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THURSDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11394 December 12, 2019 Rabia II 15, 1441 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir meets Italian envoy In brief Al Sadd overcome PM attends announcement Hienghene in opener of new cloud datacentre region FIFA Club World Cup the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 time when Amy Roine drew level. With HE the Prime Minister and kicked off yesterday. Sadd players spurning chance after Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Qatar 2019 kicks off At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadi- chance, the game went into 30-minute bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani um, Sadd needed extra time to beat extra time, where Abdelkarim Hassan yesterday attended a ceremony By Sahan Bidappa Oceania winners Hienghene to seal scored after a howler from Hiengh- to announce the setting up of a Doha a place in the quarter-fi nals against ene goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine, be- new cloud datacentre region in Mexican side Monterrey. fore Pedro Miguel relieved pressure on Qatar, jointly by the Ministry of Sadd looked for a comfortable win coach Xavi Hernandez with a strike in Transport and Communications spirited Hienghene Sport gave when Baghdad Bounedjah put them in the 114th minute. and Microsoft. The initiative seeks Al Sadd a scare before the hosts front in the 26th minute, but Hieng- Qatar league champions Sadd have to deliver Microsoft’s intelligent, Awon 3-1 in a play-off match as hene hit back immediately after half not been at their best form, having lost trusted cloud services and three of their last four league matches. expand the Microsoft global cloud And they looked lacklustre once again infrastructure to 55 cloud regions against a Hienghene side, who are in 20 countries. The new region made up mostly of part-timers. will be managed from the Qatari Sadd manager was not too happy Free Zones. Page 3 with his players for wasting plenty of opportunities to score. “We had many Leaders in a frantic chances to score. We concede just a lit- tle bit. They didn’t look like scoring in push for UK votes the second half apart from early on. We Britain’s feuding party leaders suff ered too much, we did more than criss-crossed the country them but we missed too many chances. yesterday in a frantic push for Monterrey will be very diffi cult side on votes on the eve of a highly- Saturday,” the Spaniard said. charged general election aimed Going into yesterday’s contest, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met at the Amiri at finally settling the Brexit crisis. Hienghene were always the underdogs Diwan yesterday with the outgoing Italian ambassador to Qatar Pasquale Polls open today for the third time but they battled hard against one of Salzano. The Amir granted the ambassador Al Wajbah Decoration in recognition in four years in what is widely seen the best teams in Asia. Felix Tagawa’s of his eff orts and role in contributing to enhancing bilateral relations, wishing as a re-run of the 2016 referendum men were surprise winners of the Oce- him success in his future missions, and the relations between the two countries in which a narrow majority opted Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA ania Champions League and are the further progress and prosperity. For his part, the ambassador expressed thanks to pull Britain out of the European Club World Cup Qatar 2019 match against Hienghene Sport at Jassim Bin fi rst New Caledonian side to qualify and appreciation to the Amir and the state’s off icials for the co-operation he Union. Page 17 Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. for the Club World Cup. To Page 10 received that contributed to the success of his work in the country. Page 2 Gulf Times 2 Thursday, December 12, 2019 QATAR

Amir sends cable PM meets Italian ambassador PM meets Turkish deputy minister of congratulations to Burkina Faso leader His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent cables of congratulations to President of Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Kabore on the occasion of his country’s National Day. HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also sent a similar cable of congratulations to the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso Christophe Dabire on the occasion of his country’s National Day. Amir sends message to Ethiopia president

His Highness the Amir Sheikh HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani met the HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, sent a outgoing ambassador of Italy to Qatar, Pasquale Salzano. During the meeting, the Prime Minister yesterday met the Deputy Interior Minister of Turkey Mohtaram Injeh, and the delegation written message to the President and Interior Minister wished the Italian ambassador success in the tasks entrusted to him in the accompanying him on the occasion of their visit to Qatar. The meeting dealt with bilateral relations of Ethiopia Sahle-Work Zewde, future, and the relations between Qatar and Italy further development and prosperity. and the means to enhance them, particularly in security fields. related to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them. The message was delivered by the ambassador of Qatar to Ethiopia Hamad bin Mohamed al-Dosari, during a meeting with the president of the country. Cabinet hails Amir’s participation in Kigali award ceremony Prime Minister greets Finnish QNA Deputy Secretary-General of the prevailed by justice and the rule 2- A draft law amending some and private passports. Doha United Nations, and a number of of law, the Cabinet stressed. provisions of the Criminal Pro- B- An agreement between the counterpart international fi gures. The Cabinet also reviewed the cedure Law issued by Law No 23 governments of Qatar and Brazil Following the meeting, HE results of the 40th session of the of 2004. regarding exemption from entry HE the Prime Minister and he Cabinet’s regular the Minister of Justice and Act- GCC Supreme Council, which 3- Approving a draft law visa requirements for holders of Minister of Interior Sheikh meeting, chaired by HE ing Minister of State for Cabinet was held yesterday in Riyadh, amending some provisions of ordinary passports. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Tthe Prime Minister Sheikh Aff airs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al- the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Law No 18 of 2017 on Public Hy- C- A memorandum of under- Khalifa al-Thani sent a cable Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Nuaimi stated that the Cabinet Arabia, with the participation of giene. standing for co-operation in the of congratulations to Sanna al-Thani, hailed His Highness affi rmed that the event, which HE the Prime Minister and Min- 4- Approving the Cabinet’s fi eld of health between the gov- Marin on the occasion of her the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- coincided with the convening of ister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah draft decision amending the ernments of Qatar and Brazil. appointment as Prime Minister of mad al-Thani’s and Rwandan the 7th Global Organisation of bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. organisation of some adminis- D- Approving a draft memo- Finland. President Paul Kagame’s hon- Parliamentarians Against Cor- The Cabinet then reviewed trative units that comprise the randum of understanding (MoU) ouring of the winners of fourth ruption (GOPAC) conference, topics on its meeting’s agenda as Ministry of Justice and deter- for co-operation between the Qatar condemns edition of Sheikh Tamim Bin hosted by the Shura Council, following: mining their jurisdictions. Diplomatic Institute of the Minis- Hamad Al Thani International and attended by parliamentar-  Taking the necessary meas- 5- Approving the inclusion of a try of Foreign Aff airs in Qatar and Somalia attack Anti-Corruption Excellence ians from 106 countries, refl ects ures to issue a draft law approv- HE the Prime Minister Sheikh representative of the Supreme Ju- the Diplomatic Academy Jose de la Qatar expressed yesterday its Award during a ceremony held Qatar’s keenness in fi ghting cor- ing the state budget for the fi scal Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa diciary Council into the member- Marcoleta at the Ministry of For- condemnation and denunciation on Monday in the Rwandan cap- ruption and the extreme danger year 2020, after the Cabinet re- al-Thani ship of the Committee to look into eign Aff airs of Nicaragua. of the attack that targeted a hotel ital Kigali. it poses to the future of nations viewed the recommendation of applications of foreign marriages. The Cabinet then reviewed in Somali capital Mogadishu, and The ceremony was held in the and the welfare of people. the Shura Council on the draft  Approving the following 6- Taking the necessary the results of the 29th Ministeri- left a number of people dead or presence of President of Namibia It also refl ects the global ap- law. drafts law and referring them to measures to certify: al Meeting of the GCC’s Agricul- injured. The Ministry of Foreign Hage Geingob, Chairperson of preciation of Qatar’s eff orts in  Approving an Draft Amiri the Shura Council: A- An agreement between the tural Co-operation Committee Aff airs expressed, in a statement the African Union Commission, this fi eld, and its role in promot- Decision to reorganise the Regu- 1- A draft law amending some governments of Qatar and Hun- (Sultanate of Oman – September Qatar’s firm position rejecting President of the International ing transparency and principles latory Authority for Charitable provisions of the Penal Code prom- gary on cancelling visa require- 2019) and took the appropriate violence and terrorism regardless Football Association (FIFA), of good governance for a world Activities (RACA). ulgated by Law No 11 of 2004. ments for holders of diplomatic decision. of the motives and reasons. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 3 QATAR PM attends announcement of new cloud datacentre region in Qatar The new Microsoft cloud region will enable govt and businesses in Qatar to embark on digital transformation journey

QNA expect it will also help drive eco- Doha nomic growth, upskill the work- force, and provide a foundation for the country in line with the E the Prime Minister Qatar National Vision 2030.” and Minister of Inte- The new cloud region is an- Hrior Sheikh Abdullah bin ticipated to play a pivotal role in Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yes- bridging the skills gap in Qatar. terday attended a ceremony to Microsoft is also collaborating announce the establishment of with the Qatar Digital Govern- a new cloud datacentre region in ment to launch a nationwide Qatar, jointly by the Ministry of upskilling programme that will Transport and Communications train government employees en- and Microsoft. hancing their technical acumen The initiative seeks to deliver in cloud technologies. Microsoft’s intelligent, trusted The new cloud region will ad- cloud services and expand the here to Microsofts trusted cloud Microsoft global cloud infra- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani with other principles and become part of structure to 55 cloud regions in dignitaries at the event yesterday. one of the largest cloud infra- 20 countries. structures in the world, already The new region is anticipated serving more than a billion cus- to be available starting with Mi- tomers and 20mn businesses. crosoft Azure in 2021, and Offi ce Microsoft’s cloud services are 365, Dynamics 365 and Power compliant with the European Platform to follow. Unions General Data Protection The new region will be man- Regulation (GDPR) and are cer- aged from the Qatari Free Zones tifi ed for a large portfolio of in- to show their capabilities at the HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin ternational security and privacy global level as a modern and dis- Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Executive Vice-President of Microsoft standards, some of which form tinctive incubator for such ini- and President for its Global Sales, Marketing and Operations the basis of Qatar government tiatives, in order to enhance self- Jean-Philippe Courtois, and HE the Minister of Transport and policies, including the Ministry suffi ciency and sustainability and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti at the event. of Transport and Communica- improve the local environment tions National Information As- and make it eff ective in develop- to implement the country’s dig- gion will contribute to support- surance Policy and the Cloud Se- ing the region and the world. ital transformation agenda and ing the innovation mechanism in curity and Information Privacy The ceremony was also at- build a knowledge-based econ- smart solutions in the healthcare Protection regulations. tended by HE the Minister of omy as laid down in the Qatar services and scientifi c research The new Microsoft region in Qa- Transport and Communications National Vision 2030. in the areas of artifi cial intel- HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday tar will off er Microsoft’s scalable, Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti The minister said that the ligence education, and sports met the Executive Vice-President of Microsoft and President for its Global Sales, Marketing and trusted and reliable cloud services and Executive Vice-President of ministry, through its partnership event management solutions Operations Jean-Philippe Courtois, on the occasion of his visit to Qatar. They discussed issues of joint combined with in-country cus- Microsoft and President for its with Microsoft, seeks to make and applications. interest. tomer data residency. Microsoft will Global Sales, Marketing and Op- the new cloud datacenter region Government entities, or- help empower customers through erations Jean-Philippe Courtois. in Qatar available with Microsoft ganisations, public and private ter engage customers, empower gion will deliver unprecedented “Intelligent cloud services are its deep expertise in protecting cus- Commenting on the occasion, Azure by 2021, to serve Qatar and enterprises and developers will employees, optimise operations, opportunity for government at the heart of our eff orts to help tomer data to meet extensive secu- HE al-Sulaiti said that this col- turn it into a regional centre that have access to scalable, highly and transform products and and businesses in Qatar to suc- establish the country as a knowl- rity and privacy requirements as laboration with Microsoft comes contributes to the development available, and resilient cloud services from the new cloud re- cessfully embark on their digital edge and innovation hub, and well as the broadest set of compli- as part of accelerating the eff orts of the region and the world, add- services to accelerate their digit- gion in Qatar. transformation journey,” said builds on our investments to de- ance certifi cations and attestations led by the government of Qatar ing that the cloud datacenter re- al transformation journeys bet- “The new Microsoft cloud re- Courtois. velop a cloud region in Qatar. We in the industry.

Ahmed bin Mohamed Military College celebrates graduation of students

Ahmed bin Mohamed Military College celebrated yesterday the graduation of the 4th class of the military sciences diploma course in the presence of HE Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training at the Qatar Armed Forces Major General Hamad Ahmed al-Nuaimi. Al-Nuaimi gave speech during the ceremony and conveyed the greetings of HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Aff airs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem and called on them to implement what they learned in the service of the Qatar Armed Forces.

Qatar condemns attack in Bagram

Speaker arrives in Ankara, QNA to hold meetings, sign MoU Doha atar voiced strong con- demnation and denunci- QNA tional Assembly of Tur- Speaker of the Shura Qation of the attack which Ankara key Mustafa Sentop. Council will hold meet- targeted the US Bagram airbase The Speaker of the Shu- ings with ranking offi cials, in Afghanistan, killing one per- ra Council and the accom- as well as signing a memo- son and injuring others. E the Speaker of panying delegation were randum of understanding In a statement yesterday, the the Shura Council welcomed upon arrival by between the Shura Coun- Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reit- HAhmed bin Ab- President of the Qatari- cil and the Grand National erated the fi rm position of Qatar dullah bin Zaid al-Mah- Turkish Parliamentary Assembly of Turkey, aim- rejecting violence and terrorism moud arrived yesterday Friendship Group Vahit ing at strengthening the regardless of motives and rea- in the Turkish capital, Kiler and the ambassador bonds of friendship and sons. The statement expressed Ankara, on several days’ of Qatar to Turkey Salem promoting the parliamen- condolences of Qatar to the fam- visit at the invitation of bin Mubarak al-Shafi . tary co-operation between ily of the victim, wishing the in- Speaker of the Grand Na- During the visit, the the two countries. jured a speedy recovery. Gulf Times 4 Thursday, December 12, 2019 QATAR

Qatar attends inauguration ceremony of Argentine president

HE the Minister of State met with the Minister of The president thanked PM receives Vietnamese minister MoU signed Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz State who conveyed the Qatar for participating in the al-Kuwari represented greetings of His Highness ceremony, looking forward Qatar and Qatar in the inauguration the Amir Sheikh Tamim to meeting the Amir at the Vietnam signed, in ceremony of President bin Hamad al-Thani on the earliest opportunity. The Doha, yesterday Alberto Fernandez, the new occasion. The Argentine inauguration ceremony the work President of Argentina, president reciprocated the and meeting were attended minutes of the in Buenos Aires. On the Amir’s greetings wishing the by Qatar’s ambassador to implementation of sidelines of the ceremony, relations between the two Argentina Battal Meajeb the co-operation the President of Argentina countries further progress. al-Dosari. – QNA agreement on preventing and combating transnational crimes, which also included a number of other aspects of co-operation in HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin the security fields minutes were signed by Director General of Khalifa al-Thani yesterday welcomed the Minister of Public Security of Vietnam and issues related Public Security HE Staff Major General Saad General To Lam. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two to strengthening bin Jassim al-Khulaifi, and the Minister countries and means of developing them in diff erent areas, as well as issues of security co- of Public Security of Vietnam General To common concern. operation. The Lam. . Vietnamese minister for public security hails ties with Qatar

n the occasion of his offi cial visit to Qatar, OVietnam’s Minister for Public Security General To Lam, visited his coun- try’s embassy in Doha yes- terday. The Politburo Member, heading a high-ranking del- egation of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, praised the eff orts of the embassy and the contribu- tions of the Vietnamese community in boosting re- lations with Qatar. He encouraged the com- munity to abide by the local laws and regulations and expressed hope they would Vietnam’s Minister for Public Security General To Lam, with ambassador Nguyen Dinh Thao and other dignitaries during his continue to maintain soli- visit to the embassy yesterday. PICTURE: Jayaram darity and help each other in times of need, according ternational Junior Science medals in the event. security and all other as- to His Highness the Amir to a statement from the em- Olympiad which concluded On his fi rst visit to Qatar, pects of life. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bassy. in Doha yesterday. He also Minister To Lam admired On the occasion of the up- al-Thani, and to His High- General Lam also praised granted awards to the six the remarkable progress of coming National Day of Qa- ness the Father Amir Sheikh the Vietnamese delegation students who won three the country in terms of de- tar, he extended his whole- Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani that participated in the In- gold medals and three silver velopment, modernisation, hearted congratulations and the Qatari people. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 5 QATAR Qatar-France 2020 PM receives message from Bangladesh FM Year of Culture to cement bilateral ties HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman atar-France 2020 Year of al-Thani received a written message from Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen, per- Culture will strengthen taining to bilateral relations between Qatar and Bangladesh. The message was handed to HE the Qthe bilateral ties between Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi during a meeting yesterday with the two countries and open new Bangladesh’s ambassador to Qatar Ashud Ahmed. doors of co-operation, French ambassador Franck Gellet said yesterday. “An array of events ranging from cultural programmes to knowledge sharing, and encom- passing arts, music, cinema, Ministry signs pact with QC sport and literary and scien- tifi c coff ee breaks will take place throughout 2020,” he said. Franck Gellet (centre) speaks to the media in Doha yesterday as other embassy off icials look on. he Ministry of Admin- The entire programme will be istrative Development, announced at a press conference higher education and culture. of military co-operation noted He added that 20 out of the 36 TLabour and Social Af- at the Qatar National Museum The two countries also hosted that the year witnessed signing Rafale jets have been so far deliv- fairs signed yesterday a co-op- on January 7, the envoy said. visiting of high level delegations of Status of Forces Agreement ered to Qatar while 12 are in the eration agreement with Qatar The “Institut Français du Qa- and their meetings,” he said. (SoFA). making. Charity (QC) to exhibit prod- tar”, which celebrated its 30th The envoy further added that ucts made Qatari families at anniversary in 2019, is also a key economic exchange between Ambassador hails Qatar’s labour reforms Katara. The exhibition is slated stakeholder in the 2020 Cul- the two countries is constantly for December 14-17. tural Year. New projects includ- growing and bilateral trade has French ambassador Franck Qatar is keen in safeguarding A total of 76 families are tak- ing literary and scientifi c coff ee steadily exceeded 2bn Euro per Gellet yesterday praised the the rights of employees, said ing part. There will be two cat- breaks, wide range of activities year since 2014 while it increased labour reforms taking place in expatriates feel secure in the egories, one for the families and and opportunities to visit the by 33% in 2018. French com- Qatar and said they are leaving hands of authorities. another for products. The total Off icials at the agreement signing ceremony. institute will be in place. A Ma- panies are associated in Doha a positive message to foreign He said eff orts are on to help prize money for the two awards jlis to welcome the audience Metro and Lusail Tram. French countries and investors. French companies utilise will be QR600,000. A total In a press conference to dis- international exhibitions, and throughout the year will be fi rms provide Qatar with cyber- “Qatar is a state of law and the existing and emerging of 33 families and their prod- cuss the award, Assistant Un- launching strategies that sup- set up. security services and French ex- it’s witnessing substantial opportunities in Qatar. ucts are competing for the top dersecretary of the Ministry port their craft through mar- The ambassador noted that perts and armed forces are active progress in terms of labour “There are around 120 French three places. of Administrative Develop- keting, training and fi nancing relations between the two coun- in helping Qatar secure venues of laws reformation. These are companies functioning in The competing projects un- ment, Labour and Social Aff airs opportunities to achieve the tries are strong and there is an the 2022 FIFA World Cup. making the country a heaven various sectors. We are looking dergo an evaluation process by Ghanem Mubarak al-Kuwari growth and spread of these exceptional partnership rooted “French companies also for investors by creating a good to make our companies capable a specialised jury that includes expressed his thanks to Qatar crafts and preserve them from in deep friendship. “France has played a leading role in install- atmosphere for business,” he to tap the potential of Qatar experts from several relevant Charity for their support in or- extinction. always been supportive of Qa- ing security system all over told a press conference at his Financial Centre and Free Zone. bodies such as the Ministries ganising the award. He noted Youssef Ahmed al-Kuwari, tar,” he said, adding that the Doha Port and Hamad Interna- residence. “There are plans to strengthen of Administrative Develop- that Qatar Charity has consist- CEO, Qatar Charity, said that country will continue to support tional Airport. Modernisation The envoy observed that the co-operation in tourism sector. ment, Labour and Social Af- ently supported the ministry’s they are a long-term partner Qatar to make its economy more of Kahramaa’s communica- setting up of International A delegation from the French fairs, Trade and Industry, Qatar initiatives. to the Ministry of Administra- diversifi ed and autonomous. tion and data transmission fa- Labour Organisation’s off ice in Businessmen Federation Chamber, Qatar Foundation for He stressed the ministry’s tive Development, Labour and “The current year witnessed cilities are carried out by French Doha has resulted in positive (MEDEFI) had visited Qatar Social Work and Qatar Devel- commitment to supporting Social Aff airs in empowering dynamism of bilateral relations. companies,” he said. changes in the labour sector. to explore opportunities in opment Bank, where the win- families and promoting their productive families by help- Seven agreements were signed The ambassador who said The ambassador, who cited diff erent fields,” he added. ners will be announced next products through organising ing them benefi t from their in sectors of defence, security, 2019 is a milestone in the fi eld Sunday. exhibitions and participating in capabilities. (QNA) QF tent at Darb Al Saai to showcase history, culture of the country he opportunity to create story- media relations and press offi ce, Qatar about the importance of displaying book ideas, transform phones Foundation. strong and positive moral virtues at Tinto 3D hologram projectors, “The interactive and diverse activi- the Akhlaquna Award booth. discover more about clean energy ties within our tent at Darb Al Saai are Meanwhile, the three research in- sources, and perform detailed mi- refl ective of our nation’s values, iden- stitutes under QF member Hamad croscopy experiments will be on off er tity, unity, and culture. Our activi- Bin Khalifa University will also be on during Qatar Foundation’s ( QF) Qa- ties are designed with the intention to hand with a range of educational ac- tar National Day (QND) celebrations empower, inspire, and excite people, tivities. Qatar Energy Environment this year. and can be enjoyed by the whole com- Research Institute will teach visitors Taking place from today until De- munity, regardless of age, nationality, about renewable energy; while the cember 20 at Darb Al Saai, QF’s fes- and interests. There truly is something principles of 3D design and print- tivities will be held under the theme on off er for everyone, and we look for- ing will be demonstrated by Qatar of Our Unity...Our Pride, and will fea- ward to visitors discovering this for Computing Research Institute; and ture an array of activities that show- themselves.” Qatar Biomedical Research Institute case the full spectrum of QF and the In the QF tent at Darb Al Saai this will off er people the chance to test contribution it makes to Qatar, from year, visitors will be able to learn the how many calories can be burned on education to science and research and secrets and explore the beauty of Ara- a digital bicycle. community development. bic calligraphy in an activity organised Following the inauguration of Darb “We are proud to play our part in by the Education City mosque, as well Al Saai, visitors will be able to ex- the Qatar National Day celebrations, as fi nd out more about specifi c plants plore its activities from 3.30pm-11pm, to help illustrate and celebrate the es- mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and Ha- the QF tent will be open to the public sence of the nation, while highlight- dith courtesy of the Qur’anic Botanic tomorrow from 2pm-11pm; Decem- ing the role our organisation plays in Garden. ber 14 and December 19, from 9am- supporting the development of a di- Children can explore the world 1pm, and from 3.30pm-10pm. It will versifi ed and sustainable economy,” of literature and books in the Qa- also be open on December 20, from said Khalifa E al-Kubaisi, manager, tar Reads corner, while also learning 2pm-11pm.

QF lines up several activities at Darb Al Saai. Gulf Times 6 Thursday, December 12, 2019 QATAR El Salvador president visits NMoQ Al Furousiya Street

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and his accompanying delegation visited yesterday the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). HE Sheikha Amna bint Abdulaziz bin Jassim al-Thani, director, NMoQ briefed the El Salvador president about its fully open to traffi c precious treasures. Bukele also toured various galleries where he was briefed on the beginnings of the geological development of the Qatar peninsula, the natural he Public Works Au- environments in it, the rock relics and inscriptions in the archaeological sites, the thority (Ashghal) life of Qataris on land and coast, and the digital exhibition. Thas announced the full opening of Al Furousiya Street to traffi c. The open- ing will improve the traffi c fl ow in the area and facili- tate smooth travel to Kha- lifa International Stadium, a venue for the FIFA Club World Cup, which began yesterday. While announcing the opening, Saoud al-Tamimi, manager, roads projects de- partment at Ashghal, said Al Furousiya Street plays a pivotal role in linking sev- eral vital residential areas such as Muraikh, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed, Baaya, Muaither and Al Aziziya in addition to facilitating access to many public amenities like As- pire Zone Complex, Villag- gio Mall and the Equestrian Club. “It also ensures connec- tion to several hotels, com- A view of the fully opened Al Furousiya Street. mercial and service centres as well as educational fa- Street, Huwar Street. gestion at two of the most ering over 70,000sq m with networks in addition to pro- cilities such as University of The Al Furousiya Street crowded roundabouts in 1,000 trees. tecting the underground tel- Calgary and Aspire Acad- project has increased the the area especially during Infrastructure works ecommunications, potable emy,” he added. number of lanes on 7.8km peak hours. within the project comprised water and electricity utility The offi cial said the of the street starting from Works also included the developing the main drain- lines. project is aimed at improv- Al Manaseer Intersection construction of 570 parking age networks and connect- The project was imple- ing the vehicular capacity towards Al Furousiya In- bays in addition to the up- ing houses to this network mented by Al Jaber and Ma- of the street by increasing tersection. Works included grading of the lighting sys- and constructing permanent khlouf Contracting Compa- its lanes from three to four the construction of service tem and the installation of stormwater, groundwater ny, at a cost of approximately in each direction, upgrad- roads on both sides of the 233 lighting poles. In order and wastewater treatment QR250mn. ing exits and entrances of street and upgrading four to encourage a healthy life- the surrounding streets as signalised intersections style, 15.7km of pedestrian well as providing service by expanding Al Manaseer path and 5.6km of cycle roads. Intersection and introduc- paths were also construct- He also shed light into the ing a new signalised inter- ed. Improvement works connection of Al Furousiya section at Umm al Jamajim also included pavement, Street to some of the most Street as well as converting interlock and road mark- vital roads in the coun- Al Furousiya and Muaither ing works as well as the de- try such as Salwa Road, Roundabouts to signalised velopment of an irrigation Al Waab Street, Muaither intersections in order to system and landscaping Street, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed alleviate the traffi c con- works along the street cov-

