Moph Official FAZEENA SALEEM “Till Now There Are MERS-Coronavirus (MERS-Cov) the PENINSULA Which Was Born in This Region No Cases That Have and More Riskier

www.thepeninsula.qa Monday 27 January 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8149 2 Jumada II - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESSBUS | 01 SPORT | 10

QatarQa working Al Rayyan, harhard to build a Al Sailiya eye sustainable place in ACL economy group stage

All required preventive Amir honours Ambassador of Lebanon measures taken against coronavirus: MoPH official FAZEENA SALEEM “Till now there are MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) THE PENINSULA which was born in this region no cases that have and more riskier. We experi- Qatar has taken all required been reported in enced H1N1 10 years ago; we preventive measures against are trained and we keep on the newly-emerged corona- Qatar. With the help updating our information,” he virus and the country is well- of International said. prepared to respond to any “We take any case seri- situation, said a senior official Collaboration Centre ously in Qatar. We hope that at the Ministry of Public Health of World Health through the media awareness (MoPH), yesterday. people will have a better orien- “We would like to assure Organisation, we have tation on what is needed to be people that Qatar has taken all set lines on how to done. We would like to assure the measures needed to ensure diagnose any case of people that there is no need for that we are getting with the panic,” he added. protocols,” said Sheikh Dr coronavirus,” said the Dr Al Thani emphasised Mohammed bin Hamad Al Director of the Public that the Pandemic Prepar- Thani, Director of the Public edness Committee has met and Health Department at MoPH, Health Department at taken all needed measures while speaking on the sidelines MoPH. with Hamad International of an event held at the Airport to ensure that all pas- Ministry. sengers coming from China “Till now there are no cases covered by thermal cameras, that have been reported in from China are on transit. messages are spread on board Qatar. With the help of Inter- “We want to ensure they and how to fill forms if needed national Collaboration Centre travel safely to their final des- and what to do in case anyone of World Health Organisation tination. If any case is reported presents symptoms of (WHO), we have set lines on ever, we have measures to coronavirus. how to diagnose any case of transfer them from the airport “Deaths reported due to the coronavirus,” he added. to CDC and we ensure that it is coronavirus outside China are Dr Al Thani also said that very well protected and will be very few. Although there is Communicable Disease Centre in one isolated ward,” he increasing number of new (CDC) of Hamad Medical Cor- added. coronavirus cases being poration is well prepared to Dr Al Thani advised that any reported, the fatality rate is only tackle any situation. person coming from China with three percent. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Amiri Diwan yesterday with the Ambassador “Qatar is well prepared for symptoms must seek medical "It is not like MERS-coro- of the Lebanese Republic, H E Hassan Qassim Najem, who called on H H the Amir to greet him on any cases that might occur. We advice immediately and navirus (MERS-CoV) which is the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. H H the Amir granted H E the Ambassador the are well prepared, we have identify themselves as people 33 percent or SARS coronavirus Decoration of Al Wajbah in recognition of his role in enhancing relations between Qatar and Lebanon, continuity from the airport,” he who arrived from China in the (SARS-CoV) which is at 10 wishing him success in his future tasks and further progress and development for the relations. H E said. last two weeks. percent,” said Dr Dr the Ambassador expressed his thanks and appreciation to H H the Amir and the officials in the State Dr Al Thani said that over “It is not the first time. We Mohammed bin Hamad Al for their cooperation which contributed to the success of his work in the country. `P2 90 percent people travelling have worked with Thani. 9th Halal Qatar Festival begins on Sunday International Customs RAYNALD C RIVERA Qatari culture and heritage. also featured arts and crafts, Qatar through exchange of THE PENINSULA Located in the southern traditional food, games and experiences and buyers with Day celebrations by GAC area of Katara, this year’s fes- tents, among others. the diversity of goats and sheep The Cultural Village Foundation tival will have daily public auc- Through the years, the fes- available for sale. (Katara) is gearing up for the tions of halal (sheep and goats), tival had been a magnet for Halal Qatar comes within focus on sustainability launch of the ninth edition of a showcase of different breeds many visitors, among them Katara’s strategy to preserve the annual Halal Qatar Festival of halal such as Syrian and Arab schools, who enjoyed going Qatari heritage in all its forms SIDI MOHAMED Emadi; Minister of Transport on Sunday next week. sheep, and the Al Mazain com- through various enclosures to and to promote it among the THE PENINSULA and Communications H E Jassim Running for nine days, Halal petition — a beauty contest for see unique breeds of sheep and younger generation. bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and a number Qatar counts as one of the most sheep and goats as major fea- goats on display. The festival The festival will be located The Chairman of General of the Authority employees, Al distinguished heritage festivals tures. It will also include edu- contributes in boosting the adjacent to the Mahaseel souq Authority of Customs, Ahmed Jamal said that the Authority is on Katara’s calendar of events cational workshops and recre- national production of livestock which sells fresh vegetables, bin Abdullah Al Jamal, has said keen through this celebration on local and regional scale. The ational activities catered mainly and provides a platform for honey, dairy and meat products that despite all necessary to demonstrate its vital role of festival sheds light on the to young visitors. local livestock breeders and during Thursdays, Fridays and precautions being taken at the enhancing community’s security crucial role livestock breeding Previous editions of the fes- merchants to find the best Saturdays. The products which entry and exit points of the and supporting economic devel- and trade had played in the past tival, which provided visitors breeds locally and regionally. also include organic produce are country against coronavirus, opment in the country. as well as attempts to preserve from all walks of life a chance It also benefits livestock sold at Mahaseel souq by local the movement of goods The ICD, which falls on this integral component of to learn about Qatari heritage, owners inside and outside farms at very competitive prices. remains normal. January 26 every year, was “There is a balance marked by the Authority under between the speed of clearing the slogan “Customs Fostering goods and taking necessary Sustainability for People, Pros- Free parking near Al Wakra Metro Station opens precautions to prevent the perity and the Planet.” entry of disease through Regarding the companies SACHIN KUMAR incoming shipments. Facili- which are the most law- THE PENINSULA tating release of goods is abiding, he said that such required but priority is always companies have special In a big relief to residents of Al Wakra and health and community’s dealings with regard to facil- nearby areas, the free parking space near Al security,” said Al Jamal. itating procedures for them. Wakra Metro Station was opened yesterday. On the occasion of the Inter- “Sometimes we allow them Part of the ‘Park and Ride’ project, the facility national Customs Day (ICD), to enter the goods in case provides shaded parking slots to the residents. which was marked yesterday some papers are not The ‘Park and Ride’ Project is a part of at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and available and give them a the Ministry of Transport and Communi- attended by Minister of period of 90 days to submit cations’ Public Bus Infrastructure Program. Finance, H E Ali Shareef Al documents.” `P3 The project aims to encourage vehicle owners to use the modern public transpor- tation systems to and from their destina- NBA legend Bryant dies in copter crash tions in less time and at a lower cost. The opening of the parking near Al AFP — LOS ANGELES Wakra Metro Station follows the announcement by the Ministry to open free A view of the new free parking space near Al Wakra Metro Station. PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA NBA legend Kobe Bryant parking spaces near Al Qassar Metro Station, (pictured) died yesterday in a which was opened on January 17 for public. areas will not have to worry about finding park my car near the station. I am using helicopter crash in suburban Los There was already a parking space next a parking slot. However, there were not Doha Metro to go to my office since the day Angeles, celebrity website TMZ to the petrol station near Al Wakra Metro many cars yesterday at the parking area as Red Line was opened,” Tamal Das, a civil reported, saying five people are Station, but it did not have enough parking residents were not aware about the opening engineer by profession told The Peninsula. confirmed dead in the incident. space to meet the current demand. Due to of this facility. Its usage will increase grad- He takes metro train from Al Wakra Station A helicopter crash in the hills increased popularity of Doha Metro, more ually with increase in awareness about the and gets down at Matar Qadeem metro near Calabasas was also Angeles Lakers star, 41, was people were coming to Al Wakra Station, parking facility. station which is near to his office. He was confirmed by the Los Angeles passed by current Lakers star but only few people were able to get place “The new parking space near Al Wakra among the first commuters who used Times. LeBron James for third on the all- in the designated parking slots. Metro Station is a big relief for Doha Metro newly opened parking space, yesterday. The incident came only time NBA scoring list in a Sat- Now, residents of Wakra and nearby users like me. I come from Meshaf area and `P2 hours after the former Los urday game at Philadelphia. 02 HOME MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020

Disbursal of Amir's grant Amir meets Ambassador of Sri Lanka OFFICIAL NEWS Amir sends for needy Gazans begins congratulations to QNA — GAZA Al Hardan, toured the distribution centres. Al Hardan President of India The process of disbursing cash inspected the course of the dis- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin aid, within the grant of Amir bursement process for the Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad 70,000 families in Gaza, who H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Al Thani, to needy families in were chosen according to the Thani sent yesterday cables of con- the Gaza Strip, has begun. criteria and conditions agreed gratulations to the President of the The financial grant to the upon in cooperation with the Republic of India, Ram Nath Kovind, Palestinian people is meant to Ministry of Social Development on the occasion of his country’s alleviate the humanitarian in Gaza. A cash aid of $100 per Republic Day. The Prime Minister crises experienced by the res- family was allocated. The dis- and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh idents of the Gaza Strip. bursement process will con- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al The Vice-Chairman of the tinue for several days until all Thani, also sent a cable of congratu- Qatar Committee for the beneficiaries receive their lations to the Prime Minister of India, Reconstruction of Gaza, Khaled assistance. Narendra Modi. QNA Amir condoles with PM of Australia Amir congratulates Governor-General QNA — DOHA H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin bin Khalifa Al Thani sent of Australia Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir yesterday cables of condo- DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin H H Sheikh Abdullah bin lences to the Prime Minister of Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Hamad Al Thani and Prime Australia, H E Scott Morrison, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani Minister and Interior Minister on the death of his father. sent yesterday cables of congratu- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar, H E lations to the Governor-General of Qatar strongly condemns attack in Mali Kithsiri Athulathmudali, who called on H H the Amir to greet him on the occasion of ending his tenure Australia, General David Hurley, on in the country, at the Amiri Diwan, yesterday. H H the Amir wished H E the Ambassador success in the occasion of his country’s National QNA — DOHA central Mali, leaving deaths and his future missions, and the relations between the two countries further progress and prosperity. Day. The Prime Minister and Inte- Qatar voiced its strong injuries. The Ministry of Foreign H E the Ambassador expressed thanks and appreciation to H H the Amir and the State's officials for rior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah condemnation and denunci- Affairs reiterated the firm the cooperation he received that contributed to the success of his work in the country. H H the Amir bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, also ation of the attack which position of Qatar on rejecting also met with the Ambassador of Bulgaria, Metin Hussein Kazak, who called on H H the Amir to greet sent a cable of congratulations to targeted an army camp in violence. him on the occasion of the end of his term in the country the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, on the occasion of his country’s National Day. QNA Amir receives message from President of Philippines RACA delegation to visit UK FM receives written message from THE PENINSULA — DOHA in the framework of a strategic dialogue between the two sides. Tajikistan counterpart An official delegation from the The authority’s delegation Regulatory Authority for Char- will present a Memorandum of DOHA: The Deputy Prime Minister itable Activities (RACA) chaired Understanding on cooperation and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H by its Director-General, in the charity work field, given E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrah- Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al the visit is an important oppor- man Al Thani, received yesterday Duhaimi, will visit today tunity for both sides to advance a written message from the Minis- England and Wales. cooperation. The delegation will ter for Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, The aim of the visit will be also visit to Disasters Emer- H E Sirodjiddin Muhriddin, pertain- the exchange expertise and gency Committee, Fundraising ing to bilateral relations and means learn about the best practices Regulator, the Office of of developing them. The Minister of in the field of charitable work. Financial Sanctions Implemen- State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan The authority received an tation, the Department for bin Saad Al Muraikhi, received the official invitation from the Digital, Culture, Media and message during a meeting with First Charity Commission for Sport, the Department for Inter- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs England and Wales, who were national Development, and the of Tajikistan, Khusrav Noziri. QNA visiting Doha in July of last year University of Liverpool. Free parking near Al Wakra Metro Station opens FROM PAGE 1 spaces in two locations; Lusail providing first and last mile More free parking spaces and Education City, which are connectivity to Qatar Rail cus- will be opened for Doha Metro planned to open in late March. tomers within two to five kilo- Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received yesterday a written message from the President users in coming months. The Metrolink service is one of metre radius of the Doha Metro of the Republic of the Philippines, H E Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The message pertained to bilateral Ministry of Transport and Com- the main reasons that have stations. These buses and vans relations and the means to advance them in different ﬁelds. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, munications is working with encouraged residents to use carry passengers free of cost to H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, received the message during a meeting with the Presidential Adviser other concerned bodies to com- Doha Metro trains. metrolink is the nearest Doha Metro in the Philippines, H E Abdullah D Mama-O. plete and deliver free parking a feeder bus and van network Stations. Education Ministry launches Qatari version of 'Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children' THE PENINSULA — DOHA strengths and weaknesses of according to the Qatari envi- cognitive functions, and its ronment, choosing an Arabic The Ministry of Education and results will also help in taking version of Wechsler (Lebanese Higher Education has launched appropriate decisions and or Omani), reviewing the Arabic fourth edition of ‘Wechsler guiding the child towards spe- version and identifying Intelligence Scale for Children’ cialised classes or institutions. amendment points. to identify children who have The locally customised A total of 13 qualified and difficulties in learning and those version of Wechsler assists edu- experienced psychologists were suffering from mental and cationists and clinical profes- appointed for application and neurological disorders. sionals in the clinical diagnostic training the entire team (the The Scale which was and educational and vocational committee and specialists) to launched in cooperation with guidance processes for children handle properly the ‘Wechsler the Behavioral Health Care and adolescents in the Qatari 4’. The initial application of Center and Qatar University community. Wechsler Intelligence Scale was also aims at measuring and Before launching, the scale on a sample containing 66 diagnosing the mental capacity went through several stages that children and the basic appli- The Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, of students in ages 6 to 16 years took a continuous period of cation on a sample of 620 stu- Fawzia Al Khater, with other officials during the launch ceremony and eleven months, said the three years between working dents between the ages of 6 and Ministry in a statement. on it and applying and modi- 16 years, taken from all over the The scale will provide a fying it until it was developed country. Behavioral Health Care Center Higher Education; of Neuropsychology at Qatar complete evaluation of the in its current form. The legalization committee and Chairman of the Com- Other members are Dr. University; Dr. Taha Rabee Taha general functions activity (intel- The development process consists of several members mittee; Dr. Hamda Ahmed Khaled Hamad Al-Muhannadi, Adawi, Assistant Professor at ligence) as it is used to discover includes choosing the appro- including Dr. Mamoun Mbayed, AlMuhannadi, Consultant a psychological consultant at the Department of Psycho- advanced mental development priate test for codification, pro- Consultant Psychiatrist and Student Counselor in the the Behavioral Health Care logical Sciences at the College or intellectual disability. viding Wechsler-4 for Children, Director of the Treatment and Department of School Affairs at Center; Dr. Tariq Balaj, Asso- of Education at Qatar It will also help finding the preparing instructions Rehabilitation Department at the Ministry of Education and ciate Professor University. Sidra Medicine signs agreement with Royal College International of Canada THE PENINSULA — DOHA The agreement was signed professionals knowledge, tools by Mohammed Al Mana, Chair and confidence as a means to Sidra Medicine, a member of of the Transition Committee improve practice and to provide Qatar Foundation, has signed a and Member of the Board of the best care possible.” collaborative service agreement Governors at Sidra Medicine, In addition to the residency with the Royal College Interna- and Dr. Andrew Padmos, Chief programs, the RCI program at tional (RCI), an entity that Executive Officer of the Royal Sidra Medicine will focus on promotes and delivers College International. demonstrating an impact on programmes and services on The signing ceremony patient safety and the quality of behalf of the Royal College of which was held at Sidra Med- care provided by health profes- Physicians and Surgeons of icine, was also attended by Ste- sionals. It will also seek to Canada. fanie McCollum, Ambassador ensure that Sidra Medicine’s The agreement will help of Canada to the State of Qatar, simulation training meet the establish Royal College Inter- in addition to other represent- The representatives of Royal College International and Sidra Medicine during the signing ceremony. requisite standards in adminis- national based accreditation atives from Royal College tration, education and ethics. processes for Sidra Medicine’s International. Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chair residency training and simu- Mohamed Al Mana, Chair of development of knowledgeable, education programs but ulti- many of the top academic of Medical Education at Sidra lation programmes. As a result, the Transition Committee and skilful and competent mately helping to improve medical institutions around the Medicine, said, “The accredi- all RCI accredited programmes Member of the Board of Gov- healthcare professionals in patient outcomes.” world and we are pleased to tation from the Royal College held at Sidra Medicine, will be ernors at Sidra Medicine, said, Qatar. Partnerships with estab- Dr. Andrew Padmos, CEO of have Sidra Medicine on board International demonstrate that recognised as equivalent to pro- “As an academic medical centre, lished institutions like Royal Royal College International as a valued partner. We look our residency programmes at grammes applicable to institu- Sidra Medicine through its College International, ensure (RCI), said, “As a global leader forward to working with their Sidra Medicine meet the highest tions and residency pro- medical education pro- that we are not only improving in specialty medical education leadership team to develop pro- possible international grammes in Canada. grammes, strives to support the the quality of our residency and care, RCI collaborates with grams to enhance healthcare standards." MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 HOME 03 PM meets Ambassadors of Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Bulgaria

The Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, met yesterday morning with each of Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic, H E Hassan Qassim Najem (left); Ambassador of the Social Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, H E Kithsiri Athulathmudali (not pictured), and Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, H E Metin Hussein Kazak (right), on occasion of the end of their tenures in the country. H E the Prime Minister and Interior Minister wished Their Excellencies the Ambassadors success in their future assignments and the relations between the State of Qatar and their countries, further progress and prosperity. International Customs Day celebrations New procedure enhancing by GAC focus on sustainability treatment for kidney FROM PAGE 1 cooperation with its partners customs clearance process for “In the future, we are con- and the public dealing with it.” imported, exported and transit sidering giving these companies Regard the achievements of goods, where the necessary leg- special privileges, such as the Authority, he said that best islative tools have been pre- transplant patients at HMC granting them preference in practices have been adopted for pared that will be fully trans- some fees,” he said adding that customs clearance and that ferred to electronic procedures THE PENINSULA — DOHA Kidney transplantation kidney transplantation,” added the percentage of Qatarisation there is cooperation with the without need of paper docu- Dr. Fadhil. in the Authority’s departments Public Prosecution according ments. In a documentary Patients requiring kidney trans- is the best treatment The implementation of reached 96 percent. to which customs control screened at the event on plant procedures are benefiting option for patients ABO-incompatible kidney In his speech on the records are transmitted directly achievements of the Authority, from a new procedure, the with kidney failure as transplantations is the result of occasion, Al Jamal said: to the Public Prosecution which it was shown that over 11,853 ABO-incompatible kidney the collaboration of a number “Through its five-year plan, achieves the integrity of infor- transactions were completed transplantation, implemented it increases survival of departments across HMC, endeavours are underway to mation and the speed of its during the past year, which at Hamad Medical Corporation and improves quality including Nephrology, Uro- simplify customs procedures transmission instead of trans- included 14 diverse services. In (HMC) last year. transplant, the Blood Donation and application of latest inter- ferring information on papers. the field of training cadres, 962 Kidney transplantation is of life. Dr. Yousuf Al Center, and the Department of national regulations and prac- Al Jamal said that the training courses were held, the best treatment option for Maslamani, Director Laboratory Pathology and tices in relation to customs Authority has also reviewed the benefiting 2,162 people. patients with kidney failure as Medicine. work, in addition to building legislation related to the it increases survival and of the Qatar Center for Dr. Hassan Al Malki, Head improves quality of life. Dr. Organ Transplantation of Nephrology at HMC says Yousuf Al Maslamani, Director chronic kidney disease and of the Qatar Center for Organ at HMC said. end-stage-kidney-disease are Transplantation at HMC said highly prevalent worldwide, ABO-incompatible transplan- and he noted that these condi- tation permits more efficient Fadhil, Director of the Qatar tions are on the increase here use of available organs Organ Donation Center (Hiba) in Qatar. regardless of ABO blood type. at HMC said the introduction of “Globally, chronic kidney “With standard kidney this new procedure is a signif- disease causes over 2.4 million transplants, the recipient’s icant step forward for kidney deaths each year and is the sixth blood group must be compatible transplantation in Qatar. fastest-growing cause of death. with the donor’s blood group. “As the technology, system, Around 10 percent of the However, recent advances in and safety have been achieved, world’s population is affected the field of transplantation have we are preparing many patients by chronic kidney disease and made it possible for transplan- to have ABO-incompatible it is estimated that the disease tations to be performed in cases kidney transplantations in affects 13 percent of Qatar’s where the recipient and donor 2020,” explained Dr. Fadhil. population,” said Dr. Al Malki. have incompatible blood “The ABO-incompatible “The incidence of dialysis groups,”explained Dr. Al kidney transplantation is a therapy for end-stage-kidney- Maslamani. unique project that allows for disease in Qatar has increased He said that last year saw successful kidney transplan- from 82 people per million pop- The Minister of Finance, H E Ali Shareef Al Emadi; Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim the introduction of this new tation across the ABO blood ulation in 2013 to 120 people per bin Saif Al Sulaiti; Chairman of General Authority of Customs (GAC), Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal, sophisticated technology in group barrier by reducing the million population in 2018. Due and GAC employees during the event to mark the International Customs Day at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Qatar and the first blood group circulating-related antibody to this significant increase in the incompatible kidney transplant levels using new technology and number of patients requiring procedure was successfully immunotherapy. This will kidney transplant procedures done at HMC in May 2019 expand the kidney donor pool, in Qatar, it is essential that we Best Buddies Qatar holds 'Glow in the Dark' between a mother and her improve access to kidney trans- continue to improve the quality THE PENINSULA — DOHA intellectual and developmental persons with disabilities. One of daughter. plantation, and shorten the and range of treatment options disability and to raise awareness our main goals is to educate and Dr. Riadh Abdul Sattar waiting list and waiting time for available,” added Dr. Al Malki. Best Buddies Qatar has held about their integration. prepare socially responsible programmes for its members in The symbolic name of the individuals, who can positively partnership with Stenden event inspires to end the social impact the overall development University Qatar and Michael E. isolation, ‘dark’, for the persons of society.” DeBakey High School. with disabilities and let them Within its Promoters A Group of Best Buddies “glow” and open-up their talents Program, Best Buddies Qatar Qatar member from College through painting, using imagi- held sports activities for 35 Program joined ‘Glow in the nation to express themselves members with intellectual and Dark’ project, organised by with the colors and share joyful developmental disabilities from Stenden University students time with pee-buddies. Al Qadissiya Model School for with the support of Technical Dr. Ivan Ninov, Executive Boys , Al-Quds School for Boys Solutions for Events Qatar, Gasal Dean of Stenden University of , Kamal Naji Model School and Qatar and Qatar Stock Exchange. Applied Sciences, commented, Newton British Academy, in ‘Glow in the Dark’ was a number “We are very happy to be cooperation with Michael E. of art activities which aimed to involved in this wonderful ini- DeBakey High school and the FROM LEFT: Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Director of the Qatar Center for Organ Transplantation; Dr. show that art is accessible for tiative support Best Buddies support of its students, pro- Hassan Al Malki, Head of Nephrology, and Dr. Riadh Abdul Sattar Fadhil, Director of the Qatar Organ every person with and without Qatar programme for the moters at Best Buddies Qatar. Donation Center (Hiba). MoPH, QICDRC sign MoU to implement workplace health programme FAZEENA SALEEM diseases that threaten them awareness on how to THE PENINSULA through sixteen major health overcome stress at work place. fields and four pillars. Al Sahouti emphasized that The Ministry of Public Health “The health in workplace signing of MoU with the Ministry (MoPH) signed a memo- programme is part of efforts comes as a confirmation of randum of understanding with by the MoPH to promote Qatar International Court and the Qatar International Court healthy lifestyles and care for Dispute Resolution Centre’s and Dispute Resolution Centre health and safety of workers keenness to provide a healthy (QICDRC) to implement the in various sectors,” said Dr Al work environment for its workplace health programme. Thani. employees. The memorandum was “The programme mainly “As one of national institu- signed by Sheikh Dr aims to prevent and detect tions we are proud take efforts Mohammed bin Hamad Al lifestyle disorders among the to promote and develop the Thani, Director, Public Health employees. It create more health sector in the country, and Department at MoPH, and awareness among the today we share the vision of Min- Faisal bin Rashid Al Sahouti, employees to adopt a healthy istry of Public Health to provide CEO, QICDRC, yesterday at the lifestyle. If an employee a healthy work environment for Ministry. present risk factors for life- employees in all institutions,” he The workplace health pro- style diseases they will be said. gramme is an initiative in line referred to the Primary Health Workplace health pro- with the objectives of the Care Corporation,” he said. gramme was launched by MoPH Qatar Public Health Strategy The programme is based in 2014 and it aims to encourage 2017-2022, which is an exec- on an integrated plan that Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health Department at MoPH, and Faisal all employees of governmental utive part of the National includes needs assessment, bin Rashid Al Sahouti, CEO of Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre, with other and semi-governmental insti- Health Strategy 2018-2022 developing a work map officials during the MoU signing ceremony at the Ministry, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA tutions to provide safe and and it aims to enhance the according to the results in healthy lifestyle for employees. health and well-being of the partnership with the benefi- the evaluation upon com- how to prevent chronic non- healthy food and be physical Since its launch the programme people of Qatar to protect ciary, implementing activities, pletion of the program. The communicable diseases by active inside and outside the is implemented in 13 them from the risks and and continuously monitoring focus of the programme is on encouraging employees to eat workplace. It also raise institutions. 04 HOME MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 Qatar, Tajikistan discuss boosting ties 71st Republic Day of India celebrated with fervour SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Ram Nath Kovind on the eve of community. Many of them have THE PENINSULA 71st Republic Day. made great contributions in a “Our Constitution gave us wide variety of endeavours,” the The Ambassador of India to rights as citizens of a free dem- President’s message said. Qatar, H E P. Kumaran, hoisted ocratic nation, but also placed on “Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals the National Flag to celebrate 71st us the responsibility to always remain relevant in our nation- Republic Day of India at the adhere to the central tenets of building efforts. It should be part premises of the Embassy our democracy — justice, liberty, of our daily routine to introspect yesterday. equality and fraternity. It on Gandhiji’s message of truth The event was attended by becomes easier for us to follow and nonviolence, which has over 700 people including prom- these constitutional ideals, if we become all the more necessary inent businessmen, students of keep in mind the life and values in our times.” Indian schools, members of the of the Father of our Nation. By “The idea of the world as a Indian community and guests. doing so, we will be adding a large well-knit family, captured Students from Indian schools meaningful dimension to our cel- in our message of ‘Vasudhaiva wearing traditional dresses sang ebrations of the 150th birth anni- Kutumbakam’, strengthens our The second round of political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the State of Qatar national anthem and patriotic versary of Gandhiji,” the Pres- relations with other nations. We and the Republic of Tajikistan was held yesterday in Doha. The Qatari side was led by Minister of songs. The Ambassador also cut ident of India said in the written have been sharing our demo- State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, while the Tajik side was headed by First a cake with children to mark the message read out at the cratic ideals and the fruits of our Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, Khusrav Noziri. During the political day. ceremony. development with the entire consultation round, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to support and develop The first Republic Day of “Another source of pride for world,” the President’s message them, in addition to discussing a number of issues of joint interest. India was celebrated on January our country has been our said. 26, 1950 about two months after diaspora. During my visits “As India and Indians march adoption of the longest written abroad, I have observed that forward, we remain committed constitution of the world. Indians have not only brought to engaging the global com- Ooredoo confirms sponsorship The ambassador addressed prosperity to their adopted lands, munity to build a secure and the gathering and read the they have also enhanced India’s prosperous future for ourselves of 2020 Al Galayel Championship address by the President of India image before the world and for the entire humanity.” THE PENINSULA — DOHA provide a comprehensive suite sponsorship, Manar Khalifa Al of services to ensure all teams Muraikhi, Director of PR and Ooredoo yesterday announced stay connected 24/7, even in the Corporate Communications at to renew its sponsorship of the most remote parts of the Qatari Ooredoo, said: “We place great annual Al Galayel Championship desert. The telco operator will emphasis on supporting events for a seventh consecutive year. supply Tetra radio communica- that promote and preserve our Set to be held from February tions, Automatic Vehicle vibrant Qatari culture, and we 4-29, 2020, the regionally Location/Automatic People are delighted to be sponsoring renowned Championship is a Location – dedicated map appli- this valuable event for another hunting tournament that aims cations for logistics and oper- year. Traditional Qatari activ- to test the traditional hunting ation centres to control and ities such as hunting remain an skills of 25 teams through a manage radio subscribers, integral part of our cultural series of contests. It takes place groups and alarm centres – and identity, and sponsoring com- in the southern nature reserves the Tetra voice recording munity events such as the Al of Qatar, an area offering the solution to log radio system calls, Galayel tournament fits per- ideal conditions for hunters to all designed to ensure teams fectly with Ooredoo’s corporate put their abilities to the test. remain safe and connected social responsibility strategy and India’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E P. Kumaran, addressing a gathering held to celebrate India’s 71st As part of the support throughout the event. commitment to our community Republic Day, at the Embassy of India, in Doha, yesterday. PIC: BAHER AMIN/THE PENINSULA agreement, Ooredoo will Speaking about the and country.” QNCECS celebrates International Education Day QRCS backs vital services QNA — DOHA for kidney patients in Yemen The Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science THE PENINSULA — DOHA The available dialysis machines are (QNCECS) celebrated the Interna- insufficient to meet the demand for lifelong tional Day of Education which falls Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is weekly sessions. on January 24. Held under the slogan implementing a humanitarian support For kidney transplant patients, things of ‘Learning for the People, Planet, program for those in need amid deterio- are even worse. There is a severe shortage Prosperity and Peace’, a number of rating conditions in Yemen. For the second of immunosuppressive drugs, and post- Qatari schools that are affiliated with year in a row, it has distributed medica- operative care. Five years of war and the United Nations Educational, tions for 150 kidney failure/transplant blockade have put thousands of lives at Scientific and Cultural Organization patients in Sana'a. serious risk. (Unesco) participated in the event. The project seeks to secure the vital One of the beneficiaries of QRCS’s Secretary-General of the medical supplies for the patients, as well project is Aisha Abdul Kareem Al Nowaira, QNCECS, Dr. Hamda Hassan Al as support catheterization procedures for who expressed her gratitude for these Sulaiti, pointed out in her speech that kidney failure patients who have difficulty medical supplies. “As a kidney transplant Islam was the first to call for edu- with regular dialysis sessions. patient, I would like to thank QRCS and cation in its teachings. She added that At the same time, food supplies were the benevolent donors who extended help A student receives an award from Secretary-General of the Qatar National learning has contributed to the delivered to the charity catering centre of to us,” said Al Nowaira. Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Dr. Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti progress and development of soci- Shafaqa Organization for Care of Kidney “Due to the war, we lack indispensable (left) during an event held to mark International Day of Education. eties, as no society can be reformed Failure & Cancer Patients. Around 212 treatment, and we cannot afford the costs or made more civilized and advanced kidney failure inmates of the organiza- of monthly immunity checks. Suffering is without the process of education. to solutions to sustainability, and to tainable development. tion’s accommodation premises would find shown clearly on our faces,” she added. She pointed out that educated provide a skilled workforce that On her side, the Consultant of enough healthy food. "For six years now, I have been fighting individuals have the ability and works to develop knowledge-based International Organizations and Many dialysis centers in Yemen are with kidney disease. I do not have the awareness to acquire many job economies. National Coordinator of Unesco-affil- now shut down, or on the verge of shutting money to purchase medications every day opportunities and experiences that Dr. Al Sulaiti noted that Qatar has iated schools, Hessa Al Dosari, said down. for the rest of my life.” make them more capable of not failed to provide all aspects of that celebrating the International Day achieving sustainable economic support to teachers and students of Education comes in harmony with growth and development in the annually, and to allocate prizes for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable present and the future. distinguished students, schools, and Development, to embody the Al Sulaiti affirmed that Qatar teachers. important role of education in understands that education is nec- Qatar has not forgotten its achieving the goals of the 17th plan. essary for the country’s development, humanitarian duty towards the Inter- She also noted that education and is one of the most important national Society, so it cooperated plays an active role in all fields goals that achieve its National Vision with Unesco to provide good edu- related to sustainable development, of 2030 as well as the Global Sus- cation for the millions of children including health, environment, agri- tainable Development Goals. around the world who have lost their culture, industry, human devel- The state has also provided the rights to learn due to conflicts, wars, opment and other areas. She also perfect educational environment to natural disasters and poverty, in explained that today’s event confirms establish and open many high edu- addition to cooperating with many the State of Qatars commitment to cation institutions that apply teaching programs such as Education for All good and comprehensive education QRCS officials deliver food and medical supplies in Yemen. and conduct research to contribute (EFA) and others that support sus- for its children. Office of Graduate Studies at QU welcomes new students at Orientation Day THE PENINSULA — DOHA their work and the services the types of approvals that that they provide to graduate must be obtained by students The Office of Graduate students. Ms. Ghada Al- before starting their thesis. Studies under the Office of Kuwari, Assistant Dean for Mounia Zidani, Senior Vice-President for Research Student Affairs at the Office Graduate Writing Specialist and Graduate Studies at of Graduate Studies, con- spoke about the services Qatar University (QU) ducted a presentation that provided, such as work- welcomed newly-admitted included a guide to the Post- shops for writing a uni- Spring 2020 graduate graduate Office website, fol- versity thesis, how to use the students during Orientation lowed by a detailed expla- SPSS program and benefit Day. nation of some important pol- from it in research During the event, various icies that students must questionnaires. college representatives were consider during their studies She also spoke about tad- present as they welcomed 70 at the university. She also Talks and tad Bootcamp events newly-admitted students into drew the students’ attention provided by the Learning the program. to the services provided by Support Unit, which are con- Dean of Graduate Studies, the Student Services ducted regularly under her Dr. Ahmed Elzatahry was on Department, as well as an supervision. hand to give a warm overview of how to obtain The event concluded welcome speech in which he textbooks in both paper and with a discussion session, discussed the nature of study electronic format. during which all student Students attend an orientation event organised by Office of Graduate Studies at Qatar University. during the postgraduate In addition, students were queries were answered by stage, followed by a presen- briefed about the Institutional the Dean and Assistant tation introducing the Office different departments and The members of the also presented a brief Review Board (IRB), which Deans of the Postgraduate of Graduate Studies, its type of services. office’s Student Affairs team summary of the nature of deals with research ethics, and Studies Office. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 HOME 05 QU, Sultan Qaboos University team up for international convention on scientific research management

THE PENINSULA — DOHA problems, expand scientific clarify the topic of external research funding programs, research funding sources and Qatar University (QU) is collab- spread the scientific research the way to obtain it. orating with Sultan Qaboos culture within industrial insti- Participants will also be University in the Sultanate of tutions and exchange the best given the chance to discuss the Oman to organise the first methodologies in the man- strategies of building research international convention on agement of scientific research capabilities, professional devel- scientific research management locally and internationally. opment in scientific research, titled “Research Management Moreover, the conference and specifying the research and Administration will help identify the challenges competencies required to carry Conference,” which will be held and issues facing scientific out a successful research. The by the end of March in Oman. research, find ways to address participants will also inves- QU aims to attract highly them, and help identify inter- tigate the impact of scientific qualified research and inno- national methodologies to research and propose ways to vation for the conference. QU measure and monitor the improve its effectiveness has participated in the for- quality of scientific research through developing a research mation and development of the and its impact on society. vision and strategy for institu- conference topics, which will The conference will address tions and linking research to the focus on the quality and effi- strategies of scientific research industrial sector. King of Spain receives credentials ciency of the methodologies management, the management The keynote speakers in the used in the management of sci- of research programs and its conference are Prof. Mariam Al entific research, the competi- challenges, in addition to Maadeed, QU’s Vice-President of Qatar’s Ambassador tiveness of obtaining research addressing the ethical and legal for Research and Graduate H M King Felipe VI of Spain has received the credentials of H E Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamar as funding, and building research aspects of research projects. Studies, Dr. Aisha Al Obaidly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to Spain. H E the Ambassador capabilities. It also places During the sessions, discus- Capacity Building Director of conveyed the greetings of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to H M the King of Spain, wishing importance on the impact and sions will include the topic of Qatar National Research Fund effectiveness of scientific competitiveness in obtaining and a group of international His Majesty good health and happiness, and the government and people of the Kingdom of Spain research. research funding. Moreover, to experts. further progress and prosperity. For his part, H M the King of Spain entrusted H E the Ambassador The conference strives to promote external research and QU has many local, regional and to convey his greetings to H H the Amir, wishing him good health and happiness, and the State of benefit society by leading sci- motivate researchers to adopt international activities related to Qatar further progress and prosperity. H M also wished H E the Ambassador success in his duties, entific research towards finding it and collaborate in partner- developing and managing research assuring him of providing all support to advance the relations between the two countries to closer solutions to the community ships, the conference will and innovation strategies. cooperation in various ﬁelds. CCQ signs MoU with Qatar Post to facilitate students’ access to textbooks THE PENINSULA — DOHA provides a wide range of distinguished Post’s strategic expansion plan, in the postal services, in order to facilitate course of which, we are always looking The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) students’ access to textbooks, wherever to build bridges of cooperation with has signed a Memorandum of Under- they may be in Qatar. This step is part various public and private institutions standing (MoU) with Qatar Postal of the College’s policy to provide the in Qatar towards developing new and Services Company (Qatar Post), under utmost flexibility to learners, and to innovative ways to improve our which the latter will deliver the help them advance their academic and services.” College’s textbooks and courseware to profession endeavours. This, in turn, The MoU provides a clear collab- its students across the country. contributes to providing the nation orative framework between the two This agreement marks another pro- with qualified national competencies institutions, where Qatar Post will ductive step for CCQ to meet the needs capable of building its knowledge- deliver parcels containing textbooks of students and provide them with based economy.” and courseware that students have flexible solutions that motivate them For his part, Faleh Mohammed Al purchased through CCQ’s online portal, to excel in their educational journey. Nuaimi said: “Helping society achieve provided their weight does not exceed The MoU was signed by the President progress is a shared national goal and 30 kilograms. of CCQ Dr. Mohamed Al Naemi and the a noble value. In this context, our joint The Community College of Qatar Chairman and Managing Director of efforts aim to support our students at is constantly striving to establish part- Qatar Post Faleh Mohammed Al the Community College of Qatar and nerships and various agreements with Nuaimi, during a special ceremony at provide an opportunity for them to leading institutions and firms in the CCQ’s C-Ring Campus on January 23, benefit from our textbook delivery State in order to enhance its educa- 2020. service so that they can invest their tional services and provide students Commenting on the occasion, Dr. time in achieving academic with a conducive learning envi- Mohamed Al Naemi said: “Today, we excellence.” ronment that helps them focus on CCQ President, Dr Mohamed Al Naemi (right), and Qatar Post Chairman and are pleased to sign an MoU with Qatar He added: “This agreement also their studies and achieve their Managing Director, Faleh Mohammed Al Nuaimi, at the MoU signing ceremony. Post, a leading national institution that comes within the framework of Qatar aspirations. QatarDebate to organise ‘Asian Arabic MoCI recalls Chevrolet Silverado 2020 model THE PENINSULA — DOHA vehicle defects and repairs. The Ministry said that it will coor- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, dinate with the dealer to follow up on Debating Championship’ in Malaysia in cooperation with Jaidah Automotive, the maintenance and repair works and dealer of Chevrolet in Qatar, announced will communicate with customers to THE PENINSULA — DOHA the recall of Chevrolet Silverado model ensure that they carried out the necessary of 2020 due to malfunction in the fuel repairs. QatarDebate Center (QD) a member pump pressure regulator. The Ministry urged all customers to of Qatar Foundation (QF), has collab- The recall campaign comes within report any violations to its Consumer orated with the Ministry of Education the framework of the Ministry’s con- Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud and Ministry of Youth and Sports in tinuous efforts to protect consumers and Department, which processes complaints, Malaysia as strategic partners to ensure that car dealers follow up on inquires and suggestions announce the ‘Asian Arabic Debating Championship.’ This event will feature 30 teams representing 30 universities from 18 countries from the Asian continent and some Arab countries, including Australia, Azerbaijan, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Vietnam, and Yemen. Participants at QatarDebate’s pre-Asian Arabic Debating Championship workshop. There are three participating teams from Qatar represent Qatar the main objectives of the champi- cultures and their different views, University, Police College, and Geor- onship are to spread the culture of and encourage universities to getown University in Qatar. debating and constructive dialogue, establish debate clubs and spread The championship will take place enhance the role of the Arabic lan- this art within their educational in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from guage in different societies, curriculum. January 29 to February 3 and will be strengthen and deepen ties among At present, QatarDebate is con- hosted by Islamic Science University participating institutes in educational ducting pre-Asian Arabic Debating of Malaysia as the co-organizer with and cultural fields, establish a culture Championship workshops which participation of 200 debaters, adju- of maturity and tolerance that cele- include Adjudicator Academy in dicators and volunteers. brates differences and diversity and Malaysia and Debate Skills It is worthwhile to mention that encourage openness to other Workshop. Abdul Aziz bin Ahmed Street to be partially shut from tomorrow: Ashghal

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The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced a partial closure on Abdul Aziz bin Ahmed Street starting tomorrow (January 28). In coordination with the General Directorate of Traffic, this diversion will be implemented for three months to allow completion of infrastructure works as part of the A-Ring During this period, motorist will and Al Areeq Street as alternative Road Development Project. be able to use Al Maymoun Street roads. 06 HOME MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 QU law students volunteer with THIMUN Qatar high school delegates

THE PENINSULA — DOHA QU Law volunteers student ICJ Officers and advised on what they members of THIMUN’s Secre- Members of Qatar University tariat General representing (QU) College of Law’s Moot have learned regarding Doha College, American Court team recently volun- how to formulate Embassy School, and the teered with local high school arguments, analyse for American School of Doha. students through The Hague “We are extremely proud of International Model United counter arguments, our Moot Court students and Nations (THIMUN) Qatar’s and conduct direct and seriously impressed with the “THIMUN Conference” which cross-examinations of high school students partici- took place from January 21 to pating in the THIMUN Con- 24 at the Qatar National witnesses. ference,” said Dr. Melissa Dee- Convention Center. hring, QU Legal Skills faculty During the event, QU Law member and UNODC Education QU law students pose for a group photo. students Latifa Abdulla Al Marri, Bombay, Doha College, Newton for Justice (E4J) Ethics Lolwa Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, International Academy, and Champion, who also volun- Rawan Yousef Al Mohannadi, Lycée Bonaparte French School teered at the event. Court students to learn while briefs, prepare oral arguments, to the QU Moot Court’s partici- Sharouq Saeed Bawazir, and as they prepared oral argu- She added, “Our College is simultaneously educating for and judge the hearings. This pation, the education for Wafa Saad Al Kuwari, along ments for mock hearings based invested in advancing our stu- the rule of law and promoting year’s competition included advocacy that THIMUN Qatar with recent QU Law graduate on real-life ICJ cases before the dents’ skills while promoting SDG 16 for peace, justice and high school students also pre- promotes gained a polish and Fatema Ali Al Amri, led a ICJ in The Hague. the Sustainable Development strong institutions.” tending to be witnesses testi- expertise that our student teams workshop with THIMUN stu- QU Law volunteers advised Goals and encouraging students As stated in THIMUN Qatar’s fying before the court. will carry on with them for life. dents preparing to compete on what they have learned to be more active in their com- Guidebook, the ICJ at THIMUN Fatima F El Mahdi, Head of We hope that this collaboration with each other during a Model regarding how to formulate munities. Our Legal Skills Qatar provides high school stu- THIMUN Qatar, stated, “I would will inspire the next generation International Court of Justice arguments, analyse for counter Department always tries to par- dents the chance to understand like to reiterate our thanks on of lawyers to be diligent, ethical, (ICJ) competition. arguments, and conduct direct ticipate in collaborative the court and its process behalf of the THIMUN Qatar critical and passionate about QU Law Moot Court and cross-examinations of wit- teaching and learning efforts through experiential learning team for QU College of Law’s upholding the law and pro- members coached students nesses. QU Law Moot Court and volunteering with THIMUN as student participants develop generous support of the ICJ moting a culture of from the American School of members also worked with is the perfect way for our Moot arguments, research and write student advocate teams. Thanks lawfulness.” Cultural Forum’s two-day sports extravaganza at Qatar Sports Club next month THE PENINSULA — DOHA event was released by A P Man- the event. Cultural perform- ikandan, President of Indian ances by children and adults Cultural Forum Qatar, has Cultural Centre. will enthrall the 5000+plus announced to organise its Apart from different organ- audience who are expected to fourth sports extravaganza for isations representing the Indian turn up to watch the Indian expatriates under the community, other communities spectacle. title ‘Expats SportEv 2020’ on will also participate in this The press conference was February 7 and 11, 2020 at Qatar year’s massive March Past, attended by Dr. Taj Aluva, Pres- Sports Club, marking the State scheduled to be held on Feb- ident Cultural Forum; Sasidhara of Qatar’s National Sport Day. ruary 7 from 3pm heralding the Panicker, Vice-Presidents of The announcement was start of the competition. This Cultural forum; Shafeek made in press conference held colourful procession will Kabeer, Founder and CEO Azym yesterday. The Expats SportEv showcase sports achievements Technologies; Suhail Shan- has become one of the most as well as cultural specialities thapuram ( Chairman Organ- Cultural Forum Expats SportEv 2020 officials addressing a press conference. popular sporting events of its of both Qatar and India. ising Committee); Hari Sub- kind among Indian The opening ceremony will ramony, Isuzu General expatriates. be attended by prominent ath- individual items such as 100M, letes in four categories. Malabar Cultural Association, Manager; Faisal Kunnath, Earlier, Akram Afif, Qatar letes from both Qatar and India, 200M, 800M and 1500M races, The teams include Al Khor and Kizhuparam Pravasi Director Al Dana Switchgear; national football team player, Qatari dignitaries, office- long jump, high jump, shot put, Youth Club, Qatar Kananaya Welfare Association. Majeed Ali, General Secretary Al Sadd Club striker and Asian bearers of various Indian and arm wrestling. Cultural Association, Youth The concluding ceremony cultural Froum; T. K Basheer; Football Player of the Year organisations and leaders of The group items include Forum, Sports Association for of the event is scheduled to be Treassure Cultural Froum; Rinu 2019, had unveiled the logo of other community 4x100M relay, volleyball, shuttle kereala, (SAK), SKEA Qatar, ICA held on February 11. Officials Jacob; Al Dana Switchgear; the Expats SportEv 2020 in a organisations. badminton (double), penalty Alumni, Calicut Sports Club, from the Ministry of Culture and Noufal, Radio Malayalam ceremony held at Al Sadd Sports As many as 800 athletes shoot-out, tug of war and march Team Tirur, Kerala Association Sports, Ministry of Interior, Min- 98.6FM Thahseen Ameen, Club. In a separate ceremony, from 13 teams will compete for past. There are separate con- for Sports ( KAS), United Nurses istry of Public Health, and Qatar General Convenor Expats the technical manual of the top honours in various tests for male and female ath- Indian Qatar (UNIQ), YAS, Syro Football Association, will attend SportEv 2020. AAB opens Al Khor Express Service Center

