mature. Unripe ones are ral fruits rich in carotenes and other bodily fluids. cleaning hands at the right ent for connoisseurs of mangoes importance. extremely sour in taste. It is potassium is good to protect During this year’s cam- times and in the right way – in Qatar. They are being focussed The Festival will also feature believed to have originated in body from lung and oral cavity paign, HMC staff were can save lives,” she said. under a promotional campaign a wide range of mango-based the sub-Himalayan plains of the cancers. Aspetar makes Chinese artist displays headway in treating works at Katara

injuries The Peninsula the landscape of Tibet, portray- ing snow mountains and enowned Chinese artist glaciers in the region. The Peninsula Yu Hanyu is displaying 33 The artist uses a technique Rof his paintings at the that departs from the more tra- spetar, the orthopae- ‘Spiritual & Holy Territory’ ditional styles used by his dic and sports which opened yesterday at Gal- predecessors and Amedicine hospital, lery 1 of Katara’s Building 19. contemporaries. recently introduced a locally The exhibition, which offers The ink paintings use lay- developed protocol for the a unique interpretation of spir- ers of gold powder and myriad treatment and rehabilitation ituality through the medium of shades of green to do justice to of hamstring injuries in ath- paint, was opened by Katara the stunning sunrises and sun- letes, drastically improving General Manager Dr Khalid bin sets the mountainous region of the quality of care. Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Deputy Gen- Tibet is renowned for. Developed following eral Manager and Head of The use of intricate and comprehensive, evidence- Operations, Ahmad Al Sayed, light ink strokes add depth to based research, Aspetar has representatives of diplomatic the outlines of snow moun- established the standardised missions and media. tains and glaciers, bringing to ICBF and Ministry of Interior officials announcing the event. protocol to accelerate the Aside from the paintings life the mysticism and spirit- rehabilitation of players from created using traditional Chi- ual realms of Chinese culture, injury. nese ink, the exhibit also attributes which generally The protocol is aimed at ICBF cultural event tomorrow presents four Chinese calligra- defy visual representation or addressing some of the most phy posters depicting classic imitation through any kind of common aspects of hamstring poetry. The art pieces focus on medium. injuries, which occur mainly The Peninsula performances from affiliated Interior (MOI) and Ministry of in football, but can be organisations followed by live Labour (MOL), with ICBF, lays adjusted to address the needs he Indian Community musical programme. the corner stone to ICBF’s unde- of athletes competing in var- Benevolent Fund (ICBF) The unwavering support of terred efforts in the direction of ious other sports too. Tunder the Embassy of the Ministry of Interior and the betterment of workers, said the Hamstring injuries are India in association with Min- noteworthy interest exhibited President of ICBF, Devis usually associated with sports istry of Interior will be by the Ministry of Labour in the Edakkalathur. that involve running at high organising a mega cultural and affairs and welfare of the expa- We realised that celebrat- speed as well as rapid accel- awareness event on the occa- triate working communities in ing the essence of International eration or deceleration, such sion of International Labour Qatar is the evidence of the Labour Day on 12th May 2017 as sprinting, jumping, pivot- Day from 5pm tomorrow at Qatar government’s farsighted- at Asian Town, Industrial Area, ing, turning or kicking. Asian Town in Doha Industrial ness and great vision towards will be a gesture to portray our A vicious cycle of re-injury Area. The celebration with par- keeping the country as heart- commitment hand-in- hand is not uncommon, resulting in ticipation of 7 departments warming and welcoming as ever with the respected ministries Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti significant morbidity in terms from the Ministry will include for its committed expatriate for the common cause – a smile of symptoms, reduced per- stage performances of the workforce contributing to the on the faces of our hardwork- examines one of the paintings at the opening of the formance, and time lost from workers of various nationali- nation’s development. The firm ing brothers and sisters, he exhibition by renowned Chinese artist Yu Hanyu at Katara, taking part in a sport. ties and a few cultural association of Ministry of added. yesterday. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA 09 Saudi King invites Illegal migrants Muslim leaders for Trump summit

Riyadh AFP There will also be ing Abdullah II of Jor- a separate meeting dan, Algerian President between leaders of Abdelaziz Bouteflika the six-nation Gulf and Niger's Mahama- Cooperation Council dou Issoufou are among and Trump, as well Kleaders invited by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Sal- as bilateral talks man bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia between the Saudi and for a summit with US President US leaders, Riyadh's Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Adel The Arab-Islamic-American Al Jubeir has said. Summit will be among a series of Illegal migrants arrive by boat at a naval base after they were rescued by Libyan coastguard in the coastal city of talks expected to be held in Riy- Tripoli, yesterday. adh on May 20-21, Saudi officials Iraq and Tunisia have also received said. invitations, the Arab News daily Trump has frequently been reported yesterday. accused of fuelling Islamophobia Saudi Arabia will be Trump's but aides described his decision to first foreign stop since becoming visit Saudi Arabia as an effort to president in January. reset relations with the Muslim "It is a clear message to the Saleh open to negotiations with Saudi world. world that the United States and the There will also be a separate Arab and Islamic countries can Sana'a Arabia and neighbouring Oman. Saleh, But he ruled out mediation by UN spe- meeting between leaders of the six- form a partnership," Jubeir said in AFP however, reiterated his rejection of the cial envoy Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed, who nation Gulf Cooperation Council Washington, according to SPA. government of internationally recognised aims to resume stalled peace talks by the and Trump, as well as bilateral talks "We believe that it will emen's ex-president Ali Abdullah President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi and end of May, accusing him of bias. between the Saudi and US leaders, strengthen cooperation between Saleh is open to negotiations with said Saudi Arabia would have to find "new Government spokesman Rajeh Badi Riyadh's Foreign Minister Adel Al the United States and Arab and YSaudi Arabia, two years into a leadership". said Ould Sheikh Ahmed is currently in Riy- Jubeir has said. Islamic countries in the fight against deadly war between Saleh's Houthi rebel Members of Saleh's circle have been adh for talks on the Yemeni crisis, which In addition to heads of state terrorism and extremism, and the allies and the Saudi-backed government. meeting unofficially with Saudi delegates the UN estimates has killed more than 7,700 from Jordan, Algeria and Niger, the visit will have enormous benefits "We have no choice but dialogue," Saleh for weeks in Berlin, a Yemeni government people since March 2015. Saleh said 11,000 official Saudi Press Agency reported for the region and the world." said at a meeting of his General People's official said yesterday. The Yemeni leader rebels had been killed and more than that King Salman asked Yemeni The Saudis have found a more Congress party in the capital Sana'a. also said he hoped to "form an alliance with 25,000 injured in the past two years. While President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi favourable ear in Washington "We are ready to go to Riyadh, Khamis Iran that would serve the interests of Yemen". Saleh resigned under massive popular pres- and Morocco's King Mohammed VI under Trump, who has echoed their Mushit, Muscat or elsewhere to start dia- Saleh, who survived an assassination sure in February 2012, he remains highly to attend. concerns about Iran's influence in logue and to reach an understanding," attempt in 2011, has repeatedly said he influential in Yemen. He was succeeded by The leaders of Turkey, Pakistan, the region. Saleh said, referring to cities in Saudi was open to talks with Saudi Arabia. Hadi, previously his vice-president.

Bomb threat causes Turkey slams US arming Syrian Kurds in IS fight panic on Saudi flight

CAIRO: An apparently men- Ankara States to immediately reverse the The US decision to provide in Syria involving “terrorist organ- children, in a village north of the tally unstable man caused Agencies decision. weapons for Kurdish militants isations”. Turkey urged the United Syrian city of Raqaa overnight, panic among passengers on a "I hope very much that this in the fight against Islamic State States to reverse the decision, say- a war monitoring group said. airliner heading for Cairo urkey yesterday slammed mistake will be reversed imme- in Syria is a “crisis”, Turkish ing every weapon supplied to the The Syrian Observatory for from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia as unacceptable a US plan diately," Erdogan said after Defence Minister Fikri Isik said YPG militia constituted “a threat Human Rights said warplanes, on Tuesday when he threat- Tto arm Syrian Kurdish Washington announced it would yesterday, adding that the deci- to Turkey”. thought to belong to the US-led ened to blow up the aircraft, fighters whom Ankara consid- arm the Kurdish Peoples' Pro- sion would not benefit the United US Defence Secretary Jim coalition against Islamic State, airport sources said. ers terrorists, but the militia tection Units (YPG) in the fight States or the region. Mattis said he was confident the hit Al Salihiya village before The 61-year-old man, a applauded a "historic" move that against jihadists in Syria. Speaking to broadcaster NTV United States would be able to midnight and also injured sev- retired textile worker from would speed up the defeat of Erdogan vowed to bring up "our on the sidelines of a defence con- resolve tensions with Turkey the eral civilians. Egypt, was subdued by secu- Islamic State (IS) extremists. worries" on the issue in talks ference in Istanbul, Isik said decision. A spokesman for the US-led rity staff on the plane, President Recep Tayyip with US President Donald Trump Turkey should not be expected to Meanwhile, air strikes killed coalition could not immediately operated by Saudi airline Fly- Erdogan called on the United on May 16 in Washington. support any potential operations at least 11 people, including four be reached for comment. nas, and arrested when it landed in the Egyptian capi- tal, the sources said. The man told police he was US-backed force not aware of what he had Parents of freed Nigeria schoolgirls still wait to see them done, according to the seizes key Syria sources. He was being ques- Abuja was among those released in extremist group's deadly ram- ones who are still missing so tioned and was expected to city and dam AP exchange for five Boko Haram page in northern Nigeria to the they can be rescued," Ishaya be referred to a psychiatrist commanders. world's attention. A first group said. "I really want to see my to determine his mental state. arents of the 82 Nigerian But Abana Ishaya said he of 21 girls was freed in October daughter, but I can't come Beirut schoolgirls released over cannot travel the long distance and they have been in govern- unless with government SA rhino orphanage AFP Pthe weekend from Boko from his home in northern ment care since then, despite invitation." Haram captivity said yesterday Nigeria to the capital without calls by families and human Families say 113 of the Chi- closes after attack A US-BACKED alliance yes- they still were awaiting word the government's invitation rights groups for them to be bok schoolgirls remain missing. terday captured Syria's Tabqa from the government on when and assurance that he will see released to their loved ones. They are among thousands kid- JOHANNESBURG: A South and its nearby dam from the they will be able to see their her. "I'm very anxious to meet napped by Boko Haram during African rhino orphanage that Islamic State group, a day daughters. Boko Haram kidnapped 276 her so I can celebrate with her its eight-year insurgency that has closed after being attacked by after Washington said it One father said he was schoolgirls from the town of Chi- and others that were freed, and left thousands dead and driven poachers will be turned into would arm the force's Kurd- thrilled to find out his daughter bok in April 2014, bringing the also to pray for the remaining millions from their homes. a wildlife rehabilitation ish fighters. center. Turkey slammed the US Christiaan DuBuson, the decision to arm the Kurdish anti-poaching head at Thula People's Protection Units Flooded street Thula wildlife reserve in Kwa- (YPG), which Ankara consid- Tunisian President orders army Zulu-Natal province, said ers terrorists but which yesterday that the old rhino Washington sees as an indis- to protect oil and gas facilities facility will be used to care for pensable ally in the fight antelope, birds and other against IS. The issue risks Tunis wildlife in need. DuBuson stoking tensions between the Reuters says the rehabilitation center two countries less than week will open late this month. before US President Donald TUNISIA’S President Beji Caid Essebsi yesterday ordered the army On May 1, the rhino Trump and his Turkish coun- to protect phosphate, gas and oil production facilities after pro- orphanage at Thula Thula said terpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan tests aimed at disrupting output broke out in the south of the it was closing because of meet for the first time as country. It is the first time troops in Tunisia will be deployed to security concerns. heads of state. protect industrial installations vital to Tunisia’s economy. Pro- Staff were assaulted in The YPG makes up the tests, sit-ins and strikes in recent years have cost the state billions the February attack, and two bulk of the Syrian Democratic of dollars. rhino calves died after being Forces, which on Wednesday For several weeks, about 1,000 protesters in Tatouine prov- shot and having their horns scored a major victory against ince, where Italy’s ENI and Austria’s OMV have gas operations, removed. Staff moved the IS in the Syrian city of Tabqa. have been demanding jobs and a share in revenue from the area’s remaining animals to other The SDF said it had "com- natural resources. Protests have also broken out in another south- locations. Police are pletely liberated" Tabqa and ern province, Kebili, and yesterday police fired tear gas to break investigating. the adjacent dam after weeks up rioting in a town west of Tunis after a fruit seller set himself on The rhino orphanage was of fierce fighting. "The comb- fire in protest against the police. In an incident similar to the self- administered by the Law- ing operations are ongoing to A Yemeni man drives a truck through a flooded street immolation in 2011 that sparked the uprising that toppled autocrat rence Anthony Earth ensure that the city is clear," following heavy rain in the capital Sana'a, yesterday. Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, the vendor in Tebourba poured gasoline Organization, an international said spokesman Talal Sello. over himself and set it ablaze. nonprofit group. 10 VIEWS THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Change in South Korea