A view of the new road built. Ashghal opens road to QU metro station QU, Qafco off icials at the signing ceremony. he Public Works Au- of the project to serve the thority (Ashghal) has launch of operations of the Tannounced the com- QU Metro Station and facil- pletion of fi rst phase of the itate access to it. The state- QU, Qafco sign construction works on the ment said that work on the new 1.2km road connecting second stage of the project is Al Tarfa Intersection to Qa- to be completed by the fi rst MoU over research tar University (QU) Metro quarter of 2020. Station and the opening of The remaining works in- its carriageway to traffi c. clude the construction of a on agricultural The new road provides roundabout to connect with a direct access to the Doha QU and the provision of ad- Metro’s Red Line newly op- ditional parking on both sides atar University agriculture sector. erational QU Station. of the road in addition to road (QU) has signed a In addition, the MoU According to a statement lighting works, the develop- Qmemorandum of agreed on the establish- by Ashghal yesterday, it was ment of a rainwater drain- understanding (MoU) with ment of research grant keen to accelerate the com- age network and landscaping Qatar Fertilizer Company open to QU students and pletion of the fi rst phase works on both sides of the road. (Qafco) to conduct research faculty for Qafco on top- in the agricultural fi eld. ics determined by Qafco. The partnership will The aim of the competi- support the development tion is to support Qafco’s of the agricultural sector in strategy in creating the Qatar to achieve sustaina- knowledge to enable Qatar ble and reliable production to become self-suffi cient. of the required quantity Furthermore, it will sup- and quality of products. port QU’s research strategy The MoU also aims in R&D sustainability and to share, maintain and reinforcing research cul- expand the knowledge ture and innovation in the of global best farming QU community and pro- practices among Qatari vide a supportive research stakeholders. environment. The MoU was signed by Dr al-Derham praised Dr Hassan al-Derham, QU the great accomplish- president, and Abdulrah- ments of Qafco locally man M al-Suwaidi, Qafco and internationally said managing director and that many QU graduates chief executive offi cer. The have joined the task forces ceremony was attended by of Qafco. He also stressed a number of offi cials from on the importance of the QU and Qafco. MoU in the context that The MoU agreed on the food security has become establishment of an Ag- a priority to the country ricultural Research and and QU wants to activate Training Centre to sup- the role of its farm and de- port the development of velop it into a model farm the agricultural sector in that benefi ts researchers Qatar for the production and society. of the required quantity “Qafco is proud to part- and quality of agricultural ner with the local educa- products as well as to es- tional sector as part of its tablish and spread agri- support towards Qatar’s cultural knowledge and vision of a knowledge- practices among Qatari based economy. By sign- stakeholders. ing the co-operation with The centre will test ap- Qatar University, Qafco propriate nutrient man- hopes to facilitate the agement and solutions to development of a world- achieve optimal results in class educational system local climate conditions in Qatar, in alignment with limited access to wa- with the human devel- ter. It will recommend fer- opment pillars of Qatar tiliser blends specifi c to the National Vision 2030,” requirements of the Qatari al-Suwaidi added. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 7 QATAR Qatar University wins gold, silver in Reimagine Education 2019

l Bairaq programme, an ini- environment that results in crea- tiative of Qatar University, tions and scientifi c innovations.” Ahas achieved great success She also emphasised on the in the Reimagine Education Con- programme’s commitment to Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, honouring some of the winners. PICTURE: Ram Chand ference and Awards 2019, winning achieving the Qatar Vision 2030 for the fourth year in a row. in the areas of education, na- The programme won gold tional community development, award in the Natural Science human development and strate- discipline and silver award in gic sustainability. Middle East region, out of 1,500 Reimagine Education is a glo- applications in 16 categories. bal conference, competition and The win coincided with the platform that brings together 10th anniversary of the pro- startups, academics from top Qatari student among gramme started in 2010. universities, education inno- Dr Noora al-Thani, head of the vators, university leaders, and Al Bairaq programme and head, those interested in the future of Communication and Outreach teaching and learning. at Qatar University, expressed It is an initiative from the her happiness and pride in the Wharton University in Pennsyl- successes Al Bairaq has been vania, one of the most prestig- gold medal winners at achieving year after year. ious universities in the US, and She said, “Since its initiation QS Quacquarelli Symonds, spe- in 2010, Al Bairaq has a very im- cialised in evaluating universi- portant social responsibility to ties globally. empower Qatari youth and en- It aims to recognise institu- able them to compete globally. tions and programmes that seek “Therefore, the programme to create educational initiatives International Olympiad off ers specialised educational and innovations that work to en- tracks, aiming to stimulate the hance the outcomes of students’ By Joseph Varghese The results of the Olympiad Qatari team, comprising of He said that they competed international celebration. “The curiosity of the students by pro- learning and qualify them for the Staff Reporter were announced at the con- Abdullah al-Janahi, Ahmed al- well with their peers from other Olympiad brought people and viding an interactive learning job market. cluding ceremony and medals Badirat and Sarah al-Ali won countries and achieved great nations from all over the world and awards were distributed to the prize for best performance success. together in Qatar. It has given ousef al-Sulaiti, a Qatari the winners. in a practical test. He also emphasised that the a wonderful picture of a world national, was among the The sponsors, partners and Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nai- performance of the students dreaming of security, safety and Ygold medal winners at offi cials of the Olympiad were mi, Undersecretary at the Min- from Qatar in the Olympiad peace under the fl ag of knowl- the 16th International Junior also honoured at the event. istry of Education and Higher highlights the advanced sci- edge and progress for the entire Science Olympiad (IJSO) that At the closing ceremony, Ger- Education and chairman of the entifi c learning system in the humanity,” she explained. concluded at Qatar National many received the Olympic fl ag as Supreme Organising Commit- country. IJSO president, Dr Paresh Convention Centre yesterday. the country that will host the 17th tee for the Olympiad, handed He maintained that their par- Joshi in his speech highlighted Hosted by the Ministry of edition of the Olympiad next year. over the mementos to the spon- ticipation in this global scien- that the academic programme Education and Higher Educa- During the event, 32 students sors of the event. tifi c event will motivate them to was a great challenge but very tion under the slogan ‘motivat- won gold medals while 66 stu- Al-Naimi congratulated the perform well in the upcoming enjoyable. ing today’s generation for to- dents won silver medals and 137 students of Qatar who won events locally and internation- He also noted that the Olym- morrow’s skills,’ the Olympiad won bronze medals. medals in the Olympiad as well ally. piad was very unique with the had the highest number of stu- Qatar team members won one as those who participated in it, IJSO vice president, (Asia), introduction of digital testing dent participation in its history gold medal, fi ve silver medals praising their eff orts and perse- Fatima al-Rashid noted that format and it was done excep- from 70 countries. and 12 bronze medals. verance. the Olympiad was a wonderful tionally well. The winners with their certificates. Gulf Times 8 Thursday, December 12, 2019 QATAR NMoQ to unveil ‘Peace Expo and symposium Bench’ gift from Nobel Peace Centre on sustainable Indian to promote diplomacy fashion opens at MIA

he National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) will By Joey Aguilar in terms of taking care of main- unveil a special gift from the Nobel Peace Staff Reporter taining these fabrics,” he added. TCentre on December 14, it was announced Part of the initiative includes a yesterday. symposium (open to the public), The gift, a sculptured “Peace Bench”, is being three-day exhibition and scheduled today (Dec 12) from installed in collaboration with the Norwegian symposium on sustaina- 10am to 3pm at MIA, featuring company Hydro to mark the 50-year industrial Able Indian fashion, which notable speakers from the fash- collaboration between Qatar and Norway that is forms part of Qatar – India 2019 ion industry, sustainability ac- being celebrated this year. Year of Culture, opened yester- tivists, and cultural institutions The “Peace Bench”, an internationally recog- day at the Museum of Islamic from India and Qatar, along with nised symbol of conversation, diplomacy and Art (MIA). a fi lm screening by Doha Film dialogue, will be situated within the Baraha at This new initiative, presented Institute. NMoQ. by Qatar Museums (QM) and A panel discussion, moder- The unique design will be in the shape of a Caravane Earth, an international ated by sustainability activist partial circle that meets the ground at its lowest movement for social, cultural and former Vogue India editor- point, embodying an invitation to conversation. and ecological transformation, at-large Bandana Tewari, puts a The fi rst bench was placed outside the United focuses on sustainability, herit- spotlight on themes such as the Nations headquarters in New York City ear- age, and traditional craftsman- history of Abaya and traditional lier this year and NMoQ will receive the second ship. P Kumaran, Aisha al-Attiya, and Marielou Phillips at the opening Qatari wear, building a sustain- bench. “I see many artisans, design- of the new initiative by QM and Caravane Earth yesterday at MIA. able global brand, and the textile The bench has been commissioned by the No- ers from India who are showcas- PICTURES: Jayan Orma heritage of Qatar and India. bel Peace Centre and is titled “The Best Weapon” ing for us the variety and depth Some of the speakers include in reference to a famous quote by Nobel laureate The gift, a sculptured “Peace Bench” to be situated of the kind of talent that is in the back 5,000 years from the Indus awareness about sustainable National Museum of Qatar as- Nelson Mandela: “The best weapon is to sit down within the Baraha at NMoQ, is similar to the textile sector in India,” Indian valley civilisation. development, given the kind of sociate curator Tania al-Majid, and talk”. first one (pictured) and placed outside the UN ambassador P Kumaran said in He said the kind of diversity damage that is caused to the at- Vimor Foundation head Pavitra NMoQ was selected under the basis of being a headquarters in New York City earlier this year. his speech at the event, which (of India’s textile tradition) is mosphere by pollution and the Muddaya, and QMs Education high-visibility area by the Nobel Peace Centre, was attended by QM’s Years of mind-boggling whether regional kind of chemicals that are used director Dr Jelena Trkulja. shedding light on the museum’s aim of bringing Liv Torres, executive director at the Nobel Culture head Aisha al-Attiya and or the kind of material, motifs communities together to experience Qatar’s past, Peace Centre, said: “The bench is a symbol of Marielou Phillips from Caravane and themes used. It is also puz- present and future. diplomacy and dialogue, which is much needed Earth. zling how they refl ect various HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa in today’s international climate. The idea of the The exhibition is displaying a socio-cultural, socio-religious al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), bench is to encourage people to sit down and talk curated selection of contempo- traditions in diff erent parts said, “Art and culture are vital tools for bring- – not only to their friends, but also to strangers rary Indian fashion and textiles of the country, and how they ing people together and creating spaces for in- and adversaries. Placing it at NMoQ will support by some of the renowned arti- are related to Indian festivals, novation and expression, and this installation this idea and message in a wonderful way.” sans and designers from India, among others. is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the The 6.5m long bench is made from 100% recy- including PL Bhanumurthy for “It is also wonderful that this importance of conversation, diplomacy and dia- clable aluminium supplied by Hydro, which is a Vimor Foundation, Renuka Ja- theme is being linked to sustain- logue in society, whoever we are or wherever we part-owner of the Qatar-based aluminium com- lan for Chola, Taslim for Ode to ability and sustainable develop- come from.” pany Qatalum. Odd, Moideen Hizqeel for 11.11, ment, which is a very important “The theme of diplomacy and dialogue is cen- Hydro started its industrial adventure in Qatar Dinesh Vankar for Injiri, Taj Mo- and hot topic these days,” Kuma- tral to our fi nal gallery, Qatar Today, which will be in 1969, partnering with Qatar Petroleum to es- hamed for Urvashi Kaur, and Ir- ran said. opening this month. The ‘Peace Bench’ embod- tablish Qafco and later Qatar Vinyl Company be- shad Annad for Khanijo. “I am particularly pleased that ies this responsibility we all have, and NMoQ is fore Qatalum started production in 2010. The envoy, who led the inau- we found the way to bring the proud to be recognised by the Nobel Peace Centre The bench is designed by the Norwegian ar- guration, along with QM and two together and the element of Some of the renowned artisans and designers from India are with this generous and inspirational gift, which chitect and design group Snohetta and manufac- Caravane Earth offi cials, noted sustainability in the way we de- displaying a curated selection of contemporary Indian fashion can now be enjoyed by all visitors to the museum”. tured by Vestre. that India’s textile tradition goes sign our fabrics and to increase and textiles at the exhibition. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 9 QATAR Sales launch held for Qetaifan Island North’s fi rst phase plots etaifan Projects, a subsidiary of Ka- Mughal-E-Azam is a world-class theatrical production from India with seven BroadwayWorld Awards tara Hospitality, has announced the and 175 sold-out shows worldwide. Qawarding of residential and com- mercial plot reservations (villas and towers) of the fi rst phase to investors at a gala dinner. The event was attended by Katara Hos- pitality chairman Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani, Katara Hospitality vice Mughal-E-Azam show chairman and Qetaifan Projects managing director Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman al- Thani. Also in attendance were chief technical of- tickets see brisk sale fi cer Mohamed el-Garhy, chief operating of- fi cer Hesham Sharaf, chief legal offi cer Jean Antonios, and Just Real Estate CEO Nasser here is a “fl ood of en- al-Ansari, as well as other VIP guests and quiries and reserva- investors interested in owning properties at Ttions” for the upcoming Qetaifan Island North. Mughal-E-Azam: The Grand Due to the high demand for bookings at Musical show in Qatar, accord- the company’s booth during Cityscape 2019, ing to the organisers. bookings were awarded for ownership by bid- Marking the “grand fi nale” ding on the down payment, in co-operation of the Qatar-India 2019 Year with Just Real Estate, the exclusive real estate Qetaifan Island North is designed to be Qatar’s future iconic destination with its unique of Culture, and produced by Q- broker. Qetaifan Island North is designed to elements and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. Tickets, Mughal-E-Azam will be Qatar’s future iconic destination with its be staged at the Qatar National unique elements and attractions that the to change the hospitality world through in- and entertainment touristic destination in Convention Centre (QNCC) on whole family can enjoy, starting with a wa- vestment and innovation, which will leave a Qatar. This puts on us more responsibility December 19 and 20. terpark inspired by the Qatari culture and the prominent legacy for future generations in by our commitment to provide the best for A world-class theatrical production of oil and gas, a hotel operated by line with Qatar National Vision 2030.” our beloved country. “We are working hard production from India with Rixos, in addition to diversifi ed waterfronts, He added: “This project reinforces our to add to the real estate development mar- seven BroadwayWorld Awards a linear park along the island surrounded by position in the local hospitality sector as a ket in the recent period, and we consider the and 175 sold-out shows world- retail outlets and services, and distinct wa- major player shaping the tourism industry, Qetaifan Island North as a starting point for wide, Mughal-E-Azam is ex- terfront neighbourhoods, a mosque, school, which would create a safe and sustainable Qetaifan projects towards the development pected to draw a large audience and world-class spas. investment that bears the name of the State of more projects serving the various sectors in Qatar, the organisers have The Beach Club is the fi rst project planned of Qatar.” Sheikh Nasser said, “We are hon- of the country. Qetaifan Island North is the said in a press statement. Mughal-E-Azam will be staged at QNCC on December 19 and 20. for completion by the fi rst quarter of 2020, oured to welcome the fi rst owners of Qetai- fi rst project of Qetaifan Projects. We are keen A series of events, includ- featuring a clubhouse that off ers diff erent fan Island North’s Phase 1 plots. This dem- to see this project come to light in line with ing exhibitions, festivals and coming two-day show in Qa- acts in lavish stage sets. The activities to be enjoyed by the whole family. onstrates Qetaifan Projects’ position in the Qatar National vision 2030.” competitions, have been held tar,” the organisers said. characters’ costumes are cre- Sheikh Nawaf said: “Qetaifan Projects local real estate development market and Qetaifan Island North is located off Lu- through 2019 in Qatar and People of different nation- ated by renowned designer represents a milestone in our commitment refl ects the confi dence that corresponds to sail City and features seven beaches, which India to mark the Year of Cul- alities are booking tickets to Manish Malhotra. to invest in developing the tourism industry the achievements and ambition for Qetai- makes it the city’s distinct waterfront des- ture. the event, including Qataris Under the aegis of Qatar and strengthening the local hospitality sec- fan Island North to the highest international tination. The island spans approximately The initiative welcomes and other Arab communi- National Tourism Council, tor in Qatar. “Katara Hospitality’s vision is standards and competes as the fi rst leisure 1.3mn sq m with 830,000sq m of attractions. guests from the two countries ties, the statement pointed Mughal-E-Azam “promises to explore their cultural simi- out, adding that expatriates to culminate the Qatar-India larities and celebrate the dif- from the United Kingdom and 2019 Year of Culture with a ferences, the statement notes. South Africa, among other unique experience for eve- “To cap off the celebra- countries, will also grace the ryone”, the statement added. tions, Mughal-E-Azam will event. English and Arabic transla- QIB promo to mark Ooredoo’s Aamali be staged in Qatar for the first The Broadway-style musi- tion subtitles will be flashed time. Its previous shows in cal is directed by Feroz Abbas on wide screens so that eve- India, Singapore and Oman Khan. A total of 125 Indian ryone can enjoy the show. Qatar National Day Mobile 5G plans off er were a huge hit. Today, there’s talents are coming to show- Tickets can be purchased already a flood of enquiries case live singing and dancing by visiting q-tickets.com and and reservations for the up- performances and promising from offline ticket partners. atar Islamic Bank (QIB) rental offi ces in more than 150 ‘greater choice, fl exibility’ is rewarding customers cities worldwide. Qwith 18,000 ‘Absher’ Customers would also have rewards points for opening a access to the online shopping oredoo has refreshed of self-service digital tools,” new deposit or a new Misk sav- store “Giftshop” specialised in its “industry-leading” the company said in a state- ings account to commemorate redeeming points with thou- OAamali Mobile Plans to ment. ‘Diamond Celebrations’ campaign Qatar National Day 2019. sands of products across dif- “provide greater choice and fl ex- Now, Ooredoo has refreshed ferent categories, ranging from ibility” for business mobility to the Aamali Plans to include a electronic items, books, sports include 5G capabilities, among wider range of plans that better at Malabar Gold & Diamonds and household items from others. addresses the needs of organi- leading brands. sations across different sizes, “QIB is celebrating Qatar Na- industry verticals and business alabar Gold & Dia- monds and precious gems from on exchange of 22K gold (GCC) tional Day with the people of goals, through the 5G network, monds has unveiled diff erent parts of the world to with diamond jewellery. Qatar with an exclusive limited the statement noted. Mthe details of its latest fl aunt on any occasion or event The above-mentioned off ers time off er on a range of our most Yousuf Abdulla al-Kubai- campaign, ‘Diamond Celebra- and are well-priced, too,” the will continue until January 4 at popular deposit products. This si, chief operating officer at tions’, in Qatar. statement noted. all outlets in Qatar. Running until December is one way of saying thank you Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Aamali The campaign runs until “To add more glitter to this 21, 2019, customers will be to citizens and residents of Qa- Mobile 5G Plans have been January 4, 2020. season, Malabar Gold & Dia- rewarded 18,000 ‘Absher’ re- tar for choosing QIB during this transformative for Qatar’s or- “To mark the celebration monds has also unveiled the wards points when they open a joyful period,” said D Anand, ganisations – providing real- of diamonds, Malabar Gold & latest collection of jewellery in new Misk account with a mini- QIB’s Personal Banking Group time visibility on employees’ Diamonds is showcasing a vast gold, diamonds and precious mum balance of QR10,000 or general manager. mobile usage, full control over variety of diamond jewellery in gems to suit the tastes of its open a fi xed deposit, a certifi - The Misk Account is an in- “Since it launched Aamali their mobile allowances, and its collection - off ering GIA/ multicultural and multina- cate of deposit or an absolute novative savings account that Mobile Plans in early-2018, a full set of easy-to-use dig- IGI-certifi ed diamonds at the tional customers,” the state- ‘mudaraba’ for a minimum is encouraging savings by re- Ooredoo has seen strong suc- ital tools that can enhance op- best prices,” the leading jewel- ment added. of QR100,000 for at least six warding positive fi nancial cess on business customers erational efficiency and em- ler said in a statement. Malabar Gold & Diamonds months. The rewards points habits. When opening a Misk switching or upgrading their ployee experiences. Thousands The campaign brings “un- has incorporated these designs will be credited by the end of Account, customers will re- mobile plans. Aamali Mobile of business customers have precedented opportunities” to With every diamond jewel- as part of diff erent brands, January 2020. ceive a free debit card and can 5G Plans provide rich mobile moved to Aamali 5G, and we avail of cash-back with dia- lery purchase, customers will namely Ethnix - Handcrafted With ‘Absher’ points, cus- request a free credit card for data allowances and flexibility expect thousands more to do so mond jewellery purchases. “A get a Scratch & Win coupon for Designer Jewellery, Era - Un- tomers could choose to book the fi rst year backed by the to activate multiple add-ons real soon.” true shopper’s delight, Mala- a guaranteed cash-back as well cut Diamond Jewellery, Mine - fl ight tickets from over 900 account balance, take advan- for local calling, local data, in- Business customers can se- bar Gold & Diamonds will cap- as the chance to win up to 100% Diamonds Unlimited, Divine- airlines, book a room from over tage of assured profi ts on their ternational calling and roaming lect from eight different plans, tivate customers by exhibiting cash-back. Customers can also Indian Heritage Jewellery and 450,000 hotels and rent a car savings and have the chance to for greater value, control and start with an introductory plan eye-catching designs in dia- avail of a zero-deduction off er Precia - Gem Jewellery. from more than 150,000 car frequently win cash prizes. flexibility - all through the ease and scale up. Qatar Charity in pact with Talabat for virtual meals

atar Charity (QC) has responsibility, with the aim of month, the statement noted. will provide a channel for QC to signed a co-operation boosting social solidarity and Haji expressed pleasure at collect donations for its charita- Qand partnership agree- supporting humanitarian action, adding Qatar Charity to the ble and developmental projects. ment with Talabat to sell vir- QC has said in a press statement. company’s website. He also Talabat’s website will facilitate tual meals through the latter’s Under the deal, the two parties emphasised the importance the selling of virtual meals of website, in support of charita- have agreed to add Qatar Charity of building partnerships with Qatar Charity. ble projects and relief activities to the list of restaurants available relevant entities and organisa- “For us, it’s an opportunity implemented by QC across the on Talabat’s website, as a virtual tions to support charitable and to leverage our platform to en- globe. charitable restaurant that will sell humanitarian action, hoping able our customers to give back The pact was inked by Ab- three virtual meals at QR20, QR50 that other companies would do to the Qatari community in a dulaziz Jassim Haji, director of and QR100, respectively. likewise in support of charitable meaningful way,” said De Sousa. the Customer Service Depart- They have also agreed to projects meant for those most in “Through our partnership with ment at Qatar Charity, and Fran- transfer donations, collected as need worldwide. Qatar Charity, we look forward cisco De Sousa, managing direc- part of the virtual meals pur- On his part, De Sousa was de- to creating more opportunities tor of Talabat QFC. chase initiative, through Ta- lighted at entering into a part- like this one to give back to our The agreement has been signed labat’s website to the QC bank nership with Qatar Charity by community and invite our users Abdulaziz Jassim Haji and Francisco De Sousa signing the agreement. as part of the company’s social account at the beginning of each signing the agreement, which to come with us on this journey.” Gulf Times 10 Thursday, December 12, 2019 QATAR

Malaysian PM arrives in Doha

Qatar Airways has launched a creative campaign with football legend Xavi playing the AR game. Qatar Airways launches

Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed and his accompanying delegation arrived in Doha yesterday evening on an off icial Augmented Reality visit to the country. He was welcomed upon arrival at Hamad International Airport by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Qatar’s ambassador to Malaysia Fahad bin Mohamed Kafood, and charge d’aff aires of the Malaysian embassy in Doha game with Facebook Mohamed Shahir. Page 23

atar Airways has cebook app to millions of foot- and movies, AR enables peo- launched a new Aug- ball fans across the world. This ple to connect with businesses Qmented Reality (AR) ex- initiative is directly in line with and products in new ways. We perience that allows customers the airline’s mission of bringing are excited to pilot this new ad Qatar’s Flag Relay kicks off today to play an innovative football people together, the statement format with Qatar Airways to game where they must ‘Blink to continues. build more engaging mobile ad Score’. Qatar Airways senior vice- experiences and boost audience QNA and the keenness of the people to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olym- while Abdurrahman Samba This immersive feature lets president (Corporate Com- engagement.” Doha celebrate the country’s National pic Games. claimed the men’s 400m hur- the player interact through a munications) Salam al-Shawa AR games have now been Day with admirable pride and Several sport activities have dles bronze at the 2019 World virtual experience on Face- said: “Qatar Airways is con- linked with Facebook ads, by fervour. been lined up to be simultane- Athletics Championships in book. By connecting reality and stantly pioneering new ways to incorporating call-to-actions ore than 5,000 par- A number of elite athletes, ously held during the two-day Doha. the virtual world, fans will now interact with our passengers, within the AR experience. Cus- ticipants have so far public fi gures and celebrities will event. Besides, a number of Qatari be able to playfully engage with and we are grateful to Face- tomers can go seamlessly be- Mregistered for the third be holding the Qatari fl ag early in A number of Qatari top ath- athletes, including Barshim, the Qatar Airways brand. book for sharing our passion tween engaging with the Qatar edition of the Team Qatar’s Flag the morning of the fi rst day on letes including World Champion Samba, Abubaker Hayder, Qatar “The award-winning airline for innovation to enhance our Airways brand to learning more Relay being organised by the Qa- tour of some schools, Ooredoo Mutaz Barshim and Abdulrah- high jumping team and shooter has set another precedent, be- customers’ experience. Excite- about packages to attend the tar Olympic Committee (QOC) building before heading back to man Samba have been named by Mohamed al-Rumaihi, secured coming the fi rst regional carrier ment is building as the FIFA FIFA Club World Cup Qatar as part of the celebrations of this the Qatar Olympic Committee the QOC as the Flag Relay Am- qualifi cation for the Tokyo 2020 to leverage the newly launched Club World Cup Qatar 2019 2019. year’s Qatar National Day on De- building. bassadors. Summer Olympic Games. Facebook AR ads format, ena- gets under way and we are de- As part of the Make Qatar cember 18. The Flag Relay will resume Team Qatar’s Flay Relay The 2018 edition of Team bling consumers to play the AR lighted to welcome the football Your Goal campaign, the air- The event is now scheduled to tomorrow with the flag passing rounds up a year of major sport- Qatar’s Flag Relay had notably game directly from Facebook’s world to Qatar, the destination line announced fl ight off ers on be held over two days — Thurs- through the Doha Corniche, ing achievements for Qatar. brought together several peo- newsfeed, without having to of champions.” Economy and Business Class day, December 12 and Friday, Qatar Foundation and Katara Among the many feats record- ple from diff erent segments of install additional applications,” Facebook’s managing direc- tickets as well as packages from December 13 — in view of the before concluding at the Ha- ed this year was the crowning of the society, including current a press statement notes. tor for Mena, Ramez Shehadi, the world to Doha. “Qatar Air- huge response received, which is mad International Airport, the national football team as the and retired athletes of Al Adaam Qatar Airways has launched said: “The use of AR is grow- ways invites its customers to expected to increase. where the flag will be handed Champions of Asia at the 2019 team, who toured more than a creative campaign with foot- ing among people and busi- book fl ights to see the stars of The impressive turnout and over to a pilot of an airplane Asian Cup in the UAE. 300km across Qatar while en- ball legend Xavi playing the AR nesses in our region. From world football in action at the interest is coming in the wake of heading to the Japanese capital Mutaz Barshim also success- gaging in a number of sport ac- game, delivering the “fi rst-of- try-on product experiences FIFA Club World Cup Qatar the successes of the two previ- of Tokyo, preceding Team Qa- fully defended his men’s high tivities including bicycles, run- its-kind” experience on the Fa- to immersive fi lters for games 2019,” the statement added. ous editions of the annual event tar who will be participating at jump World Champion title ning, swimming and others. Al Sadd overcome Hienghene in opener

From Page 1 nudging Khoukhi just outside the box but the referee ruled a foul They are based in a remote part by Hienghene forward. Upon of New Caledonia with a popula- watching a VAR review, Ghorbal tion of just 2,500, fi ve hours away reversed his decision as Roine from the country’s capital, Nou- went on a celebratory run with mea. his teammates joining him. Hienghene does not possess There was more VAR drama in the quality of Sadd, so it was ob- the 69th minute and Sadd were vious that they would sit deep at the receiving end again. After and look to attack on counter. Nyikeine had denied Bounedjah While the hosts dominated, with a brilliant save, substitute Hienghene had their fair share of Hassan al-Haydos fi erce shot chances in the fi rst half. hit the net. But the referee cut Sadd did have couple of short al-Haydos’ celebration chances in the opening minutes after Bounedjah, who had made but it was Hienghene who had the pass to his teammates, was fi rst real shot at the goal. In the off side. ninth minute, forward Jeff erson Al Sadd’s Abdelkarim Hassan (third from left) celebrates with Sadd had numerous chances Dahite’s right footed shot hit the teammates after scoring a goal during the FIFA Club World Cup to fi nish the game with Afi f hav- side net. Qatar 2019 match against Hienghene Sport at Jassim Bin Hamad ing couple of golden chances. Four minutes later, Hienghene Stadium in Doha yesterday. While the 23-year-old’s header Sarajevo orchestra regales audience goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine, was whisked past the post, he was called into action with Gabi and forward could not add power to advantage when the Qatari for- also guilty of shooting wide as Bounedjah both trying their luck. his header as al-Sheeb made a ward had slotted the ball into the game went to extra time. QNA and a number of ministers, the cultural and civilisational Nyikeine, however, was equal to regulation save. the net after Boualem Khoukhi’s While Hienghene continued to Doha ambassadors and members heritage of Bosnia and Herze- the task, blocking both the shots Roine was still lamenting his free kick was palmed away by defend stoically, a mistake from of the diplomatic corps in the govina. easily. close miss, when Bounedjah Nyikeine. But the goal was dis- goalkeeper Nyikeine undid all state. Ambassador Turkovic Roine, meanwhile was a con- made no mistake at the other end allowed after a VAR review by their good work. After confusion atara - the Cultural Vil- Katara’s general manager praised the co-operation with stant threat to the Sadd defence, to put Sadd ahead. Hassan deliv- Algerian referee Mustapha Ghor- with defender, while clearing lage in co-operation commended the fruitful cul- Katara, noting the signifi cance and the forward tested Saad ered a cross from the left-hand bal, who deemed Bounedjah had a Sadd attempt, Nyikeine gave Kwith the embassy of tural co-operation which of Sarajevo Philharmonic Or- al-Sheeb from outside the box fl ank, which was tapped in by obstructed Nyikeine as he looked a back pass to his teammates. Bosnia and Herzegovina in Qa- contributes to promoting chestra to the Bosnian people with Sadd stopper diving to his Bounedjah. There was a VAR re- to save Afi f’s follow-up shot. With referee awarding a free kick tar organised Sarajevo Philhar- constructive cultural com- for its rich musical history. left to make a save. In the 25th view for the goal with Bounedjah Hienghene got the second half to Sadd inside the box, Hassan monic Orchestra concert in the munication and achieving the The ambassador highlighted minute, Roine should have put seemed to be off side but a little under way and they equalised blasted past a wall of defenders presence of the Prime Minis- message of Katara which seeks the Qatari-Bosnian relations Hienghene into the lead. Cap- nick off the defender on the way within a minute after the break, from close range. ter of Bosnia and Herzegovina to extend bridges of communi- which are witnessing a remark- tain Bertrand Kai played in a through meant the Algerian was but not before the visitors were With Hienghene’s spirits Fadil Novalic, Katara general cation between peoples. able development at all levels, perfect cross into the box, with played onside. made to wait for the goal to be crushed, Pedro added another manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim He added that the event especially in the cultural fi eld Roine having beaten defender In the 39th minute, Akram Afi f given. Roine had slotted the ball goal with six minutes remaining al-Sulaiti, Bosnian ambassa- represented an opportunity which plays an important role Pedro Miguel to the ball but the thought he had doubled Sadd’s to the bottom right corner after to keep Sadd in the tournament. dor to Qatar Bisera Turkovic to learn about an aspect of in bringing people together.