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Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co (AAB), the exclusive distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, inaugurated the new Al Khor Express Service Center. The center was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Nasser Al Abdulghani, AAB Chairman and distinguished guests from Toyota Motor Corporation led by Takayuki Kanno – General Manager – TMC - Best In Town Activity; Yoshiyuki Koike – General Manager, TMC - Bahrain Regional Office; and Masayuki Fukumori – Field Operations Manager, TMC - Bahrain Regional Office. Also present during the cer- The officials of DPS-Modern Indian School during the ﬂag hoisting emony were Toyota & Lexus ceremony. customers as well as the AAB Senior Management team Officials during the inauguration of the center. headed by R K Murugan, Acting DPS-MIS celebrates 71st CEO and Kamal Al Hajj – meet the Service requirements wash bays. The Service Center serve its customers from Sat- Director Customer Service. of their customers living in Al is equipped to perform all types urday to Thursday from The new location is set up Khor areas and nearby areas of periodic maintenance, light 7am-4pm & 3pm to 12 midnight. Republic Day of India in line with AAB’s commitment such Simaisma, Ras Laffan, Al general repair and express There are 36 employees desig- to offer the highest level of Thakhira and Al Ruwais areas. service. nated for the center. The new THE PENINSULA — DOHA the significance of the day quality service and convenience The new Service Center with The new Express Service Service Center is located at Zone and discussed the contri- to its customer. With this recent a total of 1,222 square meters Center is presently operating 74/ Street 390, Al Khor Coastal The 71st Republic Day of bution of the Indian diaspora opening, AAB will be able to has 7 working bays with 2 car under two shifts and is ready to Road, opposite Ansar Gallery. India was marked with towards the development of gaiety and grandeur at DPS- India and the world. He Modern Indian School urged the students to ded- yesterday. The patriotic icate themselves in building NIS celebrates 71st Indian Republic Day with gaiety fervour warmed up the cold a stronger and better India, windy morning. President of an India of their dreams. THE PENINSULA — DOHA the constitution and how the DPS-MIS, Hassan Chougule Principal of DPS-MI, students of today hold the unfurled the Tricolor of India Asna Nafees shared her The 71st Republic Day of India future of their country in their and the entire DPS-MIS views on the multifarious was celebrated in all its hands in his message. fraternity, glorifying and growth of India in all the solemnity and grandeur at The students of various celebrating the spirit of fields and advised the stu- Noble International School campuses brought the stage unity, joined in the rendition dents to reconnect to the (NIS) Al Hilal campus yesterday. alive with their passion and love of the National Anthem. past, develop the qualities of The Chairman, Hussain for the motherland by mesmer- Keeping the spirit of patri- tolerance, sensitivity and Mohammed U, unfurled the ising dance performances. The otism alive, the enthusiastic respect for all cultures. She Indian National Flag. The performance of the school band tiny tots of Nursery encouraged the parents to gathered audience pledged with fusion songs elevated the venerated their nation with educate their children to join themselves to uphold the celebration making it a patriotic song. the bureaucracy and the honour, integrity, diversity, and effervescent. The auditorium rever- armed forces and contribute uniqueness of the country by The vote of thanks was pro- berated with applause and significantly for the devel- repeating Preamble of the Indian NIS children singing a song on the 71st Republic Day of India yesterday. posed by Vice-Principal (CCA) cheers as the young chor- opment of the world. Constitution. The students took Robin K Jose; Vice-Principal isters paid musical tribute to The programme was pride in glorifying and cele- songs, and even wore tri-col- and urged to follow unity in (Academics) Jaymon Joy; Heads all the brave hearts who anchored by Head Girl Junior brating the spirit of unity. oured clothes to mark the diversity. of sessions Nizar K Shi- worked tirelessly to give School, Ziya Rasik and Head The school echoed with occasion. The Chairman, Hussain habudheen; Indira Ajeesh; India its sovereign, socialist Boy Junior School, Aaryan patriotic fervour as the teachers Principal of Noble Interna- Mohammed U delivered the Reshma Kapdi; K G Academic and democratic republic Sujith. President Student and students drew scenes of tional School, Shibu Abdul message and highlighted the Coordinator Asma and CCA status. Council Junior School, Imaad Republic Day celebrations, Rasheed, delivered the principle of ‘Unity in diversity’. Coordinator Mohammed President DPS-MIS, Hussain proposed the vote played instrumental music, welcome address with a short The Academic Director, Muneer Hassan initiated the Hassan Chougule outlined of thanks. sang and danced on patriotic briefing about the constitution reminded all about programme. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 HOME 07 Specialised team improving patient care at Al Wakra Hospital

THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Rapid Response help clinical staff recognize Team, a group of deteriorating patients before An initiative introduced at they became very sick. QEWS Hamad Medical Corporation’s specially-trained categorises a patient’s severity (HMC) Al Wakra Hospital is critical care specialists of illness by using a scoring helping to improve the care of available to rush to system that prompts medical inpatients and has reduced the intervention at specific trigger number of ‘code blues’ and the bedside of any points. Al Jonidi said that after unplanned ICU admissions at patient who appears the successful implementation that hospital. to be developing of QEWS at Al Wakra Hospital The Rapid Response Team, there was a desire to do more a group of specially-trained complications, to improve the outcome of critical care specialists available was established sudden patient deterioration in to rush to the bedside of any in late 2017 and the hospital and the Rapid patient who appears to be Response Team was developing complications, was today includes six established. established in late 2017 and critical care nurses, Dr Edin Karic, Chief of the today includes six critical care Critical Care Division, said that nurses, respiratory therapists, respiratory therapists, the aim of the Rapid Response and intensivists. Each month the and intensivists. Team differs from that of teams team responds to an average of who respond to a ‘code blue’ in 24 calls, ranging from low blood that the goal is to intervene pressure and blood oxygen was formed from the goal of before the onset of injury, res- levels to rapid breathing. enabling high-acuity patient piratory arrest, or cardiac “Most patients will show care to be delivered anywhere arrest. signs and symptoms of that it is needed in the hospital. “The goal of a ‘code blue’ increasing instability for several We are a designated group of is to perform resuscitation hours before an adverse event. specially trained nurses, allied efforts after a person has For example, a patient at risk healthcare professionals, and stopped breathing, or after a Al Wakra Hospital’s Rapid Response Team pose for a group photo. for a cardiac arrest will often doctors who can be assembled person’s heart has stopped experience changes in quickly to deliver advanced beating. The goal of the Rapid breathing, heart rate, or mental care assessment and treatment Response Team is prevent- “Due to the effectiveness them to honour their instincts blues’, since the specially trained status. With the right tools there in response to the perceived or ative. The Rapid Response of our Rapid Response Team, and gut feelings about when team was formed, Al Wakra is an opportunity to rescue potential clinical deterioration Team intervenes in the early they are now called upon to a patient might be heading Hospital has also recorded a these patients early in their of a patient,” added Al Jonidi, stage of a potential code situ- respond to adult ‘code blues’ toward clinical instability. decreased number of unplanned decline before a crisis occurs,” who also manages the Rapid ation, relying on bedside as well. In addition to The team has also provided ICU admissions, decreased reac- said Mohammed Al Jonidi, Response Team. nurses to prompt their action. decreasing the number of comfort to the families of tivation of adverse conditions, Acting Director of Nursing, In 2015, HMC introduced the Bedside nurses are highly sen- ‘code blues’ here at Al Wakra patients by responding to and enhanced patient safety, Critical Care Division, Al Wakra Qatar Early Warning System sitive to signs that a patient’s Hospital, the Rapid Response their worries and concerns which Dr Karic credits to a Hospital. (QEWS) across its network of condition is deteriorating,” Team has helped empower promptly,” said Dr Karic. timely multidisciplinary “The Rapid Response Team hospitals as part of an effort to said Dr Karic. bedside nurses by helping In addition to reduced ‘code approach to care.

MoCI recalls Bentley Big tech companies should Continental Super be regulated, speakers Sports models of claim at QF debate in Davos 2017-2018 THE PENINSULA — DOHA THE PENINSULA — DOHA companies is not helping because they’re subverting The Ministry of Commerce Big tech companies are trans- privacy, competition, and and Industry, in cooperation forming economies and soci- indeed democracies as they’re with Al Wajba Motors, dealer eties, and influencing people’s becoming global monopolies. of Bentley in Qatar, lives, but cannot be trusted to And who has the right to announced the recall of regulate themselves, speakers monopolise power? We’ve Bentley Continental Super have argued at a QatarDebate- never accepted it from govern- Sports models of 2017-2018 sponsored event in Davos, held ments; traditionally we’ve never over the cooler stub pipes of in collaboration with The New accepted it from the Power Assisted Steering York Times. corporations.” (PAS) might not be correctly The Oxford-style debate Lisa Witter, Co-Founder installed, causing the vehicle organised by the Qatar Foun- and Executive Chairperson, to leak hydraulic steering dation member and the US Apolitical, told the debate: “Big ﬂuid. newspaper, on the sidelines of tech is calling for this regulation The recall campaign comes the World Economic Forum’s – CEOs are asking for help,” ref- Speakers debated whether big tech companies can be trusted to regulate themselves. within the framework of the 50th Annual Meeting, saw six erencing tech bosses such as Ministry’s continuous efforts speakers go head-to-head as Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, to protect consumers and they discussed whether a new Microsoft president Brad Smith, “We can trust big tech to Digital Business, Cognizant, focused on big things: how do ensure that car dealers follow regulatory board needs to per- and Sundar Pichai, CEO of self-regulate with a model that suggested that big tech com- we transform the healthcare up on vehicle defects and manently change the tech land- Alphabet, who last week said engages a diverse set of global panies are already, to an extent, system? How do we ensure that repairs. scape, or if companies should there was “no question” that AI stakeholders, businesses, gov- regulated by the public. the education system enables The Ministry said that it be allowed to self-regulate. needs regulation. ernments, and academia, and “Switching costs are unbe- us all to find our true potential? will coordinate with the dealer “I want you to think about However, Rebecca Masisak, also big tech employees and lievably low for this industry,” This is the collective oppor- to follow up on the mainte- the age we’re living through. It’s Chief Executive Officer, grassroots civil society. The he told the debate. “You don’t tunity if we allow big tech to nance and repair works and an age of anger as trust in gov- TechSoup, argued against the several million employees in big like Google Maps? Go to Apple continue on its current rate of will communicate with cus- ernments and major institutions motion, saying that self-regu- tech across 50 countries have Maps. Don’t like Bing? Go to innovation.” tomers to ensure that they is broken, because of the failure lation requires a multi-disci- the potential to meaningfully Google. With such insanely low Once the speakers had pre- carried out the necessary to protect people and share plined stakeholder approach. influence big tech to switching costs, digital com- sented their arguments, the repairs. prosperity,” said Sharan “Can we trust governments? self-regulate. panies are already properly reg- judges critiqued the discussions The Ministry urged all cus- Burrow, General Secretary, Governments have agendas, “Let’s challenge big tech. It ulated in many important ways. and posed additional challenges tomers to report any violations International Trade Union Con- too,” she said. “At times, they’re can be trusted to self-regulate “We cannot kill the golden to the debaters. to its Consumer Protection and federation, arguing for the really not keeping in mind and must be trusted. There is a goose of innovation. Right now, The debate will be available Anti-Commercial Fraud motion that big tech cannot be what’s best for citizens. And model that can protect the Silicon Valley is big brains to watch on the QatarDebate Department, which processes trusted to self-regulate. governments are not global, rights of digital citizens.” focused on small things. We’re and NYTLive YouTube complaints, inquires and “The impact of big tech whereas the problems are. Malcolm Frank, President, about to get to big brains being channels. suggestions. QF’s HBKU announces new community classes THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Effective communication skills are at the heart of Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- sity’s (HBKU), part of Qatar Foundation, upcoming community classes. Taking place across February and March, each four-day course provides participants with tools to succeed in a challenging business environment. Classes begin with a ladies-only session on enhancing communication and life skills, which also covers presentation techniques and the power and effect of words. This is followed by a class on how effective communication leads to better decision making, particularly in team settings. The series concludes with a course offering practical advice on delivering impactful and influential speeches. Developed with students and business professionals in mind, sessions include Taking place across February and March, each four-day course provides participants developing core messages and ideas, with tools to succeed in a challenging business environment. the importance of body language, and tailoring speeches to specific audiences. world is fluid, competitive and littered February 19 from 5pm to 7pm (Ladies Maryam Al Mannai, Vice-Pres- with potential pitfalls. Our classes will only, Arabic language); Effective Com- ident, Student Affairs, said, “While demonstrate that even the most- munication, Sunday, February 23 to HBKU is a world-class university with complex challenges can be overcome Wednesday, February 26 from 5pm to a suitably global outlook, we never with confident and effective 7.30pm (Arabic language); and Master forget the importance of encouraging communication.” Public Speaking, Sunday, March 1 to positive transformation at home. To Classes will take place at the Mina- Wednesday, March 4 from 5pm to this end, these classes support our retein (College of Islamic Studies), Edu- 7.30pm (English language). efforts to engage with local commu- cation City, on the following dates and Hamad Bin Khalifa University reg- nities and provide potentially life- times: Communication and Life Skills, ularly holds events to highlight its changing skills. The modern business Sunday, February 16 to Wednesday, research activities and projects. 08 VIEWS MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020

Established in 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED SALIM MOHAMED [email protected]

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

A general view of the Libya summit in Berlin, Germany, held on January 19, 2020. EDITORIAL Fighting corruption Why peace initiatives QATAR’S The fight against corruption and the earnest and relentless attempts the nation undertakes to curb this menace have always won the trust and appreciation of millions across the world. The results of the 2019 Global Corruption Perception Index underline Qatar’s in Libya are failing commitment and it motivates the nation really to move ahead further against corruption. Qatar ranked 30th in the world out of 180 countries hoping to secure economic gains which the priorities outlined in in the Transparency International Corruption Percep- in Libya and its assistance in the report would be among the tions Index 2019, advancing three positions compared keeping migrants away from issues addressed to build the to last year. Qatar’s score of 62 is well above the Middle European borders. country. East and North Africa average, which is just 39. The None have had the best It is no wonder, then, that greatness of the achievement looks even higher when interest of the Libyans in mind. Haftar and his army timed their we take into account the ongoing unjust siege imposed This is quite clear from the offensive to thwart any kind of on Qatar by the neighbouring nations and other NOHA ABOUELDAHAB absence of representatives of meaningful dialogue, especially a unpleasant regional developments. AL JAZEERA Libyan civil society and grass- Libyan-owned one, whereby his The Global Corruption Perception Index measures roots organisations in many of legitimacy would have certainly the perceived level of the public sector corruption, which these “peace” initiatives spon- been undercut. is based on 13 data sources, on experts assessment While the This month has seen several sored by foreign powers. But the NCP is, as its name and business opinions, and its outcome depends on a fate of Libya failed attempts by foreign While the fate of Libya con- indicates, a process as opposed number of sub-indicators that is issued by prestigious powers to broker a ceasefire in tinues to be negotiated in various to a mere two-day conference. international organisations, including the World Bank, continues to Libya. European and Arab cities, the The work of Libyan community World Economic Forum, International Institute for Man- be negotiated First, Fayez al-Sarraj, who aspirations of Libyans continue leaders, civil society and security agement Development, Bertelsmann Foundation and heads Libya’s UN-backed Gov- to be swept aside. But it does not sector figures that drove the the Economist Financial Information Unit. in various ernment of National Accord have to be this way. Libyans can national conference consulta- The top countries in the Index are New Zealand and European and (GNA), refused to travel to Rome still take the peace process into tions need not stand still because Denmark, with scores of 87 each, followed by Finland when he learned that his their own hands. An existing of the persistent fighting. (86), Singapore (85), Sweden (85) and Switzerland (85). Arab cities, adversary, renegade military framework, known as the It could, as Yemeni civil The bottom countries are Somalia, South Sudan and the aspirations commander Khalifa Haftar, National Conference Process society leaders have done Syria with scores of 9, 12 and 13, respectively. of Libyans would be present at a meeting (NCP), is a good starting point. through initiatives such as the Qatar’s progress in the index is the result of a well convened by Italian Prime Min- The NCP was a consultative Yemen Peace Forum, be used to organised action plan in various fields and the whole continue to be ister Guiseppe Conte. process launched in 2018 and led organise strategic workshops at nation worked sincerely to make this a reality. The nation swept aside. A week later in Moscow, al- by the Centre for Humanitarian the community level in more leaves no stone unturned in its fight against corruption Sarraj signed a Russian-brokered Dialogue with the support of the stable areas in Libya. and always voiced strongly in all local, regional and inter- But it does not ceasefire agreement, but Haftar UN Support Mission in Libya Of course, certain Libyan national platforms urging collective measures against have to be this walked out without signing. (UNSMIL). The consultations organisations have indeed been this global threat. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad And then, the leaders of were informed by the partici- working together, but there Al Thani’s International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award way. Germany, France, Russia, pation of 7,000 Libyans across needs to be a more coherent is one of the leading efforts in that regard, given it was Turkey, Egypt and several other the country. They resulted in a process that also aims to develop the first international award of its kind in the field. The countries gathered in Berlin to final report that outlined Libyan the policy areas identified in the country also continues to look for opportunities to host jumpstart a peace process on consensus on various policy NCP. If the military conflict events on fighting corruption. Qatar is also keen on Libya. The final communique of areas that must be addressed to makes this option difficult, there building partnerships with esteemed international organ- the conference called on all build the country. is a robust group of Libyan civil isations as part of the efforts to fight corruption. parties to respect the nearly It might seem futile to return society leaders operating in the The President of the Administrative Control and decade-old UN arms embargo on to a process of national reconcili- diaspora who could, together Transparency Authority, H E Hamad bin Nasser Al Libya - an embargo many of ation while fighting is ongoing, with local community leaders Missned, stressed that the results of Index reflect the those powers have repeatedly but the outcomes outlined in the based in Libya, pursue such initi- success of the state in many fields, including trans- violated - and reaffirmed the NCP’s final report still provide a atives in other safe spaces. parency and fighting corruption. Qatar’s quest for trans- need for a political, rather than a critical opportunity to build a It is difficult to envisage any parency and honesty has made it a favourite place for As the political military, solution to the conflict. Libya by Libyans for Libyans - follow-through on the imple- anti-graft experts to get acquainted with lessons to squabbling The renewed call to respect even during protracted conflict. mentation of the NCP policy execute their visions. Qatar’s successful anti-corruption the arms embargo is sensible but Given the current fragmen- areas in the absence of the par- model spreads hope, especially for the nations which continues it lacks a plan for sanctioning tation of Libya’s political lead- ticipation of Libya’s rival govern- are plagued by agitations over corruption. in European those countries that continue to ership, domestic civil society and ments, or at least that of the GNA. violate it. business actors should shepherd It is even more difficult to cities, and as Meanwhile, the complex situ- this process, even if on the side- envisage this without elections. the ﬁghting ation on the ground in Libya has lines of the brutal theatre of war. But it is not impossible. rages on in worsened. Even while the Berlin These actors include local Libya’s civil society both D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR meeting was in session, pro- security and military figures, domestically and in the diaspora Haftar protesters and militias municipalities and community has been quietly, but actively, EMAIL: [email protected] Tripoli and other parts of blocked four key oil terminals. leaders - many of whom were working to support the various Recently, Turkey announced involved in the NCP consulta- policy areas outlined in the NCP. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 the country, the deployment of its troops to tions themselves in 2018. Those efforts must be supported FAX: +974 4455 7758 the vision that Libya to back the GNA. The Much of the current fighting - and not meddled with - by the country has already seen the is over resource distribution and international community. They MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 Libyans put presence of mercenaries from a power - no doubt a central form a crucial part of the forward in the number of countries including reason why several foreign gov- groundwork needed to re-build DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 Chad, Sudan, Syria and Russia. ernments in Europe and the Libya once the violence subsides. NCP should This has exacerbated an Middle East are scrambling to Without support for such LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 no longer be already complex situation on the retain influence and control in efforts, foreign military and ground, making it difficult for the Libya. Distribution of power and political interference – the very BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 deferred. It is UN and other peace-brokers to resources is one of the five policy problem that the NCP explicitly time to revive navigate. areas identified in the NCP warns against – will continue to SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 the National In this context, the failure of report, alongside national and be afforded more space as the European and Middle Eastern government priorities, security demands of Libyans continue to ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 Conference actors to stabilise the situation in and defence, constitutional and be ignored. As the political squab- email: [email protected] Process in Libya comes as no surprise, par- electoral processes, and national bling continues in European ticularly since many of the so- reconciliation. cities, and as the fighting rages on PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 Libya, with called peace-brokers have Haftar’s offensive in April in Tripoli and other parts of the email: [email protected] or without actually fed the violence through, 2019 was an attempt to take country, the vision that Libyans for example, repeated violations control of Tripoli by force, and it put forward in the NCP should no ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 a ceaseﬁre of the arms embargo. put an abrupt stop to plans to longer be deferred. It is time to FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] agreement. In their interventions in the hold the national conference that revive the National Conference Libyan conflict, some foreign same month. Process in Libya, with or without CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 actors have been pursuing The national reconciliation a ceasefire agreement. email: [email protected] opposing visions for the future of process was meant to pave the Noha Aboueldahab is a the region. Others, in particular way for presidential and parlia- fellow at the Brookings Doha SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 the Europeans, have intervened, mentary elections in Libya, after Centre. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsula.qa Quote of the day /PeninsulaQatar