very election brings change, in some cases seminal. The election of Moon Jae-in as South Korea’s new president is certain to change the mood for the better in the Korean peninsula which has E seen an uptick in tension due to a permanent stand-off with North Korea over its nuclear programmes. Moon, a former human rights lawyer, Macron, Trump and won Tuesday’s election with a landslide and succeeds Park Geun-hye, who is awaiting trial on corruption and other charges after being impeached late last year after a prolonged period of crisis. the Middle East Moon’s political agenda is starkly different from that of his conservative predecessors, its most Trump has an “America first” slogan conventional president. important element being his keenness to explore Joe Macaron strengthened by a hard power approach. Macron is closer to the US view that peace with North Korea. He set the mood for this Al Jazeera However, both leaders are generally toppling Syrian President Bashar al- soon after the election, saying he would be willing cautious in getting entangled in wars. Assad should not be the prerequisite of to travel to North Korea to meet its leader Kim Since Brexit became a reality, France has every move in Syria. Jong-un if it can bring lasting peace. Moon said: “I become the only European Union mem- His stated focus is to cooperate with am willing to go anywhere for the peace of the ber holding a veto power in the United the US to fight the Islamic State of Iraq Korean peninsula if needed. I will fly immediately Nations Security Council, which will give and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) to Washington, I will go to Beijing and I will go to n paper, Emmanuel Macron is an Paris a unique opportunity to assert itself and al-Qaeda, while attempting to Tokyo. If the conditions are right, I will go to antonym to Donald Trump. Yester- and might subsequently lead to occa- secure a place for France on the table Pyongyang.” Peace is at the top of his mind because day’s French presidential elections sional disagreement instead of having Washington and Mos- he realizes that without peace, security, progress will have ramifications on both with Washington. cow play it alone. and everything else is at stake. transatlantic relations and the Mid- Macron believes that Like Obama, Macron has no clear Odle East. The two novice leaders, who never held European major pow- stance on Turkey and wants to put Iran Moon faces several challenges and will have to elected office, have a choice to either mend ers should fill the and Saudi Arabia on an equal footing. He work hard to fulfill the promises he made. He has fences, confront or manage their deeply rooted vacuum of the US’ seems interested in taking distance from vowed to build a South Korea that is equal and just, ideological and political differences. Gulf countries unlike Sarkozy and Hol- where growing After all, Macron officially declared his lande before him. It is yet to be seen if he inequality and youth candidacy just one week after Trump’s elec- Macron’s description can get this balanced approach through unemployment are tion victory. That monumental shift in the the French establishment, however he major issues. He will during the election South Korea has United States, as well as the fallout from will probably succeed given French eco- have to bring under Brexit, became a wake-up call in French poli- campaign of France’s nomic interests in both the Gulf a new president control the chaebols, tics, causing people to start scrambling colonial past as ‘genuinely countries and Iran. who is ready corporate giants with around the country to find an acceptable can- barbaric’ will give him The new French president aims to to talk to North extraordinary influence, didate to beat the far-right contender, Marine refocus efforts in North Africa, the Sahel which are now seen by credit to re-assert French Korea to bring Le Pen. and the sub-Saharan Africa. He sees some as a symbol of the In that sense, Macron’s ascendance to influence in North Africa Libya through the lense of the refugee peace. country’s domestic ills. power was meant to be the French rebuttal to where the US role will be crisis and fighting terrorism, which He takes charge after the wave of populism and anti-globalisation in retreat under the Trump might result in expanding military advis- months of political in London and Washington. Yet, it’s not the ers in areas controlled by renegade turbulence and first time that politics in both countries were administration. general Khalifa Haftar while encourag- uncertainty caused by so intimately intertwined and overtly ing the latter to forge a unity deal with charges of corruption and abuse of power against polarised. Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Al Sarraj. Park. Moon had actively taken part in US-French relations hit a low between gradual retreat from the world, hence Macron’s description during the election demonstrations calling for Park’s dismissal, but 2003 and 2008 following Jacques Chirac’s will be keen to raise doubts about the campaign of France’s colonial past as after victory, he has chosen to send a message of defiance of George W Bush’s invasion of Iraq. US-Russian coordination and even chal- “genuinely barbaric” will give him credit reconciliation to his opponents. He cannot move on Nicolas Sarkozy’s honeymoon with Barack lenge it when needed. to re-assert French influence in North without support from all sides. His Democratic Obama was short-lived and the US in the past Since both leaders have no clear Africa where the US role will be in party holds only 120 of the 300 seats in the national eight years favoured Germany as the main doctrine, they share three similar trends: retreat under the Trump administration. assembly. European interlocutor. flip-flopping on issues from left to right; His biggest test will be North Korea. He will be Trump will now have a working relation- infighting between their team; and lead- What to expect in the future dealing with a crazy and unpredictable leader who ship with a French leader who sought the ing a conventional foreign policy. In a Impulsive characters, such as Bush is not bound by the normal rules of diplomacy. But endorsement of his nemesis, Barack Obama. similar fashion to Trump, Macron has and Sarkozy, have clashed with more he has a track record of supporting engagement The US president will need to make overtures moved from suggesting a balanced reserved personalities such as Chirac with Pyongyang and Kim Jong-un is unlikely to after tarnishing the French pride during his approach in Syria last January to hinting and Obama. The same rule might apply doubt his noble intentions. Moon will also have to campaign by asserting “Paris is no longer a military intervention under the aus- now for Trump and Macron. While coordinate closely with the US and China, Paris”. pices of the UN after the Khan Chirac doubted US intentions to invade especially since Donald Trump has threatened to Sheikhoun chemical attack. While Iraq, Sarkozy pushed Obama to inter- use force to contain Pyongyang. If Moon succeeds Trump versus Macron Macron believes in the “logic of building vene in Libya. The lesson of Libya helped What they have in common though is a peace” rather than “the logic of inter- Hollande and Obama cooperate on Mali, in his mission, he will be bringing peace to the similar business background, and both are vention”, he seems, like Trump, to be while Hollande did not use his anti-Syr- entire region and the world, not just to South Korea. non-traditional and non-ideological leaders more inclined to use surgical strikes ian regime policy to convince Obama to who claim to lead a movement. An inde- when needed. intervene in Syria. Both Hollande and pendent centrist, Macron leans to the left on Obama worked on the campaign against social issues and veers to the right on the US-French coordination in the Mid- ISIL and Iran’s nuclear deal, but differed economy. dle East on who would lead the mediation in the QUOTE OF THE DAY He believes in a “protective Europe”, The only viable document to assess Palestinian-Israeli conflict. which would strengthen Germany’s hand Macron’s programme, the platform he It is safe to say that the relationship in trade negotiations with the US. The chal- released last March, had little mention of between Trump and Macron will not be lenge is whether key differences on trade foreign policy. While it is too soon to a replica of the one between Thomas Jef- It is high time to understand and climate change will cloud their coop- assess what foreign policy team Macron ferson and Marquis de Lafayette, neither that this is a war where eration on foreign policy and the Middle will have, his support comes from a wide in substance nor in synergy. The coming nobody is winning. There East. spectrum; from those who have previ- four years will most likely extend two will only be peace in Syria While Trump’s source of inspiration is ously supported Jacques Chirac, decades of cool transatlantic relations or in any of the other mostly Richard Nixon, Macron operates on a Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and Francois during which Washington and Paris conflicts that we are platform inspired by Charles De Gaulle, Fran- Hollande. managed their differences with a diplo- cois Mitterrand, and Jacques Chirac. Hence, Even names such as defence minis- matic face while occasionally bickering witnessing when the parties he might have no hesitation in diplomatically ter Jean-Yves Le Drian, Jean-Claude or cooperating in a case-by-case to the conflict understand challenging US influence when it serves Cousseran and Aurelien le Chevalier approach. The challenge and opportu- that they cannot win. French national interests. He might even are among his supporters. While it took nity for both leaders are that neither has entertain the idea of playing up differences Trump three months to begin identify- a doctrine nor a Middle East strategy. Antonio Guterres with Trump for domestic reasons. ing with the US national security The writer is a policy analyst at the Arab UN Secretary-General Macron wants France to be an “independ- establishment, the new French presi- ent, humanist, European power”, whereas dent will have a head start as a Center Washington, DC. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 OPINION 11 Uniting South Koreans daunting job for Moon