A dazzling display QND celebrations get under way at Katara

Qatar National Day celebrations at Katara - the Cultural Village got under way yesterday. Featuring some 40 diff erent activities, the Qatar National Day programme A fireworks display lit up the evening sky above the Doha at Katara has been organised in co-operation with various ministries and government and private entities. The celebrations were launched by Katara general Corniche to mark the beginning of FIFA Club World Cup Qatar manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti amid an environment filled with patriotic fervour. The celebrations will be held at the Katara Esplanade from 3pm-10pm until 2019. PICTURE: Ram Chand December 19. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 11 QATAR

Serve the homeland ‘National Day an occasion and aspirations of its people: CMC chief to celebrate achievements’ QNA Doha

QNA ing this occasion in a national and prosperity. She talked about and the opening of 10 primary Doha scene embodying the solidarity the eff orts made by the Ministry health care centres, since 2016, E the Chairman of the and cohesion of the people of the of Health to develop the health 7 centres of which belong to the Central Municipal Coun- country, their love, sincerity and sector in the country, saying that Primary Health Care in addition Hcil (CMC) Mohamed bin E the Minister of Public loyalty to the wise leadership and the Ministry of Public Health and to three health centres for sin- Hamoud Shafi al-Shafi stated Health Dr Hanan Mo- homeland. its partners in the health sec- gle males managed by the Qatari that celebrating the National Day Hhamed al-Kuwari has af- She said that one of the im- tor are working to implement Red Crescent based on an agree- embodies feelings of pride in the fi rmed that the celebration of the portant features that contribute the National Health Strategy ment with the Ministry of Public achievements made by Qatar National Day represents an abid- greatly to the consolidation of 2018-2022, which is one of eight Health during the same period, under the guidance of its wise ing national occasion for Qatar’s national values and principles is sectoral strategies that were de- accompanied by a signifi cant leadership, noting that the 18th people, as it represents great in- the slogans of the National Day veloped within the framework increase in the highly qualifi ed of December every year will re- dications in which we remember chosen by the organising com- of the National Development workforce in addition to other main a bright day in the heart and our glorious history of establish- mittee for the National Day cele- Strategy 2018-2022 with the aim important projects that are be- memory of the people of Qatar. HE the Chairman of the Central ing our state on solid foundations brations annually, which embody of achieving Qatar’s National Vi- ing implemented in the coming He also noted that the National Municipal Council Mohamed bin under the leadership of wise an integral part of our values and sion 2030. period. Day is an occasion in which the Hamoud Shafi al-Shafi. leaders who worked sincerely principles, therefore, the slogan HE the Minister of Public Health HE the minister added that She also noted the Ministry people of Qatar recall the glori- and with their people in order to for this year: “The Path of ex- Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari under the slogan “Our health our of Public Health’s keenness to ous past of their country, which ance to the principles of justice, build, stabilise and develop their cellent is diffi cult” is inspired by future” the focus is on popula- adopt the highest international was established by the late Sheikh righteousness, international cov- country to be pioneer among na- the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin it, as His Highness the Amir made tion health and integrated care, quality standards, which con- Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani. enants and laws, sovereignty and tions. Mohamed bin Thani, confi rms clear in his speech at the opening through seven priority popu- tributed to the excellence of the He added that the National Day territorial integrity of states and In her statement to Qatar News that excellence needs hard work, of the 48th ordinary session of lation groups focusing on the health system at the global level, will remain a milestone to be ex- the establishment of close rela- Agency (QNA), she said that Qa- knowledge and morals. the Shura Council that “by virtue groups most in need of care, such and the health care system in the amined in order to look forward tions with all countries of the tar National Day is an oppor- HE the minister stated that of God’s support, credit for our as children, mothers, the elderly State of Qatar surpasses many to a promising future with our world. tunity from which we can draw Qatar celebrates the signifi cant success in containing most of its and those with special needs, in international standards in the wise leadership, which utilised all He stressed that the wise lead- important lessons to preserving achievements in various fi elds, negative impacts is attributable addition to fi ve priorities at the fi eld of high-quality care, in ad- capabilities for the progress and ership had succeeded, with its our values and principles that according to a clear vision and to maintaining our calm and deci- level of the health system as a dition to achieving international prosperity of the country. wise policy, in overcoming diffi - we have inherited across genera- planning aimed at achieving sive approach in handling this cri- whole to ensure access to quality accreditations where 13 of Ha- HE al-Shafi congratulated, in culties and achieving victory over tions, which the Qatari citizen is comprehensive and sustainable sis, revealing all its related facts to care, where work is being contin- mad Medical Corporation’s facil- his own behalf and on behalf of the unjust blockade, noting the proud of. HE al-Kuwari off ered development and achieving de- the whole world, while adhering ued to achieve the national goals ities have been accredited by the Council’s members, His Highness internal cohesion and the estab- the most sincere congratulations cent living for the people of Qa- to the independence of our politi- set by the strategy, and to allow a Joint Commission International the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- lishment of the rules of justice, and blessings to His Highness tar. “Therefore, under our wise cal decision vis-a-vis attempts to greater focus on prevention and (JCI), while the Primary Health mad al-Thani, His Highness the quality and the rule of law, so that the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- leadership, our country was able impose tutelage on us, as well as wellness, and improving access Care Corporation and its centres Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin goodness prevails throughout the mad al-Thani, His Highness the to enhance its global presence strengthening our bilateral re- to care and service delivery in a also received Diamond-level ac- Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness country under the wise leader- Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin through its fi rm positions that lations with friendly and allied more consistent and integrated creditation certifi cate from Ac- the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah ship, which devoted every eff ort Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness support rights and serve human- countries.” manner. creditation Canada. bin Hamad al-Thani and the wise to protect the country and care the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdul- ity. Our country has also led great She added that therefore, the She pointed out that health HE the minister stressed the government and Qatari people on for the citizens. He stressed that lah bin Hamad al-Thani and the humanitarian initiatives to sup- State of Qatar, thanks to God facilities have witnessed an im- important achievements that the occasion of the National Day. what Qatar has achieved since its Qatari people on the occasion of port people in need, and ensure and to the wisdom of leader- portant expansion, eight new had been made, thanks to the HE the chairman of CMC said, establishment is a credit not only the National Day. that appropriate education and ship, the loyalty of the people, public and specialised hospitals great support of the wise lead- in a statement to Qatar News for Qataris, but for the Arab and She also stressed that the Na- diverse human needs are provid- and our adherence to the truth, have been opened since 2016, in ership of His Highness the Amir Agency (QNA), that everyone’s Islamic nation. tional Day contributes to the ed,” she added. does not know the impossible addition to the opening of the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- goal was to serve and contribute HE al-Shafi stressed that the consolidation of the values of She also explained that Qatar’s and always remains a civilisa- new Emergency and Accident Thani, in order to improve the to the country, adding that the experience of the Council, as the loyalty to the country, where the great national achievements con- tional model that inspires the Center at Hamad Medical Cor- health of the Qatari community, citizen has been the primary con- fi rst democratic institution, has various institutions and authori- tinued despite all challenges and peoples to preserve their capa- poration last September, which as an educated, healthy citizen is cern in the process of building the proven the success of the ap- ties in the state and the people that Qatar was able to overcome bilities, overcome diffi culties and is considered as one of the largest the basis, goal and engine of the state out of belief that the human proach of the State of Qatar to of Qatar participate in celebrat- the unjust blockade imposed on achieve development, stability emergency centres in the region, development. being is the centre of every civili- promote the values of freedom sation process and the main pillar and justice, consolidate the prin- of the state. ciple of Shura, implement demo- He added that the wise leader- cratic approach and the policy of ship paid attention to education, openness and enhance the par- as schools, universities and vari- ticipation in decision-making in Pakistan-Qatar relations based on mutual respect ous educational institutions were light of the major development provided, and the development of taking place in the country in health services in terms of their various fi elds. n his message, Pakistani am- foundations of shared faith, cul- In the recent past, both Qa- Qatar,” the envoy said. They have diversity, distinctiveness and He explained that the CMC bassador to Qatar Syed Ahsan ture and heritage. tar and Pakistan have begun to proudly participated in the devel- modernity, as well as achieve- co-operates with all ministries IRaza Shah said: “It gives me “The visit to Qatar by Prime more clearly realise that they have opment of Qatar. We are grateful ments in infrastructure and social and institutions in the state, and immense pleasure to felicitate Minister Imran Khan in Janu- shared interests and shared goals to the leadership and people of and energy fi elds and construc- seeks to improve performance to His Highness the Amir Sheikh ary and by His Highness the which are mutually benefi cial. Qatar for hosting around 170,000 tion of industrial projects, cities, achieve the aspirations of citi- Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad The visa on arrival extended Pakistani diaspora. bridges, roads and ports to com- zens. Highness the Father Amir Sheikh al-Thani to Pakistan in June this from both states is not only in- I am confi dent that relations plement the march started by the He noted that the Council, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE year have further strengthened creasing people-to-people con- between our two states will con- Founder to establish values and whose members were elected for the Prime Minister and Minister bilateral relations which have em- tact, but is also facilitating busi- tinue to strengthen. principles and prepare an edu- its sixth session, illustrate the of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin barked upon a trajectory of even ness delegations and tourism in I avail this opportunity to con- cated and healthy citizen. democracy enjoyed by the State Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE closer diplomatic, political and Qatar. gratulate the leadership of Qatar The chairman called on eve- of Qatar, adding that the distin- the Deputy Prime Minister and economic ties,” he added. This ever increasing interaction on its vision and leadership in this ryone to work, exert eff ort and guished participation of male and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Pakistan has actively sought to will give rise to new opportuni- regard. increase productivity to serve the female voters and candidates in Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- enhance trade ties and more than ties for co-operation between our “We join our Qatari brothers in homeland and the aspirations of this democratic event highlights Thani, the government and peo- doubled its exports in the last two people. the festivities of the National Day. its people. He called on every citi- the sound approach drawn by the ple of the State of Qatar on the years. Pakistani ambassador Syed “We are thankful to Qatar for Once again, I extend my profound zen and resident to take inspira- wise leadership in order to ex- occasion of National Day.” The recently held 5th session of Ahsan Raza Shah the assistance it has provided in felicitations and express best tion from the spirit and thought pand community participation in “Bilateral relations between Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial diffi cult times. We also resolve to wishes of the people of Pakistan of the Founder in a way that leads decision-making, consolidate the Pakistan and Qatar are marked Commission will further enhance There is also signifi cant interest stand by Qatar. Pakistani commu- that the State of Qatar may con- us to more work, production and democratic experience to serve by mutual respect and cordiality. economic, trade and investment at the government and the private nity living in Qatar serves as a liv- tinue on its path of progress and dedication to serve the country the country and the citizen and These relations are based on the relations. level in Qatar to invest in Pakistan. ing bridge between Pakistan and prosperity,” he concluded. and improve the performance of contribute to its development. the CMC to achieve the aspira- He stated that the council con- tions of the citizens in co-opera- tributed during 20 years, through tion with all related government its recommendations and pro- agencies. posals, to the development proc- HE al-Shafi continued by ess of the state; it also interacted saying that everyone in Qatar with various issues of concern to QCAA keeping pace with global changes is blessed with security, stabil- the citizens and residents within ity and progress, and the state is the framework of its speciali- taking its rightful place among ties, and had its role in activating QNA in the results of the comprehen- Qatar is considered the first country Qatar has signed a memo- nations as a modern, developed decisions and laws in the fi eld of Doha sive audit of the safety of civil randum of understanding to of- country with the success of its municipal aff airs. Additionally, it aviation according to the Inter- in the Middle East to issue guidance fer scholarships to students in foreign policy that is guided by submitted proposals that are all in national Civil Aviation Organi- materials focused on the application developing countries that are His Highness the Amir in accord- the public’s interest. rom its inception to the sation (ICAO) Universal Safety members of ICAO, who wish to present day, the Qatar Civil Oversight Audit Programme of security standards to address and study at Qatar Aeronautical Col- FAviation Authority (QCAA) (USOAP), which was conducted reduce threats and cyberattacks in lege, following the approval of Belgium, Qatar partners in various fields has taken steady steps toward on the authority and its safety the civil aviation sector, which will the Cabinet. achieving its objectives in both system. In the same context, the State QNA civil aviation and meteorology During the audit, the compat- raise awareness of stakeholders and of Qatar inaugurated its perma- Doha out of desire to continuously de- ibility of states’ safety stand- nent offi ce in ICAO on April 30, velop its mechanism and keep ards with the international rules employees of the civil aviation system 2018, which confi rms the solid pace with global changes. written in the Convention on in the country, and guide them to follow and continuous co-operation elgian ambassador to Qa- One of the most notable International Civil Aviation (also between the state and all inter- tar Bart De Groof affi rmed achievements of QCAA during known as Chicago Convention) best practices in cybersecurity national and regional organisa- Bthat his country’s co-op- the past year was publishing, in are checked. tions. eration with Qatar in the fi eld of collaboration with the Cyber Se- Qatar has achieved a qualita- the European Union, which is rules are more than 50 years old This also comes in line with energy has grown signifi cantly Belgian envoy Bart De Groof. curity Division at the Ministry of tive leap in the ICAO audit by the fi rst of its kind between a and are no longer compatible the state’s foreign policy and its during the past year, noting that Transport and Communications, scoring 91.16% compared to 63% Gulf state and the European Un- with the developments in the role as an active partner in the Belgium is a major gateway for many expats who live and work the fi rst edition of the Cyber Se- in 2013 assessment. The State of ion. The agreement will open the international civil aviation in- international community. The Qatari gas to reach northwestern in Qatar and share in this special curity Guidelines in the fi eld of Qatar also achieved 99.10% in skies between the State of Qatar dustry. offi ce also contributes signifi - Europe. moment. Together they are con- civil aviation, which included the application of the standards and the member states of the Eu- At the fi rst meeting of the cantly to the civil aviation indus- In a statement to Qatar News tributing to the further develop- security principles and standards of Annex XVII on the security of ropean Union, which allow both Working Group on ICAO Rules try in the State of Qatar through Agency (QNA) on the occasion ment of this beautiful country, for the protection of vital areas in civil aviation, which is the most parties to conduct an unlimited of Settlement of Disputes Work- the eff ective participation in all of National Day, the ambassador the ambassador added. the aviation sector, in addition to important criterion in the fi eld number of transport fl ights. shop held in Montreal Canada, events and initiatives organised said that Belgium and Qatar are Regarding the unjust blockade the best practices in cybersecu- of security audit. Furthermore, it The State of Qatar has also the State of Qatar presented a by the ICAO, in addition to its closely working together com- imposed on Qatar, the ambassa- rity in this fi eld. achieved a percentage of 96.76% joined the vast majority of mul- proposal that would contribute role in enhancing co-operation mercially and economically, for dor said that Qatar has shown a The State of Qatar is consid- with regard to the implementa- tilateral aviation treaties and in accelerating the implementa- and sharing experience with var- example in the fi elds of technol- remarkable resilience in the face ered the fi rst country in the Mid- tion of vital elements related to agreements, which fall under the tion of rules for dispute resolu- ious countries represented at the ogy, engineering and in the serv- of challenging circumstances dle East to issue guidance mate- aviation security. umbrella of ICAO. tion and settlements aff ecting headquarters of the organisation ice industry. over the last couple of years. He rials focused on the application In addition to that, the State In addition to signing the the civil aviation industry in a in Montreal. The ambassador praised the added that Qatar has always re- of security standards to address of Qatar has obtained 100% in memorandum of co-operation way that is in line with the great In the fi eld of meteorology, extremely strong relations be- acted wisely, remaining open to and reduce threats and cyberat- the application of the security with the Single European Sky development witnessed by this QCAA made several achieve- tween Qatar and Belgium, adding all discussion and interaction tacks in the civil aviation sector, standards contained in Annex IX ATM Research (SESAR) project, sector all over the world. ments, most notably the open- that the meeting of His Highness with everybody. which will raise awareness of of Convention on International Qatar has also became a member The State of Qatar, represented ing of the Gulf maritime centre, the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- He pointed out that the recent stakeholders and employees of Civil Aviation on facilities. of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) by QCAA, has contributed $1mn the fi rst of its kind in the Arab mad al-Thani with Belgian King Gulf Cup was a very fi ne exam- the civil aviation system in the As a continuation of QCAA’s Panel since March 2018. to ICAO “No Country Left Be- region. Its services encompasses Philippe in 2018 was an example ple, when Qataris welcomed State of Qatar, and guide them progress, the number of air To complement its role in hind (NCLB)” campaign, which the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of of that. everybody with open arms and to follow best practices in cyber- service agreements between the providing initiatives, plans and was initiated by the organisa- Hormuz, the Arabian Sea and the He expressed heartfelt con- in a friendly manner. Likewise, security. The fi rst version of the State of Qatar and the rest of actions to achieve an environ- tion to help ensure better co- Gulf of Aden. gratulations to the State of Qatar, he added that Qatar always em- guidelines was handed over to the world countries reached 167 mentally and economically sus- ordination and implementation Furthermore, Mukaynis Me- His Highness the Amir Sheikh phasised the need for the rule of the International Civil Aviation agreements, which constituted tainable future for the air trans- of recommended standards and teorological Center was recently Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the law, as well as in international Organisation (ICAO) by QCAA. about 85% of all countries. The port sector, ICAO adopted the practices at the global level, es- inaugurated, in addition to Qatar government and people of Qatar relations, and has consistently The most signifi cant milestone most important of these agree- Qatari initiative to develop rules pecially in priority areas such as Meteorological App, which pro- on the occasion of National Day, worked through the United Na- for the authority during the last ments was the Comprehensive for settling disputes among its safety, air navigation and avia- vides all weather information in describing it as a day of pride and tions multilateral system to make period was getting a new record Air Transport Agreement with member states since the current tion security. Qatar and around the world. celebrations for all Qataris and its voice heard. Gulf Times 12 Thursday, December 12, 2019 HOL STIC Wellbeing Have faith in positivity