/ThePeninsulaQatar We firmly declare that the 'deal of the century' will not pass. The new plot aimed against Palestine is /Peninsula_Qatar bound to fail, and could lead the Palestinians to a new phase in their struggle against Israel. /ThePeninsulaNewspaper Ismail Haniya, Hamas leader +974 6698 6188 MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 OPINION 09 US steps up IS operation in Syria, but for how long no one knows protection after a Jan. 3 strike said McKenzie, who met with The Washington Post, in Baghdad killed Maj. Gen. US commanders and with which along with the Asso- Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s most Gen. Mazloum Kobane, com- ciated Press accompanied influential military figure. Iran mander of the SDF, which has McKenzie during his trip to retaliated by launching bal- The president been the primary American Syria, is withholding the listic missiles at US troops in partner in Syria. names of other American Iraq, causing no deaths, has permitted the “And I have no instruc- facilities at the request of the MISSY RYAN although a number of service mission to continue tions other than to continue to US military. THE WASHINGTON POST members have suffered work with our partner here,” Outside those bases’ symptoms believed to be to prevent militants he said, against the Islamic barbed-wire and dirt-filled American troops in associated with traumatic from regaining State and protecting oil infra- barriers, the Syrian conflict is S troops in Syria brain injury. control of Syrian oil structure the Trump adminis- increasingly complex in ways Syria, like those in have picked up the Now, McKenzie said, US tration hopes will help fund that could affect US troops neighboring Iraq, pace of counterter- troops are conducting three fields, but Pentagon the SDF’s ongoing security and their mission. rorism operations to four operations a week leaders know work. Officials say that American followingU a lull, a top US with Syrian Kurdish forces For now, American com- forces continue to come into shifted their focus from anti-extremist commander said Saturday, against the Islamic State, an he could change manders are hoping to proximity, primarily on local but the future of the American increased pace but still fewer his mind at any accomplish as much as pos- highways, to Syrian gov- operations to force mission remains uncertain than during the earlier sible, in further weakening ernment and Russian troops protection after a amid changing dynamics in massive multinational moment. the Islamic State and in who have moved deeper into the Syrian conflict and the campaign. transforming the SDF into a eastern Syria, but that those January 3 strike potential for renewed presi- McKenzie touched down sustainable internal security encounters have not pro- in Baghdad killed dential intervention. at a series of isolated bases, unit before larger forces duced hostilities. “The tempo is coming where 500-600 American But even as McKenzie pro- bring about a US The SDF is now coordi- Maj. Gen. Qasem back,” Gen. Kenneth “Frank” troops are arrayed, in his first vided assurances that the US withdrawal. nating with Russia in some Soleimani, Iran’s McKenzie Jr., who heads US visit to an area of Syria known military remained intent on That could include orders areas that US troops vacated Central Command, said as the “eastern security zone.” battling the Islamic State and from President Donald last fall, and the group has most influential during a visit to a constel- Home to valuable oil facilities, mentoring the Kurdish-domi- Trump, who has promised to also made unsuccessful military figure. lation of tiny American out- the swath of scrubland and nated Syrian Democratic end America’s counterinsur- efforts to strike a deal with the posts in eastern Syria. farms became a focus for US Forces (SDF), he gave no gency wars and extricate the Assad regime that would American troops in Syria, operations after a Turkish timeline for how long Amer- United States from the Middle allow it to retain autonomy as like those in neighboring Iraq, invasion into northern Syria icans will remain. East. Twice, he has appeared the government seeks to shifted their focus from anti- pushed US troops from bases “I frankly don’t know how to order a full withdrawal reassert control. extremist operations to force there. long we’re going to be here,” from Syria and then backed Iran could also attempt away. further retaliation against the The president has per- United States via proxy mitted the mission to continue groups or its own military to prevent militants from forces in Syria. regaining control of Syrian oil Another dynamic that fields, but Pentagon leaders could affect the duration of know he could change his the American presence is mind at any moment. found in Idlib, a province in It might also include what the northwest where Syrian is expected to be an eventual and Russian forces are con- campaign by Syrian President ducting a fierce bombing Bashar Assad, who with campaign to stamp out a Russian backing has clawed remaining bastion of regime back many areas of Syria pre- opposition. viously under opposition US officials anticipate that control, to press east into Assad and Russia may areas now under US and SDF become mired in a lengthy, control. bloody campaign that could “We’ll be prepared to deal prevent the regime from with that as those events moving west into areas develop in the future,” where the SDF and Amer- McKenzie said. “Now we’re icans are present, potentially firmly focused on the lasting allowing the United States to defeat of ISIS.” continue its campaign against One of the bases used to Islamic State remnants for coordinate that effort is longer. Green Village, an outpost McKenzie said that Idlib where US troops are housed could become a “massive in former oil industry villas humanitarian tragedy.” He next to a major Syrian oil said the area was home to field. militants and also ordinary Another base, called Syrians. Conoco, sits amid massive “I’m afraid that many storage drums, a symbol of innocent people are going to the Kurds’ ambitions to gain be lost,” he said. financial autonomy. The fields Missy Ryan writes about under Kurdish control are not the Pentagon, military issues working close to full capacity, and national security for The American soldiers patrol on the M4 highway in the town of Tal Tamr in the northeastern Syrian Hasakeh province on the Turkey border, yesterday. US officials said. Washington Post. Three years later, Trump travel ban heads back to court

in a Hawaii case that found attorneys say the Supreme 4th Circuit is not being asked considerable support for the the travel ban “a legitimate Court merely rejected a pre- to decide the merits of the arguments of the grounding in national security liminary injunction to block legal challenges. administration.” concerns.” the travel ban and did not They say they are only Justin Cox, an attorney The Justice Department decide the merits of the con- asking the appeals court to with the International argues the high court’s ruling stitutional claims. The plain- find - as US District Court Refugee Assistance Project, effectively puts an end to the tiffs allege the travel ban vio- Judge Theodore Chuang did - said Muslim advocates will legal challenges. In a 5-4 lates several constitutional that their lawsuits can move continue to try to prove that DENISE LAVOIE ruling, a sharply divided rights, including the First forward to the discovery the ban is unconstitutional. AP Supreme Court found that the Amendment’s Establishment phase, when they will seek “I understand why they travel ban was within the Clause prohibiting the gov- records from the Trump want us to go away,” he said. fter the US Supreme considerable authority US ernment from favoring one administration on the origins “But nothing requires us to go Court upheld President presidents have over immi- religion over another. of the ban and how it has away and we are going to ADonald Trump’s ban on gration and their responsi- “The Trump adminis- been enforced over the last keep fighting.” travelers from several bility for keeping the nation tration has supplied ample three years. predominantly Muslim coun- safe. and damning evidence of its In rejecting the govern- tries in 2018, the ruling The court rejected claims discriminatory intent, time ment’s motion to dismiss the appeared to shut down legal that the policy was rooted in and time again, so we’re lawsuits, Chuang found that Justin Cox, an challenges that claimed the anti-Muslim bias based in hopeful that any court - any the plaintiffs “have provided attorney with policy was rooted in anti- large part on Trump’s own fair-minded observer - will detailed allegations for why Muslim bias. tweets and public statements, see it the way we do, that it is the (travel ban) is not the International But a federal appeals court including his call during the a Muslim ban that’s aimed at rationally related to its stated Refugee Assistance in Richmond is set to hear presidential campaign for “a the Muslim community and national security interests and arguments from civil rights complete and total shutdown Islam,’” said Gadeir Abbas, a is instead grounded in the ille- Project, said Muslim groups hoping to keep the of Muslims entering the senior litigation attorney with gitimate and unconstitutional advocates will challenges alive. United States.” the Council on American- purpose of disadvantaging The 4th US Circuit Court of Trump has said the ban is Islamic Relations. Muslims.” continue to try to The court rejected Appeals will hear arguments aimed at making the US safer Federal appeals courts - Jonathan Turley, a pro- prove that the ban claims that the Tuesday in three lawsuits filed from potentially hostile including the 4th Circuit - had fessor at George Washington is unconstitutional. by US citizens and permanent foreigners. upheld rulings from federal University Law School, said policy was rooted residents whose relatives “The Court rejected the judges who blocked the travel that while the Muslim groups “I understand why in anti-Muslim have been unable to enter the argument that the Procla- ban from taking effect. But the can legitimately argue that the they want us to go US because of the travel ban, mation could be explained Supreme Court came to a dif- Supreme Court did not bias based in which was first imposed only by anti-Muslim bias, and ferent conclusion. require outright dismissal of away,” he said. “But large part on shortly after Trump took held instead that the Procla- The travel ban’s third iter- their legal challenges, the high nothing requires us office in January 2017. mation was rationally ation - now in effect- applies court’s ruling did put a signif- Trump’s own The court is being asked to grounded in legitimate to travelers from Iran, Libya, icant crimp in their to go away and we tweets and public decide whether a federal national-security concerns Somalia, Syria and Yemen. It arguments. are going to keep statements. judge in Maryland made a and foreign policy objectives,” also affects two non-Muslim “It strikes me as willful mistake when he refused to Justice Department lawyers countries, keeping out blindness to pretend the ﬁghting.” dismiss constitutional claims argue in a legal brief. travelers from North Korea opinion did not substantially made in a lawsuit filed by the The Trump administration and some Venezuelan gov- undermine these cases,” he International Refugee is asking the 4th Circuit to ernment officials and their said. “It’s very difficult to Assistance Project despite a dismiss the lawsuits. families. The groups suing the read the Supreme Court 2018 US Supreme Court ruling But the plaintiffs’ Trump administration say the opinion and not see 10 GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020

Oman, Iran FMs Hunt for Turkey quake survivors continues; 38 dead discuss maritime ANKARA, TURKEY AP — Turkish President security in Gulf Working against the clock in Recep Tayyip Erdogan freezing temperatures, Turkish said every effort is AFP — TEHRAN rescue teams pulled more survivors from collapsed being made to find Iran’s top diplomat buildings yesterday, days after survivors. At least 45 Mohammad Javad Zarif hosted a powerful magnitude 6.8 his Omani counterpart Yusuf earthquake hit the country's survivors have been bin Alawi yesterday for the east. Rescued survivors wept pulled alive from the second time within a week for with gratitude for their efforts. talks on security in the Gulf. Turkish authorities said the rubble so far, the Alawi was making the visit death toll rose to at least 38 President said. to Tehran on the tail end of his people from the magnitude 6.8 trip to the World Economic earthquake that struck on Forum (WEF) in Davos, Swit- Friday night. "He is our hero and angel,” zerland, which Zarif skipped Turkish television showed a weeping Dudane Aydin said after scheduling changes to the Ayse Yildiz, 35, and her 2-year- of Mahmud Al Osman in an annual event. old daughter Yusra being interview. Zarif and Alawi discussed dragged out of the rubble of a Her husband Zulkuf added: “bilateral cooperation collapsed apartment building "When I saw the light of Mah- regarding the Strait of Hormuz in the city of Elazig. They had mud's phone, we started and emphasised their govern- been trapped for 28 hours. shouting for help. Then we ments’ will... to guarantee The quake also injured over knew we would get out." maritime and energy security 1,600 people but at least 45 sur- He said Mahmud helped for all,” Iran’s foreign ministry vivors have been pulled alive him out but when the student said in a statement. Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Elazig, eastern Turkey, yesterday. from the rubble so far, Turkish tried to rescue his wife her leg It was their second President Recep Tayyip was trapped by debris. meeting in the Iranian capital Erdogan told a news conference "Some locals held Mahmud damaged neighbourhoods and in unity, togetherness and sister. On Saturday, the Pres- since Tuesday and at least in Istanbul yesterday. by the legs and stretching coordinate rescue efforts. coming together,” he said. ident visited the disaster zone their fourth encounter since More than 780 aftershocks towards my wife he worked to The Turkish Disaster and At least 104 people were to inspect the rescue operation, late July. rocked the region as over 3,500 save her. After saving my wife, Emergency Management Pres- receiving hospital treatment meet with injured people in the Zarif’s withdrawal from rescue experts scrambled he tried to help others," the man idency said 20 of the after- after the quake, 13 of them in hospital and attend the funeral Davos was due to “unilateral through wrecked buildings to said. As overnight temperatures shocks measured magnitude intensive care, Health Minister of a mother and son. changes in mutually agreed reach survivors, working dropped to -5 degrees Celsius 4.0 or above, including a mag- Fahrettin Koca said. Across Turkey, there was an arrangements on part of WEF”, around the clock. Rescue teams (23 degrees Fahrenheit), emer- nitude 4.3 quake that hit the Interior Minister Suleyman outpouring of support for the Iran’s foreign ministry concentrated their efforts in the gency teams set up more than neighbouring province of Soylu promised financial help quake victims. Some soccer spokesman Abbas Mousavi city's Mustafa Pasa neigh- 9,500 tents for displaced resi- Malatya yesterday morning, for the victims of the quake. He clubs announced they would said in a tweet. bourhood and the nearby town dents and distributed 17,000 Erdogan said every effort then attended the funeral of five donate the receipts of their The spokesman lamented of Sivrice. hot meals. was being made to find sur- members of the same family — weekend matches while fans of that it was a “missed oppor- One rescued couple was The agency said 76 buildings vivors and promised to house a married couple, their daughter the Fenerbahce soccer club tunity for dialogue”. reunited with a Syrian student were destroyed and more than displaced residents as soon as and two grandchildren — with threw scarves and hats on to the Tensions have soared in who had helped to dig them out 1,000 were damaged by the possible. other ministers and officials. field during a game in Istanbul, the region and especially of their collapsed home with his quake. Unmanned aerial drones "Turkey has begun to heal The 12-year-old boy was buried chanting "Cold Elazig, Fener- between Tehran and Wash- hands. were being used to survey the wounds of this great disaster in the same coffin as his baby bahce is with you!” ington since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Syrian troops January 3. Iraqi forces clash with protesters, several injured Iran retaliated five days close in on key later by launching a wave of REUTERS — BAGHDAD an Iraqi paramilitary chief in missiles at US troops stationed rebel-held town Baghdad this month. in Iraq. Iraqi security forces fired tear Sadr, who has millions of Tehran had been on high AP — DAMASCUS, SYRIA gas and live bullets in renewed supporters in Baghdad and the alert hours later when its air clashes with protesters in south, said on Saturday he defences mistakenly shot Syrian government forces Baghdad and other cities would end his involvement in down a Ukraine International reached the outskirts of a key yesterday, witnesses and anti-government unrest. Airlines passenger jet, killing rebel-held town yesterday, security sources said. “We protest because we all 176 people on board. part of a weeks-long offensive The security forces tried to have a cause. I don’t think Oman has often acted as a into the country’s last rebel clear sit-in camps across the Moqtada Sadr or any other pol- mediator between Iran and stronghold, state media and country and fired live rounds itician will change our mind,” other countries and also opposition activists said. in the air after protesters said a protester in Baghdad who played a key role in facilitating Over the past two days, resisted with petrol bombs and declined to give his name. talks involving the United Syrian troops captured at least stones. At least 14 protesters Sadr’s supporters have bol- States that lead to the 2016 six villages near the strategic were wounded in the capital stered the protesters and at nuclear deal. town of Maaret Al Numan in and at least 17 were wounded times have helped shield them the northwestern province of in Nassiriya in the south, from attacks by security forces Idlib. That brought them closer medical sources said. and unidentified gunmen, but Iran confirms to retaking a critical north- Demonstrators are seeking began withdrawing from sit-in south highway that passes the removal of what they see as camps on Saturday following no case of through the town. It’s been a corrupt ruling elite and an end his announcement. held by the rebels since 2012. to foreign interference in Iraqi Security forces then coronavirus University students carry an Iraqi flag, during ongoing anti- Syrian President Bashar politics. removed concrete barriers near government protests in Baghdad, Iraq, yesterday. QNA — TEHRAN Assad’s government has Populist Shia Muslim cleric Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, where retaken control of most of the Moqtada Al Sadr had called for demonstrators have camped Iran’s Ministry of Health has country from rebel fighters, demonstrations against the US out for months, and across at of the effects of the gas while In the centre of Nassiriya, confirmed that no suspected largely because of blanket air Embassy in Baghdad and other least one main bridge over the medical workers provided first protesters set fire to two cases of the new coronavirus support from Russia, which cities yesterday but cancelled Tigris River. aid, as the site was inaccessible security vehicles and hundreds have been reported. helped turn the tide in the them, with his office giving “I don’t go to protests often to ambulances. of other demonstrators con- In a statement on Sat- nearly 9-year civil war. “avoiding internal strife” as the but I came out today because Tuk tuks evacuated trolled the city’s main bridges. urday, the ministry said that Idlib province is also home reason. of what they did yesterday. I wounded protesters in clouds In the southern city of the epidemiological centre has to 3 million civilians, and the Tens of thousands had pro- want to express my solidarity of tear gas and black smoke Basra, more than 2,000 stu- taken the necessary measures United Nations has warned of tested against the US military with my brothers in Tahrir,” from burning tyres. dents arrived at a protest camp, to reduce the risk of infection the growing risk of a human- presence in Iraq in a march on said Hussain Ali, a student. Earlier yesterday, hundreds a witness said. with this virus in Iran through itarian catastrophe along the Friday that was called after the Protesters in Baghdad were of university students had Protests also continued in quarantine clinics in all border Turkish border. The gov- US killing of Iranian Major- coughing and washing their gathered in Tahrir square, the the cities of Kerbala, Najaf and centres, especially at interna- ernment offensive in Idlib General Qassem Soleimani and faces and eyes to rid themselves main protest camp. Diwaniya. tional airports and ports. province has led to the dis- placement of hundreds of thousands of people, many of Palestinians threaten to quit Oslo them to areas close to the border with Turkey. Accords over Trump peace plan AFP — RAMALLAH Chief Palestinian Jordanian man Palestinian officials threatened negotiator Saeb charged with yesterday to withdraw from Erekat said the Trump key provisions of the Oslo terrorism over Accords, which define relations initiative will turn tourist stabbings with Israel, if US President Israel’s “temporary Donald Trump announces his occupation into Middle East peace plan next AFP — AMMAN week. a permanent Chief Palestinian negotiator occupation”. A Jordanian court yesterday Saeb Erekat said that the Pal- levelled “terrorism” charges estine Liberation Organisation against a man suspected of reserved the right “to withdraw wounding eight people in a from the interim agreement” if was not invited and has already November knife attack at a Trump unveils his plan. rejected Trump’s initiative popular tourist site. The Trump initiative will amid tense relations with the The suspect, Moustafa turn Israel’s “temporary occu- US president over his recog- Abourouis, 22, faces up to 20 pation (of Palestinian territory) nition of Jerusalem as Israel’s A damaged site is seen after it was hit by an Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza Strip, yesterday. years in prison after the into a permanent occupation”, undivided capital. stabbing of three Mexicans, a Erekat said. The Palestinians see east Swiss woman, a Jordanian tour Israeli aircraft strike Gaza sites after balloon launches The Israeli-Palestinian Jerusalem as the capital of their guide and a security officer at Interim Agreement, signed in future state and believe the Roman city of Jerash. AP — GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP economy of the narrow Hayya, said the balloons are Washington in 1995, sought to Trump’s plan buries the two- At a hearing open to the enclave. being launched by disgruntled put into practice the first Oslo state solution that has been for press, prosecutors accused Israeli aircraft struck several In trying to bolster the UN- individuals, not Hamas. But he peace deal agreed two years decades the cornerstone of Abourouis of committing a sites in Gaza late Saturday in mediated truce, Hamas halted said his group was “satisfied” earlier. Sometimes called Oslo international Middle East “terrorist act” and “promoting response to balloons launched the regular weekly protests with the launches and is ready II, the interim agreement set diplomacy. the ideas of a terrorist group” from the Palestinian enclave. along Gaza-Israel fence last to send more “if the occupation out the scope of Palestinian World powers have long — a reference to the Islamic The Israeli military said the month. doesn’t pick up the message.” autonomy in the West Bank agreed that Jerusalem’s fate State (IS) group. sites belonged to Hamas, the Earlier this week, a senior Al Hayya said Hamas expects and Gaza. should be settled through nego- Abourouis, who is of Pal- group ruling the territory. Hamas official said that the Israel to allow in more medical Erekat’s comment came as tiations between Israel and the estinian origins and grew up There were no reports of balloons were a signal to Israel supplies, unlimited trade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Palestinians. in the refugee camp of Souf, injuries from the air strikes in to accelerate the informal between Gaza and the world, Netanyahu was headed to “Trump’s plan is the plot of was arrested immediately southern Gaza Strip. “understandings” meant to and help create more jobs. Washington, where Trump was the century to liquidate the Pal- after the attack at Jerash, close Hamas has charged Israel ease the crippling blockade on Israel and Egypt imposed expected to release the plan estinian cause,” the Palestinian to the camp and around 50km of not honouring an unofficial Gaza. the blockade when Hamas rose before Tuesday. foreign ministry said in a north of Amman. truce meant to improve the The official, Khalil Al to power in 2007. The Palestinian leadership statement yesterday. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 AFRICA 11 Libya: Haftar’s forces push toward key city AP — CAIRO The United Nations administration. Sirte is located about 370km east of Tripoli. Officials from Libya’s two rival decried “continued The UN support mission in governments said fighting blatant violations” Libya released a statement erupted yesterday as the coun- saying “several (countries) who try’s east-based forces of an arms embargo participated in the Berlin Con- advanced towards the strategic on Libya by several ference” have been violating the western city of Misrata, further arms embargo. eroding a crumbling ceasefire unspecified “Over the last ten days, agreement brokered earlier countries. numerous cargo and other this month. flights have been observed The clashes came just hours official with Haftar’s forces said landing at Libyan airports in after the United Nations decried they have wrested control of the western and eastern parts “continued blatant violations” two towns, Qaddaheya and of the country providing the of an arms embargo on Libya Wadi Zamzam, on their way to parties with advanced by several unspecified Abugrein. The official spoke on weapons, armored vehicles, countries. condition of anonymity in line advisers and fighters,” the UN The violations fly in the face with regulations. statement said. of recent pledges to respect the Misrata, in western Libya, Among those who attended embargo made by world is the country’s second largest the Berlin conference were powers at an international con- city and is home to militias who Russian President Vladimir ference in Berlin last week. oppose Haftar and have been Putin, Turkish President Recep Libya sits on Africa’s Med- extremely important in the Tayyip Erdogan, French Pres- iterranean coast, and is divided government’s defence of ident Emmanuel Macron, between rival governments, Tripoli. Haftar’s forces have Egyptian President Abdel Fattah each supported by various laid siege to the capital since el-Sissi, Italian Premier armed militias and foreign last April. The nationwide Giuseppe Conte, and US Sec- backers. It has the ninth largest truce, brokered by Russia and retary of State Mike Pompeo. known oil reserves in the world Turkey, marked the first break The peace push followed a and the biggest oil reserves in in fighting in months, but there surge in Haftar’s offensive Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune (left) shaking hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Africa. The UN-recognised have been repeated against Tripoli, which Erdogan at the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, yesterday. government in the capital violations. threatened to plunge Libya into Tripoli is backed by Turkey. Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya chaos rivalling the 2011 conflict Rival forces loyal to military expert at The Netherlands that ousted and killed longtime Erdogan in Algeria to discuss Libya commander Khalifa Haftar Institute of International Rela- dictator Moammar Gadhafi. receive support from the tions, said Haftar’s swing Earlier this month, powerful AP — ALGIERS Algerian chief of state and full gov- initial private meeting, Erdogan United Arab Emirates and toward Misrata was a tactic cal- tribal groups loyal to Haftar also ernment at the airport to start a castigated the role of the interna- Egypt, as well as France and culated to draw away the Mis- seized several large oil export Turkish President Recep Tayyip two-day visit centred on Libya and tional community in Libya, which Russia. ratan militias defending the terminals along the eastern Erdogan, greeted to a fanfare on boosting their own economic shares a nearly 1,000km border Haftar’s forces were capital towards their coast as well as southern oil arrival yesterday in Algiers, said cooperation. Erdogan is the first with Algeria, saying it "has failed in advancing some 120km east of hometown. He said it had a fields. The closure of Libya’s the North African nation is foreign head of state on an official Syria and Libya.” Misrata, near the town of Abu- “good chance of succeeding” major oil fields and production "important for the stability of the visit here since the December 12 "The international community grein, according to the media and weakening the UN-govern- facilities has resulted in losses region,” an apparent bow to election of Algerian President has failed in Libya,” Erdogan said office of militias allied with the ment’s defences in Tripoli as a of more than $255 million in the Algerian efforts to play a key role Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and por- in brief remarks, and "Algeria is an Tripoli government. It said result. Haftar’s forces captured six-day period ending January in unwinding chaos in neigh- traits of the Turkish leader lined the important country in the stability clashes were still taking place Sirte earlier this month, a major 23, the country’s national oil bouring Libya. way between the airport and the of the region.” He invited Tebboune in the outskirts of Abugrein. An below to Tripoli-based company said. Erdogan was greeted by the presidential mansion. After an to visit Turkey. Erdogan: Haftar pursues Libya attacks ‘with all his resources’ Lassa fever leaves 29 REUTERS — ANKARA talks on a ceasefire in Moscow “At this point, we need to he made last month to Tunisia. GNA fend off Haftar’s assault on this month and his blockade of see clearly what Haftar’s Last week the foreign ministers Tripoli. dead in Nigeria Eastern military commander Libyan oilfields overshadowed identity is. He is a man who has of countries bordering Libya Ankara has said that it will Khalifa Haftar is violating a summit in Berlin last week betrayed his superiors before met in Algiers amid concerns abide by a United Nations arms Libya’s truce and so cannot be aimed at agreeing a permanent as well,” Erdogan said. “It is not that the conflict would embargo on Libya as long as the AFP — LAGOS expected to respect the truce. possible to expect mercy and embolden militant groups. ceasefire is maintained, but has ceasefire called between his Before leaving for Algeria, understanding from someone Turkey has said Haftar must said it could also deploy troops Nigerian health authorities forces and pro-government Erdogan said Haftar’s forces like this on the ceasefire.” “He’s choose a political solution to the if necessary. have announced stepped-up troops, Turkish President had repeatedly violated the continuing attacks with all his conflict and has urged foreign Erdogan said yesterday he emergency measures to tackle Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday. ceasefire, adding that interna- resources. However, he will not powers to press him to accept did not expected a result from a rise in Lassa fever cases after Despite efforts by Turkey tional support for the LNA was be successful here.” a truce. It has also sent military that committee due to Haftar’s 29 people died this month. and Russia, Haftar abandoned “spoiling” Haftar. Erdogan’s visit follows a trip advisers and trainers to help the stance. “As at 24th of January 2020, 195 confirmed cases and 29 deaths had been reported in 11 states,” the Nigeria Centre Burundi’s ruling party for Disease Control (NCDC) said in a statement yesterday. picks army general as A national emergency operations centre had been activated to coordinate the presidential hopeful response “to the increasing number of Lassa fever cases” AP — NAIROBI across the country. Endemic to Nigeria, Lassa fever belongs Burundi’s ruling party has to the same family as the Ebola chosen an army general to be and Marburg viruses, but is its candidate in the presi- much less deadly. The virus is dential election set for May, spread by contact with rat signalling that the country’s faeces or urine. It starts with president will now retire after fever and can, in worst case serving three terms. scenarios, lead to severe General Evariste Nday- bleeding and organ failure. ishimiye was chosen yes- Nigeria declared an out- terday during a national con- break of Lassa fever a year ago ference for the ruling CNDD- and around 170 people died FDD party in the rural General Evariste Ndayishimiye from the virus in 2019. province of Gitega. The number of cases The move means President receive the title of “paramount usually climbs in January due Pierre Nkurunziza will retire leader” under draft legislation to weather conditions during Malian soldiers patrol in the village of Kadji. after presiding over a disputed approved by the government the dry season. Almost 90 third term that sparked vio- last week. In 2018, the ruling percent of the recent con- lence and forced hundreds of party declared him “the firmed cases have been in Edo, thousands to flee the tiny eternal supreme guide,” a 20 soldiers martyred in Mali attack Ondo and Ebonyi states in central African country. description mocked by some southern Nigeria, but their Ndayishimiye, a Nku- critics. REUTERS — BAMAKO aerial reconnaissance is under Council deployed a peace- have also been deaths in the runziza ally, has been serving “Nkurunziza is just way in the area to track down keeping mission, known as north. The NCDC said that as the ruling party’s secretary- stepping back, not going away. About 20 soldiers were killed the attackers,” it said. MINUSMA. The militants were compared to the same period general. Years ago he dropped He will still be working in the in a pre-dawn attack on an Islamist groups with links pushed back initially but have last year the fatality rate had out of university to become a background, trying to protect army camp in central Mali to Al Qaeda and Islamic State since regrouped and dropped from 23.4 percent to rebel fighting alongside Nku- his family and fortunes,” said yesterday, the government said. operate in arid central and strengthened. In a sign of their 14.8 percent. runziza in Burundi’s civil war. Charles Nditije, a former min- The identity of the attackers northern Mali and have used success, MINUSMA has become It encouraged Nigerians to David Gakunzi, a ister who is now in the oppo- was not immediately clear. In the area as a base to attack sol- the UN’s deadliest mission. “practise good hygiene and Burundian author and political sition. “There will never be a statement, the government diers and civilians in neigh- Twenty-four Malian sol- take measures to protect analyst, described Nday- free and fair or credible said “terrorists” entered the bouring Burkina Faso, Niger diers were killed and 29 themselves and their families”. ishimiye as unpredictable. election. The coming election camp near the village of Sokolo, and beyond. Former colonial wounded when militants Nigeria, Africa’s most populous “For instance, he initially is meant to give legitimacy to killed the soldiers and caused power France intervened in attacked a patrol in northern nation with a population of opposed Nkurunziza’s third the new president.” He added “significant material damage”. 2013 to drive back militants Mali in November. Twenty some 200 million, has five lab- term but later changed his that “the government does not “Reinforcements have been who had seized northern Mali people were wounded earlier oratories with the capability mind and embraced the pres- respect human rights and dispatched to the scene and an in 2012, and the UN Security this month in the north. to diagnose Lassa fever. ident,” Gakunzi said. security agents continue kill Nkurunziza rose to power with impunity.” Allegations of in 2005 following the signing rights abuses led to Burundi of the Arusha accords ending leaving the International Tanzanian activists seek to block $500m World Bank loan a 13-year civil war that killed Criminal Court and kicking out about 300,000 people. He was the UN human rights office. BLOOMBERG — NAIROBI economy, the government reg- government affirms the right of in office. He’s also been criti- re-elected unopposed in 2010 Burundi’s government ularly prevents pregnant stu- pregnant schoolgirls to attend cized for what advocacy groups after the opposition boycotted strongly denies allegations Tanzanian activists are urging dents and young mothers from and ends compulsory pregnancy including New York-based the vote. He then claimed he that it targets its own people. the World Bank to delay a attending classes, members of tests, the group said. The lender’s Human Rights Watch say is sup- was eligible for a third term in Before Gen. Ndayishimiye $500m loan for education in the Tanzania’s civil society told the board is scheduled to discuss the pression of basic freedoms, and 2015 because lawmakers, not was announced Sunday as the East African nation because of Washington-based lender. project, according to a World economic policies that have dis- the general population, had ruling party’s choice, Nku- President John Magufuli’s calls “It would be inappropriate Bank spokesperson, who couraged private investment. chosen him for his first term runziza said his government to restrict pregnant girls from if not irresponsible for the bank declined to comment further. After the World Bank’s vice — a move that critics called was now on a democratic attending school. to approve” the funding, the Magufuli, who’s expected to president for Africa, Hafez unconstitutional. path. While the funding is sup- group named Concerned Cit- seek re-election in October, has Ghanem, met Magufuli in Nkurunziza’s influence “We have achieved a lot. posed to help improve girls’ izens of Tanzanian Civil Society been hailed for improving gov- November, the presidency said could still linger after the God is our witness,” he told access to secondary education said in a letter. The lender should ernment efficiency and fighting the funding for education election, since he could party members. in the region’s second-largest only back the loan if the graft during his first five years projects was still available. 12 ASIA MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 Women grab limelight as India showcases military might on Republic Day