military coups, bloodily suppressed Foster Klug democracy movements and AP dictatorships. “All countries have scandals; what matters is how they handle them. South Korea has proven ew South Korean leaders are used to that it can change things demo- governing from the shambles of their cratically and constitutionally,” predecessors’ failed presidencies, given said Robert Kelly, a political sci- the country’s long history of disgraced ence professor at Pusan National ex-leaders. No recent president-elect, University in Busan. Nhowever, has faced wreckage quite like this. With only around an estimated Moon Jae-in, the liberal former human rights 40 percent of the total vote, Moon’s lawyer who took up presidential duties after being problem, Kelly says, is that he lacks declared winner of Tuesday’s special election, must a strong mandate. lead a country still deeply divided between conserv- Moon will probably look to ative and liberal — even as he navigates the political reverse three big Park policies: a mess left by ousted President Park Geun-hye, the deal to settle Japan’s sexual imprisoned daughter of a dictator who once jailed enslavement of Korean women Moon for leading student protests. during World War II; the closure The historical, political and personal baggage of the last major symbol of inter- Moon inherits only adds to what’s already one of Korean cooperation, a jointly run Asia’s toughest jobs. At home, Moon is expected to factory park in the North; and the tackle festering social, political and economic anger. deployment of a US missile Then there’s the existential threat that looms across defense system that infuriates the border with the world’s most belligerent nuclear- China. armed dictatorship. Despite what the election The scale of the flame-out by Park, and its impli- numbers suggest, Moon may cations for how Moon does his job, is hard to actually have stronger political overstate. support because of widespread In just six months, Park went from the country’s South Korea’s President Moon Jae-In (Center) stands with his wife Kim Jeong-Suk as he waves to his dissatisfaction with conserva- most powerful person to languishing in a jail cell as supporters as he greets members of staff as he arrives near the presidential Blue House in Seoul. tive rule, said John Delury, a she awaits a corruption trial. Her fall ends a political professor at Seoul’s Yonsei Uni- dynasty founded by her late father, the dictator Park salvage some sort of political direction after her fall. Park is accused of accepting or pushing for tens versity. Even so, the job will not Chung-hee, whose economic policies helped lift Moon’s North Korea policy, which will likely of millions of dollars from big corporations, including be easy. South Korea from poverty even as he abused dissi- mark a big break from Park, risks alienating conserv- Samsung, whose head is now jailed on related cor- “Moon is looking straight up at dents and trampled the constitution. atives yet more. ruption charges. She denies this. a cliff that he’s got to climb,” Delury Her disgraceful exit does not eliminate the chasm Moon can point to the failure on North Korea of Moon is a veteran of the fight for democracy said. “This is a very difficult time to between conservatives and liberals here. That divide the last decade of hard-line conservative leadership, against the dictatorships of the 70s and 80s, and his govern South Korea.” has been around since the Korean Peninsula was including Park’s truncated rule. There have been supporters believe he’ll be well-placed to tackle eco- separated into a US-backed south and Soviet-backed threats of war, bloodshed and a growing North nomic injustice. The writer is AP’s bureau chief in north at the end of World War II, and only widened Korean arsenal of nuclear-armed missiles. But Duyeon Kim, a visiting fellow at the Seoul, has covered the Koreas since during her presidency. It may have grown further This won’t help Moon with conservatives, many Korean Peninsula Future Forum in Seoul, said 2005. during the scramble by wounded conservatives to of whom look with shock at his proposals for a softer that “it remains to be seen whether (Moon) will approach, including possible direct talks with dicta- be able to deliver” the economic and political tor Kim Jong Un, and the possible return of massive reforms many South Koreans seek. “It will inter-Korean projects. This was all tried during a depend on his presidential priorities and man- Moon is a veteran of the decade of earlier liberal rule, part of which was over- power to implement the reforms needed for seen by Moon’s mentor, late President Roh the kind of ‘true’ democracy desired by the fight for democracy against Moo-hyun. None of it, many conservatives say, did people.” the dictatorships of the 70s much to check North Korea’s arsenal or its bellicosity Moon must also overcome his party’s lack of a D-RING ROAD and 80s, and his supporters toward Seoul. majority in a bickering parliament. POST BOX: 3488 believe he’ll be well- At home, fury over economic injustice, and espe- Despite the discord, Moon will be leading a coun- cially the sense that big businesses have conspired try that can feel pride over its handling of the Park DOHA - QATAR placed to tackle economic with the government to fix the rules in a way that scandal. It has shown itself capable of peacefully and [email protected] injustice. bars many regular South Koreans from prospering, democratically driving a leader from office. This is a drove the huge protests that felled Park. big deal in South Korea, which has a long history of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 FAX: +974 4455 7758 Venezuela’s leader shreds the constitution MANAGING EDITOR TEL: 4462 7505 cherry-pick a Bolivarian dream team to deliver Maduro, predictably, has answered his critics with politi- DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR what will presumably be an even more authoritar- cal whack-a-mole, clubbing every opposition advance with Mac Margolis TEL: 4455 7769 Bloomberg ian one. court orders, riot police or the colectivos, as the roving armed If the proposal stands, as virtually all of Madu- bands of pro-government citizens’ militias are known. With ro’s decrees have stood to now, the new law in turn opponents of the regime leading the polls, the government- LOCAL NEWS SECTION would bury the cherished trope among contempo- pliant national electoral board thwarted an TEL: 4455 7743 rary Latin American strongmen that their word, no opposition-driven presidential recall referendum and sum- n economy in shambles, lethal matter how arbitrary, is still anchored in democratic marily suspended last December’s election for governors and BUSINESS NEWS SECTION street crime, dungeons packed process. “Maduro’s proposal was not just flagrantly mayors, while the comptroller general banned headline TEL: 4462 7535 with political prisoners, and unconstitutional. It was the most radical move in opposition leader Henrique Capriles, a two-time presidential South America’s worst refugee more than 17 years of Chavismo,” said Diego Moya- candidate, from elected office. SPORT NEWS SECTION crisis — it’s hard to find a mis- Ocampos, chief political risk analyst at IHS Markit, a Such blunt force has stirred unprecedented international TEL: 4455 7745 eryA that Venezuelan President Nicolas London-based business consultancy. reaction, drawing comment from Pope Francis, a threat of Maduro’s government hasn’t visited on his Brazilian foreign minister Aloysio Nunes went sanctions from the Trump administration, and warning from ONLINE SECTION compatriots in his four years in office. But further, labeling Maduro’s proposal a “coup” and a Venezuela’s normally indulgent neighbors. Nineteen of the 35 TEL: 4462 7501 by calling for a new constitution, (Vene- breach of democratic civility. “Maduro chose to rad- member nations of the Organization of American States [email protected] zuela has had 26), as he did this week, icalize,” Nunes told me in an interview. “This voted to discuss Venezuela’s political crisis, and 14 of them Latin America’s ranking strongman may proposal is incompatible with the democratic proc- signed a statement calling for the Maduro government to PUBLIC RELATIONS well have trumped his own dismal record. ess, slams the door on dialogue, and is a slap in the safeguard democratic rights. Maduro’s response? Vexit: a for- On May 1, with the streets of Caracas face to the Pope’s appeal for a negotiated solution.” mal announcement of intent to withdraw from the TEL: 4455 7613 and other major cities teeming with anti- What’s equally clear is that the Venezuelan hemispheric diplomatic body. [email protected] government protests, Maduro announced leader’s power play was a gesture of desperation As Maduro cages himself in, it’s hard to see the way for- a plan to convoke a constituent assembly camouflaged as show of muscle. Ever since Chavez ward. As enfeebled as his government appears, he is not ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT to write a new constitution. As anti-cli- built the so-called Bolivarian revolution for 21st- alone. Analysts argue he would not have dug in without cover TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 mactic as that sounds, this was an century socialism, Venezuela has been split roughly from the Venezuelan military, whose high command the gov- FAX: 4455 7870 autocratic milestone even for the country in two, with the neglected urban and rural poor ernment has drawn closer by delegating key sectors of the [email protected] that has turned political and economic fiat banking on redemption under “Chavismo,” and the national economy. In that sense, Venezuela is moving ever into a science. In a single flourish, the Ven- middle class and intellectuals bracing for outright closer to the Cuban model of a supreme ruling party backed CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT ezuelan leader proposed not just to bend authoritarianism. After four years of self-immola- by military command. TEL: 4455 7857 the rules, as he has done repeatedly since tion, however, the Maduro government has “Political scientists are trained to look for the cracks [email protected] coming to power in 2013, but also to junk squandered even that reliable pro-government among the elite, but so far they aren’t showing,” Javier Cor- the latest constitution — capital. rales, a political scientist at Amherst College told me. “As long SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION which his predecessor, Hugo Venezuela has the hemisphere’s highest infla- as Maduro avoids competitive elections, this group can sus- TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 Chavez, fashioned into a tion and South America’s worst homicide rate. tain him in power.” FAX: 44557819 tyrant’s toolbox — and Misguided price controls and state intervention That pact is not bulletproof, and the continuing wave of have emptied store shelves, empowered black- mass street demonstrations will test the convictions of Madu- [email protected] market vendors, and turned the search for scarce ro’s guarantors, especially if violent clashes and casualties food and medicine into a daily torment. Now even continue to mount. One way beyond the current impasse Venezuela has the hemisphere’s hidebound Chavistas have turned coat, as prosecu- might be for opposition leaders to assure that the eventual All thoughts and views highest inflation and South tor general Luisa Ortega Diaz did in March, when fall of the ruling coalition does not mean its political death. expressed in these columns America’s worst homicide rate. she decried the stacked Supreme Court’s move to “We know from other nations that you cannot have democ- usurp the power of the legislature. These apostates racy if those who lose office lose everything,” Corrales said. are those of the writers, not Misguided price controls and state helped deliver control of the National Assembly to Of course, magnanimity is rarer than toilet paper in the of the newspaper. intervention have emptied store the country’s opposition in the December 2015 elec- Venezuelan street these days and it alone may not persuade a shelves, empowered black-market tions. A survey in March showed that eight out of repressive regime to stand down. “Latin America has a good All correspondence vendors, and turned the search every 10 Venezuelans disapproved of Maduro’s gov- deal of experience in how to make the transition from dicta- regarding Views and ernment, while 63 percent of those polled in torship to democracy, but that takes dialogue and mutual Opinion pages should be for scarce food and medicine into December said they wanted him gone. Even urban recognition among political opponents,” Brazilian foreign a daily torment. slum dwellers, long a reliable Bolivarian demo- minister Nunes told me. “Instead, Maduro has chosen mailed to the graphic, have since joined the street rebellions. revolution.” [email protected] 12 ASIA THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 India & Russia to boost strategic partnership