may have a better chance at liv- I am only human ing a happier and healthier life. How? By being positive. As humans, our minds and remind myself, and those around bodies deal with our emotions me — I too, am only human. I and we all know how we don’t am a human being, subject and love getting angry or being sad. exposed to the same world we Anger and sadness are only two humans all live in together. I am of the emotions that trigger not immune to the challenges and stress, anxiety, more anger, more diff iculties you face, nor does my sadness, possibly depression and veganism protect me with a 100% so much more. Our bodies feel guarantee that I’ll not get colds or these triggers and the negativ- shivers, coughs or a sneeze. Does By Reem Abdulrahman Jassim ity takes over. We all know how my healthy plant-based lifestyle al-Muftah there are numerous studies relat- combined with my strict fitness ing and directly linking positive routine reduce my chances of thinking with improved men- feeling unwell? Absolutely. But as fi nd myself saying ‘every- tal health, leading to improved By Ghanim al-Sulaiti the weather changes, or as I move thing happens for a reason’ physical health. So why doesn’t from a heavily air-conditioned Iway too much, so I sat down everyone seem to fully compre- gym into the warm middle-of-the- and tried to fi gure out why I hend the power of positivity? There’s a huge pressure that a day heat, do I get days where I just feel so comfortable stating that The power of our mind to be able person faces when changing don’t feel my best? Yes. I am only phrase to myself and others, so to change our mindset, the way a part of their life in ways that human. much of the time. Well, guess we think and the way our body are perceived as ‘drastic’ or I feel this is necessary to highlight what? It helped me understand reacts? The benefi ts behind posi- even ‘extreme’ to others who sometimes as my commitment to myself more and made me bet- tive reinforcement and trying to do not share the mind-set. The a healthy lifestyle is often branded ter able to explain my outlook on making sense of what might not? pressure of being labelled under something ‘extraordinary’ or life. We never stop learning about Maybe not every single thing a certain diet can turn a positive ‘super-human’ — leaving me ourselves when we continuously happens for a reason but why not opportunity into a somewhat exposed to the reality that I wonder and explore why do we only make sense to me later. It ments where you make sure to true was the moment you realised tell ourselves that? Why not learn negative, pit-of-your-stomach sometimes feel I must live up to do the things we do. It is always might be seconds, days or even tell yourself that everything, no you never wanted it. I am sure we to be optimistic, to continue with feeling. Declaring yourself as the ‘super-human’ title a person hard to explain to others the way years before you realise the sig- matter good or bad, happens for all have had some of those ‘a-ha’ our lives no matter what we face ‘Vegan’ is one thing — but living has given me. What if they you think, but bare with me as I nifi cance of why something hap- a reason. Maybe you are not re- moments where we realised that and believe that it is all for the up to what society thinks you think I don’t appear as healthy attempt to explain my self-ex- pened in your life, but trust me, ligious and don’t believe in any- we might not have really wanted best? It’s simple, have faith in should be, do, say, or consume is as they expected? What if their ploration results and try to make there’s always a reason. thing similar. That’s totally fi ne, or needed what we were trying to positivity and let it change your another. You may feel trapped in a interpretation of what a ‘healthy sense of it all. Maybe you’re religious and you but keep an open mind, observe get, because we only understand life. commitment that was ultimately appearance’ is, is totally diff erent First of all, everything happens already have some kind of aligned yourself, remember how things it later on. Don’t you see, it’s a your own dietary choice. You may to mine? What if I’m unable to say for a reason. I fi rmly believe that belief to what I am referring to, turned out in the end, how some- cycle. If you consistently train feel you have to act in a certain that I had caught a common cold I have been through specifi c ex- but I ask you to take a deeper look times you wished for something, your mind to believe that every-  The author is a wellness advocate way, or avoid certain things, for while travelling for the fear of periences for a reason and they and really try to live those mo- but the moment it never came thing happens for a reason, you and infl uencer @keys2balance. fear of not living up to what a people who would conclude that ‘Vegan’ would do. somehow my strict regime was I consider myself a head-strong failing me? person, I often have clear goals It’s at that moment that reminding Anger Management, and objectives in life, be it for work myself of the fact that I am How to ‘Fake it’ less this Holiday Season or leisure, for my expectations only human ensures that I’m do we really need it? of the day ahead or for my comfortable and living my new year intentions. I adopt a healthiest life, while being aware This way, when you actually receive leadership role in Qatar’s growing of the fact that there are elements, an appropriate gift, you’ll be genu- Vegan industry, and find myself several elements of life that I tions and career. inely surprised. Expressing your advocating for the plant-based simply cannot control. To manage and redirect your anger, gratitude at the thought of the gift lifestyle in at least 3 conversations Looking ahead to 2020, one of my firstly you have to recognise it. is also an ideal solution, especially per day. I’m continuously talking many resolutions is to be more Some basic symptoms of anger when you’ve limited your imagina- about how veganism has comfortable with how others are rapid heartbeat, headaches, tion with the use of the item. Joint positively impacted my life, how may be perceiving me when sweating, redness in eyes and skin, pain relievers are actually pretty I’m benefitting, and how the other I meet them for the first time, cramps in your stomach, clenching good bed warmers! person could feel those same based solely on the fact that I am of hands and tapping your foot or health benefits if they were to take leading my vegan life in a way pacing around. Small Talk with Related Stran- (at least some of) my advice. that satisfies me, benefits me, and Identifying the cause of your anger gers: After encountering this I’m proud, I’m dedicated, I’ve brings joy and motivation to my is also important. Many a times the situation consistently, I realised I explained, I’ve analysed, I’ve life…all while remembering those real cause of anger is kept hidden wasn’t alone in sharing this experi- tried, and I have tested. My vegan all-important four words: I am only and ignored while fighting on lame By Sanah Thakur ence. An unresolved mystery of journey was a process that was human. issues like coming late for 5 minutes Christmas will always be the case ultimately life-changing; it’s By Hala Bader al-Humaidhi or breaking a glass. Once you are of the related stranger who is something I think of each and  The author is an expert in vegan getting angry, try to identify and It’s that time of the year again, strategically placed beside you every day. But there comes a wellbeing and health. Instagram discuss the actual reason of your when the neurochemistry of your for an exclusive version of holiday time during the day that I must handle: @Ghanim92  I remember in the old days, when aggression. It helps in stabilising brain is aligning itself to spark the small talk. Now an advanced practi- I used to get angry on almost your physiological condition. holiday spirit. Your work colleagues tioner, my advice is simple. Remind anything; that changed of course, Three stratagem are highly are transitioning into pleasant yourself that the likelihood of the as I started losing friends, jobs, and preferred while tackling anger beings, much like the weather related stranger meeting you again myself! I thought that it is a must to issues: Express, Suppress and outdoors. You giddily skip through is small. Engage in conversation as Wellness Meal Plan enroll myself in an ‘Anger Manage- Calm. Anger can be expressed in a holiday off ers and retail traps, magical songs are there to remind entertainment as opposed to duty. ment’ course to demolish these non-aggressive manner describing excusing your disruptive shopping you that singular activities are Daring to ask questions that you emotions. It was a two-day course your viewpoint without mortifying behaviour with seasonal ignorance. lonely. However, the confusion of find interesting might reveal sides which absolutely changed my life, someone’s feelings. Second option Your morning coff ee becomes enjoying an activity you don’t want to the stranger that convince you to the better that is. I recovered is to suppress your anger and warmer and hot chocolate; aff ord- to be a part of, can remind you of the familial link. destroyed relationships, became redirect that energy to gain some able. You find yourself looking why it’s okay to want to be alone. popular at the off ice, and last but positivity. Third strategy includes forward to prolonged periods of After multiple failures at executing Being Privately Real About not least, got rid of most of the med- calming your body and mind; this interaction with your family, spon- a ‘no’ to the face cringing songs, Your Public Self: Lastly and most ications which were unnecessary. doesn’t only help to control your sored by the generosity of your dinners and holiday plans, it’s time importantly, being honest with Now let’s look at what anger really anger but helps in each and every wallet. While your neurons seem to to sign a peace treaty with yourself. yourself about your intentions this is! important step of your life specially be doing an excellent job at luring Choose a minimum of two things holiday season will calm the storm Anger is one of the emotions that during decision making. you into the black hole of posi- you enjoy that don’t require the of pretense in your mind. It’s okay represent annoyance, irritation and Psychologists and meditators tive feelings, the realities of past pre-requisite of company and do at to admit that the holidays are an exasperation. It is an instinctive, have suggested some methods to holiday experiences stand strong least one. People around you might escape, that you’re broke this year, natural and healthy energy which calm yourself and to relax. Breathe with conviction. There’s evidence feel uncomfortable at the constant that you’d rather be alone, that you can be utilised to drive positive deeply taking long breaths. It helps from your own life, that a number reminder of their unsigned peace need a Christmas fling, that you outcome. It can trigger you to focus to normalise your air flow that of instances instigated fake smiles treaties, but don’t let it phase you. want to eat extra and you’re not on your problems to have solution. usually destabilises in the state of and forced feelings. And while they ready for the next year. The more It can motivate you to build a anger. Reverse counting from 10 might seem as normal as tradition, Appreciating gifts you have real you are about why you’re cel- constructive behaviour in yourself. to 1 with deep breaths diverts your you’re better off feeling more confused appreciation for: One ebrating, the happier your public It can assist you to express your attention from the key reason of genuine in your experience of this of my favourite past times of the self will be. frustrated and enraged feelings. But anger. Repeating calm words like holiday season. If the unwrapping season is witnessing the excruciat- at the same time, ill-managed anger ‘Easy’, ‘Relax’, ‘It’s OK’ stabilises your must begin, let it start with the ing pain of what I like to refer to as Instead of spending time syncing can lead to extremely destruc- mental trauma. Drinking a glass of layers of lies you don’t need to be ‘rapid expression rollercoasters’. smiles with people who refuse to tive consequences. Constant and water with lighter sips during rigor- telling yourself. Receiving strange gifts can be believe Santa isn’t the only thing uncontrolled anger may result in ous situation calms you down and hard. But simultaneously conjuring fake about Christmas, spend time internal and external damages in lowers your blood pressure. Stroll- You’re not lonely if you just an appropriate reaction to hide that with those who let you ‘fake it’ less the person’s life. It aff ects mental ing around your block and walking want to be alone: It’s become an shocked expression is much more this holiday season. and physical health causing depres- slowly balances your anger unspoken norm that festive occa- diff icult. An easy trick is practising sion, high blood pressure and hormones. Finally, remembering sions need to be shared. The classic your expressions in advance and  The author can be contacted on heart issues. Hot temper following and visualising your happy and re- combo of snowy movies and expecting every gift to be strange. Instagram @sincerelysanah outrageous behaviour disturbs laxing memories not only distracts your personal and professional life you from the actual issue but also as people prefer to avoid you due to energises you for a new start. yours vex personality. Meditation is a highly recom- Anger management is a full-fledged mended precaution for patients mechanism including a lot of skills having anger issues. Doing a light At your service like recognising, identifying and exercise on daily basis like yoga organising your anger. Conse- will help you physically through quences of anger are dependent relaxing your muscles and men- If you’re an artist, you serve your these are all valid purposes. on the way you manage it. Lashing tally through calming your mind. community by creating beauty, if If any of these provide a service to Sweet Potato Hummus - garlic powder out on someone or breaking things Mediation not only controls your you’re a makeup artist, you serve others, call it a happy co-incidence. - chili flakes to release your anger will hurt your anger but brings stability in your others by making them feel good Wherever purpose goes, meaning Ingredients: belongings. Oppressing your anger whole life. about their appearance. If you are wants to follow. Meaning answers 2 cups of boiled chickpeas Method: is also not safe as it breaks you Now, are you ready to retrieve your a street sweeper you serve mother the question, “Why do I do what 1 and 1/2 cup of chickpea water Incorporate all the ingredients down and makes you an aggressive relationships, job, and yourself? nature and the community you I do?” It’s hard to answer that 1/2 a cup of yogurt (substitute in a food processor or a blender person. work in by giving them a clean question without knowing what dairy yogurt with vegan yogurt to and there you have a tasty silky There are some techniques to  The author is a consultant in environment to move about in. your ‘work’ is. Get clear on your make vegan hummus) smooth sweet potato hummus. manage your anger to ensure it Public Relations and Personality The philosopher-poet Rumi said, purpose first. Even a purpose that 1 lemon positively impacts your health, rela- Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill “Each of us has been made for seems selfish is valid if it’s based on 1/4 cup tahini Tip: By Shefa Ali some particular work, and the your aptitudes. Get clear on your 1 sweet potato (peeled, sliced and Keep in the fridge up to 4 days desire for that work has been put purpose first. Even a purpose that baked) and enjoy it as a snack with some in every heart.” Your aptitudes are seems selfish is valid if it’s based on 1 tsp of each of the following veggies or spread a generous Ever heard the saying ‘Work is the talents you were born with. your aptitudes. Don’t try to force spices: amount on toast with some Worship?” One of my favourite They constitute your desire for a purposeful work by insisting on a - salt lebnah, avocados and chili flakes. spiritual teachers in India has particular work and they shine a purpose that overtly serves others. - black pepper YUM! another similar lovely, beautiful light on your purpose. Your ‘work’ What you’re here to do probably - smoked paprika Enjoy the taste of eating right! saying….”Your mind should always could be paid or maybe unpaid. It’s does serve others in some way be with him and your hands should just another word for purpose. Your and when the time is right you will be doing his work. work might involve raising your figure it out, but in the mean time A lot of people think that in order to children and taking care of your just get curious and try everything be spiritual, or to ‘be with God,’ one household, maybe it’s corporate that excites you. One day when you must be sitting crossed legged in communications, or maybe it’s least expect it, suddenly it will all fit a lotus posture in the Himalayas or taking care of animals. Maybe it’s into place. praying all day long. This is not the building websites or writing books. only way. There is a yogic concept Maybe it’s taking care of a garden or  The author is a consultant and known as Karma Yoga, its all about understanding an ancient civilisa- coach. Instagram handle: @miss_ serving God by doing your duty. tion, or finding out if aliens exist, shefa, Website: missshefa.com Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 13 REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Algerian protesters want election cancelled

Reuters military, the dominant force Algiers in the pouvoir — “the power” — has cast the election as the only way to end the stalemate big crowd of protesters on the streets, the protesters marched through cen- reject it as a sham designed to Atral Algiers yesterday to maintain the status quo. demand today’s presidential They say no election can be election be cancelled, chant- free or fair while the old guard ing that they would not vote in of rulers remain in power and a poll they regard as a charade. the military stays involved in They chanted “No election politics. tomorrow” and held up ban- No foreign observers are in ners reading “You have de- Algeria to monitor the vote. stroyed the country” as riot Whoever is elected after to- police stood blocking roads day’s fi rst round and a poten- and a helicopter circled over- tial run-off later this month head.In one place, a column will face a series of hard deci- of police barged through the sions, with declining energy crowd. revenue leading to a planned The election is shaping up 9% cut in public spending next to be a pivotal moment in the year. The deadlock between months-long struggle be- the enormous protest move- tween the shadowy network of ment and a state increasingly military, security and political dominated by the military has leaders known as the “pou- put at stake the political future voir”, who have ruled for dec- of Africa’s largest country, a ades, and a leaderless street nation of 40mn people and a protest movement.While the major gas supplier to Europe.

Iraqi anti-government protesters gather in the capital’s Tahrir Square, yesterday. Iran repelled a ‘highly organised cyberattack’

Another Iraqi activist killed to the ISNA and Mehr news AFP Tehran agencies. The minister de- scribed the attack as “really massive” and “state-spon- n Iranian minister said sored,” according to state- yesterday the Islamic ments reported by Mehr. as UN accuses ‘militias’ Arepublic had recently “I can’t disclose any details thwarted a “highly organised right now,” he said, adding that he AFP switched sides, although dem- cyberattack” targeting its e- could also not yet disclose which Baghdad onstrators fear Hashed fi ghters’ government infrastructure. country allegedly attempted the presence at rallies could derail The threat “was success- attack. But “there will certainly their anti-regime movement. fully identifi ed and repelled be a report on it later,” he said. third anti-government Following an attack against by the country’s cybersecurity ISNA reported the minis- activist has been mur- protesters in Baghdad at the shield,” said telecommunica- ter had said authorities were Adered in Iraq in less than weekend that left 24 dead, tions minister Mohamed Ja- “studying the extent of this cy- 10 days, police and medics said Hashed chief Faleh al-Fayyadh vad Azari Jahromi, according ber attack”. yesterday, as the United Nations ordered his men to stay away accused militias of killing and from rallies, in what was seen by abducting demonstrators. demonstrators as an admission POLITICS Protesters have complained of guilt. Lebanon’s appeal for aid ‘rebuff ed’ of an intensifying campaign of Since October 1, demonstra- intimidation in a country where tors in Baghdad and southern Lebanon’s appeal for urgent aid received short shrift at a conference armed groups integrated into the cities have disappeared almost in Paris yesterday, with France, the US, Russia and other countries security forces wield growing daily. The authorities say they making assistance conditional on the formation of a new reform- infl uence. have been unable to identify the minded government. Speaking at the end of the meeting of the The body of 49-year-old perpetrators. International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon, host French Foreign father of fi ve Ali al-Lami was In most cases, the protesters Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said: “The only possible criteria (for aid) found overnight with gunshot are taken from near their homes is the eff ectiveness of the government in implementing the reforms wounds to the head, according to as they return from protests, awaited by the population. “This is the only way that the participants his friends, who said he had ar- leaving their relatives fearing the around this table and beyond can mobilise to give Lebanon the rived in Baghdad just days earlier worst. Lami had left his southern support it needs.” to join the protests. hometown of Kut days earlier “It was the militias of a cor- An Iraqi student covers her face with a national flag as she takes part in an anti-government demonstration in to protest with his children in rupt government that killed the central city of Najaf, yesterday. Baghdad, and had called on so- DIALOGUE him,” said a close friend, Tayssir cial media for protesters to rally South Sudan rivals hold rare meeting al-Atabi. 25,000 have been wounded. ‘unknown third parties’, ‘armed trators accountable.” peacefully. A police source said the at- Despite the threats and vio- entities’, ‘outlaws’ and ‘spoilers’ The role of the Hashed al- He is the third protester to be South Sudan’s president and its armed opposition leader met tackers had used guns with si- lence, protesters massed in are responsible for the deliberate Shaabi, a network of armed killed since December 2. yesterday in Juba for a rare sit-down as a deadline looms for the lencers, while forensic experts Baghdad and the south again killings and abductions of dem- groups integrated into the state, Last week, the bruised body rivals to join forces in a power-sharing government. said Lami had been struck by yesterday calling for the “fall of onstrators,” said a UN report re- has come under increased scru- of a 19-year-old protester was President Salva Kiir and his former deputy turned foe, exiled rebel three bullets. the regime”. The UN urged the leased yesterday. tiny. dumped outside her home in chief Riek Machar, held a brief closed-door meeting in the South Iraq’s capital and its south Iraqi authorities to hold to ac- “These acts contribute to a Founded in 2014 to fi ght IS Baghdad, and on Sunday a Sudan capital, as they face international pressure to salvage a have been gripped by more than count the perpetrators of a string climate of anger and fear. militants, the Hashed is made up prominent Karbala activist was stalled peace agreement. Officials were tight-lipped about what two months of anti-government of murders and abductions of The government must iden- of mostly factions. shot dead by a gunman who was the pair discussed during the rare face-to-face meeting, one of demonstrations in which more activists and protesters. tify those groups responsible It initially supported the riding on the back of a few between Kiir and Machar since their falling out threw the than 450 people have died and “Groups referred to as ‘militia’, without delay and hold perpe- government over protests but motorbike. country into war in 2013.

SA president promises action over power cuts About 70 soldiers Court grants bail to Nairobi South African President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday promised dead after attack on his compatriots that they would not have to suff er through “a dark Christmas,” following power cuts Niger military camp governor charged with graft that have thrown the country into disarray and pose a threat to the economy. He said managers Reuters diers in two attacks in May Reuters streets around the court before of the embattled power utility Niamey and July.Two of the sources Nairobi the hearing in anticipation of Eskom have assured him there said another 30 soldiers had possible trouble. would be no further cuts between been wounded and that the In November, police used December 17 and January 13 and bout 70 soldiers were military base had been taken Kenyan court granted bail teargas to disperse supporters that “right through to March, they killed in an attack on a over by the assailants. yesterday to the Nairobi when he was called into the anti- will be seeking to do everything Aremote military camp Nigerien authorities were ACounty governor charged corruption offi ce for question- they can to restore the stability in Niger near the border with not immediately available to with multi-million dollar cor- ing. of the network.” Ramaphosa met Mali on Tuesday evening, comment and details on the ruption in one of the most high Sonko was recently photo- with Eskom leadership yesterday four security sources told attack were limited. profi le cases in the government’s graphed using a gold-plated iPad after cutting short an off icial visit Reuters, in the deadliest raid President Mahamadou Is- anti-graft push. and matching iPhone and has to Egypt because of the electricity against the Nigerien military soufou’s offi ce tweeted that The move was opposed by the appeared in rap videos gyrating crisis. He has come under increas- in living memory. Issoufou had cut short a visit prosecution, which argued Gov- in gold-coloured trainers while ing criticism over the cuts, which It was not immediately to Egypt in order to return to ernor Mike Mbuvi Sonko was insulting political opponents. have been carried out to relieve clear who was responsible Niger “following the trag- likely to interfere with witnesses He invited a storm of criti- pressure on the national grid. for the assault. But militants edy that occurred in Inates”. and obstruct the investigation. cism this month after he shared “The load-shedding that our with links to Islamic State Security has deteriorated Sonko, an elected offi cial from photos online of his dining room, country has gone through has re- and Al Qaeda have mounted this year across the Sahel, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Ju- featuring a gold-plated lion stat- ally touched a raw nerve amongst increasingly lethal attacks a semi-arid strip of land bilee party known for his fl am- Governor Mike Sonko (centre) is escorted after the High Court ue and a gold-tinted dining table our people,” he acknowledged, across West Africa’s Sa- beneath the Sahara, due to boyant lifestyle, was arrested on granted him bail at the Milimani law court in Nairobi, yesterday. and chairs. using the off icial term for the cuts. hel region this year despite militant attacks and deadly Friday. He has recruited hundreds Load-shedding has led to roads the commitment of thou- ethnic reprisals between He has denied charges of con- cials, including the then sitting fashion sense including chunky of people into his “Sonko Res- becoming gridlocked because sands of regional and foreign rival farming and herding spiracy to commit corruption, fi nance minister. gold jewellery and eye-catching cue Team” who sweep out traff ic lights do not function, busi- troops to counter them. communities. confl ict of interest, failure to The president has not com- hairstyles. streets or appear at fi res wearing nesses closing and mines halting The violence has hit Mali The region has been in cri- comply with procurement laws, mented on Sonko’s case. The prosecution had also op- “Sonko”— branded red boiler operations. “Electricity is...a key and Burkina Faso the hard- sis since 2012, when ethnic unlawful acquisition of public Magistrate Douglas Ogoti said posed the governor’s release on suits in Nairobi’s poorest neigh- driver of our economic fortunes,” est but has also spilled over Tuareg rebels and loosely- property and laundering. the bail ruling took into account bail because they said he had bourhoods. Ramaphosa said, pointing to warn- into Niger, which shares long aligned militants seized the Corruption is a huge drag on the presumption of innocence. previously escaped from cus- But despite taking a recent ings that if the energy problems and porous borders with its northern two-thirds of Mali, the economy and investor con- He said Sonko would be freed tody following conviction in two award for encouraging volun- persist, they could push South two neighbours. Tuesday’s forcing France to intervene fi dence in East Africa’s business after posting a bond of 30mn criminal cases in the late 1990s. teering, Sonko’s watch has seen Africa into a recession. The coun- attack struck a base in the the following year to beat hub. shillings ($296,000) with one Sonko’s team did not respond little improvement in public try’s ageing power stations are the western Niger town of In- them back. Since taking offi ce in 2013, surety of a similar amount and a to that. Ogoti also ordered the services. Public schools and main problem, he said. They are 37 ates, the sources said, in the But the militants have Kenyatta has repeatedly pledged cash bail of 15mn shillings. governor not to incite supporters clinics are crumbling, roads are years old on average, with some as same area where Islamic since regrouped and ex- to tackle graft and over the past Sonko, a former senator, was once free nor to post on social potholed and hundreds of thou- old as 55 years. State’s West African branch panded their range of infl u- year the country’s top prosecu- elected in 2017 after years of media about the case. sands of people live in slums killed nearly 50 Nigerien sol- ence. tor has charged dozens of offi - news splashes about his fl ashy Police set up barriers on without access to services. Gulf Times 14 Thursday, December 12, 2019 AMERICAS

LEGAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DECISION LAW AND ORDER Colombia to seek damages Chile expands search Morales home raided Bolsonaro moves on land Brazil police crack down from Walmart over advert for crashed plane in ‘terrorism’ probe titles for small farmers on gold smuggling

Colombia is set to seek damages from the US The Chilean military sent fighter jets early yesterday Bolivian investigators have confirmed raiding the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has issued Brazilian police have launched an operation retail giant Walmart over a sweater advert in an expansion of its search for an airforce cargo home of ousted president Evo Morales as part of a decree that will allow tens of thousands of to break up a smuggling ring that it said had that associated the country with cocaine. plane that crashed with 38 people aboard over a the “terrorism and sedition” probe into the country’s small farmer to finally gain title to the land they exported 1.2 tonnes of illegal gold bought since Walmart withdrew the ad from its website remote stretch of frigid sea between South America exiled former leader. Morales resigned last month cultivate, making good on a campaign promise 2017 from wildcat miners in the frontier region and apologised for it. “These sweaters... do and the Antarctic. The Hercules C-130 cargo plane after nearly 14 years in power after claims he had to the farm sector that backed his election. The between Brazil and Venezuela. Federal police not represent Walmart’s values and have no disappeared shortly after taking off late on Monday rigged national elections. He has since taken refuge land regularisation measure, which goes into carried out 85 search warrants in five states as place on our website,” a spokesperson told from the southern city of Punta Arenas. The Air in Mexico and claimed to be the victim of a coup. His eff ect immediately but needs to be approved by part of an investigation centred on the northern Global News apologising for “any unintended Force concluded the aircraft must have crashed successor Jeanine Anez has blamed Morales and Congress within 120 days, only applies to land state of Roraima. They also searched the off ices offence.” Camilo Gomez, the director of early the next morning, given the number of hours others for fomenting violent clashes during more that has been occupied by farmers before May of a company called RBM in Sao Paulo suspected Colombia’s National Agency of Legal Defence it had been missing. The cause of the crash was not than a month of post-election violence in Bolivia. 2014 and up to 6,178 acres in size. Agriculture of laundering the gold prior to export, a police of the State, told the daily El Tiempo that the known and off icials acknowledged the chances Prosecutor Rudy Terrazas said the raid of Morales’ Minister Tereza Cristina said the decree will spokesman said. The company, which specialises advertisement was “an offence to the country of finding survivors were slim. Large rolling waves home in Achumani, an aff luent neighbourhood in allow small farmers to obtain credit that they in buying precious metals, based in Caieras that generates damage to Colombia’s legal in the icy Drake Passage and low clouds had the capital La Paz, was “carried out by court order,” were denied for lack of a title, and will generate in the interior of Sao Paulo, did not reply to a products, to the country’s reputation.” complicated the search on Tuesday, authorities said. according to government news agency ABI. more agricultural prosperity. request for comment. US shooting motivated by anti-Semitism, reveals mayor

AFP discovered a home-made bomb New York and a brief note in their van, which did not give a clear expla- nation for the rampage, although fi refi ght that left six peo- NBC News said the note had a ple dead in the US is be- “religious” content. Alieved to have been mo- Fulop paid tribute to the city tivated by anti-Semitism, an police who battled the two offi cial said yesterday, confi rm- shooters. ing that the assailants targeted a “Had the two JCPD offi cers on kosher grocery store. the foot post one block south not Two shooters stormed the deli responded immediately and had in New York suburb Jersey City they not run TOWARDS the gun with rifl es, killing two custom- fi re I’m 100% certain that this ers, a cashier and a police offi cer situation would have been far before they died in a hail of po- more tragic than what it already lice gunfi re. is,” he tweeted. Jersey City mayor Steven Fu- One of those offi cers was the lop said that while it was still dif- one killed in the fi refi ght, while fi cult to ascribe a precise motive, two others were wounded and analysis of surveillance footage hospitalised briefl y. from showed a targeted murder. Jersey City police chief “Last night after extensive re- Michael Kelly said late Tuesday view of our CCTV system it has the shooting began in a cem- President Donald Trump gestures with Vice President Mike Pence during a campaign rally in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The rally marks the third time President Trump has held a now become clear from the cam- etery, and the shooters then campaign rally at Giant Centre. eras that these two individuals moved to the grocery store. targeted the kosher grocery,” Fu- New York Mayor Bill de Bla- lop posted on Twitter. sio tweeted that the shoot- “I’m Jewish and proud to live ing “tragically confi rms that a in a community like Jersey City growing pattern of violent anti- that has always welcomed eve- Semitism has now turned into a ryone... Hate and anti-Semitism crisis for our nation. This threat have never had a place here in JC has reached the doorstep of New Call to enforce subpoenas and will never have a place in our York City,” he wrote. city,” he added. “Although there is no cred- Hundreds of police from New ible or specifi c threat directed Jersey and New York, including against New York City, I have tactical offi cers armed with rifl es directed the NYPD to assume and wearing olive-green fatigues a state of high alert,” de Blasio and helmets, were deployed dur- tweeted. for Trump’s tax records ing the hours-long drama. He said that city police were James Shea, Jersey City’s direc- “being redeployed to protect key Tribune News Service House Financial Services and before their time for doing so nas, at least until the court can would remain until they rule, tor of public safety, told report- locations in the Jewish commu- Washington Intelligence committees would expires.” consider Trump’s appeal. likely before the end of the cur- ers that even though the shooters nity.” New York is home to the be less severe than Congress not The window for passage and This is the third case with rent court term at the end of crossed paths with many people largest Jewish community out- getting information it needs to implementation of legislative similar issues at the high court June. But if the Supreme Court on their way from the cemetery side of Israel. he House cited 2020 protect the elections from for- reforms to counter Russian ef- in the past few weeks. declines to hear the case, the “they bypassed them” to attack Attacks against Jewish targets election security con- eign infl uence, House attorneys forts to sow social discord and The Supreme Court is likely to House Oversight and Reform the kosher market. have been on the rise in the past Tcerns yesterday when it argued in a Supreme Court fi l- erode public confi dence in the grant Trump’s request. The jus- Committee could seek the doc- “That was clearly their target,” years across the US, especially in urged the Supreme Court not to ing. machinery of government “is tices already granted Trump’s uments as early as this month. he said. the densely populated New York delay the enforcement of con- The House said a delay in rapidly closing,” the House fi l- emergency request to put a hold The Supreme Court sched- An anonymous source told metropolitan area. gressional subpoenas for fi nan- the subpoenas would deprive ing states. on a lower court ruling ordering uled a separate but closely relat- The New York Times that one of A report in April from the cial records of President Donald “the peoples’ representatives The House fi ling responds accounting fi rm Mazars USA to ed case – Trump’s challenge to the still unidentifi ed shooters Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Trump and his business from of information they need to to Trump’s emergency request comply with a congressional a subpoena to Mazars in a Man- had published an anti-Semitic stated that the number of anti- Deutsche Bank and Capital One secure the nation’s 2020 elec- for the justices to halt an order subpoena for eight years of the hattan grand jury probe that is and anti-police online manifesto Semitic attacks in 2018 was close Financial Corporation. tions from foreign infl uence and from the US Court of Appeals president’s fi nancial records. nearly identical to the congres- ahead of the shooting. to the record of 2017, with 1,879 Any harm to Trump for al- otherwise exercise their consti- for the 2nd Circuit for “prompt” If the justices agree to hear sional subpoena – for a closed- Investigators reportedly also incidents. lowing the enforcement of the tutional responsibilities wisely compliance with the subpoe- the Mazars case, the freeze door conference tomorrow. First electric plane Pigeons spotted with tiny cowboy hats takes fl ight in Canada Guardian News and Media Cluck Norris and Coo-lamity Las Vegas Jane. Cluck Norris can be identi- AFP fastest growing sources of car- Airport in front of around 100 fi ed by the red hat he is wear- Vancouver bon emissions as people increas- onlookers soon after sunrise. wo pigeons have been ing, as opposed to Coo-lamity ingly take to the skies and new The fl ight lasted less than 15 spotted in Las Vegas Jane’s pink headgear. There technologies have been slow to minutes, according to an AFP Twearing tiny cowboy hats. are unconfi rmed reports that he world’s fi rst fully electric get off the ground. journalist on the scene. “Our While many have been a third pigeon has fallen vic- commercial aircraft took its At 285 grammes of CO2 emit- goal is to actually electrify the amused by the sight of the tim to the trend and is sport- Tinaugural test fl ight, tak- ted per kilometre travelled by entire fl eet. There’s no reason birds, with social media users ing a brown hat. The Las Vegas ing off from the Canadian city of each passenger, airline industry not to,” said McDougall. excitedly reporting sightings Metropolitan police depart- Vancouver and off ering hope that emissions far exceed those from On top of fuel effi ciency, the since a video was fi rst posted ment told the New York Times airlines may one day end their all other modes of transport, ac- company would save millions in to Facebook in early December, it “does not appear to be a po- polluting emissions. cording to the European Envi- maintenance costs, as electric there are concerns for the wel- lice matter at this time”. “This proves that commercial ronment Agency. motors require “drastically” less fare of the animals. The birds Some people pointed to the aviation in all-electric form can The emissions contribute upkeep, McDougall said. have been seen between Mc- fact that the National Finals work,” said Roei Ganzarski, chief to global warming and climate However, Harbour Air will have Carran international airport Rodeo are in town as possible executive of Seattle-based engi- change, which scientists say will to wait at least two years before it and the University of Nevada. reason behind the stunt. neering fi rm magniX. unleash ever harsher droughts, can begin electrifying its fl eet of Mariah Hillman, who works Hillman’s group has been The company designed the superstorms, and sea-level rise. more than 40 seaplanes. with the local animal rescue attempting to capture the pi- plane’s motor and worked in part- The e-plane — a 62-year-old, The e-plane has to be tested charity Lofty Hopes, said the geons to remove the headgear, nership with Harbour Air, which six-passenger DHC-2 de Havilland further to confi rm it is reliable hats were glued on to the pi- with little success so far. They ferries half a million passengers a Beaver seaplane retrofi tted with an and safe. In addition, the elec- geons. “When we saw them to- said the birds had been diffi - year between Vancouver, Whistler electric motor — was piloted by tric motor must be approved and day, you could see some loose cult to trap as they were being ski resort and nearby islands and Greg McDougall, founder and chief certifi ed by regulators. feathers in the glue around the fed repeatedly by people curi- coastal communities. executive of Harbour Air. In Ottawa, Transport Minis- hat. It’s defi nitely a concern,” ous about their appearance, Ganzarski said the technology “For me that fl ight was just ter Marc Garneau told reporters she said. making luring them with food would mean signifi cant cost sav- like fl ying a Beaver, but it was ahead of the maiden fl ight that Opening with the exclama- diffi cult. ings for airlines — not to men- a Beaver on electric steroids. I he had his “fi ngers crossed that tion: “These birds have hats With the hats having stayed tion zero emissions. actually had to back off on the the electric plane will work well.” Harbour Air Pilot and CEO Greg McDougall flies the world’s first on, bro!”, a repost of Bobby in place for at least fi ve days, the “This signifi es the start of the power,” he said. If it does, he said, “it could set a all-electric, zero-emission commercial aircraft during a test flight Lee’s Facebook video of the group said they must be fas- electric aviation age,” he told re- McDougall took the plane on a trend for more environmentally in a de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver from Vancouver International pair has already garnered 2mn tened by a strong adhesive, and porters. short loop along the Fraser River friendly fl ying.” Battery power is Airport’s South Terminal on the Fraser River in Richmond, British views on Twitter. Observ- would likely remain in place Civil aviation is one of the near Vancouver International also a challenge. Columbia, Canada ers have named the two birds until the pigeons moulted. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 15 ASIA