AFP — NEW DELHI In front of the guest the air force, following the of honour, Brazil’s South Asian nation’s purchase Huge crowds gathered for of 36 jets from France in 2016 India’s Republic Day parade President Jair in a multi-billion-dollar deal. yesterday, with women taking Bolsonaro, Indian The mounted camels of the centre-stage at the annual Border Security Force put in an pomp-filled spectacle of President Ram Nath early showing, strutting down military might featuring army Kovind and Indian the avenue in brightly coloured tanks, horses and camels. caparisons. For the first time, the riders Prime Minister Traditional dancers repre- performing daredevil stunts on Narendra Modi, senting some of India’s diverse motorbikes to the delight of the Captain Tania Shergill, regional cultures performed on crowds lining New Delhi’s elaborately decorated floats central Rajpath boulevard, were a fourth-generation showcasing selected states. India’s “Akash” missiles, mounted on a truck, are displayed during the Republic Day parade in New women. The show culminated with army ofﬁcer, led an Delhi, yesterday. Inspector Seema Nag a Su-30 MKI fighter jet roaring saluted the gathered VIPs as she all-male Corps of through the sky in a “Vertical led her fellow bikers, one pre- Signals contingent. Charlie” aerobatic manoeuvre. the central government cut Register of Citizens. female politician. cariously perched at the top of The parade was held access in August as it stripped The new law makes it easier On Saturday the two nation- a ladder wedged behind her against a backdrop of the region of its semi-auton- for persecuted religious minor- alist leaders signed a slew of vehicle’s handlebars as others Kovind, waved and clapped nationwide protests over a new omous status. ities from three neighbouring deals, including for defence and formed a human pyramid, from behind a bullet-proof citizenship law that critics say And the northeastern state countries to obtain citizenship, oil and gas, and promised to drawing the loudest cheers glass. discriminates against minority of Assam, where the protests first but not if they are Muslim. strengthen bilateral ties. from thousands of spectators. January 26 is the anni- Muslims, which make up 200 began, was rocked yesterday by Protesters say the law is Last year Brazil complained And in front of the guest of versary of India’s adoption of million people in India’s 1.3 four explosions which the police against the secular principles about India’s subsidies for sugar honour, Brazil’s President Jair its constitution in 1950. billion-strong population. suspected were carried out by a enshrined in the Indian exports to the World Trade Bolsonaro, Captain Tania The two-hour showcase of And as citizens celebrated separatist group. No-one was constitution. Organisation, saying it would Shergill, a fourth-generation military might and cultural in Delhi, in restive Indian injured and nothing was There were also protests hurt free competition in the army officer, led an all-male diversity included everything Kashmir, all mobile phone damaged, police said. against Bolsonaro’s visit, with global market. Corps of Signals contingent. from battle tanks and state-of- services were suspended for Also yesterday, hundreds a small rally held in the western India is the largest cane Bolsonaro sat next to Indian the-art weaponry to traditional several hours. of women blocked a Delhi city of Mumbai on Friday where sugar producer in the world fol- Prime Minister Narendra Modi dancers. The cut came just a day after highway to protest the Cit- demonstrators questioned his lowed by Brazil, according to — who wore a saffron turban — Scaled-down models of the people in the area had Internet izenship Amendment Act stand on climate change and the International Sugar and Indian President Ram Nath Rafale aircraft were paraded by services partially restored, after and a proposed National sexist comments against a Organisation.

Indian police Hong Kong Disneyland closes doors over virus fears decommission AFP — HONG KONG measures to reduce the risk of Meanwhile, a group of pro- citizens had blocked roads including a Lunar New Year further infections. testers set alight yesterday the leading to the building with gala and next month’s marathon historic Hong Kong’s Disneyland The move came as city leader lobby of a newly built resi- bricks and other debris, as anger have also been cancelled while announced it was shutting its Carrie Lam faced criticism in dential building in Hong Kong grew towards government plans the re-opening of schools after British-era rifles doors yesterday until further some quarters over her admin- that authorities planned to use to convert the building into a the holidays has been delayed. notice over the deadly virus istration’s response to the crisis. as a quarantine facility, as quarantine zone as the number The closure of Disneyland AFP — LUCKNOW outbreak in central China, a day Calls have been made by public fears in the financial hub of confirmed cases in the city and Ocean Park will pile fresh after city authorities classified politicians and some medical about the coronavirus outbreak climbed to six on Sunday. misery on Hong Kong’s tourism, Police in northern India the crisis as an emergency. experts to halt, or limit, arrivals intensified. “We are dissatisfied with the leisure and retail sectors which yesterday bid goodbye to the The park said it was taking the from the Chinese mainland A witness saw several government selecting this have already been battered by historic British-era bolt-action step to protect “the health and where the epidemic began. masked protesters, clad in housing estate as a (quarantine) more than seven months of rifles after using them for one safety of our guests and cast Of the six people to have black, rush into the public separation village as it’s very often-violent pro-democracy last salute during the annual members”, mirroring a similar tested positive for the virus, five housing block in Hong Kong’s close to a residential area and a protests. Republic Day parade. move by Shanghai’s Disneyland. arrived via a newly-built high- Fanling district near to the primary school,” said a 28-year- Ocean Park is on track to The Lee-Enfield.303 rifle Ocean Park, a rival speed train terminal which con- border with China, and set old resident surnamed Tsang. receive a HK$10.6bn ($1.3bn) was the main firearm of British amusement park on Hong nects with the mainland. alight a Molotov cocktail before Lam has resisted closing the government bailout over grim colonial military forces and, Kong’s main island, said it was Yesterday, a newly formed running out. Black smoke could border, saying the crisis is not ticket sales in recent years. despite being designated also closing its doors. union which represents be seen pouring out of the yet at a point where such a Combined with the US- “obsolete” around 25 years ago, On Saturday, Hong Kong healthcare workers threatened building to the sound of fire drastic measure is needed. China trade war fallout, the pro- it has been the main weapon classified the outbreak as an industrial action from February alarms. Windows were But she has announced all tests have helped tip Hong Kong used by police in Uttar Pradesh “emergency” — the city’s 3 if the government does not smashed. mainland arrivals must now into recession and the virus out- state over seven decades. highest warning tier — and ban all arrivals from mainland Earlier in the afternoon, sign health declaration forms. break has only compounded the The rifle — used by the announced ramped-up China. hundreds of regular Hong Kong A series of public events, city’s economic woes. British during the two World Wars — fires one shot at a time, after which the barrel needs to be reloaded by pulling Public anger grows over the bolt. “They have been in use since independence (from the coronavirus in Thailand, British in 1947) and now they’ll be replaced by INSAS (Indian with eight cases reported Small Arms System) and SLRs (Self-Loading Rifles),” said REUTERS — BANGKOK Twitter in Thailand on Saturday police superintendent Amit with over 400,000 tweets. Verma. The health minister in Thailand, Users complained about the As many as 45,000 of the the country with the most management of the virus and rifles were being used by the confirmed cases outside China other health issues. state police, Verma said, and of the new coronavirus, called “If it reaches a point where the model was a favourite an emergency meeting yesterday public health is in danger, we among constables due to with the transport and tourism will take (more) action,” Anutin accuracy and sturdiness. ministries amid rising public said, adding that the gov- “This (.303) rifle is a fan- discontent over the govern- ernment would not prioritise tastic weapon and has served ment’s handling of the illness. tourism revenue over health. us brilliantly in various oper- “We can control the situ- “Detecting infected patients ations in the past,” Police ation and are confident in our is a good sign because it shows Additional Director General ability to handle the crisis,” that our system is efficient,” Bijaya Kumar Maurya said. Public Health Minister Anutin Anutin said. “But it being a bolt action Charnvirakul told reporters. China is Thailand’s biggest weapon with low magazine The number of cases of the source of tourists and had capacity, it was time for a People attending “Poetry for Humanity” event in which Rohingya Muslim poets recited poetry via disease in Thailand rose on nearly 11 million visitors from change. Its production has also a video link in Yangon. Sunday to eight. there last year. discontinued so there was all Anutin added that three of In China, there have been the more need for an upgrade.” the people infected were being nearly 2,000 cases of the Maurya said the new auto- Rohingya refugee writers dial treated and five had recovered illness and 56 people have died. matic rifles would “add to the and gone home. A scattering of cases have been confidence of our officers” and The hashtag #crapgov- reported in other countries, would result in improved into Myanmar poetry slam ernment was top trending on including Thailand. policing. AFP — YANGON also for their resilience. San Suu Kyi, which has “My words are taller than defended the crackdown Divided by hatred but united the walls put between Bud- against the Rohingya. 7 million join Kerala human chain against CAA over the written word, dhists and Muslims. My words The festival came in a week Rohingya Muslim poets in are stronger than the hatred of heightened sensitivity over IANS — THIRUVANANTHAPURAM then every participant took a lead to. This show has been Bangladeshi refugee camps designed for me,” reads one the crisis. pledge to be ready to give their near total and even though the joined Buddhist bards in verse from writer Mayyu Ali’s The International Court of Billed as one of the biggest lives to protect the Constitution, leadership of the opposition is Myanmar by video link as part poem “My Words”. Justice ruled on Thursday there protests against the CAA, “which is now facing threat on not taking part in this, of a ground-breaking poetry He fled with his family to was enough evidence to pursue Kerala’s CPI-M-led Left Demo- account of the CAA by the numerous of their supporters festival in a country reeling the Bangladeshi camps where allegations that Myanmar com- cratic Front (LDF) yesterday BJP-led Central government”. have taken part and this shows from genocide allegations. he has helped bring together a mitted genocide against the organised a human chain The human chain was the that we are all one to a wrong Five Rohingya writers took group of around 150 refugees Rohingya, and ordered the extending from Kasargod to the brainchild of the CPI-M and at decision of the Centre,” Baby part in the three-day “Poetry for sharing a passion for poetry. country to comply with urgent Tamil Nadu border near here, the northern point in said soon after he finished Humanity” event in Yangon, “I want to show Burmese measures to protect the involving participation of an Kasargode, its Politburo taking part in the human chain. with three speaking live by people that the Rohingya are minority. estimated seven million people. member S Ramachandran Pillai Chief Minister Pinarayi video link to a packed room also Burmese. We also love Some 740,000 fled over the People came out in large was first in the chain and at the Vijayan, along with his family while two had sent pre-recorded Myanmar,” the 27-year-old said. border to escape a bloody mil- numbers to participate. After a trial southernmost end, at the Tamil members, stood in the chain at readings, fearing their stuttering Poets once vexed Myan- itary crackdown in 2017 that is at 3.30pm, the chain running on Nadu border at Kaliyikavela Palyam in the heart of the state connection would not hold up. mar’s censorship-obsessed thought to have killed the side of the National Highway near here, was another capital. They drew applause for former military junta. thousands. from Kasargode to Thiruvanan- Politburo member M A Baby. Soon after his participation, verses on the bloodshed that Now younger writers are Yet the minority evoke little thapuram, a distance of about “Kerala has always led Vijayan told a public meeting forced hundreds of thousands keeping the art form alive as a sympathy in Buddhist-majority 600km, began forming at 4pm. numerous protests and also that all the protests against CAA of Rohingya to flee their homes form of dissent under the Myanmar, where even the word The preamble of the Consti- shown to the rest of the country, was so huge and massive across in northern Rakhine state —and civilian government of Aung “Rohingya” is taboo. tution was first read out and what very strong protests can the state. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 ASIA 13 Children among 20 injured in Afghan wedding attack

AP — KABUL At least one of the with any information about tribal rivalries involving the An hand grenade attack on an injured children was wedding party. All of the injured Afghan wedding ceremony in critical condition, wedding guests were men, but wounded at least 20 people, said Adel Haider, it was not immediately clear if including several children, a the groom was injured in the provincial official said a spokesman for attack, Haider said. yesterday. the police chief of Last August, a suicide At least one of the injured bomber from the Islamic State children was in critical con- the eastern Khost affiliate in Afghanistan killed 63 dition, said Adel Haider, a province, which people at a wedding in Kabul, spokesman for the police chief the deadliest attack in the of the eastern Khost province, borders Pakistan. capital in 2019. which borders Pakistan. The Taliban, which the US No one immediately Afghanistan led him to believe hopes will help curb the IS affil- claimed responsibility for Sat- that they could have been the iate’s rise, condemned the attack urday night’s attack. culprits. But it’s also common as “forbidden and unjustifiable.” There was no evidence that in that part of Afghanistan to The Taliban control or hold sway the Taliban were behind the settle personal vendettas with over roughly half of Afghanistan, attack, although they have a such attacks. staging near-daily attacks. They Underwater Lion-dance strong presence in the area. Haider said police are inves- usually target Afghan and US Divers perform underwater Lion-dance in an aquarium at Seaworld during the Chinese Lunar New Haider said the Taliban’s ban on tigating all possible motives and forces, but scores of civilians die Year celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday. music when they ruled so far no one has come forward in the crossfire. Hubei province residents to be banned from entering HK Pakistan province on path REUTERS — BEIJING/SHANGHAI travelling around the country and health experts question whether January 26, while the death toll to digital transformation abroad to see family, began on China can contain the from the virus remained at 56, Residents of China’s Hubei Friday but has been severely dis- epidemic. state broadcaster CCTV INTERNEWS — PESHAWAR Shahbaz said that a similar province, where the new coro- rupted by the outbreak. WHO Director-General reported. Airports around the system is already successfully navirus outbreak was first Ma said China would Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus world have stepped up screening After Prime Minister Imran running in Punjab and Sindh, reported, will be banned from intensify its containment efforts, said he was on his way to Beijing of passengers from China, Khan launched the ‘Digital and K-P will now become the entering Hong Kong from today which have so far included to meet officials and health although some health officials Pakistan’ initiative last month a third province to adopt the as China tries to halt the rapid transport and travel curbs and experts dealing with the and experts have questioned the free programme with the technology. spread of the outbreak. cancellation of big events. coronavirus. effectiveness of these efforts. mission to train over one million He also said that the centres China’s Cabinet also The virus, believed to have Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, Health officials in Orange people in developing digital will be launched by June 2020 announced it will extend the originated late last year in a which has six confirmed cases, County, California, said a third skills the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Gulbahar, Saddar and Hay- week-long Lunar New Year seafood market in Wuhan that will also ban entry from Monday case had been registered in the (K-P) province government is atabad areas of the provincial holiday by three days to Feb. 2 was illegally selling wildlife, has to people who have visited United States in a traveller from now setting up Citizen Facili- capital. and schools will return from their spread to cities including Beijing Hubei province in the past 14 Wuhan, who was in isolation tation Centres (CFCs) in “The CFCs will not only ease break later than usual, state and Shanghai. days, the city’s government said. and in good condition. Peshawar. the process of payments by broadcaster CCTV said. Alibaba’s Taobao online mar- The rule does not apply to Hong Yesterday, China tempo- For the purpose, the gov- allowing people to pay electron- Health authorities around the ketplace said it has removed Kong residents. rarily banned nationwide the ernment has already sent ically but it will also make dif- world are racing to prevent a sales of face masks from shops Hubei’s governor, Wang sale of wildlife in markets, res- instructions to the Khyber ferent procedures more trans- pandemic of the virus, which has that show “unstable prices or Xiaodong, said yesterday he felt taurants, and e-commerce plat- Pakhtunkhwa Information parent,” Shahbaz explained. infected more than 2,000 people false advertising”, as prices for “agonised” and responsible for forms. Wild and often poached Technology Board (KPITB) to “During the first year, the in China and killed 56. the products surged. the outbreak. He described the animals packed together in start the project. project will incur a cost of A handful of cases of The World Health Organi- situation as severe and said Chinese markets are blamed as Initially, the desk will facil- Rs220m, in addition to the cost infection have been reported in sation this week stopped short of medical supplies were still tight. incubators for viruses to evolve itate citizens in seven major of setting up the infrastructure other countries, including calling the outbreak a global China confirmed 2,051 cases and jump the species barrier to departments including excise, which will be around Rs80m.” Thailand, Australia, the United health emergency, but some of infection as of 7 pm on humans. water and sanitation services, Shahbaz also stated that the States, France and Canada. No board of revenue, home departments are already fatalities have been recorded department, the office of the included in the system and the outside China. deputy commissioner and the IT team is currently resolving The mayor of Wuhan, which police, the National Database some minor issues. is the capital of Hubei province and Registration Authority “As soon as other depart- and at epicentre of the outbreak, (NADRA) and the local ments are also taken on board, said he expected another 1,000 government. the CFCs will be expanded to all new patients in the city, which According to the KPITB offi- the districts of K-P in the third was stepping up construction of cials, CFCs will work just like phase of the project,” he said. special hospitals. NADRA but the facilitation The directions for setting up The newly identified corona- services will be offered on a pro- CFCs were issued by the chief virus has created alarm because vincial level, adding that the minister of K-P Mehmood Khan much about it is still unknown, project will be expanded in in a meeting held last month, such as how dangerous it is and future to include other where he said that the centres how easily it spreads between departments. will also be expanded to the people. It can cause pneumonia, Officials believe that the divisional headquarters and the which has been deadly in some CFCs, which are being set up on recently-merged tribal districts cases. par with international in the next fiscal year to provide China’s National Health standards, will allow citizens to swift and easy services to the Commission Minister Ma Xiaowei pay their bills electronically, masses. said the incubation period for the without having to physically Apart from the CFCs, K-P virus can range from one to 14 visit the departments. has also initiated several other days, during which infection can “This is going to be a digital projects, including the occur. cashless system-digital pay- establishment of a digital The Lunar New Year holiday, ments and papers would now reporting hub called Itlah in Anti-government protesters set up a barrier to block the road outside of a newly-built residential traditionally celebrated by hun- be sent digitally,” the director of police stations across the building in Hong Kong that authorities planned to use as a quarantine facility, yesterday. dreds of millions of Chinese KPITB Dr Shahbaz said. province. Three ministers sacked from Pakistan’s new election chief to take oath today Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD at a ceremony to be held at the interventions during a meeting petroleum secretary and chief Supreme Court building at 1pm. held at the chamber of National secretary of both Pakistan- INTERNEWS — PESHAWAR provincial legislators of Prime The Election Commission of Later, the chief election Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser administered Jammu and Minister Imran Khan’s ruling Pakistan (ECP) will become commissioner will administer on January 21. Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Three ministers of Pakistan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) fully functional after the newly- oath to Nisar Durrani and Shah Son of an army officer, Raja He was director general (pass- northwest Khyber party were invited to the dinner nominated chief election Mohammad Jatoi as ECP whose full name is Mohammad ports) when Chaudhry Nisar Ali Pakhtunkhwa provincial at the senior minister’s commissioner (CEC) and ECP members from Sindh and Balo- Jalal Sikandar Sultan, will be the Khan was interior minister. government were yesterday residence. members from Sindh and Balo- chistan, respectively. first-ever former bureaucrat to He served as provincial sec- sacked from their portfolios, a On Thursday even after the chistan will take oath of office The bipartisan parlia- be heading the country’s apex retary of communications and notification issued by the provincial government denied today. mentary committee headed by electoral body. He retired only works, services and general provincial administration the cabinet showdown reports, According to ECP Human Rights Minister Dr a couple of months ago as administration, besides local cabinet wing said. Tarakai, an uncle of health spokesman Altaf Khan, Chief Shireen Mazari had approved railways secretary and enjoys government secretary before The sacked ministers minister Shahram Khan, who Justice of Pakistan Gulzar the three nominations through a good reputation of being an being appointed additional include Atif Khan, who was the is considered to be a close aide Ahmed will administer the oath a consensus after almost a year- honest and dedicated officer. chief secretary in Punjab for a minister for sports, culture and of Atif, came on TV and vented to Sikandar Sultan Raja as CEC long controversy and legal He had also served as brief period. tourism, Shahram Tarakai, who his spleen against his own was the minister for health and party’s provincial government, Shakeel Ahmed, who held the giving credence to speculations Influential aunt of N Korea’s Kim makes first public appearance in 6 years portfolio of revenue and estate. of a turf war in the ruling PTI. The move came just two The elder Tarakai even REUTERS — SEOUL or even killed in the wake of her North Korea’s nominal No. 2, days after local media was rife hinted at leaving the setup. husband’s death, so to see her Choe Ryong Hae. with reports of a pressure Sources further said that The influential aunt of North pop up by the leader’s side “That she’s sitting right next group emerging in the the reason for the rift between Korean leader Kim Jong Un some six years later is certainly to the leader and is listed province, allegedly led by Atif Mahmood Khan and Atif Khan made her first public a surprise,” said Oliver Hotham, second after Choe Ryong Hae — who was also a strong can- was the rejection of the latter’s appearance in six years, state managing editor of NK News, a suggests she might have been didate for the post of chief min- nominees in the recent cabinet media reported yesterday, Seoul-based organisation that granted a significant new ister after elections in July 2018. reshuffle. years after her husband was monitors North Korea. position, potentially advising Atif threw a lavish dinner Atif’s closest ally in the pro- executed in a purge. Kim Kyong Kim Kyong Hui and her Kim Jong Un on economic or for provincial lawmakers on vincial cabinet, Shahram, losing Hui (pictured) is the sister of husband were once a power political issues,” he said. Friday night apparently to the local government portfolio former North Korean dictator couple that formed a kind of “It’s also a reminder of how muster support to take on Chief also did not sit well with the Kim Jong Il, and took a leading regency in the political world weird and brutal North Korea Minister Mahmood Khan amid senior minister. role during the first years of of the North behind its young is, after all she’s sitting next to reports of an intensifying jock- The PTI, which formed gov- current leader Kim Jong Un’s and mercurial leader, who suc- the man who ordered her hus- eying for power between the ernments in the Punjab, Khyber rule. Yesterday, state media ceeded his father in December band’s execution.” two. The event took place after Pakhtunkhwa and Centre fol- She had largely disappeared showed Kim Kyong Hui sitting 2011. Kim Kyong Hui’s reap- Kim Jong Un is facing a year an alleged showdown between lowing the general election in from public view since 2013, near Kim Jong Un at a per- pearance in a position of prom- of sensitive international and Atif and the chief minister in a 2018 has recently been facing after Kim Jong Un ordered the formance celebrating the Lunar inence suggests she has domestic politics, as denuclear- provincial cabinet meeting, problems in both provinces and execution of her husband, Jang New Year in Pyongyang. retained, or at least regained an isation talks with the United which the government was the Centre after similar cracks Song Thaek, seen as the second “Many North Korea influential position behind the States remain stalled and inter- quick to deny. appeared among its most powerful man in the North watchers had assumed that Kim scenes, Hotham said, noting national sanctions restrict North Sources said around 25 lawmakers. at the time. Kyong Hui had gone into exile that state media listed her after Korea’s economy. 14 ASIA MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 China stiffens defences against virus; death toll hits 56