New Delhi Strengthening ties leaders will hold the next summit IANS in St Petersburg on June 1. "We were unanimous Sushma Swaraj said that in head of their annual in our intention to yesterday's meeting, both sides bilateral summit next further strengthen "agreed to work closely in the month, India and the special and months ahead to take forward Russia yesterday privileged strategic many of the collaborative ideas reaffirmed their partnership that that emerged in diverse fields, intentionA to strengthen their stra- exists between India including security, nuclear, tegic partnership and agreed to and Russia," External space, disaster management, take forward collaborative ideas Affairs Minister trade and economy, science and in diverse fields, including secu- Sushma Swaraj said. technology, and people-to-peo- rity, nuclear and space. ple linkages". "We were unanimous in our She said that both sides also intention to further strengthen "We made good progress in took stock stock of the forthcom- the special and privileged stra- implementing the agreements ing annual bilateral summit. tegic partnership that exists that were signed in the last sum- Stating that ties with Russia between India and Russia," mit meeting held in Goa in form "one of the most important India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry External Affairs Minister Sushma October 2016," she said. pillars" of Indian foreign policy, Rogozin during a meeting in New Delhi. Swaraj said while addressing the Prime Minister Narendra Sushma Swaraj said that the two media after co-chairing a meet- Modi and Russian President countries are celebrating the enthusiastically implemented important for bilateral relations atomic energy, transport corri- ing of the India-Russia Vladimir Putin held the last 70th anniversary of establishing and more than 100 events are as the two countries are celebrat- dor, agriculture and space Inter-Governmental Commis- annual bilateral summit in Goa diplomatic relations this year. scheduled," she said. ing 70 years of diplomatic ties. cooperation. sion (IRIGC) with Russian Deputy ahead of the BRICS (Brazil, Rus- "The roadmap of events Rogozin, who was also He said that yesterday's discus- "We have different areas of Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin sia, India, China, South Africa) adopted at the last India-Russia present at the media briefing, sions focused on trade and cooperation in agriculture and here. Summit that India hosted. The two annual summit is being said that this year is very economic cooperation as also space," he said. Rebels kidnap and murder army officer in Kashmir Nancy Pelosi reaffirms Srinagar said the Army fraternity stood AFP by the grieving family. "I assure support to Tibet the family that the perpetrators Militants abducted and of this heinous crime and das- murdered a 22-year- tardly act will not be spared." Dharamsala met the Dalai Lama, saying the Mold Kashmiri Army Yesterday, about two dozen IANS meeting gave "a wrong signal officer from a family wedding demonstrators pelted stones in of supporting Tibetan in Jammu and Kashmir's trou- an attempt to disrupt the funeral S Democratic leader independence". bled Shopian district, triggering procession of the officer when Nancy Pelosi yesterday Pelosi, leading a bipartisan outrage. And yesterday, stone his body was being laid to rest Ureaffirmed Washington's eight-member Congressional pelters clashed with security in his ancestral graveyard with continued support to the delegation, flew into Dharam- forces when his body was laid full military honours, police Tibetan cause and accused sala yesterday to meet the to rest. Ummer Fayaz was on said. The protesters were China of using economic lever- 81-year-old Nobel peace lau- leave and visiting his native chased away by police. Defence ages to silence friends of Tibet. reate and top officials of the place in Kulgam to attend the Minister Arun Jaitley called it a The senior Democratic Tibetan government-in-exile marriage of his maternal uncle's dastardly act of cowardice by leader from the US House of Rep- here. daughter in Batapura village terrorists. resentatives took a tough stand "But if we do not speak out when militants kidnapped the "We share the grief of the over the situation in Tibet and against repression in Tibet unarmed officer around 10pm Members of the Association of the Parents of Disappeared family and stand in solidarity. said: "We will not be silenced by because of China's economic on Tuesday. People take part in a protest in Srinagar, yesterday. (The officer) will continue to the brutal tactics of China." power, we lose all moral His bullet-riddled body was inspire the youth from the "China uses its economic authority to talk about human found yesterday morning at "This marks a watershed Krishna, Colonel of Rajputana Kashmir Valley," he said. leverages to silence the voices rights anywhere else in the Harmen in Shopian district. The moment in the Kashmir Valley Rifles and General Officer Com- "His sacrifice reiterates the of friends of Tibet," Pelosi said world," she said. officer, from Rajputana Rifles, and people of Kashmir will manding in Chief of the South nation's commitment to elimi- in her address at a public event "We will not be silenced, had joined the Army only in decisively turn the tide against Western Command. nate terrorism from the here where Tibetan spiritual you will not be silenced. December last year. terrorism," said Lt Gen Abhay In a condolence message, he Valley." leader the Dalai Lama was also "The brutal tactics of the present. Chinese government towards Beijing, which accuses the religion, culture and language Dalai Lama of trying to split of the Tibetan people chal- Kochi Metro Tibet from China, yesterday lenges the conscience of the Modi to visit Sri Lanka today slammed the US after Pelosi world. begins first New Delhi as Prime Minister after March have been invited for this IANS 2015. celebration. trial runs In a pre-departure media "The Prime Minister's visit rime Minister Narendra briefing here, Sanjay Panda, to Sri Lanka for the Vesak Day Kochi Modi will be in Sri Lanka Joint Secretary (Indian Ocean celebration assumes signifi- IANS Ptoday and tomorrow on a Region) in the Ministry of Exter- cance because this is a reflection visit which a senior official has nal Affairs, said that this is the of our shared Buddhist heritage he first service trials of said will boost bilateral rela- first time that Sri Lanka will be which is spanning over centu- the Kochi Metro began tions. Modi will be the Chief hosting the International Vesak ries," he said. There yesterday paving Guest at the UN-recognised 14th Day celebrations. As part of the celebration, the way for commercial oper- International Vesak Day meant "The theme of the event is Modi will participate in a lamp ations. The metro train to mark the birth, enlightenment Buddhist teachings for social lighting ceremony at the Gan- service will commence from and passing away of Lord justice and sustainable world garamaya Temple in Colombo, June, an official said. Buddha. peace," Panda said. one of the most important tem- The trial runs began at 6 The visit follows the invita- He said that various reli- ples in Sri Lanka. Modi will also Tibetans in exile holding Tibetan and US flags as spiritual a.m. There are 142 listed trial tion of Sri Lankan President gious and political leaders from pray at the Temple of the Sacred runs till 9pm. Trains with four Maithripala Sirisena. It will be various countries, especially Tooth Relic at Kandy in central leader the Dalai Lama and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi coaches are undergoing the Modi's second trip to Sri Lanka those with Buddhist traditions, Sri Lanka. speak in McLeod Ganj, yesterday. service trials. Even though the Rs 5,180 crore project would run 25 km from Alwaye to Petta, the 'Why no martyrs from opening in June would see the ICJ halts execution of Jadhav train service operating a dis- tance of 13 km from Alwaye Gujarat' remark stirs row New Delhi 2017, the Republic of India insti- way as will enable any order the to Palarivattom. IANS tuted proceedings against the Court may make on the request The trials included every Lucknow "The Pakistani soldiers Islamic Republic of Pakistan, for provisional measures to have procedure – signalling, sta- IANS beheaded Indian soldiers, they n a reprieve for alleged accusing the latter of aegregious its appropriate effects", ICJ Pres- tus display at the stations and mutilated their bodies so badly. Indian spy Kulbhushan Jad- violations of the Vienna Conven- ident Justice Ronny Abraham the announcements for pas- ormer Uttar Pradesh Chief No one is debating or discuss- Ihav, the International Court tion on Consular Relations' in the has written to Pakistan seeking sengers. Every aspect was Minister and Samajwadi ing that. You didn't tell which of Justice at the Hague in the matter of the detention and trial the suspension of the being checked. FParty President Akhilesh body parts were mutilated, you Netherlands has suspended the of an Indian national, Mr. Kulb- sentence. Authorities are now wait- Yadav yesterday stirred con- are not debating on that. We death sentence on him by a hushan Sudhir Jadhav, sentenced India had moved the court ing for the exact date from troversy with his comment that have seen martyrs from Bihar, Pakistani military court, Exter- to death by a military court in on Monday seeking a set of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while soldiers from all states UP, MP, Jharkhand and south nal Affairs Minister Sushma Pakistan," the ICJ said in a state- reliefs including "by way of sus- to officially open the service. were being killed in Jammu and Indian states. But why no mar- Swaraj said yesterday. "I have ment on Tuesday. pension of the sentence of death Elias George, who is heading Kashmir there were no casual- tyrs from Gujarat?" Yadav said. spoken to the mother of #Kulb- "The Applicant contends awarded to the accused", and the Kochi Metro Rail Corpo- ties from Gujarat, drawing Uttar Pradesh Power Min- hushanJadhav and told her that it was not informed of Mr. "restraining Pakistan from giv- ration (KMRC) is a proud sharp reaction from political ister and state government about the order of President, ICJ Jadhav's detention until long ing effect to the sentence person as this would be the parties. spokesman Srikant Sharma told under Art 74 Paragraph 4 of after his arrest and that Paki- awarded by the military court". fastest completed Metro Akhilesh, speaking in the media yesterday that Rules of Court," she said in a stan failed to inform the accused It had also sought the sen- project in the country. Jhansi, raised questions on the Akilesh Yadav's statement was tweet. of his rights," the statement said. tence of the military court It was the Oommen central government's response very unfortunate and reminded She also said that legal lumi- Under Article 74, paragraph "arrived in brazen defiance of Chandy government which to the mutilation of the bodies the Samajwadi Party (SP) pres- nary Harish Salve was 4 of the ICJ rules, which says Vienna Convention rights" as took up the ambitious project of two soldiers on the Line of ident that soldiers guarding the representing the country on the "pending the meeting of the well as the rights of the accused after it was first mooted by Control (LoC) by the Pakistan frontiers belonged to the nation matter. In a statement issued on Court, the President may call be declared violative of inter- him in 2005. Army earlier this month. and not to any particular state. Tuesday, the ICJ said: "On 8 May upon the parties to act in such a national law. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 ASIA 13 Moon sworn in as S Korea president

Seoul Challenges delivering a nuclear warhead to AFP the continental United States, Moon Jae-In begins and has vast artillery forces outh Korea's new Pres- his term facing trained on Seoul. ident Moon Jae-In was multiple domestic He also begins his term fac- sworn in yesterday, just challenges, including ing multiple domestic challenges, a day after a landslide including the aftermath of the the aftermath of the election victory, and huge corruption scandal that saw huge corruption Simmediately declared his will- his conservative predecessor ingness to visit Pyongyang amid scandal that saw his Park Geun-Hye impeached and high tensions with the nuclear- conservative swept him to power, but leaves armed North. predecessor Park the country bitterly divided. Left-leaning Moon, a former Geun-Hye impeached "I will be a president to all and swept him to human rights lawyer, backs people," Moon said, promising South Korea's President Moon Jae-in greets his supporters and neighbours as he leaves his power. engagement with Pyongyang in to "serve even those who did not house in Seoul, yesterday. the quest for peace -- in contrast support me". to the threatening rhetoric from Moon declared his "I will become a president Moon took 41.1 percent of the would "hand the whole country itself against invasion -- has the Trump administration in willingness to visit who is at eye-level with the peo- vote, far ahead of Hong Joon-Pyo to the North once elected." mounted two nuclear tests and recent weeks. Pyongyang amid ple," he added, saying he would of Park's Liberty Korea party, on "I'd like to show our people a series of missile launches. "If needed I will fly to Wash- high tensions with talk to market traders on his way 24.0 percent, and centrist Ahn that all of us are moving forward In recent months the Trump ington immediately," Moon said the nuclear-armed home from work. Cheol-Soo on 21.4 percent. together," Moon told them, say- administration has suggested a after taking the oath of office in North. The low-key ceremony -- Ahead of the swearing-in, ing he would seek their opinions military option is on the table, Seoul's National Assembly which began with him walking Moon met with leading lawmak- on matters of national security. sending fears of conflict spiral- building. into the building to a drum roll, ers of Liberty Korea -- which "I am begging for your ling -- although the US president "I will also go to Beijing and accompanied by his wife -- came advocates a hard line on the cooperation." changed tone last week, saying Tokyo and even Pyongyang in diplomatic path to tread in his hours after he was formally North and has repeatedly Since the beginning of last he would be "honoured" to meet the right circumstances." approach to the North, which declared the winner of Tuesday's accused him of being a year the North -- which says it the North's young ruler, Kim Moon will have a difficult dreams of a missile capable of election. Pyongyang sympathiser who needs atomic weapons to defend Jong-Un.