US tightens 95 Rohingya in Myanmar face sanctions on Myanmar army chief jail as ICJ hears ‘genocide’ case AFP Washington AFP denied “genocidal intent” in her To the outrage of rights Pathein defence of Myanmar’s military groups, the children and teen- operation against the Rohingya agers have so far been sent to a he US has stiff ened sanc- at the International Court of detention centre while one fi ve- tions against Myanmar’s early 100 Rohingya ap- Justice (ICJ). year-old child was imprisoned Tarmy chief over the mass peared in a Myanmar On Tuesday, the Nobel Peace with his mother and the rest of killings of Rohingya, as his coun- Ncourt yesterday after Prize laureate sat through grue- the group. try defended itself against geno- being arrested for trying to fl ee some testimony of the violence All 52 people were sentenced cide charges before the top UN persecution, their lawyer said, suff ered by Rohingya in the to two years behind bars. court. as leader Aung San Suu Kyi ad- bloody military crackdown in “Myanmar authorities should The United States in July dressed the UN’s top court - 2017 that forced some 740,000 urgently free Rohingya jailed for banned military chief Min Aung International Court of Justice to fl ee to Bangladesh. exercising their right to freedom Hlaing from visiting, but Tues- (ICJ) - to deny allegations of a Gambia, on behalf of dozens of movement,” said John Quinley day’s move goes further by freez- genocidal campaign against the of Muslim countries, accuses from Fortify Rights. ing any US assets and criminal- ethnic minority. Buddhist-majority Myanmar of He cited the arrests as an ex- ising fi nancial transactions with One-by-one, the weary de- genocide. ample of continued eff orts by him by anyone in the United tainees stepped down from a The west African state is call- the government to destroy the States. police van at the courthouse in ing for provisional measures to Rohingya. The Treasury Department the western Myanmar city of halt the ongoing persecution “The International Court of imposed the same sanctions Pathein. suff ered by Rohingya in Rakhine. Justice should issue provisional on three other senior Myanmar Their crime was to leave their Some 600,000 remain con- measures to stop the ongoing commanders, as well as 14 in- home townships without per- fi ned in Myanmar camps and persecution and violence.” dividuals from other countries, mission from authorities. villages, unable to leave without The Rohingya garner lit- to observe International Human Rohingya in Rakhine state live permission. tle sympathy within Myanmar, Rights Day. under tight restrictions with lit- Many have tried to escape over where many people buy the of- “The US will not tolerate tor- tle access to healthcare, educa- the years to Thailand or Malay- fi cial line that the minority are ture, kidnapping, sexual vio- tion or livelihoods in conditions sia, often paying extortionate illegal immigrants from Bang- lence, murder or brutality against Amnesty International brands as fees to human traffi ckers for ladesh, even though many trace innocent civilians,” Treasury “apartheid”. places on overcrowded, decrepit their roots back generations. Secretary Steven Mnuchin said For years Rohingya have taken Rohingya detainees step out of a police van upon arriving at the court in the western Myanmar city of boats. “We are helpless. We’ve been in a statement. to boats, trains and buses in at- Pathein ahead of a hearing yesterday. The next hearing for the de- here eight years and have no “America is the world leader in tempts to get out, risking every- tained Rohingya in Pathein jobs,” one Rohingya man from combating human rights abuse thing in the process. Thazin Myat Myat Win said. years in prison for violating the where buses were waiting to take will be December 20. Thetkalpyin camp told AFP by and we will hold perpetrators and The 95 people, including “Some even sold their labour immigration act. them to the commercial capital They are the third group in phone. enablers accountable wherever 25 children, each paid sev- in advance” to pay the broker They were arrested November Yangon. recent months to be caught, ar- “We hope she (Suu Kyi) will do they operate.” eral hundred dollars for a fees, she added. 29 after travelling by boat from Their court appearance came rested and put on trial in their her best to reveal the truth and Myanmar’s military is accused chance at a better life, lawyer Instead they likely face two Rakhine to a southern beach as former rights icon Suu Kyi attempt to fl ee Rakhine. solve our problems.” of leading a brutal campaign in 2017 in Rakhine state against the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority whom the Buddhist- dominated nation does not consider citizens. Around 740,000 Rohingya Thailand poll Cambodia PM dismisses fl ed to neighbouring Bangladesh after a bloody crackdown by the Myanmar military in 2017 that UN investigators have already panel seeks described as genocide. EU sanctions threat The US said there were “cred- ible reports” of mass-scale rape ropean Commission report because Britain will continue to percent of its goods, while Brit- and other sexual violence by sol- dissolution of Reuters found that Hun Sen’s govern- buy goods from Cambodia de- ain is the second largest, buying diers under the command of Min Phnom Penh ment has cracked down on spite the EU’s decision on the over 8 percent of goods from Aung Hlaing. the opposition, civil society matter. the southeast Asian country, The latest US action came as groups and the media. “We are watching Brexit be- offi cial data shows. Myanmar defends itself before opposition party ambodian Prime Min- It has given Cambodia a De- cause of total exports to the Western countries have con- the International Court of Jus- ister Hun Sen yesterday cember 12 deadline to respond European Union, we export the demned the arrest of opposi- tice in The Hague over charges Cdismissed a threat from to the allegations. most to England,” Hun Sen said. tion leader Kem Sokha, who it violated the 1948 genocide the European Union (EU) to halt “I don’t care, if (they) want “After the exit, England’s was arrested in 2017 before convention. for taking loans special trade privileges with the to do whatever, do it,” Hun Sen economy will still be good and his opposition Cambodia Na- Myanmar’s civilian leader southeast Asian country over said in a speech at a university will be able to place even more tional Rescue Party (CNRP) was Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace human rights, saying Britain’s graduation ceremony in the orders from Cambodia,” he banned ahead of an election last Prize winner whose reticence exit from the bloc will ease the capital Phnom Penh. said. year. on the Rohingya killings has se- from leader pain of sanctions. The Cambodian leader who The European Union ac- Kem Sokha was freed from verely tarnished her once iconic The EU has threaten to has been in power for more than counts for nearly half of Cam- house arrest last month but image in the West, is personally suspend the Everything But 34 years said he believes Brit- bodia’s exports, with Germany a ban on his political activity leading the defence in the case Reuters “The loan to the Arms (EBA) trade scheme ain’s exit from the EU will ease being the largest export market was kept in place. His trial will brought by Muslim-majority Bangkok Future Forward Party with Cambodia after a Eu- sanction pressure on Cambodia for Cambodia, taking roughly 11 begin on January 15. Gambia. from Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit... hailand’s election panel violates article 72 asked the Constitu- of political party Ttional Court yesterday legislation” Promoting waste management to dissolve the opposition Fu- Elephant ture Forward Party, accusing be paid back with interest. it of infringing laws governing “The decision by the elec- political parties by accept- tion commission will not stop kills two, ing multimillion-dollar loans Future Forward’s journey,” from its leader. Piyabutr said. Thanathorn Juangroon- “Let it be known that the injures gruangkit, 41, has emerged as party created for the search of the most outspoken opponent a new future for the country of the government headed by doesn’t have a place to stand,” four in former junta leader Prayut he said. Chan-o-cha after the party he Last week, Thanathorn helped found came a surprise accused the government of Nepal third in an election in March unfairly targeting him and and has since emerged as the the party with a string of most vocal challenge to the legal tactics that under- DPA government. mined democracy in Thai- Kathmandu “The loan to the Future For- land, which had been under ward Party from Mr. Thana- military rule until the March thorn Juangroongruangkit... election, following a 2014 wild elephant killed violates article 72 of political coup. two women and in- party legislation,” the Elec- Analysts warn that the Ajured four others near a tion Commission said in a move by the Election Com- national park in southwestern statement. mission to dissolve the Future Nepal yesterday, local police It was referring to a clause Forward party could backfi re said. that forbids acceptance of on the government. The women were collect- money, assets, or interests “This could escalate the ing fodder for their cattle from questionable sources. popularity of the Future For- in a community-run forest The party borrowed ward Party and if it gets dis- adjoining the Shuklaphanta 191.2mn baht ($6.3mn) in two solved the party’s popular- National Park early yesterday sums, one of 161.2mn baht ity won’t die but will become when the animal fatally tram- ($5.3mn) in January, and a sec- stronger,” Titipol Phakdee- pled the pair, aged 50 and 38, ond of 30mn ($994,000) in wanich, dean of the faculty police offi cer Dinesh Acharya Students dress up as garbage bins to promote better waste management and recycling during the annual folk sport competition in April, Thanathorn said in an of political science at Ubon said. Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat yesterday. offi cial declaration of assets to Ratchathani University told “The elephant attacked them an anti-graft panel. Reuters. as they were trying to run away A dissolution of the party “But it is bad for from it,” he said, adding that the could also lead to a bar from democracy,” he said. four injured were being treated politics for party offi cials, al- Since the election, Thana- at a hospital across the border though the legislation sets no thorn was suspended from in India. timeframe. parliament and was found The animal sanctuary is home Chinese businessman murdered in Bangladesh “Why is the money we got guilty last month of breach- to endangered species such as through loans from Thana- ing election law by holding tigers, rhinoceroses, swamp thorn, the party leader, ques- shares in a media company deer and rare birds. AFP the body of Gao Jianhui buried biggest coal-fi red power plants, ment from the Chinese embassy tionable? The Election Com- on the date his candidacy was Confl ict between wild ani- Dhaka in a residential backyard outside police said. whose offi cials visited the scene. mission did not explain this,” registered for the election. mals and humans has increased his home in Banani, local police “He was formerly in the cloth- Dhaka has been aggressively Future Forward Party Secre- “They use the law to destroy in recent years in Nepal, rais- chief Nure Azam Mia said. ing business and then started courting Chinese investment tary-General Piyabutr Saeng- political opposition, some- ing concerns about the safety angladesh police yes- “It is a murder case. He was supplying stones to the Chi- in key infrastructures such as kanokkul said, accusing the thing that has been going on of people living near protected terday found the body killed sometime yesterday nese projects in Bangladesh,” roads, bridges and power plants election panel of not providing since the 2014 coup,” Titipol areas. Bof a Chinese business- evening,” he said. Deputy Commissioner of Dha- in an eff ort to power its booming enough reasons for the case. said. Two weeks ago, a wild el- man who was murdered and Gao, 47, who had been liv- ka Metropolitan Police Sudip economy. Thai political party law does “This shows that the elec- ephant killed a 35-year-old his body dumped in an up- ing in the Bangladeshi capital Chakraborty said. China signed a raft of deals not bar parties from taking tion didn’t back democracy woman and injured a 60-year- scale Dhaka neighbourhood, for several years, supplied stone “We suspect he was strangu- to fund Bangladeshi projects loans. Future Forward Party but it has empowered the old woman near a national park offi cials said. for some key Chinese-fi nanced lated to death with a pillow or worth more than $20bn during has previously made its loans military to do whatever they in the country’s south-central Acting on a tip-off , police and projects including the country’s similar object,” he said. a visit by President Xi Jinping in public and said that they will want,” he said. district. an elite security unit recovered largest bridge and one of the There was no immediate com- October 2016. Gulf Times 16 Thursday, December 12, 2019 ASIA/AUSTRALASIA

Bougainville voters back independence from PNG by landslide referendum victory

AFP dignitaries soon burst into song, But independence will not be strength of the vote would seem residents — some festooned in Peter Sohia was optimistic: “We the now-shuttered Panguna Buka, PNG with strains of the islands’ an- immediate, a long political proc- to make it all but inevitable.” grass garlands – forming make- may not have the best hospitals, copper mine, which at one point them “My Bougainville” ringing ess lies ahead and leaders face “Port Moresby will need to shift choirs that stomped through the schools or the road and infra- accounted for more than 40% of out. “Happy is an understate- formidable fi nancial and ad- quickly digest the result,” he said, the streets, waving independence structure, but our spirit is high Papua New Guinea’s exports. oters backing Bougain- ment” nursing graduate Alexia ministrative challenges to turn “they’ll need to be ready to talk fl ags, blowing bamboo pipes and and that will get us to where we The mine is estimated to still ville’s independence from Baria told AFP, “you see my tears, a cluster of poor Pacifi c islands about the timetable for inde- chanting in chorus. want.” hold more than 5mn tonnes of VPapua New Guinea (PNG) this is the moment we have been into a fully-fl edged nation. pendence.” The vote offi cially ended on Since French explorer Louis copper and 19mn ounces of gold have won a landslide referendum waiting for.” The result must fi rst be ratifi ed Speaking in Buka, Ahern urged December 7 and according to the de Bougainville arrived on this — worth billions of dollars at victory, according to results re- The historic vote caps a dec- by Papua New Guinea’s parlia- all sides to recognise a vote that Bougainville Referendum Com- palm-fringed Melanesian ar- current market prices. Yester- leased yesterday — a major step ades-long peace process and a ment — where there is opposition was about “your peace, your mission it passed off without chipelago more than 200 years day’s results will prompt a dash toward the troubled isles becom- long recovery from a brutal civil to the move for fear it may spark history, and your future” and major incident. Many Bougain- ago, control has passed from for infl uence among regional ing the world’s newest nation. war between Bougainville rebels, other independence movements showed “the power of the pen villeans were realistic about dif- Germany to Australia to Japan to powers China, the United States Chairman of the Bougainville Papua New Guinea security in a nation defi ned by disparate over weapons”. fi culties ahead. the United Nations and to Papua and Australia. Referendum Commission Bertie forces and foreign mercenaries linguistic and tribal groups. Puka Temu, Port Moresby’s Gerald Dising, a store owner New Guinea. Many Bougain- Attuned to regional rivalry, Ahern declared 176,928 people that ended in 1998 and left up to But the scale of the victory minister for Bougainville aff airs, who travelled from the far south villeans, however, feel a closer senior fi gures in Bougainville’s — around 98 percent of voters – 20,000 people dead — 10% of the for the pro-independence side said “the outcome is a credible of Bougainville to witness the re- cultural affi nity to the nearby independence movement have had backed independence with population. will heap pressure on Port Mo- one” but asked that voters “allow sult, described it as a “fi rst hur- Solomon Islands, with a strong already tried to start a bidding just 3,043 supporting the option “Now, at least psychologically, resby to endorse the outcome. the rest of Papua New Guinea suf- dle” being passed. Politicians, provincial identity that diff ers war — warning the nascent na- of remaining part of Papua New we feel liberated,” said John Mo- “There’s no misinterpreting this fi cient time to absorb this result”. he said, “now have a huge task from the tribal factions of other tion would turn to Beijing if Guinea with more autonomy. mis, the priest-turned-leader of result — Bougainville wants in- In stark contrast to past inter- to implement the wishes of our regions of Papua New Guinea. Western countries do not play The announcement prompted the autonomous region’s govern- dependence” said Shane McLeod necine bloodshed, voting began people.” The 1988-1998 war had its roots their cards right and off er fi nan- loud cheers, applause and tears as ment. of Sydney’s Lowy Institute. “The on November 23 with ecstatic But former radio announcer in a struggle over revenues from cial support. NZ volcano still too dangerous to remove bodies

AFP Whakatane

he smouldering New Zea- land volcano that killed at Tleast six people is still too dangerous for emergency teams to recover bodies from, police said yesterday, warning that many tourists who escaped the island were so badly burned they were not yet out of danger. The offi cial death toll after Steam rises from the White Island volcano following the December 9 volcanic eruption, in Whakatane yesterday. Monday’s explosion on White Island climbed to six late Tues- er it is safe to return, but windy day when another victim died in conditions have so far prevented hospital. them from doing so. With weath- The bodies of eight more peo- Sergeant Sheree Lewis (left) and Squadron Leader Justin Treble from er expected to deteriorate today, ple are believed to be on the is- No 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron prepare equipment to load pressure is building to begin the land, but it is still too dangerous onto a C-130J Hercules prior to a mission to repatriate Australians recovery operation. “We’re as- for the teams of rescuers to travel who have been injured from the White Island volcanic eruption, at the sessing all factors every two or there and for forensic patholo- Royal Airforce Base in Richmond, Australia. three hours to see if we can go,” gists, odontologists and other superintendent Bird told report- victim identifi cation experts to Australia, the United States, Brit- process, which “can take some ers. begin their work. The Ministry of ain, China, Germany, Malaysia time”. Police have said they un- The eruption at White Island Health said 22 survivors still be- and New Zealand. Nash said the derstand the frustration of family - also known as Whakaari - oc- ing treated in hospital burns units survivors were receiving world- members who want clarity over curred on Monday afternoon, around the country remained in a class treatment but warned the fate of their missing loved spewing a thick plume of white critical condition. “there are still some very, very ones but recovery teams had no ash 3.6km (12,000ft) into the sky. When the volcano exploded seriously injured people in hospi- choice but to wait before access- Visitors at the time included it is believed to have sent su- tal”. “We wish them the best but ing the island. Seismologists have a group of more than 30 from a perheated steam, ash and can- we’re not out of the woods yet, predicted there is a 50% chance Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the nonball-like rocks hurtling from of that there’s no doubt,” he said. of another eruption on the island, Ovation of the Seas, which left the caldera at supersonic speed. Australia says 13 of its citizens which sits semi-submerged 50km Sydney on a 12-day voyage last Police Minister Stuart Nash said were being treated and 11 were out to sea. week with up to 4,000 passengers injuries to tourists and guides unaccounted for, while two Brit- Poisonous gases are still pour- onboard. exploring at the time were so se- ons have also been confi rmed as ing from the volcanic vent and The ship had delayed its depar- vere that some victims could not injured and a local tour company the island is blanketed in a thick ture from nearby Tauranga in the identify themselves. “There are a says two of its guides are missing. layer of acidic ash. “It would be wake of the disaster but set off number of people in hospital who Malaysia’s High Commission madness for us to send men and for Wellington early Wednesday cannot communicate, they have yesterday confi rmed one of its women across to White Island in morning. signifi cant burns not only to skin nationals was critically injured, a situation that was not safe for “A team will remain onsite in Flight Lieutenant Danielle Polgar (left) and Squadron Leader Shamus Shepherd from No 3 Aeromedical but internal organs,” he told Ra- in addition to one previously an- them,” Nash said. New Zealand Tauranga and all hospital loca- Evacuation Squadron preparing medical equipment to load onto a C-130J Hercules prior to a mission dio New Zealand. “We’re work- nounced death. A coronial proc- authorities said reconnaissance tions to ensure those aff ected by to repatriate Australians who have been injured from the White Island volcanic eruption, at the Royal ing very closely with a number ess has begun to identify the six fl ights had determined that after Monday’s incident are taken care Airforce Base in Richmond, Australia. of agencies to ensure we get this confi rmed dead but New Zealand survivors fl ed the initial blast no of in terms of medical help, coun- identifi cation right.” police assistant commissioner one was left alive on the island. selling, accommodations, and to ensure that all guests and crew 17,000 visitors every year and is raised in recent days, leading to A total of 47 day-trippers and Bruce Bird said their names and Police hope to use drones to transport,” the company said in a impacted are well taken care.” marketed as an experience for the questions about whether tour guides were on the island when nationalities would not be re- measure toxic gas levels around statement. The island in the picturesque adventurous traveller. But the groups should have been allowed the blast occurred, hailing from leased until the end of a formal the island and determine wheth- “Our priority continues to be Bay of Plenty attracts more than volcano’s threat level had been to visit.

Experts quit Hong Kong police Australians protest as bushfi re haze sparks health fears probe, in blow to government An international panel of experts hired to advise Hong Kong’s police watchdog over its handling of huge pro-democracy protests AFP announced yesterday they were quitting, in a major setback for the Sydney city’s pro-Beijing government. The move came a month after a leaked statement from the group revealed they felt the police watchdog was not equipped to carry p to 20,000 protesters out a proper investigation, and suggested a fully independent rallied in Sydney yester- inquiry would be better suited. Uday demanding urgent Yesterday, the panel said talks with the Independent Police climate action from Australia’s Complaints Commission had made no headway since that leak. “As government, as bushfi re smoke a result, the IEP (Independent Expert Panel) has taken the decision choking the city caused health to formally stand aside from its role,” the statement said. The problems to spike. experts also restated the criticisms it had of the police watchdog it Sydney has endured weeks was hired to assess. bathed in toxic smoke as hun- “We ultimately concluded that a crucial shortfall was evident in the dreds of blazes have raged across powers, capacity and independent investigative capability of IPCC,” the countryside, with hospitals the experts said. recording a 25% increase in the One of the core demands of protesters - alongside fully free number of people visiting emer- elections - is an inquiry into the police, who have been left to gency departments last week. battle black-clad activists for six months and are now loathed by On Tuesday smoke alarms People attend a climate protest rally in Sydney. A demonstrator with a gas mask attends a protest rally in Sydney. significant chunks of the deeply polarised population. But both rang out across Australia’s big- chief executive Carrie Lam and the police have repeatedly rejected gest city, with thick haze trig- anger at the government’s silence the crisis began, preferring to emergency calls for ambulances deep within people’s lungs and those calls. gering smoke alarms and forcing in the face of the crisis. “The focus on fi re-hit rural commu- spiked 30 percent last week. “For cause “severe” health impacts The panel was announced in September and was chaired by Sir buildings to be evacuated, school country is on fi re” said 26-year- nities. Organiser Chloe Raff erty most people, smoke causes mild over time, according to scientist Dennis O’Connor, who was tasked by the British government to children to be kept indoors, and old Samuel Wilkie attending said that had created anger at the symptoms like sore eyes, nose Mick Meyer from government- write a report on the police after the 2011 London riots. ferries to be cancelled. The dev- his fi rst climate protest. He de- conservative government’s inac- and throat,” top health depart- funded scientifi c research agency It included current or former police watchdog chiefs from Canada, astating fi res have focused at- scribed politicians’ response as tion. “I think the wider public ment offi cial Richard Broome CSIRO. “The impact of smoke on Australia and New Zealand, and a British specialist on crowd tention on climate change, with “pathetic”. “Our government is can see that we are not expecting said. “However, people with con- people remote from the fi res may, behaviour. But their frank assessment was not welcomed by scientists saying the blazes have not doing anything about it,” said the climate crisis in the future ditions like asthma, emphysema on occasion, substantially exceed Anthony Neoh, the IPCC’s head. Earlier this month he gave an come earlier and with more in- 29-year-old landscape gardener but we are facing the climate cri- and angina are at greater risk be- the direct injury to people within interview to a mainland Chinese media outlet rebuking the panel, tensity than usual due to glo- Zara Zoe. “No one is listening, no sis now,” she told AFP. “People cause the smoke can trigger their the fi re zone,” he wrote in The saying they “do not understand Hong Kong’s situation”. bal warming and a prolonged one is doing anything.” are experiencing it in their day- symptoms.” Conversation. The IPCC is due to release an interim report on the police reaction drought. Police estimated the Prime Minister Scott Mor- to-day lives.” Smoke from bushfi res is one “But we currently lack the to the protests early next year. But critics say the body lacks crowd size at 15,000, organisers rison - a staunch backer of Aus- As well as a rise in people visit- of the biggest contributors to air operational tools to understand adequate investigatory powers, is stacked with pro-establishment put the fi gure at 20,000. tralia’s vast coal industry - has ing hospitals with smoke-related pollution in Australia, releas- the extent of these impacts or to figures and has been toothless when it comes to holding the police Many of the protesters voiced said little about the smoke since health symptoms, the number of ing fi ne particles that can lodge manage them.” to account. The watchdog can only handle complaints forwarded Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 17 BRITAIN ‘Modern slave’ found guilty of murdering teenager

Guardian News and Media times. The stabbing lasted sev- warnings to the authorities of his rious in the Waltham Forest area. riding a moped when CCTV cap- tack, repeatedly stabbing him Jaden had grown up in Notting- London en seconds, damaged bone and involvement in drugs, violence and Majdouline was once classed tured a stolen black Mercedes with knives that they must have ham and was moved by his fam- punctured Jaden’s lung and liver. gangs from the age of at least 13. by the National Crime Agency as ramming into him head on. As armed themselves with for the ily to east London to try to get him A jury at the Old Bailey con- He had been dealing drugs a “modern slave” over his vul- Jaden fell to the fl oor, one per- purpose of attacking him.” away from trouble. Some warnings teenager who had been victed Majdouline, who will be in London for a gang called the nerability to drugs gangs. son stayed in the car, while four Majdouline was wearing yel- to the authorities came from his classed as a “modern sentenced at a later date. The Beaumont Crew, also known as The prosecutor Oliver Glasgow rushed out, armed with three low rubber gloves as the attack mother after she and her family re- Aslave” has been convicted mandatory sentence for murder Let’s get rich, and was likely to QC told the jury: “This defend- knives, their faces covered. unfolded. The gloves were later ceived threats from gang members of murdering a child as part of a is life imprisonment. He was also have been doing so on the evening ant was part of an armed group Glasgow said: “Three of the recovered by police and DNA tied who came to the family’s Notting- drugs feud. convicted of possessing a knife he was attacked, the court heard. that went looking for a rival and, males who got out of the Mer- them to Majdouline and the mur- ham home looking for Jaden. Ayoub Majdouline, 19, was and had denied both charges. Jaden’s family had tried with- once they found him, the group cedes ran up to Jaden Moodie, der scene. In January 2018, Jaden, aged 13, found guilty of murdering Jaden Jaden died defenceless in the out success to stop him falling chased down their target, the who was lying defenceless and Both youths were known to was arrested in Nottingham with Moodie, 14, who was knocked off middle of the road in Leyton, east into a life of drug-dealing. Ma- group produced their weapons seriously injured on the ground social services and the police and an air-powered pistol, a “Ram- his moped and set upon by four London, in January 2019. In his jdouline was acting for a rival and the group butchered him.” … The three males embarked were linked to county lines drug bo-style” knife and cannabis. He youths who stabbed him nine last year there are six documented drugs gang, the Mali Boys, noto- On January 8, 2019, Jaden was upon a violent and frenzied at- dealing. was cautioned.