AFP — WUHAN China has locked that the “spreading ability of the down the hard-hit virus is getting stronger,” said China yesterday expanded Ma Xiaowei, head of China’s drastic travel restrictions to province of Hubei in national health commission. contain an epidemic that has the country’s centre Shanghai yesterday killed 56 people and infected reported its first death — an nearly 2,000, as the United in an unprecedented 88-year-old man who had pre- States, France and Japan operation affecting existing health problems. The prepared to evacuate their government says most deaths citizens from a quarantined city tens of millions involved the elderly or people at the outbreak’s epicentre. of people to slow already suffering from other China has locked down the the spread of the ailments. hard-hit province of Hubei in Fearing a repeat of SARS, the country’s centre in an respiratory virus. China has dramatically scaled unprecedented operation back celebrations and travel affecting tens of millions of associated with the New Year people to slow the spread of the countries as distant as the holiday, which began Friday, respiratory virus. United States. while tourist sites like Beijing’s Its ability to spread appears The US State Department Forbidden City and a section of to be “getting stronger” though said Sunday it was arranging a the Great Wall have closed as a it is “not as powerful as SARS”, flight from Wuhan to San Fran- precaution. top Chinese health officials said cisco for consulate staff and In Hong Kong, Disneyland at a press conference, adding other Americans in the city. announced yesteray it had that their knowledge of it is The flight is on Tuesday, it closed as a precaution after the limited. said in an email to Americans city declared an emergency to The previously unknown in China that warned of combat the crisis. Shanghai’s virus has caused global concern “extremely limited” capacity for Security personnel wearing protective clothing stand at a subway in Beijing, yesterday. Disneyland park had already because of its similarity to the private citizens. closed on Saturday. Severe Acute Respiratory Syn- France’s government and A new working group to drome (SARS) pathogen, which the French carmaker PSA also “Do not believe in rumours. “There has to be someone hedgehogs were reportedly tackle the epidemic, chaired by killed hundreds across said they were formulating Do not spread rumours. If you who does this,” Zhang Lin, 48, sold. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, mainland China and Hong Kong plans to evacuate staff and fam- feel unwell, go to the hospital told journalists as he waited for China said yesterday it was called for local authorities to in 2002-2003. ilies, who will be quarantined in time,” the message said. a patient to emerge from a clinic banning all trade in wildlife make arrangements to consider Outside the epicentre, in a city in a neighbouring “Wuhan is a city that dares for the drive back home in until the emergency is over, but “extending the Spring Festival Shandong province and four province. Japan is coordinating to face difficulties and keeps nearly deserted streets. conservationists complain that holiday,” in order to prevent the cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an with the Chinese government overcoming them,” the female Some foreigners in Wuhan China has previously failed to movement of people. and Tianjin — announced bans to swiftly evacuate its citizens, voice added, mentioning the expressed deep concern, saying deliver on pledges to get tough. Beijing’s education authority on long-distance buses entering Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. deadly 2002-03 SARS epidemic they feared going outside even Animal rights groups called said the start of the spring or leaving their borders, a move South Korea’s consulate in and 1998 Yangtze River though their food supplies were for the ban to be made per- semester had been postponed that will affect millions of Wuhan said it was conducting flooding. running low. manent, saying it could help end until further notice for all edu- people travelling over the Lunar an online poll of its citizens The health emergency has “We want to be evacuated the possibility of future cation levels. New Year holiday. there to gauge demand for a overwhelmed Wuhan’s hos- as soon as possible, because outbreaks. Shanghai announced that The popular southern chartered flight out. pitals with patients, prompting either the virus, the hunger or Health officials said the middle and elementary schools province of Guangdong, Jiangxi Instead of New Year revelry, authorities to send hundreds of the fear will kill us,” Mashal virus has since become trans- and kindergartens would in the centre, and three cities Wuhan has been seized by an medical reinforcements, Jamalzai, a political science missible between humans. remain closed until February 17. made it mandatory for residents eerie calm that deepened yes- including military doctors, and student from Afghanistan at “From what we see now, President Xi Jinping said on to wear face masks in public. terday as new restrictions start construction on two field Central China Normal Uni- this disease is indeed... not as Friday at a Communist Party Originating in Hubei’s banned most road traffic in the hospitals. versity, said. powerful as SARS,” said Gao Fu, leadership meeting on the crisis capital of Wuhan, the virus has metropolis of 11 million. With non-essential vehicles The outbreak is suspected head of China’s Centre for that China faced “the grave sit- spread throughout China and Loudspeakers broke the banned from the road, volun- to have originated in a Wuhan Disease Control and Prevention, uation of an accelerating across the world —with cases silence by offering tips slathered teers stepped up to drive sick market where animals at a press briefing in Beijing. spread” of the virus, calling for confirmed in around a dozen with bravado. fellow citizens to hospitals. including rats, snakes and However, it also appears stepped-up prevention. Anxious foreigners await rescue from coronavirus epicentre

AFP—WUHAN help. consular staff and carry them “We want to be evacuated to San Francisco, but warned Anxious foreigners in the as soon as possible, because that there would only be limited locked-down city that spawned either the virus, the hunger or space for the estimated 1,000 China’s deadly viral epidemic the fear will kill us,” Jamalzai Americans living in Wuhan. say they are stranded at home, said. “If there is insufficient running out of food and Thousands of foreign stu- ability to transport everyone desperate to leave, as govern- dents and other international who expresses interest, priority ments scrambled to draw up residents live in Wuhan, a nor- will be given to individuals at evacuation plans. mally bustling transport hub in greater risk from coronavirus,” Authorities have barred central China home to a huge the department said. travel to and from Hubei steel and auto industry. Diana Adama, an American province and its capital Wuhan, But with schools, hospitals teacher living in Wuhan, told where the coronavirus was first and public offices shut and no CNN that she was upset at the detected before it spread across transport to and from the city, lack of information about the China and to a dozen other Hubei University student Siti virus. countries — including the Mawaddah says the city now But she said she didn’t want United States, France and “looks like a ghost town”. to leave on the chartered flight Australia. “The situation in Wuhan if it meant carrying the virus Students from the Dominican Republic (left to right) Jessica Santos, Melissa Santos and Misael Soriano Several other large cities in right now is very intense and back home. in Wuhan, China, yesterday. China have introduced their worrying,” the 25-year-old “I’m not going to endanger own travel restrictions in a bid Indonesian said, adding that the anybody else. And that’s just demand for a chartered plane And Sri Lanka said yes- tour packages to China and to contain the disease, which situation had taken a psycho- erring on the side of caution,” for its citizens who want to terday it would fly back 150 stu- inform customers about the has killed 56 people and logical toll on her and her she told the broadcaster. return home, while Japanese dents from China in the next dangers of the outbreak. infected nearly 2,000 others. classmates. France is also planning to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said two days. Tourism company Rus-Tour “In the past week we’ve not “If we stay in Wuhan, it’s as evacuate its citizens stuck in his country would fly out any With China ramping up announced Sunday it was trans- been able to go out and buy if we’re just waiting for our turn Hubei province by bus, and nationals who wanted to leave. travel restrictions in cities porting 1,100 of its customers anything to eat,” said Mashal to get infected,” she said. French carmaker PSA — which Singapore has already across the country — including home from Hainan, a resort Jamalzai, a political science Mawaddah said she had has a sizable presence in Wuhan repatriated 20 airline staff and Beijing and Shanghai — foreign island popular with Russian student from Afghanistan at heard the United States plans — said was formulating plans passengers who were quaran- countries have told their cit- travellers around 1,600 kilo- Central China Normal to evacuate consular staff and to evacuate staff and relatives tined in the eastern city of izens to avoid Wuhan. metres south of Wuhan. University. some American citizens living for quarantine in a neigh- Hangzhou for more than a day Russia has yet to report its The firm was also halting He said that he and his in the city, and hoped her own bouring province. after fears one person on the first case of the virus but has sales of tours to China “until the classmates had been living on government could do the same. South Korea’s consulate flight was carrying the disease, gone a step further, with epidemiological situation in the biscuits, and his embassy had The US State Department is general in Wuhan conducted a according to the Straits Times tourism officials on Friday country is back to normal”, it not responded to requests for sending a flight to collect its poll yesterday to determine the newspaper. asking operators to stop selling said in a statement. Philippines lowers volcano alert, thousands can return home

AFP — MANILA volcano, a tourist attraction that killed livestock as well as crops. sits in the middle of a lake. However, seismologists warned An explosive eruption of restive “Residents of all towns under the volcano could unleash a Taal Volcano no longer appears lockdown except Agoncillo and much bigger eruption “within imminent, Philippine authorities Laurel now have the option to hours to days”, posing a deadly said yesterday as they lifted most return,” local governor Hermi- risk to anyone in a 14-kilometre of a mass evacuation order but lando Mandanas told a press radius “danger zone”. warned residents to remain conference. By yesterday, seismologists ready to flee. “There’s a possibility that the had reduced that exclusion zone Warning signs such as earth- volcano may still erupt and we by half to include only areas quakes have been steadily should still be ready to evacuate closest to the volcano, like Ago- waning since Taal burst to life in one hour.” ncillo and Laurel. two weeks ago with plumes of Agoncillo and Laurel, which However, the scientists reit- ash and lava, forcing over are home to roughly 80,000 erated that access to the volcano 135,000 people into shelters over people, are the towns closest to island, which was once home to fears a massive blast was coming. the volcano. a community of thousands, and The nation’s seismological No one is known to have the lake around it “must be agency said steadily shrinking died in the eruption, but the ash strictly prohibited”. ash and gas emissions were signs it unleashed forced the brief Despite the risks that the of “decreased tendency towards closure of the capital’s main volcano erupt could again erupt, hazardous explosive eruption”, international airport, leaving tens many residents were eager to leading them to lower the alert of thousands of travellers return home. by a notch. stranded. “That’s where we were born, The immediate impact of the The volcano shot ash 15 kil- including my ancestors... so we reduced warning was the lifting ometres high and spewed lava in are determined to go back,” said Residents ride on their motorcycles as they return to their homes after the Philippine Volcanology of the evacuation order for nearly the January 12 eruption, which Ronald Humarang, a 32-year-old Bureau lowered the alert level in the town of Lemery, Batangas Province, Philippines, yesterday. all the towns that ring the crushed scores of homes and factory worker. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 EUROPE 15 Plans to celebrate UK exit divide country

AP — LONDON As the United Kingdom celebrate it.” Big Ben bong for Brexit. of loss “akin to bereavement” display that could be seen from prepares to leave the Organizers are promising Tice chided “the bureaucratic about Brexit. France, 32 kilometres away. With Brexit just days away, music, songs, speeches, a light blob” for hobbling the plan. But “A lot of people will not be Britain’s entry into what was Britons are fighting over the European Union on show and a New Year’s Eve-style never fear: “We have a Plan B.” celebrating. They’ll be feeling then the European Economic chimes of Big Ben. And the White Friday, people are countdown in the shadow of Par- “We will play the sound of Big very sad and very glum,” he said. Community at the start of 1973 Cliffs of Dover are a battleground. liament’s clock tower. But, to Ben chiming, that wonderful “People are saying we want was marked by similar ambiva- As the United Kingdom pre- divided over how their chagrin, Brexit probably sound, loudly through our to bring the country together now lence. The country was divided pares to leave the European to mark a historic won’t be marked by the sound of excellent speaker system,” he after the division. This is the last on the issue, and there were quiet Union on Friday, people are the giant Big Ben bell, whose said. “And in 50 years’ time... this possible way to do it.” A sug- demonstrations by activists on divided over how to mark a his- moment that some are hourly bongs are a world-famous will be the image of the U.K. gestion that church bells should both sides, but, at least immedi- toric moment that some are rel- relishing but others are symbol of British democracy. Big leaving the European Union (on) ring, as they did to mark the end ately, no major festivities. ishing but others are dreading. dreading. Ben has been largely silent since 31st January 2020. of two world wars, also struck a “Britain passed peacefully Britain’s 2016 referendum on 2017 while the clock tower is “It’ll be a sense of coming discordant note. The Central into Europe at midnight last night EU membership split the country: being repaired, and House of together, of pride, of patriotism, Council of Church Bell Ringers without any special celebrations,” 52 percent opted to leave the continent. For Brexit supporters, Commons authorities said of belief in our country.” Many stressed that it “does not endorse The Guardian newspaper 28-nation bloc, 48 percent voted it will be the instant the UK once bringing it back for one night Britons don’t share his bell ringing for political reasons.” reported on January 1, 1973. “It to remain. The intervening years again becomes a sovereign could cost as much as 500,000 excitement. Debate also is raging in the was difficult to tell that anything of political wrangling over the nation after 47 years of mem- pounds. “Spending half a million English Channel port of Dover, of importance had occurred.” departure terms have not healed bership in the bloated, bureau- Undaunted, Brexiteers pounds to ring a few bells is just where a pro-EU politician, Almost half a century on, the divide. cratic EU club. launched a crowdfunding cam- silly. People who want to do it are Liberal Democrat Antony Hook, Johnson’s Conservative gov- For pro-Europeans, “It’s a momentous occasion,” paign, encouraged by Conserv- off their trolley, frankly,” said has raised more than 13,000 ernment must balance its own departure at 11 pm January 31 will said Brexit Party chairman ative Prime Minister Boris Tony Greaves, a Liberal Dem- pounds to plaster a huge “We still enthusiasm for Brexit with the be the melancholy moment that Richard Tice, who plans to join Johnson, who said “we’re looking ocrat member of the House of love EU” banner on the famous knowledge that half the country Britain abandons a project that party leader Nigel Farage and at whether the public can fund Lords. White Cliffs on Brexit day. opposes the decision to walk brought once-warring nations thousands of supporters for a it.” But Johnson’s Downing Street Greaves warned colleagues Dover’s pro-Brexit Conserv- away from the EU. The prime together, created a vast free- party outside Parliament on office quickly distanced itself this week that many people - ative lawmaker, Natalie Elphicke, minister is scheduled to make a trading zone of half a billion Friday night. from the idea, and Commons especially the more than 3 million has suggested instead a banner televised address Friday evening, people and let Europeans study, “It’s a great celebration of the authorities made it clear they citizens of other EU countries proclaiming, “We love the UK,” stressing unity and the healing of work and live across the democratic will. And it’s right to considered it impractical to have who live in Britain - feel a sense accompanied by a fireworks divisions. Germany warns of UK unveils 50 pence coin ‘mass exit’ of Jews minted to if hatred persists mark Brexit

AFP—FRANKFURT AM MAIN storm a synagogue before killing a passer-by and a cus- Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tomer at a kebab shop -- warned yesterday that Jews showed that “Jewish sites and could leave Germany on a communities” needed better “massive” scale if urgent action protection “everywhere in was not taken to stem rising Europe”. anti-Semitism. To help make that happen, REUTERS — LONDON Writing in Der Spiegel Germany will provide 500,000 weekly on the eve of the 75th euros to the Organisation for Britain unveiled yesterday a anniversary of the liberation of Security and Co-operation in new 50 pence coin minted to the Auschwitz death camp, Europe (OSCE) this year, Maas mark the country’s departure Maas said anti-Jewish insults said. Germany’s top diplomat from the European Union, and attacks, in real life and stressed the importance of edu- which bears the inscription online, had become “a daily cating young people about the “Peace, prosperity and occurrence”. horrors of World War II, when Chinese Lunar New Year parade friendship with all nations” Almost one in two Jews has six million Jews were murdered and the Brexit date of 31 considered leaving Germany, by the Nazis. January 2020. he said, a country that has long Research had shown that People, some wearing face masks, watch performers taking part in the Chinese Lunar New Year About three million of the taken pains to confront its Nazi “a third of young Europeans parade (not seen in the picture) through central London, Britain, yesterday. coins will be distributed from past. indicated knowing little to banks, post offices and shops “We need to take urgent nothing about the Holocaust,” from Friday, the government counter-measures to make he said. The comments came said, with another seven sure that such thoughts do not on the same day a YouGov million entering circulation turn into a bitter reality and survey found 56 percent of later in the year. lead to a massive departure of Germans were in favour of French defence chief heads to US to Finance Minister Sajid Jews from Germany,” he wrote. making a school visit to a con- Javid, who is also Master of the The fight against anti- centration camp mandatory. Mint, was presented with the Semitism would be a priority In a separate statement, press Washington over Sahel case first batch of coins. when Germany takes over the Josef Schuster, head of the “Leaving the European rotating European Union pres- Central Council of Jews in AFP — PARIS a key ally for France’s 4,500- look at counterterrorism, that I Union is a turning point in our idency in July and the chair- Germany, warned that a member Barkhane operation, first and foremost am addressing history and this coin marks the manship of the Council of decades-old German “con- France’s defence minister providing intelligence and sur- threats to the homeland,” US beginning of this new chapter,” Europe, the continent’s leading sensus” to admit and remember departed for Washington veillance via drones as well as in- Defence Secretary Mark Esper he said. human rights body, in Nazi crimes “was crumbling”. yesterday hoping to convince flight refuelling and logistical told journalists this week. The finance ministry had November, Maas vowed. “If we don’t act now, our officials to keep US soldiers in transport, at a cost of $45 million General Mark Milley, planned to mint a coin Germany will push for democracy could be in serious West Africa, where French a year. chairman of the joint chiefs of inscribed 29 March 2019, the tougher legal consequences for danger,” he said. authorities are under pressure “The American commitment staff, has said a decision on the original date of Brexit before anti-Semitic acts, he said, and “It’s not just about the after years of trying to bolster to the region is essential because deployment of 7,000 US special Britain asked to extend its EU for more EU nations to make future of the Jewish community local forces against Islamic they provide critical capabilities, forces in Africa, particularly those membership. Javid later Holocaust denial a crime -- but about the future of Europe.” extremists. some of which cannot be in the Sahel, could come by early ordered production to com- currently illegal in over a dozen Elderly Holocaust survivors Florence Parly’s visit comes replaced,” an official in the March. memorate a new deadline of member states including will gather in Auschwitz on just days after her tour of the French presidency said this “The question that we are October 31, but another delay Germany, Belgium and Italy. Monday to mark 75 years since Sahel region, a vast arid expanse week. But President Donald working with the French on is the put paid to that launch and Berlin will also step up the Soviet troops liberated the where states have little more Trump insists the US must focus level of effort we are supporting about one million coins had to battle against anti-Jewish hate camp, while world leaders held than nominal control, allowing on containing Russia and China, the French with,” he said. “Is it be melted down. speech and disinformation on a sombre remembrance cer- jihadist fighters to flourish. with Africa seen as less of a direct too much? Too little? About The bill implementing Brit- social media, Maas wrote, emony in Jerusalem last Paris and its allies consider threat -- and one that should be right?” ain’s exit from the European saying perpetrators “should feel Thursday. More than 1.1 million the region increasingly critical for left to France and the European President Emmanuel Macron bloc officially became law on the full force of the law across people, mainly Jews, were ensuring Europe’s security Union. admitted a US pullout would be Thursday. After more than Europe”. killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau. against jihadist threats and for American military chiefs “very bad news,” after a summit three years of bitter wrangling An anti-Semitic attack in Most died in the gas chambers stemming an unchecked flow of have confirmed they are consid- with France’s five Sahel partners over how, when and if Brexit the eastern German city of but many also succumbed to migrants across the ering a drawdown of troops from earlier this month —not least should take place, Britain will Halle in October — in which a starvation, disease and Mediterranean. Africa. because EU nations have shown leave the EU at 2300 GMT on gunman tried but failed to overwork. The United States has been “I want to make sure, as we little enthusiasm to join the fight. Friday. Spanish towns embrace peculiar old festivals

AP — ACEHUCHE The best-known his martyrdom. The Jarramplas ones are in the festival, meanwhile, features a Spain has a rich tradition of man in multi-colored garb and colorful, and sometimes bizarre, summer, including a pointy wooden headgear to festivals. running with bulls shield himself from turnips. The best-known ones are in A crowd of men in the street the summer, including running through the narrow pelt the man with the vegetables with bulls through the narrow streets of Pamplona from close range at the fiesta held streets of Pamplona or hundreds annually at Piornal, 200 kilo- of people throwing ripe tomatoes or hundreds of metres west of Madrid, over two at each other near Valencia. But people throwing ripe days. some of the more obscure fiestas tomatoes at each Their target is dressed similar are no less intriguing. to a harlequin, with a hefty Two small towns in Extrem- other near Valencia. wooden face and head mask adura, a province west of Madrid, painted red, black and white. offer unusual winter down the streets of whitewashed Only residents of Piornal can play spectacles. houses looking like wild beasts the role of a “jarramplas,” and One involves men putting on (“carantoñas”). locals regard it as an honor to be animal hides that make them Women parade in colorful chosen from the decade-long look like Chewbacca of the “Star embroidered shawls and skirts waiting list. These days, the “jar- Wars” series and another as music plays. A priest also ramplas” are cushioned by gloves involves pelting a harlequin-type attends. and chest shields. Recreating battle scene figure with raw turnips. Like many fiestas, the origin Again, the festival’s origins At the Carantoñas festival in of this one is unclear. Some say are uncertain but there’s general Members of a historical military club taking part in a costumed reconstruction performance of the battle Acehuche, men are helped to pull it’s a representation of the legend belief that a thief was once between Ukrainian Republic forces and the Red Army in January, 1918, in Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday. on hairy, bulky costumes and of wild animals receiving Saint hounded out of the village under scary masks before they walk Sebastian following a hail of raw vegetables. 16 EUROPE MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 French govt withdraws grenade from police use AFP — PARIS