Duterte slams West warns against kidnap threat in Philippines police officers

Manila Puerto Princesa and the nearby issued a warning of potential Duterte last year ordered a over new AFP underground river that attracts kidnappings there and the major military offensive to thousands of visitors daily -- as neighbouring island of Cebu, extinguish the Abu Sayyaf on ransom scandal errorists are planning to areas the kidnappers were which has a major city of the their southern bases, but the kidnap foreigners in tour- targeting. same name. militant threat continued to Manila Tist hotspots across the Puerto Princesa is about Fresh advisories from the grow. AFP central and western Philippines, 400km northwest of southern Canadian and British embassies The Philippines is looking Western governments said yes- islands that are strongholds of yesterday that backed up the to conduct joint patrols with PHILIPPINE President terday following a foiled the Abu Sayyaf, militants who American warning about Pala- Indonesia and Malaysia to stop Rodrigo Duterte ( p i c t u r e d ) abduction attempt by militants have pledged allegiance to the wan also referred to tourist the rising number of kidnapping yesterday launched another a month ago. Islamic State group and fre- hotspots in the central Philip- raids on cargo and merchant tirade against corrupt police President Rodrigo Duterte quently kidnap foreigners. pines near Bohol. vessels near the Abu Sayyaf's who are the frontline troops in (pictured) said security had The Abu Sayyaf last month These included Dumaguete, bases. his deadly drug war, after four been increased on the western that terrorist groups may be attempted a kidnapping raid on Siquijor and Cebu. Duterte yesterday repeated more officers were accused island of Palawan, one of the planning to conduct kidnapping Bohol island, a popular tourist Asked in Manila about the a warning that the Islamic State of kidnapping and extortion. Philippines' most popular tour- operations targeting foreign destination in the central Phil- latest travel warnings for Pala- group was gaining influence in The arrest of the four ist destinations, after the US nationals in the areas of Pala- ippines, but were foiled after wan, Duterte said he wanted the Philippines. from Makati was the latest in embassy warned of a kidnap- wan," it said in a travel authorities became aware of the suspects dead. "We have a problem with a series of scandals involving ping threat there. advisory. plot. "My order to the security terrorism. What looms very big police that have raised con- "The US Embassy has The embassy identified two The Bohol raid occurred forces is shoot them on sight. ahead is the IS. They are com- cerns about their suitability received credible information locations -- the capital city of days after the US embassy Kill them". ing in". to prosecute the drug war. Duterte said yesterday he planned to appoint the armed forces' chief of staff, General Eduardo Ano, as interior sec- retary when the general China frees two rights lawyers retires late this year, to help clean up the police force. "I need him because I have Beijing Rights campaigner of forcing public displays of a problem with the police". AP submission rather than mean- The force again came China released the ingful convictions in a court of under fire last month after a hina has released two two activist lawyers law. dozen people, mainly drug prominent human rights after they allegedly An attorney representing Xie suspects, were discovered Clawyers detained nearly confessed in court to said yesterday that the activist inside a closet-sized secret two years ago, after they alleg- lawyer was freed and at home cell at a Manila police collaborating with edly confessed in court to celebrating his mother's station. foreign organisations collaborating with foreign birthday. Acting on a tip-off, staff organisations and media to and media to smear Xie's release came shortly from the Commission on smear and subvert Communist and subvert after he pleaded guilty in a cur- Human Rights, an independ- A view of the Joan Sutherland Theatre in the Sydney Opera Party rule. Communist Party sory trial to inciting subversion ent government agency, House, yesterday. The two men's release nar- rule. of state power and read from a made a surprise visit to the rows the list of human rights prepared statement denounc- police station and uncovered campaigners who are still being ing his past activism and the cell. Opera House in Australia held as part of China's "7-09 Li Heping, suddenly freed after warning other human rights The detainees told them crackdown," in which authori- two-year ordeals, follow an lawyers against pursuing such that the police were demand- ties on July 9, 2015, detained established pattern of the Chi- work. ing money to release them. to be renovated hundreds in a coordinated nese government exerting He also recanted previous The commission yesterday nationwide sweep that sent a enormous pressure on human allegations of torture which had filed a complaint with the Sydney building's notoriously poor chill through the country's activ- rights advocates, their family gained international attention. ombudsman in that case, AFP sound quality. ist movement. members and colleagues, It's not clear whether he had accusing police of illegal The work in the Joan Suth- The cases of Xie Yang and seemingly with the goal been sentenced. detention. ustralia's world-renowed erland Theatre, to begin on May Opera House is to 20, kicks off a $201m project at Aundergo its first major the heritage-listed landmark, renovation since being opened one of the world's most famous in 1973 to help tackle sound buildings. Hun Sen threatens to wage war on protesters problems that have haunted the "All of this machinery and building for years. the technology we use... was Phnom Penh The warning was a reference would not be tolerated this time elections. The former soldier The decades-old equipment used in the 70s, and we installed AFP to opposition protests that broke around. first took office in 1985, when that power performances it back in the 60s to be ready out during the last election in "Remember, in the 2017 and Cambodia was emerging from beneath its iconic white sails for that, so it was actually ambodia's strongman pre- 2013, when a crowd destroyed 2018 (elections), if your group the ravages of the genocidal are ageing and will be updated designed in the 50s," technical mier Hun Sen warned at least two police cars over alle- does such activities again, armed Khmer Rouge regime. to improve the experience for manager Philby Lewis said. Cyesterday that he would gations of voter fraud. forces will crack down on them Through a mix of strongarm artists and audiences. "So we are really using here not hesitate to quash protests The opposition Cambodia immediately. If war happens, let tactics and political guile,e prime Backstage engines, rigging at the moment, and trying to with military might if they turn National Rescue Party (CNRP) it be." minister has dominated the and hoists that have supported keep alive, 1950s technology." violent, raising tensions as the also accused Hun Sen of rigging "I still insist that war will country ever since, amassing the lighting and props for hun- The Austrian company that country braces for elections. the poll in his favour and led a happen if the (ruling) Cambo- extensive control over its judi- dreds of ballet and opera first constructed the backstage Hun Sen is preparing for local months-long protest over the dian People's Party isn't in cial system, security forces and productions will be replaced. equipment installed before the polls in June and a 2018 national election results. power". economy. A "state-of-the-art acous- Opera House opened has been election after clamping down on Dressed in a military uni- Hun Sen has long main- He portrays himself as the tic enhancement system" will called on again to carry out the opposition figures trying to break form, Hun Sen told a gathering tained that violence would break only force who can bring stabil- also be installed to address the work. his 32-year grip on power. of former soldiers such protests out if his party were ousted in ity to the nation. 14 ASIA THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017

Thailand hunts Nato assessing Afghan troop request four bombing

London Mission "It will continue to train, its presence in the country by suspects Reuters assist and advise operation," he building up the country's armed Secretary-General said of the so-called Resolute forces, notably creating an Pattani ato is assessing a request Jens Stoltenberg Support mission that was Afghan air force. AFP from the alliance's mili- stressed that any launched in January 2015 and However, loss of territory to Ntary authorities to send new Nato arrivals signalled the end of an official Taliban and Islamic militants, a THAILAND'S military said more troops to Afghanistan and would not be in a combat role for Nato troops in rise in civilian casualties and a yesterday it was hunting four will make a decision on the scale combat role. It will Afghanistan. fall in the number of Afghan suspects over a large car bomb and scope of the mission within continue to train, A decision could be taken by security forces have led the US which wounded more than 60 weeks, Secretary General Jens Nato defence ministers in June, administration under Trump to people outside a supermar- assist and advise Stoltenberg (pictured) said according to an alliance official. review Afghanistan policy. ket in the insurgency-plagued operation. yesterday. The Nato leaders summit in Over the past 18 months, Tal- south. The request for what Stolten- military personnel, who are Brussels on May 25 was proba- iban insurgents have twice On Tuesday, two bombs berg said was "about a few training the Afghan armed forces bly too soon, the official said. succeeded in seizing the north- -- a small device followed by thousand" more troops reflects in Afghanistan," he said after to eventually take over the coun- Almost 16 years since the US ern town centre of Kunduz for a much larger car bomb -- the West's alarm about the wors- meeting British Prime Minister try's defence and security. tried to topple Afghanistan's Tal- brief periods and the latest fight- went off outside a busy ening security situation in Theresa May. In addition, the United States iban, who had harboured Al ing underscores the challenge supermarket in the town of Afghanistan, territorial gains by Reuters reported in late April has about 1,500 more troops in Qaeda militants behind attacks Afghan forces face to quell Pattani, the largest attack for Taliban militants and military that US President Donald a parallel mission, part of a on New York and Washington, the insurgency. months on a civilian target in and civilian casualties. Trump's administration was counter-terrorism unit that the West remains entangled in "I strongly believe that the the south. "We are now assessing that weighing sending between mostly targets pockets of al an effort to stabilise a country best answer we have to terror- Colonel Pramote Prom- request. We will make decisions 3,000 and 5,000 US and coali- Qaeda and Islamic State facing resurgent rebels. ism, the best weapon against in, spokesman for the on the scale and scope of the tion troops to Afghanistan. fighters. Facing public fatigue at the terrorism, is to train local forces southern army, said the mission within weeks but this is Nato already has some Stoltenberg stressed that any long-running conflict, the North to fight terrorism, to stabilise investigation was focused on not about returning back to a 13,450 troops in Afghanistan, new Nato arrivals would not be Atlantic Treaty Organisation has their own country," Stoltenberg two people who allegedly combat operation including about 6,900 US in a combat role. sought to progressively reduce said. rode up on a motorbike to drop off the first device and on two others who left the much bigger car bomb out- side the supermarket. Pakistan and Iran form "Please give us some time, we hope to arrest them very soon," he said, adding the joint border commission perpetrators intended to "kill en masse and secondly to Karachi a month, either in Iran or destroy the economy". Anatolia Pakistan. Authorities said more Aziz said a large number of than 60 people were akistan has announced militants loyal to Jaish-e-Adl, wounded in the blast, some the formation of a joint which has been involved in of them seriously, with 20 Pborder commission with attacks on government forces in victims still in hospital Iran to curb cross-border Iran’s Sunni-majority Sistan-Bal- yesterday. “movement of terrorists”, just uchistan province in the recent Ethnic Malay militants days after the Iranian army past, were also present on the have been fighting the mili- chief threatened to bomb mil- Iranian side of the border. tary in Thailand's three itant hideouts allegedly inside "Smugglers and other ele- southernmost reasons since its nuclear-armed neighbor. ments are also present along 2004 after dozens of civilians Foreign Affairs Adviser Sar- the Pak-Iran border. Terrorists died in army custody. taj Aziz said the first meeting of can enter Pakistan from Iran as Some 6,800 people have the commission, which com- well," he said and added: “Iran since died in the conflict, most prises of four members from and Afghanistan are not ene- of them civilians, with both each side, would be held within mies of Pakistan”. sides accused of rights abuses. A policeman gestures next to a wreath, for Basuki Tjahaja Purnama outside the police headquarter jail, in Jakarta, yesterday. Call to repeal blasphemy law Turkey and Pakistan ink defence deal Istanbul designing and building locally Ankara's defence undersecre- Jakarta had been expected. conviction made him "exhibit A Reuters a fleet of multipurpose cor- tariat said. AFP Critics viewed the case as of the law's danger and the vettes and frigates that will This would be the first time unfair and politically motivated. urgent need for its repeal". urkey and Pakistan have replace older ships. a Nato country has used Super ndonesia is facing renewed Activists say the growing use of "The blasphemy law has signed a memorandum of The Turkish defence Mushshak planes, the state- calls to repeal its controver- the blasphemy law curbs free been used to prosecute and Tunderstanding for the sale undersecretariat said the final ment added. Isial blasphemy law after the speech and is one example of imprison members of religious of four Turkish made corvette deal was expected to be signed Two warships built under jailing of Jakarta's Christian gov- minorities coming under minorities and traditional warships and 52 Pakistan- on June 30. the MILGEM project so far, ernor, with critics pointing to a increased pressure. religions." made training planes for The statement did not pro- named TCG Heybeliada and sharp increase in its use to tar- Local rights group the Setara Champa Patel, Amnesty Ankara's armed forces, Turkey's vide any financial details. TCG Buyukada, were delivered get minorities. Institute said of the 97 blas- International's director for defence industry undersecre- Turkey will buy 52 Super to the Turkish navy in 2011 and Basuki Tjahaja Purnama phemy cases brought to court Southeast Asia and the Pacific, tariat said yesterday. Mushshak training planes from 2013. Construction is ongoing was jailed for two years on since the law was enacted, 89 criticised the "inherent injustice Karachi Shipyard (KS&EW) Pakistan Aeronautical Com- for TCG Burgazada and TCG Tuesday for blasphemy over of them were since 1998. of Indonesia's blasphemy law, will buy four corvettes made plex - Kamra, to replace the Kinaliada, which are expected comments he made about Islam Phelim Kine, deputy direc- which should be repealed under Turkey's MILGEM war- T-41 and SF-260 planes cur- to start active duty in 2018 and while campaigning for re-elec- tor of Human Rights Watch's immediately", while the UN ship programme, aimed at rently in use, a statement by 2020, respectively. tion, a far harsher sentence than Asia Division, said Purnama's urged a review of legislation. Aussie senator Nine endangered Royal breastfeeds on Parliament floor turtles born in Cambodia Phnom Penh protect nests, instead of har- Canberra AFP vesting the eggs. AP "I am proud of the result, he birth of nine Cambo- especially to be part of conserv- AN Australian senator has dian royal turtle ing Cambodia's royal turtles made history by breastfeed- Thatchlings has sparked from extinction," villager Long ing her infant daughter on the hope for the future of a species Sman, who helped guard the floor of the country's Parlia- on the brink of extinction, con- nest of the latest hatchlings, was ment. servationists said yesterday. quoted as saying by the WSC. The Sydney Morning Her- The baby turtles hatched The turtle species acquired ald reports Senator Larissa this week, three months after a its name because only Cambo- Waters returned to Parlia- villager discovered a 14-egg dia's royal family was ment on Tuesday for the first nest in sand along a river in historically allowed to consume time since giving birth. southwestern Koh Kong Prov- its eggs. She breastfed baby Alia ince -- the only place where the The nine new hatchlings during a vote on the floor of reptile is still found in will join around 200 others in Security personnel during fighting between Taliban militants and Afghan forces, in Kunduz, the chamber in the capital, Cambodia. a nearby conservation centre Canberra. yesterday. The freshwater turtle, also "for feeding, raising and possi- She later tweeted a photo known as the southern river bly breeding in the future," the of herself and Alia during the terrapin, was thought to be WSC said in a statement moment and added: "So Two dead in Kandahar bomb attack extinct in Cambodia until 2000, yesterday. proud that my daughter Alia when a small population was The group warned that sand is the first baby to be breast- Kabul the provincial police chief, said in Kandahar city on Tuesday, re-discovered in the Sre Ambel dredging, illegal logging and fed in the federal Parliament! AP yesterday that the attack took and a roadside bomb killed a river. fishing remain critical threats We need more #women & place the night before in the Spin civilian in Arghandab district. The Wildlife Conservation to the small number of royal parents in Parli." n Afghan official says a Boldak district near the border No one immediately claimed Society (WSC) and Cambodian turtles in the wild. Waters earlier instigated bomb planted on a car with Pakistan, killing tribal leader any of the attacks, but both the government have been desper- Only one nest was found changes to Senate rules giv- Akilled a tribal leader and Faizullah Khan. Three others Taliban and an increasingly ately trying to protect the this year compared to two nests ing new parents the option of another civilian in the southern were wounded in the blast. powerful IS affiliate have species ever since with a pro- found in 2016 and three nests briefly caring for infants on Kandahar province. Elsewhere in Kandahar stepped up their attacks in gramme that hires former egg in 2015, said WSC's technical the floor of Parliament. Zia Durani, a spokesman for province, militants killed a cleric recent weeks. collectors to search for and advisor Som Sitha. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 EUROPE 15 Hungary and Slovakia Celebrating Norway's King & Queen's 80th birthday challenge asylum quota