Ed Sheeran crowned UK artiste of Prime minister the decade

inger-songwriter Ed Sheeran has been Snamed the ‘UK’s Offi cial Number 1 Artiste of the Dec- heads for Brexit ade’ after a record-breaking run of hits, the Offi cial Charts Company said yesterday. His global smash Shape of You — which spent 14 weeks at No 1 in Britain in 2017 — election win in was named top song of the past 10 years. And he scooped the “Of- fi cial Chart Record Breaker” award for the most number 1 singles and albums from tightening race 2010-2019. In all, his releases spent Reuters votes, both Johnson and Labour tion to break what he said was 79 weeks in the top spot over London leader Jeremy Corbyn went on the paralysis of Britain’s politi- that period, the company, whistlestop tours of the country. cal system after more than three which compiles Britain’s Corbyn called on voters to re- years of crisis over how, when or weekly charts, added. rime Minister Boris John- ject the politics of despair and even if to quit the EU. Previous recipients of that son looks on course to win division he said the Conserva- He has promised to “get Brexit award include Paul McCart- Ptoday’s election though the tives had sown and urged Britons done” by January 31 if he wins a ney and Justin Bieber. race has tightened markedly and to vote for justice and equality. majority. “At the start of the decade, he can no longer be sure of a ma- The YouGov model indicated Corbyn has said he will nego- he was a little known (albeit jority, according to opinion polls Johnson’s Conservatives were on tiate a new Brexit deal maintain- highly rated) young 18-year- published on the eve of the vote. course to win 339 seats in the 650- ing closer trade and fi nancial ties old lad from Suff olk — but his Today’s election has been de- seat House of Commons with 43% with the EU, and then grant a catalogue of achievements scribed by all parties as Britain’s of the vote, versus Labour’s 231 new EU referendum. since then are genuinely re- most important in memory, with seats with 34% of the vote. Polls open at 0700GMT today markable,” Martin Talbot, Johnson calling for a big major- While that would be the Con- and close at 2200GMT when an chief executive of the Offi cial ity so he can swiftly pull Britain servatives’ best performance in exit poll will give the fi rst indica- Charts Company, said. out of the European Union next seat terms since Margaret Thatch- tion of who has won. Sheeran fi rst entered the month. er’s 1987 victory, YouGov said the While there have been countless UK charts in 2011 with debut The main opposition Labour Conservatives’ tally could fall any- polls in the run-up to the election, single The A Team. He has Party promises a new referen- where from 311 to 367. YouGov’s “Multilevel Regression since had eight UK no 1 sin- dum on Brexit as well as a re- Sterling fell sharply immedi- and Post-Stratifi cation Model” is gles. nationalisation of utilities and ately after the poll, hitting as low seen as the most meaningful, of- His four studio albums railroads in its most left-wing as $1.3107, a drop of more than fering a prediction of seats, rather each topped the British platform for decades. half a cent in Asian trading. than just vote share. charts. YouGov, which accurately pre- In London it was last at $1.3117, It crunched data from more “Thank you to everyone dicted the outcome of the last down 0.3% on the day. than 100,000 interviews over who’s supported me over the election two years ago with an An Opinium poll showed seven days, using demographics, past 10 years, especially my elaborate survey that estimates Johnson’s lead over Labour had the specifi c circumstances in in- amazing fans. Here’s to the the outcome in individual con- narrowed to 12 percentage points dividual constituencies, and na- next 10,” Sheeran said in a stituencies, cut its forecast for from 15. tional statistics to come up with statement about the awards. Johnson’s likely parliamentary Johnson called the snap elec- a projection. Shape of You topped the majority by more than half to 28 Offi cial Charts Company’s list seats. Brexit Party candidates have been ‘hounded’: Farage of the top 100 biggest songs of Two weeks ago it had forecast the decade, followed by Up- a majority of 68. Nigel Farage has claimed that election, which of course is town Funk by Mark Ronson, Possible outcomes range from Brexit Party candidates have our right in a free society, (be) featuring Bruno Mars. a landslide victory for Johnson to been “hounded and bombard- hounded and bombarded in Two other Sheeran songs, a hung parliament with no party ed in the most extraordinary the most extraordinary way,” Thinking Out Loud and Per- in control, YouGov said, given way”, complaining that “the he said. Farage was speaking fect, also made the top 10 of the possibility of “tactical vot- tone of politics has deteriorated to a gathering of activists in the that list. ing” in dozens of closely fought hugely” over the course of the constituency of Doncaster Cen- Adele’s 21 and 25 took the constituencies to deny a Con- election campaign. Speaking tral. The party’s campaign has fi rst two spots in the top 100 servative victory. before the country goes to the been dogged by criticism by biggest albums of the decade. “It could not be tighter,” John- polls, the Brexit Party leader campaigners and its own MEPs The British songstress son, the face of the Leave cam- said the campaign had been who say that standing candi- picked up six Grammys for paign in the 2016 referendum, “very, very nasty” and that he dates against the Conservatives 21 and fi ve of the awards for said yesterday when asked about was surprised his candidates risks splitting the Leave vote. 25, with both records topping the opinion polls showing a had been able to withstand the Catherine Blaiklock, the Brexit charts around the world. tighter race. abuse they had been subjected Party’s former founder, said Three of Sheeran’s albums He delivered milk to voters be- to. “I’ve seen people who want Farage’s strategy had failed and made the top 10. Prime Minister Boris Johnson carries a crate of milk to deliver to customers in Guiseley, Leeds, yesterday, fore sunrise. to put themselves forward for that people should vote Tory. on the final day of campaigning before a general election. In a last minute pitch for Decision to release Final push Iconic Diana dress sells for £220,000 killer to be reviewed Reuters yesterday it had bought a piece of London history. “Not only is the ‘Travolta’ Daily Mail the board to review its decision was low risk, despite agreeing dress a fantastic example of cou- London on former pub owner Simms. he would probably never reveal sweeping gown Princess ture tailoring designed to dazzle It is understood he also plans what he had done with Helen’s Diana wore when she on a state occasion, it represents to meet Helen’s mother, Marie remains because during his three Adanced with John Travolta a key moment in the story of he controversial decision McCourt, to discuss the case decades inside he has convinced at the White House has been 20th century royal fashion,” Eleri to release a murderer who within days. himself he is innocent. bought for more than $280,000 Lynn, curator at Historic Royal Thas spent 30 years in pris- Marie McCourt, 76, said she Marie said the Parole Board’s by the charity that looks after her Palaces, said in a statement. on but always refused to reveal was “pleased and relieved” that logic was fl awed and its argument former palace. “We’re delighted to have ac- where he dumped his victim’s Buckland had stepped in. proved Simms was a “psycho- The bodiced, off -the-shoud- quired this iconic evening gown body is to be reviewed. “It is a huge relief for both my- path”. She also cited a menacing ler, midnight blue dress by cou- for the royal ceremonial dress Justice Secretary Robert Buck- self and my family,” Marie said. letter he wrote to her from jail in turier Victor Edelstein, was put collection — a designated collec- land has intervened in the case “I just hope and pray that justice 1991, in which he threatened her up for sale by London’s Kerry tion of national and international of Ian Simms, 63, who was sen- will be done and this man is never family and vowed “an eye for an Taylor Auctions on Monday, importance — over 20 years since tenced to a minimum of 16 years released.” eye, a tooth for a tooth,” and to with an estimated price tag of it fi rst left Kensington Palace,” after killing 22-year-old Helen Marie has been campaigning get “justice” for himself once re- £250,000-£300,000. It failed to she added. McCourt in 1988 as she walked for four years for a new law which leased. reach those fi gures during live Diana wore the dress in 1985 home from work in Billinge, Mer- would force the Parole Board to Under measures introduced in bidding, but the charity moved at a White House state din- seyside. consider a killer’s failure to re- July, following the outcry when in afterwards. ner, where she danced with the Last month the Parole Board veal where their victim’s body is the Parole Board incorrectly or- “It was sold post-auction... “Grease” actor. approved Simms’ application located before approving their dered the release of rapist cab for a hammer price of £220,000. Auctioneer Kerry Taylor said to be released after concluding release. driver John Worboys, the justice The seller was delighted as he the gown had previously been he no longer posed a risk to the The legislation, dubbed secretary or a prisoner can make hoped it would stay in the UK,” bought in 2013 for £200,000 public. But since his conviction Helen’s Law, was just weeks from a request for a decision to be re- the auction house said in a “by a romantic gentleman who in 1989 he has shown no remorse being put on the statute books considered. statement. wanted basically to cheer up his and steadfastly refused to reveal when Parliament was dissolved This can be made if someone The charity Historic Royal wife”. what he had done with the in- for today’s general election. In has reasons to show the decision Palaces — which looks after “But since then it’s spent most surance clerk’s remains – caus- the meantime, Simms was giv- is either unfair – for instance, Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and Scotland’s First Hampton Court Palace and the of its time locked away in a ward- ing unimaginable torment to her en a parole hearing and judges important evidence was not Minister Nicola Sturgeon poses on arrival for an election Tower of London as well as the robe and now as a couple they family. agreed he could go free. shared – or because it was irra- campaign event in Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday. public parts of Diana’s former feel they really want this to go out Now Buckland has ordered They claimed that Simms tional. home, Kensington Palace — said into the public domain.” Gulf Times 18 Thursday, December 12, 2019 EUROPE

EU states block green fi nance deal in setback for climate goals

Reuters cy of the EU, which negotiators Such investments were not ex- from the defi nition of green in- detailed, meant to make the bloc islation when their views diff er. negotiations, the offi cial said. A Brussels hailed as a landmark compro- plicitly excluded from the EU’s vestments, but had accepted the greener and drastically cut car- Talks were conducted on behalf new mandate will now have to mise that could establish a glo- new classifi cations, known as compromise. “The parliament bon emissions. of EU states by Finland, which be agreed, probably next week. bal standard on green bonds and taxonomy, but under the rules will not renegotiate,” said Bas The taxonomy is considered holds the six-month EU presi- If lawmakers agree, talks with uropean Union states have other fi nancial products aimed at it would be very diffi cult to label Eickhout, the leading deputy on a key pillar of that strategy as it dency until the end of this year. the European Parliament should blocked a set of new rules climate-conscious investors. them as green, potentially reduc- the issue, urging France to put could increase funding for re- Usually states support compro- resume in coming days with Egoverning which fi nancial Britain, France, the Czech Re- ing future funding for those in- aside its concerns and allow the newable energies and other green mises struck by their representa- the aim of fi nding a deal before products can be called “green” public, Hungary, Poland, Slova- dustries. deal to be approved by the re- projects while tackling so-called tives, but the blocking of the the end of the year, the offi cial and “sustainable”, EU offi cials kia, Romania, Bulgaria and Slov- France relies on nuclear en- quired majority of EU member “greenwashing”, whereby fi rms green fi nance law highlights the added. “We are still working on said, in a major setback for the enia opposed the deal at a meeting ergy, while European countries states. boost their green credentials deep divisions in the bloc over an accord, and we think there bloc’s climate ambitions. of EU diplomats in Brussels, fear- are still largely dependent on coal The setback came on the same without merit. the matter. is every possibility for a deal by The decision halted a deal ing it would prevent investments and support nuclear. EU law- day the EU commission unveiled Under EU rules, lawmakers States saw the compromise early next week. It just needs a struck just last week by EU law- in nuclear and coal projects from makers wanted nuclear and fos- the outline of its “Green Deal”, a and governments have to fi nd a text as going beyond the man- wording update,” a French dip- makers and the Finnish presiden- being labelled as green. sil fuel funding clearly excluded package of measures, still to be compromise over proposed leg- date given to Finland to lead the lomat said. Climate pledges ‘misleading’, Greta tells UN forum

AFP Madrid Climate change activist Greta Thunberg speaks at the High-Level event on Climate Emergency during the wedish activist Greta UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid, yesterday. Thunberg yesterday ac- Scused wealthier nations of inventing ways to avoid slash- ing their greenhouse gas emis- sions, branding their climate Climate activist Greta Thunberg action “misleading” at a summit in Madrid. The UN climate fo- rum tasked with saving the world named Time’s Person of the Year from runaway global warming has become an “opportunity for countries to negotiate loop- Reuters Thunberg, who turns 17 in cially in Europe, where some holes and to avoid raising their Madrid January, is currently in Madrid at travellers concerned about the ambition” to act on climate, the a United Nations climate summit environmental impact of fl ying 16-year-old told delegates and where world leaders are wran- are seeking alternative forms of observers to vigorous applause. reta Thunberg, the gling over how to implement a transport. “Countries are fi nding clever 16-year-old Swede 2015 Paris agreement designed Thunberg’s uncompromis- ways around having to take real Gwho inspired millions to avert potentially catastrophic ing stance has brought her into action.” of young people to take action global warming. She was typi- confrontation with some of the Nations are gathered in Spain’s against climate change, has been cally blunt in her assessment of world’s most powerful people. capital to fi nalise the rulebook of named Time Magazine’s Person politicians’ eff orts. A video of her giving US Presi- the 2015 landmark Paris climate of the Year for 2019. Thunberg “It seems to have turned into dent Donald Trump what media accord, which aims to limit glo- launched a grassroots campaign some kind of opportunity for described as a “death stare” at a bal temperature rises to “well United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends the High-Level event on Global Climate aged 15 by skipping school every countries to negotiate loopholes UN climate summit in New York below” 2C and to a safer cap of Action during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) in Madrid yesterday. Friday to demonstrate outside and to avoid raising their ambi- in September went viral on social 1.5C if possible. But the consen- Swedish parliament, pushing tion,” she said on stage, drawing media. sus-based talks are bogged down should be funded and how car- or 6C – is now understood to tonio Guterres yesterday ap- for her government to meet its applause from an audience that Trump has questioned climate in politically charged wrangling bon trading schemes should be be between 2C and 3C, he said. pealed to industry to “shift into ambitious goals to curb carbon included dozens of her support- science and has challenged every over the architecture of carbon regulated. In addition, there has Thunberg, who was awarded a high gear” by greening their emissions. ers. major US regulation aimed at markets, timetables for the re- been preciously little progress Time magazine’s person of 2019 businesses and dragging carbon Her actions quickly captured “I’m sure that if people heard combating climate change. Dur- view of carbon-cutting pledges, over the issue of “loss and dam- (see accompanying report) for emissions down. “While we see people’s imagination, and in what was going on and what was ing a speech at around the same and a new fund to help poor age” funding – how countries al- her tireless environmental cam- some incremental steps towards September this year millions of said ... during these meetings, time, she bristled with anger. countries already reeling from ready dealing with the worst im- paigning, told negotiators that sustainable business models, it is people took to the streets in cit- they would be outraged.” “This is all wrong. I shouldn’t climate impacts. pacts of climate-related extreme their promises were a world apart nowhere near the scope or scale ies across the world to support Former US Vice President Al be up here. I should be back in Veteran campaigner Jenni- weather and drought should be from what was needed. required,” he said. her cause. Gore, a longtime environmen- school on the other side of the fer Morgan, Executive Director of compensated. “Recently a handful of rich “What we need is not an in- “In the 16 months since (her talist, said the magazine made ocean, yet you all come to us Greenpeace, said the highly pro- The UN’s top climate body the countries pledged to reduce their cremental approach, but a trans- protests began), she has ad- a “brilliant choice” in choosing young people for hope. How cedural negotiations are alarm- IPCC says that the safest way to emission of greenhouse gases by formational one.” dressed heads of state at the the reluctant celebrity. “Greta dare you?” she told delegates. ingly out of sync with the scale of hit the 1.5C target is a rapid and so and so many percent by this or The UN says emissions must UN, met with the Pope, sparred embodies the moral authority “You have stolen my dreams and the problem and the growing pub- sweeping drawdown in the coal, that date, or to become climate drop 7.6% globally every year to with the President of the United of the youth activist movement my childhood with your empty lic outcry. “I’ve been taking part oil and gas driving greenhouse neutral or net zero in so and so 2030 to stay on track for a 1.5C States and inspired 4mn people demanding that we act immedi- words.” in those COPs for 25 years, and gas emissions. “The red thread many years,” she said. world. At little over 1C of warm- to join the global climate strike,” ately to solve the climate crisis. Brazilian President Jair Bol- I’ve never seen a divide between in science over the past 20 years, “This may sound impressive ing since the industrial period the magazine said. She is an inspiration to me and sonaro this week called Thun- what’s happening on the inside of is that we have underestimated at fi rst glance, but even though started, Earth in 2019 was shaken She is the youngest individual to people across the world,” Gore berg a “brat” after she criticised these walls and what’s happen- the pace of change and the risks the intentions may be good this is by a string of deadly wildfi res, to have won the accolade. said. mounting violence against in- ing on the outside,” she said. “The we are facing,” Johan Rockstrom, not leadership. This is not lead- superstorms and fl oods made “Margaret Atwood compared Thunberg, who said her As- digenous people in which two heart of the Paris agreement is director of the Potsdam Institute ing, this is misleading.” more intense by the changing her to Joan of Arc. After notic- perger’s syndrome can be an Amazon tribesmen were shot still beating, but barely.” for Climate Impact Research, After Thunberg fi nished her climate. Despite dozens of meet- ing a hundredfold increase in its advantage in her campaigning, dead. The activist retorted by Several sticking points remain told the plenary. address, dozens of youth ac- ings and thousands of specialists usage, lexicographers at Collins sailed across the Atlantic Ocean changing the biographical de- even as the two-week marathon The temperature tipping point tivists from around the world working to implement the Paris Dictionary named Thunberg’s for 20 days to get to the Madrid scription on her Twitter account negotiations enter the fi nal days. for catastrophic and irrevers- stormed the plenary stage, de- accord, global emissions have pioneering idea, climate strike, event in order to avoid travel- to “Pirralha,” the Portuguese Nations are at odds over how ible changes in Earth’s climate manding that delegates act now increased by four percent in the the word of the year,” Time add- ling by air. “Flight-shaming” word Bolsonaro used to insult the fi ght against climate change system – once thought to be 5C to cut emissions. UN chief An- years since the deal was signed. ed. has gained momentum, espe- her.

France PM makes concessions to striking workers Swiss Greens fail to

AFP And the prime minister said day and some 800,000 on the win govt seat despite Paris the legal retirement age would fi rst day of the labour action last remain 62, although an addi- Thursday, according to offi cial tional two years of work would estimates. climate boost rance’s Prime Minister in- be required from 2025 for people They included teachers, hos- sisted yesterday that the to leave with a full pension. “The pital workers, fi refi ghters, stu- Fgovernment would push time has come to construct a uni- dents, and members of the “yel- DPA mation of the past” and failed ahead with reforms to the coun- versal retirement system,” said low vests” anti-government Geneva to refl ect the outcome of the try’s fragmented pension system the head of government, insist- movement which have been October parliamentary elec- but off ered concessions to unions ing the overhaul would be fairer holding weekly rallies for the last tion, Green faction leader as a crippling strike entered its and would better protect vulner- year that have sometimes turned witzerland’s Green party Balthasar Glaettli told public seventh day. able workers. violent. Striking workers blocked failed to get elected into broadcaster SRF. Public transport networks in “To guarantee our pension, to seven of France’s eight petrol re- Sthe country’s multi- While all other major parties Paris and other main cities have fi nance a higher level of solidar- fi neries Tuesday but the govern- party government yesterday, had lost lower house seats in been paralysed by the walkout, ity, to benefi t from a higher life ment said there had been no im- despite signifi cant gains in a the parliamentary election, the which began last Thursday and expectancy without increasing French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe unveils the details of pact on petrol supplies. recent election dominated by Greens had won 17 additional left shops, hotels and restaurants taxes, the only solution is to work a pensions reform plan before the CESE (Economic, Social and Public transport in the capi- climate issues. seats. fearing for the impact on their a bit longer, and progressively a Environmental Council) in Paris, France, yesterday. tal remained at a near standstill Green party chief Regula The confi rmation of the pre- bottom line. bit longer, as is the case every- yesterday, causing much frustra- Rytz ran for a seat in the seven- vious cabinet was in line with In a televised address, Edouard where in Europe and everywhere union force since President Em- a private sector worker’s 25 best tion for working commuters and member cabinet after her party political traditions in Switzer- Philippe said the highly-contest- in the world,” said Philippe, an- manuel Macron came to power in earning years, or six months for tourists alike. Nine out of Paris’ became the fourth-strongest land, where incumbent min- ed pension changes would be im- nouncing the “incentive” for lat- 2017 vowing to cut public spend- public servants – with a univer- 16 metro lines were offl ine, fi ve party in the lower house of isters are very rarely voted out plemented in phases, “without er retirement. Philippe said the ing and make the economy more sal points-based scheme. Con- off ered reduced services, and the parliament in October with and usually serve for several brutality”, and would not aff ect government’s proposals would competitive. In anticipation of troversially, the government aims only two driverless lines kept to 13% of the votes. terms before retiring voluntar- workers born before 1975. There “justify” the end of labour ac- Philippe’s announcement, un- to scrap the more advantageous their usual schedule though with When members of parlia- ily. would be a guaranteed minimum tion that has disrupted national ions kept up the pressure yester- pension provisions enjoyed by a high risk of congestion, accord- ment met yesterday to elect the Parliament prolonged pension of 1,000 euros ($1,100) rail services and grounded many day with a seventh day of trans- some professions – including ing to operator RATP. There were Swiss government, a major- the terms of populist right- for all who had worked their full planes. Hundreds of thousands port strike. The proposed reform public transport and utilities also fewer buses. ity of centrist and right-wing wingers Ueli Maurer and Guy quota of years, a higher amount of people have also taken to the will unite into a single plan the workers, sailors, notaries, and Trains linking Paris to its sub- parties thwarted the Green bid Parmelin, social democrats than some – including farmers streets in two mass protests since current 42 pension regimes Paris Opera performers. urbs were running a minimum by renewing the mandates of Alain Berset and Simonetta – currently receive. According last Thursday. across the public and private sec- This would also be stag- service, and commuters desper- the previous ministers. Rytz Sommaruga, Liberals Igna- to offi cial statistics, the average French unions have vowed tors. gered, said Philippe. The protests ate to get to work squeezed into was only supported by her own zio Cassis and Karin Keller- pension in 2017 was just over to resist until the plan is with- It would replace the current brought 339,000 people out on overfull carriages from the early party and by social democrats. Sutter, and conservative Viola 1,600 euros. drawn, in the biggest show of pension calculations – based on the streets around France Tues- hours. “Today’s vote was a confi r- Amherd. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 19 INDIA

DEMAND APPEAL LEGAL SPACE SECURITY Thackeray seeks GST Javadekar urged to Court rejects Malayalam ISRO’s foreign satellite Jaipur Metro alerted dues from Centre stall Mhadei project actor’s plea in assault case launch count touches 319 on possible cyberattack

Staring at the state’s empty coffers, Mahar- Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he had After the Supreme Court last month ruled that India yesterday successfully placed into orbit its The Centre has issued an alert of a possible ashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has contacted Union Minister for Environment and Malayalam actor Dileep would not get a copy of latest radar imaging earth observation satellite cyberattack on the Jaipur Metro by hackers demanded that the Centre plough back its total Forests Prakash Javadekar and once again urged the memory card containing footage of an alleged RISAT-2BR1 and nine foreign satellites from four and has directed it to update its cyber secu- outstandings on account of GST-IGST of over him to withdraw or keep in abeyance his ministry’s sexual assault, a case in which he has been charged, countries using its PSLV rocket. In the process, In- rity arrangements to foil any such attempt. Rs155bn, an official said in Mumbai yesterday. nod to Karnataka’s Kalasa-Banduri water diversion a trial court in Kochi yesterday refused the actor’s dia touched the 319 foreign satellite launch mark. Acting on the alert, the Jaipur Metro admin- In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sithara- project. Sawant also said Javadekar has assured him demand for a copy of the records. The court, Declaring this will be the last rocket mission of istration has started making cyber advisory man, Thackeray said that this includes Goods of a decision in the matter over the next few days. however, said the actor or his representative could ISRO for 2019, its chief K Sivan said in 2020, there with the help of experts. Meanwhile, the & Services Tax compensation of Rs86.11bn and In October this year, the Javadekar-led MoEF had examine the records on December 18. By next Mon- will be the maiden launch mission of new rocket Jaipur Metro administration said the alert had the rest arrears of Integrated Goods & Services given a nod to Karnataka’s Rs8.41bn Kalasa-Banduri day, Dileep should file the request and should also small satellite launch vehicle and other rockets. been issued by the security agencies for all Tax. This, coupled with the ongoing economic dam project which ostensibly aims to divert water name one expert whom he could bring along to India’s latest radar imaging earth observation sat- metros in the country. According to Priti Jain, slowdown, has posed serious problems for the from the Mhadei river basin to the water deficit examine records. According to sources, Dileep is try- ellite RISAT-2BR1 now up in the sky will send sharp deputy commissioner of police, Jaipur, “the state’s finances owing to which its develop- basin of the Malaprabha river. The Goa government ing to delay the trial and with this development he is clarity images for surveillance, agriculture, forestry metro day-to-day system cannot be hacked ment programmes are suffering, the Thackeray and opposition parties claim the project would expected to move the Kerala High Court against the and disaster management. The satellite camera but there is a possibility of hacking routine informed Sitharaman. cause ecological devastation in Goa. trial court decision. can look through the clouds and take pictures. maintenance websites.”