France will withdraw from use of an explosive tear gas grenade used by riot police and blamed Rights body says for injuring numerous France is the only protesters, the interior minister said yesterday, amid growing European country anger at perceived police to use explosive brutality. Sanctioned for use by munitions against French law enforcement since protesters. 2011, the GLI-F4 grenade explodes with a loud, powerful blast to release a cloud of tear of State — France’s highest A number of recent videos gas. Each shell contains 26 court for administrative justice showing what appear to be grammes of TNT. — rejected a bid by the Human unjustified police violence at The grenade is designed to Rights League and the CGT demonstrations have sparked Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Mayor Femke Halsema attending a silent march to the “Auschwitz help law enforcers under attack labour union to ban the use of outrage on social media. Never Again” monument during the National Holocaust Remembrance Day in Amsterdam, yesterday. escape from a dangerous situ- the GLI-F4 as well as LBD stun One showed an officer ation, but is blamed for grenades in public order tripping a woman, and another maiming protesters in some- policing. an officer firing a rubber bullet Dutch PM apologises for country’s role in Holocaust times hairy confrontations with The OF-F1 grenade was at point-blank range. police in more than a year of banned from use in May 2017 A few days ago, a riot AFP — THE HAGUE Netherlands survived World “Our government institu- anti-government “yellow vest” after the death three years police officer was caught on War II, but no government tions did not act as guardians protests. earlier of an environmental camera punching a bloodied Prime Minister Mark Rutte apology has been offered for of justice and security,” Rutte Interior Minister Christophe activist, Remi Fraisse, during a protester, held down on his yesterday made the Nether- the role the authorities played. said yesterday. “Too many civil Castaner (pictured) told France protest over a dam. back, at a demonstration in lands’ first government apology The question of an apology servants carried out the orders 3 broadcaster: “It happened, a It has been replaced by the Paris, prompting an investi- for the war-time persecution was raised in 2012 when Rutte of the occupiers. few months ago, that police GLI-F4. gation by the police oversight of Jews. was also prime minister, but he “The bitter consequences of were obliged to use them (the French police have come in body. “Now the last survivors are said not enough information the drawing up of registers (of grenades) to extricate them- for much criticism for alleged President Emmanuel still with us, I apologise today was available about gov- Jews) and of the expulsions selves from a threat, and that violent behaviour since the start Macron warned last week that in the name of the government ernment action during the war have not been adequately rec- protesters who picked them up of the yellow vests protest the “unacceptable behaviour” for what the authorities did at and that there was “not broad ognised, nor recognised in were seriously injured. movement in November 2018, of some officers risked under- that time,” Rutte said. enough support” for an official time” Rutte added. “On the “This is why I think we need and in recent clashes with mining the “credibility and He was giving an address in apology. whole, it was too little too late. to withdraw the GLI-F4.” striking workers rallying dignity” of the force. Amsterdam in memory of In 2000, then prime min- Too little protection. Too little French rights body against pension reform But he also denounced the victims of the Holocaust on the ister Wim Kok apologised for help. Too little recognition.” Defenseur des Droits says More than 200 alleged violence of some extremist pro- eve of the 75th anniversary of the “icy welcome” Nazi camp “Seventy-five years after France is the only European abuses related to police han- testers, who have hurled paving the liberation of the Nazi death survivors received on their Auschwitz, antisemitism is still country to use explosive muni- dling of the yellow vest protests stones and other projectiles at camp at Auschwitz. return to the Netherlands, amongst us. That’s exactly whey tions against protesters. were signalled to the IGPN security forces during Only 38,000 of the 140,000 which the Nazis occupied from we fully fully recognise what In July last year, the Council police watchdog. protests. Jews who lived in the 1940-1945. happened and say it out loud”. Greece police seize nearly 1.2 tonnes of Brexit will not affect intel cocaine, 8 arrested cooperation: EU official AFP — ZAGREB AP — ATHENS Brexit will not negatively affect Greek police said they seized cooperation between the intel- nearly 1.2 tonnes of cocaine ligence services in Europe, the and arrested 8 alleged EU’s anti-terrorism coordinator members of an international said. drug trafficking gang. “The exchange of infor- Almost all of the cocaine, mation is not impacted,” Gilles 1.18 tonnes, was found during de Kerchove (pictured) said on a Friday afternoon raid at a the sidelines of a meeting of EU house in the western Greek interior ministers in Zagreb. port of Astakos, police Cooperation between the spokesman Theodoros Chro- intelligence services is already to begin in February. nopoulos said yesterday. “outside the institutional De Kerchove said the EU The drugs were carefully framework of the” EU, and has worked in close cooper- packaged in 1,040 nylon bags, non-members Norway and ation with the US on law ready to be distributed to Switzerland are already part of enforcement matters and “it intermediaries, Chronopoulos it, he said. would be absurd that our geo- said. Britain will also be repre- graphically close neighbour Four more home raids in sented within this framework finds itself in an inferior situ- the Athens area yielded a small after it leaves the European ation to that of the Americans, An employee wearing a protective mask as tourists of an Air China ﬂight from Beijing arrive at Charles amount of cocaine, some can- Union on January 31. particularly in the fight against De Gaulle Airport, in Paris, yesterday. nabis, an AK-47 assault rifle He said that the issue is terrorism.” and three pistols. Police also more whether if, and in what The Belgian EU official also seized over $257,000 in cash form, London will continue to expressed concern over the sit- and impounded five vehicles. Virus: France to repatriate citizens from Wuhan have access to EU police data. uation in Iraq and Syria. Major General Petros Britain shares intelligence He said recent develop- Tzeferis, head of the Attica AP – PARIS government in an attempt to halt agreement with the Chinese through the Schengen Infor- ments on the ground could lead Security Directorate, said the the spread of the pneumonia-like authorities,” Health Minister mation System (SIS) for law the IS militant group to cocaine came from the Car- French government announced virus that has killed more than Agnes Buzyn said. A special enforcement purposes, “rebuild” after the defeat of its ibbean and was destined to yesterday that it will repatriate 50 people and infected nearly medical team will accompany although it is not part of the caliphate. countries in Europe and up to hundreds of French 2,000 people in China. the flight. passport-free Schengen zone. A pullout of US troops northwest Africa, adding that citizens from the Chinese city The US Consulate in Wuhan French automaker PSA, In recent years, the SIS “would certainly weaken the the investigation took six of Wuhan, the epicenter of a announced it will evacuate its which produces Peugeot and information base has become capacity of the Iraqi army to months and Greek police were deadly new virus. personnel and some private cit- Citroen cars, said Saturday it an important tool for tracking fight what remains of” the IS. aided by colleagues in Albania Those French citizens who izens aboard a charter flight was evacuating its expatriate jihadists entering Europe from He also said the fate of and Spain, as well as the Drug want to leave Wuhan will be tomorrow. employees and their families Syria and Iraq. some 5,500 IS fighters has not Enforcement Administration taken on a direct flight to French hospitals are from Wuhan and quarantining De Kerchove was not able been sufficiently clarified. office at US Embassy in Athens. France in the middle of the treating three confirmed cases them in another city. It didn’t to say how the EU could con- “A good number” of them Chronopoulos said the week, and then held in quar- of the new coronavirus — the elaborate. tinue to cooperate with Britain have already returned home, drug gang’s leaders were two antine for 14 days, the French first infections reported in French medical teams yes- in regard to the SIS. around 600 are in prisons in permanent residents of Spain, health minister announced, Europe — and more are likely, terday began meeting pas- But “it is impossible for a the region and at least one with several Albanian citizens after a special government officials said. The confirmed sengers arriving on flights from non-EU member to have the quarter are dead. as underlings. Police were meeting to discuss the cases are all Chinese citizens China at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (same) degree of intimacy as But the number of dead is looking for nine alleged spreading virus. who recently returned from and other airports. Earlier, the that of an EU member.” probably higher as many members not yet under arrest. France is joining other coun- travels there. government only posted small The question should be jihadists have been killed in Tzeferis said that some of tries planning evacuations from “The prime minister asked signs in airports about the new resolved in talks between battles for the caliphate but those arrested were already Wuhan, which is under for the organisation of a repa- virus, alongside signs about London and Brussels on their authorities have not received known to police. lockdown by the Chinese triation via direct flight, in other, older global viruses. future relationship, expected confirmation. Italians vote in two regions as Matteo Salvini eyes return to power AP — ROME Salvini is demanding an to vote yesterday to “liberate Voters could be forgiven if paign indicated the race for gov- voters in Emilia-Romagna early election to end Premier these splendid regions” from the they had the impression Salvini ernorship was neck-to-neck. viewing yesterday’s ballot as a Right-wing opposition leader Giuseppe Conte’s coalition gov- Democrats and “let’s free the himself was running to be gov- The League’s candidate is referendum on Conte’s gov- Matteo Salvini is telling Italians ernment, whose junior partner entire country.” ernor of Emilia-Romagna. The Lucia Borgonzoni, a League pol- ernment and a chance to boost who are voting in two regions is the center-left Democrats. If Salvini, who in Conte’s pre- League leader campaigned itician who as undersecretary his League’s fortunes. The right- to use their ballots to help his the Democratic Party’s vious government took a hard practically daily in the region, for culture in Conte’s first gov- wing League has consistently anti-migrant party return to incumbent governor in Emilia- line against immigration, lost especially in the countryside ernment distinguished herself scored as Italy’s most popular national power. Romagna loses to the League’s his role as deputy premier and and small towns, considered mainly for complaining that the party nationwide in recent Voting began yesterday candidate on Sunday, the bick- interior minister last year and ripe for a shift toward the right. Louvre in Paris was getting too opinion polls. morning in Emilia-Romagna, a ering among Conte’s coalition his right-wing party lost its With his “Italians first” mantra, many loans of Leonardo da Conte says the outcome of northern region where the left- partners could worsen and place in government when he Salvini dashed from rally to Vinci’s artworks for an exhi- the votes won’t affect his deter- wing has held power for jeopardize the nearly 5-month- yanked his support from Conte rally, sampling local agricultural bition to mark the 500th anni- mination to continue governing decades, and in Calabria, in the old government’s survival. in a failed bid for an early products in the region, which is versary of the Italian Renais- until the next election for Par- south, an area Salvini’s League The senior party in Conte’s election that Salvini had hoped one of Italy’s wealthiest and sance master’s death. liament is due in 2023. party once disparaged as government is the populist with make him premier. most productive. He boasted of The Democrats’ candidate Until recent years, the unproductive but where it now 5-Star Movement, which itself Conte then formed a new how, when he was interior minis Gov Stefano Bonacconi, under League’s profile was as a wants to expand a foothold . is so plagued by infighting and government with the Demo- ister, fewer migrants, trafficked whose leadership the region’s northern-based political power, Results of the voting for gov- defections that its political leader crats, who set aside their deep by Libya-based smugglers, reputation for a well-run health with its leaders depicting the ernor and regional legislatures resigned his post last week. rivalries with the 5-Stars to arrived in Italy aboard charity care system and other local underdeveloped south as a par- could rock Italy’s squabbling Salvini in a Facebook post replace the League in the rescue boats. services was reinforced. asitic drain on taxpayers’ central government in Rome. urged Italians as they headed national coalition. Opinion polls during cam- But Salvini is banking on money. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 AMERICAS 17

Recording shows Trump: Impeachment manager has not paid price yet Trump calling for REUTERS — WASHINGTON Asked if he took White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told Fox Ukraine envoy’s US President Donald Trump the Republican News Channel she had not said yesterday that the Demo- President’s social spoken to Trump about the dismissal: Report cratic lawmaker leading the tweet but, “I think he means he impeachment case against him, media post as a hasn’t yet paid the price with AFP — WASHINGTON Representative Adam Schiff, has threat, Schiff said, “I the voters.” “not paid the price, yet” for his US Senator James Lankford, US President Donald Trump actions, a statement Schiff said think it’s intended to a Republican, likened Trump’s demanded the dismissal of he viewed as a threat. be.” comment to those of Democrats Marie Yovanovitch, the The vitriol from Trump who say Republicans will pay a ambassador to Ukraine and a against Schiff and other Dem- senators were under extreme price at the ballot box for sup- key figure in the President’s ocrats followed three days of pressure to acquit Trump. porting Trump or will pay a impeachment trial, according their arguments in his Schiff said on NBC he was price in the future as they are to a video recording released impeachment trial before the making the argument “that it’s held accountable. to US media on Saturday. US Senate on charges he abused going to require moral courage “I don’t think the President The footage was reportedly the power of his office by pres- to stand up to this President.” is trying to be able to do a death taken during an April 2018 suring Ukraine to investigate a “This is a wrathful and vin- threat here or do some sort of donor dinner at a hotel and Lead House Manager Adam Schiff speaking to the press at the US political rival, and then tried to dictive President,” he said. “I intimidation,” he said on CNN’s released to news outlets by an Capitol in Washington, DC, in this file picture. obstruct an investigation by don’t think that there’s any “State of the Union.” “Both of attorney for Lev Parnas, an Congress. doubt about it and if you think them are saying the American indicted associate of Trump’s “Shifty Adam Schiff is a impeachment manager, Schiff, unswayed. The lawmaker from there is, look at the President’s people will speak on this.” personal attorney Rudy CORRUPT POLITICIAN, and chairman of the House Intelli- California, a former federal tweets about me today, saying Another House impeachment Giuliani. probably a very sick man. He gence Committee, played a prosecutor, has been a regular that I should pay a price.” manager, Democrat Zoe Parnas and his business has not paid the price, yet, for central role in Democrats’ target of attack from Trump and Trump regularly levels per- Lofgren, told CNN Trump partner Igor Fruman are key what he has done to our efforts to paint Trump’s Trump’s Republican supporters sonal attacks against political should “get a grip” and be more players in Trump’s alleged Country!” Trump said on behavior as dangerous to in Congress. opponents. presidential. “The President has campaign to pressure the gov- Twitter. democracy in the Republican- Some Republican senators The White House did not a tendency to say things that ernment of Ukraine to dig up Asked on NBC’s “Meet the led Senate, where Trump is took umbrage at Schiff’s more respond to a request for seem threatening to people,” dirt on Joe Biden, a potential Press” if he took the Republican likely to be acquitted. pointed comments, including comment on Trump’s Twitter she said. election opponent for the President’s social media post as While some Republican that the President could not be post. Representatives for Schiff Trump’s team of lawyers president. a threat, Schiff said, “I think it’s senators said Schiff had been trusted to do the right thing for said they had nothing to add to began their defense on The issue is central to intended to be.” As lead effective, most appeared the country and that Republican the congressman’s comments. Saturday. Trump’s ongoing impeachment trial in the US Senate. His order to fire the Democratic candidates ambassador came after Parnas told him that Yovanovich was an impediment, and claiming pour into Iowa for that she had privately disparaged the President. “Get rid of her!” Trump last-minute push says on the tape, reportedly addressing a White House aide AP — DES MOINES, IOWA president’s candidacy. And Pete at the dining table. Buttigieg, the former mayor of “Get her out tomorrow. I Democratic presidential candi- South Bend, Indiana, sought to don’t care. Get her out dates have roared back into position himself a Washington tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Iowa touting fresh endorse- outsider above the partisan fray. Do it.” Images taken at an ments, critiquing their rivals But as the candidates set out awkward angle appear at the and predicting victories in the to make their best case to start of the one hour, caucuses that will soon launch voters, the volatility of the race 23-minute-long video. The the process of deciding who will was evident. Several candidates rest of the recording shows a challenge President Donald began their day in Washington, tan background, as if the Trump. sitting as jurors in Trump’s camera were covered, but Senator Elizabeth Warren impeachment trial. They will Trump’s distinctive voice is said on Saturday she was have to return to Capitol Hill clear. Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders speaks to Iowa voters at the Ames City “delighted” to pick up a coveted early next week as the trial con- In TV interview with Auditorium in Ames, Iowa, recently. endorsement from The Des tinues, sidelining them from MSNBC News last week, Moines Register. The state’s campaigning during a critical Parnas said Trump “knew largest newspaper called the period. Iowa. “Every part of the ground the approach that will speak to Trump tweets about at night,” exactly what was going on” Massachusetts Democrat “the More fundamentally, there’s game counts.” working people who, in many he told a large crowd in Ankeny. with his and Fruman’s efforts best leader for these times” and no clear front-runner despite Still, Sanders returned to cases, have given up on pol- “We are so much better than to pressure Ukrainian author- said she “is not the radical some the fact that many candidates Iowa exuding a sense of confi- itics,” he said. “I think we will Donald Trump.” Biden scored ities to investigate Biden. perceive her to be.” But War- have now spent more than a dence. Hundreds of supporters resonate with them. I think we the endorsement of the Sioux His appearance came after ren’s progressive rival, Senator year courting Iowans. filled the municipal auditorium have in the past, I think we will City Journal, which called him Democrats released docu- Bernie Sanders of Vermont, A New York Times/Siena in Ames and additional voters in the future.” “the candidate best positioned ments that showed Giuliani predicted victory in Iowa and College poll released on Sat- crowded an overflow room. Polls suggest Biden also has to give Americans a competitive worked with Parnas to campaigned alongside Repre- urday showed Sanders with a Earlier in the night, he told a substantial appeal among head-to-head matchup with pressure Kiev to investigate sentative Alexandria Ocasio- slight — but not commanding voters in Marshalltown that he Democratic voters, especially President Trump” and said he Biden. Cortez, D-NY, one of the most — edge in Iowa. But several had an “excellent chance to win African Americans. While he would be best at attracting Both Parnas and Fruman prominent leaders on the left. polls show Biden, Buttigieg and here in Iowa” and argued that has been critical of Sanders in support from “independents were charged with violating Joe Biden, meanwhile, Warren remain among the his is the only campaign that the past, he kept his focus and disgruntled Republicans.” US campaign finance laws in appeared for the first time front-runners. can weave broad support from instead on the threat of four Compared to Biden, Butt- October. alongside Representative Cindy “There’s still plenty of time voters. more years of Trump in the igieg was more dire in his The documents also Axne, D-Iowa, who is the latest for movement,” said Kurt “I believe that our cam- White House. reaction to the prospect of showed the pair, working with in a growing list of local politi- Meyer, chairman of the Tri- paign, our energy, our grass- “I don’t believe we are the Sanders gaining strength in the Ukrainian officials, trying to cians backing the former vice County Democrats in northern roots movement, our agenda is dark, angry nation that Donald Democratic contest. force out Yovanovitch. Trump: US will Canada reports its first not lift sanctions to negotiate case of coronavirus BLOOMBERG — TORONTO better position to deal with a with Iran pandemic than it was 17 years REUTERS — DUBAI Canada has reported its first ago. case of coronavirus in Toronto. Between 2002 and 2003, The United States will not lift A male in his 50s tested SARS killed almost 800 people sanctions on Iran in order to positive for the SARS-like worldwide, with Toronto negotiate, US President Donald illness in Canada’s most pop- reporting the highest number Trump tweeted late on ulous city, Ontario Chief of deaths — 44 — outside Asia. Saturday, seemingly in Medical Officer of Health David At the time, Canada — and par- response to a Der Spiegel Williams confirmed on ticularly Ontario, where most interview with Iran’s foreign Saturday. of the nation’s cases occurred minister. The man, who had traveled — were seen as poorly “Iranian Foreign Minister from Wuhan, China via prepared. says Iran wants to negotiate Guangzhou, arrived in Toronto “The degree to which we with The United States, but on January 22 and went to Sun- have learned from SARS is tre- wants sanctions removed. No nybrook hospital the following mendous,” Dr. Andy Smith, Thanks!” Trump tweeted in day after feeling ill. The case chief executive officer of Sun- English on Saturday and later was confirmed as a pre- nybrook Health Sciences told in Farsi. sumptive positive case. The reporters at the briefing. Iran’s Foreign Minister patient is in stable condition. Beyond the health threat, Mohammad Javad Zarif Officials will be contacting there remain fears the virus responded yesterday by Mexicans demand justice for murdered artist flight passengers who were could derail Canada’s fragile tweeting an excerpt from the within two meters of the economic growth, mainly Protesters gather on the Paso del Norte International Bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Saturday, interview with Der Spiegel patient aboard the flight from through its impact on the global to demand justice for artist and activist Isabel Cabanillas, 26, who was murdered in the streets of published on Friday, where he Guangzhou to Toronto. Minister economy. Markets have already Juarez, Mexico. said Iran is still open to nego- of Health Patty Hajdu spoke to been buffeted by the virus, tiations with America if sanc- reporters in a press briefing which threatens supply chains tions are lifted. Sunday to reiterate the risk to and global growth. “(US President Donald FBI says monitoring of Page should’ve ended sooner Canadians still remains low. On January 23, the World Trump) is better advised to “While the risk of an out- Health Organization stopped base his foreign policy com- AP — WASHINGTON he was secretly a Russian agent. wrongdoing and was never break of novel coronavirus in short of calling coronavirus a ments & decisions on facts, The Justice Department charged as part of the investi- Canada remains low, I global health emergency, rather than Fox News head- The Justice Department has renewed the warrant three gation into ties between Russia encourage Canadians to tell saying it remains a local crisis lines or his Farsi translators,” concluded that it should have times, including during the and the Trump campaign. your health care professional confined to China. However, Zarif said in the tweet with the ended its surveillance of a early months of the Trump In an order made public if you’ve traveled to an affected with millions of people set to interview excerpt. former Trump campaign administration. Thursday, the court’s chief area of China and develop flu- travel over the Chinese New Tensions between Iran and adviser earlier than it did But the Justice Depart- judge, James Boasberg, says the like symptoms,” Hajdu said Year, other nations are taking the United States have reached because there was “insufficient ment’s inspector general has Justice Department informed from Ottawa. their own steps to slow the the highest levels in decades predication” to continue eaves- harshly criticized the FBI’s the court last month that two Concern is rising about the spread of the disease. after the US killed top Iranian dropping, according to an order handing of those applications of the four applications were speed with which the virus has There are 2,102 confirmed General Qassem Soleimani in made public on Thursday by a to the Foreign Intelligence Sur- invalid because “there was spread beyond China. In cases worldwide and 56 deaths a drone strike in Baghdad on secretive intelligence court. veillance Court. It says the FBI insufficient predication to Canada, its similarity to Severe as of January 26. Of the deaths January 3, prompting Iran to The FBI obtained a warrant omitted from the court key establish probable cause to Acute Respiratory Syndrome that have happened so far, most fire missiles days later at bases in 2016 to eavesdrop on former details that undercut their believe that (Carter) Page was (SARS) has both heightened victims have had other health in Iraq where US troops are Trump national security aide original premise about Page, acting as an agent of a foreign fears and served as a reminder conditions that weakened their stationed. Carter Page on suspicions that who has denied any power.” that the country is in a much immune systems. 18 AMERICAS MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 At least 46 dead in Brazil rainstorms, several missing AFP/REUTERS — BRASÍLIA Rainfall in the affected region has been At least 46 people have been the heaviest since records were first kept killed in two days of intense 110 years ago, the National Institute of storms in southeastern Brazil, the Minas Gerais state Civil Meteorology said. Defense office said on Saturday. Seventeen people are also dead. The heavy rain and collapse in the Minas Gerais missing, seven injured, and flooding is also hitting the town of Brumadinho that killed some 3,500 have been forced nearby states of Rio de Janeiro 270 people. Eleven people are out of their homes following a and Espirito Santo. still listed as missing. series of landslides and building Rainfall in the region has An accumulation of water collapses, Civil Defense officials been the heaviest since records and a lack of drainage caused said. were first kept 110 years ago, the tailings dam rupture on Local media put the death the National Institute of Mete- January 25, 2019, according to toll at more than 40. orology said. In one 24-hour a report commissioned by the Television footage showed period, the Minas Gerais state mining firm Vale. images of overflowing rivers, capital Belo Horizonte Meanwhile, the Brazilian flooded neighborhoods and recorded 172 millimeters miner Vale SA has raised the trees and utility poles knocked (almost seven inches) of rain. emergency level at the Sul Firefighters search for missing persons using a hydraulic dismantling technique, which uses water to over by the rushing water. Forecasters said the rain Inferior dam at its Gongo Soco disperse mud, after a landslide in Vila Bernadete, Brazil, yesterday. Several highways have also was expected to taper off yes- mine in Barão de Cocais, in the been cut by the flooding, and terday (Sunday), but author- southern state of Minas Gerais, emergencies,” Vale said in a Level 1 watch due to its prox- have swept through Minas scores of bridges have been ities warned that the danger of after heavy rainfall eroded the securities filing late on Sat- imity to the Sul Superior dam, Gerais and other states in the knocked out. landslides remained high, structure’s reservoir. urday, adding that the dam was which remains at Level 3, the south east of Brazil. Most of the victims were especially in the Belo Horizonte “As a result of unusually raised to ‘Level 2’ watch from most critical level that indicates Vale’s securities filing came killed in landslides or buried in area. heavy rain, Vale reinforced the ‘Level 1’. a dam burst is “imminent or a year since the collapse of a destroyed homes. At least two The deluge coincided with number of field teams on The dam is safe and secure, underway”. tailings dam at its mine in the children were listed among the the first anniversary of the dam standby for any eventual Vale said, but had been on The heavy rains and storms town of Brumadinho. Morales says respects Bolivian Migrants stranded interim leader’s election bid in Mexico keep hopes of reaching AFP — BUENOS AIRES ex-presidents Carlos Mesa and US border Jorge Quijano had declared Bolivia’s former president Evo their candidacy along with Luis Morales has said he respects Fernando Camacho, a regional REUTERS — TAPACHULA, MEXICO interim leader Jeanine Anez’s leader and key figure in the decision to run in the May 3 protests leading to the removal Guatemalan migrant Wilfredo election and called for a free of Morales, a socialist. Gomez said on Saturday he and fair vote. A little-known senator, had been asking God to make “It is her right,” Morales told Anez assumed the presidency him “invisible” as Mexican reporters in Argentina, where on November 12, two days after security forces started he lives in exile. Morales stepped down fol- rounding up and detaining “And we do hope... that as lowing nearly a month of other US-bound Central Amer- a (representative of a) de facto sometimes violent protests icans who had illegally crossed government of the dictatorship, against his controversial re- into the country. she can guarantee clean, trans- election in a poll the Organi- Mexican security forces parent and healthy elections,” zation of American States said started taking a much tougher the ex-president added during was rigged. approach to Central American a meeting with Bolivians living According to a survey pub- migrants earlier this week in Argentina. lished in early January by after hundreds entered the Anez had previously said Pagina Siete newspaper, country illegally from Gua- she wouldn’t run, and her Morales’ Movement for temala in an attempt to reach Colombia-US military drills Friday announcement shook Socialism (MAS) leads voting the US-Mexican border. Paratroopers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division practice their landing while training before up the country’s presidential intentions with 20.7 percent, Mexican President Andres jumping with commandos from Colombia’s 2nd Special Forces Battalion at the Tolemaida military race. followed by Anez with 15.6 Manuel Lopez Obrador is base, Colombia on Saturday. Prior to her decision, only percent. under intense pressure from US President Donald Trump to stop the number of migrants but his handling of the situation near the southern border Cuba says Trump administration pressured Bolivia to worsen ties has draw criticism. REUTERS — HAVANA Critics accused Lopez sanctions on Cuba. “The acting author- country’s most important hard currency terminating its medical mission, saying Obrador of doing Trump’s ities unfurled a ferocious campaign of earner, sending more than 50,000 Bolivian officials were fostering violence bidding after essentially A day after Bolivia suspended diplo- lies against Cuba... in particular against health workers to more than 60 against the around 700 doctors by erecting a “wall” of security matic relations with Cuba, Havana the Cuban medical cooperation, inciting countries. claiming they were instigating rebellion. forces that resulted in chaos. accused its interim government of violence against our staff,” the Cuban That program, though, has come The spat was revived on Wednesday, Gomez was one of the many having sought to sabotage bilateral ties foreign ministry said in a statement on under increased fire over the past two when Anez said the Cuban government Central American migrants ever since it took power last year, partly Saturday. years, with critics accusing Cuba of kept 80% of the payments that Bolivia who got caught up in the under pressure from the Trump admin- “It is not casual that the facts treating doctors as “slave labor” or using made for the work of Cuban doctors in scramble earlier this week. istration. described here coincide with a brutal, them to fuel unrest abroad. Cuba denies the country. Cuba’s foreign ministry When Mexican authorities Communist-run Cuba was a key ally politically-motivated US campaign the accusations. denied this, saying on Saturday that started rounding up and of Bolivia’s former leftist President Evo against the international medical coop- Thousands of Cuban doctors have from 2006 to 2012, the Caribbean island detaining others, Gomez said Morales — who resigned amid a political eration Cuba provides to dozens of returned home after agreements with nation had actually covered all the costs he prayed and threw away his crisis and protests in November — and countries.” Cuba’s foreign ministry also Brazil and Ecuador were ended over of medical cooperation with Bolivia, at backpack in an attempt to pass has supported his assertion that he was said US officials had, since the departure the past year and a half. more than $200m per year. as Mexican. “I even told them toppled in a foreign-backed “coup”. of Morales, “applied pressure on Bolivia Bolivia’s foreign ministry said in It was from then that Bolivia started good afternoon,” Gomez said. Bolivia’s conservative interim Pres- to impose a deterioration in relations November: “There have been a number paying for the medical services due to “God covered me, he made me ident Jeanine Anez, meanwhile, has with Cuba”. of accusations that Cuban citizens have its improved economic situation. invisible to them.” It is not tried to align the country more closely The US State Department was not been involved in these aggressive acts “But it never transferred one dollar clear how many of the with US President Donald Trump’s immediately available for comment. that have tormented our country in to Cuba, nor did Cuba receive any migrants who had crossed into administration, which is cranking up Cuba’s health service is the recent days.” Cuba responded by revenue,” the ministry said. Mexico were still in the area. Peru votes in legislative elections key to President’s reform bid AFP — LIMA corruption scandal that has could be a hung legislature, with ensnared Fujimori. centrist parties expected to do Peruvians headed to the polls Fujimori is accused of well. yesterday for legislative elec- accepting $1.2m in illicit party Vizcarra doesn’t have a tions that President Martin funding from Brazilian con- party himself but “will achieve Vizcarra hopes will put an end struction giant Odebrecht for a more bearable relationship to a political crisis and clear the her 2011 election campaign. with the centrist parties that way for anti-corruption Odebrecht has admitted to achieve a majority in Congress,” reforms. paying at least $29m to said Alvarez. Polling stations opened Peruvian officials since 2004, And he needs a legislative throughout the country of 25 and bribing four former support for his anti-corruption million people at 8:00am (1300 Peruvian presidents. reforms. GMT) in an election called after “Popular Force thinks it can If centrists do dominate Vizcarra dissolved parliament win 20-25 congressmen, but Congress, “Vizcarra won’t have in September in a bid to compared with the absolute the same level of opposition that overcome an impasse with the dominion it had, it will lose a characterized his relationship” Keiko Fujimori-led lot,” analyst Luis Benavente, with the Fujimori-dominated opposition. director of the Vox Populi con- legislature, said Alvarez. Voters in Lima queued up sultancy, said. The new lawmakers will sit People line up to cast their votes at a polling station during elections to form a new Congress after to vote long before the doors “Fujimorism will be the big for only 16 months until the President Martin Vizcarra dissolved the Parliament, in Lima, Peru, yesterday. opened, reporters at the scene loser in this election.” April 2021 general election, and said. Popular Force has been the a new president is due to take The vote — the first time major bloc in Congress since the faces a judge’s decision on Garcia, a two-time former pres- as “acting president,” but she office three months after that. parliamentary elections have last election in 2016, but whether to send her back to jail. ident (1985-1990, 2006-2011), resigned the following day. Neither Vizcarra nor any of been held separately from pres- Fujimori is expected to pay for “The election winner is committed suicide in April as The opposition took its case the new lawmakers will be eli- idential elections — comes just the Odebrecht scandal. going to be Martin Vizcarra, police turned up at his home to to the constitutional court, gible for re-election in 2021, so 15 months ahead of the next The 44-year-old daughter because he will have managed arrest him in a corruption case which ruled in Vizcarra’s favor. only 16 are currently seeking general election. of jailed former president to change the hostile Congress related to the Odebrecht Demonstrators took to the re-election. Fujimori’s Popular Force Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), of the last few years,” political scandal. streets to support Vizcarra and There are more than 2,000 party held an absolute majority she has seen her popularity analyst Augusto Alvarez said. In a widely popular move his anti-corruption push. candidates representing 13 in the single-chamber legis- plummet. Popular Force’s main allies Vizcarra dissolved Congress on Polls showed 90 percent parties. Fujimori’s Popular lature with 73 out of 130 seats, She has already spent 13 in the legislature, the social September 30. support for the president’s Force is expected to win the but they are expected to suffer months in pre-trial detention democrat APRA, also have been The opposition accused him daring move. second largest number of votes a drubbing in this election, before being released in hurt by the corruption scandal. of a “coup d’etat” and swore in Other opinion polls ahead behind the centrist Popular largely due to a sprawling November, and on Tuesday APRA’s ex-leader Alan Vice-President Mercedes Araoz of the election suggest there Action party. MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020 HOME 19 HEC Paris in Qatar welcomes the first cohort of the Specialised Master’s Degree Class of 2021 The new cohort includes participants from nine nationalities who come from diverse professional backgrounds and various sectors, which will enhance shared learning, a key component of the program.