Luxembourg Belgium, Italy, Greece and the Reuters The EU proposed in EU's executive European Com- mission, which argued that the ungary and Slova- 2015 redistributing fundamental principle of EU sol- kia told the just 120,000 of idarity was at stake in the case. European Union's them to help relieve "The answer you will give to top court yesterday this question will have signifi- that sharing out pressure on frontline cance that goes way beyond this Hasylum-seekers among mem- states Italy and case," German representative ber states under a quota system Greece but ran into Ralf Kanitz told the court. was unlawful, clashing with fierce resistance Germany, which faces an Germany, France and others in election in September, took in a dispute that threatens to tear from ex-communist the bulk of asylum-seekers in the bloc apart. countries. 2015 and 2016, in stark contrast Some 1.6 million migrants to Poland and Hungary, which and refugees have crossed the refuse to host a single person Mediterranean and entered the Slovakia, Viktor Orban and Rob- under the EU's programmes to EU since in 2014, mostly fleeing ert Fico, have sought to cast the move a total of 160,000 people. conflicts or poverty in the Mid- quota system — agreed by EU in Many other EU states have also dle East and Africa. a majority vote against the will dragged their feet and only some The EU proposed in 2015 of four eastern states — as an 18,000 people have moved from FROM LEFT: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Princess Mabel of the redistributing just 120,000 of example of heavy-handed rule Greece and Italy in more than a Netherlands, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and them to help relieve pressure on by remote bureaucrats in year-and-a-half under the plan, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands arrive at Honnorbrygga in Oslo for a lunch trip on frontline states Italy and Greece Brussels. which expires in September. The Royal Yacht to celebrate the 80th birthday of Norway's King Harald V and Queen Sonja. but ran into fierce resistance Poland's previous, pro-EU Germany and other net con- from ex-communist countries. government reluctantly voted tributors to the EU budget are During a hearing at the EU's in 2015 for the quotas, which are increasingly upset that the east- Luxembourg-based Court of based on a country's population erners are failing to help out Justice, Hungary and Slovakia and wealth, but it has since been even as they benefit from the Gabriel is new EU Commissioner of Bulgaria defended their refusal to take in replaced by a more eurosceptic bloc's generous development asylum seekers, drawing a clear administration which has also funds. The tribunal's advocate Sofia executive officer of the World Commission President Jean- rebuke from Germany and oth- refused to implement the deci- general will present on July 26 Reuters Bank at the start of the year. Claude Juncker last Friday. ers who stressed the need for sion. Yesterday, Poland was the an opinion on the case, which "Thanks to her professional Gabriel's portfolio will be dis- European solidarity. only EU state in the courtroom may be indicative of the ruling ulgarian Prime Minister qualities and long experience in cussed with the commission next "One of the main arguments to back Slovakia and Hungary. that is expected this autumn. Boiko Borisov yesterday the European Parliament, I am week when she will meet is the incorrect legal basis," said A Polish envoy said accepting If the court rules against Slo- Bnominated European Par- convinced that Maria Gabriel will Juncker. Official sources said the Krisztian Kecsmar, a Hungarian migrants and refugees could vakia and Hungary, it would liament deputy Maria Gabriel, a make an important and valua- 37-year-old was being consid- justice ministry official. "It is a pose a threat to national give Brussels and other EU states member of his centre-right GERB ble contribution to the work of ered to replace EU Digital matter of institutional equilib- security. more arguments to pressure the party, to become the country's the Commission," Borisov said Economy and Society Commis- rium, what role the institutions Ranged against the eastern- easterners to take in asylum- new European commissioner. in a statement. sioner Guenther Oettinger, who play in decision-making." ers in court were Germany, seekers, and could also lead to She will replace Kristalina Borisov discussed the issue vacated that position in The leaders of Hungary and France, Sweden, Luxembourg, more legal wrangling and fines. Georgieva, who became chief of the nomination with European January.

May meets Nato Secretary-General Party infighting: Austrian vice-chancellor quits

Berlin Austria's economy minister, said it into the runoff vote for the The ambitious foreign min- AP in a hastily arranged news con- Austrian presidency. ister, 30-year-old Sebastian ference that he would quit all his Austria is due to hold a par- Kurz, is widely viewed as a likely ustria's vice-chancellor posts May 15. liamentary election in the fall of future leader. However, he announced his resigna- Mitterlehner's Austrian Peo- 2018, though there has been recently said he didn't want to Ation yesterday amid ple's Party is the junior partner long-running speculation that take over the party at this point. persistent infighting in his cen- in an often bad-tempered "grand the date might be moved for- Mitterlehner, the fourth tre-right party, saying that he is coalition" with the centre-left ward. The two governing parties leader of the Austrian People's also stepping down as its leader. Social Democrats of Chancellor and the anti-immigration Free- Party since it lost the chancel- The country's chancellor said Christian Kern. dom Party are the country's lery in 2007, criticized the he regrets Reinhold Mitterlehn- The two parties are tradi- strongest. People's Party lead- behavior of some party er's resignation, but signalled tional rivals but have governed ers are expected to meet over the members. that he hoped to keep the gov- Austria together for the past dec- weekend to choose an interim "I think it is impossible ... to erning coalition alive until an ade, and for much of the time leader, Mitterlehner said. It do government work on the one election that is due late next since World War II. Last year, wasn't immediately clear who hand and at the same time be year. Mitterlehner, who is also neither party's candidate made that will be. our own opposition," he said.

Bulgarians & Germany promises to reform Romanians face military after far-right plot limits to jobs in Berlin by a military officer and a stu- taking personal responsibility, Switzerland Reuters dent, both in custody, to carry despite over three years on the out an attack and blame it on job as commander of the troops. GENEVA: Switzerland's execu- ermany's defence minis- migrants. Ursula von der Leyen, "Extreme mistakes were tive branch ordered a one-year ter promised to reform an ally of Chancellor Angela made at a high level," Rainer cap on the number of workers Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May greets Secretary the military after the Merkel, said it could take Arnold, defence spokesman for from Bulgaria and Romania General of Nato, Jens Stoltenberg, upon his arrival in G arrest of soldiers accused of months to address what she ini- the SPD, told reporters. He said who can access Swiss jobs, Downing Street in London, yesterday. plotting to carry out an attack tially called "weak leadership" her comments had created "an after an influx from the two motivated by right-wing across the military that allowed environment of uncertainty and European Union member extremism, but her pledge failed incidents of extremism, assault mistrust" that were hobbling the states in recent months. to quell growing criticism of her and bullying to fester. military's response. He said von The decision by the leadership. But members of the Social der Leyen had failed to tackle seven-member Federal German police on Tuesday Democrats (SPD), junior part- problems with the internal lead- Council invokes rules of a No charges over poll expense detained a second soldier sus- ners in Merkel's ruling coalition, ership structures despite warning deal between Switzerland pected of involvement in what the Greens and other parties signs when a harassment scan- and the 28-member bloc, of fraud by Conservatives prosecutors believe was a plan criticised von der Leyen for not dal first surfaced last autumn. which Switzerland is not a member. The deal generally allows London Prosecution Service (CPS) said for open-access work rights Reuters it had considered evidence and freedom of circulation, from 14 police forces across the but allows some exceptions o criminal charges will country. "We reviewed the files based on how many people be brought over allega- in accordance with the Code for enter and other factors. Ntions of expenses fraud Crown Prosecutors and have Citizens of Romania and by Prime Minister Theresa concluded the tests in the Code Bulgaria, as relatively new EU May's Conservatives during are not met and no criminal members, first obtained such their 2015 election campaign, charges have been authorised," enhanced access to jobs in prosecutors said, removing a said Nick Vamos, the CPS head Switzerland last July. cloud over the party before a of special crime. But after a relatively high new election next month. Opinion surveys before the influx of Bulgarians and According to media reports, 2015 election had predicted a Romanians, mainly for sea- more than 30 lawmakers and tight result with no clear victor, sonal construction jobs, the their electoral agents were but the Conservatives under council ordered that net under investigation over their then-leader David Cameron German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (right) talks to State Secretary Gerd Hoofe immigration from the two spending, which is governed by secured an absolute majority (centre) and General Inspector of the German Armed Forces, Volker Wieker, as she faces countries be set at 996 peo- tight, complex rules. The Crown of 12 in the parliament. the defence commission of the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, yesterday. ple over the coming year. 16 EUROPE THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017