Premier cleared of Contentious complicity in deadly Citizenship Bill Gujarat riots

AFP cleared amid Ahmedabad

rime Minister Narendra Modi was not complicit in Pthe deadly riots that broke out in 2002 in one of the bloodi- violent protests est episodes in independent India, according to a judge-led commis- AFP in Tripura and in Guwahati, a Shah has argued that the leg- sion report released yesterday. Guwahati senior army official said. islation was aimed at “saving Modi was the chief minister of Police fired tear gas in differ- the lives” of persecuted reli- Gujarat when nearly 1,000 people ent parts of Guwahati as several gious communities from neigh- — the majority of them Muslims he parliament yesterday thousand demonstrators at- bouring countries. — were killed in riots triggered passed a contentious tempted to barge past security In August, Modi’s admin- by a fi re on a train which killed 59 T bill that seeks to grant barriers to converge on the ad- istration rescinded the partial Hindu activists. citizenship to non-Muslim joining state capital Dispur. autonomy of Jammu and Kash- The riots have long dogged immigrants from some coun- Tripura and parts of Assam mir and split it into two. Modi, who was accused by human tries, as hundreds of troops suspended mobile Internet A citizens’ register in Assam rights groups of turning a blind were deployed in the north- services, with Assam wanting finalised this year left 1.9mn eye to the violence. east which has been hit by vio- to avoid social media posts that people, many of them Muslims, The Nanavati Commission lent protests. could “inflame passions”. facing possible statelessness, found that the riots were spon- The bill will let the govern- Gatherings of more than detention camps and even de- taneous, sparked by the train ment grant citizenship to mil- four people were banned for 24 portation. burning deaths, rather than pre- lions of illegal immigrants who hours. Modi’s government has said planned attacks. entered India from three neigh- “We appeal to all the stu- it intends to replicate the reg- “There is no evidence to show bouring countries before 2015 dents, civilians, tea garden ister nationwide with the aim that these attacks were either — but not if they are Muslim. workers and all sections of of removing all “infiltrators” by inspired or instigated or abated The legislation was passed the society to come out to the 2024. by any minister of the state,” the 125-105 by the upper house af- streets again today to protest,” “The Indian government is Nanavati Commission said in its ter the lower house voted in local activist Akhil Gogoi said creating legal grounds to strip nine-volume report of more than support of it just after midnight ahead of the upper house vote. millions of Muslims of the fun- 2,500 pages. on Tuesday. Derek O’Brien, an opposition damental right of equal access The release of the report came It will be sent to the president lawmaker in the upper house, to citizenship,” Human Rights amid protests in northeastern In- to be signed into law, with his yesterday said the legislation Watch said yesterday. dia over a citizenship bill that pro- approval seen as a formality. bore an “eerie similarity” to The US Commission on In- poses excluding Muslim refugees “A landmark day for India Nazi laws against Jews in 1930s ternational Religious Freedom from neighbouring countries. and our nation’s ethos of com- Germany. on Monday termed the bill as a Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party passion and brotherhood!,” “In 1935, there were citizen- “dangerous turn in the wrong (BJP), re-elected in a landslide Prime Minister Narendra Modi ship laws to protect people with direction”. The foreign ministry in May after coming to power in tweeted. German blood...today we have retorted that the remarks were 2014, has long been accused of “This Bill will alleviate the a faulty bill that wants to define “neither accurate nor warrant- following a “Hindutva” agenda. suffering of many who faced who true Indian citizens are,” ed” and “guided by their preju- In August Modi’s administra- persecution for years.” he said. dices and biases”. tion rescinded the partial autono- Opponents of the legislation my of Jammu and Kashmir in what have threatened to challenge it CAB passage ‘marks victory of bigoted forces’ the government said was aimed at in the Supreme Court, saying it boosting the local economy and violates the principles of equal- Soon after the controversial Citi- minded and bigoted forces over rooting out corruption. ity and secularism enshrined in zenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 India’s pluralism.” The Bill was ta- The report — which included the constitution. was passed in the Rajya Sabha bled for discussion in the Upper 44,445 affi davits from witnesses Besides stoking concern yesterday, Congress interim House by Union Home Minister and 488 government offi cials — among Muslims, the proposed chief Sonia Gandhi described it Amit Shah. The CAB was passed was tabled in the Gujarat state as- changes have also led to dem- as a “dark day” in the constitu- in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Hit- sembly yesterday, fi ve years after onstrations in the northeastern tional history of the country and ting out at the government, the it was submitted to the govern- states where residents are un- said passage of the Bill marks Congress leader said that the Bill ment following a 12-year probe. happy about an influx of Hindus the victory of “narrow minded fundamentally challenges the While the commission’s terms from neighbouring Bangladesh and bigoted forces” over India’s idea of India that the forefathers of reference did not require the who stand to gain citizenship pluralism. In a statement, Sonia fought for and, in its place, cre- government to make the fi nd- under the Citizenship Amend- Gandhi said, “This marks a dark ates a “disturbed, distorted and ings public, it said in September ment Bill (CAB). day in the constitutional history divided India” where religion the report would be released after In a third day of protests in of India. The passage of the CAB will become a determinant of a petition for its publication was Security personnel disperse students protesting against the governments Citizenship Amendment Bill, in the far-flung region, several marks the victory of narrow- nationhood. fi led in the high court. Guwahati yesterday. hundred troops were deployed

Anger at privatisation Punjab chief minister faces People prefer onions growing party dissent to all-paid Goa trip! IANS place their bets on onions over a trip Hyderabad to Goa or other aspirational options, IANS for a long as he was the star cam- Congress committee chief Sunil refl ects how the pod shaped their Chandigarh paigner in the last state assembly Jakhar. daily lives,” Abhibus said. elections,” a senior party leader Sidhu, who used to swear loy- hree kilos onions trump- Before this, whenever AbhiBus said. alty to Rahul Gandhi, had to exit ing a free trip to Goa, ran an off er that had Goa trip as simmering dissent is In the run-up to the assembly the government after diff erences Tsounds incredible but is an option, it always trumped all brewing between Chief elections in March 2017, Ama- with party veteran and Chief true. other prizes. But it’s the fi rst- AMinister Amarinder Singh rinder Singh played an emotional Minister Amarinder Singh. With onion prices at all-time time that consumers have rel- and his legislators in Punjab. card by claiming it will be his last Sidhu, who had been at log- high in most parts of the coun- egated Goa to the second spot. Congress sources suggest election. “Secondly, a certain gerheads with Singh, formally try, a leading online bus ticketing Every day AbhiBus announces the cause of provocation is the section of senior legislators such resigned on July 14. Since then he marketplace included the com- 20 winners and deliver the ‘jack- disconnect or deliberate side- as Rana K P Singh want to be at has limited public appearances. modity in the list of prizes for pot’ (3kg onions) to their homes. stepping of a certain section of the helm with important portfo- Sources said the common customers booking the ticket on According to the company, legislators who claim unbridled lios,” he said. grouse against the government its platform. anyone booking tickets on www. powers to a handful of bureau- Three-time legislator Rana K P is the going soft on former chief Other prizes on abhibus.com abhibus.com till December 15 can crats is hampering their day-to- is currently the Speaker. minister Parkash Singh Badal were an all-expense paid trip to enter the contest by selecting day working. For over a month, four ruling and his family. Their businesses Goa, an iPhone or an e-bike. their preferred option. The party workers too largely party legislators, all belonging too continue to fl ourish right un- AbhiBus was surprised to fi nd “AbhiBus is constantly innovat- feel disillusioned. to Amarinder’s wife parliamen- der the nose of the government. that more people were opting for ing to provide customers with so- Besides, there is a demand tary constituency Patiala, have Some ministers, it is learnt, onions than a trip to Goa. lutions and off ers that meet their from the Congress central lead- been airing their anger against believe the bureaucracy is ruling AbhiBus decided to make this ever-changing needs, including ership to suitably compensate the government on several is- the roost and political feedback is interesting off er, as the onion making travel a fun and enjoyable. “sulking” legislator Navjot Singh sues, including lack of develop- not taken periodically. prices in some parts of the country Our priority is to keep the cus- Sidhu, who has been pushed to ment funds, at Congress Legisla- Former senior bureaucrat Activists and members of various trade unions march crossed Rs200 a kg and social me- tomer in the centre to off er strong sidelines, by re-inducting him tive Party (CLP) meetings and at Suresh Kumar was hand-picked across Howrah bridge on their way to rally in Kolkata dia went in overdrive with memes customer support,” said Rohit into the Cabinet and making public platforms. by Amarinder when he became yesterday. The 283kms long march started on November and jokes on surging rates. Sharma, COO AbhiBus. some changes in the portfolios. Sensing growing resentment, the chief minister. The offi cer, 30 from Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory in Paschim More than 54% opted for on- “The contest around onion “The central leadership wants the chief minister has called all known for his impeccable, hon- Bardhaman district and has been called by the Centre ions as their prize ever since the is an example of the customer- to use Sidhu as a trump card in legislators in groups next week to est and upright approach, is of- of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) against the government’s off er was made on December 10. centric approach and the re- the next elections if there is a Chandigarh to hear their griev- ten referred to as the “Super CM” ongoing plans of selling and privatising public sector The Goa option received 46% re- sponse we are getting testifi es vacuum in party leadership. Sid- ances and allocate funds in the in Punjab’s political circles in the undertakings. sponse. our ability to meet customer hu can’t be kept on the sidelines presence of the Punjab Pradesh past 32 months. “That customers are willing to needs,” he said. Gulf Times 20 Thursday, December 12, 2019 PAKISTAN

Peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest: Qureshi Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi says peace and stability 3 patients die as lawyers clash in Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s own interest. Talking to media in Istanbul yesterday, he said Pakistan deems that establishment of peace in Afghanistan will lead to more bilateral trade between Pakistan with Lahore hospital doctors and Afghanistan. He said Pakistan will have AFP triggered by video clips some opportunities of investment, Islamabad doctors had made ridiculing the reconstruction, and infrastructure lawyers. development in Afghanistan. Punjab Information Min- Shah Mahmood Qureshi said t least three heart pa- ister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan who Pakistan has played a positive tients died yesterday arrived at the hospital to me- role in holding of talks between Aafter a group of lawyers diate was also thrashed by an- the US and Taliban in Doha and attacked doctors at a cardiac gry lawyers. this contribution is being hailed hospital in Pakistan’s eastern “This was kind of a high- by the world. city of Lahore, offi cials and handedness which none of He said the international ministers said. civilised societies can tolerate,” community is also appreciative “Three patients including provincial Law Minister Raja of Pakistan for clearing its side of an elderly woman died after Basharat said. the border from terrorists. doctors failed to provide them Private television channels Shah Mahmood Qureshi said timely treatment and remained showed live footage of the scuf- Pakistan has created internal engaged in averting the assault,” fl es from the scene where some political consensus regarding Punjab provincial health min- of the lawyers were also seen its tribal belt and merged it into ister Yasmeen Rashid said at a brandishing pistols. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. televised press conference in Prime Minister Imran Khan, He said the incumbent government Lahore. who ordered an inquiry into the has allocated a special financial A group of more than 200 incident, directed Punjab pro- package for the development of lawyers, who had ongoing is- vincial government to take stern erstwhile tribal areas to remove the sues with the doctors of the action against all those involved sense of deprivation and poverty Punjab Institute of Cardiology, in the attack. from the area. stormed the hospital, vandal- “Several lawyers have been He said Pakistan made it clear at ising property and damaging identifi ed from the television the Heart of Asia Conference that dozens of vehicles of visitors footage and the government will Islamabad cannot make eff orts in and setting ablaze a police van, deal with all those involved in Afghan peace process alone and the Rashid said. the attack with an iron hand,” world should come forward to play The incident was apparently Basharat said. A policeman prepares to beat a lawyer (centre) following a clash between lawyers and doctors in Lahore yesterday. its role in this regard. (Internews) Chief of banned High Court grants bail to Zardari

Internews Last week, the IHC had ad- (PIMS) in Islamabad after his cess to doctors of his choice for bail could be approved. After a Islamabad mitted a bail plea fi led by the health deteriorated. seeking medical advice and as- few more inquiries, the court group indicted former president seeking bail on During the hearing yesterday, sistance. decided to grant bail to Zardari medical grounds in the two cases Zardari’s counsel Farooq Naek However, the report also con- on medical grounds in the mega special bench of the Is- initiated against him by the Na- submitted his client’s medical ceded that it was not possible money laundering and Park Lane lamabad High Court tional Accountability Bureau reports to the court. IHC Chief to provide the former president cases. A(IHC) yesterday granted (NAB). In his bail plea, Zard- Justice Athar Minallah and Jus- with medical care in jail. Upon PPP chairperson Bilawal over terror bail to Pakistan People’s Party ari said he was suff ering from a tice Amir Farooq presided over hearing this, the court asked Bhutto-Zardari expressed relief (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Zard- heart condition and diabetes. the hearing. the NAB whether it was neces- at the decision. ari on medical grounds in the Zardari had been arrested by According to the medical re- sary to keep Zardari in detention “We are thankful to the judges Park Lane and mega money- NAB on June 10 after cancel- port, the former president is suf- any longer, since the references for their fair assessment of the laundering corruption cases. lation of his pre-arrest bail. In fering from several diseases, in- against him had already been situation in which the former fi nancing The court ordered the former October, Zardari was transferred cluding a heart condition, and is fi led. president fi nds himself,” Bilawal president to submit surety bonds from judicial custody at Adiala admitted at PIMS to get the best NAB prosecutors told the told media personnel outside the worth Rs10mn in order to secure Jail in Rawalpindi to the Pakistan possible treatment. The court court that there were some con- courtroom in Islamabad after Internews had links with the JuD and its his bail. Institute of Medical Sciences was assured that Zardari had ac- ditions under which Zardari’s the decision was announced. Islamabad top leadership. Subsequently, on July 17, Saeed was arrested from Gu- n anti-terrorism jranwala on charges of terror court in Lahore fi nancing by the Punjab CTD. Ayesterday indicted He was sent to prison on ju- Locust Hafi z Saeed, the chief of dicial remand after the CTD presented him before a Gu- 75% Pakistanis say they the banned Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), and four other JuD jranwala ATC. infestation leaders who were booked in In February, the Paris-based July for off ences pertaining Financial Action Task Force to terror fi nancing. (FATF) had warned Pakistan raises fears to deliver on its commitments are mostly happy: survey Saeed, along with the oth- ers, was presented before the to curb terror fi nancing and court yesterday under strict money laundering. Internews while 21% claimed they are not ple earning over Rs30,000 per people while out of the total fe- of food security protocol. Risks to the global fi nancial Islamabad mostly happy people. 4% did month claim to be happier than male respondents, a relatively After fi ling charges, the system virtually put the coun- not know/did not wish to re- those earning less. higher 77% claim that they are court summoned the pros- try’s entire machinery into spond. Out of the total respondents happy people. insecurity ecution’s witnesses. ATC -I an aggressive mode to show ccording to a Gilani Re- Amongst rural respondents, that earn over Rs30,000, 85% The study was released by judge Malik Arshad Bhutta, tangible progress within two search Foundation Sur- 74% said they are mostly happy claimed that they were mostly Gilani Research Foundation and akistani authorities are who heard the case, adjourned months of the warning. Avey carried out by Gallup people while a much lower 22% happy people whereas 78% of carried out by Gallup & Gilani struggling to deal with proceedings until today. In late February, the gov- & Gilani Pakistan, 75% Pakista- disagreed. Only 4% said they respondents earning between Pakistan, the Pakistani affi liate Pan infestation of desert On Saturday, the court had ernment announced a ban on nis say they are mostly happy; did not know or did not wish to Rs15,000 and Rs30,000 agreed. of Gallup International. locusts in one of the country’s delayed the indictment owing JuD and Falah-e-Insaniyat women and richer people gen- respond. Seventy percent of the people The recent survey was car- poorest regions where millions to unavailability of one of the Foundation to partially ad- erally more happy. When the same question was earning Rs 7,000 to Rs15,000 ried out among a sample of of the insects are eating crops, suspects in a case registered dress the concerns raised by A nationally representa- asked from respondents living claimed to be happy people 1,200 men and women in urban raising fears of food insecurity. by the Counterterrorism De- India that Pakistan supported tive sample of men and women in the urban areas, 78% said while 71% of the people earn- and rural areas of all four prov- The insects have damaged partment (CTD) on charges of these and six similar organi- from across the four provinces they are usually happy while ing up to Rs7,000 claim to be inces of the country, during cotton, wheat, maize and other terror fi nancing. sations, including Jaish-e- was asked, “Do you agree with 20% disagreed. Only 2% said happy. October 07-October 20. The crops in the southern province of The JuD leaders deny alle- Mohamed (JeM), or at least the following statement: ‘I am they did not know or did not Out of the total respondents, error margin is estimated to be Sindh since June. gations against them as being considered them low-risk mostly a happy person’?” wish to respond. 74% of the males asked claimed approximately ± 2-3% at the Favourable weather condi- baseless and a result of inter- entities. In response, 75% agreed Income breakdown: Peo- that they are mostly happy 95% confi dence level. tions and a delayed response national pressure on the Paki- Law enforcement agen- by the authorities have helped stan government. They claim cies over the next few weeks them breed and launch attacks that they have been charged in intensifi ed their crackdown from the desert on crop areas and cases by wrongly attributing on JeM, JuD, FIF and other nearby towns. them as leaders of the banned banned outfi ts, and arrest- Burning ceremony Swarms of locusts that landed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). ed more than 100 activists. at the venue of a political rally in They plead it was an admit- Nearly 200 seminaries be- October hit the headlines. ted fact supported by superior sides hundreds of other fa- “Wheat crops over 4,000 courts’ decisions that they cilities and assets associated hectares have been damaged. had already quit the LeT be- with them across the country We fear missing the production fore the organisation was pro- were taken over by the gov- target set for the province by at scribed in 2002. ernment. least 50% this year,” Nabi Baksh They argue the cases against Quarterly assessments Sathio, senior vice president at them have been made on the by the FATF of Pakistan’s the Sindh Chamber of Agricul- basis of a link to defunct Al- progress continued over the ture, said yesterday. Nifal Trust which, they claim, course of the year. Pakistan set a wheat produc- was formed to construct In the latest FATF review tion target of 27mn tonnes this mosques in the country. They held in October, it was found year. say the CTD registered cases that while Pakistan has made Last year, Sindh contributed without any substantive evi- signifi cant improvements, it 5.5mn tonnes, he said. dence. will have to take “extra meas- “We are working day and night On July 3, the top 13 lead- ures” for “complete” elimina- to deal with the locust invasion ers of the JuD were booked in tion of terror fi nancing and which is getting alarming day by nearly two dozen cases per- money laundering. day,” said Ismail Rahu, the pro- taining to terror fi nancing and A reprieve until Febru- vincial agriculture minister. money laundering under the ary 2020 has been given until He said more than 1,000 peo- Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), when Pakistan will remain on ple are using machines and two 1997. the task force’s “grey list”. small aeroplanes to spray pes- The CTD, which regis- In 2012, Pakistan was ticide on thousands of hectares tered the cases in fi ve cities of placed on the grey list and every day. Punjab, declared that the JuD remained on it till 2015. The Rahu said that the locust had was fi nancing terrorism from country was put on the list come all the way from Yemen the massive funds collected again on June 29, 2018. Pa- through Iran. A survey was un- through non-profi t organisa- kistan was given 15 months der way to assess the losses, he tions and trusts including Al- for implementation of the added. Anfaal Trust, Dawatul Irshad 27-point action plan, with a “The situation has gone out of Trust, Muaz Bin Jabal Trust warning that in case of failure control and raised fears of food among others. the country would be added insecurity,” said Nisar Khaskha- These non-profi t organisa- to the blacklist a list of the li, a farmer in Khairpur district tions were banned in April as countries branded as unco- A soldier from Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) stands beside a burning pile of seized drugs set on fire during a drug burning whose cotton crop has already the CTD, during detailed in- operative and tax havens for ceremony in Lahore yesterday. been damaged, while his wheat vestigations, found that they terror funding. crop is under threat. (DPA) Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 21 PHILIPPINES Regulator Lorenzana, Sison lock horns on repeals venue to conduct peace talks By Dempsey Reyes Manila Times utilities’ efence Secretary Delfi n Lorenzana and Com- Dmunist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison continue to lock horns on the issue of the venue water deals of the peace talks. The reopening of the peace talks remains in limbo as verbal war between the two rages. In a statement yesterday, Si- son insisted that the peace ne- after rebuke gotiations should be held “in a foreign neutral venue,” saying Reuters gapore ordered the Philippines the National Democratic Front Manila government to pay the utili- of the Philippines (NDFP) does ties a combined 10.8bn pesos not trust the “no arrest” assur- ($212.14mn) in compensation. ance of the government. he Philippines’ water The companies had said they The precondition to hold the regulator said yesterday it would forfeit any damage claims peace negotiations in the Philip- Thas cancelled the 15-year to avoid angering the president. pines was laid down by President extension of concession deals it “These companies not only Rodrigo Duterte and backed by signed with the country’s two have ineffi ciently delivered wa- Lorenzana and National Security Delfin Lorenzana and Jose Maria Sison (right) have engaged in a verbal war, leaving the reopening of the peace talks in limbo. largest utilities after pressure ter to the households, but ex- Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. from President Rodrigo Duterte. acted unconscionable amounts The government gave the guar- unless the repressive issuances gime cannot gain the trust and “The NDFP is under no obli- place, it was they who came to Duterte described the con- from the taxpayers,” Salvador antee that NDFP consultants and campaigns of Duterte are confi dence of the NDFP while gation to negotiate with a regime the president to request for the cession agreements with Ma- Panelo, Duterte’s spokesman, would not be arrested. ended, the political prisoners it refuses to carry out the good- that is already discredited and is reopening of the talks through nila Water Co Inc and Maynilad said in a statement. Sison, however, found this are amnestied and released, the will measures (of the NDFP),” running out of time. The revolu- Sison’s emissaries,” Lorenzana Water Services as “onerous and The water utilities’ woes dis- hard to believe. Caser (Comprehensive Agree- he added. tionary movement is advancing,” added. He added that if the NDFP disadvantageous” to the public, play a violation of the sanctity of “The NDFP cannot trust any ment on Social and Economic The NDFP also set precondi- Sison said. Lorenzana rejected does not trust the assurance of prompting them to be revoked in contracts, Guenter Taus, former ‘no arrest’ declaration from the Reforms) and a bilateral cease- tions such as the release of politi- these conditions. the government that no consult- a move that could turn off inves- president of the European GRP’s (government of the Re- fi re are already in place,” he said. cal prisoners and the declaration “What is he, lucky?” the De- ants will be arrested, “then that is tors at a time the government is Chamber of Commerce of the public of the Philippines) side “Right now, the Duterte re- of a holiday ceasefi re. fence chief said. “In the fi rst their problem.” seeking foreign capital to mod- Philippines, told Reuters. ernise its infrastructure. “It does not instil investor’s Metropolitan Waterworks and confi dence. You can’t just go out Sewerage System, the country’s and revoke contracts,” Taus said. regulator, told lawmakers it had The embattled companies’ revoked last week a decision shares continued their decline extending the water concession yesterday, with Manila Water Govt on track to curb poverty: Pernia deals with the two utilities until slumping 14%. Maynilad stock- 2037, sending their shares tum- holders Metro Pacifi c Invest- bling more than 13%. The exist- ments Corp and DMCI Holdings By Catherine S Valente the 14% target set for 2022. “So, it’s a walk in the park that we can start of this president’s administration ing concessions will expire on Inc sank 13% and 13.4%, respec- Manila Times “So, I suppose that everybody is reach 14% by 2022. By next year, we will to 2022. We were able to reach that target 2022. tively. heartened by the news about the reduc- reach that target. We will exceed that. We in two years time,” he said. The fi rms, which are servic- Manila Water president Jose tion, sharp reduction in poverty inci- will have poverty incidence even lower Last week, the government reported ing a combined 16mn custom- Rene Almendras told lawmakers he government is on the right dence by 6.7 percentage points, which than 14% by next year if we go by the rate that the number of poor Filipinos de- ers, secured 25-year concession the company has yet to study the track in its goal to reduce poverty translates to 2.3 percentage points every of decline in poverty incidence. So, that’s creased to 17.6mn in 2018 from 23.5mn agreements in 1997, which were impact of the regulator’s deci- Tincidence in the country to 14% in year reduction. So, it’s now 16.6%. So, if the good news,” he added. in 2015. extended in 2009 by a further 15 sion. 2022, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary we project it to the future, assuming that Pernia, who is also the head of the Na- The poverty incidence among the years. “There should be a clean Ernesto Pernia said yesterday. it will continue to decrease by about two tional Economic and Development Au- population or the proportion of poor Fil- Duterte acted after Manila process because we have com- During the weekly economic press to 2.3 percentage points every year, then thority, said with the country’s perform- ipinos, whose per capita income was not Water and Maynilad won ar- mitments both in terms of capi- briefi ng in Malacanang, Pernia said the we should easily reach our objective that ance in 2018, around 5.9mn Filipinos had suffi cient to meet their basic food and bitration cases in Singapore tal expenditures, projects and country had almost achieved its tar- by the end of this president’s adminis- already been lifted out of poverty. non-food needs, was estimated at 16.6% against the government. loans,” Maynilad chief operating get, with poverty incidence hitting only tration, poverty incidence will go down “Our target was only 6mn Filipinos last year from 23.3% in 2015, according to The arbitration court in Sin- offi cer Randolph Estrellado said. 16.6% in 2018, 2.6% points away from to 14%,” Pernia told reporters. will be lifted out of poverty from the the Philippine Statistics Authority. Groups slam senator over remarks Bureau blocks travel of undocumented By Eireene Jairee Gomez Manila Times workers to Lebanon isher and peasant groups yesterday urged Senator By William B Depasupil be handed to them in Beirut. FCynthia Villar’s to help Manila Times There is an existing ban of ensure stable food supply in- Filipino deployment in Lebanon. stead of issuing “callous” re- This year alone, the Overseas marks. ix Lebanon-bound Filipina Workers Welfare Administration In separate statements, the household service workers has repatriated over 5,000 un- Pambansang Mamamalakaya S(HSWs), all undocument- documented HSWs. ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and ed, were stopped by Bureau of There are close to 100,000 National Federation of Peas- Immigration (BI) offi cers at the HSWs in Lebanon mostly un- ant Women (Amihan) criticised Iloilo International Airport. documented. Villar for her statement on the In a report to Immigration Many of them entered Leba- high cost of galunggong (round Commissioner Jaime Morente, non through Dubai and other scad). In an interview, Villar the bureau’s travel control and transshipment points in the said if Filipinos could not aff ord enforcement units (TCEU) dis- Middle East. the fi sh, then they should eat closed yesterday that the six The BI has already stopped vegetables instead. passengers were supposed to more than 300 undocumented “There are other alternative board a Cebu Pacifi c fl ight to or tourist workers bound to vari- food. If round scad is expensive Hong Kong where they would ous countries with transit points then don’t eat it. There are oth- take a connecting fl ight to Leba- like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and er alternative food,” Villar was Groups reminded Senator Cynthia Villar that she is duty-bound to ensure that there is stable and aff ordable supply of agricultural and non. “Upon arriving in Hong Hong Kong. quoted saying. fishery products in the market. Kong they were supposed to The Philippine government, Zenaida Soriano, Amihan board their connecting fl ight to through the Department of Af- National chairman, said Vil- both on agriculture and food, market. Instead of looking into Last week, Agriculture Sec- guarantee that prices in the Beirut and end up working there fairs, has a free repatriation lar’s comment was “callous” and fi sheries in the Senate who the alleged shortage of galung- retary William Dar gave the market would normalise. The as household service workers project for undocumented Fili- and “unbecoming of her post is supposed to be resolving the gong, and its unreasonable Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic group said private traders con- without the appropriate over- pino workers in Lebanon. as the chairperson of the senate instability of agricultural and price increase, she chose to is- Resources (BFAR) the green trol and dictate market prices. seas work permits,” said Ma. The mass repatriation is committees on agriculture and fi shery stocks,” he said. sue a comment that we fi nd ir- light to import 45,000 metric The group called on the Timotea Barizo, BI-TCEU over- scheduled for February next food, and fi sheries.” “We remind Senator Vil- responsible,” Hicap added. tonnes of small pelagic fi sh, in- Agriculture department to all supervisor. year. This was echoed by lar that she is duty-bound to Galunggong prices have re- cluding galunggong, to address strengthen the livelihood ca- The women alleged a certain To avail of the one-time op- Pamalakaya National Chairman ensure that there is stable and portedly skyrocketed to P250 to the shortage in the country. pacity of municipal fi sherfolk “Alfred” facilitated the process- portunity, all applicants must Fernando Hicap. aff ordable supply of agricul- P350 a kilogram from the previ- But fi sher group Pamalakaya across the country to boost ing of their travel documents come personally to the Philip- “She is the committee chair tural and fi shery products in the ous P150 to P170 a kilo. said the importation would not fi sheries production. and that their work visas would pine embassy in Beirut. Nearly 350,000 pensioners to get festive cash gifts