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

HEC Paris in Qatar has welcomed the first cohort of the Specialised Master’s Degree in Strategic A group of 33 participants were welcomed as ﬁrst cohort of the Specialised Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Unit Management Business Unit Management at HEC Paris in Qatar. (SBUM) Class of 2021, at its Doha premises at Tornado Tower. A total of 33 participants Wolfgang C Amann – Academic a knowledge-based economy in The HEC Paris in Qatar Spe- were welcomed during an ori- Director, SBUM, HEC Paris in Qatar and we want it to be a cialised Master’s Degree com- entation session presented by Dr Qatar; Abdallah Abdel-Daem, transformational moment in our prises three stages, starting with Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of Director of Programs, HEC Paris participants’ careers. The per- the core curriculum focused on HEC Paris in Qatar, and Abdallah in Qatar; and Laura Misola, formance of our participants Strategy, Finance, and Lead- Abdel-Daem, Director of Pro- Senior Project Coordinator, HEC over the course of the next year ership and Change. Participants grams, HEC Paris in Qatar. Paris in Qatar. The gathering was is aligned with the world class will also personalize their The new cohort includes par- also addressed by SBUM alumni standards of HEC, which are learning journey further with a ticipants from nine nationalities guest speakers: Bahig Georgi – aimed at developing a leadership choice of one of three tracks: who come from diverse profes- SBUM 2018 C 2 – GM Informatica mindset, qualities, and practices, General Management, Marketing sional backgrounds and various Qatar, and Nisreen Al Malek – and of course a never-ending & Sales, and Entrepreneurship & sectors, which will enhance SBUM 2018 C1 – Institutional passion for excellence. We wish Business Development. shared learning, a key com- Program Manager, Qatar Lead- each and every one of the par- Furthermore, the profes- ponent of the program. ership Center. ticipants the very best in their sional thesis enables partici- Meanwhile, the panel which Welcoming the new cohort, program, and we are thankful for pants to focus on a specific chal- delivered presentations on the Dr. Martin de Holan said: “This accepting to provide the effort lenge related to their industry Specialized Master’s Degree program reflects HEC Paris’ com- and discipline they will need to and provide detailed during the event included Dr mitment to the development of complete it.” solutions. WCM-Q, Sidra support inaugural medical students conference

THE PENINSULA — DOHA attendees with strategies to of networking among students of life. The research presented maintain their mental health and guests from Qatar and does not need to be based on Qatar Medical Student’s Asso- and promote personal well- those attending from abroad. data collected from medical stu- ciation (QMSA), in collaboration being, as well as providing The event will feature a range dents. There will be awards for with Qatar Foundation member guidance for attendees consid- of workshops, seminars, activ- the best research poster organisations Weill Cornell ering careers in psychiatry and ities and lectures delivered by presentations. Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) and establishing a hub for medical medical students and world- The deadline for regis- Sidra Medicine, are presenting students from across the region renowned psychiatrists, psychol- tration for the conference is Qatar’s inaugural Medical to form networks and exchange ogists and mental health February 9, and the registration Students Conference on knowledge. advocates. fee is QR55($15). The deadline Psychiatry and Mental Health The World Psychiatry Asso- During the conference, for submission of research on February 15 at Sidra ciation and the Psych Student medical students will have the abstracts is January 29. To reg- Medicine. Interest Group at WCM-Q are opportunity to present their ister to attend or to submit a The conference will deliver also supporting the conference, research in psychiatry, mental research abstract, visit www. interactive sessions to equip which will be preceded by a day health, wellbeing, and quality mhc2020.com.

CROSSWORD MALL ROYAL PLAZA Shylock (2D/Malayalam) 2:00 & 9:00pm Shylock (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 5:45 & 11:30pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 2:00pm; Disco Raja (2D/Telugu) Disco Raja (2D/Telugu) 2:30pm 4:30pm; Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 6:00 & 8:45pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 8:45 & 11:00pm Toy Guardians (2D/Animation) 2:30pm The Turning (2D/Horror) 7:00pm Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 4:15pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 4:30pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 4:30 & 11:30pm Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 8:15 & 11:30pm Frozen II (2D/Comedy) 7:00pm Al Nihaya A.K.A The End (2D/Action) 5:15pm The Gentlemen (2D/Action) 7:00pm Just Mercy (2D/Drama) 7:00pm Just Mercy (2D/Drama) 7:00pm The Gentlemen (2D/Action) 9:30pm The Last Full Measure (2D/Drama) 9:30pm Toy Guardians (2D/Animation) 2:15pm The Turning (2D/Horror) 11:30pm Frozen II (2D/Comedy) 4:00pm LANDMARK FLIK Mirqab Mall Toy Guardians (2D/Animation) 2:00pm Shylock (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 6:15 & 11:30pm 1917 (2D/Crime) 3:10pm Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 2:30, 8;45 & 11:30pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 4:40, 11:40pm Disco Raja (2D/Telugu) 3:45pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 4:30 & 9:00pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 10:40am, 1:10, 2:10, 3:35, 6:00, 7:00, The Turning (2D/Horror) 7:15pm 8:30, 9:30, 11:00pm & 12:00 midnight Frozen II (2D/Comedy) 5:15pm Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 10:10am, 11:00am, 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 6:20, The Last Full Measure (2D/Drama) 7:00pm 8:20, 10:20pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 9:00pm Just Mercy (2D/Drama) 11:30pm Jumanji: The Next Level (2D/Action) 11:05, 1:30 & 3:55pm Just Mercy (2D/Drama) 12:10, 5:10, 7:25 & 8:00pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 2:00 & 7:35pm AL KHOR Spies in Disguise (2D/Animation) 10:00am & 12:00pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 10:45, 4:00 & 9:15pm Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 12:20, 3:35, & 8:40pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 12:15, 6:00 & 11:45pm The Gentlemen (2D/Action) 12:00, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9:00 & 11:15pm The Turning (2D/Horror) 12:15, 5:00 & 9:45pm The Last Full Measure (2D/Drama) 2:55 & 10:40pm Shylock (2D/Malayalam) 1:30, 6:45 & 12:00 midnight The Turning (2D/Horror) 1:15, 5:30, 10:05pm & 0:05am Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 3:00 & 8:45pm The Gentlemen (2D/Action) 2:30, 7;15 & 12:00pm Underwater (2D/Action) 0:20am

ROXY ASIAN TOWN Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 4:00 & 10:00pm Anjaam Pathira (2D/Malayalam) 6:00, 8:45 & 11:30pm Bad Boys For Life (2D/Action) 12:30 & 5:30pm Shylock (2D/Malayalam) 4:00, 6:00, 9;15 & 11;45pm Disco Raja (2D/Telugu) 1:00 & 7:00pm Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm Dolittle (2D/Comedy) 12:30, 2:30, 4:40 & 6:50pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 6:15pm Panga (2D/Hindi) 12:30 & 6:00pm Street Dancer 3D (2D/Hindi) 3:00, 8:40 & 11:30pm The Gentlemen (2D/Action) 1:00, 3:00, 5:40, 10:00 & 10:40pm The Turning (2D/Horror) 3:30pm

SHYLOCK

Shylock is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language action-thriller drama film directed by Ajai Vasudev. The film starring Mammootty playing the role of a money lender in this movie. 20 MORNING BREAK MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY

FAJR05.00 am SUNRISE 06.19 am o o Relatively cold daytime with some clouds and blowing dust at some places at times, cold by night. ZUHR 11.47 am ASR 02.53 pm 14 C 18 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 06:16 – 17:22 LOW TIDE 00:14 – 14:09 MAGHRIB 05.16 pm ISHA 06.46 pm W ALRUWAIS: 15o↗18o W ALKHOR: 16o↗19o W DUKHAN: 09o↗22o W DOHA: 13o↗17o W MESAIEED 12o↗19o W ABUSAMRA 11o↗19o Spacewalking astronauts plug leak, finish fixing detector

AP — CAPE CANAVERAL Organization for Nuclear Parmitano tightened it again. space station in 2011 — will have they spliced the tubes into the Ting, a Nobel laureate at the Research, or CERN, which helps Finally, success — the leak was its coolant lines filled with more new pumps - no easy job when Massachusetts Institute of Spacewalking astronauts run the spectrometer. gone. “Let us all take a breath,” carbon dioxide. One pump will working in bulky gloves. New Technology. plugged a leak in a cosmic ray Mission Control cautioned Mission Control urged. By then, be turned on as early as today tools had to be created for the The repairs should allow the detector outside the Interna- it was too soon to declare the astronauts were already and the remaining three intricate job. spectrometer to continue tional Space Station (ISS) success with the space station’s halfway into their six-hour tomorrow. That could lead to “We did it. We all did it,” working for the rest of the life yesterday, completing a series premier science instrument, but spacewalk. the resumption of science Morgan said once he was back of the space station, or another of complex repairs to give the noted: “It still has a good Mission Control acknowl- observations by Wednesday. inside. five to 10 years. It was designed instrument new life. heartbeat.” edged the leak added some Nasa described the spec- Astronaut Jessica Meir noted to operate for only three years. The $2bn Alpha Magnetic Last month, Morgan and unwanted “drama” to the trometer spacewalks as the that the day ended up being Nasa’s two other astronauts Spectrometer could resume its Parmitano installed new spacewalk. “Everybody’s hearts most complicated since the more interesting than anyone on board, Meir and Christina hunt for elusive antimatter and coolant pumps on the spec- stopped,” Mission Control told Hubble Space Telescope repair envisioned. “But you guys rolled Koch, performed two space- dark matter by midweek. trometer. They went back out the astronauts. Parmitano won- missions a couple decades ago. with all the punches and got the walks over the past 1 1/2 weeks Team members around the on Saturday to check for any dered aloud what his heart rate Unlike Hubble, this spec- job done.. ... Dinner is waiting,” to upgrade the space station’s world expressed relief as Nasa’s leaks in the plumbing. was when the leak erupted. “It trometer was never intended she said. solar power system. Andrew Morgan and Italy’s Luca Parmitano quickly dis- either flat-lined or spiked, one for astronaut handling in orbit, The massive 7 1/2 tonne Altogether, this station crew Parmitano wrapped up work on covered a leak in one of the of the two.” and once it started faltering in 6,800kg spectrometer was went out on nine spacewalks - the spectrometer. It was their eight coolant lines — the first “It was hard fought today, 2014, it took Nasa years to launched to the space station or 61 hours in total. That’s more fourth and final spacewalk since one he tested — and tightened really well done. Cool heads devise a repair plan. on Nasa’s next-to-last shuttle than any other station November to revive the instru- the fitting. “Our day just got a prevailed,” Mission Control said Morgan and Parmitano had flight. Until it was shut down expedition. ment’s crippled cooling system. little more challenging,” Mission as the spacewalk drew to a to cut into stainless steel pipes late last year for the repair Parmitano, Koch and “Congratulations ... the AMS Control observed. close. to bypass the spectrometer’s work, it had studied more than Russian Alexander Skvortsov pump system is now leak tight,” The line still leaked after a Barring further trouble, the old, degraded coolant pumps on 148 billion charged cosmic rays. return to Earth in less than two tweeted the European mandatory one-hour wait, and spectrometer — launched to the a previous spacewalk. Then The project is led by Samuel weeks. ‘1917’ scoops top Hollywood director prize for Mendes K-pop band BTS’ AFP — LOS ANGELES “He’s a master of so many mediums... he’s pretty much done microphones fetch Hollywood directors handed World it all,” said George MacKay. War I thriller “1917” their top annual “We’ll be very excited to see $83,200 at auction prize, one of the final major award what happens at the Oscars — I’ve shows that typically spells success never been before!” his co-star REUTERS — LOS ANGELES at next month’s Oscars. Dean-Charles Chapman said. The win makes British auteur A-list presenters at the glam- Seven microphones used on tour by South Sam Mendes hot favourite for the orous downtown Los Angeles event Korean pop band BTS have sold for $83,200 best director Oscar — the Directors Saturday included Al Pacino, at a pre-Grammy Awards auction for charity, Guild of America Awards have cor- Leonardo DiCaprio and Alfonso more than eight times the expected starting rectly predicted the victor the past Cuaron, with Judd Apatow returning price, Julien’s Auctions said. six years running. as host. The autographed microphones were the The movie, which follows two Like the Oscars, the DGAs were first ever items to be sold at auction from BTS, British soldiers on a perilous mission criticized this year for excluding Julien’s said. The auction house had previously across no man’s land, has already women from the top prize shortlist. estimated that the set would sell for between scooped the Golden Globe for best DGA president Thomas $10,000 and $20,000. drama, and has 10 Oscar Schlamme said the movie industry BTS, a seven-member boy band with a nominations. “still have a lot of work to do” on message of self-confidence, has spearheaded Mendes praised the work of boosting diversity but pointed to the a wave of Korean pop music beyond Asia and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film winner fellow nominees Martin Scorsese recently introduced first-time director into the United States just six years after its 2013 British ﬁlm director Sam Mendes (left) with last year’s winner Mexican (“The Irishman”), Quentin Tarantino category, featuring three women. debut. In 2019, BTS became the first group since director Alfonso CuarHn during the 72nd Annual Directors Guild of America (“Once Upon a Time... in Hol- Alma Har’el (“Honey Boy”) won the Beatles to score three No. 1 albums in a year lywood”), Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”) Awards at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles. the prize, praising fellow female on the Billboard 200 charts. and Taika Waititi (“Jojo Rabbit.”) struggling,” said Mendes. wins for that film. nominees Mati Diop (“Atlantics”) The microphones sold at auction were used “To those who kick dirt on the Victory also boosts the film’s Mendes said his first win had and Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & from 2017 to 2019 on the band’s “Love Yourself” grave of the movies — not so fast,” frontrunner status for the best been “frightening to be pitched into Slim”) as “the future.” tour. he said, dedicating the win to his picture Academy Award. this sort of frenzy,” adding: “I’m 20 The category means “new voices The auction was held to benefit the grandfather, whose life inspired the The win comes more than two years older and I’m probably a little like us can be included and cele- Recording Academy’s charitable arm, Musi- film. “I know it sounds a bit loopy decades after Mendes first received less scared.” brated,” said Har’el, voicing support Cares. Also sold were items from Aerosmith, but I did feel he was with us in a the DGA award for “American The film’s two lead actors paid for a campaign to assist new Pete Townsend, Stevie Nicks, the late Tom Petty couple of occasions when I was Beauty,” a victory that led to Oscars tribute to Mendes. mothers in the movie industry. and others.