Building collapses Billionaire Kosovo govt falls; Czech finance minister snap elections soon under fire PRAGUE: The Czech Repub- lic's finance minister found Pristina to try former leaders of the Kos- himself under heavy fire in AFP The ruling coalition ovo Liberation Army (KLA) for parliament yesterday over his alleged war crimes. business dealings and leaked osovo's government had long been Thaci, a PDK founder and its conversations that led the collapsed yesterday strained by growing longtime leader, figures among prime minister to try to sack after it lost a confi- discord between its several former guerrillas cited him last week. dence vote in as potential indictees. "There are Andrej Babis, the second parliament, a move two main parties, indications that people who are wealthiest Czech, leads the Kexpected to trigger a snap elec- President Hashim regarded as Kosovo heroes may centrist ANO (Yes) movement tion after more than a year of Thaci's centre- soon become the opposite," LDK which opinion polls show political crisis in the tiny Balkan right PDK and the deputy Arben Gashi told the headed for victory in legisla- country. lawmakers during Wednesday's tive elections later this year. The ruling coalition had long conservative LDK of debate, referring to the He is at the centre of a been strained by growing dis- Prime Minister Isa tribunal. week-long political crisis cord between its two main Mustafa. The 1998-1999 conflict sparked by doubts over his parties, President Hashim Tha- between ethnic Albanian rebels business dealings, which the ci's centre-right PDK and the and Serb forces sent by Slobo- tycoon insists are all legal. conservative LDK of Prime Min- agreement, reached with former dan Milosevic, was the last of the Parliament wants him to ister Isa Mustafa. Under the foe Serbia in mid-2015, that wars that tore apart the former explain how he raised the constitution fresh elections have envisages political autonomy for Yugoslavia. money to buy his sprawling to be held within 45 days, and the Serb minority. Of the 13,000 killed in Kos- Agrofert farming, chemicals the president is expected to call The opposition also fiercely ovo's conflict some 10,000 were and media conglomerate. them by the end of the week. Of opposes this deal. ethnic Albanians. "I'd like to ask the Czech those present, 78 deputies in the Thaci's PDK eventually sup- The war ended after a NATO public: Stop believing that 120-member parliament backed ported the rest of the opposition bombing campaign against Ser- when someone's rich, he's a the no confidence motion while to push for a snap parliamen- bia, which led to the withdrawal safer choice," Foreign Minis- 34 were against it, speaker Kadri tary vote, before the scheduled of Serb forces from Kosovo. Firefighters work at the scene where scaffolding on a ter Lubomir Zaoralek of the Veseli said. date next year. The AAK party The territory was then put building collapsed on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Martin in leftist CSSD party, which gov- The main trigger for the vote of former rebel leader and ex- under the protection of NATO central Paris yesterday. Firefighters were called in after erns in coalition with the was a border demarcation deal premier Ramush Haradinaj has and international forces. the scaffolding, 20 metres high and 25 metres wide, smaller ANO and the Chris- with neighbouring Montenegro, also long called for elections. Kosovo, home to around 1.8 partly collapsed, slightly injuring one person. tian Democrats, told the final condition for obtaining Haradinaj returned to Kos- people who are mostly ethnic parliament. visa-free travel in the European ovo last month after being Albanians, unilaterally declared Union. Three opposition parties blocked for five months in independence from Serbia in strongly oppose the move, alleg- France, where has rejected a 2008. The move is now recog- ing that the deal deprives request for his extradition to nised by more than 110 Kosovo of several thousand hec- Serbia over alleged war crimes countries. But Serbia, supported Hamon to launch left wing party tares of land. during the late 1990s Kosovo by its traditional ally Russia, still Since the signing of the deal, war. The episode could revive rejects it. In 2011 Belgrade and the main opposition Veteven- his popularity. Pristina began EU-brokered PARIS: French Socialist presidential candidate this essential work to rebuild the left," Hamon dosje (Self-Determination) party Western analysts says the talks to improve their relations, Benoit Hamon, who crashed out of the election's said. He said the "broad-based" movement would has organised violent street PDK backing for a snap vote but they remain tense. first round, said he plans to launch a new left wing be launched on July 1. demonstrations and fired tear could reflect its desire to And the 100,000 to 150,000 movement. Hamon vowed to "rebuild the left" while Hamon was the surprise winner of the Social- gas in parliament to prevent the strengthen its popular legiti- Serbs who still live in the former remaining a member of the outgoing Socialist Party, ist nomination for the presidential election, beating text from being examined. macy through electoral success, province continue to consider crippled by deep ideological divisions. former prime minister Manuel Valls. But his left Kosovo's political crisis has in view of progress at a new spe- themselves as citizens of Serbia, "I invite men and women who belong to polit- wing policies, and his association with Francois also been fuelled by another cial tribunal at The Hague set up refusing to recognise Kosovo. ical parties or who do not. I invite them to continue Hollande, proved unpalatable to voters. Hollande nears exit as Socialist Party begins to fall apart

Paris the Socialist presidential candidate announcement that her influential AFP finished fifth in the first round of the niece Marion Marechal-Le Pen is quit- election, said he planned to launch a ting politics — for now. rench President Francois Hol- new leftwing movement. Marechal-Le Pen, 27, who has lande chaired his final cabinet Macron, 39, has promised to reju- been tipped as a future leader of the Fmeeting before handing over the venate France's jaded governing class party, told a regional newspaper in reins to Emmanuel Macron, while the by bringing more people into parlia- southern France she would resign her governing Socialist Party began to ment who, like him, have never held parliamentary seat because she splinter. Macron will be inaugurated elected office. wanted to work in the private sector on Sunday and the centrist's victory The incoming president has said and spend more time with her two- over far-right leader Marine Le Pen is half of Republique en Marche's can- year-old daughter. threatening to rapidly re-draw the didates for the 577 seats up for grabs Behind her decision though is a French political map. in the June 11-18 elections to the battle for the far-right party's future The bruising contest left the tra- National Assembly will be new to between the more socially progres- ditional parties on the sidelines, and politics. sive wing led by her aunt and the more Hollande's ruling Socialist Party is in The rest will be from the centrist Catholic, conservative branch based disarray after the two-round Modem party or rebels from the in the south of France represented by election. Socialists and rightwing Republicans Marechal-Le Pen. After former prime minister — and he will likely need to form a She was openly critical of Marine Manuel Valls shocked the party by coalition to govern. Le Pen's score of 33.9 percent against saying it was "dead" and he wanted The candidates will be announced Macron, reflecting the opinion of many to be a parliamentary candidate for today but Macron's movement said critics of her aunt that any score below Macron's year-old "Republique en yesterday that Valls had "not yet" ful- 40 percent was a failure. Marche" (Republic on the Move) filled the criteria. Marine Le Pen, a mother of three, French President Francois Hollande (right) and Segolene Royal, Minister for movement, another leading Socialist The ramifications of Macron's vic- tweeted that "as a political leader I Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, hold hands after last weekly struck out yesterday. tory are also being felt in Le Pen's deeply regret Marion's decision but, cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, yesterday. Benoit Hamon, who as National Front (FN), following the alas, as a mum, I understand it".

Italy investigating migrant aid Campaign in Germany workers for people smuggling

Rome some rescue crew seemed to informing the Coast Guard," Reuters know in advance where to find Cartosio said. Italy's Coast Guard the flimsy boats crowded with is in charge of coordinating all n Italian prosecutor said migrants after smugglers sent rescues in international waters yesterday he is investi- them off from north African off the shores of Libya. Agating some members of ports, he said. The prosecutor gave no fur- humanitarian organisations res- Migrant arrivals to Italy by ther details. By law, information cuing migrants in the sea are up almost 40 percent regarding ongoing probes must Mediterranean Sea on suspicion this year over the same period be kept secret. Aid groups have they may have cooperated with in 2016, and more than a half- strongly denied any ties to people smugglers. million people have come in the human traffickers. Ambrogio Cartosio, chief past three years. NGO boats operating off the prosecutor of the western Sicil- Some Italian politicians have coast of Libya have come in for ian city of Trapani, told a begun saying the non-govern- criticism in Italy in recent parliamentary committee in mental organisations (NGOs) run months after the prosecutor in Rome that the organisations a "taxi" service bringing Catania, on Sicily's east coast, themselves were not a target of migrants to Italy. "We under- opened a fact-finding probe into Martin Schulz, SPD party leader and candidate for chancellor visits a senior citizens centre the inquiry. stand that NGOs made some possible ties between NGOs and in Pasewalk, northern Germany, yesterday. Suspicions arose because rescues at sea without Libya-based traffickers. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 AMERICAS 17 Defiant Trump defends firing FBI chief

Washington confidence of almost everyone AFP Russian meddling in Washington, Republican and Under Comey, the FBI Democrat alike. When things resident Donald Trump concluded that calm down, they will be thank- yesterday defended Russia tried to sway ing me!” he insisted. the shock firing of FBI the election in “James Comey will be director James Comey, Trump’s favour replaced by someone who will as critics slammed an do a far better job, bringing back through an influence Papparent bid to kill off an agency the spirit and prestige of the FBI.” and cyber-hacking investigation of his team’s ties to Before Tuesday only one FBI Russia. campaign. director had been fired in the Hours after sacking the man Senate leader Mitch bureau’s century-long history. heading a probe into Moscow’s The post is normally considered McConnell dismissed alleged meddling in last year’s above politics, with incumbents calls for a special US election, Trump hosted Rus- serving one 10 year term. sia’s top diplomat at the White prosecutor, or an “This is nothing less than House in his highest-level Krem- independent Nixonian,” charged Senator lin encounter since taking office. commission of Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who Seeking to contain the fire- inquiry. called Trump’s official justifica- storm triggered by Comey’s tion for firing Comey “absurd.” dismissal, Trump and his aides news”. The president’s com- “That fig leaf explanation seeks repeated yesterday that it was ments came moments after he to cover the undeniable truth: the nothing to do with Russia, and hosted Russia’s Sergei Lavrov in president has removed the sit- motivated solely by concerns the Oval Office, a rare honor for ting FBI director in the midst of over his handling of the high- a foreign minister and one that one of the most critical national stakes probe into Hillary threw salt in the eyes of Trump’s security investigations in the his- Clinton’s emails. “He wasn’t critics. Trump described the tory of our country — one that Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez rallies with protesters against President doing a good job, it’s very sim- meeting with Lavrov, the high- implicates senior officials in the ple, he was not doing a good job,” est-profile Kremlin official to Donald Trump's firing of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey, outside Trump campaign and adminis- Trump told reporters. visit the White House in years, the White House in Washington, yesterday. tration,” Leahy said. Under Comey, the FBI con- as “very very good”. The top Democrat in the Sen- cluded that Russia tried to sway Lavrov, who last set foot in to the Watergate scandal that be appointed by the Justice The White House says Comey ate, Chuck Schumer, said Trump the election in Trump’s favour Washington in August 2013, brought down Richard Nixon, Department to look into Trump’s was fired because of his handling had made a “big mistake”. Unless through an influence and cyber- meanwhile dismissed all claims and stunned Washington. By links to Russia. They fear that of the investigation into the email the administration appoints a spe- hacking campaign. The bureau of election meddling as midday, hundreds of demonstra- current investigations in the practices of Trump’s 2016 rival cial counsel to probe the Russian has been probing whether “fabrications”. tors had gathered in protest in Republican-controlled Senate Clinton. Trump took to Twitter meddling, Schumer added, “every Trump’s campaign colluded with Trump’s decision to termi- front of the White House. and the House of Representa- early yesterday to launch a vocif- American will rightly suspect that such an effort — something the nate Comey’s tenure, effective Meanwhile, furious Demo- tives, and now the FBI have been erous defence of his decision to the decision to fire director Comey president dismisses as “fake immediately, drew comparisons crats demanded a special counsel irrevocably politicised. fire Comey. “Comey lost the was part of a cover-up.”