By Antonio P Rimando bonus “will be credited to their e- provided they activate their guaranteed period) are entitled he said, adding that “new re- Manila Times card a few days before December status with the GSIS on or be- to one month current pension tirees between 2015 and 2019 25 so they can spend it in celebrat- fore April 30, 2020.” up to a maximum of P10,000.” who availed of immediate pen- ing this joyous occasion with their According to Macasaet, pen- Not entitled to receive the sion under RA 8291 will not yet lose to 350,000 old-age families.” sioners whose 2018 Christmas Christmas cash incentive, Ma- receive the cash gift this year … and disability pension- Macasaet, who was ap- gift was above P10,000 ”will casaet explained, “are basic sur- as they will start getting their Cers of the Government pointed last year by President receive an amount equivalent vivorship pensioners, dependent Christmas gift fi ve years after Service Insurance System (GSIS) Rodrigo Duterte, revealed that to one month current pension pensioners, pensioners under RA their retirement date.” are scheduled to receive P3bn in entitled to receive the cash gift up to a maximum of P12,000, 7699 (Portability Law) and those Moreover, he said GSIS mem- Christmas gift starting Decem- “are pensioners under Republic while those whose 2018 Yule- receiving pro-rata pension.” bers who resigned or separated ber 15, a top agency offi cial an- Act (RA) 8291, Presidential De- tide cash gift was P10,000 Also not qualifi ed to the ben- from government between 2006 nounced here recently. cree 1146 and RA 660 who are and below will be granted one efi t are retirees who got in ad- and 2019 before reaching age 60 Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, receiving their regular monthly month current pension up to a vance their guaranteed pensions and who started receiving their Zamboanga-born GSIS chairman pension and are still living as of maximum of P10,000.” in the form of lump sums and regular monthly pension be- and acting president and general November 30, 2019.” The GSIS chairman said who are still within the guar- tween 2015 and 2019 “will get manager, disclosed here during He said “suspended pen- “pensioners who resumed their anteed period, and who will be the cash gift once they have been his recent hometown visit that the sioners as of Nov 30, 2019 are regular monthly pension after resuming their regular monthly regular pensioners for at least pensioners so-called Christmas also eligible to get the cash gift, Dec 31, 2018 (after the five-year pensions after Dec. 31, 2019,” fi ve years.” GSIS chairman Rolando Ledesma Macasaet. Gulf Times 22 Thursday, December 12, 2019 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES Impeachment inquiry by US House appropriate

The United States now fi nds itself, for only the fourth time in its history, confronting articles of impeachment that charge its highest elected leader with violating both the US Constitution and the oath of offi ce to uphold it. In the months leading up to this, it should fi rst be said, the House has gone about its impeachment inquiry in an entirely appropriate way. Proper for a high-stakes investigation, initial witnesses testifi ed privately. When Republicans insisted on public hearings, the hearings went public. And the thoughtful questioning, especially in the House Intelligence Committee, did much to lay a fact-based foundation for the abuse-of-power charge. That article River of goodwill runs states that President Donald Trump “ignored and injured the interests of the nation” by using the power of his offi ce to attempt to pressure Ukraine into a politically benefi cial investigation of his political rival. Americans heard powerful and troubling testimony from witnesses who largely corroborated one another. They deep in Test return saw for themselves the readout of the now-infamous “Do match on Pakistan soil after more than While the long-suff ering Pakistani Pakistani fans openly backed the us a favour, though” phone call from Trump to Ukrainian By Kamran Rehmat Doha a decade — 3,935 days to be precise public’s emotional attachment to the Sri Lankan team in the final against President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. On Monday came the — yesterday. Perhaps, the fans can be resumption of Test cricket at home Australia in that edition in Lahore — release of the Republican-ordered inspector general’s report allowed the liberty to see it as poetic is understandable, it is important to an act of generosity that the World into the FBI investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 ricket is seriously pursued justice. get to the dénouement in the context Cup-winning Sri Lankan captain only in a handful of countries; The venue this time is Rawalpindi of history. The uninitiated can be Arjuna Ranatunga never forgot and election. indeed, the full members of Cricket Stadium. The stadium itself forgiven for thinking why has Sri Lanka has since consistently, supported That report found Cthe International Cricket holds some signifi cance: the fi rst chosen to tide over widely circulated the return of international cricket to When the investigation to be Council number only 12. Pakistan is international played here was also apprehensions surrounding the Pakistan. legitimate and free from one, but the game in this cricket-mad against Sri Lanka. It was also the fi rst “security” situation in Pakistan — even Two months ago, when Sri Lanka’s Republicans country is only second to religion. ever international covered by this when the country has come a long way key players pulled out of the limited political motivation, bias To be dead honest, that is how the scribe, and the frenzied interest of the after successfully fi ghting the menace overs series and the visiting board insisted on public or spying on the Trump nation and Pakistan cricket were woven fans meant that a seating capacity of of terrorism on its soil. president complained about being “fed campaign. Republicans for a long time. In the last decade that about, 28,000 fell abysmally short and The bilaterals play a signifi cant up of security”, Ranatunga blasted him hearings, the have been trying mightily interest has waned a wee bit, but not led to overcrowding with the result that role here and are evident in the strong and exhorted his board to take a history waned enough to lose its status of the one was left trying to save young female political and defence ties as well as lesson. hearings went to discredit the probe and, ultimate uniter. Yes, Pakistanis may fans caught in the melee than focus on the ‘fi rst love’ that binds the nations, “People running the game at present as Trump would prefer, bicker over anything under the sun, but the action out in the middle. Later, a historically: cricket. Pakistan’s steadfast perhaps, do not know how much public shift the focus to Ukraine, when its cricketing fortunes are on an reward and certifi cate for ‘hardship’ and active support helped Sri Lanka Pakistan helped us during our early though the entire US upswing, life can be ridiculously calm! reporting was probably consolation overcome challenging situations in days,” he said. The decline in fortunes thanks to a enough! the region and, talking specifi cally of Regardless of the on-fi eld results, intelligence community has said that Russia was the primary lack of nurseries is owed massively to This encounter in 1992 also turned cricket, Pakistan manoeuvred to get what is certain is that a full strength Sri actor. The report also noted some performance failures Pakistan losing hosting rights after the out to be Imran Khan’s last international the island nation full membership of Lankan team for this tour has signalled in the FBI’s procedures. That is appropriate for separate visiting Sri Lankan team came under on home soil before he went on to lead the ICC by rallying other Asian nations Colombo’s intention to play its part in examination, but has little bearing on the impeachment a terrorist attack on March 3, 2009 as Pakistan to a fairytale triumph a few in 1981. In subsequent years, Pakistan reviving the good old times in a country they headed for an ongoing Test match weeks later in Australia. Incidentally, stood by Sri Lanka, and in a particular with whom its river of goodwill runs process. in Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital Khan is now the country’s prime episode when Australia refused to play deep. The second article is one, frankly, that Trump has and cricket headquarters. The shocking minister, and it is fair to assume that he a fi xture of the 1996 World Cup there, brought upon himself, through his intractable rejection of episode in which eight people died would have more than a passing interest teams from Pakistan and India travelled The writer is Features Editor. He Congress’ watchdog role. His refusal to allow key fi gures to and left a few Sri Lankan cricketers in the game. to Sri Lanka to show solidarity. tweets @kaamyabi injured as their bus was fi red upon by testify, from Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney down to former gunmen, eff ectively robbed Pakistan of employees and campaign workers, is anathema to a political international cricket at home, depriving system built on checks and balances. House Intelligence fans of watching their heroes in action Committee Chairman Adam Schiff rightly noted that should — some of whom never featured at home before their international careers Trump’s ban be allowed to stand with no consequence, it ended! “would decimate Congress’ ability to conduct oversight What led to the unfortunate incident of this president or any other in the future.” Republicans is well documented, including the should think twice before surrendering an accountability heroic rearguard action by the Pakistani bus driver, whose presence of mind role that may be needed in the future, just as it was when and gumption in speeding the bus out they investigated President Bill Clinton’s transgressions. of a hail of gunfi re prevented the worst Bringing articles of impeachment is a signifi cant step, but possible. He later visited Sri Lanka on not the last one. This now moves to committee votes, then a special invitation and was hailed as a hero. But it was obviously not enough to the full House and, if passed, on to the Senate for a trial to save international cricket at home! determine whether Trump should become the fi rst president The irony of the matter is that removed from offi ce by Congress. These are serious times for Pakistan was fronting the global war- the country, and the Star Tribune Editorial Board is reserving on-terror and that included countries which were both part of the war theatre judgment for now on whether impeachment or conviction as well as the ICC. Pakistan meanwhile are justifi ed. was the biggest victim of this war’s In the meantime, it was heartening to see on Tuesday that fallout in terms of human and economic the House and White House have made a deal on the USMCA losses. Yet, no member country of the ICC was willing to consider treading trade agreement negotiated by Trump. The nation’s work the beaten path for all the sacrifi ces must go on, even in times such as these. The agreement will rendered despite off ers of state-level bring a measure of badly needed stability amid a trade war security. that has hurt many, including in Minnesota, where exports In Pakistan, during this time, fans felt embittered. Allowing for the failure have been falling. – Tribune News Service to prevent the unfortunate attack in Lahore at the time of a politically charged atmosphere, they have long To Advertise contended how terrorist attacks in other countries could similarly neither be [email protected] prevented nor did these deprive them of Display hosting rights. The attacks in England, India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are 44466621 44418811 cited as examples. Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Classified therefore, will etch itself in history. 44466609 44418811 Pakistanis are unlikely to forget who the tourists are, once again. Just Subscription months after they returned to feature in a limited overs series against [email protected] Pakistan at the very venue (Lahore’s YESTERDAY ONCE MORE: Current Pakistan captain Azhar Ali and Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne holding the trophy Gaddafi Stadium), which led to all this with Bandula Warnapura, left, and Javed Miandad, right, before the start of the first Test in a decade which began at the heartburn, Sri Lanka became the fi rst Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium yesterday. Warnapura and Miandad led their respective sides in the first ever Test between the two © 2019 Gulf Times. All rights reserved international team to feature in a Test countries in 1982. Gulf Times Thursday, December 12, 2019 23 COMMENT Qatar and Malaysia... 45 years of strong ties

QNA embassy of Qatar was opened months of views between the two that pursues a policy of free Doha later in Kuala Lumpur. countries on various regional and economy, in which the country Since that time, relations between international issues, and a common plays an important role in strategic Doha and Kuala Lumpur have determination to enhance their planning and in following up the n the context of the growing been in constant development, co-operation in international implementation of the economic friendship and good relations and have deepened based on many forums and contribute with the programs it draws for it. between Qatar and Malaysia, the denominators in keeping with the international community in the Malaysian economy ranks third IPrime Minister of Malaysia Dr common doctrine and visions of efforts to maintain international among the countries of Southeast Mahathir Mohamed arrived in Doha unity and solidarity between Islamic peace and security, combat Asia after Indonesia and Thailand, yesterday on an official visit. countries. terrorism, protect human rights and the 29th globally. In the 1970s, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Bilateral relations have witnessed and solve disputes through dialogue Malaysia began to imitate the four Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will many mutual visits and talks at the and peaceful means in accordance Asian tiger economies, committing meet him today at the Amiri Diwan highest levels between the leaders with the provisions of international itself to moving from being to discuss bilateral relations and co- of the two countries, ministers, law and the rules of international dependent on mining and agriculture operation between the two countries. government officials and private legality. to an economy more dependent on The Amir and the Malaysian prime sector officials, the most notable Last October, the second session industry. minister will also witness the signing example is the visit of His Highness of the Qatari-Malaysian Joint Trade With foreign investment, heavy of a memorandum of understanding the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Committee was held in the Malaysian industries flourished within years, regarding the establishment of the Khalifa al-Thani to Malaysia in 2009 capital, Kuala Lumpur. HE the and its exports became the main joint high committee between the and the visit of the King of Malaysia Minister of Commerce and Industry growth engine. The electronics two countries, and will exchange at that time Al-Wathiqu Billah Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari chaired the industry is one of the pioneering views on regional and international Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin to Qatar Qatari delegation there. industries there. Its contribution issues of common concern. in 2010. The future of Qatari-Malaysian amounts to about 24.5% in the It is expected that this visit, The Qatari-Malaysian relations co-operation is promising in light country’s GDP and has consistently discussions and the agreements culminated in several historic of the economic potential of both achieved a total domestic growth rate that will be signed, will contribute visits by His Highness the Amir to countries, which will bolster bilateral of more than 7% with low rates of to strengthening relations between Malaysia in 2015 and 2017, the last trade that reached $291mn in the first inflation. the two countries and pushing them of which was in December 2018 half of 2019, the minister said. Malaysia has natural resources in towards broader prospects, especially that opened the doors to developing Al-Kuwari hailed Malaysian agriculture, forestry and minerals in the economic, commercial and relations between the two countries companies for contributing to fields. It is one of the leading investment fields. and pushing them to a wider strengthening bilateral economic exporters of natural rubber and palm Relations between Qatar strategic level, especially in the relations, noting that over 85 oil, along with wood, cocoa, pepper, and Malaysia have witnessed a economic, commercial, investment Malaysian companies, including 13 pineapple and tobacco. considerable growth in many sectors, opportunities and human and social fully owned Malaysian firms and Malaysia’s economy is solid, and they are characterised by development fields, in a way that 72 jointly owned Qatari-Malaysian diversified and the fastest growing strength and co-operation in various serves the common interests of the Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohamed companies, are currently operating in in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has the political, economic and commercial two countries and two peoples. Qatar’s engineering, construction, oil third largest Islamic banking sector fields over the past 45 years. The two countries are linked to a economic, technical, cultural in the field of training diplomats, and gas and information technology in the world. It has succeeded in The diplomatic ties between Qatar set of agreements and memoranda and media co-operation, and an higher education, legal activities, and sectors. achieving a renaissance that has and Malaysia began in 1974 at the of understanding that regulate agreement between Qatar News judicial co-operation. Malaysia has a population of made it an important investment level of a non-resident ambassador. their relations in many areas such Agency and the Malaysian News Politically speaking, Qatar about 30mn people and an area front especially in the fields of food, The embassy of Malaysia in Doha was as avoiding double taxation and Agency, in addition to memoranda and Malaysia stand on one line, of more than 320,000 sq km. It electronics, health and strategic officially opened in 2004, and the preventing financial evasion, of understanding on co-operation confirmed by the convergence is a modern industrial country investment projects.

JLF Doha shows the value of dialogue in a volatile world

ideal. JLF Doha will deliver countless closely linked to our vision as writers the opportunity to learn from promotes imagination, discovery and The library is curating a programme of opportunities for people from all over Qatar’s national library, a role in and be inspired by infl uential Qatari nourishment of the human spirit, and sessions throughout the Festival that the world to engage with one another. which we serve not only the local writers such as Ali Bin Towar Al also binds diff erent cultures, languages will cultivate a vibrant intercultural The library will be fi lled with the voices population, but also the regional Kuwari, Saleh Gharib, Jamal Fayez and and artistic voices. dialogue between many diverse voices of writers, poets, artists and cultural and international educational and even publishers like Radhi al-Hajri. The festival is also a wonderful sharing each other’s stories. scholars, once again demonstrating cultural communities. We support These well-established authors will way of celebrating the Qatar-India As a Qatari, I am proud of our that libraries are living organisms users in navigating our collections— have the chance to share our unique 2019 Year of Culture as it draws to a national library. As a global citizen, — places where people and cultures both physical and digital — for their storytelling traditions at JLF Doha to close soon. Our two countries have I am grateful for the opportunity connect. learning and research needs each highlight how much our country has shared an enduring relationship to immerse myself in dialogue with Tragically, it seems that nowadays day. And, through JLF Doha, we are achieved in the fi eld of literature, and over almost five millennia and, here those from other cultures. This is the world is filled with stories of broadening horizons and opening how important these contributions at the Library, we have provided a how we learn. This is how we grow. conflict and strife. It is my firm new possibilities for personal and are to Arabic language, culture and glimpse into that story through our This is how we progress. belief that it is only by learning from professional enrichment. heritage. I also hope that aspiring exhibition, “Qatar, India & the Gulf.” one another that we can coexist We are expecting visitors from writers will benefi t from interactions JLF Doha will serve to strengthen  Abeer al-Kuwari is Director of peacefully. Part of the Library’s around the world at JLF Doha, and with literary icons who can have a these ties as we celebrate the Research and Learning Services at By Abeer al-Kuwari mission is to create an exceptional as a Qatari librarian I am looking positive infl uence on their personal multilingual literature of South Asia. Qatar National Library Doha environment for learning and forward to this opportunity to development and craft. discovery, and this literature festival showcase what a 21st century Meanwhile, visitors to JLF Doha provides yet more evidence that we library can and should be: a centre will have a chance to express their ABOUT QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY he Jaipur Literature Festival are succeeding in this mission. of knowledge that enhances the creativity and engage in in-depth Qatar National Library acts as a exceptional learning and discovery (JLF) Doha opens at Qatar I am very excited in welcoming development of society, improves literary conversations and refl ections steward of Qatar’s national heritage environment. National Library today, and I everyone to visit the library from quality of life for everyone, and with the authors they love, and whose by collecting, preserving and making His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Tcould not be more pleased to 12 to 14 December and to enjoy fosters learning, culture and the works they cherish. This is indeed a available the country’s recorded Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, be part of the country’s first interna- this extraordinary programme of diversity of ideas. rare chance to engage directly with history. The library provides equal off icially inaugurated Qatar National tional literary festival. stimulating events, discussions, We are also helping to lay the writers who have inspired millions in access to all types of information Library on 16 April 2018. The Library As a nation, we highly prize dialogue informative lectures and hands-on groundwork for Qatar’s literary future. an intimate and exciting setting. JLF and services and aims to enable was granted the status of national as a precursor to progress, and in storytelling and theatre workshops For example, the Qatari Writers’ Doha will benefi t us as individuals, as the people of Qatar to positively library under the Amiri Decree No11 of many ways, our library represents and more. Forum, launched by the Library in a community and as a country. It will influence society by creating an 20 March 2018. the physical embodiment of this high The goals of JLF Doha are 2018, gives the future generation of deepen our role as an institution that

Live issues Air pollution tied to hospitalisations for a wide range of illnesses

By Lisa Rapaport “We discovered several common causes of hospital air pollution exposure are likely Reuters Health previously unknown but common admissions including sepsis or far higher, said study co-author diseases among older adults, such septicemia, a life-threatening Francesca Dominici, also a public as fl uid and electrolyte disorders, reaction to a bacterial infection health researcher at Harvard. lder adults who are septicemia, anaemia, urinary tract in the bloodstream; fl uid and “The major limitation of this exposed to tiny particles infections, and renal failure, even electrolyte disorders; kidney study was that costs incurred after in air pollution for just a when daily PM2.5 concentrations failure; and intestinal obstructions. discharge, such as drug costs, Oday or two are more likely were below the current World These diseases have rarely been readmission costs and outpatient to be hospitalised for a wide variety Health Organisation (WHO) air studied in the context of PM 2.5 and costs could not be fully captured,” of common health problems, a US quality guidelines,” said lead hospitalisations, the study team Dominici said by e-mail. study suggests. study author Yaguang Wei, an writes in The BMJ. People may not be able to avoid Researchers focused on so-called environmental health researcher For these rarely-studied diseases, exposure to air pollution, but they PM 2.5, a mixture of solid particles at the Harvard TH Chan School of each 1 ug/m3 increase in short- can still take some precautions, said and liquid droplets smaller than 2.5 Public Health in Boston. term average fi ne particulate matter Matthew Loxham of the University micrometres in diameter that can “PM2.5 is composed of tiny solids levels was associated with an Hospital Southampton in the UK. include dust, dirt, soot and smoke. and liquids fl oating in the air and average annual increase of 2,050 “All people, but especially They confi rmed previously-known once inhaled, these particles can hospital admissions, 12,216 total those who have underlying links between short-term exposure pass through the respiratory system, days in the hospital and $31mn in health conditions which may to PM 2.5 and an increased risk of sneak into the blood and circulatory hospital and post-acute care costs. be exacerbated by air pollution, hospitalisation and death from system, and cause serious health Air pollution levels below safety such as heart/cardiovascular heart and lung diseases, diabetes, problems,” Wei said by e-mail. standards set by WHO were also conditions, asthma, COPD, and clots in the large veins of the “The most consistent and associated with an increased risk should look for local air quality legs. They also found new links dangerous health eff ects identifi ed of hospitalisations for conditions levels and associated guidance, between short-term exposure have been cardiovascular and like cardiovascular and respiratory which may suggest closing and increased hospitalisations for respiratory diseases, which are the disorders that have previously been windows, or avoiding strenuous conditions ranging from sepsis to leading causes of hospitalisation, tied to PM 2.5. outdoor exercise,” Loxham, kidney failure. emergency room visit, and even For these diseases previously who co-authored an editorial The study team examined death,” Wei added. linked to air pollution, each 1 ug/ accompanying the study, said by hospital data for Medicare patients Under WHO guidelines issued in m3 increase in short-term average e-mail. nationwide from 2000 to 2012. 2005, people shouldn’t be exposed fi ne particulate matter levels “Furthermore, both patients and They focused on 214 diff erent to average PM 2.5 levels over 24 was associated with an average medical practitioners should be health conditions, and looked at hours that exceed 25 micrograms annual increase of 3,642 hospital aware of the impact poor air quality data on average air pollution levels per cubic meter of air (ug/m3). admissions, 20,098 total days in the can have on exacerbation of disease, the day before and the day of each Short-term exposure to fi ne hospital and $69mn in hospital and to better understand and perhaps hospitalisation based on patients’ particulate matter was associated post-acute care costs. to better treat such fl are-ups,” home zip codes. with an increased risk of several Costs attributable to short-term Loxham said. Gulf Times 24 Thursday, December 12, 2019 QATAR Sheikha Moza attends unveiling of M F Husain’s fi nale ‘Seeroo fi al Ardh’ This most unusual artwork By Joey Aguilar Staff Reporter of the Indian-born artist, who got Qatari citizenship in 2010, forms part of his er Highness Sheikha extensive project on Arab Moza bint Nasser, Chair- civilisation Hperson of Qatar Founda- tion (QF), attended a celebra- long before the European Ren- tion unveiling the Seeroo fi al aissance, which Husain aimed to Ardh – the fi nal work of the late highlight. Firnas’ fl ying machine Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser tours the exhibition. PICTURE: Aisha al-Musallam world-renowned artist Maqbool predated that of da Vinci’s by Fida Husain – at Education City. a few centuries, while Arabian HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad steeds galloped across deserts al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and long before modern transport CEO of QF, members of Husain’s arrived in the region. family, other dignitaries, and The artwork features a giant representatives of local and in- mosaic of horses as its back- ternational art institutions were ground, showcasing the artist’s also present. love of the animals and Qatar’s The most unusual artwork of A crystal horse at the exhibition. Seen in the background are M F equine heritage. As part of the the Indian-born artist, who got Husain’s son Mustafa and the latter’s wife Najma. (Supplied picture) show, all these elements of ‘Se- Qatari citizenship in 2010, forms eroo fi al Ardh’ move in harmony part of his extensive project on knowledge, discovery, and un- If you do that, this world will with a music Husain has select- Arab civilisation and was de- derstanding, and that it should be a better place’”, she recalled. ed. “The fact that we managed signed to be both dynamic and be open to all,” QF Community Guests at the event witnessed to fi nish all the elements as per experiential. Development President Mach- the fi rst performance of the his masterplan, is a matter of A QF statement noted that the aille al-Naimi said. Seeroo fi al Ardh’s main show, pride for us. We wanted to pre- installation was commissioned “We are delighted that mem- which explores the progress of serve the legacy of M F Husain,” by Her Highness Sheikha Moza, bers of Husain’s family are here human civilisation through the she said. in addition to a series of paint- for the unveiling of an art instal- history of the Arab region and Part of the installation also ings that refl ect the 99 names lation that is unlike any other, how its inhabitants used nature includes an exhibition display- of Allah, the Merciful, the Com- and that, for years to come, will (land, air and sea) – and later on ing the sketches, letters writ- passionate. bring enjoyment to people from machines – to further their am- ten by the artist, and its original Husain passed away before around the world, invite their bitions. mock-up. the Seeroo fi al Ardh could be curiosity, challenge them to “The artwork has several Husain’s works have been fi nished. Later QF completed analyse and question, and open things, it has trencadis mosaic, exhibited across the globe, in- the installation – housed within their eyes to new perspectives,” you have the glass horses made cluding his fi rst solo exhibition HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Indian ambassador P Kumaran and another dignitary at the Seeroo a permanent building close to al-Naimi added. in Murano, and the technicality in Qatar in 1984 at the Sheraton fi al Ardh exhibition opening. (Supplied picture) Al Shaqab equestrian centre at At the ceremony, Najma Hu- to create this work was too big,” Doha, with another show at the Education City. It will be open to sain, the late artist’s daugh- QF’s senior art specialist Layla Museum of Islamic Art over a his sketches, letters, and the Husain’s letter to Her High- Murano shaping the form that the public, incorporating every ter-in-law, said: “M F Husain Ibrahim Bacha told a press pre- decade ago. original mock-up of the art- ness Sheikha Moza in April 2011, is to become the white crystal aspect of the artist’s original walked the earth teaching us view earlier in the day. The artist’s Horses of the Sun work. Some of these pieces in- two months before his demise; horse, which is part of ‘Seeroo fi plan. to appreciate life. It is amazing The elements of the artwork, exhibition, featuring the paint- clude the installations’ early and a sketchbook with a dedica- al Ardh’. “The Seeroo fi al Ardh, which how his art survived catastro- from Abbas Ibn Firnas’ and Le- ings he did during his time in version of the original sketch, tion to Her Highness, are among The exhibition also displays we are honoured to have brought phes, and it taught us to appre- onardo da Vinci’s fl ying ma- Qatar, took place at Mathaf: which the artist kept in the same the highlights at the exhibition. the conceptualisation and re- to completion in the way Hu- ciate the visual language of art. chines to glass horses and vin- Arab Museum of Modern Art, in room in his Doha studio, as well Visitors will also have the op- quest for museum approval in sain envisaged many years ago, He said ‘See the form, the con- tage cars, refl ect the presence Education City, earlier this year. as copies of the crystal horses portunity to see several photos November 2008 – a sketch in is a refl ection of our belief that tours, and the colours through of an environment conducive QF presented the show, along that he hoped to make into full- of the artist at work. He is pic- bold multi-colour design of the art is an avenue that leads to unbiased, unconditional eyes. to innovation in the Arab world with an exhibition that includes size horses now on display. tured in the Venice studio of Musuem of Art and Cinema.