Corruption court hearing opens for Lula NEWS BYTES Workers plug hole in collapsed Curitiba from the area. Moro heads the Lula’s handpicked successor Paulo as a bribe from the OAS AFP “Car Wash” graft probe, that has Dilma Rousseff. construction company, which did tunnel at US nuclear site revealed mammoth bribery and Supporters, however, are lucrative business with Petrobras. razil’s former leftist pres- embezzlement in Brazil’s polit- equally passionate, citing the Prosecutors say they suspect he LOS ANGELES: Workers yesterday began to plug a hole inside ident Luiz Inacio Lula da ical establishment, and Lula is booming economy and historic not only took bribes and sold a collapsed tunnel at a nuclear site in the western US state of BSilva faced the country’s his biggest target yet. social programs during his own influence, but amounted to a Washington where an emergency was declared and thou- top anti-corruption judge yes- A verdict is not expected for presidency. “I think he is inno- kingpin over the wider scheme. sands of workers placed on lockdown. Federal officials said terday in a trial that could doom weeks, but if Lula is found guilty, cent. If they had something Lula, who also faces four approximately 50 truckloads of soil will be used to fill the hole his bid to return to power in and then loses an appeal, he concrete against him, there’s no other corruption court cases, in the tunnel at the Hanford Site, a sprawling complex located 2018. Lula, 71, was being grilled would be barred from seeking doubt he’d have been arrested,” vigorously denies the charges, about 275km southeast of Seattle. The tunnel is one of two at by Judge Sergio Moro on charges office, likely including running said Gerson Castellano, 50, who describing the onslaught as an the site containing radioactive waste from the time the facil- that he received a bribe in the for re-election in 2018. He could joined Workers’ Party support- attempt to destroy him and his ity helped build nuclear bombs, including the one that ended form of a seaside apartment near even face prison time. ers who bussed in to Curitiba. leftist movement. Against that the second world war. The Hanford facility has some 9,000 Sao Paulo. He arrived at the A fiery orator who rose from The “Car Wash” probe backdrop, the court hearing was employees, most of whom were told to stay home. courthouse in the southern city shoeshine boy to union leader revealed that top politicians from seen as a political high noon of Curitiba at 1700 GMT for the and founder of the Workers’ both the left and right sold access between the veteran politician hearing, which was barred to the Party before leading Brazil from to juicy contracts at state oil com- and the implacable. Police believe toddler died in public and media. 2003-2010, Lula is a polarizing pany Petrobras throughout most Raising pressure on Lula, a Security was exceptionally figure in Latin America’s biggest of Lula’s presidency. Scores of judge in Brasilia on Tuesday frigid Quebec floodwaters tight by Brazilian standards. Sev- country. He leads opinion polls senators and other powerful fig- ordered the suspension of activ- eral hundred riot police, ahead of next year’s election, but ures have been convicted or are ities by the Lula Institute, a social QUEBEC: A toddler likely did not survive after disappear- watched by an officer on a inspires hatred among oppo- under investigation. research body set up by the ex- ing with her stepfather in Quebec floodwaters three days rooftop, stood guard, keeping nents fed up with corruption In yesterday’s case, Lula is president, over suspicions it was ago, authorities said yesterday. Rescuers pulled the step- thousands of Lula supporters revelations and a devastating alleged to have taken a luxury linked to criminal activity in a father’s body from the river on Monday afternoon. Police and even local residents away recession that began under seaside apartment near Sao separate corruption case. officers searched for the missing girl on the Sainte-Anne River, a Saint Lawrence River tributary, as floodwaters receded, but the debris-filled water was too murky for divers. Authorities believe the child did not survive in the frigid, choppy waters, NY cabbie fined said spokesman Sgt. Claude Doiron. “The temperature, the Venezuela World’s heaviest man goes strong pull of the river, all these factors mean that, unfortu- for exploiting nately, we are searching for a body,” Doiron said. military under knife in Mexico migrants Baby deaths soared 30% courts claim Guadalajara The operation was given AFP the green light when doctors New York in Venezuela last year sparks alarm said they were pleased with AFP he world’s heaviest man, his steady progress and moti- CARACAS: Deaths of babies soared by 30 percent last year Caracas who at one point vation, which marked a New York cab driver in Venezuela, hit by shortages of food and medicine in an AFP Tweighed almost 600kg, change for Franco, who had has been fined $2,500 economic and political crisis, the health ministry said yes- has undergone successful gas- spent years in bed. A for swindling migrants terday. Deaths of mothers in childbirth soared by two thirds enezuela’s opposition tric bypass surgery, his doctors When the second proce- fleeing Donald Trump’s meanwhile, according to the data published online by the min- and rights campaign- in Mexico said. The procedure dure is done, likely in America by over-charging for istry — the latest such figures since 2015. It said 11,466 babies Vers voiced alarm over on Juan Pedro Franco is November, Franco’s stomach 30-minute taxi rides to the younger than one year old died in 2016, up from 8,812 the year claims that the military is intended to reduce his weight size will be reduced and his Canadian border, officials before. The report gave no comparative rate in relation to the holding and prosecuting by half, and is expected to be intestines modified. said yesterday. number of births. Among the causes of infant death it cited scores of people detained in followed up with another Most importantly, the Christopher Crowning- were septicemia, pneumonia, premature birth and breath- recent anti-government pro- operation, his surgeon Jose patient has to progress on the shield from upstate New York ing difficulties. The report said 756 women died in childbirth, tests. One lawyer working for Castaneda said Tuesday. psychological and nutritional charged vulnerable customers just under 66 percent more than the previous year. Cases of those detained, Tony Marval, “The surgery was quite fronts. “If that does not hap- up to $300 for a trip that would malaria rose by 76 percent to more than 240,000. The col- said 70 of them were being successful. But now we have pen, the entire thing will fail,” normally cost $50-75, said lapse in prices for Venezuela’s crucial oil exports has left it held in the northern state of to wait and see how he Castaneda warned. state attorney general Eric Sch- short of cash to import medicine and basic goods. Carabobo on the order of mil- responds to the (systemic) Mexico’s Manuel Uribe, neiderman. A flood of asylum itary courts. change. Let’s hope everything who in 2007 held the record seekers have entered Canada The non-governmental goes well,” Castaneda said. for being the world’s heaviest from the United States since West Virginia reporter arrested criminal justice body Foro The procedure has left the man at 597kg, died last year. Trump was elected president. Penal said a further 11 were in patient “quite delicate”, and Egyptian Eman Ahmed According to the Canadian VIRGINIA: A West Virginia journalist was arrested and jailed a similar plight in Caracas and he is being closely monitored, Abd El Aty, who was believed government, federal police yesterday after he repeatedly asked a question of US Health the northwestern state of Lara. Castaneda said. to be the world’s heaviest intercepted 1,860 border and Human Services Secretary Tom Price as he toured the President Nicolas Maduro has Franco, who at his peak woman, recently underwent jumpers in the first three state's capital with White House advisor Kellyanne Conway, yet to respond to the claim, tipped the scales at 595kg, gastric bypass surgery in months of 2017. One route was the reporter said. Journalist Dan Heyman was following Price which has raised claims of an was told that in order to be India. from Plattsburgh the last pub- down a hallway in the Capitol building in Charleston asking authoritarian turn in Venezue- eligible for surgery, he had to Doctors said her treat- lic transport stop before the him about the healthcare bill passed last week by the U.S. la’s political crisis. lose a large amount of his ini- ment, which also included a border. Migrants then took a House of Representatives when he was grabbed by security Government officials have not tial bulk. He also had to get his modified diet, helped her lose cab from the bus station for a and handcuffed, he said at a press conference with his attor- confirmed the arrests, or the diabetes and blood pressure 323kg in three months, to 38km journey to the small ney late on Tuesday. military processing of civilian under control. stand at around 177kg. town of Champlain and walked suspects. across a stream into Canada. 18 HOME THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017

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FAJR 03.28 am Cannes to screen 10 'Made in Qatar' films SHOROOK 04.52 am The Peninsula ZUHR 11.30 am MAGHRIB 06.11 pm ASR 02.58 pm ISHA 07.41 pm he prestigious 2017 Cannes Film Festival will witness a true cele- Tbration of Qatari cinema and WEATHER TODAY talent with the screening of ten ‘Made in Qatar’ films. o o The Doha Film Institute (DFI) shines the spotlight on Qatar’s emerg- 30 C 41 C ing talents with a special Market Minimum Maximum screening of ‘Made in Qatar’ films on May 24 at the festival, in addition to its annual presentation of the dedicated programme at the Short Film Corner from May 17 to 28. This year marks one of the most significant showcases of works by the country’s filmmakers with six films included in the Market screening and 10 titles at the Short Film Corner. Fur- ther, the Institute is also hosting two emerging filmmakers from the coun- try – Rawda Al Thani and Hend Fakhroo – as part of the DFI delega- tion attending the world’s leading film event, to participate in a series of workshops, meetings, advisory ses- sessions and the screenings at Cannes Stills from Al-Johara (top) and Amer: An Arabian Legend (below). sions and events designed to further will help them gain insights into the their filmmaking careers. newest trends in filmmaking, which Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive they can apply in their creative pur- Officer of DFI, said: “We are proud to suits and add to the pride of Arab represent Qatar at this important plat- cinema,” said Al-Remaihi. form and showcase the creativity that The Market screening of ‘Made in exists in our country at this ultimate Qatar’ films includes Al-Johara directed gathering of the world’s film industry. by Nora Al-Subai, Amer: An Arabian Our first Market screening of films by Legend by Jassim Al-Rumaihi, Kashta Hot daytime with slight dust and scattered clouds by evening. Qatari talents, will put the spotlight on by AJ Al Thani, Makh'bz by Aisha R. Al new voices from our nation and is a Muhannadi, Smicha by Amal Al Muf- great opportunity to take our stories tah, and Red by Kholoud Al-Ali. HIGH TIDE 04:30 - 18:00 LOW TIDE 10:45 to international audiences at Cannes, Marking the Institute’s seventh Courtesy: Qatar Meteorology Department and build a true global outreach. year of participation at the Cannes “In addition, our young Qatari Short Film Corner, dedicated to show- LATEST NEWS directors will have an opportunity to casing films from more than 90 UPDATE connect with their peers from the glo- countries, DFI will screen 10 titles as bal entertainment industry and learn part of the 2017 ‘Made in Qatar’ pro- from some of the world’s most prom- gramme including the six titles from www.thepeninsulaqatar.com inent film experts. The networking the Market screening. THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017 HOME 19 20 HOME THURSDAY 11 MAY 2017